THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JANUARY 20, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 3 • JANUARY 20, 2022

GREAT GUY

Community Bids Farewell to Ozone Howard Little League Legend

See pages 8&9

Guy Losito with his wife, Donna.

Photo Courtesy of the Losito Family

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 1

2 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Unions Accepting Apprenticeship Applications

Your problems are our job.

Let us begin helping you with a free consultation.

Photo Courtesy of City Department of Buildings

Starting this month, several city labor unions will be accepting applications for a number of different job and training programs.

By Forum Staff Several city labor unions will be accepting applications for a number of different job and training programs starting this month, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) noted Thursday.

First, the New York City District Council of Carpenters has open spots in their six apprentice programs for General Building Carpenters, Dock Builders/Timbermen, Millwrights, Cabinet Makers, High Rise Concrete Carpenters, and Floor Coverers. These four to five year training programs combine state-of-the-art training with classroom and shop instruction, and are an incredible opportunity to access the sustainable jobs and lifelong benefits of union membership.

Apprentices who are accepted into the NYCDCC Training Center are expected to attend no less than 144 hours of related classroom instruction which includes health and safety instruction, blueprint reading, drywall installation, concrete forms, house framing, welding, floor covering, cabinet making, steam turbine generator installation and maintenance to name a few possibilities. Apprentices are also required to perform on the job training for at least 1,300 hours per year practicing what they have learned in school and perfecting their skills.

To learn more about this program, visit the NYCDCC Training Center website: nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org/ or email recruiting@ nycdistrictcouncil.org.

Additionally, the State Department of Labor announced that the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the High Rise Concrete Carpenters of New York City will recruit 100 apprentices starting in February. Applications must be obtained in person at the New York City District Council of Carpenters Training Center — located at 395 Hudson Street, 2nd Floor in Manhattan — on the second Wednesday of each month, during the recruitment pe-

riod, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. There will be no admittance after 7:30 a.m.

Recruitment for the program will start Feb. 9, and run through Nov. 9. To receive an application, the applicant must provide government-issued picture identification, and be the one picking up the application. Completed applications must then be submitted by mail to the NYCDCC Training Center, no later than five business days from the date that the application was provided. For more information about this apprenticeship program, you can call the High Rise Concrete Carpenters of New York City at (212) 727-2224.

Two other labor unions have also announced upcoming apprentice recruitment opportunities.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Operating Engineers, Local Union #30, will conduct a recruitment from Jan. 24 through Feb. 4, for 25 stationary engineer apprentices. Applications for stationary engineer apprentices can be obtained at Operating Engineers, Local Union #30, located at 16-16 Whitestone Expwy. in Whitestone, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications must be returned via U.S. Postal Service certified mail and postmarked no later than March 1. For further information, applicants should contact Local Union #30 at (718) 847-8484.

The Local 1010 Pavers Joint Apprenticeship Committee will conduct a limited recruitment from January 31 through February 11, for 10 skilled construction craft laborer apprentices.

Applications must be obtained and submitted in person at the Local 1010 Pavers JATC, located at 17-20 Whitestone Expressway, 3rd floor in Whitestone, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. For further information, applicants should contact Local 1010 Pavers Joint Apprenticeship Committee at (718) 886-3310.

Taking control of your situation starts with a no cost, no obligation call to the experienced professionals at Faulisi Law. Stop worrying. Start doing.

OFFERS SERVICES IN: - Business Law - Tax Problems - Accounting - Wills & Trusts - Divorces - DWI - Criminal Law

JOSEPH FAULISI, ESQ., CPA Call today: e-mail: info@faulisilaw.com website: faulisilaw.com 101-42 99th Street Ozone Park, NY 11416

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 3

Three L.I. Women Charged with Assaulting Delta Employees at JFK Airport the request of an airline security officer (“Employee 2”) to leave the jetway and approached him while yelling and cursing.

