THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | FEBRUARY 10, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 6 • FEBRUARY 10, 2022

BAY OK

Volunteers remove more than 800 Pounds of Trash from Wetland Estuary

See pages 2

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) last weekend helped lead a group of over 60 unpaid workers in removing hundreds of pounds of litter, trash, and debris from Jamaica Bay. Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 6• FEBRUARY 10 2022 | 1

Volunteers remove more than 800 Pounds of Trash from Jamaica Bay

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

The cleanup was hosted by Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy, NYC Plover Project and the National Park Service.

By Michael V. Cusenza Talk about a cleaning crew.

Last weekend’s cold weather couldn’t keep 60 dedicated volunteers from removing more than 800 pounds of litter, trash and debris from Jamaica Bay. The cleanup

was hosted by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy, NYC Plover Project and the National Park Service.

“I am so appreciative of these volunteers who are committed to making our wetlands and beaches safe and clean. While these cleanups are vital, we must step up our game to teach people you cannot use the Bay as a dumping ground, or just leave behind your belongings,” Pheffer Amato said.

During the morning cleanup volunteers discovered car seats, a full case of beer, a tent and so many other items that do not belong on the shoreline.

“Our beaches, bays and wetlands are a treasure, and should be treated as such,” the assemblywoman added.

Volunteers learned about endangered birds, like the piping plover, and ways to protect their nesting habitat.

“Rockaway is surrounded by water and our natural areas provide some of the region’s most important habitat for wildlife, especially nesting shorebirds. Partnering with our elected officials, like Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, to host volunteer

Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary in South Queens.

cleanups is critical to ensuring these spaces are kept free of debris but also an opportunity to educate the public about these important places,” said Alex Zablocki, executive director of the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Park Conservancy.

According to NYC Parks, Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary surrounded by the Rockaway Peninsula to the South, Brooklyn to the West, and South Queens

File Photo

to the East. Comprising an area almost equal to that of Manhattan, the bay consists of numerous islands, a labyrinth of waterways, meadowlands, and two freshwater ponds.

Pheffer Amato pledged to continue to host multiple cleanups this year. Anyone interested in getting involved, or learning more, can reach out to the assemblywoman’s office at amatos@nyassembly.gov.

MTA Fare Change Pilot Program to Begin at End of Month

By Forum Staff To encourage New Yorkers to get back on subways, buses, and trains, and to reduce the cost and worry surrounding everyday travel, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced a pilot fare program that is more affordable, more flexible and more fair.

The temporary promotional changes to fare structures will begin Feb. 28 for New York City Transit and Feb. 25 for commuter rail tickets. The pilot will last for at least four months.

Customers who tap and go with OMNY will be charged the standard $2.75 pay-per-ride fare for their first 12 trips starting every Monday. Any trips after that through the following Sunday would be free.

As a result, no OMNY customer would pay more than $33 per week, which is the current price of a seven-day unlimitedride MetroCard. Customers receive the benefits of a seven-day unlimited-ride card without having to decide to pay upfront.

Free transfers between subways and buses will continue to be offered to all customers under this pilot. Two-part trips that are linked by a free transfer between subway and bus are considered one trip toward the 12 needed to reach the free-fare threshold each week.

The pilot also offers promotional fares

Photo Courtesy of Marc Hermann/MTA

“Fare capping will save many of our riders money and give them more flexibility,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Meyer.

designed to encourage railroad ridership within New York City. The MTA will offer three major changes to railroad fares.

• A new 20-trip ticket will offer 20 percent off comparable 20 peak one-way fares when purchased through MTA eTix, or at a ticket window. These tickets are valid for 60 days.

• Monthly tickets, which are currently discounted between 48 percent and 61 percent of the price of a comparable number of one-way peak tickets,

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will be discounted by an additional 10 percent.

• CityTicket, which offers a reduced, flat fare for rail travel within New York City on weekends, will be extended to all weekday off-peak trains at a fare of $5. This is a $2.25 or 31-percent discount from Metro-North’s current weekday fare between the Bronx and Manhattan, which is $7.25. (CityTicket must be purchased and activated before boarding the train. Metro-North’s off-peak fare be-

tween the Bronx and Manhattan remains $13 when purchased on board the train.)

City Ticket is valid at these Metro-North stations: Botanical Garden, Fordham, Grand Central Terminal, Harlem - 125th Street, Marble Hill, Melrose, Morris Heights, Riverdale, Sputyen Duyvil, Tremont, University Heights, Wakefield, Williamsbridge, Woodlawn and Yankees E. 153rd Street.

This is a $2.75 or 35-percent discount from the LIRR’s current weekday fare between eastern Queens and Manhattan or Brooklyn, which is $7.75. (CityTicket must be purchased and activated before boarding the train. The LIRR’s off-peak fare between eastern Queens and Manhattan or Brooklyn remains $14 when purchased on board the train.) City Ticket is valid at these LIRR stations: Atlantic Terminal, Auburndale, Bayside, Douglaston, East New York, Flushing-Main Street, Forest Hills, Hollis, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Laurelton, Little Neck, Locust Manor, Mets-Willets Point, Murray Hill, Nostrand Avenue, Penn Station, Queens Village, Rosedale, St. Albans and Woodside.

All LIRR and Metro-North fares will remain off peak through Feb. 28, 2022.

“Fare capping will save many of our riders money and give them more flexibility,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer.

Two Men Charged after Shooting at Cops

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A shell casing was recovered near the intersection of Beach Channel Drive and 59th Street, where Collie allegedly fired at the uniformed officers.

By Forum Staff Two Far R ock away men have been charged in the shooting of an of f-dut y NYPD of f icer and the subsequent shootout w ith cops in Ar verne fol low ing a botched car-jack attempt last week , Queens Distr ict Attorney Melinda K atz announced Thursday.

Chad Col lie, 19, and Jayare R obinson, 18, were both arraigned Thursday. Col lie was arraigned on a 13-count complaint charging him w ith attempted murder in the f irst degree, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the f irst degree, attempted robber y in the f irst degree, cr iminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, attempted robber y in the second degree and assault in the second degree.

If conv icted of the top charge, Col lie faces up to 25 years to life in pr ison.

R obinson was arraigned on an 11-count complaint charging him w ith attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the f irst degree, attempted robber y in the f irst degree, cr iminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, attempted robber y in the second degree and assault in the second degree. If conv icted, R obinson faces up to 25 years in pr ison.

According to the charges, at approx imately 10 p.m. on Febr uar y 1, 2022, the defendants wal ked up to a vehicle stopped at a traf f ic light near the intersection of Beach Channel Dr ive and Beach 62nd Street in Far R ockaway. Col lie al leged ly tapped on the dr iver ’s side w indow and demanded that the dr iver ex it the vehicle.

The dr iver, a 22-year-old of f-dut y NYPD of f icer, then got out of the car.

Video sur vei l lance shows the defendants standing on either side of the v ictim, w ho then attempts to get away from them. Defendant Col lie al leged ly f ired three shots at the of f icer and one bul let

str uck him in the shoulder. The of f-dut y of f icer returned f ire but hit neither defendant. Col lie and R obinson then f led on foot from the scene.

Nearby uniformed of f icers in an unmarked police vehicle responded to the sound of g unf ire and spotted the defendants on Beach 62nd Street. They followed the defendants to the intersection of Beach Channel Dr ive and Beach 59th Street, stopped a few feet in front of them, and ex ited the vehicle.

According to the charges, defendant Col lie al leged ly f ired a shot at them, hitting the rear of their car. The defendants then al leged ly threw the g un, w hich was later recovered, into a patch of grass and continued r unning. Shor tly after, the uniformed of f icers apprehended the defendants.

