THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JANUARY 27, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 4 • JANUARY 27, 2022

BULLET PROOF

Local Leaders Applaud Adams’s ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence’

See pages 2

With the City still mourning the shooting deaths of two NYPD officers, Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday released a plan that lays out policy proposals to curb the scourge of illegal firearms plaguing the five boroughs.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 1

Area Elected Officials Support Mayor’s ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence’

By Michael V. Cusenza

South Queens elected officials this week applauded Mayor Eric Adams’s “Blueprint to End Gun Violence”—Hizzoner’s plan featuring policy proposals to curb the scourge of illegal firearms plaguing the streets of the five boroughs.

“Just like so many New Yorkers, I was riveted to my television listening to Mayor Eric Adams’ ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence,’” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “As a member of the Public Safety Committee, I am encouraged knowing that Mayor Adams has developed a blueprint that is driven by both the crime that is happening on our streets and subways every day, as well as data. We have gone eight long years without any plan to end gun violence in our city. I believe Mayor Adams’ ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence’ is ambitious, shows clear direction, and encompasses many of the measures we have been asking for. These measures will have both short-term and long-term effects on creating a safer New York City for all.” “‘The Blueprint to End Gun Violence’ is a transformative plan to deliver the public safety our city needs,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). “I will be proud to partner with Mayor Adams and my colleagues in the state Legislature to make this plan a reality. We can and will save lives, uplifting our neighbors at greatest risk, while holding accountable those who threaten our communities with illegal guns.”

“Our fears were realized on Tuesday as Police Officer Wilbert Mora has passed away,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said. “Mora, and his partner Officer Jason Rivera — who was killed on Friday night in the incident that left Mora in the hospital fighting for his life — are true heroes for sacrificing their lives to protect this city. My condolences go out to both officers and their families. I stand with the officers of the NYPD, and with the Mayor of New York Eric Adams, working towards ending gun violence in our city so incidents like this don’t happen again.”

According to the administration, Adams’s roadmap calls for both intervention and prevention to end the gun violence epidemic affecting New York, and calls on the federal government and New York state to partner with his administration and other city entities to take immediate action to reduce gun violence.

Over the longer term, Adams said that he also plans to transform New York City and address the root causes that lead to gun violence by growing economic opportunities, improving the education of city children, providing greater access to mental health support, and more.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that continues to threaten every corner of our city,” Adams said. “We pray for all the victims of violence and their families who are suffering, but we are going to do more than pray — we’re going to turn our pain into purpose. Public safety is my administration’s highest priority, which is why we will remove guns from our streets, protect our communities, and create a safe, prosperous and just city for all New Yorkers.”

Adams noted that since Jan. 1, City cops have taken 350 illegal guns off the street.

Last year over 6,000 guns were confiscated.

“Our officers are doing heroic work getting guns off the street. But traffickers keep the guns coming. That must end. We must stop the flow of illegal guns into our city. The Iron Pipeline must be broken.The NYPD is our first line of defense against gun violence. We will make new efforts to strengthen and reinforce it, while continuing our mission to involve the community.

“We will start by putting more officers on patrol in key neighborhoods throughout the city. We will enhance existing Public Safety Units with new Neighborhood Safety Teams, which will focus on gun violence.

We will launch these additional teams in the next three weeks, with deep focus on the 30 precincts where 80 percent of violence oc-

“This is our moment, New York,” Mayor Adams said.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

curs, even as the Public Safety Units continue their lifesaving work.

“In doing this, we will avoid mistakes of the past. These officers will be identifiable as NYPD, they will have body cameras, and they will have enhanced training and oversight.

“We will also expand the partnership between the NYPD and New York State Police.

We are already working with Gov. Hochul’s Public Safety team on reducing gun violence, sharing critical law enforcement data, and supporting the Interstate Gun Tracing Consortium.

“There are no gun manufacturers in New York City. Yet, even as the NYPD removed over 6,000 guns from our streets last year, we know that new guns are arriving by car, by bus and by train every day. The NYPD will work with state law enforcement to implement spot checks at entry points like Port Authority and other bus and train stations.

Adams also said that the “Blueprint” calls for the expansion of “the anti-violence Crisis Management System and ensure they have the necessary resources to do their work.

There will be a central point of contact at City Hall to help them navigate every single agency so that our city government is aligned and coordinated in support of their life-saving efforts. We will also enlist every city agency in promoting public safety. From Sanitation to Housing to Buildings, we will have boots on the ground on every block of this city.

2 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Adams noted in his remarks on Monday, “Just as we utilize precision policing, we must utilize precision prevention – reaching young people long before they turn to guns and violence. There are at least 250,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are out of school and out of work.

“My administration will launch an unprecedented Summer Youth Employment and Youth Engagement Program for summer 2022, as we know that gang violence and gun crimes spike in the summer months. Part of this effort will include partnership with large businesses and corporations across the city, with a goal of identifying a paid internship opportunity for every young person who wants one.

“It is important that I speak to you about the issue of our young people in foster care.

Almost 3,000 young people are entrusted to

our city through the foster care system, and about 500-600 age out of the system each year without a consistent adult to rely on.

Only 21 percent of these young people have a high school degree or equivalency when they age out of foster care at 21. One out of every five enter a homeless shelter within three years of aging out.

“Programs like our Fair Futures initiative provides life coaches for this vulnerable population through age 26, and we are going to expand these programs that help our youth get on the right path.

Adams also noted that “social services are important in protecting our city, and nowhere is that more crucial than when it comes to the topic of mental health. Mental health and public safety go hand in hand. The mental health crisis in our city has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it contributes directly to the crisis of gun violence.

Our entire health care system must play a role in reducing gun violence, and we are going to make sure our hospitals and mental health professionals get the resources they need.

“Our existing Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs are an important frontline response to those individuals who enter our hospital system with criminal or behavioral issues. These programs bring together hospital staff and law enforcement and community partners to provide support

to violently injured people. Engaging patients in the hospital, during their recovery, is a real opportunity to improve lives and reduce retaliation and recidivism.

“The Health Department will expand this Intervention Program to 10 additional hospitals in the communities experiencing high rates of gun violence,” Adams promised. “My administration will also redirect resources from the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, formerly known as ThriveNYC, into areas of immediate need. This will include support for those experiencing homelessness on our streets, especially those in urgent need of mental health care.

“Each of these steps will make a critical difference. But city government alone cannot solve a crisis that has reached across our nation.

“We will need support from New York state, federal partners, district attorneys, the U.S. Southern and Eastern District Courts, as well as all New Yorkers. I express my thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and the entire New York state Legislature for their support of our city in this time of crisis. Your partnership going forward is critical, and I know we can work together to swiftly enact legislation and promote policies that will make it easier for our city to prosecute gun crimes.

“The Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns is an important first step. But we must also address bail reform and our pretrial detention system.

“First: We must allow judges to take dangerousness into account. New York is the only state in the country that does not allow a judge to detain a defendant who poses a threat to the community.

Forty-nine other states, as well as the federal government, allow judges to consider a defendant’s dangerousness. New York must catch up.

Far too many men above the age of 18 are victimizing children by forcing them to carry the weapons. This is evidenced by the statistics.

• In 2019, 2.5 percent of all youths under 18 who were arrested had a firearm.

• In 2021, that number was 10 percent.

• Children are being used as pawns.

“If a 16- or 17-year-old is arrested on a gun charge, the NYPD should ask the individual where they got the gun from. If the individual refuses to disclose that information prosecutors should have the ability to charge the individual in Criminal Court, rather than Family Court.

“We must also re-examine the 2019 reforms to the discovery process. We must allow district attorneys to move forward earlier with gun charges, removing disclosure requirements that jam up the process, and we urge the state to pass legislation to that effect.

“And finally, we must raise the penalty for gun trafficking. Currently, a gun trafficker on our streets won’t face a Class B felony until they sell 10 guns in a one-year period. We need to lower that number to three. And if you are in possession of three or more guns, this should be presumptive evidence of gun trafficking, not just possession.

“Rise up to protect each other. Rise up to defeat gun violence. Rise up to defend the way of peace and the work of prosperity,” Adams concluded. “This is our moment, New York.”

Man Charged in Surfside Motel Shooting

Several city labor unions will be accepting aA Brooklyn man has been charged with shooting another man last September at the Surfside Motel in Howard Beach, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Rawle Washington, 27, was arraigned on a seven-count complaint charging him with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree and aggravated criminal possession of a weapon.

According to the charges, shortly after 10 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2021, police responded to the Surfside Motel on Cross Bay Boulevard where a 29-year-old man had been shot. The victim was lying on ground in front of the motel entrance bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to the leg. The man had also sustained a shot once in the buttocks and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

According to the complaint, Washington was seen on video surveillance in a baseball cap, lightcolored shirt and dark pants in the motel lobby just after 5 a.m. Video footage later that morning, around

Let us begin helping you with a free consultation.

Photo Courtesy of Google

A 29-year-old man was shot last September at the Surfside Motel.

By Forum Staff

Your problems are our job.

10 a.m., showed Washington allegedly running after the victim and pointing a gun in the man’s direction and firing several times. Immediately after the shots rang out, the defendant allegedly turned and ran in the opposite direction toward the rear of the motel. Further video evidence showed Washington allegedly tossing the gun into the Shell Bank Basin, adjacent to the motel. Police recovered the weapon, as well as a light-colored shirt and the baseball cap near the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner swabbed both the baseball cap and the shirt and recovered DNA from those items. A DNA profile of a male donor was created and a short time later law enforcement was notified that a match had been found—allegedly Washington. The defendant was arrested last week after a lengthy investigation into his whereabouts, Katz noted.

“As alleged, the defendant thought he made a clean getaway by tossing the gun in a nearby waterway and abandoning his hat and shirt as he fled— but he could not get away from his DNA,” Katz added. “Genetic testing on this evidence connects the defendant to this brutal crime.”

If convicted, Washington faces up to 25 years in prison.

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.

“Genetic testing on this evidence connects the defendant to this brutal crime,” DA Katz said.

File Photo

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 3

After Threats, St. Francis Prep HS Parents Call for Metal Detectors

St. Francis Prep School is located in Fresh Meadows

By Michael V. Cusenza Following a series of online postings threatening violence at St. Francis Preparatory School earlier this month, some parents of the high school’s students called for the installation of metal detectors at SFP’s front entrance.

“In light of the recent social media threats, we, the parents of the SFP students, respectfully request that Metal Detectors be installed at the Main Entrance of the School and that all other entrances are locked and alarmed at all times. This is the only way to ensure that a gun, or other

Photo Courtesy of Google

The threats first began to appear on Instagram on Jan. 14. The NYPD investigated the threats and searched the Fresh Meadows school.

“At this time, there is no imminent threat to students, faculty, and staff,” McLaughlin wrote in a message posted on the SFP website. “Immediately following the report of the threat, local law enforcement from the 107th Precinct and school officials began an investigation and actively investigated throughout today.

Police officers, the canine unit, detectives, ATF officials, and investigators from the joint terrorist task force all collaborated on this effort. All law enforcement officials concluded that there was no credible threat; however, the Administration

weapon, can’t be snuck into the school,” Thalia Misthos wrote in a petition on the crowdsourcing site change.org addressed to SFP Principal Pat McLaughlin.

“In addition, there should be a police officer at the entrance at all times. We request that this be done before the school re-opens to in-person learning.

“We all have the same goal; the safety of our students and staff. The parents are happy to support the school in any way possible in order to make this happen.

Thank you, in advance, for considering The change.org petition is looking for 500 signatures. our request.”

4 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

will be in contact with law enforcement over the weekend should additional information come to light. Additionally, we understand the concerns regarding some students' social media accounts being tagged in some of these posts are unsettling. We are confident such students are not associated with the person who created the threat; unfortunately, social media accounts that are not set to private have vulnerability. We urge all students with social media accounts to take necessary precautions to avoid strangers from finding their accounts. More suggestions about safe-guarding social media and a person’s ‘digital footprint’ will be distributed by our Technology Team in the near future.”

Courtesy of change.org

Hochul Addresses Street Homelessness

Photo Courtesy of Don Pollard/Office of the Governor

“By deploying outreach professionals to targeted areas, we will help improve safety and ensure New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have the support they need,” Gov. Hochul said.

By Forum Staff Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced expanded initiatives to address homelessness and help provide intensive outreach, engagement, and care coordination services on the streets and in the subway in New York City, and announced the launch of a Request for Proposals for nonprofit organizations to operate specialized “Safe Options Support” teams consisting of direct outreach workers as well as clinicians to help more New Yorkers come off of streets and into shelters and/or housing.

To provide immediate and expanded assistance to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness in the subway system, the State will be deploying approximately 20 public employees, contracted nonprofit provider staff, and volunteers into the subway system within one week. This group will include behavioral health professionals that will connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to critical services as well as shelter. The State will closely coordinate with the City of New York and the MTA to deploy these professionals to areas with most immediate and acute needs and will continuously evaluate whether deployments need to be adjusted depending on needs.

In addition, on Friday the State Office of Mental Health issued a RFP that invites eligible nonprofit organizations to submit applications to create and implement Hochul’s SOS teams, which will not only conduct direct one-on-one outreach with New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, but will also include on-street and in-subway clinicians, nurses, social workers, and behavioral health specialists, so that the street-to-referral logjam is broken, and that a comprehensive suite of much-needed critical services can be provided immediately to New Yorkers in need. In total, OMH seeks to deploy up to 20 SOS teams

this year, including four teams in New York City by the early Spring, an additional eight teams in New York City by the summer, and the final eight teams in high-needs regions throughout the state by the end of the year, investing $11 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and ramping up to $21 million annually for future years.

The SOS teams will greatly expand coverage and capacity and will work closely with the New York City Department of Homeless Services to ensure there is complementary and broader coverage of the availability of services. By including clinicians on the teams, referral for services will be streamlined. In addition, referrals will be coordinated through the SOS Referral Hub, in collaboration with several City and State agencies, to ensure rapid connection and to prevent any duplication of services.

Individual referrals can be made by numerous entities, including but not limited to, outreach teams, hospitals, family and caregivers, community providers, police and the MTA. In order to enhance collaboration and coordination between the State and City governments, Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced that the SOS teams will be complemented by a citywide training collaborative which will include the MTA, NYPD, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the NYS Office of Mental Health, the NYS Office of Addiction Supports and Services, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and other key stakeholders, which will ensure a collaborative and holistic response to the homelessness crisis.

“Too many New Yorkers are sleeping on our streets and subways—they need resources and support to get back on their feet,” Hochul said. “By deploying outreach professionals to targeted areas, we will help improve safety and ensure New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have the support they need.”

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

WORKING FROM HOME CAN BE PAINFUL Despite the advances against COVID-19 and its multiple varients, many people are still working from home full time or at least a great part of the time.

Escalation in some common conditions have been Reported frequently as a result of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The most prevalent complaint comes from people that are experiencing severe neck pain and stiffness and other ailments affecting their backs.

Obviously, creating the perfect work at home scenario can be difficult for a number of reasons including availability of space, equipment, seating and a host of others. Even those not having to create a “work-at-home” environment are faced with additional time on their hands that is being taken up by excessive periods on computers and smart phones.

The most important advice we can offer on this front is trying to be aware of posture.

If you do not have an ergonomic workspace, you are likely slouching over a dining table, bed, couch or the beloved coffee table. Used as very temporary solutions, these factors might not have such adverse effects but considering we really have no idea when this situation will be resolved, now is a good time to take some steps to stop the conditions from wreaking havoc especially for those with pre-existing back and neck problems.

Stop slouching Sitting on a couch or a bed doesn’t exactly suit you spine too well. In fact the posture encouraged in any seating of those types to hunch over your laptop or a phone is a recipe for disaster to your spinal column. You round your shoulders, put your head down and introduce much stress and pressure to your neck and back.

No slouching!

There is no perfect posture for sitting

all day. Even if you sat perfectly erect you could have pain in your back and neck. The key here is to get up regularly, change your positioning and walk around and stretch a little. Hunching over puts a tremendous strain on your neck and back. Try rolling up a pillow and placing it in the hollow arch of your back to give support to the lumbar and prevent pain.

Change your posture throughout the day Switch chairs and sitting surfaces regularly keep switching between different chairs and sitting surfaces because when you shift things around, you’re not putting a lot of pressure on just one area and the strain on your body will migrate to different parts instead of settling on concentrated areas.

Fluff up your seat Get up every 40 minutes The most impotent change you can make to your routine right now is to get up at least every 40 minutes. You take breaks at home for coffee or to go to the bathroom so treat this equally. Take 5 minutes every 40 minutes and you’ll be doing your back a big favor.

Prepare a workstation Remember that the screen of your laptop should be just below your eye level, so you should elevate the height of the screen to avoid the strain your neck. You can prop up the laptop with books to reach the optimum height. Secondly, you may also try to increase the font size to avoid putting a strain on your eyes and even put a blue light filter on the screen. To raise the laptop, you may use a box.

We hope these tips help you and remember that to ease pain and stiffness we carry a wide variety of topical preparations that can help you get over pain cause by poor posture and seating choices.

Stay strong and stay safe!

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.

Ariola Tapped to Lead Council Committee

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) has been appointed chairwoman of the Fire and Emergency Management Committee, Ariola announced Monday.

The freshman councilwoman was also assigned to the committees on Contracts, Health, Public Safety, Resiliency & Waterfronts, Transportation & Infrastructure and Veterans; she was assigned to the Twin Parks Citywide Taskforce on Fire Safety as well.

“Being a member and chairing the listed committees will allow me to better serve the communities who elected me to represent them. Thank you to Speaker Adrienne Adams for your trust in me.

I am honored to be the only Republican to receive a chairmanship of a committee,” Ariola said. “This proves what I’ve been saying all along—we must work with our colleagues across the aisle to ensure our residents receive all the resources they deserve. Congratulations to the members of the committee I chair as well as all of the other Council committees.”

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 5

State Senate Dems Advance Legislation to Help NY Businesses and Employees Recover from Pandemic Committee on Commerce, Economic De- the weekly maximum unemployment benvelopment and Small Business. It adjusts the efit for workers in 2022 and 2023.

• For the 2022 Fiscal Year, the statuThe State Senate Democratic Majority unemployment insurance tax rate schedule will advance legislation to freeze increases for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years to reduce tory employer contribution rate would be in unemployment insurance taxes for busi- an employer’s tax obligation and to increase determined by size of index column headed nesses across New York State for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal year, Democratic leaders announced Tuesday.

Additionally, the legislation will increase the maximum unemployment benefit for workers who have lost their jobs at no fault of their own. During the pandemic, unemployment claims have drastically increased as businesses struggled to keep their doors open.

“Since the start of this pandemic, the Senate Majority has taken action to help our business community survive and recover from this pandemic. Today we are taking urgent action to delay an increase in unemployment insurance taxes because we know businesses cannot take on this burden as they struggle just to keep their doors open,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “This pandemic has created many unforeseen fiscal challenges, but this legislation takes action to give businesses across New York State time to get back on their feet, as well as still support workers across New York State who lost their jobs. I want to thank Senator Anna Kaplan for carrying this bill to the floor and taking another step to help our businesses Photo Courtesy of NYS Senate Media Services recover and assist New York’s workforce.”

“This pandemic has created many unforeseen fiscal challenges, but this legislation takes action to give businesses The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Anna across New York State time to get back on their feet, as well as still support workers across New York State who lost Kaplan (D-Long Island), chairwoman of the their jobs,” Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said.

By Forum Staff

at 2.5 percent but less than 3 percent and the employer’s respective negative or positive account percentage, • For the 2023 Fiscal Year, the statutory employer contribution rate would be determined by size of the index column headed at 2 percent but less than 2.5 percent and the employer’s respective negative or positive account percentage.

• The weekly maximum unemployment benefit rises to 40 percent of the average weekly wage after enactment and to 42 percent of the average weekly wage in October 2022.

“As we continue to pull our way out of the pandemic this legislation will provide much needed relief to both employers as we enter tax season and workers collecting unemployment,” State Sen. James Sanders, Jr. (D-South Richmond Hill) said. “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill and I am sure it will help many people in my district and across New York State.”

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) added, “Increasing contribution rates on employers who are already struggling from the worst pandemic of our generation would inflict irreversible harm to the small businesses that are vital to New York’s economic recovery.

By hitting the pause button on these potentially devastating increases, these businesses can focus on getting back on their feet, rather than being kicked while they're down. Many thanks to Senator Kaplan and all co-sponsors of this legislation who are working to prioritize the survival of our business community.”

Pols Urge Biden Administration to Require Medicare to Pay for Rapid COVID Tests

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand

“As cities and towns across the state continue to battle the Omicron variant, we must ensure that everyone has free and easy access to testing—not just those with private insurance,” Sen. Gillibrand, seen here with President Joe Biden, said.

By Forum Staff Nineteen U.S. senators—including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)—on Tuesday sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging them to require Medicare to pay for rapid

COVID tests. The letter follows the administration’s recent guidance requiring private insurance companies to cover the cost of up to eight rapid over-the-counter COVID tests per month. Extending this requirement to Medicare would ensure that an additional 61 million Americans enrolled in Medicare and Medicare Advantage, including those at highest risk of severe illness, have equal access to testing amidst a surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations across the country.

“Required coverage of testing ordered by a physician, expansion of free testing sites through pharmacies and community health centers, and free at-home rapid tests available through COVIDTests. gov or 1-800-232-0233 are big steps forward, including for seniors,” the senators wrote. “Recent CMS guidance requiring coverage of eight over-the-counter at-home tests per person per month will significantly expand access to millions of Americans with commercial health insurance. However, those enrolled in original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans do not have this same access.

Seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare are at the highest risk

6 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“Required coverage of testing ordered by a physician, expansion of free testing sites through pharmacies and community health centers, and free at-home rapid tests available through COVIDTests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 are big steps forward, including for seniors,” the senators wrote in their letter to the Biden administration.

of severe illness from COVID-19, and people over 65 account for nearly threequarters of all deaths from the virus. The current policy leaves them on the hook for potentially significant out-of-pocket costs.”

“Right now, millions of New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare can’t get coverage for rapid COVID tests,” Gillibrand said.

“As cities and towns across the state continue to battle the Omicron variant, we must ensure that everyone has free and easy access to testing—not just those with private insurance. I urge the Biden administration to immediately expand its guidance to require Medicare to cover the cost of over-the-counter COVID tests for all beneficiaries.”

After 53 Years of Service, FDNY Commissioner Nigro Announces Retirement City Health + Hospitals Corporation into of his close friend, Chief Peter J. Ganci, Jr. the FDNY. Following the merger, he be- Commissioner Nigro was responsible for City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro came the chief in charge of EMS. In 1997, overseeing all rescue and recovery operaon Friday announced his retirement from he was promoted to Chief of Operations, tions at the World Trade Center site, and the the FDNY, effective Feb. 16, 2022. Nigro, a Queens resident, is the fourth-longest serving Fire Commissioner in FDNY history, and one of only six individuals to hold every rank in the Department.

Nigro was appointed a firefighter on Nov. 29, 1969, and after graduating from the Fire Academy, was first assigned to Engine Company 21 in Manhattan. Over the next 32 years, he rose through the ranks of the FDNY, serving as a Lieutenant at Engine Company 35 in East Harlem, as a Captain at Engine Company 8 in Manhattan, and as a Battalion Chief in Battalion 19 in the Bronx.

Beginning in 1988, while in the rank of Battalion Chief, he served in several administrative positions at headquarters, including the Chief of Personnel and the Chief Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office of the Bureau of Health Services, where he oversaw the medical care and treatment for Nigro called being the City’s Fire commissioner “the honor of a lifetime.”

FDNY members.

Upon his promotion to deputy chief in overseeing all operations and training for beginning of the unprecedented rebuilding 1993, he returned to the field and served more than 14,000 uniformed fire and EMS of the department following the death of 343 FDNY members. As Chief of Departin Division 3 in Manhattan. A year later, personnel.

After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the ment, Nigro held the highest uniformed he was appointed Deputy Assistant Chief and was instrumental in merging the Emer- World Trade Center, he was appointed rank, overseeing all major uniformed FDNY gency Medical Service of the New York Chief of Department, following the death bureaus: Operations, Training, EMS, ComBy Forum Staff

munications, and Fire Prevention. He retired from the department in 2002.

In June 2014, Nigro returned to the FDNY and was appointed the 33rd Fire Commissioner. As commissioner, he oversaw the FDNY’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the highest period of medical calls in New York City history and the creation of a vaccination program for FDNY members, city employees, and homebound New Yorkers. During his tenure, the department executed a recruitment campaign that led to the most diverse group of applicants in FDNY history, with more women and people of color now serving as New York City firefighters than at any point in the department’s 157-year history.

“Since the day I raised my right hand 53 years ago and followed my father into the greatest fire department in the world, I have been blessed, privileged, and truly honored to serve the people of our great city,” Nigro said. “On days of triumphant rescues and during times of unimaginable loss, the members of the FDNY — our firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and civilian staff — have always answered the call. They are extraordinary people and are deeply committed to protecting the lives and property of all New Yorkers. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as their Fire Commissioner.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 7

8 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 9

Meng Renews Push for More Fed Funding for Security at Houses of Worship, Nonprofits

By Forum Staff

File Photo

“As I’ve said, we can never take a backseat to safety. It must always be the top priority,” Rep. Meng said.

Following the hostage standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) renewed her commitment to seek additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship and nonprofit organizations with federal grants to improve the safety and security of their properties, the congresswoman announced Friday.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee – the panel that funds all of the federal government’s agencies, programs, and projects – Meng secured a record $180 million for the program for Fiscal Year 2021.

She is fighting for $360 million for the current fiscal year.

Last week, Meng spoke with the committee urging that this program receive additional funding.

The grants, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative that is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, The Rego Park Jewish Center can be used for target-

hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.

“For years, I have underscored how crucial the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is to keeping our communities safe,” said Meng. “I have also pushed for additional funding for these grants, and the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas once again illustrated how essential this need is. As I’ve said, we can never take a backseat to safety. It must always be the top priority. I am proud to have helped increase funding for this program, and I will continue fighting for even more money so that additional houses of worship and nonprofits can protect themselves from threats and attacks.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison after Admitting to Shooting Girlfriend in her South Ozone Park Home firearm to twice shoot his then-girlfriend in the chest while she was helpless in bed. Luckily, she survived but continues to deal with the burden of her physical and psychological injuries.”

Katz also noted that Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Camillo, of the DA’s Domestic Violence Bureau, prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant Dis-

Jeffers shot the woman inside her 117th Street residence.

By Forum Staff A Far Rockaway man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting his girlfriend in her South Ozone Park apartment in 2019, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Vernon Jeffers, 44, pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, 2021, to attempted murder. He was sentenced last week to 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision.

trict Attorney Afroza Yeasmin, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Kenneth Appelbaum, Acting Bureau Chief, Audra Beerman, Deputy Chief, Mary Kate Quinn, Assistant Deputy Chief, Howard McCallum, Supervisor, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Daniel Saunders.

Photo Courtesy of Google

According to court records, shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2019, the defendant entered the 117th Street apartment of the 48-year-old victim, shot her twice while she was in bed, and fled the scene. The woman was able to call 911 and report that she had been shot by her boyfriend.

The defendant was apprehended three days later.

Continuing, the DA said, the victim required surgery to treat her injuries, which included a lacerated liver. A bullet remains lodged near her spine.

File Photo District Attorney Katz said, “This defendant was sentenced for using a deadly DA Katz said the 48-year-old victim survived, “but continues to deal with the burden of her physical and

10 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

psychological injuries.”

Meng Calls on IRS to Reduce Large Backlog of Tax Returns

By Forum Staff

File Photo

““Queens residents and those throughout New York should not be forced to endure increased wait times for their tax refunds and other payments,” Rep. Meng said.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced Thursday that she urged the head of the Internal Revenue Service to reduce the large backlog of tax returns that have affected millions of people including residents in Queens.

In a letter to IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, Meng and 81 other members of Congress called for a plan to be created to efficiently and effectively process the backlog, and help with the hiring and training more taxpayer advocates – who assist taxpayers with questions and problems – since the delays have increased the number of inquiries that the Taxpayer Advocate Service has received.

The backlog has also included unemployment compensation, Child Tax Credit Payments and Economic Impact Payments. Meng has had 200 constituents that have been impacted by these delays in payments and tax returns.

“I understand the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had in causing this backlog,” said Meng. “But Queens residents and those throughout New York should not be forced to endure increased wait times for their tax refunds and other payments. This is money that many constituents need during the pandemic, and they do not deserve to suffer financial strains or lose out because of the government’s delay. I urge the commissioner to immediately address this backlog.”

Child Tax Credit payments are advanced monthly payments created under the American Rescue Plan to help families with children pay for expenses. Economic Impact Payments are stimulus payments established under coronavirus relief bills to help people during the pandemic.

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig

Photo Courtesy of IRS

Gillibrand Touts Heating and Cooling Relief Act

By Forum Staff Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Thursday announced her plan to introduce the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2022, which would invest $40 billion in annual funding to expand access to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and expand eligibility criteria so families never pay more than 3 percent of their annual income on energy costs. In addition to helping end energy poverty, this bicameral legislation would ensure that every household receiving LIHEAP funds can have their utility debt cleared and would help New York reach its energy goals by supporting the transition away from fossil fuel consumption.

LIHEAP is a severely underfunded program that has only been able to reach approximately 16 percent of eligible households in recent years. In New York State alone, there are already more than 1.2 million households that collectively owe roughly $1.7 billion in late energy payments—this burden is disproportionately shouldered by low-income, Black, Hispanic, and Native American households that are forced to pay large shares of their monthly incomes on energy bills, Gillibrand said. This bill would protect New York consumers by ensuring that every household receiving LIHEAP funds can have their utility debt cleared and that no eligible households have their utilities shut off, especially during

File Photo

“As New York continues facing extreme and potentially dangerous cold weather, we must ensure that every person has access to reliable, affordable, and sufficient heat to stay safe at home,” Sen. Gillibrand said.

winter months. High energy burdens are also linked to greater risk for respiratory diseases, and as the Omicron variant continues to spread across New York, it’s vital that people have the financial backing to safely shelter in place without needing to rely on alternative sources of heat, Gillibrand said.

Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act: • Increases annual funding for LIHEAP to $40 billion and expands eligibility to ensure that no household pays more than three percent of its annual income on energy costs; • Minimizes the barriers to ad-

ministering and applying for LIHEAP by allowing households to self-attest to eligibility criteria; increases the administrative cap for outreach, technological, and staffing purposes; and ensures LIHEAP coordinators are paid at least a living wage; • Protects consumers by ensuring that no eligible household has its utilities shut off or pays late fees, that every household receiving funds can have its utility debt cleared, and that utility companies set up discounted payment plans to support consumers; • Ensures states can use LIHEAP to address climate adaptation by increasing funding for cooling assistance and ensuring households can access utility assistance during major disasters; and • Increases funding made available for weatherization through LIHEAP, and establishes a new Just Transition Grant for states and localities to help reduce energy burdens for LIHEAP-eligible households and promote renewable energy usage.

“No person or family should ever go without adequate heat,” Gillibrand added.

“This bill would ensure that low-income families never pay more than 3 percent of their annual income on energy costs, even in the coldest winter months. As New York continues facing extreme and potentially dangerous cold weather, we must ensure that every person has access to reliable, affordable, and sufficient heat to stay safe at home.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 11

12 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HOWARD BEACH

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 , 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 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 13

Legal Notices 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

14 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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, 136-20 BOOTH MEMORIAL AVENUE, UNIT 2D, FLUSHING, NY 11355, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

NEW HYDE PARK MINT HI RANCH ON A DEAD END STREET IN THE HEART OF NEW HYDE PARK. 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, NEW KITCHEN, NEW BATHS, NEW ROOF, NEW AC, SIDING AND WINDOWS. ON DEMAND HOT WATER TANKLESS HEATER.

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 4 • JANUARY 27 2022 | 15

16 JANUARY 27, 2022 • Number 4 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP