THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | OCTOBER 20, 2016

VOL. 15 • NUMBER 42 • OCTOBER 20, 2016

Howard Beach • Ozone Park • South Ozone Park • Woodhaven • Richmond Hill • Broad Channel

STORM FROM THE SHELTER As the de Blasio Administration and Queens Communities Continue to Clash over Homeless Policies, Irate Elected Officials and Civic Leaders Announce Town Hall on Proposed Transitional Facility in Ozone Park City Councilman Ruben Wills (at lectern) and Assemblyman Mike Miller (r.) on Tuesday urged area residents to attend a town hall set for Oct. 25 to discuss the proposal for a homeless shelter on Atlantic Avenue and 102nd Street — less than 200 feet from the High School of Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture.

See Story on Page 3 Photo Courtesy of Councilman Wills’ Office

Page 4

New Flood Maps on the Way after City Wins Appeal

Page 13

New Report Shows Crime Soaring in City Parks

Pages 14, 15, and 16

BOO! News: Forum gets you Ready for Halloween

Photos Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 1

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2 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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De Blasio vs. the Boroughs

Homeless shelter debate now war of words between City Hall and communities

By Michael V. Cusenza The caustic debate over the de Blasio administration’s homeless shelter siting policies spread to southern Queens over the past seven days as elected officials and community leaders in Ozone Park announced their intention to conduct a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25, to discuss a proposal supported by the Department of Homeless Services to locate a transitional facility and drop-in site on Atlantic Avenue and 102nd Street.

The proposed facility at 100-32 Atlantic Ave., according to City Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) and Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) is less than 200 feet from the High School of Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture.

The plan under consideration has been submitted by non-profit organization Breaking Ground, Wills said. The group seeks to provide 50 safe-haven beds for adults in the borough who are a part of the city’s indeterminate street homeless population. These individuals would reportedly be supplied with their own private spaces, and will not be forced outside during the daytime hours.

The average length of stay for each client would top out at nine months. Additionally, the drop-in site would offer no greater than 75 clients a meal and a hot shower for a day,

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Wills’ Office

Councilman Ruben Wills (at lectern) and Assemblyman Mike Miller (second from r.) announced on Tuesday that they are set to host a town hall in Ozone Park regarding the proposed homeless facility on Atlantic Avenue.

as well as educational and other on-site supports designed to prevent the loss of housing.

Despite these distinctions from the more deplorable conditions reported in many City-operated and contracted shelters, Wills, Miller, and U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) wrote letter to DHS Commissioner Steve Banks in August in which they panned the proposal based on the fact that the proposed site is located less than 200 feet from the

High School of Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture.

“This is neither about the reputation of Breaking Ground, nor its performance in providing bridges to supportive and affordable housing to the city’s street homeless,” Wills said. “On the other hand, I do not wish for it to be associated with the inadequacies that have led to unintentional violations of State statutes that govern the movements of certain sex offenders. A facility that serves an

adult homeless population simply should not be located less than 200 feet from a school. I cannot in good faith endorse any such proposal under these circumstances, and have urged DHS and Breaking Ground to reconsider. Still, much has been rumored about the conditions under which such a facility would operate were it to open, and the need for definitive information is paramount. We encourage the Department and Breaking Ground to attend next Tuesday’s town hall, to hear from the community about its many concerns, and be prepared to describe what it believes the merits of this plan to be.”

The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Richi Rich Palace (110-19 Atlantic Ave.), 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Ozone Park announcement capped off another rough week for Mayor Bill de Blasio. City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) torched Hizzoner for his “latest backroom deal” to rent out several rooms at the Playland Motel in Rockaway Beach to homeless clients.

“I am outraged. My constituents – and all New Yorkers – deserve better,” Ulrich said.

“Mayor de Blasio’s so-called progressive agenda has caused the homeless population to skyrocket. The time has come for this administration to put forth real and meaningful solutions that will actually help people find permanent housing and rebuild their lives.”

Days after CB 9 Votes down SBS Plan, DOT Initiates Median Work on Woodhaven Blvd.

By Michael V. Cusenza The City last Thursday forged ahead with the first stage of construction on the Woodhaven-Cross Bay Corridor Select Bus Service plan – less than two days after Community Board 9 voted vigorously against the joint Department of Transportation/Metropolitan Transportation Authority project.

“This is a slap in the face to CB 9 and to the community,” fumed Alex Blenkinsopp, director of Communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “DOT clearly knew they were going to do this regardless of what happened at the CB 9 meeting.

They planned to push ahead despite the thousands of people who signed the petition against the SBS plan, despite the many speakers who criticized the plan at recent CB 9 meetings, despite their failure to respond to questions and feedback and suggestions from local residents, and despite the overwhelming opposition of the Community Board. DOT’s track record in our community is terrible, and it’s clear why: they don’t listen to the community, and they don’t care about what the community has to say. DOT is Mayor de Blasio’s agency, and its actions here

Photo Courtesy of Alex Blenkinsopp

The City Department of Transportation on Thursday began working on the Cross Bay-Woodhaven Corridor Select Bus Service plan—two days after Community Board 9 voted overwhelmingly against the project.

are a reflection of how he governs.”

Blenkinsopp alerted south Queens communities via Twitter when he witnessed crews working on Woodhaven Boulevard near Jamaica Avenue.

“Less than 2 days after CB9 votes down SBS plan, @NYC_DOT starts work to expand the median for bus stop. (Worker confirmed this was purpose.),” he posted last Thursday morning.

“DOT conducted substantial out-

reach with the community since 2014 and listened closely to its concerns, resulting in changes to the original plan such as keeping left turns at Jamaica Avenue and elsewhere,” an agency spokesperson wrote in an email to The Forum.

“Woodhaven SBS will bring safety improvements and more efficient bus services to the thousands who travel daily on the corridor, while maintaining traffic flow. We informed Community Board 9 on September 13th that work

would be taking place in the area this fall. Jamaica Ave and Woodhaven Blvd has been one of the top three most dangerous intersections in the city and our goal is to move quickly on safety improvements at that location.”

DOT has said that its SBS vision for the perpetually clogged 14-mile corridor is a “transit-oriented boulevard” in which buses travel in designated lanes in the main roadway. This concept “provides faster and more reliable bus service, allowing buses to travel free from turning or parking conflicts, with an anticipated travel time savings of 25 to 35 percent. Median transit stations with shelters, seating, and real-time bus information will be constructed, giving passengers high-quality waiting areas.”

Project concerns include the removal of a lane of traffic on both sides of the boulevards, banning left-hand turns at certain intersections, and the addition of bus stops to medians.

An administration source this week told The Forum that DOT and MTA will continue outreach and dialogue with stakeholders and the community as the project is implemented.

“This is not the end of the fight,” Blenkinsopp added.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 3

City Wins FEMA Flood Map Appeal

Courtesy of the Center for New York City Neighborhoods

The administration has called FloodHelpNY.org a one-stop shop for flood risk information.

By Michael V. Cusenza The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mayor Bill de Blasio this week announced an agreement to revise the city’s flood maps.

According to the administration, Monday’s pact announcement is the result of the City’s appeal of FEMA’s 2015 Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps. In a June 2015 letter to FEMA Region 2 Mitigation Director Michael Moriarty, NYC officials indicated that the 180-page appeal “demonstrates several errors that were made in the development of the Preliminary FIRMs that undermine their accuracy.”

The City’s analysis showed that FEMA’s flood risk calculations for the five boroughs and the surrounding region overestimated the size of the 100-year floodplain and the height of the Base Flood Elevations, mapping 35,000 more homes and buildings across the city into highest flood risk areas.

The federal agency’s flood maps require homeowners in the highest risk zones to purchase flood insurance to cover the cost of flood damage, if they have a mortgage. Revised flood maps, de Blasio noted, will provide NYC residents with more precise current floodrisk data, in addition to producing a new map product reflecting future conditions that account for climate change. The innovative revisions will assist the Big Apple in making coastlines more resilient and climate-ready, while ensuring homeowners are not required to purchase more insurance than their current flood risk requires, according to the administration.

“We are building a stronger, more resilient city to confront climate change. Our city needs precise flood maps that reflect real risks, both today and years from now—and we have to do that fairly,” de Blasio said.

“We will work closely with FEMA to ensure New Yorkers in the floodplain

are prepared, and that the tools to make them more resilient, like flood insurance, remain available and affordable. We are grateful to FEMA [for] agreeing to this partnership.”

