THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JULY 12, 2019

VOL. 19 • NUMBER 28 • JULY 12, 2019

THRILL-ECTION Katz’s Razor-Thin Lead in Wild Dem DA Primary Forces Mandatory Recount

See Story on Page 3 Though Melinda Katz (r.) leads Tiffany Cabán by 16 votes in the Democratic Primary for District Attorney, State Election Law requires a full manual recount, which is set to begin Thursday, July 11, in Middle Village.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 1

Meng ‘Mail Fishing’ Bill to Study Possibility of Retrofitting Blue Collection Boxes

By Michael V. Cusenza In an effort to combat mail fishing, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) this week announced that she has introduced the Keep Mail Safe Act, a bill which would require the U.S. Postmaster General to study the possibility of retrofitting all blue mail collection boxes in the United States with narrow mail slots.

Mail fishing is a federal crime in which envelopes containing checks and sensitive documents with information such as bank, credit card, and Social Security numbers are “fished out” of curbside mailboxes by crafty crooks using makeshift rods: many times it is an adhesive slathered all over a weighted, 16- or 20-ounce bottle attached to the end of a string or rope. The perpetrators then cash in at banks or check-cashing establishments through various deceitful methods.

As Meng noted, mail fishing has resulted in many incidents of identity theft and bank fraud. Last year alone, there were more than 3,000 incidents of mail fishing in the five boroughs—many occurred in Queens.

While the U.S. Postal Service has begun to retrofit some collection boxes, criminals are shifting their mail fishing activity to other regions that don’t have this security feature.

Retrofitting all blue collection boxes would help deter and prevent incidents of mail fish-

Congresswoman Meng wants all blue mail collection boxes in the United States to be retrofitted with narrow mail slots like this one on the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 161st Avenue.

ing; ensure the security of mail; and restore people’s trust in utilizing collection boxes, Meng said.

“Year after year, numerous Americans, including New Yorkers—many of whom are seniors, fall victim to criminals who steal their personal information through mail fishing,” the congresswoman added. “This has resulted in identity theft and funds be-

ing stolen from victims’ bank accounts. Last year, the Postal Service agreed to retrofit all blue mail collection boxes in my home borough of Queens after I urged the agency to do so. Now, they should look at doing the same throughout the country. We can no longer ignore this problem. The Postmaster General must conduct a study to retrofit all collection boxes.”

Last December, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service told The Forum that the agency had already replaced approximately 40 percent of the old collection boxes in Queens with new, virtually “fishing-proof ” ones.

“The plan has always been to replace all of these boxes; it’s the most prudent approach,” USPIS Public Information Officer Donna Harris said. “We know it works.”

Perhaps perps have become more resourceful, because in December two personal checks were pilfered from one of those new, high-security mailboxes with the narrow slots located a few steps from the front door to the Howard Beach Post Office, the victim told The Forum. The Ozone Park woman reached out to the newspaper after receiving a phone call from a TD Bank Fraud representative inquiring about the two checks. The woman, who asked The Forum not to publish her name, said the bank staffer indicated that the two checks, which the victim said were originally made out to the amounts of $50 and $3,000, had been manipulated to the tune of $5,000 and $9,800, respectively.

The victim’s accounts were reimbursed and Harris vowed to investigate the headscratching case.

“We don’t know what happened. Those boxes are sturdy—but nothing is 100 percent [tamper-proof],” Harris added.

City Planning Commission Set to Hold Public Hearing on Borough-Based Jails Proposal

By Michael V. Cusenza The City Planning Commission was to have held its public hearing on the New York City Borough-Based Jail System proposal on Wednesday, July 10, at 10 a.m. at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Led by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and Department of Correction, the proposal is to implement a borough-based jail system and close the facilities on Rikers Island. The proposed project would develop four new detention facilities to house individuals who are in the City’s correctional custody with one located in each of these four boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

In February 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson agreed to a single public review process for the four proposed sites. These locations The City’s proposal is to implement a borough-based jail system and close the facilities on Rikers Island. together will provide off-island space for 5,000 detainees, and will include the three er, safer and fairer. I want to thank these rep- existing facility and replace it with a modexisting DOC facilities in Queens, Brook- resentatives, who share our vision of a more ern one. The new jail would have housing lyn, and Manhattan, as well as a new site on rehabilitative and humane criminal justice units for detainees, programming and recthe grounds of a former City Police Departsystem that brings staff and detainees closer reational space, and a new above-ground ment tow pound in the Bronx. public parking facility. On the ground “This agreement marks a huge step for- to their communities.”

The World’s Borough site is the floor there would be publicly-accessible ward on our path to closing Rikers Island,” Queens Detention Center at 126-02 82nd community space. de Blasio said. “In partnership with the City Critics of the Borough-Based Jail SysAve. in Kew Gardens. According to the adCouncil, we can now move ahead with creating a borough-based jail system that’s small- ministration, the City would demolish the tem proposal are wary of the new jails 2 JULY 12, 2019 • Number 28 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

and the seemingly breakneck pace that has been implemented to get them up and running. Last month, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz issued her recommendations to disapprove the four related Uniform Land Use Review Procedure applications in connection with the City’s proposed borough-based jail at the old Queens Detention Center. In her recommendations, Katz said that Rikers Island is an inhumane and dangerous facility that must be closed, while emphasizing her support for borough-based jails that keep individuals closer to their homes, families and support structures. However, Katz expressed serious concerns over how the administration conceived the proposal in its present form, specifically citing a lack of meaningful community involvement in the planning process, as well as the needlessness of a 1,500-bed jail anywhere in Queens while aggressive decarceration efforts to significantly reduce the jail population are underway.

“Reforming our city’s jails system is too critical a mission to take on without adequate community engagement or proper planning, as we must strive to avoid recreating the same atmosphere of violence and dehumanization found on Rikers Island upon four new facilities in neighborhoods across the city,” Katz added.

Katz’s Razor-Thin Lead Forces Democratic District Attorney Primary Vote Recount

By Michael V. Cusenza The wild Democratic Primary for Queens District Attorney is headed for a mandatory recount.

According to the City Board of Elections, a recount of all ballots is required when the margin of victory is less than one half of one percent of all votes. As of Wednesday afternoon, Borough President Melinda Katz held a razor-thin lead of 16 tallies over public defender Tiffany Cabán.

BOE staffers are set to start the manual recount of all 91,000 votes on Thursday at Tiffany Cabán votes for herself way back on Election Day, June 25. the agency’s Queens voting machine facility inside of Metro Mall in Middle Village.

The process is expected to take two weeks to complete.

So how did we get here?

It seemed that Cabán, 31, pulled off a stunning upset on Election Day (way back on June 25) when the Richmond Hill native declared victory at her campaign party after noting that, at the time, she had topped Katz by 1,090 tallies. Cabán garnered 33,814 votes (39.57 percent), while Forest Hills’ Katz compiled 32,724 votes (38.30 percent).

More than 85,000 votes had been Melinda Katz at her Forest Hills polling site on Election Day.

Bill to Inform Voters if Their Choice Drops Out

Photo Courtesy of the Cabán Campaign

Photo Courtesy of the Katz Campaign

counted, with roughly 3,400 absentee ballots remaining to be calculated.

However, the borough president would not concede.

“I want everyone to know we are doing a recount,” a prescient Katz, 53, asserted at her reception in Forest Hills.

“This thing ain’t over folks,” Queens Democratic Party Chairman Greg Meeks added.

And after the absentee ballot count last Wednesday, indeed it was Katz claiming the crown.

“We said from the beginning that every vote needs to be counted and that every voter needs to be heard, and now we see clearly why this must always be the case,” Katz said in a statement after surging ahead by 16 votes. “I am proud to have been chosen as the Democratic nominee for Queens district attorney. We know that these numbers can and will be subject to recount, and there may be legal challenges, but what matters most is the will of the Queens voters.”

In a heavily Democratic borough, Katz or Cabán is expected to cruise past the GOP nominee, which as of press time is Daniel Kolgan.

Big ‘Boom’ Box Bust in Ozone Park

Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office

According to Addabbo, the legislation would amend the current election law and provide the voter with a notice indicating that the individual they voted for is no longer a candidate and they could complete a new ballot.

By Forum Staff A new bill is calling for voting machines to be programmed to reject ballots that contain a vote for a candidate who has officially withdrawn from their race prior to the election date, and allow the voter another chance to cast their vote for someone still in the race, if they wish, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) announced Monday after introducing the measure.

According to Addabbo, the legislation would amend the current election law and provide the voter with a notice indicating that the individual they voted for is no longer a candidate and they could complete a new ballot. The State Board of Elections would be authorized to promulgate rules, regulations and programming necessary to implement this amendment to the election law.

The senator cited a recent example as inspi-

ration for the bill. The amendment would have been beneficial to voters in the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney. Just a handful of days before Election Day, then-candidate Rory Lancman pulled out of the race and immediately threw his support behind Melinda Katz. This may have left voters confused, Addabbo contends, and the 1,168 people who cast their ballots for Lancman may have wanted a second chance to vote for a different, active candidate.

“I feel that all voters should be fully informed of all the active candidates in a race for political office,” Addabbo added. “Voters should know when they cast a vote for a candidate that has officially dropped out of the race and have the opportunity to fill out another ballot for a different candidate that is still running, if they so choose.”

If passed, the bill would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

South Queens’ Finest last week touted the fruits of their labor—and the Neighborhood Policing program—after an Ozone Park pyrotechnics bust netted hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal fireworks.

Last Wednesday night, hours before Independence Day, 106th Precinct Special Operations officers followed up on an anonymous tip noting an enormous “ar-

ray of fireworks” being stored in a garage on 98th Street, Community Affairs Officer Seth Jaffe told The Forum on Monday.

Investigators confiscated 600 boxes containing an assortment of entertainment explosives with a combined street value of more than $150,000.

The owner of the property was arrested and booked on site.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 3

Ridgewood Mobster Heads Back to Slammer

Photo Courtesy of FBI

Paul Ragusa

By Michael V. Cusenza An associate of both the Bonanno and Gambino organized crime families who once landed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s ten most wanted fugitives list has been sentenced six years’ imprisonment for possessing nine firearms, including three automatic assault rifles and a silencer, federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday.

Paul Ragusa, 48, possessed the firearms while serving a custodial sentence at a residential re-entry facility in connection with three prior felony convictions. Ragusa pleaded guilty to the firearms charge in October 2018.

According to charging documents, between

July and October 2017, Ragusa met with a cooperating witness whom he knew through their prior affiliation with the Giannini Crew, a criminal enterprise based in Ridgewood responsible for numerous violent crimes in the 1990s. During recorded conversations with the witness, Ragusa agreed to commit a murder-for-hire. Ragusa stated that he did not need a gun, because he would stick an “ice pick” through the victim’s head.

On Oct. 25, 2017, the witness asked Ragusa if he knew anyone who could transport firearms.

Ragusa responded, “Yeah, me! I’ll do it!” On Nov. 2, 2017, Ragusa met an undercover FBI agent who drove him to a warehouse in Nassau County where Ragusa packed nine firearms, including two AK-47 assault rifles and one M16 rifle, into a large bag. Ragusa and the agent drove to a parking lot in Queens, where Ragusa loaded the firearms into a waiting undercover FBI vehicle.

Ragusa was paid $2,000 in cash. Unbeknownst to Ragusa, the firearms were the property of the FBI and had been rendered inoperable.

Ragusa was indicted more than two decades ago for his exploits as boss of the Giannini Crew.

After roughly five months on the lam—and the top perch of the aforementioned ignominious top ten list—he surrendered to FBI officials on Jan. 30, 1998.

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Farmer’s Market Returns to Richmond Hill

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office I

“The market filled a crucial void in Richmond Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods, where residents previously had to travel great distances to buy fresh produce,” Councilman Ulrich said.

By Forum Staff Forest Park is set to host the second annual Richmond Hill Farmer’s Market, City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) announced Tuesday.

Situated in close proximity to the park’s My Buddy Monument, which is located near the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South, the market kicks-off on Saturday, July 13, and will return every Saturday thereafter from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 23.

For the second-consecutive year, Ulrich has allocated $20,000 in funds for the market, which promises to offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from locally-sourced farms, which change seasonally. During the summer months, visitors can find blackberries, blueberries, peaches, carrots, garlic, cilantro, arugula, radish, mint, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs, and more. During the fall season, produce such as celery, parsnips, peas, and egg-

plant will be available for purchase. Many fruits and vegetables will be offered during both seasons, the councilman noted.

“Last year, we welcomed the first-ever farmer’s market to Richmond Hill and it was a major success. The market filled a crucial void in Richmond Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods, where residents previously had to travel great distances to buy fresh produce,” Ulrich added. “I am thrilled to partner with GrowNYC on this project for a second year, giving residents direct access to fresh fruit and vegetables from locally-sourced farms—right in their backyard.”

Ulrich also reported Tuesday that, much like last year, the 2019 Farmer’s Market will employ students from Ozone Park’s John Adams High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, to give “our youth the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and to earn some money during the summer and fall season.”

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9/11 Fund Bill Renamed to Honor Late Heroes

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

As Sen. Gillibrand pointed out on Monday, the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act” is designed to ensure that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is fully funded and will remain open for those that will become ill in the future.

By Michael V. Cusenza Bipartisan legislation to make the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund permanent will be re-named to add Sept.

11 first responders Luis Alvarez and Ray Pfeifer, who will now join NYPD Det. James Zadroga, as honorees of the bill, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) announced on Monday.

The legislation will now be named the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.” Gillibrand noted that the original 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and its reauthorization were named after James Zadroga, a NYPD detective who passed away from cancer and other health problems linked to his time at Ground Zero.

The legislation would now also honor City Police Det. Alvarez and City Firefighter Pfeifer, who fought for the Sept. 11 bill for years and spent the last months of their lives coming to Washington to urge members of Congress to make the fund permanent.

Alvarez succumbed to cancer on Saturday, June 29. In 2009, Pfeifer was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer; he passed away on May 28, 2017.

The VCF is on shaky fiscal legs. In the fund’s Seventh Annual Status Report and Third Annual Reassessment of Policies and Procedures, both published in February, VCF Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya indicated that a VCF funding shortfall—due in large part to an incredible escalation in the number of claims filed in 2018 on account of a surge in the rates of serious illnesses suffered by members of

the Sept. 11 community and the increasing number of deaths that can be attributed to Sept. 11 exposure—has forced her to significantly decrease future payouts.

For any claim or amendment submitted on or before Feb. 1, 2019, the payout will be reduced by 50 percent. For any claim or amendment submitted on or after Feb. 2, 2019, the payout will be reduced by 70 percent.

“The stark reality of the data leaves me no choice,” Bhattacharyya has said.

As Gillibrand pointed out on Monday, the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act” is designed to ensure that the VCF is fully funded and will remain open for those that will become ill in the future.

A filibuster-proof bipartisan majority of the Senate has cosponsored the legislation. The measure has 332 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and passed out of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously last month.

“Luis Alvarez, Ray Pfeifer, and James Zadroga were 9/11 heroes who devoted their lives to helping others, and it is only fitting that this legislation be named in their honor,” Gillibrand added. “Our 9/11 first responders are sick and dying, and too many of them have spent too much of their precious time left fighting to convince Congress to pass the 9/11 VCF bill. This legislation has strong bipartisan support and the votes in the Senate and the House to pass this bill as soon as it comes to the floor. This all comes down to political will and whether Congress is truly willing to ‘never forget’ the heroes of 9/11.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 5

EDITORIAL Idle Threat It’s an issue as old as this city. But that doesn’t mean we have to live with it.

One of South Queens’ most persistent— and perpetually dangerous—problems is punctuated by hazard lights.

At all hours of the day and night along a stretch of the eastbound Nassau Expressway between Howard Beach and John F. Kennedy International Airport you’ll find a visual symphony of blinking amber courtesy of dozens of private cars and for-hire autos idling roadside. For decades, impatient drivers have been abruptly pulling out of makeshift parking spots and into traffic, endangering motorists traveling along the expressway, which serves as a major thoroughfare for drivers merging from the Belt Parkway on to the Van Wyck.

And according to the authorities, which should be applauded for their consistent efforts, there’s no end in sight.

“Another thorn in my side,” an exasperated Deputy Inspector Brian Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, said last year.

“It is a constant nuisance and we continue to issue summonses there,” Capt. Mike Edmonds, executive officer of the precinct, told The Forum last summer. “We conduct initiatives each month; my whole traffic team is

at the location for the whole day. [The City Department of Transportation] has signs posted stating ‘No Stopping,’ and people still disregard.”

Indeed, in the first five months of 2018, 106th Precinct officers handed out more than 150 summonses to drivers parked and waiting on the side of the expressway.

Still, it doesn’t seem to be enough. For all the cops’ efforts, nothing seems to deter the practice.

“Any suggestions would be appreciated,” Edmonds added, “but I don’t see a quick resolution other than constant monitoring and summonses.”

Back in 2016, then-Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder urged the city Taxi and Limousine Commission to ramp up efforts to combat the longstanding, terrifying tradition. In a letter to then-TLC Chairwoman Meera Joshi, Goldfeder requested increased enforcement of stopping and standing by TLC-licensed

vehicles on this segment of the expressway.

Goldfeder noted in the missive that the practice has been the subject of multiple enforcement efforts by the 106th Precinct and Highway Patrol in recent years, but that it continues unabated.

“The Nassau Expressway is one of the busiest roadways in our community,” Goldfeder wrote. “Drivers should not have to contend with parked cars pulling into 50-milean-hour oncoming traffic. I urge the TLC to take the necessary steps to put an end to this dangerous practice before someone gets seriously injured.”

Many anxious residents over the years have brought their concerns regarding the issue to the community board and area civic groups.

“Members of our civic often complain of drivers zooming out into traffic when they get the call from a fare,” said Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association Vice President Barbara McNamara.

We pledge to stay on top of this issue. You should, too. We’ve been saying it for years: Get involved. Attend community meetings.

Alert the authorities. Write your elected representatives.

Tell all of this persistent, idle threat.

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De Blasio Vows to Strengthen Oversight of Taxi Medallion Brokers

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced the findings of his 45day investigation into the practices and policies of taxicab medallion brokers. The joint Taxi & Limousine Commission, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and Department of Finance probe of brokers licensed by the City to assist clients in the buying or selling of taxicab medallions was ordered by Hizzoner following allegations of broker misconduct.

Among the actions taken by the administration is the arrest of Anthony Medina, a Staten Island man accused of impersonating a city marshal in order to repossess taxi cabs and medallions from unsuspecting taxi owners.

Medina was cuffed on Tuesday, July 2, by the Sheriff ’s Department outside of his home and charged with four separate counts of criminal impersonation of a city marshal. For at least three years and across four boroughs, Medina allegedly impersonated a marshal to help him seize vehicles, medallions, and rate cards from owners who were allegedly in default to private lenders.

According to the administration, the Sheriff ’s Department was able to

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office

“This report shines a light on many of the predatory practices of the broker industry,” Mayor de Blasio said.

confirm at least three different episodes where Medina, allegedly while impersonating a marshal, harassed cabdrivers, including an incident where Medina allegedly broke into a taxi in Queens last May, removed a medallion, rate card and meter, and left a false notice of seizure. After the medallion owner paid his debt, Medina, again allegedly impersonating a marshal, intimidated the man while

returning the medallion, rate card and meter, telling him not to tell TLC that the medallion had been removed.

De Blasio noted that during the investigation into the practices and policies of medallion brokers, TLC, DCWP, and DOF staff reviewed 5,513 pages of records, conducted and analyzed a survey of drivers who own their medallions, and held outreach events in each of the five bor-

oughs. The investigation provided insight into the City’s 20 licensed taxi brokers’ business practices, including: • TLC rules require brokers prepare documents summarizing loan and purchase agreement terms, as well as disclose any interests they may have in medallion transfers. The investigation revealed that in many cases the required documentation

and disclosures brokers provide their clients were often confusing and were not easily understandable to potential purchasers. Documents were not provided in any language other than English, in an industry where more than 95 percent of taxi drivers are immigrants.

• Although brokers frequently help drivers negotiate a loan for the medallion purchase, brokers fail to adequately explain the terms of these loans to their clients. The investigation found a majority of surveyed drivers who used a broker reported they did not have a clear understanding of their loan agreements.

• Brokers did not consistently use written broker agreements. Less than half the records provided included these agreements. Following the recommendations of the report, written agreements will now be required, the mayor pledged.

“This report shines a light on many of the predatory practices of the broker industry and with this new insight, we’ll be able to do even more to help taxi drivers too long taken advantage of by those they trusted for guidance and help,” de Blasio added.

To read the full 18-page report, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/ businesses/broker-enforcement.page.

Retired Cop Sentenced to up to 12 Years in Prison for Running Lucrative Brothels, Gambling Rings

By Forum Staff A retired City Police Department Vice detective has been sentenced to four to 12 years in prison after admitting to operating brothels and gambling ring in Queens, Brooklyn, and on Long Island that allegedly involved seven active duty NYPD officers and nearly three-dozen civilians, Active Queens District Attorney John Ryan recently announced.

Ludwig “Agua” Paz, 51, of Queens Village, who has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2018, pleaded guilty on May 21 to two counts of attempted enterprise corruption and one count of third-degree promoting prostitution in satisfaction of three indictments. In addition to the prison term, Paz agreed to forfeit more than $20,000 in illegal profits, Ryan noted.

“A former vice detective used his insight and knowledge of NYPD operations to run lucrative prostitution and gambling rings.

Furthering his criminal actions, the defendant used his connections with active duty officers to corrupt them into participating in his illegal ventures. This defendant ran a string of brothels in Queens, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, Long Island, as well as having gamblers bet on established lotteries in various shops. These opera-

One of the eight brothels was located on Jamaica Avenue in Hollis.

tions are out of business now and the defendant is going to prison,” Ryan added. “We will continue to combat this kind of corruption— even when the perpetrators are those entrusted to enforce the law. The Court’s sentence today is more than just.”

Paz’s wife, Arelis “Maria” Peralta, 44, also of Queens Village, pleaded guilty on May 21 to two counts of attempted enterprise corruption and

was immediately sentenced to 364 days in jail.

In a related case, then-suspended Brooklyn South Vice Det. Rene Samaniego, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted enterprise corruption last week in satisfaction of two indictments. Samaniego is slated to be sentenced on July 24; Ryan said he will go to prison for his part in the operation of a complex prostitution ring and gambling rooms set up in beauty salons

and other businesses between August 2016 and September 2018.

According to authorities, an investigation began in April 2015 when an anonymous tip came in to NYPD Internal Affairs that some police officers—active duty and retired—were involved in the illegal operation. Investigators then used court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, and other investigative tools to identify the illegal network and the individuals involved.

Samaniego worked closely with the ringleader, furnishing him with detailed intelligence on police procedure, informing him of scheduled raids, and other information which facilitated keeping the illegal business open and running.

The intelligence supplied by Samaniego enabled brothel operators to set up protocols for new clients so that undercover officers could be identified. Up to eight brothels were operating in locations on Liberty, Jamaica, and Onderdonk avenues in Queens, and other spots in Brooklyn and on Long Island.

The prostitution ring alone raked in more than $2 million in 13 months using online ads to get customers. Additionally, illegal lotteries were set up in various businesses; the operations had managers, runners and agents working offices in which bets were placed on legal lotteries.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 7

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New Law a Boost to Green Roof Program: Pols

The Pharmacist’s Corner Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph ACNE: GETTING THE PROBLEM UNDER CONTROL

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

“New York City should be at the forefront of urban sustainability and green innovation, and our barren roofs offer an ideal opportunity to improve air quality, reduce energy use, ease storm related flooding, and increase the amount of green spaces in communities that need it the most,” Comptroller Stringer said.

By Forum Staff Newly signed legislation will boost enrollment in the green roof tax abatement program, two borough elected officials and the city’s fiscal watchdog noted on Monday in Flushing.

State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) sponsored the new law that reforms and modernizes the existing green roof tax abatement. The measure, which drew heavily from a 2018 proposal outlined

by City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Danielle Spiegel-Feld, a professor at New York University Law School, to reauthorize the citywide green roof tax credit and target an enhanced $15 per squarefoot credit to areas most at need of green space, increases a tax break for property owners that choose to install a green roof in neighborhoods that struggle with regular sewer overflows or a lack of green space.

According to Stringer, the law reforms an existing tax abatement program from 2009 which has largely failed to catalyze the growth of green roofs, with only seven roofs receiving the abatement during the program’s decade-long run. Because the program’s tax abatement was dismal and undercut by “broadly unrealistic regulatory standards,” Stringer said property owners saw little incentive in greening their roofs. The new law aims to boost these meager results by scaling up the tax abatement and incentivizing the construction of green roofs in the areas of the city most in need of green space and the many benefits green roofs provide. The City will select priority areas for the newly enhanced credit under the new law on a rolling basis.

“New York City should be at the fore-

front of urban sustainability and green innovation, and our barren roofs offer an ideal opportunity to improve air quality, reduce energy use, ease storm related flooding, and increase the amount of green spaces in communities that need it the most,” Stringer said. “I want to thank Senator Liu, Assemblymember Rozic, and Gov. Cuomo for their commitment to greening our city. This bill is just the start. It’s time we used the 62 square miles of available space on top of our buildings to truly create a green oasis in the skies in every corner of the city.”

According to the comptroller, green roofs only cover one in 1,000 buildings in the five boroughs, and every dollar invested in green roofs generates an estimated $2 in benefits by mitigating storm water runoff and providing green space.

“The aggressive measures contained in the climate protection law we passed last month ensures that New York leads the way in keeping our planet inhabitable,” Liu said. “This Green Roof bill incentivizes individual homeowners to contribute meaningfully to that global effort and significantly reduce our local emissions.”

Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, added, “Not only is green infrastructure a critical way to keep our waterways clean, it can also bolster resiliency and air quality at the same time. That’s why we were glad to support the expanded green roof tax abatement this session.

This program is designed to benefit the communities most impacted by [combined sewer overflows] and flash floods, and we hope it will lead to a significant expansion of green infrastructure on private property.”

10 JULY 12, 2019 • Number 28 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Many of our patients are dealing with the effects that common acne can have on the lives of their children. As we know, peer pressure can lead to emotional trauma for teens and young adults and studies show that acne can act as an initial trigger for bullying.

Fortunately, this condition is one that has many remedies and can absolutely be brought under control with a little diligence and regimented hygiene.

Our pharmacy offers many OTC preparations that should be selected according to the areas on the face that the condition is prevalent and to individual skin types.

Acne is best characterized by pimples, which may be closed, called pustules or whiteheads and open, known as blackheads, and both types be found on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.

There is much debate as to why some people develop this condition and others do not. Scientists are all in agreement that genetics plays a factor in the disease, and that mom is more scientifically responsible than dad.

Certain foods have long been blamed for breakouts, but actually those findings are not scientifically supported.

As a general rule of thumb, limiting fatty, greasy foods in the diet will help with overall health as well as acne. Taking in too much

sugar leads to the overproduction of body chemicals which cause a buildup of sebum in the body and increase inflammation, promoting acne.

We'd like to offer our help, beginning with the following tips to bring acne under control.

The first thing is to choose a cleanser, specifically for acne that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This will help to clear acne sores, as well as to offer an even, less reddened appearance to the skin.

Washing your face gently is the best way to clean it. Scrubbing can actually traumatize the skin and can cause sores to rupture.

Wash your face with your hands, gently massaging troubled areas and avoid all abrasive cloths.

If you have dry skin and need a moisturizer, make sure it is light and non-comedogenic. Ask the pharmacist to help you choose the right cleansing preparation for your face.

Most importantly, never, ever pick. It will leave you with more inflammation than before and will cause scarring.

Begin your road to clear, acne free skin with a trip to the dermatologist and consult with your local pharmacist about the preparations that are best for you.

Until next week!

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 9am7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.

City Softball Champs!

Photo Courtesy of Ozone Howard Little League

The Ozone Howard Little League Major Girls District softball squad recently rode pitcher Ashley Dalo’s no-hitter and the team’s clutch hitting and solid defense to a 5-0 sectional title win over Staten Island’s Snug Harbor team at Great Kills Leittle League to earn the crown of City Champions.

According to team officials, two years ago this same group of girls made it all the way and won the East Coast Regional Championship, which is far as you could go at 10 years old.

Now being 12, the girls have set their eye on

the prize of earning a spot at the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Ore. this August. They will compete for the NY State Championship next week in Fishkill, N.Y. Good Luck girls! Continue to make our neighborhood proud and represent Queens!

Pictured l. to r.: Coach Tiffani Spinelli, Kimberly Piazza, Gia Spinelli, Bre Sanchez, Coach John Nolan, Jovanna Donaruma, Melanie Snyder, Ashley Dalo, Marylou Piazza, Ava Hersh, Manager Lou Piazza; bottom l. Alexa Nolan; bottom r. Ashley Destefano

Three Borough Residents among 21 Reputed Gang Members that ‘Terrorized Streets of Brooklyn’: DA

By Michael V. Cusenza Nearly two-dozen alleged members of two subsets of the violent Folk Nation street gang— including three men from Queens—have been charged in connection with multiple shootings throughout Brooklyn that left two young men dead and four others injured, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Tuesday.

In all, 21 reputed gang members have been indicted. According to Gonzalez, 19 of the defendants were arraigned last week on a 65-count indictment in which they are variously charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-, second-, third- and fourth-degree conspiracy, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree criminal use of a weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment, and related charges.

Bail for Sherrod Craig, 19, of Jamaica, has been set at $25,000 cash/$5,000 bond; and bail for Cambria Heights’ Dandre Stanford, 20, has been set at $100,000 cash/$50,000 bond. According to authorities, as of Wednesday afternoon, Jabare Brim, 22, of Laurelton, remained a fugitive.

According to the indictment, the defendants, whose ages range from 17 to 41 years old, and include a father and his two sons, are members of two subsets of the violent Folk Nation street gang: Super Rich Kids, a.k.a., Street Rich

Photo Courtesy of the Brooklyn DA’s Office

According to DA Gonzalez, 19 of the 21 defendants were arraigned last week on the 65-count indictment.

Kartel (SRK-Folk) and Newkirk (NewkirkFolk); they operate primarily in and around East Flatbush and Flatbush.

Over the course of the conspiracy, which ran from July 21, 2016 to June 27, 2019, the defendants variously allegedly agreed to commit crimes, including murder, assault, weapons possession and various other crimes to establish

and maintain their dominance, according to the indictment, and feuded with rival gangs from East Flatbush and Flatbush, as well as Canarsie, particularly subsets of the violent Bloods and Crips street gangs.

It is alleged that it was part of the conspiracies for SRK-Folk members to engage in armed attacks against rival gang members, running re-

connaissance missions in vehicles, and shooting individuals they suspected of being rivals, especially in Canarsie—an act commonly referred to by the defendants as “spinning the Floss.” On at least two occasions, these armed hunting expeditions resulted in death.

During the escalating violence over the course of the conspiracy, SRK-Folk and Newkirk-Folk members allegedly frequently discussed their intentions and efforts to engage in additional attacks and took credit for past attacks through cell phone messaging and, less often, through social media.

Among the acts of violence charged in the indictment: On Feb. 20, 2017, in East Flatbush, defendant Zidon Clarke, acting in concert with others, allegedly shot and killed Rohan Levy, an innocent 15-year-old boy who he mistakenly believed was a rival.

Gonzalez said the reputed gangsters “allegedly terrorized the streets of Brooklyn by opening fire on perceived rivals and recklessly firing their guns—including in broad daylight—endangering innocent bystanders… Investigations such as [‘Operation: One Nation’], that target the drivers of crime reflect our commitment to fighting gun violence and holding accountable gang members who take part in these senseless shootings.”

The defendants face various penalties, depending on their age and the charges, ranging from probation to 25 years to life in prison.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 11

Thieves Target Lindenwood Gym

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

According to detectives, this man in May swiped a wallet from the workout floor at LA Fitness in Linden Center.

By Michael V. Cusenza City detectives this week reached out to the public via social media for any information related to a May theft at a Lindenwood gym that seems to be a preferred source for pickpockets and other sticky-fingered suspects.

According to police reports, on May 22, the man pictured swiped a wallet from the workout floor at LA Fitness in Linden Center.

Though the exact contents of the wallet have not been revealed, the perpetrator is wanted for grand larceny, an index crime that is charged when the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000.

Last month, 106th Precinct investigators once again took to Twitter for help in identifying a man who is wanted in connection with a recent string of thefts at the same LA Fitness.

According to officials, the suspect entered the gym’s locker room and broke into four lockers, removing cash, a wallet, credit cards, and a Gucci belt.

In May, 106th Precinct commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Brian Bohannon told area residents that he has been working together with LA Fitness management to address the issue.

“They’re the most frustrating crimes,” Bohannon said at a recent Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association meeting. “They’re cowardly crimes.”

Anyone with information on either case is asked to call (718) 845-2261. Additionally, if you have information pertinent to the aforementioned offenses, you can call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All correspondences are strictly confidential.

Sikhs Honored in Albany

Your problems are our job.

Let us begin helping you with a free consultation.

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

Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Miller’s Office

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) this year honored the Sikh community for its beneficence to the Empire State and its residents.

During the 2019 Legislative Session, Miller introduced a resolution recognizing Baisakhi, which marks the Sikh’s New Year and is one of the historically significant days of the year for Sikhs. And on the Assembly floor, the assemblyman also recognized the Sikh community of Richmond Hill, as well as the Sikh Cultural Historical Society, the Cultural Center, and members of the Guru Nanak Darbar

for their “outstanding contributions” to The World’s Borough and beyond.

“Sikh-Americans make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States,” Miller (back row, c.) added.

The assemblyman noted that Sikhs have been living in the U.S. for more than 100 years, and during the early 20th century thousands of Sikh-Americans worked on farms, lumber mills, and mines and on the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern railroads. Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world today.

12 JULY 12, 2019 • Number 28 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 13

Legal Notices RIKARIKA STUDIO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/4/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: RikaRika Studio LLC, 90-11 35th Avenue, APT. 3N, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

RAISIN LABS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 6/10/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Amandeep Singh, 115-12 124 Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

156-28 79TH ST, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/07/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 153-15 79th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

150-42 35th Avenue LLC. Filed w/ SSNY on 5/2/19. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 150-42 35th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful 168 ASTORIA REALTY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/03/19. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 15043 6th Avenue Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

POSEIDON PROPERTIES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/18/2019.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Nicholaos Georgopoulos, 32-82 33rd. Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

84-27, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/04/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 254-02 39th Avenue, Little Neck, NY 11363. Purpose: General.

156-26 79TH ST, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/07/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 153-15 79th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

KDCSH REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/20/19. Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 2269 24th Street,Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PROGRESSIVE CREDIT REPAIR SERVICES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/24/19. Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the progressive Credit Repair Services LLC, 21825 132nd Avenue, Springfield Gardens NY 11413. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

25-40 23rd STREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/20/19. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 25-16 38th Street, Apt. B, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

EVERLASTING ARTS, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 5/22/19. Off. Loc: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served shall mail process to: 86 Greenway Terrace, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

STAL CONSULTING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/27/2019. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Stal Consulting LLC 110-15 71ST RD. APT 2H, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the Registered Agent: Chang Hua Qin 3240 213th ST Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any lawful activity. d. SSNY shall mail process to: 22-50 33 STREET LLC, 24-20 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

MADELINE JUNE AND COMPANY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/22/2018.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC. 1967 WEHRLE DRIVE, SUITE 1-086, BUFFALO, NY 14221. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

GREENCITY CONTRACTING, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 5/03/2019.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Daniel O’ Sullivan, 86-04 88th Avenue, Woodhaven, NY 11421. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Any Lawful Purpose.

Murray Park Owners, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/30/18. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 35-06 Leavitt St. CF-A, Flushing NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: WFHA Newkirk LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on June 14, 2019. N.Y. office location: Queens County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to WFHA Newkirk LLC, c/o Workforce Housing Group, 5-14 51st Avenue, Long Island City, New York 11101. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

QUEENS LUXURY HOMES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/31/17.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 91-16 Suthin Blvd., Ste. 2018, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

14 JULY 12, 2019 • Number 28 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

J FIXEDIT! LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/29/19. Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the J FIXEDIT !

LLC, 11952 FARMERS BLVD., ST. ALBANS, NY 11412 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOLF PHONE REPAIRS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/09/19. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the NATAN WOLF, 144-37 76th AVE, FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: General.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 5th day of DECEMBER, 2018, bearing Index No. 000822-18/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Offi ce of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) SHARANPREET (middle) KAUR (last) RATHOUR. My present name is SHURAN KAUR RATHOUR (infant). My city and state of my present address are South Ozone Park, NY. The month and year of my birth are August 2000.

The place of my birth is Queens, NY.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP â&#x20AC;¢ VOL. 19â&#x20AC;¢ Number 28 JULY 12, 2019 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Sale Dates

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Wed

Thurs.

July

July

July

July

July

July

July

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

USDA Government Inspected

Fresh Boneless Chicken Breast Family pack 3 lbs or more

1

$ 99

USDA Choice

Bone-In Rib Steak

Fresh Northwest Cherries

101 Fl Oz

Family pack

8

$ 99

lb

Filippo Berio Pure Olive Oil

lb

FREE

$

16

99 W/Card Limit 1.

LB

Romaine Lettuce

POLAND SPRING WATER

1

24PK WITH ADD'L $50.00 PURCHASE

$ 99

99

¢

lb

Per Head

Tropicana Orange Juice

Sliced to order

Boars Head American Cheese

52 Fl Oz

**Customer is responsible for tax and deposit

GOOD ONLY FROM July 12 thru July 18 ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD NO OFFERS HONORED WITHOUT

4

PRESENTING THIS COUPON

$ 99 lb

COUPON EXPIRES July 18 ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 JULY 12, 2019 • Number 28 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

2

$ 99