One defendant struck Employee 2 repeatedly with his own radio, and he fell to the floor. When Employee 1 tried to assist Employee 2, one defendant punched Employee 1 in the face. All three defendants then punched and kicked Employee 2 in the face and body while Employee 2 was on the floor. Employees 1 and 2 were later

treated at a hospital for their injuries.

“The defendants allegedly attacked two airline employees, who were simply doing their jobs,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “The friendly skies must not turn into chaos and turmoil because some passengers refuse to abide by the rules. Our airport personnel must be safe in order to keep the flying public safe.”

If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

Photo Courtesy of JFK Airport

Three L.I. women allegedly assaulted two Delta Airlines employees in September at JFK Airport.

By Forum Staff Three Long Island women have been charged with assaulting two Delta Airlines employees in September at John F. Kennedy International Airport, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Jordan Nixon, 21, Janessa Torres, 21, and Johara Zavala, 44, were arrested Thursday morning.

As alleged in court filings, the defendants refused to leave a jetway at JFK Airport after they were informed that they

would be denied boarding for a Delta Airlines scheduled flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The defendants were belligerent, with one appearing to be visibly disoriented and possibly intoxicated, and another who was refusing to properly wear her mask. The flight’s gate agent (“Employee 1”) notified the flight crew of the defendants’ belligerent conduct, and the captain of the flight and a member of the flight crew determined that File Photo the defendants should not be allowed to “The friendly skies must not turn into chaos and turmoil because some passengers refuse to abide by the rules. Our board the flight. The defendants refused airport personnel must be safe in order to keep the flying public safe,” DA Katz said.

4 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Adams Calls for Fed Aid for Rental Program

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Adams urged the Treasury Department to reallocate unused Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds from other states to New York, where hundreds of thousands still need help.

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday called for an immediate infusion of funds for New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program from the United States Treasury Department.

Adams also announced new measures to bolster tenant protections and inform tenants of their rights with significant outreach efforts: • Adams urged the Treasury Department to reallocate unused Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds from other states to New York, where hundreds of thousands still need help, and get the funds out the door.

• The City will be surging resources to the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit’s Tenant Helpline, which is staffed by the PEU Tenant Support Unit.

New Yorkers can access the helpline by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline.

• The City’s Right to Counsel program is prepared to provide free legal assistance to any eligible New Yorker, no matter what neighborhood they live in. The program has a proven track record of providing quality legal representation to New Yorkers who need it and boosting their success rate in Housing Court. See the Right to Counsel and Illegal Lockouts webpage for more resources.

• Adams launched a campaign to inform tenants of their rights, connect them to resources, and prepare frontline staff to provide the necessary support, including with a new video released Thursday.

• In the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants COVID-19 Fact-Sheet, tenants can now find all the information they need about the expiration of

the evictions moratorium, ERAP, Right to Counsel, illegal lockouts, and City resources available to keep them stably housed. Tenants can also use the City’s Tenant Resource Portal to learn more about the process of eviction in New York City, what to do when getting a Notice of Eviction, and how to access the City’s resources to fight it.

• PEU will be conducting direct outreach to tenants at risk of eviction to inform them of their rights and connect them to support. In order to meet New Yorkers where they are, and ensure every tenant has access to free legal counsel, PEU will run targeted outreach by phone, text, and door-to-door canvasing to tenants who are currently in Housing Court or have a pending case.

• In partnership with PEU, MOPT, the Department of Housing and Preservation Development, and the Human Resources Administration’s Office of Civil Justice (and legal providers), the City is also launching a paid media campaign to help get the word out about illegal lockouts and the right to counsel, and to encourage tenants who are in need of assistance to contact PEU’s Tenant Helpline.

New York State received over $2.6 billion in emergency rental assistance.

But more than 500,000 New York families still need help, including more than 50,000 New York City Housing Authority households, while some of the $45 billion in federal emergency rental assistance remains unspent.

“I agree with Mayor Adams. Federal funds shouldn’t be sitting there while both tenants and small landlords are still struggling. Both need to recover if our city is to bounce back from this pandemic,” City Councilman Bob Holden (D-Middle Village) added.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

URINARY INCONTINENCE: YOUR PHARMACIST CAN HELP Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary leakage of urine, is a difficult condition for many patients to face and discuss. Statistics demonstrate that an estimated 10 to 30% of men and women are affected nationally. The numbers are believed to be even higher however, because of the unwillingness in many patients to acknowledge or address the situation.

Patients who suffer with UI symptoms can develop poor self-rated health, depression, and mobility disability. And in addition to the varied psychological burdens on patients with UI, there are also significant financial taxation on these patients. Studies show billions of dollars are spent on the condition, its treatment and supplies yearly.

UI can be transient and reversible, or it can be established and chronic. There are four main types of UI–stress, urge, overflow, and functional incontinence.

Incontinence differs and is categorized according to individual types based on the symptoms.

Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine on effort or physical exertion or on sneezing or cough.”

Urge incontinence is the “complaint of involuntary leakage accompanied by or immediately preceded by urgency.”

Overflow incontinence is related to an obstructed urine flow and/or bladder underactivity where an individual has a full bladder, but is unable to completely void at time of urination, which later leads to leakage.

Functional incontinence, unlike the other forms of incontinence, occurs when an individual has issues getting to the rest room due to an external factor (i.e. dementia, immobility, etc.), but is not associated with urinary tract dysfunction.

While these conditions are most commonly found in the senior population, other patients who are much younger may be affected due to neurological diseases

like prior stroke, high body mass index (BMI), recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), and positive metabolic screening, which factors in triglycerides.

What actually causes UUI/OAB is unknown, however in patients with this condition, control is not well regulated. The main muscle of the bladder, contracts involuntarily even if the bladder is not full, resulting in the urge to urinate.

Your pharmacist can really offer you help in the management of OAB/UUI. We have the ability to explain and discuss with you nonpharmacological interventions and pharmacological therapy. The first-line of therapy is always behavioral intervention, and on that front, pharmacists can provide education and abundant resources for patients to use.

Kegel exercises, done daily, can improve symptoms of urinary incontinence within weeks to a few months by building strength in pelvic muscles.

Counseling can be provided to explain these exercises and how to do them.

Pharmacists can also provide a medication review and identify medications that could cause or exacerbate urinary incontinence. If pharmacotherapy is warranted, pharmacists can assist in product selection based on age, adverse drug events profile, dosage form, dosage adjustments, and cost, as well as assess lifestyle and pharmacotherapy adherence on follow-up visits.

Pharmacists can provide a vital role in recommending therapy and providing direct care in patients diagnosed with OAB or UUI. There are a host of products available at your local pharmacy, including pads, washes, creams and other preparations.

We will help you create a changing schedule to prevent skin breakdown.

Discreet help is always available, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

Until next time.

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.

Warm Welcome for Ariola at PS 207

warm welcome at PS 207 IN Howard Beach.

Ariola, who earlier this month kicked off her first term on the council, said she “was surprised with a wall of congratulations from the students in the 7th grade!

I look forward to working with the school administration and staff to support their quality education and experiences for the City Councilwoman Joann Ariola children attending there.”

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola (R-Ozone Park) recently received a THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 5

Pols Urge Biden to Help NYC Fight Latest Surge in COVID Cases

Photo Courtesy of House of Representatives

U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman

By Forum Staff Two city pols on Thursday led a request to President Joe Biden asking him to help New York City battle the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

In a letter spearheaded by U.S. Reps.

Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx and Westchester), and signed by other members of New York’s congressional delegation, the lawmakers asked the president to provide free rapid test kits to New York City, and issue additional guidance for schools to ensure that they are safe. The letter also asked for rapid test kits to be accompanied with translations to make sure that all communities across the five boroughs can access and understand how to use the tests.

“Rapid COVID-19 tests provide New Yorkers not only with the ability to test in the comfort of their own home, but also help alleviate the hours-long lines we have seen at brick and mortar and mobile testing sites since late December,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without COVID-19 rapid test kits, New York City is not able to sustain its current efforts to limit the spread of the virus. We further emphasize the need to ensure at-home tests are made available free of charge to remove barriers that may otherwise prevent people from receiving the care they need and keeping our communities healthy and safe. Additionally, access to COVID-19 rapid test kits that are accompanied with translations and support to promote fidelity of implementation to help ensure New York City can continue to keep schools open, safely. For our school communities to be healthy and safe for everyone, we further encourage your administration to issue guidance that complements rapid test kits such that when a student tests positive for COVID-19, it is always communicated to the school and that the student quarantine at home.

At this time, testing of NYC students is limited and we need to make every effort to prioritize and protect the health and well-being of everyone who is a part of our school communities.”

Those who signed the letter include New York Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Ritchie Torres, Thomas Suozzi, Carolyn Maloney, Nydia Velázquez, Jerrold Nadler, AlexanPhoto Courtesy of Rep. Meng dria Ocasio-Cortez, Gregory Meeks, HaRep. Meng has asked President Biden to provide free rapid COVID test kits to New York City. keem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke.

Nursing Homes See Spike in New COVID Cases: Report

Courtesy of AHCA/NCAL

By Forum Staff Nursing homes in the U.S. have experienced an alarming spike in new COVID cases due to community spread among the general population according to data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living recently announced in a report.

The data shows COVID cases among both residents and staff in nursing homes are rapidly increasing in the past few weeks, mirroring trends among the general U.S. population due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. As experts have repeatedly noted, COVID-19 cases in a surrounding

community is a key indicator of outbreaks in nursing homes.

“As soon as news of Omicron broke in December, we were very concerned this variant would lead to a surge of cases in the U.S. and therefore, an increase in cases in nursing homes and unfortunately it has,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

“We urged members of the public to help us protect our nation’s seniors ahead of the holiday season, and we reiterate that plea today. Help support our frontline caregivers and safeguard our most vulnerable by getting vaccinated, boosted and masked.”

The report also showed that while CO-

6 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

VID-related deaths among nursing home residents have increased in recent weeks, the rate of deaths is 10 times less compared to December 2020 due to high vaccination and booster rates among residents.

“We anticipated this would happen and called on long term care providers to prepare for Omicron by doubling down on their efforts to get residents boosted as well as their infection prevention measures,” said David Gifford, M.D., MPH, chief medical officer for AHCA/NCAL and a geriatrician. “Fortunately, the vaccines appear to be working against Omicron, but we must remain vigilant and steadfast on vaccinating and boosting as many residents and staff members as quickly as possible.”

AHCA/NCAL is calling on public health officials at every level of government to take immediate steps to support nursing homes and assisted living communities during the Omicron surge, including prioritizing long term care for testing, treatments, and workforce support.

“We cannot weather this storm alone.

We’re extremely concerned how this surge

will impact our already dire labor crisis as caregivers must isolate if they test positive.

Staffing shortages impact access to care for our vulnerable residents and impede our ability to help overwhelmed hospitals,” Gifford added. The nursing home workforce is already experiencing a historic workforce shortage, with 234,000 less caregivers than when the pandemic began—a 15 percent reduction.

Additionally, Parkinson and AHCA/ NCAL recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging Secretary Xavier Becerra to extend the public health emergency declaration, which expired on Jan. 16, 2022, as well as prioritize long term care facilities for testing and treatments.

“With the high spread of Omicron and breakthrough cases among those vaccinated, the need for rapid and reliable testing as well as treatments for our resident population—who is at the highest risk for COVID-19 complications and hospitalizations—is crucial,” Parkinson wrote in the letter.

Hochul Touts Highlights of FY 2023 Executive Budget

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced highlights of the Fiscal Year 2023 Executive Budget.

According to Hochul, the new plan “maintains the governor’s commitment to passing a bold agenda that by rebuilds New York’s healthcare and teacher workforces; provides tax relief to those who need it most; speeds up economic growth and creates good-paying middle-class jobs; strengthens the state’s infrastructure and confronts climate change; secures public safety and protects communities; makes housing more affordable to ensure every New Yorker has a roof over their head; and enacts bold reforms to restore trust in State government.”

Highlights include: • $10 Billion Plan to Rebuild Healthcare Workforce and Build Healthcare System of the Future • $31 Billion Plan to Strengthen Teacher Workforce and Invest in Schools • Provides Tax Relief for Small Businesses and the Middle Class • Record Five-Year $32.8 Billion DOT Capital Plan Will Leverage Federal Funding to Support Major Infrastructure Projects throughout the State • $900 Million in Childcare Stabilization Grants Will Cover Operational Costs for 15,000 Childcare Providers Statewide

Photo Courtesy of Mike Groll/Office of the Governor

“As I said in my State of the State speech: It’s time for a better, fairer, and more inclusive version of the American Dream. I’m calling it the New York Dream,” Gov. Hochul said.

• $1 Billion to Fund Innovative Small Businesses and Tax Credit for COVID-Related Expenses • Invests $1.5 Billion in SUNY and CUNY Over Next Five Years and Expands TAP Eligibility • Includes $4 Billion for Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and $500 Million for Offshore Wind • Launches a New Five-Year, $25 Billion Comprehensive Housing Plan • $224 Million to Fund Law Enforcement and Community-Based Gun

Violence Initiatives Hochul also said the new budget takes “significant steps” to address the addiction and opioid crisis. The Executive Budget provides an increase of $402 million (56 percent) in operating and capital support for OASAS to enhance prevention, treatment and recovery programs targeted toward addiction services, residential service opportunities, and primary prevention activities consistent with state opioid settlement agreements; and invests more than $100 million in new resources from the Opioid Stewardship Tax and litigation set-

tlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Of these funds, $113 million will pass through the State to local municipalities, consistent with settlement agreements.

“We have the means to immediately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as embrace this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the future with a historic level of funding that is both socially responsible and fiscally prudent,” Hochul said. “As I said in my State of the State speech: It’s time for a better, fairer, and more inclusive version of the American Dream. I’m calling it the New York Dream. We will make that New York Dream real—and ensure that it can be realized by every single New Yorker.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) commented on the inclusion of downstate casino licenses in the 2023 economic plan.

“Today’s Executive Budget released by Gov. Kathy Hochul presents a fiscal path forward for New York State during these difficult times,” Addabbo said. “I believe the inclusion of expediting the three full casino licenses for our downstate region has the potential to bring in $1.5 billion in revenue for the state, additional educational funding and improvements to problem gambling programs. I look forward to continuing to work with the Hochul administration and the Gaming Commission to ensure that gaming in the state expands and advances in a credible, reasonable manner.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 7

NO DOUBT, YOU'RE

by Patricia Adams

This is not a story. It’s not an article.

It’s a tribute to my friend, Guy Losito.

It’s a privilege to write and a blessing to know what to say.

We became friends nearly twentyfive years ago after meeting at the Ozone Howard Little League. I was the editor of The Forum, and he was a manager and a coach. Our first “encounter” came as he overheard me interviewing one of the 8-year-old boys on a Championship team who had struck out in the bottom of the ninth. The game ended with a disappointing loss for Ozone Howard.

After I finished the interview, Guy came up and introduced himself and offered me his first ever bit of advice. “If I were you, I wouldn’t focus on the strikeout to end the game. I would talk about what a victory it was for this team to get to a Championship and that learning to lose is really a big win. But I’m sure you were gonna write that anyway, right?