Until the new flood maps are issued, insurance rates in the city will continue to be based on the prior effective FIRMs, saving coastal households tens of millions of dollars per year, in aggregate, de Blasio said. For those outside of the highest risk areas on those maps, flood insurance will C remain less expensive; both FEMA and the City are encouraging residents M to purchase this affordable flood coverage Y “because we know that there is flood risk outside of the highest risk areas.”

CM Until new flood maps are developed MY that both accurately reflect current flood risk and also provide an assessmentCY of future climate conditions for long-term CMY planning purposes, the City’s building code will continue to reflect the 2015 K Preliminary FIRMs to ensure that new buildings are better able to withstand flood risk from rising sea levels and coastal storm surge, and so that recovery from Superstorm Sandy can continue without interruption, the administration added.

“The City’s OneNYC resiliency program requires the best-available climate science and accurate flood maps," said Daniel Zarrilli, senior director, Climate Policy and Program and Chief Resilience Officer, Mayor’s Office. “FEMA’s decision to redraw New York City’s flood maps, and to work with us to produce innovative, climate-smart flood maps, allows us to begin separating the calculation of annual insurance premiums against current risk from the necessary long-term planning and building we need to do as a city to do adapt to rising seas and climate change. All homeowners should consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes and families.”

For flood risk information, visit FloodHelpNY.org.

4 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Keep your home, family & finances above water

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 5

Flushing Doctor Indicted after Allegedly Causing Death of Abortion Procedure Patient

By Forum Staff A Queens County grand jury has indicted a Flushing medical doctor on a charge of second-degree manslaughter for allegedly recklessly causing the death of a 30-year-old woman, in part, by perforating her uterine wall and causing a disruption and transection of the uterine artery during a surgical procedure on July 9, 2016, at the health facility where he practices and then failing to provide appropriate and timely medical attention.

Robert Rho, 52, of Lake Success, New York. Dr. Rho, who maintains a medical practice at Liberty Women’s Health Care of Queens, located at 37-01 Main Street, Flushing, is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens County Supreme Court on a one-count indictment, charging him with second-degree manslaughter.

took place at shortly after 1 p.m., Dr. Rho caused a laceration of the victim’s cervix, a perforation of the uterine wall and a disruption and transection of the uterine artery and then failed to provide her with appropriate and timely medical attention.

It is additionally alleged that, while in the recovery room, the victim was bleeding profusely and was required to undergo a second procedure at the health facility.

Thereafter, the victim was allegedly allowed to leave the facility despite having collapsed and appearing disoriented. On the drive to her sister’s Bronx residence the victim allegedly fell off the backseat and became unresponsive. She was transported to a Bronx Photo Courtesy of Google hospital where she was treated for vaginal Dr. Rho maintains a medical practice on Main Street. bleeding and given six units of blood. The According to the charges, the victim, Queens, and arrived with her sister at the victim was pronounced dead that night. made an appointment to have an abortion Flushing facility on July 9, 2016. During If convicted, Dr. Rho faces up to 15 performed at Liberty Women’s Health of the course of the surgical procedure, which years in prison.

Kew Gardens Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison in Shooting of Girlfriend

By Forum Staff

Photo Courtesy of CrimiNet

Diaz initially claimed that his girlfriend had been shot during a home invasion.

A Queens man, who initially claimed that his girlfriend had been shot during a home invasion, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for criminal possession of a weapon and other charges in the February 2014 shooting. The victim, who sustained massive brain damage, is confined to a nursing home and cannot communicate in any fashion.

District Attorney Brown said, “The lengthy prison sentence imposed by the court punishes the defendant for the crimes that he committed. Justice has been done.”

Steven Diaz, 33, of 127th Street in the Kew Gardens section of Queens, has been

held in jail in lieu of $2 million bail since his arrest in February 2014, and was convicted last month of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree criminal possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence. Last week a judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison.

According to trial testimony, between 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2014, the victim, Amanda Rivera, was shot once in the head with a 9mm handgun inside the couple’s third-floor apartment. Diaz took the victim to a local hospital and told responding police that he was a drug dealer and that three masked robbers had broken in to steal his stash of marijuana and that one of the intruders shot Ms. Rivera in the head.

Diaz later admitted to police that he accidentally fired the shot that nearly killed Ms. Rivera. He also stated that on the way to the hospital that he had tossed the gun into the sewer. A search of the sewer, however, yielded negative results but a subsequent search of the defendant’s residence resulted in the recovery of more than 50 pounds of marijuana.

The victim, now 25 and residing in a nursing home, has permanent brain damage and cannot speak or communicate in any way.

Diaz’s first trial ended in a mistrial in March 2016 when during deliberations a sworn juror became unavailable to deliberate any further due to a personal matter.

Eatery Employees Assaulted by Dine-and-Dash Duo

By Michael V. Cusenza

broken left arm and dislocated left shoulder. She was rushed to an area hospital in serious but stable condition.

One of the suspects has been described as a Hispanic man, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 180 pounds; last seen wearing a blue jacket and dark-colored pants.

The other man is also Hispanic, 25 to 30 years old, roughly 200 pounds, and sporting a beard; he was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All correspondences are strictly confidential.

Police have asked the public for help in identifying two men wanted for assaulting two Maspeth diner employees after skipping out on their check, according to the NYPD. At around 7:50 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 1, cops said the two suspects refused to pay their breakfast bill at GoodFellas Diner.

According to investigators, when a 70-yearold male employee tried to prevent them from leaving, one of the men allegedly punched him in the face.

As the second suspect sat inside a waiting vehicle, a 67-year-old female employee tried to jot down the license plate number.

The man bolted out of the car, snatched the receipt pad from her hand, cops said, and threw her down the front steps of the diner.

Both suspects then fled in the dark-colored Photo Courtesy of NYPD Investigators are looking for these two men for allegedly sedan southbound on Rust Street.

The female employee suffered a severely assaulting two people at GoodFellas Diner.

6 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Nana’s Named By CBS News in Top 5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in NYC! LATEST BEST OF NY NYC’S BEST EGG BREAKFASTS: EGG, BEC, EGG SHOP, NANA’S BREAKFAST NOOK & SHOPSINS.

Nana’s will be open on Monday October 10 Columbus Day from 8 am until 1:00pm

Nana’s Breakfast Nook specializes in hearty, fortifying breakfasts, with a reliance where possible on organic ingredients, including free-range eggs. The Howard Beach restaurant’s version of a BLT includes arugula, eld greens, smoked bacon, and Vermont Cheddar, while the “southern charmer” comes with poached eggs, sausage gravy, bacon bits, and biscuits. Another option? A three-egg omelet with mushrooms, spinach, and Gouda. Oh, and start with the brulee grapefruit, in which the fruit gets rubbed with ginger and raw sugar and gently torched.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 7

40% describe them as more lazy than whites. Deplorable? Clueless? Ignorant?

Racist? You decide. And just a simple question to the Republicans out there.

When Mitt Romney was running for president it was all about "the takers", Dear Editor, the people who don't pay any income tax. The "Evil Takers". But now when There have been reports of "Creepy you don't pay any taxes you're a genius?

Clowns" trying to lure children into the Lastly, a word about FEMA. Rememwoods. It's an urban legend. But last ber back in 2005 when DUHbya was week on National Television, the world in charge? There were constant stories witnessed a REAL "Creepy Clown" in about mismanagement and ineptitude orange face paint, and cotton candy hair, regarding FEMA. Now? You don't hear standing on stage behind a podium, try- about such problems. Why? Because the ing to lure ignorant voters into a voting Obama administration didn't put a man booth. Are people actually going to vote who used to run Arabian horse shows for this disgusting individual? What in charge. No, they actually thought it kind of woman will vote for this man? was better to have a man in charge who What kind of man with any respect for had actual experience in EMERGENCY his wife, mother or daughter will vote MANAGEMENT!!! What a crazy idea for this man? On one hand you have the huh? P.S. Wells Fargo was fined $185 most breathtakingly unqualified ignora- million for its scandal involving semus to ever heave his spray tanned bulk cretly opening multiple accounts in its to within striking distance of elected of- customers names and charging them fice. A race baiting bully who according fees for each account. $185 million. to two different meticulously researched Wells Fargo made $23 BILLION last biographies is a tax cheating, investor year!!!!! In fact their CEO John Stump swindling, worker shafting, dictator lov- just received $134 million upon his reing, pathologically lying, attorneys gen- cent retirement. And Trump wants less eral bribing, philandering, mobbed up, regulation? Less taxes for the wealthy? narcissistic, serial con artist who doesn't Trickle down economics? Outrageous! have the attention span to read a fortune I'm sorry, I must add 2 more things. cookie much less an intelligence briefing. 1- Trump says all the women accusBut on the other hand, Hillary Clinton ing him of sexual assault are lying, used a private email server. Choosevery single one of them. His proof ? ing between Hillary and Trump is like According to him they're not pretty choosing between a Rhodes Scholar and enough. 2- Not only did trump never a petri dish full of fecal bacteria. Trump donate the $10,000 he pledged to the has truly been crowned as the leader of main charities in the days after the the Republican Party. Over 13 million 9/11 attack, he actually took $150,000 Republican voters defied the will of the designated for "small businesses" that party, soundly rejected hundred million really needed it. He never did anything dollar insider favorites like Jeb Bush and to help anybody except to help himself chose Trump. And now he will lead these by taking $150,000. And he wants poor fools off the "cliff of history". As HILLARY drug tested before the next for his Vice Presidential running mate, debate? Republicans say "he alone Mike Pence said that if gay people apply bears the burden of his conduct and for a marriage license they should be alone should suffer the consequences" arrested. He also said that people who WRONG! He alone did not make have abortions should be required to himself your parties nominee! The have a funeral for the fetus. And he said Republican Party has systematically that gay people who want treatment for supported him through some absoHIV should be required to take courses lutely heinous conduct. You republito "cure" them of their homosexuality. cans must be so, SO proud. One last And he's the "sane" one on the ticket. thing(I promise)- Trump is being sued Wow. And Republicans criticize Hillary for raping a 13year-old in 1994. for saying "you could put half of Trump supporters into what I call the basket Robert LaRosa of deplorable's". Everyone was up in Whitestone. arms. Well I hate to spew those horrible things known as "facts" but- According to Public Policy Polling, 65% of Trump supporters believe President Obama is a Muslim, 59% of Trump supporters believe President Obama was not born in the US. 60% of Trump supporters Dear Editor, associate immigrants with criminality.

A Reuters poll said nearly half of Trump The recent New York City Transit supporters described African-Americans Museum's antique bus display as part as more violent than whites. The same of the annual downtown Brooklyn proportion described African-Americans Atlantic Antic feastival was a great trip as more criminal than whites. While 8 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

CREEPY CLOWNS & THE GOP

MEMORY LANE

down memory lane. It was a time when bus drivers had to make change and drive, at the same time. No one dared bring any food on the bus or leave any litter behind. In the mid 1960's, airconditioned buses were just becoming a more common part of the fleet. You had to pay separate fares to ride either the bus or subway. There was no Metro Cards affording free transfers between bus and subway along with discounted weekly or monthly fares. Employee transit checks to help cover the costs didn't exist. Fast forward to today, and you can see how MTA public transportation is still one of the best bargains in town.

Larry Penner Great Neck

YOU HEARD IT FIRST IN THE FORUM

Bohannon is New Top Cop at 106th Precinct Captain Brian Bohannon is the new commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, Assistant Chief David Barrere, commander of Patrol Borough Queens South, confirmed to The Forum on Wednesday.

Bohannon takes over for Capt.

James Fey, who retired earlier this week after more than 27 years with the NYPD. Bohannon arrives at the Ozone Park stationhouse from the 113th Precinct, where he was the Jamaica command’s executive officer.

The 106th Precinct covers Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, and part of Richmond Hill,aswellasResortsWorldNewYork City casino at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The Forum would like to welcome Captain Bonhannon to the community and wish him the best of luck in his ne positin. 0sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss sssss See next weeks issue of The Forum for futher details about the assignment of Cptain Bonhannon

if you see something and you say something, you're doing something

PUBLISHED by The Forum Newspaper, Inc.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael V. Cusenza CONTRIBUTING Alan Krawitz REPORTERS Samantha Geary Richard York

EDITORIAL

The Tricks to Staying Safe on Haloween

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.

Walk Safely • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into

the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult • Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trickor-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

• Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact

with flame.

Drive Extra Safely • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the dayto spot children from greater distances.

• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween Trick-or-Treaters should be reminded:

Stay in a group and communicate where they will

LEGALLY SPEAKING As an attorney who has been practicing in the field of Workers’ Compensation for more than 25 years, I have seen a lot of changes occurring to the amount of indemnity benefits allowable under the law and the medical options available to the injured worker.

There also have been many changes in the type of cases we see.

When I first started, my office represented thousands of workers exposed to asbestos who subsequently developed lung conditions such as asbestosis, bronchitis, reactive airways disease, and lung cancer.

Lung conditions caused by asbestos exposure are slow starting and generally occur as a result of long-standing exposure to asbestos, as opposed to one or two short-term exposures. Asbestos was heavily used in the early

be going.

Carry a cellphone for quick communication.

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cut across yards or use alleys.

Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (asrecognized by local custom).

Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trickor-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!

Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.by. They should never be left unattended.

cutting.

• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.

If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.

Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, CARVING A NICHE: away from curtains and other • Small children should flammable objects, and not on never carve pumpkins. Chil- a porch or any path where visidren can draw a face with mark- tors may pass close ers. Then parents can do the

Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled. Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.

part of the 20th century for fireproofing in shipyards, the automotive field, and the construction industry. Once asbestos is applied to a surface, it eventually becomes hardened and if disturbed, the fibers can be released into the air. If you breath in the fibers, they can become trapped in the lungs and can cause scarring and inflammation.

Many of these workers were exposed to asbestos fibers during construction or demolition but did not start having symptoms till 20 or 30 years later. Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer. While asbestos was eventually banned in all new products in 1989, as it has been classified as a carcinogen or cancercausing agent, it still is found in many older buildings.

As a result of increased awareness

of the dangers of asbestos exposure, safeguards were implemented that caused the number of incidences of asbestos conditions to decrease along with the more debilitating forms of the disease. Unfortunately, it appears that we may see an increase in the incidences of asbestos-related conditions including its most deadly – lung cancer and mesothelioma – as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center. When the Twin Towers collapsed, a massive dust cloud covered the City. First responders, volunteers, and different trades descended on Ground Zero to first look for survivors and then engage in the clean-up effort. Many of these men and women, along with ordinary citizens, were exposed to toxins including lead, mold, jet fuel, cement, and asbestos.

As a result of this exposure, many

have become sickened and even have developed leukemia, thyroid cancer, non Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, and prostate cancer. The Zadroga Act provides monetary compensation as well as funding for medical treatment to victims of the Attack with the anticipation that there will be new and future claims filed as a result of breathing in these toxins.

According to the WTC Program Administrator, the minimum latency for mesothelioma is 11 years. As we have just passed the 15th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and our country, it is highly likely that we are will see an increased recurrence of this deadly cancer. As there are deadlines to make a claim, those sickened should immediately file. You may also be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits or retire-

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 9

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Education Council Approves Zoning Change for New Centreville School

By Michael V. Cusenza Despite a vocal opposition that included State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Community Board 10, Community Education Council 27 on Monday voted in favor of changes to the zoning regulations of a new elementary school set to open next fall in Ozone Park.

Addabbo and CB 10 have denounced the adjustment because it opens PS 335’s doors to large numbers of students from neighborhoods outside of Centreville.

“While I, along with CB 10, don’t agree with the approved zoning, I am prepared to work with any entity to ensure a successful education environment for PS 335,” Addabbo wrote in an email to The Forum.

Addabbo reached out the Department of Education in July, asking the agency to ensure that PS 335 is opened strictly to children who live nearby. In a letter to the DOE Queens Office of District Planning, Addabbo urged the department to see that

Photo Courtesy of CEC 27

Despite opposition from Sen. Addabbo (standing) and Community Board 10, CEC 27 voted in favor of a change in zoning regulations for PS 335, which is scheduled to open in fall 2017.

CEC 27’s vote in favor of keeping PS 335 zoned for families in area neighborhoods is upheld in order to help ease overcrowding in not only the new Centreville school and in other Ozone Park schools, but also the overcrowding that exists in nearby schools, like PS 146 in Howard Beach.

Addabbo learned earlier this month that the DOE instead has amended its plans to include approximately 250 residences outside the originally agreed-upon zone, about half of which are two-family homes and threaten to take up more than 400 of the schools approximately 500 available spots.

The changes to the zoning map for PS 335 also jeopardize the DOE’s assurance that buses would not be utilized, as the school was originally meant to be a building only for students within walking distance, Addabbo noted.

“The tight residential area where the building is set to open cannot handle the congestion that will be brought about by busing students who live further from the school than originally expected,” the senator said. “This is not the plan that we were informed of by the DOE, and this is certainly not something this community would have ever agreed to.”

As Addabbo noted last week, this is not the first time the DOE has changed the direction of PS 335. Earlier in the year, the DOE mentioned the school might be considered for a middle school instead of the elementary school that was proposed to the community. Collectively, local elected officials and the community successfully restored the facility’s elementary status.

Civic Promotes Online Petition for QueensRail Proposal

By Michael V. Cusenza An area civic association that focuses on borough transportation issues recently ramped up efforts to secure public support for its plan to reactivate the long-defunct Rockaway Beach Rail Line by detailing the proposal at local venues and promoting an online petition.

Members of the Queens Public Transit Committee last Thursday presented the QueensRail plan to the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association. The group voted unanimously to support the concept, according to QPTC First Vice President Mike Scala.

“The momentum is on our side because it’s a good idea,” Scala said. “There are those who claim it will cost too much money, but

reactivation of the Line – an abandoned, 4-mile spur that was put into service in the late 19th Century under the control of the Long Island Rail Road. The RBRL connected Rockaway and southern Queens with Rego Park, provided area residents with expedient access to other parts of the city and 40-minute commutes to Midtown Manhattan from the Peninsula. In the early 1960s, parts of the railroad service were condensed, sectioned off, and eventually closed in 1962.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the “QueensRail – Better Transportation for Photo Courtesy of QPTC Queens” petition has garnered 264 signaMembers of the Queens Public Transit Committee recently presented the QueensRail plan to the New Hamilton tures out of a stated goal of 1,000.

Beach Civic Association.

For more information, visit ipetitions. they find billions of dollars for transportaThe Metropolitan Transportation Au- com/petition/queensrail-better-transportion in Manhattan.” thority has planned a feasibility study of the tation-for-queens.

LI Woman Charged with Shooting Cop in Head with Pellet Gun

By Michael V. Cusenza

A Riverhead, Long Island, woman has been charged with attempted assault and other offenses for her alleged role in an incident in which a City Police detective was shot in the head with a BB gun while he was driving down Jamaica Avenue, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and the NYPD. Tiara Ferebee, 24, was arraigned on Sunday on a complaint charging her with first-degree attempted assault, seconddegree assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. She was ordered held on $1 million bond/$500,000 cash bail and to return to court on Oct. 31.

According to the NYPD, Det. Adam 12 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15

Det. Mary Humburg, who was sitting in the passenger seat, heard a pop sound, Brown said, and Jangel started bleeding substantially from his forehead.

The Altima sped off in an unknown direction. Jangel was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and determined to have “a foreign metal projectile” lodged in his forehead between his skin and his skull, Brown said.

Ferebee was arrested on Saturday evening after surveillance video showed her allegedly seated in the back seat of a Photo Courtesy of NYPD brown-colored Altima with the window According to investigators, Ferebee was arrested because surveillance video showed her allegedly seated in the back open as it was driven eastbound directly seat of the vehicle they believe was involved in the incident. parallel to the driver’s side window of the Jangel was driving an unmarked police brown 2015 Nissan Altima traveling east- unmarked police vehicle. vehicle westbound on Jamaica Avenue bound on the avenue discharged a pellet If convicted, Ferebee faces up to 15 near 168th Street when a passenger of a from a BB gun. Jangel and his partner, years in prison.

• THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Mayor Calls for Amendments to Make Cops’ Disciplinary Info Subject to Disclosure

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio today called for significant amendments to a particular section of the State Civil Rights Law to make disciplinary information about police officers and other uniformed personnel covered under this section of the law subject to disclosure.

According to the administration, Civil Rights Law Section 50-a, in existence since 1976, treats as confidential all personnel records of law enforcement and other uniformed personnel that are used to evaluate performance toward continued employment or promotion. Under this section of law, personnel records of law enforcement and other uniformed personnel may only be disclosed pursuant to a court order or with the express written consent of the employee to whom the records pertain. Several appellate court decisions have held that personnel records, including summaries of disciplinary actions taken against law enforcement and other uniformed personnel, cannot be disclosed because of the confidentiality protections under Civil Rights Law Section 50-a.

The de Blasio administration has argued that the public interest in transparency and accountability for those in positions of public trust is not well-served by the law as it currently exists and, therefore, it will seek amendments to Civil Rights Law Section

Photo Courtesy of Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor de Blasio, seen here addressing newly sworn-in Police recruits in College Point, has called for significant amendments to the State Civil Rights Law to make disciplinary information about police officers and other uniformed personnel covered under a section of the law subject to disclosure.

50-a in the upcoming 2017 State legislative session.

“I believe in transparency. I also believe that making information about disciplinary proceedings public will help us build trust with the community,” said Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill. “It is my hope we can work with the State Legislature and the governor on the proposed 50-a amendment.”

According to the administration, the proposed legislation should: •Remove confidentiality protections

currently applicable to disciplinary records, including all cases prosecuted by the Civilian Complaint Review Board in the trial room, thereby subjecting the full public record of the disciplinary proceeding and the results of such disciplinary proceeding to public disclosure. This would include final factual findings and disposition of any disciplinary measures imposed (or not imposed).

•In a litigation context, maintain current law restrictions on the use of covered personnel records in litigation which re-

quire a finding that records being disclosed are relevant to the specific case, but also adds that the judge must find that the records’ probative value outweigh the prejudicial harm of admitting them.

•Continue to allow permitted access for other governmental agencies, such as district attorneys and corporation counsels, in furtherance of a governmental function If enacted, the legislation would result in the following items to be posted on the NYPD website pertaining to each case disposed of: •Officer’s Name •Charges Made •Transcript and Exhibits of the Departmental Hearing •Summary of the Decision of the Trial Judge •Final Determination by the Police Commissioner These cases would be posted online and no Freedom of Information Law action would be required to access the above information, according to the administration. The cases posted would include both NYPD-initiated and CCRB-prosecuted cases.

“Without significant changes to this statute, the City remains barred from providing New Yorkers with the transparency we deserve,” de Blasio said. “We hope advocates for greater transparency will join us in the effort to reform this State law.”

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Leads Surge in Violent Crime in City Green Spaces

By Michael V. Cusenza

been complaining about an uptick in crime and gang activity in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. This park is our particular jewel, but if we don’t put the necessary resources into place to keep it safe, we are going to end up losing it,” Peralta told The Forum on Tuesday. “The statistics in the report are frightening, and the public’s perception that the park is a safe place can be derailed.

This park is the home of Citi Field, the New York Hall of Science, the U.S. Open, the Queens Museum and more.

I think it is time to make my proposal to build a police substation in the park a reality, especially from a logistics perspective, considering that police response time form the 110th Police Precinct to the park is at least ten minutes without traffic. Delays in responding to emergencies can put residents and visitors in harm’s way.”

In March, Crowley said, “We owe it to the men and women who we entrust to keep us safe, to provide them with the proper resources to effectively carry out their jobs. For the officers of the NYPD’s 110th Precinct in Corona, that means being able to work out of a facility that’s up to standards as well as from a strategically placed substation to better fight crime within their jurisdiction, which includes the second-largest park in the city.”

Croft went on to note that park crime for the first six months of 2016 skyrocketed some 39 percent, compared to the same period the previous year.

“Protecting parks is simply not a priority,” Croft said of the de Blasio administration.

Violent crime in city parks and recreational facilities has recently become an urgent issue, with reported offenses jumping 25 percent over the past year, according to a troubling new report compiled by NYC Park Advocates.

Geoffrey Croft, founder and president of NYCPA, noted that 612 people reported being the victims of violent crimes in city parks during the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, compared to 488 over the previous 12-month period.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park leads all city green spaces with 65 total crimes reported over the past year.

Riverside Park came in a distant second: 41 crimes were logged in the Manhattan space during the same 12 months, the data indicated.

And, as Croft pointed out, numbers are up significantly in all four violent crime categories – murder, rape, felony assault, and robbery. Flushing Meadows finds itself at the top of several dubious lists, according to Croft’s analysis: the 897-acre green space has clocked the most felony assaults, robberies, burglaries, and car thefts of all Big Apple parks July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

In March, State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens and Bronx), Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) sent letters to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, encouraging them to support funding for the construcFile Photo tion of a 110th Precinct Satellite Station in FMCP. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park tops all NYC green spaces in total “For several years, neighbors and park-goers have recorded crimes from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 13

HALLOWEEN: A HAUNTING WE WILL GO This week the Forum takes you on a printed journey for planning your best Halloween ever…

From fascinating little known facts about Halloween, to carving masterful pumpkins, the scariest movie roster, favorite Halloween treats, to costume tips and trends, we bring it all to you in this special reader section…

Halloween Superstitions Revealed

By Forum Staff Halloween is steeped in tradition. Halloween season also is a time of year when superstitions take root and add to the spooky and often silly nature of the holiday.

Some Halloween traditions can be traced back to the ancient Celts and their belief that spirits of the deceased were able to wander the earth during the time they called Samhain. Costumes were worn so the living could blend in with ghosts, and treats were laid out to appease the spirits.

Over the years, additional Halloween superstitions have emerged. The origins vary, but the following are some common superstitions to consider as October 31 draws near.

• Some believe that bats flying around a house on Halloween — either indoors or outside — is a sign that spirits lurk nearby.

• Black cats have long been thought to be companions of witches or “familiars,” demonic animals gifted to them. While some think it’s bad luck for a black cat to cross your path, in Ireland, Scotland and England, black cats symbolize good luck.

• One Halloween superstition states that if you walk around your home backward three times and then coun-

terclockwise three times before the sun sets on Halloween, you will ward off nearby evil spirits.

• Legend has it that you will have good luck if you sleep facing south the night before Halloween.

• Apples can help people determine if they will live long lives. On Halloween night, you have to make an unbroken apple peel, which will estimate how long you will live. The longer the peel is, the longer you’ll live.

• Another superstition suggests that if you spot a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a deceased loved one is watching over you.

• It is said that no person should lie in a coffin while alive, even for fun. Otherwise, he or she is inviting death.

Also, no item of clothing belonging to a living person should ever be put on a corpse when it is placed in a coffin, for as it rots in the grave so will the rightful owner’s health begin to decline.

• Children who are born on Halloween are said to have the gift of second sight, which may also include the power to ward off evil spirits.

• People have been warned not to turn around on Halloween night if they hear footsteps behind them, as this could mean Death is following.

• There is a superstition that when you pass a graveyard or house where someone has died, you should turn

14 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

your pockets inside out to make sure you don’t bring home a ghost in your pocket.

• Jack-o’-lanterns light up Halloween nights. Jack-o’lanterns were originally made out of hollowed-out turnips, but pumpkins replaced the turnips when the Irish emigrated to North America. Jack-o’-lanterns were used to guide lost souls and keep evil spirits at bay.

Halloween is full of superstitions, myths and traditions that have been passed down through the years.

HALLOWEEN .

PUMPKIN-CARVING POINTERS

By Forum Staff Transforming pumpkins into cleverly carved creations is a Halloween tradition. Each October, glowing pumpkins take up residence near doorsteps and porches, adding to the magical ambiance of the season. Young and old spend time designing their themes and then taking knife to pumpkin to achieve the desired effects.

Carving pumpkins into jacko’-lanterns can be traced back centuries to Ireland and a story about “Stingy Jack.” The tale involves Jack outwitting the Devil twice, the second time freeing the Devil from a prank in exchange for the promise that he would not claim Jack’s soul should Jack die. When Jack did die, God did not want the unsavory character in heaven, but the Devil could not claim Jack for

hell. Therefore, Jack was relegated to roam the planet indefinitely with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put that coal into a carved-out turnip. His ghostly figure was referred to as “Jack of the Lantern.” Later on it was shortened to “Jack O’Lantern.” When Irish immigrants arrived in North America, turnips weren’t plentiful, so jack-o’-lanterns were instead carved into pumpkins.

Today, many people carve jack-o’-lanterns, with some featuring just smiling or grimacing faces while others are far more artistic creations. These tips can help anyone carve a pumpkin.

• Begin with a fresh pumpkin.

Look for a pumpkin with a green stem. If the pumpkin has been sitting around for too long or has been handled too much, the stem can get brittle and/or fall off. A

thick, fresh pumpkin is best for carving.

• Plan your ideas. Draw a plan for your pumpkin before you make your first cut. Then transfer that design to the pumpkin with pen or a thin marker. Pumpkin-carving kits come with designs that can be “traced” by poking small holes to create the outline of the design.

• Don’t cut all the way through.

Many professional pumpkin artists do not actually cut clear through the flesh of the pumpkin. They carve and shave off layers of the outer rind until it becomes more translucent. The level of transparency can be adjusted based on how much skin is removed and as a way to add texture and shadowing. The more air that is allowed to penetrate the pumpkin, the faster it will start to degrade.

• Delay carving until the last

minute. Wait until the day before Halloween to begin carving.

Pumpkins are a perishable item, and they’ll begin to rot as soon as you begin carving. Spritzing them with water can help them stay fresh, but there’s no turning back the clock once the first cut is made.

• Cut a hole in the back. According to Brooklyn-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, cutting off

the top of the pumpkin can affect its structural integrity and cause it to rot faster. Instead, cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin and use an electric light to illuminate it.

LEDs are adviseable because they don’t generate much heat, which can cook and rot the pumpkin from the inside out.

With some creativity and a little know-how, anyone can create an eye-catching jack-o’-lantern.

Common Halloween Phobias Halloween is about embracing the scary and the spooky and enjoying all off the things that go “bump” in the night. Naturally, the holiday can drum up some fears and tap into peoples’ anxieties, especially when they come face-to-face with some of the symbols of Halloween. Some of these fears may be full-blown phobias.

A phobia is defined as an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. Phobias can elicit feelings of dread and

horror. In psychological terms, it is an anxiety disorder in which a person will go to great lengths to avoid a perceived danger. This danger is usually much greater in the person’s mind than in real life.

Several symbols of Halloween can be tied to phobias. A person with achluophobia may not enjoy the darkness of the Halloween night. Someone with coimetrophobia probably would not want to visit a cemetery. Coming in contact with a ghost would not be ideal for someone with phasmo-

phobia. Anyone with wiccaphobia might fear meeting up with a broom-riding witch. One of the more common phobias is arachnophobia, which is a fear of spiders. Spider decorations are common come Halloween, so people with arachnophobia may struggle on and around October 31.

While Halloween will never fall on the thirteenth day of the month, the number 13 has been linked to Halloween festivities.

Many people view the number 13 to be a harbinger of bad luck. This

is especially so for those with triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13.

Believe it or not, some people have a crippling fear of Halloween itself. This phobia is called samhainophobia. which is the fear of Halloween or the fear of the festival of the dead. The term “samhainophobia” originates from “Samhain,” meaning summer’s end. Samhain was also the name of the festival celebrated by the Celts to mark the transition from summer to winter.

Top-grossing horror movies perfect for Halloween

By Forum Staff Scares and thrills help make Halloween one of the most popular holidays of the year. Many people like to go outside their comfort zones come Halloween, and what better way to do that than with haunted houses, corn mazes, spooky superstitions, and, of course, a bevy of scary movies?

Horror movies and Halloween go hand-in-hand. Many television networks and streaming services offer around-theclock fright fests in the days leading up to Halloween. Some horror movies are instant classics, while others have attracted cult followings.

The following are some of the most financially successful horror films (box office figures, in millions, courtesy of IMDB. com).

• The Blair Witch Project (1999) $140.53: Pitched as a documentary of found footage, moviegoers are led to believe the movie is actually a nonfiction account made by film students who vanished in a Maryland forest.

• The Exorcist (1973) $204.57: A preteen girl becomes possessed by a mysterious entity, and the girl’s mom enlists the help of two priests to help save the soul of her daughter. This movie is not for the faint of heart and tackles the subject of demonic possession.

• Gremlins (1984) $148.17: A new pet isn’t as innocent as it looks when his owner breaks three rules and unleashes malevolent creatures on a small town.

• Halloween (1978) $168.5: This classic, along with “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” is often credited as starting the slasher movie genre. Masked Michael Myers is one of the most iconic horror movie antagonists — as recognizable as Freddy Krueger from the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” films.

• I Am Legend (2007) $256.39: A soul survivor from a plague that kills most of humanity and transforms others into monsters must try to find a cure for this horrific illness.

• Paranormal Activity (2007) $119: Another take on the supernatural, this movie is presented with “found footage” of a young couple who moves into a home haunted by a supernatural presence. It ultimately spawned a series five different films.

• The Silence of the Lambs (1991) $130.73: In order to help catch a serial killer who is killing and skinning his victims, an F.B.I. cadet needs the help of an incarcerated cannibalistic killer.

• World War Z (2013) $202.35: A former United Nations employee travels the world in a race to stop a Zombie pandemic that is taking over governments and threatening to destroy humanity.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 15

Movie Characters Lead The Trend In Halloween Costumes Come fall, the search is on for the perfect Halloween costume to wear for a day of trick-or-treating or an evening of partying. Some costume themes remain classics year after year, including traditional ghouls, vampires, witches, and pirates. Costumes also reflect cultural trends, including the characters that have become popular through movies and television.

Each year, certain costumes emerge as favorites, and chances are trick-or-treaters will encounter several similarly dressed costumed youngsters on their Halloween paths. Here’s what to expect to see when traversing neighborhoods.

Superhero savvy

With the release of “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Halloween fans will once again be ready to channel both Superman and Batman, favorite fighters against evil. Wonder Woman makes her appearance in this film, so females will have the opportunity to show their muscle as well. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” presents plenty of opportunities to emulate favorite characters from the film. From Black Widow to Iron Man to Spiderman and more, superhero fanatics can live out costumed fantasies this Halloween.

Political pranksters

Anyone who has followed the American presidential race knows that it has been a heated battle and one that has provided plenty of fodder for latenight talk show hosts. Both the Democratic and Republican candidates have established themselves as cultural icons. Halloween revelers can expect to see several Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump costumes on both adults and children, as they pick their sides in the competitive bid for the White House.

Galactic greatness

“Star Wars” fans need no excuse to emulate their favorite faces from the popular film franchise. In addition to the classic characters, a legion of new fans may be tapping into the success of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and channeling Rey, Kylo Ren, Finn, and any of the other new heroes and villains to make their debut in the franchise’s return to the silver screen. Naturally, there stands to be some Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo costumes in the mix as well.

Disney darlings

With the release of “Finding Dory,” little ones who just couldn’t get enough of the adorable blue tang and her pals will once again be ready to swim off for some underwater fun. In addition to Nemo and Marlin, there are some new friendly faces who will show up in neighborhoods across the country.

Halloween costumes will likely take their cues from the popular films of the last year. Trick-or-treaters young and old can dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy the festivities of this popular holiday.

Safe Costumes Can Prevent Halloween Mishaps

By Forum Staff Millions of people celebrate Halloween every year. Borrowed or adapted from a few different festivals that once took place in Europe, Halloween has origins in the Roman Feralia festival, the Celtic summer’s end festival Samhain, and the Catholic All Saints Day. Trick-or-treating is a significant part of the Halloween festivities, but for many people, the real delight is choosing a costume. The right costume is not only one that suits the spirit of Halloween, but also one that’s safe. The Prevention First Organization says that collisions with cars, eye injuries from sharp objects and burns from flammable costumes account for the most youth emergency room visits on Halloween.

Just how does one create a safe costume? Consider these pointers when preparing for the arrival of October 31.

• Rely on flashlights and reflective tape to make trick-or-treaters more visible during evening walks. The reflective tape can be incorporated right into the costume design.

• Choose hats and face paints in lieu of masks. Masks can block a child’s vision and impede a youngster’s ability to check for traffic.

Using face paints instead of masks so kids’ visibility • Ensure that costumes do not drag on the floor, as costumes that are too long can is not compromised when trick-or-treating. pose a tripping hazard.

• Have children wear comfortable, flat shoes to reduce the risk of tripping or falls.

• Make sure costumes and accessories are made with flame-resistant materials.

• Make sure children walk on sidewalks and well-lit paths. They also should avoid • Use glow sticks or battery-powered LED lights instead of lit candles for costumes darting out into the street to run to another home. and decorations.

• Choose soft, flexible costume props whenever possible. Make sure the props, • Trick-or-treat in groups with other parent chaperones so the adults can be extra such as swords, are not sharp or too long. diligent in their efforts to keep children safe. TF15A537

16 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

De Blasio Urges Albany to Pass Reforms to Make State Voting Process ‘Fairer, More Open’ tion shall automatically become active when the individual turns 18 years of age.

Last week, de Blasio also called for the federal government to clear the large backlog of pending naturalization applications.

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio recently called on the State Legislature to pass a package of reforms that, as he said, “would make New York’s voting process fairer and more open.”

By removing barriers to absentee and early voting, cutting down lines at the polls, making registration and voting easier and more streamlined, lawmakers can ensure that every New Yorkers’ vote counts and stop preventing voters from casting their ballot due to unavoidable employment, healthcare or family responsibilities, the mayor added.

“Conducting free and fair elections is a sacred duty of government, yet in New York State, the way we hold elections is outdated, underfunded and seems designed to discourage participation,” de Blasio said last Thursday. “We’re here to say that in New York City we’re fighting for every voice to be heard. While we push to register as many New Yorkers as possible before tomorrow’s voter registration deadline, we need to make our call loud and clear: our system needs to be fairer and more open if we want our democracy to be a representative one.”

The reforms that de Blasio has asked Albany to pass include: Allow Same-Day Voter Registration • This legislation would remove the requirement in the State Constitution that mandates voter registration no later than 10 days before Election Day. • This reform would allow eligible voters to register on Election Day, ensuring more voices are heard at the polls, de Blasio said.

• Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have same-day voter registration.

Early Voting Measures • Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia provide for in-person early voting or

Backlog • There are currently more than 57,000 pending applications in the New York and Queens U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services service centers, and more than half a million nationwide, according to the mayor. Many immigrants who applied for citizenship months ago will be unable to register to vote without Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office swift federal action, he added.

The mayor last week also helped Brooklyn students and community residents register to vote.

• The de Blasio administration calls on the mail-in voting. New York State does not, Hiz- primary elections into one day, making it easier federal government to process pending applicazoner noted. and more streamlined for New York residents to tions as quickly as possible to ensure that immigrant New Yorkers are able to vote.

• Legislation should be passed to allow New vote in primary elections, de Blasio said.

York to employ methods of early voting includ• This legislation would amend the federal Two-week extension for recent citizens ing vote by mail, “no-excuse” absentee voting Military Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, • Immigrants who naturalize after the Oct. and early in-person voting, de Blasio said. which currently requires the State to conduct two primary elections, or three in presidential 14 voter registration deadline can still register to “No Excuse” Absentee Voting years. This is very costly to local boards of elec- vote in the Nov. 8 election. These new citizens • Currently, in order to vote absentee in New tion as well as confusing and burdensome to vot- must register in person at their borough’s Board of Elections office no later than Oct. 29.

York, a voter must have one of several permissi- ers, the mayor noted.

This year, according to de Blasio, the City ble reasons, such as being out of New York City has increased accessibility to voter registration on Election Day, temporary illness or disability.

Ballot Usability • This proposal would remove all of the con• Reformatting the way ballots are laid out for citizens with limited English proficiency by ditions precedent for absentee ballots and allow – including font size, placement of instructions, providing translated versions of the voter regisvoters to request an absentee ballot as an alterna- placement of candidate names – can make them tration form in 11 new languages at nyccfb.info.

In addition to the four translations that were altive to in-person voting. more legible and user-friendly for voters.

• This legislation would make it easier to read ready available – Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Bengali – the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant AfElectronic Poll Books a ballot and reduce errors in voting. fairs, the Mayor’s Office of Operations, and the • This legislation would authorize the use of Campaign Finance Board have now provided electronic poll books to ease the voting process Pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds and mitigate the issue of long waits at voting • This proposal would allow 16- and 17-year- translations in Russian, Haitian Creole, Arabic, sites. olds to pre-register to vote, including in schools French, Urdu, Albanian, Greek, Tagalog, Yid• Thirty-two states and the District of Co- at the time that students register for class selec- dish, Polish, and Italian. These efforts, the mayor lumbia already use electronic poll books. tion each year. The pre-registration would be noted, ensure that more than 90 percent of limited English proficient eligible voters in the five optional.

Consolidation of Primary Elections • Once registered, the Board of Elections boroughs are able to register on a form in their • This legislation would consolidate all of the shall maintain registration on file and registra- language.

Popular Annual Street Fair Shows why Woodhaven is ‘Wonderful’

Hundreds of families annually attend the Wonderful Woodhaven street fair.

By Michael V. Cusenza Families from all over the World’s Borough on Sunday flocked to a slice of south Queens that many of The Forum’s faithful readers would say is wonderful 365 days a year – but especially on a certain Sunday in October.

The Greater Woodhaven Development

Photos Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

Corporation’s annual Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival once again boasted fair staples like rides, bounce houses, craft and merchant booths, and, of course, festival fare for the borough foodies.

For lifelong Woodhaven resident Alex Blenkinsopp, Wonderful Woodhaven is an annual trip down Memory Lane ( Jamaica Avenue).

Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation/Woodhaven Business Improvement District Executive Director Maria Thomson (with mic) anchored a gallery of civic leaders and elected officials on stage last Sunday in south Queens.

“I’ve attended the Wonderful Woodhaven enjoy a wide array of entertainment, try out Street Festival for decades now. I have many some of what the visiting vendors are offerfond memories of it from when I was a kid, ing, and patronize the local stores too. Resiand it’s still a lot of fun,” said Blenkinsopp, dents bump into friends, and connect with director of Communications for the Wood- the community groups and elected officials haven Residents’ Block Association. “People who set up tables on the avenue. It was a bofrom every corner of the neighborhood – and nus that we had gorgeous weather for this from beyond Woodhaven too – come out, year’s street fair.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 17

Schumer Urges Feds to Make Electronic Speeding Devices Mandatory in Big Rigs

By Forum Staff

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has reached out to the federal Department of Transportation, urging the agency to quickly adopt a proposed rule that would require electronic speeding devices in large trucks, buses, and school buses over 26,000 pounds.

In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed installing electronic devices that limit large commercial truck speeds on roadways, and requiring the devices to be set to a maximum speed. Schumer said this rule should be finalized as swiftly as possible so that installation of the systems can begin immediately and drivers can be properly trained.

“For every New York City driver or commuter who has been next to or in the crosshairs of a speeding big rig, a technology like this can’t come fast enough,” Schumer said on Sunday. “Trucks and large buses that barrel down our roads unsafely put everyone in danger, but now that we have a sensible technology that can make extreme truck and bus speeds a thing of the past, we must push the feds to accelerate its swift adoption. New York City bridges are just a few of New York’s big rig attraction sites, and so, capping speed in a safe and reasonable way will make everyday drivers safer.”

File Photo

Sen. Schumer has called on the U.S. DOT to finalize a proposed rule that would require electronic speeding devices in large trucks, buses, and school buses over 26,000 pounds.

According to the NHTSA, in 2014 there were 3,903 people killed and 111,000 people injured nationwide in crashes involving large trucks. Of the people killed in large truck crashes, 83 percent were occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians, Schumer noted.

According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, since 2009, there has been a 15 percent increase in fatalities and a 50 percent rise in the number of injuries in large-truck crashes.

And according to the State Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2014, there were

10,742 police-reported large-truck crashes in New York. Of these crashes, 990 were related to unsafe speed, Schumer added.

Approximately 70 percent of trucking companies already use electronic limiters, according to the American Trucking Associations. Schumer said that adopting this proposal could help reduce the more than 1,000 fatalities involving heavy vehicles and speed every year. He also said that while many trucks and large vehicles are operated safely, technology like speed-limiters, when used correctly, can help crack down on the few bad actors who are putting lives in danger.

“While truck speed limiters will not prevent all crashes, they will certainly significantly reduce both the number and severity of these accidents,” Schumer wrote in his letter to FMCSA Administrator T.F. Scott Darling III and NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “It’s for these reasons that I urge your agencies to move swiftly to finalize this rule.”

Schumer added that the benefits of the proposed rule are two-fold: requiring electronic speeding devices in trucks would not only help save lives and prevent injuries, but also positively impact the environment.

According to NHTSA and FMCSA, requiring speed limiting devices could result in fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions totaling $850 million annually.

City to Get $350K from AG to Combat Zombie Properties

By Forum Staff New York City is set to receive $350,000 in grant funding from State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s Office to help the five boroughs continue to tackle the problem of defunct properties and so-called “zombie homes” – vacant and abandoned houses that are not maintained during a prolonged foreclosure proceeding.

Schneiderman recently announced grant awards totaling $12.6 million to aid 76 cities, towns, and villages across the state address zombie properties.

The grants were awarded under the Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative, which Schneiderman established in July with funds drawn from the $3.2 billion settlement agreement with Morgan Stanley that the attorney general, as co-chair of the federal-state working group on residentialmortgage-based securities, negotiated in February. That settlement generated $550 million in cash and consumer relief for New Yorkers, according to Schneiderman.

“Too many homeowners across New York are still struggling to rebuild their communities in the wake of the housing crisis caused by major banks,” he said. “I’m proud that the funding obtained by my office’s settlement with Morgan Stanley will now help cities and towns across the state reverse the proliferation of zombie properties, which invite crime and threaten the value of surrounding homes. These grants will help rebuild, revitalize, and stabilize communities across the state.”

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a national community development intermediary that specializes in affordable housing, economic development, and community revitalization, is overseeing the initiative; selected the grantees; and will be providing technical assistance to

Photo Courtesy of the State Attorney General’s Office

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

the funded municipalities as they implement their plans, Schneiderman said.

The money will address housing vacancy and blight by bolstering municipalities’ capacity for housing code enforcement, for tracking and monitoring vacant properties, and for legal enforcement capacity to ensure banks and

18 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

mortgage companies comply with local and state law, according to the AG’s Office.

The initiative coincides with the June 2016 passage of the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act, a bill written by Schneiderman. Among other provisions, the law requires banks to register any properties abandoned by their owners with the Department of Financial Services and to maintain those properties during the foreclosure process, and not just once the process has been completed. Banks face significant fines for non-compliance. The State will share the registry with localities and will run a toll-free hotline for individuals to report such properties, Schneiderman said.

Grants ranged from $52,500 to $350,000, and were awarded to municipalities as large as New York City, with a population of 8.5 million and an estimated 9,692 vacant properties, and the Town of Hempstead, with a population of 760,000 and an estimated 1,286 vacant properties; and as small as the Town of Ticonderoga, with a population of 5,042 and an estimated 104 vacant properties, the attorney general noted.

Municipalities with populations of at least 5,000 residents and at least 100 vacant and abandoned properties were invited to apply for the funds through a competitive application process. Funding decisions were based on the following criteria: the number of abandoned properties within the municipality; the proportion of such properties compared to the overall size of the municipality; its level of general economic distress; and its demonstrated interest in addressing the problem of housing vacancy and blight, Schneiderman said. In total, 108 municipalities were invited to apply for funding; 76 submitted proposals; and all were awarded grants.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 40 OCOTOBER 6, 2016| THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 1915

Addabbo Trumpets Eighth-Grader’s Anti-Bullying Project

By Forum Staff There’s no mix-up when it comes to bullying. More than 3 million kida are the victims of bullying every day in the U.S. and about 160,000 teens skip school on a daily basis because of it. And when it comes to conveying that message, Sam Verstanding, 8th grader, a student at Yeshiva of Central Queens means business.

Sam is the president of the anti-bullying club at the school and recently met with Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), to raise awareness and further the cause to stop bullying.

Sam attended the senator’s mobile office hours at the Forest Hills Library to discuss the school’s Mix It Up club, whose goal it is to teach tolerance of others and embrace each others differences. Additionally, the club focuses on teaching students how to react when others are bullyed.

“Too often, we see young lives lost far too soon due to bullying, and with the advance-

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

Sen. Addabbo congratulates Sam Verstandig on a job well done with the Mix It Up club.

ments in technology, our kids are now more vulnerable to experience mean and unfriendly behavior than ever before,” said Addabbo.

The club’s outreach efforts have included a Mix It Up at Lunch Day encouraging students to sit with other students at lunch instead of their normal group of friends. Sam has organized ice breakers to help classmates gets to know each other, as well as holding a moment

Relocation of Dairy Company to JFK North will Preserve and Create Jobs: EDC

By Forum Staff

Moreover, Bartlett Dairy was selected because it employs 75% of its workforce from Queens and Brooklyn, for their ability to help strengthen the city’s food economy and connectivity between upstate and the City, and because they provide extensive training and career movement for their employees; many of whom do not have college degrees.

Part of the real estate transaction with Bartlett involved receiving NYCIDA tax benefits to facilitate relocation to the JFK North Site, retain approximately 200 existing jobs and the creation of 50 new permanent jobs. The NYCIDA Board voted unanimously to approve the transaction earlier today. “…Bartlett Dairy's redevelopment of the JFK North Site into a manufacturing and distribution center will reinforce the City's dairy supply, bridge the upstate and downstate food economy, and revitalize the JFK Industrial Business Zone," said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.

Bartlett Dairy is a minority-owned, familyrun dairy and dry goods distribution company that has been in operation since 1968. The Queens-based company employs over 400 people across three locations in Jamaica, Newark and Rochester and delivers dry and perishable goods to schools, hotels, grocery, and restaurants amongst others. Their largest contracts include the New York City Department of Education, the Archdiocese of New York, and Starbucks.

Development of the JFK North site, which is expected to create 91 construction jobs, will commence in fall 2018, with completion expected in fall 2020.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced the selection of Bartlett Dairy and Food Service, a family-run local business, to develop a 56,000 square foot distribution and manufacturing center on a significant portion of the John F. Kennedy ( JFK) North Site, one of the largest city-owned manufacturing zoned properties.

NYCEDC issued an RFEI in February 2015 seeking proposals for redevelopment of the JFK North Site with responses due in May 2016. To keep and grow their business right here in New York City, Bartlett responded to the RFEI because of their need to relocate both their corporate office and distribution facility.

EDC selected Bartlett because of their ability to meet the industrial manufacturing criteria, for their commitment to the City’s Living Wage and NYCEDC’s HireNYC requirements for Photo Courtesy of the Pan Gregorian of employees, as well as meeting a 30% MWBE Metro New York and Long Island contracting goal for design and construction.

20 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

of silence for all the children who lost their lives due to bullying.

Now, the club has become so popular, it no longer has the space or resources to accommodate everyone who wants to join. Sam has prepared a schedule and a budget for fundraising and events throughout this school year that he is working on with faculty and students.

With more than seventy percent of students

reporting incidents of bullying as a problem at their school, it continues to plague the American school system. Only 10% of students from the 4th through the 8th grades do not report having been bullied. Studies show that physical bullying increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school.

Verbal abuse, on the other hand, remains constant.

One in 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying.

“I am so proud to see not only the dedication Sam has put into building this club, but also the immense amount of interest that his classmates have in joining and helping to spread the message about how harmful bullying can really be,” Addabbo said. “As the father of two young girls, I understand the importance of teaching children to celebrate each other’s difference rather than criticize them.”

Those who wish to find out more information about the Mix It Up club at Yeshiva or Central Queens should visit http://ycqmixitup.weebly.com/.

Special Guest at Fall Fest

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Saturday welcomed hundreds of families at his annual Fall Festival at Victory Field in Forest Park in Woodhaven.

Among the guests was fan fave Mr. Met, who apparently liked Ulrich’s choice of bowtie for the event that featured fall crafts, a bounce house, and of course, a pumpkin patch.

The Victory Field fair was the first of two in Council District 32 that are sponsored and hosted by Ulrich. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Fall Festival moves to Addabbo Playground in Tudor Park in Ozone Park. No word yet on the availability of Mr. Met.

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 21

Help Wanted OFFICE HELP: FOR ORDER TAKING,PHONES, LIGHT DATA, COMMISSION. ENTRY LEVEL. WILL TRAIN! $720.00 PER WEEK, MEDICAL, DENTAL, 401 K. 2 WEEKS VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. APPLY IN PERSON AT : CALLAHEAD CORP. 304 CROSSBAY BLVD QUEENS NY 11693

Legal Notices Notice of Qualification of KUM & GO, L.C. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/19/16. “ L.L.C.” will be added to the name per Sec. 204 of NYS LLC Law. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Iowa (IA) on 11/10/97. Princ. office of LLC: 6400 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50266. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Cert. of Form. filed with IA Secy. of State, 6400 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50266. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

1501 Emmons LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/25/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Yacov Benlevi, 193-07 85th Rd., Holliswood, NY 11423. General purpose.

JALANA SHEREESE, LCSW, PLLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/24/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the PLLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5774 246TH CRESCENT, DOUGLASTON, NY 11362. General purpose.

THE MAJESTIC APTS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/27/2015. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 494 Seneca Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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Legal Notices BELL BLVD PLAZA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/23/2016. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 125 East Main Street #131, Kings Park, NY 11754. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Labrena LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/8/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Donovon Mason, 168-02 144th Dr., Springfield Gardens, NY 11434. General purpose.

GILDED MONDAY, LLC a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 5/23/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to C/O United States Corporation Agents Inc, 7014 13th Avenue Ste 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. General purpose.

JC PAYMENT, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/15/16. 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, 148-14 60th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

3515 MURRAY LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/05/16. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process toPETER YOM, 18951 45TH ROAD, FLUSHING, NY 11358

GL STOCK PHOTOS LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 6/28/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o 118-35 Queens Boulevard Suite 1610 Forest Hills, NY 11375. PURPOSE: Any lawful purpose.

UR ARA, LLC Articles of Org._ filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY)09/27/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY Desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 20-0745, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. Purpose: Any lawfulpurpose.

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Legal Notices Formation of IFB INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/12/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC, 15-32 127TH STREET, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that a Restaurant Wine Liquor License for beer and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer and wine at retail rates for on-premises consumption at Chuck E. Cheese’s #647 located at 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354 under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. CEC Entertainment, Inc.

149 Fey LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/9/16.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shallmail process to 149-23 507 WOODWARD LLC. Art. of Org. Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: General filed with the SSNY on 09/12/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against TRC 14Y LLC Arts of Org filed with it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of pro- Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/23/16. cess to the LLC, 28-29 199th Street, Flushing, Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to TRC DANTE TISI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/30/2016. Office loc: 14Y LLC, P.O.BOX 4448, BAYSIDE, NY, Queens County. SSNY has been designated 11360. Purpose: General. as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, C/O Esteban Erlich, 49-02 39th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

TENNIS COURT APTS., LLC Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/22/16. Office location: Queens Co. LLC formed in Florida (FL) on 3/4/16. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC 19548 Planters Point Dr Boca Raton, FL 33434. FL address of LLC: 19548 Planters Point Dr Boca Raton, FL 33434. Arts. Of Org. filed with FL Secy. of State, P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Purpose: any lawful activity 22 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Legal Notices MA ORGANICS, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 2/25/16.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 2617 28th Street, Apt 1, Astoria, NY 11102 BR HOLDINGS OF NEW YORK, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/30/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 130-12 90thAve., Richmond Hill, NY 11418, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

11617 ATLANTIC REALTY LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/12/2016. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 116-17 Atlantic Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation: 6912 ASJ LLC. Articles of Organization filed withSecretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October/2016. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 144-18 29th Rd., Flushing NY 11354Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 42 OCOTOBER 20, 2016| 23

HappyThanksgiving!

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Thanksgiving Order Form 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Choose “Russo’s Elegant Thanksgiving” or “Russo’s Butterball” Package.

Complete your delivery information.

Prepay in full to your Deli or Store Manager.

Please retain a copy for your records.

Store Manager retain a copy and fax copy to Chef Spiros @ Russo’s at 718-845-7185

LIMITED QUANTITIES! WILL SELL OUT! DEADLINE SUNDAY NOV. 20th 12 NOON* Delivered Cold w/Heating Instructions Thanksgiving Morning ONLY

-

Russo’s On The Bay Elegant Thanksgiving Dinner Serves 12 -15 People $239 + Tax *

Whole 16 - 18lb. Butterball Turkey roasted to perfection with fresh herbs and seasoning.

1/2 Tray Vegetable and Bread Stuffing 1/2 Tray Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows 1/2 Tray Russo’s House Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/2 Tray Sauteed String Beans and Onions OR Broccoli Oreganate 1/2 Tray Penne Vodka Sauce OR Penne a la Marinara Sauce Choice of ONE Homemade Pie from Russo’s Award Winning Bakery - Apple OR Pumpkin OR Coconut Homemade Cranberry Sauce

* Additional items available at a la carte price. See order form.

Russo’s On The Bay Butterball Thanksgiving Package $99 + Tax

- Whole 16 - 18lb. Butterball Turkey roasted to perfection with fresh herbs and seasoning and served with Homemade Turkey Gravy

*No Cancellations after Monday November 21st 12 Noon 24 OCTOBER 20, 2016 • Number 42 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP