THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | AUGUST 15, 2019

VOL. 19 • NUMBER 33 • AUGUST 15, 2019

SUBSTANDARD Analyses by State and City Comptrollers Reveal Queens Subway and LIRR Stations are Crumbling and Inaccessible

See Story on Pages 2 and 3 Photo Courtesy of Leonard Wiggins/MTA New York City Transit

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 33 AUGUST 15, 2019 | 1

Dozens of LIRR Stations in Queens and Brooklyn are Inaccessible and Falling into Disrepair: Stringer

By Michael V. Cusenza Dozens of Long Island Rail Road stations in Queens and Brooklyn are rife with deteriorating conditions and inaccessibility challenges that inhibit seniors, young children, and people with disabilities, according to City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who recently penned a letter to the president of the railroad detailing these issues and calling on the agency to make improving service, maintenance, and access at Queens and Brooklyn LIRR stations “a pressing priority.”

Currently, according to Stringer, five Queens and Brooklyn stations meet all Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements; and 14 are accessible by wheelchair.

“Despite these troubling accessibility gaps, plans to install an elevator at the Hunterspoint Avenue Station [in Long Island City] were indefinitely postponed, the $3 million ‘station renewal’ at St. Albans Station will not include ADA upgrades, [and] the installation of elevators at the Murray Hill Station is years behind schedule and $6 million over the original budget,” Stringer wrote in his Aug. 7 missive to LIRR President Phillip Eng. “These conditions are entirely unacceptable, particularly considering the hefty fee that New York City pays to the MTA

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Cashin/MTA LIRR

“Far too many [stations] are underutilized, inaccessible, deteriorating, and locked behind an exorbitant pay wall,” Comptroller Stringer said.

for station maintenance,” the comptroller added, noting that in Fiscal Year 2019, the City was required to allocate $97.4 million “for the maintenance, use, and operations of local commuter rail stations.”

Stringer said his office has received frequent complaints from area residents and passengers about deteriorating conditions at these stations including old and faded signage, malfunctioning ticket machines, excessive litter, unsanitary conditions, and

broken platform surfaces, as well as a lack of elevators or ramps.

“Maintaining and providing equitable access to our public transit system is critical to building a city that works for every New Yorker. The LIRR stations in Queens and Brooklyn should be providing fast, frequent, reliable, and affordable transit to hundreds of thousands of New York City residents living beyond the subway’s reach. Instead, far too many are underutilized, inaccessible, de-

teriorating, and locked behind an exorbitant pay wall,” the comptroller added. “This issue isn’t just about basic maintenance—it’s an issue of fairness. Behind every motionless elevator or deteriorating station there are New Yorkers who can’t travel. There are people who can’t make it to school or the doctor or a job interview. We need to improve mobility and job access throughout the five boroughs, and that means we need to invest in our commuter rail stations, dramatically reduce in-city fares on the LIRR and MetroNorth, allow free transfers to the subway and bus, and increase off-peak frequencies.”

In his two-page letter, Stringer called on Eng and the LIRR to provide a comprehensive timeline for the agency to meet its commitment to comply with the ADA upgrades at 18 Queens and two Brooklyn stations. The letter also requested a concrete roadmap regarding station rehabilitation plans at Hollis and Hunterspoint Avenue, the construction of new stations in Elmhurst and Sunnyside, and the installation of elevators at Murray Hill, Nostrand Avenue, and St. Albans.

“The 25 LIRR stations in these boroughs play an integral role in the city’s transportation network, particularly in neighborhoods sitting beyond the subway map,” Stringer wrote. “As such, it is important that these stations are fully accessible, well-maintained, and well-served by LIRR commuter rail lines.”

DCP Report Says Storefront Vacancy Rates are ‘Volatile…Cannot be Explained by a Single Factor’

By Forum Staff The retail industry is changing rapidly across the five boroughs and the country; vacancy rates are volatile, vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and street to street, and cannot be explained by a single factor; and vacancy is concentrated only in certain neighborhoods and is influenced by local and citywide market forces and spending patterns, according to a new report by the Department of City Planning.

According to DCP, “Assessing Storefront Vacancy in NYC” offers a “detailed exploration of recent retail trends and storefront vacancies in New York City in the context of shifting technology, economic forces, and consumer preferences.” It also explores how the retail industry is changing, and found that both e-commerce spending and brick-and-mortar spending are increasing nationwide. While many New Yorkers are increasingly purchasing dry goods online, restaurants, bars, local services like salons, and new models of retail (pop-ups, escape rooms, bookstore cafes, “omni-channel” providing online and in-store offerings) are growing across the five boroughs.

DCP officials characterized the new analysis as “the most data-driven, in-depth look at these issues to date,” noting that the

File Photo

“DCP’s research shows that the reasons for storefront vacancies are complex and varied and that solutions must be nuanced and targeted—or we may do more harm than good,” said DCP Director Marisa Lago.

study surveyed shopping corridors in 24 neighborhoods across the five boroughs, including Astoria, Jackson Heights, and Laurelton in Queens.

Across the 24 study areas, DCP analyzed 10,000 storefronts using third-party data based on on-the-ground surveys.

Looking at trends from late 2017 through fall 2018, the study also used demographic, land use and real estate data, and input from local business associations.

According to DCP, a 5-10 percent vacancy rate is generally considered to be

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“healthy” by the industry, though rates can fluctuate over time. During the time period studied, the neighborhoods with the lowest vacancy rates were Jackson Heights (5.1 percent), New Dorp/Staten Island (6.7 percent), Kingsbridge/Bronx (7.8 percent), Morris Park/Bronx (8.1 percent) and Laurelton (8.3 percent). These neighborhoods, generally in areas farther from Manhattan, appeared to benefit from solid customer bases and little market volatility, DCP officials indicated.

The study also found that shopping cor-

ridors with moderate-to-high vacancy rates are shaped by very different causes. While high rents are often viewed as the reason for retail vacancies, the study found that many additional factors—such as local customer base, transit access, building types, active or planned construction, zoning regulations, and challenges of operating a small business—also influence vacancy rates.

DCP officials also posited that the city’s shopping corridors “are central to its vitality, and the City should continue to monitor trends, identify ways to support small business, and ensure that any policies created to shape storefront uses are adequately flexible to allow businesses to adapt easily in order to meet our neighborhoods’ diverse and changing conditions.

“In an ever-changing city where neighborhood shopping is an important facet of urban life, it’s crucial that we put as much reliable data as possible into the hands of business owners, residents, policy makers and elected officials. DCP’s research shows that the reasons for storefront vacancies are complex and varied and that solutions must be nuanced and targeted—or we may do more harm than good. And, encouragingly, our research also reveals that many community shopping districts are thriving,” said DCP Director Marisa Lago.

Queens Subway Stations Had the Largest Share of Structural Components in Disrepair: Analysis

By Michael V. Cusenza Subway stations in Queens had the largest share of worn or damaged structural components in 2017 (44 percent), according to an analysis of Metropolitan Transportation Authority data by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Additionally, DiNapoli reported Friday, at the borough’s most heavily used station (Main Street on the No. 7 line) 45 percent of the structural components were worn or damaged.

According to the comptroller, the overall number of repairs needed in New York City’s subway stations has increased, leaving fewer stations in good condition as the system has deteriorated faster than the pace of repairs.

According to the analysis, MTA New York City Transit surveys stations every five years, looking at structural components (e.g. stairs, platforms, ventilators) and architectural components (e.g. tiles, lighting, walls and ceilings), and rating their condition from 1.0 to 5.0. Under 3.0 is considered in good repair and 3.0 and over are worn or damaged. Serious conditions are rated 4.0 or higher. The MTA recently completed its latest survey, which is based on 2017 observations. DiNapoli’s analysis

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Cashin/MTA New York City Transit

Queens subway stations had the largest share of structural components in disrepair in 2017.

is based on that survey.

Of the nearly 15,500 subway station structural components, the 2017 Transit survey found that 29 percent were worn or damaged, up from 27 percent in 2012.

A significant concern is the deterioration in platform edges, which are important to rider safety. A decade ago, Transit made a concerted effort to fix crumbling platform edges after several passengers fell onto the

tracks, but the share of edges in need of repair has grown. The latest survey found that 65 percent of platform edges were worn or damaged, up from 43 percent in 2012 (57 percent needed repair in 2007). The number with serious problems (11 percent) went virtually unchanged from 2012 to 2017.

One-third of all stations (158) had serious structural deficiencies (those rated 4.0

or higher) in 2017, down from 188 in 2012.

Transit reduced the total number of serious structural deficiencies at all stations by 25 percent between 2012 and 2017 to 474 structural components. The overall number of serious architectural defects was reduced by 89 percent. Despite these efforts, the total number of structural defects (rated 3.0 and above) increased by 8 percent, to 4,491. In addition, only 26 of the 471 stations surveyed (5.5 percent) had all of their structural and architectural components in good repair, half as many as in 2012.

While Queens had the largest share of structural components in disrepair, the borough also had more stations in good repair than five years earlier. NYCT reported that all of the structural components in 12 of 81 stations were in good repair, up from 1 in 2012.

“The rising number of potentially hazardous worn or damaged platform edges is particularly troubling,” DiNapoli said.

“On the plus side, the MTA has been able to reduce the number of the most serious station defects, but a lot more needs to be done to address declining station conditions. It is up to the MTA to prioritize its limited resources to ensure its next capital program improves service and conditions for riders.”

Pols Tout Religious Garb Law each other’s rights and dignity. No New Yorker should have to choose between their profession and their religious beliefs.”

The bill was initially proposed in response to the case of Kevin Harrington, a Sikh subway

operator for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who was initially ordered to remove his turban and wear an MTA uniform hat and then a turban affixed with an MTA logo.

The new law takes effect in 60 days on Oct. 9.

Cops Search for Casino Thief

Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Weprin’s Office

“No New Yorker should have to choose between their profession and their religious beliefs,” Assemblyman Weprin said.

By Forum Staff Elected officials, advocates, and community leaders on Tuesday gathered at the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill to celebrate the signing of the Religious Garb Bill which prohibits employment discrimination based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair.

The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, adds language to the Human Rights Law clarifying that the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of one’s religion is protected under law unless an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate the

person’s religious practice without undue hardship on the conduct of its business.

The measure was first introduced by Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill) in 2011 and has passed the Assembly each year since 2013. It was sponsored by State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) in the Senate where the change in leadership earlier this year helped the bill to finally pass the chamber, Weprin added.

“The historic religious garb bill makes it clear that New Yorkers will not tolerate any discrimination against people of faith in the workplace,” the assemblyman said. “At a time when instances of bigotry and hate are increasing, it is our duty to stand up for

Police this week reached out to the public on Twitter for help in identifying a man wanted in connection with a robbery last month at Resorts World Casino New York City.

According to authorities, shortly after 3 a.m. on July 29, the suspect stole a patron’s wallet, which contained $600 and assorted credit cards.

Anyone with information is asked to call (718) 845-2261; reference case #2019-1455. Or call (800) 577-TIPS (8477); 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.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 33 AUGUST 15, 2019 | 3

Weprin Lauds Signing of ‘Alice’s Law’

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The new law is named after Alice Ross, who in 2003 was on her way to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Bellerose when her car was struck by another vehicle triggering a crash on Commonwealth Boulevard that resulted in her death.

By Forum Staff Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill) on Thursday thanked Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing “Alice’s Law,” a measure he sponsored that imposes criminal penalties on those who engage in staged accidents for the purposes of insurance fraud. The legislation creates a Class E felony for staged motor-vehicle accidents when a person intentionally causes a collision with the intent to commit a fraudulent insurance act. It also establishes a Class D felony—punishable by up to seven years in prison—for when a person commits the same crime and causes serious physical injury to another individual who was not a participant in the crime.

The law is named after Alice Ross, 71, a wife

and grandmother who in 2003 was on her way to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Bellerose when her car was struck by another vehicle triggering a crash that resulted in her death. According to Cuomo, the tragedy was the result of an intentional attempt to commit auto insurance fraud by the other driver who planned to file insurance claims and receive a substantial settlement as a result of the crash.

“The signing of this legislation closes loopholes in the insurance law, adds higher penalties for those who stage auto accidents, and rightfully honors the memory of Alice Ross,” Weprin said.

The assemblyman added that these staged accidents result in phony insurance claims for fake crash injuries costing companies and their policyholders upwards of $1 billion per year.

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Legislation Boosts Pet Dealer Standards

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

The law’s enhancements set guidelines to increase health and safety standards in animal care for all pet dealers.

By Forum Staff Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday signed legislation to increase health and safety standards in animal care for all pet dealers.

According to Cuomo, the enhancements set “clear guidelines” for sanitary living enclosures and food receptacles, annual veterinary examinations, regular grooming, diurnal light cycles, and separate spaces for pregnant dogs which provide sufficient room to nurse and care for a litter.

“If pet dealers are going to profit from the sale of living animals, they should at the very least adhere to basic standards of decency and care,” the governor said. “These new rules will create safer, more sanitary and more humane conditions for animals while they wait for a new permanent home.”

Under the new law, the minimum standards

of care for all pets in the custody of pet dealers will be raised to require that primary enclosures for animals must be cleaned daily and sanitized every two weeks. Isolation areas for ill animals must meet the housing requirements for healthy animals.

“This legislation, which I was proud to sponsor, provides much needed protections and standards for treatment of companion animals under the care of pet dealers and breeders,” said State Sen. Jen Metzger (D-Middletown). “Now that this legislation has been signed into law, New Yorkers can be assured that the animals they purchase have been properly cared for, which is so important to their long-term health. The law also provides much-needed protection from the kind of abusive practices and negligent behavior that has occurred at unscrupulous puppy mills, which care only about profit with little regard for the animals’ welfare.”

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Maspeth Company Admits Wage Theft

Maspeth-based AGL Industries will be responsible for $6.25 million in restitution.

By Forum Staff A joint investigation between the State Department of Labor and the Manhattan district attorney's Construction Fraud Task Force has led to a plea agreement that will return approximately $6 million in stolen wages to about 500 welders and iron workers, the largest single wage recovery in DOL’s 115-year history, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

The probe, which began following a referral by Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance and Ironworkers Local 361 in February 2018, revealed that from November 2013 until December 2017, Maspethbased AGL Industries cheated workers out of overtime pay and wages owed and reported fraudulent financial information to the State. When workers brought concerns about underpayment to the company, they were told that there was nothing they could do to receive their proper wages.

The structural steel fabrication company has admitted to third-degree grand larceny and will pay back the money on a five-year plan, starting with a $1.5 million payment on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Company official Dominic Lofaso also pleaded guilty to grand larceny.

According to the State, in total, AGL will be responsible for $6.25 million in restitution, which in addition to wage restitution also includes $260,855 in contributions due to the State’s Unemployment Insurance fund.

“We have absolutely zero tolerance for any business that exploits workers and robs employees of hard-earned wages—period,” Cuomo said. “With this plea agreement we’re holding AGL Industries accountable for its fraudulent practices and returning

Photo Courtesy of Google

millions in stolen wages to hundreds of welders and iron workers.”

Matthew Chartrand, business manager for Ironworkers Local 361, added, “Through the efforts of the Construction Fraud Task Force, as well as the great team at the Department of Labor, one of the bad players in the construction field is being brought to justice.”

The administration called Tuesday’s development a “monumental victory for construction workers—who face some of the most treacherous working conditions of any industry and widespread exploitation—is the latest high-profile takedown by the Task Force aiming to prosecute wage theft to the fullest extent of the law.”

In 2018, the State DOL collected nearly $35 million and returned that money to approximately 35,000 workers victimized by wage theft and public work violations.

Since 2011, DOL has recovered nearly $300 million in stolen wages and returned it to more than 280,000 workers who were cheated by their employers.

“This landmark conviction will restore nearly $6 million to workers who were cheated out of their rightful earnings,” Vance said. “Hundreds of iron workers and welders will now see their wages restored, thanks to my Office’s Construction Fraud Task Force—which has restored approximately $7.4 million to workers since its creation—and the New York State Department of Labor. We are committed to fighting wage theft, which impacts employees across all industries, but is especially common in the construction industry. I urge anyone whose earnings are being stolen to contact our Task Force through WhatsApp at (646) 712-0298, where you can submit tips anonymously.”

FAITH TALK Life is full of transitions that force us to move from one state of certainty to another. The time between role changes is especially difficult because adjusting to the new role takes time.

As we move, for example, from the single state to being married, from being parents to the empty nest, or from employment to retirement, we shift from familiar to unfamiliar roles. Unless our happiness rests upon a sure footing, we are likely to end up on an emotional roller coaster.

Does that describe you? Let me assure you that neither the ups or downs of life will make or break you if your relationship with the Lord is strong. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) was written by a man whose ups and downs included popularity and persecution, sumptuous meals and hunger, prosperity and poverty. Through

it all, the Apostle Paul had learned to be content because he had discovered that God’s grace is sufficient in times of bounty as well as need. Paul was a man in Christ who accepted all experiences as a part of God’s plan. If it meant prosperity, he was a man in Christ and that was all. If it meant want, he was a man in Christ and that was all.

Having Christ in your heart enables you to do all things because you have a constant inner contentment whatever your circumstances. It makes both poverty and prosperity of little significance. The secret of contentment is not learned in one or the other, but in experiencing both. If your contentment is focused on all you enjoy in Christ – the assurance that He loves you, speaks peace to your heart, guides and provides for you – it is completely independent of circumstances. It is a sure footing for happiness.

Pastor Stephen Roser Howard Beach Assembly of God THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 33 AUGUST 15, 2019 | 5

EDITORIAL The Pledge “Make America Safer.”

Simple enough. Right?

Not for us. We have to complicate things.

We have to think about political fundraising.

We have to keep the almighty gun lobby in mind. We have to worry about sugar daddies on the Right AND Left who might be offended.

But we stand alongside Gov. Andrew Cuomo as he asks—demands—that all Democratic presidential candidates endorse those three words and his four-point plan to keep Americans safe from gun violence: • Outlaw assault weapons and high-capacity magazines • Create a mental health data base to prevent the dangerously mentally ill from purchasing a firearm • Pass universal background checks closing the private gun sales loophole • Pass Red Flag legislation preventing individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others from purchasing a firearm “My heart breaks for the victims of the horrific shooting in El Paso earlier today,” Cuomo said in a statement on Aug. 3.

“While President Trump cowardly kowtows to the NRA, the gun violence epidemic is tearing apart our nation and people are dying. Thoughts and prayers will not stop this madness. In New York, we stand up to the

NRA. We stand up for the safety of children.

We stand up for sanity. It’s past time leaders in Washington did the same. Until they do, these senseless murders will continue.”

“We stand up for sanity.”

Simple enough. Right?

Not for Washington, where it seems that

only an act of God will get Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to do anything remotely resembling revolutionary gun-safety legislation. He can even copy off of us if he needs to.

Six years ago, following the Sandy Hook school tragedy, New York passed the stron-

gest gun safety laws in the nation. The SAFE Act helps to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons and individuals with a mental illness, ensures private gun sales are subject to a background check, bans highcapacity magazines and assault weapons, and toughens criminal penalties for illegal gun use.

Since the passage of the SAFE Act, 139,371 reports from mental health professionals have been received by state officials intended to keep weapons away from people with mental illnesses that are likely to “engage in conduct that will cause serious harm to self or others.” These reports—which represent nearly 98,000 people with a potential dangerous mental disposition—are used to notify appropriate local licensing officials who suspend or revoke weapon licenses and prompt local law enforcement officials to remove weapons that are not surrendered.

New York State passed the laws six years ago and they have worked. No legal gun owners' rights have been violated but unnecessary, dangerous weapons are off the streets and dangerously mentally ill people cannot by guns.

The Empire State is the laboratory. We provided the experiment. Now do it nationwide.

Simple enough. Right?

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Former Correction Officer Cops to Smuggling Contraband into Rikers Jail

By Michael V. Cusenza A former City Correction officer has admitted to smuggling contraband into a Rikers Island jail for cash payments, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

Simon Gordon, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into a facility on the island.

According to authorities, from approximately January 2018 through July 2018, Gordon agreed to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband, including marijuana, into one of the jails on Rikers Island. On July 29, 2018, City Department of Investigation officials monitoring a telephone call between Gordon’s co-conspirators overheard a discussion about a cash payment made to Gordon in exchange for smuggling contraband into the jail. Specifically, co-conspirator 2 told co-conspirator 1 that Gordon was given two “bands,” coded language referring to $2,000, and that co-conspirator 2 had “six balls,” code for six packages of narcotics, for Gordon.

On July 30, 2018, when Gordon arrived for work, he was searched and found to have a package containing marijuana concealed in the crotch of his pants. The package was coated with clear nail polish, to mask the smell of marijuana.

“Gordon betrayed the trust placed in him as a correction officer when he accepted bribes to smuggle contraband into

File Photo

“City Correction officers who accept bribes to transport contraband into correctional facilities undermine the safety and security of the jails, as well as of their fellow officers,” said DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett.

Rikers Island, jeopardizing the safety and security of the correctional facility,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue.

“This Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Gordon who corrupt our correctional institutions.”

DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett added, “City Correction officers who accept bribes to transport contraband into correctional facilities undermine the safety and security of the jails, as well as of their fellow officers. In this case, a correction officer who pocketed cash in return for bringing in marijuana to Rikers Island is now convicted and no longer a City employ-

ee—sending a strong message that New York City has no tolerance for this illegal conduct.”

When sentenced, Gordon faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Earlier this year, a City CO, a former Rikers Island inmate and three civilians—including two people who worked in a Brooklyn afterschool program—were indicted for smuggling marijuana and other contraband into jail.

Torray Riles, 36, a DOC officer since December 2016, was arraigned in April on four counts of third-degree bribe receiving, four counts of official misconduct, first and second-degree promoting prison contraband, attempted promoting prison contraband second-degree, third and attempted criminal sale of marijuana in the third and fourth-degree, fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, and sixth-degree conspiracy.

The other defendants, Joseph Swaby, 33, a former Rikers Island inmate; Vergillian Blount, 33; Damont Brooks, 23; and Aisha Tolbert, 41, were charged with third-degree bribery, third-degree criminal sale of marijuana, fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, first and second-degree promoting prison contraband, attempted promoting prison contraband in the second degree, and fifth and sixth-degree conspiracy.

During an investigation conducted by the Bronx DA’s Office and DOI, investigators discovered that Riles had been part of an ongoing conspiracy with Joseph Swaby to smuggle various contraband into the jail in exchange for money.

Husband Charged in Stabbing Death of Estranged Wife inside Jackson Heights Salon

By Forum Staff After fatally stabbing his wife inside of a Jackson Heights nail salon during the evening hours of Aug. 7, a Corona man has been charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

William Rivas, 39, allegedly entered the salon—where the victim worked—and repeatedly plunged a knife into the woman’s torso.

Rivas, who was hospitalized after the incident, was arraigned via video link from New York–Presbyterian Hospital Queens before Queens Criminal Court Judge Karina Alomar who ordered him held without bail and to return to court on Photo Courtesy of Google Rivas allegedly stabbed Santiago inside the Tu S’tilo Salon and Spa on Sept. 20.

Acting Queens District Attorney John Ryan said, “This 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

crime is a horrific act of domestic violence. The defendant in this case … burst into the salon as his wife worked and mercilessly stabbed her to death in front of horrified onlookers. The defendant—now in custody—faces the possibility of spending his life behind bars for his alleged actions.”

Shortly before 7 p.m. on August 7, Rivas entered Tu S’tilo Salon and Spa located on 37th Avenue and 93rd Street and approached his estranged wife, 35-year-old Carmen Iris Santiago and stabbed her multiple times in the torso. The victim, the mother of two, was transported to a nearby hospital where she died. Rivas remained at the scene and was apprehended after police discovered him lying on top of his wife’s bloodied body.

Rivas was later removed to a local hospital where he was treated for lacerations sustained during the attack.

If convicted, Rivas faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

St. Albans Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Shooting at Former Friend outside Barbershop

By Forum Staff A St. Albans resident has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for shooting a former friend outside of a Merrick Boulevard barbershop in Laurelton on June 13, 2018. The defendant argued and fought with the victim prior to shooting him once in the face.

Acting Queens District Attorney John Ryan said, “The defendant in this case cold-heartedly shot and could have killed a man he once considered a friend. The victim suffered serious injuries during the shooting and had to have surgery. The sentence imposed by the Court is appropriate.”

David Francis, 24, was convicted of seconddegree attempted murder, first-degree assault

11 p.m. on June 13, 2018, Francis arranged to meet the victim, Khaleel Williams, at a barbershop on Merrick Boulevard and 228th Street.

They were supposed to be settling a dispute over a car. Shortly after the 29-year-old victim entered the shop, a verbal dispute ensued between the two men and that escalated to a physical fight. During the course of the altercation, Williams was asked to leave the barbershop. The defendant then followed the victim outside and demanded money for his damaged car, but the Photo Courtesy of Google victim refused to pay him.

Francis shot the victim near a barbershop on Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton.

Francis then pulled out a gun and fired once and second-degree criminal possession of a tenced the defendant to 20 years in prison to be at the victim, striking him in the face. Williams weapon. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira followed by five years’ post-release supervision. sustained extensive facial and mouth wounds reMargulis, who presided at the June trial, senAccording to trial records, at approximately quiring surgery.

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Economy Grows, Unemployment Stays Low: Analysis

The City’s economic growth outpaced the nation in the Second Quarter of 2019 as Gross City Product grew 3.4 percent compared to U.S. Gross Domestic Product, which grew 2.1 percent, and unemployment across the five boroughs remained near the record low of 4 percent, according to an analysis of the City’s economic performance released Thursday by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

The comptroller’s Second Quarter Economic Update also showed that the city experienced solid job and earnings growth, notably a growth in average hourly wages of 4.4 percent. Other indicators included a strong commercial real estate sector and continued weakness in the residential housing market.

“Our latest economic update reveals that New York City is on a strong economic footing. This is reflected in higher wages, a near record low unemployment rate, strong job growth, and continued strength in most other sectors,” Stringer said. “Despite the expansion, many New Yorkers are still feeling the squeeze of soaring costs on everything from rent to child care as a majority of the job growth continues to be in lower-paying industries. We have a lot more work to do to mitigate our affordability crisis, create access to good-paying jobs, provide affordable housing, and expand quality child care to ensure this city works for everyone. Today’s economic news is welcome—but the work of building a more equitable economy continues.”

According to Stringer’s analysis, the city’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.3 percent in Q2 2019 from 4.2 percent in Q1 2019—but still close to the record low of 4 percent. And private sector hiring

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph BACK TO SCHOOL— THE ABC’S OF HEAD LICE

File Photo

City Comptroller Scott Stringer

By Forum Staff

The Pharmacist’s Corner

surged in Q2; however, as Stringer noted, that growth was largely seen in low-wage jobs (paying less than $62,000 per year).

Of the 26,200 private sector jobs added in the second quarter, 17,300 (65.8 percent) were in low-wage industries; 3,500 (13.4 percent) were in medium-wage industries ($62,000 to $124,000), and 5,500 (20.8 percent) were in high-wage industries (paying more than $124,000).

The greatest increases in private sector jobs were in the health care and social assistance sectors, at 12,300 new jobs, of which nearly half—5,800 jobs—were in home healthcare services. Education services added 3,400 jobs after losing 2,700 jobs in Q1 2019. Leisure and hospitality added 1,700 jobs, all of which were in arts, entertainment, and recreation. Retail trade jobs increased for the third consecutive quarter, adding 1,600 jobs in Q2 2019. The information sector added 900 jobs and wholesale trade added 600 jobs in Q2 2019, which was the second quarter of gains after six consecutive quarters of job losses, according to Stringer’s Q2 analysis.

And it seems that the Big Apple economy will only get better, as the comptroller noted that leading economic indicators signal continued expansion. The current business condition index provided by ISMNew York, Inc., which measures the current state of the economy from the perspective of business procurement professionals, declined for the third consecutive quarter to 58.6 percent in Q2 2019, down from the record high of 74.7 percent in Q3 2018.

The ISM six-month outlook rose to 61.7 percent in Q2 2019. Both these indices are well above a reading of 50 percent indicating projected growth across a majority of industry experts, Stringer said.

10 AUGUST 15, 2019 • Number 33 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

While it may seem unbelievable, summer is almost over and kids will be heading back to school in a couple of weeks.

Generally, it’s a chaotic time for parents and children and also raises a warning flag about kids sharing more than their homework assignments –– head lice.

Tiny grayish brown insects, about the size of a sesame seed, head lice cling to hairs, close to the scalp where they feed.

They lay eggs that hatch in 7 to 10 days. It then takes about 10 days for a newly hatched louse to grow to an adult and start laying eggs.

Nits are the empty white eggshells that are left when lice hatch. They look like dandruff, but stick to hair and cannot be easily brushed out.

Lice are spread from close hair-tohair contact. Don’t believe any myth, which says, they do not jump or fly—they crawl–– period, and generally cannot survive longer than 24 hours off the host.

Head lice soon die when away from hair, and don’t live in clothes and bedding, etc.

If your child comes home with lice, a quick trip to your local pharmacy can put an end to the plight caused by these tiny parasites.

A wide selection of preparations is

available at your local pharmacy. Lice can cause a reaction on the scalp and cause itching. If you catch them early however, the itching may not even take effect.

Eight out of every 10 cases of lice can be cured with the use of insecticide lotion.

We suggest a water-based lotion, as the alcohol-based preparations can be highly flammable.

Dimeticone is another prep, which does not contain chemicals. Instead, it covers the lice and suffocates them. Reapplication is needed, as it doesn’t kill eggs.

Lice are often resistant to Over-TheCounter treatments, so you may need to ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand with different active ingredients and advise you to repeat the process.

Although treatment kills the adult lice it will not get rid of nits (empty egg cases). For this you’ll need a special fine-toothed comb, which you will also find at the pharmacy.

A number of herbal treatments and shampoos are available, such as Tea tree oil that may help to manage or prevent head lice.

Head lice can be very frustrating for all involved—so let your pharmacist help you rid yourself and your child of this problem.

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Ulrich Praises DEP for Road Fix

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) on Friday praised the City Department of Environmental Protection for their quick response to an Ozone Park road hazard.

Ulrich said he reported the “massive

pothole/partial street collapse” on 103rd Street between Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue “several days ago.” He later took to Twitter to thank DEP “for fixing it in record time!”

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office

FDNY Sends Notices to 10,000+ EMS Patients Concerning Possible Data Breach

By Forum Staff The City Fire Department recently notified more than 10,000 patients whom the FDNY EMS had previously treated and/or transported that their personal information may have been compromised by a loss of an agency employee’s personal external hard drive earlier this year.

The employee, who was authorized to access the records, had uploaded the information onto the personal external device, which was reported missing.

“On March 4, 2019, the New York City Fire Department (‘FDNY’) was notified that an FDNY employee’s personal portable hard drive was reported missing from an FDNY facility. This hard drive is a portable electronic data storage device that can be attached to a computer. It belonged to an employee authorized to access FDNY patient information and contained confidential personal information about patients who had been treated and/ or transported by an FDNY ambulance.

FDNY immediately initiated an expansive investigation which took several months to determine whether any patient data was involved, and then to also identify each and every patient whose PHI was involved.

Now that the investigation is complete, FDNY is contacting all individuals whose

File Photo

The personal information of more than 10,000 FDNY EMS patients may have been compromised by a loss of an agency employee’s personal external hard drive earlier this year.

PHI was contained on the missing hard drive,” a portion of the letter reads. “During the investigation, it was determined that the missing hard drive was unencrypted, which might allow the information it contained to be accessed by an unauthorized individual. There is no indication that information stored on the device has been accessed, but FDNY has chosen to err on the side of caution and treat this incident

as though the information may have been seen by an unauthorized individual or individuals. That is the reason that you are receiving this Notice.”

The FDNY has notified the impacted patients. Further, 3,000 patients whose Social Security numbers may have been compromised are being offered free credit monitoring.

The 10,253 patients who were notified

this week by mail of the data breach were all treated and or transported by EMS during the period from 2011 to 2018.

“The FDNY operates emergency ambulances in the New York City 911 System,” another portion of the letter reads. “A patient care report is created by the FDNY for each emergency call to which an ambulance responds. The patient care report contains personal information about the patient that may include name, address, gender, telephone number, date of birth, insurance information number as well as health information related to the reason for the ambulance call. Our records indicate that you were treated and/or transported by the FDNY. Your personal information may have been included on the patient care report for that call.”

The FDNY is following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 guidelines in notifying all persons whose information may have been compromised. The loss of the external drive was also reported to the City Police Department and internally to FDNY fire marshals and investigated.

Patients can call toll-free (877) 2131732 between the hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. if they have any questions about the breach or if they think their personal information was included in the breach.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 33 AUGUST 15, 2019 | 11

Katz Calls on Queens to Donate Backpacks

Your problems are our job.

Let us begin helping you with a free consultation.

File Photo

Borough President Katz and Sarah Murphy, the director of Development for the Coalition for the Homeless, posed with the backpacks and other school supplies that were dropped off at Borough Hall by contributors donating to the 2018 “Project: Back to School.”

By Michael V. Cusenza With the 2019-2020 school year just a couple weeks away, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is urging World’s Borough residents to donate backpacks and other school supplies as part of “Project: Back to School,” an annual drive organized by the Coalition for the Homeless that provides homeless children with backpacks filled with the items they need to succeed in the classroom.

Katz’s office is accepting donations of new backpacks and other school supplies now through Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens. Donations will be accepted on the first floor of Borough Hall in a box located inside the front entrance in the main lobby.

In addition to backpacks, the Coalition for the Homeless says supplies that can be donated include #2 pencils, hard and soft pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, crayons (24-count boxes), colored pencils, washable markers, Elmer’s glue, glue sticks, composition notebooks, binders, ruled paper, safety scissors, pocket folders and scientific calculators.

Donations dropped off at Borough Hall are anonymous and are not tax-deductible, Katz noted. All donated items will be distributed to homeless children across the five boroughs.

This is the sixth year in a row that Katz is partnering with the Coalition for the Homeless to host a “Project: Back to School” drop-off site at Borough Hall.

“According to the Coalition for the Homeless, nearly 115,000 New York City schoolchildren experienced homelessness at some point last year,” Katz said. “Let’s

make sure all kids have a chance to get the school year off to a good start with the supplies they need.”

The Coalition for the Homeless provides food and clothing, eviction prevention, crisis services, permanent housing, job training and youth programs to thousands of homeless New Yorkers each day.

The organization also advocates for proven, housing-based solutions to end homelessness.

“The Coalition for the Homeless has been thrilled to partner with Queens Borough President Katz in Project: Back to School for the past six years,” said Dave Giffen, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless. “The backpacks and school supplies so generously donated by the people of Queens help level the playing field for homeless girls and boys, allowing them to walk into that first day of school fully equipped and ready for class. More than 21,000 children will sleep in NYC homeless shelters tonight, and so we are truly grateful to BP Katz for her dedication to helping so many of them start the new school year off right.”

It’s been an eventful August for Katz.

She made the “Project: Back to School” announcement on Tuesday, a week after Tiffany Cabán conceded the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney to the borough president.

“There is still so much work to be done here in Queens—and you better believe I’m going to keep fighting,” Cabán said. “To every young person, to every woman, to every person of color, to every queer person, every single human being who was inspired by the campaign we built—you are next.

And I promise, I will be the first one knocking doors for you.”

12 AUGUST 15, 2019 • Number 33 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 33 AUGUST 15, 2019 | 13

Legal Notices BLOSSOM BY GIGI LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/01/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the BLOSSOM BY GIGI LLC, 11570 209TH STREET, CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, NY 11411. Purpose: General.

OMANG SERVICES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/18/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 10-02 44th Dr., Long Island City, NY 11101.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Lampros Communications LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/21/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 25335 61st Avenue, Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of CASSEY’S COOKIES AND COBBLERS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/16/13.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 257-48 144 TH AVENUE, ROSEDALE, NY 11422. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of Respect Auto Queens II LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/01/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Telos Legal Corp, 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 805A, Albany, NY 12210. Purpose: any lawful activities.

WOLF PHONE REPAIRS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/09/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the NATAN WOLF, 144-37 76th AVE, FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: General.

GITALI & DAUGHTERS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/26/19. 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, 14826 86th Avenue, Briarwood, NY 11435.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Chen & Cheng LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/6/2019. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 4728 Union St, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful activity.

HOUSE OF RIIRA LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/14/19. 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 HOUSE OF RIIRA LLC, 41-20 77TH ST. ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 11 th day of July 11, 2019 bearing Index Number NC-000386-19/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) JASMINE (last) KAUR. The city and state of my address is RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and year of my birth is August 2004; place of my birth is BROOKLYN, NY; my present name is SUKHMANDEEP KAUR (infant)

Notice of Formation of KREFT INTERNATIONAL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/12/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: KREFT INTERNATIONAL LLC 8614 55TH ROAD, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Obsidian Global Partners, LLC. Appl. for Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/25/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. Orig. juris.: DE. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 108-22 72nd Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of Briarwood Fulcrum WTC LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/28/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 36-35 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful activity.

267 CARLETON LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/05/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Athena Venetis, 239-59 65th Avenue, Douglaston, NY 11362. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

101-22 99TH STREET Filed w/ SSNY on 7/15/19. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 101-22 99TH REALTY LLC, 101-42 99TH STREET, OZONE PARK, NY 11416. Purpose: Law Sapphire Growth Partners, LLC. Appl. for Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/04/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. Orig. juris.: DE. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, c/o Robinson Brog, et al., Attn: John H. Riley, 875 Third Ave., 9th Fl., New York, NY 10022. Purpose: General.

Obsidian Global GP, LLC. Appl. for Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/22/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. Orig. juris.: DE. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 108-22 72nd Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: General.

Obsidian Global Management, LLC. Appl. for Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/22/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. Orig. juris.: DE. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 108-22 72nd Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375.

Purpose: General.

Obsidian Global Fund I, LP. Appl. for Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/22/19. Orig. juris.: DE on 02/21/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LP upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LP, 108-22 72nd Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375, which is the prin. off. address. Name & address of each gen. partner avail. from SSNY. Address of office maintained in DE is Corporations USA, LLC, 341 Raven Cir., Wyoming, DE 19934. Office of auth. officer where Cert of LP is on file in orig. juris. is: DE Secretary of State, 401 Federal St., Suite 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: General.

Edspace-II, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/03/14. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 136-18 39th Ave., Ste 507, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: General.

14 AUGUST 15, 2019 • Number 33 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice of Formation of A & A DREAM VENTURES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/29/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: A & A DREAM VENTURES LLC, 9151 88TH STREET WOODHAVEN, NY 11421. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of IMPERFECTIONSBYLLA LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/20/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: IMPERFECTIONSBYLLA LLC, 218-12 141st Road, Laurelton, NY 11413. Purpose: any lawful activity.

PASSION & PRIORITIES, LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/12/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the TIFFANY EASON, 153-30 89th AVE., APT.637, JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: General.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 25th day of JULY, 2019, bearing Index No. NC- 000445-19/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) RACHEL (last) LARIOS. My present name is RACHEL QUESADA. My city and state of my present address are Brooklyn, NY. The month and year of my birth are March 1989. The place of my birth is Queens, NY. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 11th day of JULY, 2019, bearing Index No. NC- 000395-19/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) BRANDON (middle) LEON-MAXIMUS (last) DUGGER. My present name is LEON DUGGER. My city and state of my present address are Wodhaven, NY. The month and year of my birth are July 1991.

The place of my birth is Brooklyn, NY. Notice of Formation of THE SOURCE CONSULTING GROUP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/23/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: TUNISHA W. WALKER-MILLER, 116-05 196TH STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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Nathan's Beef Franks 10-14 oz .

2

$ 99 SWEET, DELICIOUS

Jumbo Cantaloupes

2/ 4 $

USDA CHOICE

Bone-in Shell Steaks

7

$ 99

PER LB

$5.00 OFF

FARM FRESH, JUST PICKED

Iceberg lettuce

.99

¢

LB each

Nestle Pure Life Water 24 pk-16.9 oz

W/ADDITIONAL 3/ 10 $75.00 Haagen-Dazs PURCHASE Ice Cream $

Must buy 3 Limit 3 offers.

Customer responsible for tax and deposit

ASSORTED

Sliced to order

Boars Head American Cheese Yellow or White

14 fl oz cont.

GOOD ONLY FROM AUG 16 thru AUG 22 ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD NO OFFERS HONORED WITHOUT

4

$ 99

lb

PRESENTING THIS COUPON COUPON EXPIRES AUG 22 ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 AUGUST 15, 2019 • Number 33 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

2/ 6 $

w/card.

Must buy 2.

Limit 2 offers