THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MAY 28, 2020

VOL. 20 • NUMBER 22 • MAY 28, 2020

BUTCH’S BLOCK Grateful Howard Beach Community Honors Beloved WWII Veteran Puccio with Memorial Day Vehicle Parade in Front of His Home

See Story on Page 2

Civic leaders, residents, cops, firefighters, and Boy Scouts on Sunday made a special Shore Parkway house call to 99-year-old U.S. Army vet Butch Puccio.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 1

House Call for a Hero: Howard Beach Honors WWII Vet with Memorial Day Salute

By Michael V. Cusenza Howard Beach community leaders, residents, cops, and firefighters on Sunday made a special house call for a special man.

A pandemic parade of nearly 50 cars slowly rolled past a beaming Butch Puccio, 99, who was surrounded by family, including his adoring wife of 76 years, Jennie, as he sat in front of his Shore Parkway home in his Army uniform, reciprocating salutes.

For decades, Butch and Jennie have been fixtures at every Memorial Day and Veterans Day event in Howard Beach. Every Memorial Day, the couple attends the Catholic War VetForum Photo by Patricia Adams erans Mass at St. Mary Gate of Heaven church on 101st Avenue in Ozone Park; then they grab Butch Puccio outside his Shore Parkway home, surrounded by friends, family, and a grateful Howard Beach community. a bite at Esquire Diner before heading back down to Howard Beach to watch the parade.

This year, unfortunately, was different. New York remains on “PAUSE” due to the COVID-19 crisis, so the Puccios were not able to enjoy their Memorial Day rituals because most of their beloved destinations are still shuttered.

Staff members at State Sen. Joe Addabbo’s Office still wanted to do something for Butch and his family. It began with a post on the Howard Beach Dads Facebook group; Karen Jasiak shared it with other online communities, and it went viral.

Children brought Butch cards, balloons, and cookies. Area cops and members of the Forum Photo by Patricia Adams West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department stopped to pay their respects; while Boy Area cops and members of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department stopped to pay their respects to Butch.

File Photo

Butch Puccio, a fixture at area vet events, pictured here at a 2018 Veterans Day celebration in Coleman Square.

Scouts from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary church of Ozone Park also arrived to thank Butch Puccio for his service.

On April 15, the veteran marked his 99th birthday. We can’t wait to see him cross the century mark—and a hundred more.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Puccio.

State has Processed More than Two Million Unemployment Claims

By Forum Staff The State Department of Labor processed more than two million unemployment claims between March 8 and May 9—more than 2.5 years’ worth of claims in 60 days, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) reported Friday following a Zoom meeting with other State legislators and Labor Department Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss how the agency is handling the influx of claims due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of New Yorkers out of work, more than during the Great Depression,” Addabbo said.

The senator added that a number of factors could delay an individual’s unemployment claim, such as incorrect information given to the Department of Labor, the complexity of an individual’s work history, or the federal requirements of properly identifying the individual and certifying the benefits. More information is available at dol.ny.gov, Addabbo noted.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office recently sent out a release stating that the DOL has paid out more than $10 billion to over two million New Yorkers. The backlog of pending unemployment benefit applications that were filed before April 22 has been reduced to 7,580—which includes applications that are missing critical information and cannot be processed, duplicates, and abandoned claims. There Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office are also an additional 20,801 claims filed before April 22 “The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of New Yorkers out of work, that have been processed, but cannot be paid until federally more than during the Great Depression,” said Sen. Addabbo, pictured here at a job fair last year at Resorts World Casino New York City. mandated weekly certifications are submitted.

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In order to help process these unprecedented number of claims, the agency has rolled out a new, secure online system that allows New Yorkers to easily submit prior weeks’ certifications that they had missed. They have also expanded their workforce, with over 4,000 staff and 3,000 volunteers working 12-hour shifts, to make calls to those waiting to hear about the status of their claims.

According to the DOL, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act provides an additional $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, to all unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance recipients.

“While great strides have been made at the Department of Labor to clear the backlog of claims, more still needs to be done,” Addabbo said. “I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Department of Labor employees, and I want to thank Commissioner Reardon for keeping us legislators updated on this situation, as many of our constituents are concerned about their benefits. We need to continue to work together to ensure that all New Yorkers are able to financially survive this pandemic. I look forward to assisting my constituents with their unemployment claims.”

The senator also noted that his Howard Beach and Middle Village offices are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a staff member can be reached at (718) 7381111 or (718) 497-1630. After 2 p.m., a 24/7 live operator is available. The building in which Addabbo’s Rockaway office is located is currently undergoing renovations and is therefore closed, but constituents on the peninsula can still call (718) 318-0702 to reach a staff member.

Mayor Opens Beaches— with New Rules

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Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office

By Michael V. Cusenza Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday announced that City beaches will open, but with strict guidelines for the sand and surf.

In April, Hizzoner indicated that, due to the COVID-19 crisis, all City pools and beaches would be shuttered for the summer.

“If we rush when we are still in the throes of this crisis, if we let people come back together and start gathering again, and there are lessons, again from around the world and from our own past that show us when you take the foot off the gas too early, you could have a spread again,” de Blasio said last month.

On Friday, he detailed the new guide-

Rockaway Beach

lines for beachgoers.

“I’ve been really clear about the beaches: They are closed for swimming,” the mayor said. “There will not be lifeguards. People are not supposed to go to the beach to swim.

There’s not going to be anything with group activity. No sports, no volleyball, no gatherings. We want to make sure that people understand what the beach is for today. You can walk on the beach. You can hang out on the beach, but do it in a manner that is consistent with everything we’ve been talking about. You go out for the amount of time you need, then you get back home. You socially distance the whole time. You wear the face covering. These are the smart moves to keep our progress going.”

Relocating Shelter Residents Right Move: Pols

Three area elected officials on Tuesday praised the City Department of Homeless Services’ recent decision to relocate the residents of the Laurel Hill Shelter in Ozone Park to another facility.

In a joint statement, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), and City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) called the DHS arrangement “the right decision as a part of their

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citywide efforts to reduce density in their shelters. This is a sensible policy that will help maintain social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19 among both the shelter and non-shelter population by providing them with individual rooms.”

Construction crews began working on the 101st Avenue and 86th Street site in 2018 (pictured). It opened its doors last year as a temporary housing facility for single adults.

File Photo

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 3

EDITORIAL Salute to True Service Although the weather wasn’t exactly what the meteorologists had promised for this past Sunday, the sun and an undeniable spirit shone down on Shore Parkway in Howard Beach. Outside his home on 99th street sat a uniformed Butch Puccio with his wife of more than 75 years, Jennie. They watched as dozens of cars, some with balloons and signs, and crowds of onlookers gathered to pay homage to the 99 year old WW II veteran in honor of Memorial Day. I first met Butch nearly 15 years ago while covering the Howard Beach Memorial Day festivities in Coleman Square. I was instantly captivated by his charisma, his wit and his charm. As the years went by, I found myself readying for the parade each year and anxiously awaiting the opportunity to spend a couple of hours listening to him speak about his life, his experience and his service. His sense of humor– in a class by itself –however, was paled by the reverence of his tone when he spoke of his country and his time serving it.

This year because the parade had to be cancelled, I feared he would miss the day he so cherishes but thanks to his inspiration, those closest to him found another way.

The traditional ceremony was morphed into a pandemic induced way of honoring a deserving hero on one of the most important days of the year.

For the last 158 years, Memorial Day has honored and mourned the military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and it is doubtful that anyone takes

the scope of the day more to heart than Butch Puccio. His perfectly angled salute still intact, you can feel his pride in the uniform, his service and his country simply by standing next to him.

He greeted every passing car and every one of those

who came on foot to see him. Completely unruffled by the magnitude of the current situation, he offered encouraging words to all.

When the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department arrived at his house, they lined up along Shore Parkway to salute him. He returned the salute and as they thanked him for his service, he began regaling them with bits in pieces of his days in the Armed Forces. When they were thoroughly involved he looked up and said, “you know I’m 68 years old…” Butch watched the confusion drift over their faces—wasn’t he 99 years old? And when he had them right where he wanted them he looked up and said, “Ok. I lied.” Laughter spread right down the line when they all realized they’d been swept in and been had by the crafty veteran.

In that moment I realized why Butch is so very special.

He is not only a hallmark of military service, he exemplifies what it means to take difficult times in stride and move on as best you can. Perhaps the old adage rings true: They just don’t make them like that anymore.

About nine years ago, when Butch asked me if he would ever make the cover of The Forum, I said absolutely. But first you have to make it to the parade following your 100th birthday.

His answer, “Is that all?”

We have been counting the days since then. And with that day less than one year away, there is no doubt it’s going to happen.

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Pols Seek PPP Eligibility for Co-ops

File Photo

Fifteen New York elected officials this week sent a letter to the Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration demanding that housing cooperatives, such as the Dover in Lindenwood, are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program loans.

By Forum Staff The Trump administration must clearly state that housing cooperatives are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program loans, Empire State elected officials demanded Tuesday in a letter to the Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

According to the 15 legislators, co-ops rely on a steady stream of revenue to pay maintenance and building staff, conduct repairs and maintain facilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, financial hardship has been compounded by confusion surrounding whether housing co-ops are eligible to apply for PPP loans, which are forgivable if a borrower meets certain criteria.

The agencies charged with implementing the program have issued conflicting guidance over the eligibility of housing cooperatives for PPP loans.

“In New York City alone, there are nearly 100,000 cooperative housing units, providing affordable, middle-class housing to thousands of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester residents,” the lawmakers wrote in their missive to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. “Lost or deferred cooperatives fees from its member-owners, coupled with increases in utilities due to the stay at home orders, have made it increasingly difficult for these cooperatives to maintain their employees.”

Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act in March to provide economic relief to small businesses and eligible nonprofits with the intent to keep employees on staff. The elected officials noted in their correspondence that on April 2, SBA issued an interim final rule that stated that residential co-ops were ineligible for PPP loans. However, the Treasury Department’s Frequently Asked

Question No. 35 notes that, “As long as other PPP eligibility requirements are met, small agricultural cooperatives and other cooperatives may receive loans.”

“We respectfully request that you clarify the conflicting information by expounding on the response to FAQ #35, and clearly state that housing cooperatives are eligible for PPP loans and any related benefits,” the legislators wrote to Mnuchin and Carranza.

“Co-ops are an integral part of our communities in Queens and New York City, serving as homes for many hardworking middle-class New Yorkers,” Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said. “Last month, I urged Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza to make them eligible for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, and today, I renew my call in this latest effort to secure relief. Like many other entities, co-ops are being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza must act to ensure their future stability.”

The Heroes Act, the fourth COVID-19 aid package which was approved by the House earlier this month, explicitly includes provisions to extend PPP eligibility to housing co-ops, the pols noted.

“My district has a large number of coops and they deserve to be treated fairly under the law,” Rep. Engel (D-Bronx and Westchester) said. “The CARES Act has provided critical assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program to small businesses, but so far housing cooperatives have not received similar federal assistance.

The cooperatives themselves—which have employees and operating expenses just like any small business—should be eligible for the same relief made available to other small businesses, including through PPP assistance and loans administered by the Small Business Administration.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 5

City Pledges to Deliver More than 1 Million Emergency Meals per Day

By Michael V. Cusenza Beginning this week, the City Emergency Food Delivery program will be delivering more than a million meals per day for residents affected by the pandemic crisis, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday.

According to Hizzoner, the City is currently working with approximately 30 food providers, and is actively hiring and expanding nonprofit and for-profit providers to increase capacity, variety and culturalcompetence.

While this is emergency food, City officials said they also ensure that the meals meet nutrition requirements. For the senior meals program, for example, meals have sodium limits and required servings of protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Due to scale, some vendors are providing shelf-stable boxes, while others are providing fresh food or frozen food as well.

And if food quality does not meet the program’s standards, de Blasio said the City addresses it directly with the providers, and has ended contracts with some that were not living up to their commitment.

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“We have accomplished a lot in the last two months, but for me, good enough is not good enough,” Sanitation Commissioner and Food Czar Kathryn Garcia said.

“What we set out to do was feed everyone; enormous mission, feed them quality food, feed them safely, make sure everyone was safe in the process, the folks who prepare the food, the folks who deliver the food, the folks who are receiving the food. And

it’s a huge endeavor, and every day we’re trying to make it better, but what has happened in just the last few weeks, this was all put together in a matter of weeks is quite remarkable and something New Yorkers should be proud of as another example of the spirit, the

energy, the entrepreneurship, the creativity that exists in this amazing place,” de Blasio said. “Since the middle of March when this crisis went into higher gear, the City of New York has distributed 32 million meals to New Yorkers who needed food. So, it’s a vast,

vast scale and we’re trying to get it right every day, and we’re trying to improve it every day.”

City Sanitation Commissioner and Food Czar Kathryn Garcia said the Emergency Food Delivery program is “really nothing like anything that’s been done in this city or I would say probably across the world.”

“We have accomplished a lot in the last two months, but for me, good enough is not good enough,” Garcia added. “We want to continue to strive to make our program better, and we want to hold ourselves, and our food providers to the highest expectations.

We want to make sure that every meal is healthy, and meets and exceeds the minimum requirements for protein, for vegetables, for grains, doesn’t contain too many calories, or too much sodium, that it’s arriving on time, and is delivered directly to your door. If you order kosher, halal, vegetarian, or other specialized food, you should get it. That’s what you need to eat. We don’t want anything to go to waste, and if we can’t deliver a food that you will eat, then we have not solved the problem.”

Hotel Industry Group Crafts ‘Roadmap to Recovery’

By Forum Staff With the April jobs report showing that the hospitality and leisure industry was the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic—losing a staggering 7.7 million jobs—the trade group American Hotel & Lodging Association recently released a “Roadmap to Recovery,” and wrote a letter to leaders of both chambers of Congress, urging them to prioritize relief for hotel workers and small businesses in the next stimulus package.

The outbreak continues to devastate the industry: According to AHLA, 2020 is projected to be the worst year on record for hotel occupancy, and experts estimate it will be at least 2022 before hotels return to their 2019 occupancy and revenue levels. So far, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry has been nine times worse than the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In a recent survey of AHLA members, more than 8 in 10 hotel employees said they have had to lay-off or furlough workers.

Only 37 percent have been able to rehire any staff through economic

The Crowne Plaza JFK on 135th Avenue near the Van Wyck Expressway.

relief measures such as the Paycheck Protection Program.

AHLA is urging federal elected officials to provide immediate assistance in these four areas: • Help hotels retain and rehire employees by extending the PPP, offering employees direct tuition assistance or tax credits, and expanding the Employee Retention Credit

6 MAY 28, 2020 • Number 22 • VOL. 20 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

• Protect employees and guests through tax credits for cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment • Keep hotel doors open by providing relief for hotel commercial mortgages and increasing the size and flexibility of PPP loans • Incentivize Americans to travel again when it’s safe with a

Photo Courtesy of Google

new, temporary travel tax credit and restoring the entertainment business expense deduction “The hospitality industry is in a fight for survival,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We are grateful to the leadership of both parties during one of the most difficult health and economic challenges we have faced. We are

urging Congress to do even more to help the hotel industry so that our small business hotel operators can keep the lights on and retain and rehire employees.”

With a presence in every congressional district in America, hotels are central to getting our economy back on track and supporting millions of jobs, according to AHLA. Prior to the pandemic, hotels were supported one in 25 American jobs—8.3 million in total—and contributed $660 billion to U.S. Gross Domestic Product. A representative hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports nearly 250 jobs in the community and generates $18.4 million in guest spending at neighborhood shops and restaurants. Hotels also generate $186 billion in local, state, and federal taxes each year, the organization added.

“We need Congress to continue to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the crisis, so we can retain and rehire the people who power our industry, our communities and our economy,” Rogers said.

Borough Marks a Memorial Day in Uncertain Times

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

Broad Channel Park

By Michael V. Cusenza Queens still solemnly observed Memorial Day in a socially-distanced, trying time for The World’s Borough and its 2.2 million residents.

Acting Borough President Sharon Lee on Monday laid resplendent wreaths at 14 military service memorials across the county, from Broad Channel to Glendale to Little Neck—and many more.

“Although the extraordinary nature of these times has cancelled the slate of Memorial Day events across Queens, not even a pandemic will stop us from this annual, united observance in honor of those—and their families—who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Lee said. “You are not forgotten.”

While all parades were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some resource-

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

Veterans Memorial Square in Rosedale

ful elected officials and community leaders observed the federal holiday through acts of service. State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) teamed up with Frank Russo and Russo’s on the Bay Monday to provide free grab-and-go lunches for veterans; and Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) distributed personal protective equipment to constituents in Elmhurst and Glendale.

“I still wanted to do something to honor our veterans, so I had the idea of providing them we free lunch. I would like to thank Frank Russo and the entire Russo’s staff for their partnership and for helping to make this day special for our veterans,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

“I am optimistic that conditions will improve

by Veterans Day, so we can honor veterans with the ceremonies and fanfare they deserve.” The Coleman Square Memorial in Howard Beach

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

Sen. Addabbo and Russo’s on the Bay on Memorial Day provided free grab-and-go lunches for veterans.

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

The Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

Photo Courtesy of the Borough President’s Office

Veterans Memorial Mall in Bayside Hills

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 7

Online Predator Reports on Rise: DA

HOWARD BEACH ASSEMBLY OF GOD OFFERS YOU ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH PRAYER IN THE TIME OF THIS PANDEMIC File Photo

According to DA Melinda Katz, predators are aware that children are home during the day as residents shelter-inplace and may use this time to attempt to contact them and lure them into inappropriate situations.

By Forum Staff The Queens District Attorney’s Office over the past two months has seen an increase in the number of complaints regarding improper behavior towards teenagers and preteens on the internet, DA Melinda Katz noted Thursday, adding that several of the reports have involved strangers seeking inappropriate pictures of the teens.

Katz also pointed out that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has observed a rise in the number of reports involving child sexual abuse material on the internet over the same time period.

“The spread of the coronavirus has brought new challenges and responsibilities to all the parents and guardians in Queens County.

With schools closed many teens and preteens

are finding more time to explore the internet on computers and phones. Teens are naturally curious about everything including their sexuality and in this very difficult time may find themselves, through no fault of their own, in compromising positions online,” Katz said.

According to Queens’ prosecutor, predators are aware that children are home during the day and may use this time to attempt to contact them and lure them into inappropriate situations. NCMEC offers free digital resources through Netsmartz.org regarding online safety for children and parents.

If your child becomes a victim of an online predator, you should save whatever evidence you have, including pictures, and take screenshots of messages and contact information of the predator, Katz added. You should report it to your local precinct or call (646) 610-7272.

Bill Would Set up Virus Victim Fund

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

File Photo

By Forum Staff Legislation to establish a new fund to provide compensation for essential workers that were required to leave their home to perform services and became ill or died as a result of COVID-19 was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (DN.Y.), one of the bill’s cosponsors, announced Thursday.

According to Gillibrand, the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act is modeled after the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Specifically, the measure would: • Establish a compensation fund for all essential workers, personnel and their families— across all industries—that were required to leave their homes to perform their services and became ill or died as a result of COVID-19; • Support essential workers affected by COVID-19 across the country in their recovery by providing financial assistance to help with medical costs, loss of employment, loss of business, replacement services and burial costs; • Authorize appropriated funds as needed for five years with the fund permanently closing one fiscal year after the Special Master determines that no additional claims can be filed; • Create a new website and office developed and administered by a Special Master to assist in the application process; and • Maximize compensation for essential workers and their families by simplifying the application process to get those affected back on their feet.

Family members who share homes with essential workers and became sick through contact with those employees would be eligible to file a claim, Gillibrand noted. The compensation application enables claimants to provide information regarding the extent of their loss, and eligible individuals would receive compensation no later than 20 days after approval.

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Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91

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Senator Seeks Specifics on TSA Plan

Photo Courtesy of TSA

TSA has taken the precautionary measure of requiring its own employees to wear facial protection while at screening checkpoints.

By Forum Staff As the U.S. Transportation Security Administration considers a plan to check the temperatures of passengers as they go through airport security at what could be multiple American airports, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is seeking more official information on the effort.

Schumer says that any plan to take the temperatures of fliers has to be clear, safe and meaningful in order to work. In a recent letter to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, New York’s senior senator urged the federal agency, and any others who might be involved, to brief Congress before getting too far along in the planning stages.

“Before a plan like this is cleared for takeoff, the TSA needs to take the temperature of a variety of stakeholders, and that includes Congress,” Schumer said.

“We need to know who will lead the effort, which airports will be involved, what this means for travelers and when it might begin, among other things. TSA, as an agency, has not been immune to COVID and some agents have sadly passed away. That is why any plan to assign agents a task that might be considered outside the general scope of their actual training will require a detailed and public proposal before it simply gets the all clear to fly.”

In his missive to Pekoske, Schumer listed questions that he wanted TSA to answer and share “with the other relevant agencies in your discussions so that they may consider and answer them as well.”

The senator’s questions include: • Will the TSA lead the effort to administer temperature screenings, and if not, then which agency?

• While the TSA considers or engages in the planning of an effort such as this, have New York airports been of special interest given their size and traveler volume?

• What might this new practice mean for air travelers in terms of informing them of temperature screenings?

• Has there been any discussion(s) on where to send a traveler who might be found to, in fact, have a fever?

• What might constitute a “fever” as it relates to this potential effort?

• Is there an internal target date for this effort to begin, say, this summer?

• Does the TSA consider a potential plan like this to be outside the general scope of a TSA agent’s specific training?

Why or why not?

• What steps might be under consideration to ensure the safety of agents who might face increased exposures to COVID given the effort?

• What steps, if any, are being considered to incorporate contact tracing for passengers and/or agents into an effort like this?

• Can your agency commit to briefing Congress on any temperature screening plan before one is so far along that it is simply inexorable?

Schumer cited a recent CNN report that noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had screened more than 30,000 passengers on flights from China during the height of the coronavirus outbreak, but not a single U.S. coronavirus case had been caught by the airport temperature checks. CNN also indicated that TSA has already taken the precautionary measure of requiring its own employees to wear facial protection while at screening checkpoints.

10 MAY 28, 2020 • Number 22 • VOL. 20 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The Pharmacist’s Corner Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN: AFTER SUN BLOCK...

A couple of weeks ago we gave you the low down on how to use sunscreen to protect your skin. This week we offer some other hints to saving your skin in summer.

1. SELF TANNER-WHY NOT? Instead of lying for hours in the sun, get that sun kissed glow with a self-tanner. You can purchase an inexpensive self-tanning lotion at your local pharmacy. Just remember to exfoliate before you apply self-tanner to remove any dry skin that could lead to an uneven appearance.

2. MOISTURIZE AND NOURISH W/ OILS Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth.

3. GIVE ’EM LIP SERVICE Use a lip sunscreen with SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on, too.

4. REMEMBER HAIR CARE The beating sun will hit your hair hard, but there are a number of sprays containing SPF that you can put on after you wash your hair.

5. EXFOLIATE HEAD TO TOE If you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove and your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.

6. BE KIND TO YOUR FACE Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and other products containing glycolic acids and retinoids should not be used if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Try Mineral Makeup available in your local pharmacy.

7. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy--summer fruits and vegetables have many beneficial components.

Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as fresh produce, fish, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.

8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER The sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Just be careful you don’t drink too much.

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644

157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.

Wrapped in Red, White and Blue

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach, there were a little more stars and stripes in South Queens this Memorial Day weekend.

The organization installed more than 80 American flags—provided at-cost by Cross

Bay Ace Hardware—along Cross Bay Boulevard from 156th Avenue to 165th Avenue.

Members of the club also placed a wreath at the Coleman Square Memorial in Old Howard Beach and at the Kiwanis Triangle.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Construction Key to NYC Recovery: Stringer

By Forum Staff Re-starting the capital program with a focus on priority projects that will enhance the state of good repair of City buildings, infrastructure, and equipment will ignite NYC’s economic recovery, City Comptroller Scott Stringer said Friday.

The de Blasio administration in March halted nearly all new capital projects, from affordable housing, to school renovations. In a letter to the mayor, Stringer outlined how the capital program’s long-term benefits—job creation, economic opportunity, and continued investment—are keys to a comeback.

“In this time of severe fiscal strain, [ceasing new capital projects] may seem like a reasonable step to save money. But I am writing today to stress that stopping the capital program has other consequences that I believe outweigh the modest short-term savings that might be achieved,” Stringer wrote.

“These are unprecedented and challenging times, but they represent a generational opportunity to reimagine how our City approaches capital investment and to harness our capital program as an economic engine.”

File Photo

“These are unprecedented and challenging times, but they represent a generational opportunity to re-imagine how our City approaches capital investment and to harness our capital program as an economic engine,” Comptroller Stringer wrote in his recent letter to Mayor de Blasio.

The comptroller emphasized that there are significant costs to not proceeding with capital investments.

“First, there is the future cost of deteriorated infrastructure and unmet program and service needs.

We spent two decades recovering from the lack of investment of the 1970s. And our present infrastructure needs are enormous: everything from reconstructing parks, schools, hospitals, museums, theaters and courts to build-

ing affordable housing to buying fire engines and garbage trucks.

We can’t afford to fall behind,” Stringer noted. “The cost of deferred maintenance will make itself felt down the road, when antiquated equipment fails, schools are overcrowded, and housing is dilapidated and unsafe. We can pay for it today, or we can pay for it later – when it will be much more expensive to fix or replace.”

Second, Stringer pointed out that construction creates jobs.

“Every $100 million in construction spending creates 484 direct construction jobs—and 181 others, including suppliers, and induced jobs from the additional spending those direct and supplier jobs support,” the comptroller said Friday. “With one out of every five construction workers out of work statewide, we need to get construction going again as part of our path to economic recovery.”

Stringer also opined that the current pause in the City economy

is actually an ideal time to take on certain projects.

“School buildings are vacant until September, giving the [Department of Education and School Construction Authority nearly four months to replace boilers, windows, lighting fixtures, and perform other muchneeded upgrades to schools that are difficult if not impossible to get done when students are in session. Car and truck traffic has dropped precipitously, making road work much easier to accomplish. And as city residents seek respite outdoors in safe, socially distant ways, it’s important to recognize the vital need to improve our parks, playgrounds, and greenways,” the comptroller said.

Stringer pointed to the Great Depression—robust investments in capital projects helped revive the economy and create much-needed jobs—to support his thesis.

“As our city faces the steepest economic downturn in modern times, a prudent restart of the capital program would help jumpstart today’s recovery,” the comptroller added. “Investing in our future is simply smart management, and sound fiscal policy.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 11

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 13

Legal Notices NEW REALIZATIONS PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, PLLC. Filed with SSNY on 04/09/20. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 138-44C, #330, Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful.

ENGINEERED WINDOW SYSTEMS, L.L.C.Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/20/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 187 14TH STREET, CREEKSKILL, NJ 07626. Purpose: General.

FOCALROOM DESIGNS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/13/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to ALEXANDER ROMERO, 6135 56TH AVENUE, MASPETH, NY 11378. Purpose: General.

DANCE FROM HOME LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/01/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to DANCE AT HOME LLC, 35-21 28TH STREET, APR B1, ASTORIA, NY 11106. Purpose: General.

CIRCADIAN PARENT COACHING LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/24/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to KARI ESH, 10-51 49TH AVE, Apt 3R, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: General.

AE HORIZONS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/16/2020.

Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Emanuel Amancio, 161-26 84th AVe., Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: General.

COMFORT PAWS VETERINARY CARE, PLLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/24/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 155-01 90TH AVE., JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: General.

COMFORT PAWS VETERINARY CARE, PLLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/24/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 155-01 90TH AVE., JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: General.

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BROTHER’S FIX IT. LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/13/2020. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 23 CENTER AVE, NORWALK, CT 06851. Purpose: General.

TITAN ALLEGIANCE Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/2020.

Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to TITAN ALLEGIANCE LLC, 25522 148TH DRIVE, ROSEDALE, NY 11422.

Purpose: General.

RUTLEDGE APARTMENTS, LLC Certif. Of Conversion from a partnership, RUTLEDGE APARTMENTS, filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/30/2020. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 62-25 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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DS QUICK FUNDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/12/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o David Shimunov, 167-12 69 Ave, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365, which also serves as the registered agent address. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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14 MAY 28, 2020 • Number 22 • VOL. 20 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Serving the five boroughs, Westchester and Long Island

Miguel Reyes CCTV/IP Camera Installation 917.662.5373 Miguelreyes@gmail.com

As we all continue to struggle through this pandemic, we would like to assure all of our clients, friends and neighbors that we stand strong with you in the hopes that we will all return to our normal lives reasonably soon.

Although our staff has rigidly adhered to the rules of operation for non-essential business, --in our case no showing of properties in person and certainly no open houses––we have been working behind the scenes to maintain a grasp on the current real estate market and offer our clients as much remote support as is possible.

Our staff has the capability to continue serving interested sellers and buyers through virtual touring capability.

Please call the office at 718-835-4700 if you would like to discuss these services as we await the return to normal business operation.

Most importantly please stay patient and committed to this pause in normalcy until we can be sure we can move through this safely.

We would like to thank and recognize all of those who are working everyday in so many fields to keep us safe and as connected with necessities as is possible.

Stay home and stay safe!

Dear friends,

As we live through this unimaginably difcult time, we all face the same fears and share the same crisis.

Although business is NOT AS USUAL right now, it surely will be!

Our priority is to ensure our safety and that of our loved ones and our entire community.

Fortunately there is one sure way to do that: STAY HOME While we wish we could be out there selling your properties and helping you nd your dream home we have to improvise and look forward to the time when we can get back to BUSINESS AS USUAL. For right now we invite you to visit our website at:

www.Defalcogroup.com

for information on listings and to view properties virtually.

Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns you may have.

917-208-9176 Again STAY HOME STAY SAFE Carolyn Defalco THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 20 • Number 22 • MAY 28, 2020 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Sale Dates

Fri.

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16 MAY 28, 2020 • Number 22 • VOL. 20 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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