Three shel l casings were recovered near the intersection of Beach 62nd Street and Beach Channel Dr ive, w here Col lie alleged ly f ired at the of f-dut y of f icer, w ho received medical treatment at a local hos pital for his injur ies. Another shel l cas ing was recovered near the intersection of Beach Channel Dr ive and 59th Street, w here Col lie al leged ly f ired at the uniformed of f icers. “ This was a brazen car jacking attempt that al l-too-easi ly could have ended in yet another tragedy for NYPD and al l New Yorkers. A s al leged, the defendants—one of them brandishing a gun—confronted the v ictim, an of f-dut y police of f icer, as he sat in his car at a red light. After the of fdut y of f icer got out of his car, defendant Col lie al leged ly f ired three shots, one of w hich hit the v ictim in his shoulder. The defendants then f led and defendant Col lie al leged ly shot at uniformed of f icers, w ho were able to apprehend them,” K atz said. “ This blatant disregard for human life must be answered w ith cer tain justice.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 6• FEBRUARY 10 2022 | 3

Addabbo Betting on School Funding from Mobile Sports Wagering

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

“We have to invest in these schools as well, making them as attractive as possible to bring in prospective students,” Sen. Addabbo said of trade schools.

By Michael V. Cusenza State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently noted that last month’s record launch of mobile sports betting in NY means piles of cash for state schools.

Before COVID impacted all aspects of life, the gaming industry was responsible for bringing in more than $3 billion in funding for education each year. With the advent of mobile sports betting and New York breaking a national record with $1.6 billion for a month of betting wagers, that number is sure to increase and give schools even more funding, the senator noted.

“There are more funding streams going to New York’s educational department than ever before. All of this money will do wonders for students across the state,” said Addabbo, chairman of the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee and a member of the Education Committee. “However, it is not always how much money we have available, but it is more important how that money is spent. We have to ensure that the programs that have been working continue to receive funding, and look to reevaluate things that are not working to their best potential.”

Earlier this month, the State Legislature met virtually with education advocates from throughout the NY, including City Schools Chancellor David Banks, to discuss the educational portion of the Governor’s Executive Budget.

Last year, the State was able to procure additional Foundation Aid funding in the sum of more than $1 billion for NYC, as well as funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. Addabbo said he is looking to continue this funding into this year.

During the virtual meeting with the new schools chancellor, Addabbo was able to ask Banks a question about investing more into trade schools that will give students the opportunity to learn a skill that can translate into work upon graduation.

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“ W hile traditional colleges and universities are the destination for many young students, there are plenty of them that want to go to school to learn a trade skill which can get them into some great paying jobs,” Addabbo said. “ We have to invest in these schools as well, making them as attractive as possible to bring in prospective students.”

Another topic discussed in the meet-

ing was the extension of Mayoral control.

While Addabbo is in favor of extending Mayoral control, he wants to use this opportunity to examine it and improve it for the students.

School safety measures were also discussed at the virtual meeting.

“As a parent of two daughters in the public school system, I know the concerns parents have in sending their kids to school,” Addabbo added.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The State Legislature met virtually with education advocates from throughout the NY, including City Schools Chancellor David Banks (r.).

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

Pastor Stephen Roser Howard Beach Assembly of God

W hen, in 1966, my Aunt Eva told me that the oak Hammond organ in the living room of her new home did not work, I immediately flipped the nearby wall switch from “off ” to “on” and touched the keys. Music came out.

Just as that beautiful instrument was useless until connected with the flow of electricity, religious people who have no relationship with the Lord himself will bear little spiritual fruit.

Jesus plainly said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” but human pride has trouble believing that. The single most common misconception about religion in America is the assumption that it is sufficient for you to conform to all the expected, outward behavior of Christianity apart from an inner love relationship with Jesus Christ.

A lot of us are like Samson and his seven braids of long hair, which were required by his religious vow. He actually believed that the hair was the secret of his enormous strength.

The truth was, the hair was merely an outward sign of an inward, fiery love for God. But that fire had slowly been going out because of his many dalliances with the opposite sex. W hen the Philistines finally cut off the last braid of his hair, it was like they cut off the last strand of his devotion. The Lord departed from Samson, and so did his strength.

If your outward behavior is pretty good while at the same time you have little inner joy or strength, then you either need to get connected or reconnected with Jesus. The Bible promises, “To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the children of God” ( John 1:12).

BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL— The Pharmacists role Pharmacists play a very important role in counseling patients on high blood pressure (HBP).

Here at Cross Bay Chemist, we offer electronic blood pressure monitoring in the store and always include it when we participate in community health fairs. About one in three adults and nearly one in three women in the United States has high blood pressure. The condition itself usually has no signs or symptoms.

Someone can have HBP for years without knowing it. A secret killer, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs.

He good news is lifestyle changes can greatly assist in the management of HBP. Proper diet, exercise, the elimination or reduction of salt intake and stopping smoking can all play a major role in helping bring HBP under control.

Blood pressure, like so many other conditions that are easily managed, is always aided when patients take a little time to do proper “bookkeeping”.

The following tips are a general guide to keeping track and keeping informed about your condition.

Remember your pharmacist is in a great position to help you set up and maintain your blood pressure records and all your othermedications as well.

1. Step one in managing HBP is making sure you take everything your physician has prescribed.

2. Make sure you know the name of each of your meds, the dosage prescribed for you and the directions on how to take the medicine—at night, with food, etc. If you have questions about your meds, talk to your pharmacist or physician.

3. Take care of your refills before you run out HBM needs to be taken without skipping a dosage-you can’t skip a day or cut it in half to last longer—that’s not the way it works.

4. If you are not feeling right and think you are having adverse effects from your meds, talk to your pharmacist and/or physician at once. Your dosage may very well have to be adjusted. This is a common occurrence with HBM. DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN! 5. HBP meds may have interactions with OTC preparations. Many have warnings about not taking them with HBP meds. Consult your pharmacist on what is safe for you to take.

Let us help–we welcome you questions about drugs, treatments options and associated concerns, we're happy to help in any way we can.

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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

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

Forest Hills Students Craft Wax Museum

By Forum Staff Fourth-grade students at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy in Forest Hills on Friday presented a Live Wax Museum as they concluded their celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Academy students and parents had the opportunity to tour the student-created “museum.”

The display featured 22 figures from the past and present that come from His-

panic countries, including: baseball great Alex Rodriguez, the “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz, singer Bruno Mars, politician, and activist Evita Peron, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and famed artist Pablo Picasso.

As part of this Catholic Schools Week special project, students studied the lives of these famed figures, created costumes, and prepared special presentation boards.

The students posed and waited until visi-

Photo Courtesy of Diocese of Brooklyn

The Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy wax museum exhibit on tennis great Juan Martin Del Potro.

tors pushed the red button. Then they came alive and relayed important facts about their lives in both English and Spanish.

“This exhibit showcased who we are as a school community, with a group effort of parents, teachers, and students.

The students were able to utilize their research and public speaking skills to make these figures come to life. The students were so proud, and so was I, in what we

accomplished today,” said Dana McCann, principal of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy.

“This is a project that helps the students understand the real-world connection, that Spanish is not just a vocabulary list in a classroom. With this experience, our students learned that anyone from any part of the world can aspire to be a leader in their field,” added Sandra Paz, the Spanish teacher at OLMCA.

The display featuring facts on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Photo Courtesy of Diocese of Brooklyn

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 6• FEBRUARY 10 2022 | 5

Hochul Holds Meetings with Teachers, Superintendents, and Parents to Discuss Pandemic Next Steps teachers, administrators, and parents who joined me today to hear directly from them. I want to also remind parents and guardians to please get their children vaccinated, and boosted if eligible. The vaccine is safe, free, doctor-approved and the key to keeping our communities and vulnerable loved ones safe."

New York State Parent Teacher Association President Dana Platin added, "We thank the Governor for today's critical meeting and her continued partnership, and we join her in looking forward to a return to more normalcy in our school buildings. We have daily conversations with the Governor's staff on the critical issues facing our schools, including frequent conversations on COVID-19 and the questions parents and families are

looking for answers to - masking, distancing, quarantines, academic recovery, and academic and social emotional support for all students, and especially students with disabilities. While we may not always agree, after today's call, we are renewed in believing that the Governor understands the concerns of parents and families from across the state, and we are proud to represent the PTA position on these matters. We will continue to work with education stakeholders, the Governor, our State Education Department, and our legislature so we can all see our children's smiling faces once again, we hope in the near future."

On Wednesday, Hochul said she would be rescinding the State mask mandate this week—except in schools.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Groll/Office of the Governor

"As we continue to see cases and hospitalizations decline, I believe it is important to work closely with groups and leaders on the ground so that we move forward in the pandemic in a way where we can stay in front of COVID-19 and keep New Yorkers safe," Gov. Hochul said.

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday held meetings with New York State teachers, superintendents and parents to thank them for their work to keep our schools safe and open, and hear their input on how to continue smartly protecting against COVID-19.

"As we continue to see cases and hospitalizations decline, I believe it is important to work closely with groups and leaders on the ground so that we move forward in the pandemic in a way where we can stay in front of COVID-19 and keep New Yorkers safe," Hochul said.

"Keeping schools open has always been my top priority, and I want to thank the

Photo Courtesy of Google

On Wednesday, Hochul said she would be rescinding the State mask mandate this week—except in schools.

Medicare to Provide Free Rapid COVID Tests for Beneficiaries this Spring

People with Medicare can request free over-the-counter tests for home delivery at covidtests.gov.

By Forum Staff Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) announced on Thursday that 3.7 million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare will have rapid COVID-19 tests covered through their insurance.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Courtesy of Medicare

Services today announced that people in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will be able to get up to eight over-thecounter COVID-19 tests per month at no cost and without need for reimbursement.

The announcement follows a successful push from Gillibrand and her colleagues via a letter to Department of Health and

6 FEBRUARY 10, 2022 • Number 6 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator ChiquitaBrooksLaSure urging them to require Medicare to cover this cost for beneficiaries. Now, an additional 61 million Americans enrolled in Medicare and Medicare Medicare Advantage and 3.7 million New Yorkers, including those at highest risk of severe illness, have equal access to testing amidst a surge in Omicron cases and hospitalizations across the country, Gillibrand noted.

“This announcement is great news for the nearly 4 million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare who are set to be covered for rapid COVID-19 tests,” Gillibrand said.

“As cities and towns across the state continue grappling with the impacts of this pandemic, it’s vital that everyone has free and easy access to testing—not just those with private insurance. Today, we are one step closer to reaching this goal and I am thrilled the Biden administration has expanded its guidance to require Medicare to cover the cost of over-the-counter COVID

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand

“As cities and towns across the state continue grappling with the impacts of this pandemic, it’s vital that everyone has free and easy access to testing—not just those with private insurance,” Sen. Gillibrand said.

tests for all beneficiaries.”

Until benefits start this spring, people with Medicare can access free tests through a number of channels, including requesting free over-the-counter tests for home delivery at covidtests.gov.

Ariola Cuts Ribbon on District Office

Family, friends, fellow elected officials, and constituents joined Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) Saturday afternoon as she cut the ceremonial ribbon on her Ozone Park district office.

Conveniently, Ariola has set up shop in the same location that her predecessor, Eric Ulrich, leased during his tenure on the council: 93-06 101st Ave. Ariola noted that another ribbon cutting will be held in the coming weeks at the Rockaway district office.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 6• FEBRUARY 10 2022 | 7

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Legalize Marijuana across the Nation Now: Schumer

By Forum Staff Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, members of the New York Congressional delegation, Drug Policy Alliance Executive Director Kassandra Frederique, and coalition organizations, which have helped pass New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, on Friday reiterated their call for comprehensive, equity-driven marijuana legalization through Congress.

They highlighted the successful passage of the MRTA as a model for how comprehensive legalization can address the harms of the War on Drugs and set up a market that allows small businesses to flourish.

“Across the country, too many are still ensnared by absurd punitive action for marijuana use. And right here in New York,

despite legalization, New Yorkers are still impacted every day by the federal prohibition. High stakes housing decisions, immigration issues, access to federal funding are warped and blocked by the federal prohibition,” Schumer said. “So that’s why we are focused on delivering comprehensive reform at the federal level just as New York has done. Plain and simple. And we need reform that actually deals with racial and economic justice, and critically to make sure the big corporations, the alcohol, the tobacco and others, don’t squeak in and overwhelm the market and control it from the beginning. We want the communities that were hurt most to benefit most, and small businesses in those communities to be able to take advantage when the law is legalized federally as they can now in New

New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act was signed into law in March 2021.

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer

[W]e are focused on delivering comprehensive reform at the federal level just as New York has done. Plain and simple,” Sen. Schumer said.

York.

“So I am working with two of my colleagues in the Senate, Sen. Wyden, chairman of the Finance Committee, and Sen. Booker, who’ve been strong leaders on this issue, to put forward comprehensive cannabis reform legislation,” New York’s senior senator added. “Last year, we introduced a discussion draft. We got over 1,800 comments, and right now we’re taking those comments reaching out to Democratic and Republican Senators, we want some Republican support. Let’s not forget that even

South Dakota on a referendum – the voters of one of the most conservative states in the country – South Dakota voted to legalize cannabis. So this shows you where the country is at and we need to get the Senate to catch up to the House and the rest of the country. Like the MORE Act that Jerry [Nadler] and Nydia [Velazquez] have pursued in the House, it deals in deep ways with addressing the harm of the War on Drugs. So in the coming weeks, we’re ramping up our outreach, and we expect to introduce formal legislation.”

DEA Targets Two NY Cities to Address Increased Violence and Drug Overdoses

Photo Courtesy of DEA

The new DEA initiative Operation Overdrive will target the rising rates of drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths plaguing American communities.

By Forum Staff The Drug Enforcement Administration on Monday announced a new initiative, Operation Overdrive, aimed at combating the rising rates of drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths plaguing American communities.

Last fall, DEA initiated a data-driven approach using national crime statistics and

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data to identify hot spots of drug-related violence and overdose deaths across the country, in order to devote its law enforcement resources to where they will have the most impact: the communities where criminal drug networks are causing the most harm.

Operation Overdrive, which launched on Feb. 1, uses a data-driven, intelligence-led approach to identify and dismantle criminal drug networks operating in areas with the highest rates of violence and overdoses. DEA, working in partnership with its fellow federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, has mapped the threats and initiated enforcement operations against those networks in 34 locations across 23 states—including NYC and Buffalo in the Empire State—in the initial phase of Operation Overdrive.

Today, the United States faces an unprecedented overdose epidemic claiming 275 lives every day. Violence, often associated with drug-related activity, is also rising sharply nationwide: in 2020, homicides increased a record 30 percent, and 77 percent of the murders in the United States were committed with a firearm. In 2021, DEA and its law enforcement partners seized more than 8,700 firearms connected to investigations of drug trafficking organizations.

Operation Overdrive revealed alarming trends about the networks that DEA has mapped. The vast majority of identified crim-

inal drug networks are engaged in gun violence. A majority of identified criminal drug networks sell fentanyl or methamphetamine.

And almost all of the identified criminal drug networks that sell those deadly synthetic drugs (fentanyl or methamphetamine) are also engaged in violent gun crimes.

“DEA’s objective is clear,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “DEA will bring all it has to bear to make our communities safer and healthier, and to reverse the devastating trends of drug-related violence and overdoses plaguing our nation. The gravity of these threats requires a data-driven approach to pinpoint the most dangerous networks threatening our communities, and leveraging our strongest levers across federal, state, and local partners to bring them down.”

“The consequences of drug trafficking have become evidently clear in New York, increased overdoses, crime, and violence. While we will continue to target the world’s most prolific drug traffickers, DEA will initiate Operation Overdrive in two cities: New York City and Buffalo,” added Tim Foley, DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Division. “By working with our law enforcement partners, DEA utilizes its many resources to seize illegal drugs and guns from the streets and remove violent drug organizations from neighborhoods within these cities.”

Operation Overdrive Phase I locations: Atlanta, Georgia

Baltimore, Maryland Baton Rouge, Louisiana Bronx, New York Buffalo, New York Camden, New Jersey Chattanooga, Tennessee Chicago, Illinois Cincinnati, Ohio Cleveland, Ohio Columbia, South Carolina Dayton, Ohio Detroit, Michigan Flint, Michigan Indianapolis, Indiana Jackson, Mississippi Kansas City, Missouri Little Rock, Arkansas Memphis, Tennessee Miami, Florida Milwaukee, Wisconsin New Orleans, Louisiana Newark, New Jersey Oakland, California Peoria, Illinois Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Pine Bluff, Arkansas San Juan, Puerto Rico Richmond, Virginia San Bernardino, California St. Louis, Missouri Tulsa, Oklahoma Washington, D.C. Wilmington, Delaware

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 6• FEBRUARY 10 2022 | 9

Following Bronx Fire Tragedy, Pol Presents Bill Requiring Heat Sensors in Fed-Funded Rental Housing

By Forum Staff Following last month’s fire in the Bronx that took the lives of 17 New Yorkers, including 8 children, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is announcing the Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2022, which would require the installation of heat sensors in federally funded rental housing so that federal, state, and local housing administrators can assess heat levels in real time, prevent future fire tragedies, and improve fire safety and housing quality. Authorities determined that the Twin Peaks fire was caused by a space heater.

Gillibrand noted that this legislative effort received the early support of Mayor Eric Adams, who co-authored a similar City law as Brooklyn borough president with then-Council Member Ritchie Torres.

Rep. Torres (D-Bronx) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“I’m proud to introduce the Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2022 in the Senate to ensure buildings comply with all heating requirements during cold-weather months—this bill will help prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred at the Twin Parks North West community,” the senator said. “My office remains available to help people affected by the fire and I

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Last month’s fire tragedy at Twin Parks North West in the Bronx claimed 17 lives.

am grateful to Congressman Torres for his partnership during this difficult time.

While we can’t change the past, we must do everything in our power to prevent these tragic events from occurring in the future.”

Specifically, the Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2022 would: • Require the installation of heat sensors in HUD-assisted housing units,

including federal public housing, HUDassisted rental assistance programs, housing for individuals with AIDS, Section 202 housing for low-income seniors, and rural housing assistance programs; • Requires owners of covered units to collect data from the internet-connected sensors 6 times a day; • Instructs the HUD Secretary to

publish guidance 180 days after enactment; • Requires a report one year after enactment on the status of implementation. This report would include data collected from the heat sensors and the number of units with sensors, owners who have installed sensors, and fatalities in a covered building related to fire, hypothermia or other temperature-related causes.

“It is no accident that the four worst fires in New York City’s history in the last thirty years have all been in the Bronx. The tragedy at Twin Parks North West only underscores that we must take federal action to ensure tenants have safe and affordable homes no matter their zip code. Currently what the law requires often falls short of what tenants need to remain warm in their homes. The feeling of freezing in apartments causes tenants to resort to space heaters out of sheer desperation. The introduction of federal legislation to require heat sensors in federally funded buildings will improve standards of living, especially in places like the Bronx where we see the effects of an aging housing market. I am proud to partner with Senator Gillibrand on this bill, and we will push Congress to take immediate action to address the root causes of fires and help save lives,” added Rep. Ritchie Torres.

Adams Touts Expansion of Lifestyle Medicine Services

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals on Monday announced the expansion of lifestyle medicine services at six public health care sites across the five boroughs—the most comprehensive expansion of lifestyle medicine programming in the country, Adams noted.

Modeled off the popular and successful Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the new expansion will provide patients living with chronic disease the tools to make healthy lifestyle changes, included providing access to plant-based diet resources.

The program will expand to serve qualifying NYC Health + Hospitals adult patients at Elmhurst, Jacobi, Lincoln, Woodhull, and Kings County hospitals, as well as Gotham Health, Vanderbilt. The program expansion will be implemented over the coming year.

In 2019, with the advocacy of thenBrooklyn Borough President Adams, the Bellevue Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program was launched. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to reduce patients' cardiometabolic risk, where a team of physicians, dietitians, and health coaches support patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy plant-based diet, increasing physical activity, improving sleep habits, reducing stress, avoiding risky substances, and

providing social support. The program has received national attention and there has been a high demand for services, including self-referrals from more than 850 New York City residents.

Each of the sites that will be receiving the expanded lifestyle medicine services will be equipped with a full-time dietitian and health coach, as well as physician teams. Participants will be referred by their health care providers or can self-refer. Eligibility criteria for participants include heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and/or health concerns related to obesity.

Patients who enroll in one of the programs will receive a full medical evaluation by a team physician, with special attention to current lifestyle behaviors and social needs. They will also meet individually with a dietitian and a health coach and will participate in group education on topics including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and other lifestyle pillars. The lifestyle medicine team will individualize the behavior change approach for each patient, considering cultural traditions, socioeconomic circumstances, family situations, and other key factors.

“Today, New York City is again leading the way with the most comprehensive expansion of lifestyle medicine programming in the nation,” Adams said. “This is personal to me—a plant-based lifestyle helped save

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my life, and I’m thrilled that New Yorkers in every zip code will have access to this critical programming. Together, we will stop feeding the health care crisis and ensure all New Yorkers can access the healthy lifestyle they deserve.”

In addition to expanding access to lifestyle medicine services, NYC Health + Hospitals will partner with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to help provide additional lifestyle medicine training to care teams, as well as with Plant-Powered

Metro New York to offer cooking demonstrations to patients at the Kings County Hospital site.

“I have seen the benefits of lifestyle medicine for patients with chronic diseases in my own clinical practice,” said City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi.

“As we continue to fight COVID-19, scaling these services will help build a healthier city for all New Yorkers. I applaud NYC Health + Hospitals for expanding this evidence-based program.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

The Lifestyle Medicine Program will expand to serve qualifying NYC Health + Hospitals adult patients at Elmhurst Hospital.

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Legal Notices MARCK HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/3/2022. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 137-46 71st Ave Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

HARPREET KAUR REALTOR LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/28/2021. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Harpreet Kaur, 8225 247th Street, Bellerose, NY 11426. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

DOUBLE UP TRADES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/21. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 88-38 50th Ave., FL 2, Elmhurst, NY 11373.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

VISION LIGHT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/27/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SHIH CHUN TAI, 10518 METROPOLITAN AVENUE, FOREST HILLS, NY,11375, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

CASA FERREIRA LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/08/2021. 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 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 8631 257TH ST., FLORAL PARK, NY, 11001, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LET’S GROOVE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/03/2022.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: LISA STOCKMAN, 3083 32nd Street, Apartment 3A, Long Island City, NY, 11102, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3EEES PROPERTIES LLC 14309 222nd Street, Bsmt. Laurelton, NY,11413,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

New York ADR LLC filed w/ SSNY on 1/5/22. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 604607, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful.

Notice of Formation of 300 KENMORE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/04/19.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 300 Kenmore Rd., Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of ICEKOUTURE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

INCHEN SONAM LLC, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/21. 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 KONCHOK RINCHEN, 4163 74TH ST. FL2, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DAGA CONSULTING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13004 135TH AVENUE, South Ozone Park, NY, 11420, USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of HAIR DEN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MARIA ZACCHEO, 156-47 94th Street, Howard Beach, NY, 11414,USA. Purpose: any lawful activities.

CHEN & HONG REALTY, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/18/22. 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, 13620 BOOTH MEMORIAL AVENUE, UNIT 2D, FLUSHING, NY 11355, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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CANDACE’S EXQUISITE COLLECTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/20/21. 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, 189-22 MANGIN AVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ADEMOLA RN & MIDWIFERY PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 137-47 234th St, Rosedale, NY 11422. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nursing and Midwifery

Notice of Formation of DELMONICO MANAGEMENT CO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Michael Esposito, 30-15 35th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: Any lawful activity. .

35-18 97 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 35-18 97 LLC, 1059 BRINSMADE AVE, BRONX, NY, 10465, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

PANDAYO NY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/27/22. 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 RACHEL JARVINA ELAZEGUI, 83-45 VIETOR AVENUE APT. 5E, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MIPPI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/26/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-34 45th Rd Apt 12 Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC, MR 1 REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/16/21.

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, 35-01 30TH AVENUE, SUITE 203, ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 1103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: Jiejie Realty LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2017.

Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 9-24 129th Street, College Point, NY, 11356. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

DIVERSE DETAIL ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/21. 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 DIVERSE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, 109 10 QUEENS BLVD, APT 1D, FOREST HILLS. NY, 11375 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

“Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1334933 for on premise beer, wine and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 109-01 72nd Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375 for on premise consumption”. LA BOULAGERIE DE FRANCOIS CORP. 109-01 72nd Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375

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