I was so struck by the way that he handled himself, and me, that I could think of nothing else to say but “absolutely.” It was the first in a long line of “bits of advice”. And it was also the first time I actually witnessed and realized the potential that a coach has to shape and mold impressionable young minds, teaching them the ropes, not only of baseball, but also of life.

Over the next years of covering stories for the league, I witnessed the same wisdom pour out in countless situations. Disappointing losses turned into the hope for future victories. There were hundreds of winning games where Guy’s pats on the back and congratulations for his team was always accompanied by, “get over there and shake hands. Tell them they played a good game.” Plain and simple instructions with a profound ability to spread confidence, sportsmanship, encouragement and the desire to always do your best because that’s the most important thing you can ever do.

Our friendship evolved after time spent together, many conversations and shared interests both inside and outside the league. Working with Guy on a few projects it became clear very quickly

that his sense of determination was not only focused on the batter’s box or the pitching mound. Whatever he took on, whatever he committed to, Guy practiced what he preached and got it done.

Undeniably, Guy was a powerful personality. There might have been a few times when you couldn’t exactly predict what his reaction would be – especially in the wake of a bad call by an ump– but there was something very predictable about Guy. No matter what was going on, his family always came first. His explanation of that was also simple. “You take care of them. They take care of you. No matter what. If you don’t honor and respect your fam-

floor–in one hand was the mic, the other he used to lead even the shyest of steppers to the center of the floor.

There were so many sides to Guy that just knowing him was like going some type of adventure. And when his son Ryan came to visit me at home just before the summer of 2018, it was with news that Guy was going on a new adventure and it was going to be likely the hardest one he and his family would ever face. He had been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, an aggressive glioblastoma where the survival rate for 5 years was less than 6%. But Ryan was not there only to share the diagnosis; he was there to tell me that Guy was ready

The Losito Clan (L to R): Guy's daughter-in-law Jackie, son Ryan, wife Donna, Guy, daughter Nicole and, front and center not only in this picture but in every minute of everyday, grandchilren Michael & Mia.

ily, how could anyone honor or respect you? ” I remember the first time I saw Guy do his Stevie Wonder impression. Donning sunglasses and bobbing his head from side to side, it was quite the transition— from the undeniably charismatic coach, screaming on the sidelines at aspiring miniature ball players, urging them to fly around the bases at Ozone Howard, to celebrity impersonations at a community charity event at Russo’s on the Bay. I thought to myself, ‘This white man can dance.’ As he belted out “For Once in My Life,” he made his way around the dance

8 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

for the fight. He wanted more time to spend with his family and to watch his grandchildren, Michael and Mia grow.

Facing nearly impossible odds, Guy and his family set out to set cancer aside.

And what a beautiful and wondrous journey they went on. Making memo-

ries, loving each other and becoming stronger than ever. Guy didn’t crumble when he got his diagnosis. He did what so few people are able to do. He set goals and completed every one of them. Guy wasn’t living on borrowed time; he was living on his time. The time he needed to say all there was to

say and do all there was to do. And if I had the opportunity to speak to cancer I would say, “you were no match for Guy Losito. You were ready to take him from day one, but he was never leaving before he was ready.”

There are so many more words I could say about my friend but I’m hoping I’ve said enough.

I just have a few more words (maybe not just a few), and they are for Guy. Guy, when I look at your life and accomplishments and how much you did for our community and for our kids, I am nothing less than awestruck. It is hard for me to think that I will not get another text or a call to ask me to cover a story about someone or something in the community that needs help. But hopefully after all the years you’ve been bugging me about stuff like that, I’ve learned to recognize a situation you’d like me to address. And I say to you now what I have always said, “yes Guy, I got it.”

I know I have told you over the last several years what amazing strength and courage you have demonstrated, and what incredible inspiration you have given all of us throughout this chapter of your life.

In case you missed it, I’ll tell you now that I am also so proud to know you and to have been so inspired by your faith and endurance. No matter what the score of this game is, you are the winner.

Please remember that the brightest stars in the sky burn out early, but the brilliance they display while burning is everlasting. That is you my friend. Although you finished you’re mission here, I shudder to think about all the things on your new schedule. It’s true you’ve moved out of Howard Beach, but what you left behind, like those brightly burning stars, is forever. I will miss you and love you always Batman but I know I will see you again –because you told me that there’s no way that doesn’t happen – and after looking at your life, I have no doubt.

THE REAL FAMILY GUY

Above left: Hundreds came out to support Guy and his family in June of 2018 at the Walk for #Guystrong held at the Ozone Howard Little League, shortly following his diagnosis Above right: The smile that wouldn't let anyone quit.

No matter what.

At left: One of Guy's many proud moments in daughter Nicole's remarkable abilities on the mound, this time at the last PONY National Tournament of Champions of the millennium.

At right: Yet another moment of wonder and amazement shared with granddaughter Miat.

To everyone else, Guy's granchidren are known by their names, Michael & Mia, but to Pa, they're better Never to be forgotten were the Stevie "Guy" Wonder moments during which if you thought you weren't known as Pride and Joy. getting up to dance with him, well let's just say, you'd have to think again...

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 9

Forest Hills Man Charged with Transporting Teen to Engage in Sex

Courtesy of Snapchat

In December 2021, after Moretti was interviewed by the FBI, he contacted the child, this time via Snapchat, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of NY

“These allegations serve as a reminder of the dangers to our children from online predators and the importance of being aware of whom our children are communicating with online,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Peace said.

By Michael V. Cusenza A Forest Hills man has been charged with transporting a 13-yearold child across state lines to engage in sex, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Manuel Moretti, 39, was arraigned on a six-count indictment charging him with Mann Act crimes stemming from the coercion of a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity with him on at least four occasions.

As set forth in the indictment and

court filings, Moretti met a 13-yearold child on a social networking site in January of last year. He then arranged for the child to travel across state lines to Moretti’s residence in Forest Hills on several occasions over a four-month period between January and April 2021 for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Moretti also provided the child a fraudulent identification document to facilitate future sexual encounters with the child.

In December 2021, after Moretti was interviewed by the FBI, he contacted the child, this time via Snapchat, a different social networking site, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

“These allegations serve as a reminder of the dangers to our children from online predators and the importance of being aware of whom our children are communicating with online,”

said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

If convicted of all counts, Moretti faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.

“Cyber space may not seem real to some children, or even parents, but it poses a real danger as we allege in this investigation,” stated FBI NY Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael Driscoll. “Unfortunately, we can’t stop these crimes from happening because the internet allows sexual predators direct access to victims. We’re asking parents to start a conversation with their children about being safe online.

The FBI New York Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force believes Mr. Moretti may have victimized others and we’re asking anyone with information to call us at 1-800-CALL -FBI.”

Queens Village Man Indicted in Mom’s Machete Murder

By Forum Staff

A Queens Village man has been indicted for allegedly stabbing and slashing his mother to death with a machete last February, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Osvaldo Diaz, 46, was arraigned last week on a three-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Diaz was ordered to return to court on Feb. 17.

Katz said that Osvaldo Diaz and his mother, Maria Diaz, lived together in an apartment above a beauty salon. On Feb. 24, 2021, Osvaldo’s sister visited their home. The two women had previously planned to run some errands and take a walk. But when the sister of the defendant arrived and called her mother on her cell phone the 78-year-old woman never answered despite numerous calls. Eventually, the defendant picked up and allegedly told

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

“This outburst of violence has devastated the victim’s family, which includes her other six children,” DA Katz added.

his sister to go to the store.

According to the charges, when his sister left the building, Osvaldo Diaz, a former City cop, was observed on video surveillance leaving the apartment. When the woman returned, no one responded to her calls. That’s when she summoned the property owner who permitted her into the apartment, where she discovered her mother’s body bleeding and wrapped in bedding. Maria Diaz was pronounced de-

10 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

ceased at the scene.

The DA said the defendant was on the run for just over a week when he was apprehended in New Jersey. Diaz was returned to Queens last Wednesday to face charges.

“The defendant allegedly attacked his mother with a machete—to the point of near-decapitation. This outburst of violence has devastated the victim’s family, which includes her other six children. The defendant fled the state but was appre-

Osvaldo Diaz

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

hended and extradited to Queens,” Katz said.

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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 11

12 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HOWARD BEACH HOWARD BEACH Hi-Rise Condo 3rd fl Hi-Rise Co-Op, 2ND Low Ranch, 6 rms, LD 2 bed, 3 bedrms, full basement, Heritage House, 5 rms, FLOOR 5O rms, S 3 bedrms, 2 new bths, top floor, just painted, private drive , HOWARD BEACH

huge terr, hardwd flrs, new kit, totally renovated, Call Now !

HOARD BEACH

Corner 97 St &162 Ave, vacant land, 40x100, zoned for 1 family Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

2 Fam det, 10 rms, 5 bedrms, 1 car gar pvt dr, updated kit & bath, lg yard, Call Now !

mint call now !

Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

1 fam, det raised ranch, 8 rms, 3 bedrms, 2 bths, pvt drive, full bsmt, Call Now !

Hi-Rise 2nd fl, 5 rm, 2 bedrm, 2 bth, formal ding rm, updated kit & bth.

Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

WOODHAVEN

Colonial 7 rms, 3 bedrms, full unfin bsmt asking only 658K

CALL NOW !

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 13

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of Checo Multiservices LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York on October 29, 2021. Office location: Queens County, Secretary of State is designated as agent upon who process against the LLC may be served. Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon the LLC to C/O 108 – 05 51st Street, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SHZ ESTATE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/07/21. 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, 9720 164th Ave, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 9201 AVENUE L LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/07/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Aristotle G. Mirzaian, c/o Curcio Mirzaian Sirot LLC, 48 Wall St., 11th Fl., NY, NY 10005-2903. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

HAGION PROPERTY LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 11/30/2021.

Off. Loc: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 7123 Nansen St., Forest Hills NY, 11365. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act.

R&W FOODS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/30/21. Office located in Queens. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC., 7014 13TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA.Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation: 140-35 69 AVE LLC (the ‘LLC’) filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 02/19/2021. Office location: QUEENS County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to Lowenfeld Law Firm P.C. - 1706 Sheepshead Bay Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11235

193-03 Union Turnpike LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/21. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 193-03 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: General.

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.

TB ORGANIZED LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/03/21.

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 TB ORGANIZED LLC, 1041 ANNAPOLIS STREET, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691, USA.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.

28-13 48 ST LLC filed w/ SSNY on 12/21/21. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 25-84 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103. Exist date: 1/1/22 Purpose: any lawful.

QL CONSULTS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/26/21. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1-086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General.

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.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 18th day of MARCH 2021, bearing Index Number NC-000211-20/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 STEPHEN KARPEN. My present name is STEPHINE KARPEN AKA LENNOX VERIN KARPEN. The city and state of my present address is SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY. The month and year of my birth are JANUARY 2020. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. 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.

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.

WEI BUSINESS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/09/21. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to WEI BUSINESS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANT LLC, 65-17 110th St., Forest Hills, NY, 11375, USA.Purpose: General.

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.

14 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

For the best service and prices for classified ads and legal notices Call The Forum 718-845-3221

BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH CO-OP IN A LOVELY DEVELOPMENT. PACK YOUR BAGS AND MOVE RIGHT IN! MAINT IS $785 INCLUDING 1 AC. PARKING IS $25 (NOT INCLUDED IN THE $785, WAITLIST), AC:$25 EACH.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 3 • JANUARY 20 2022 | 15

16 JANUARY 20, 2022 • Number 3 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP