THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 15, 2023

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 1 VOL. 21 • NUMBER 23 • JUNE 15, 2023
GARDEN OF READIN’ See Stories on Pages 2
Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati
PS/MS146StudentsShow‘Gratitude’f orNewOutdoorLearningCenter
The Howard Beach School’s little scholars on Monday welcomed the community to the ribboncutting ceremony officially opening the Outdoor Learning Center and Gratitude Garden.

PS/MS 146 Community, Elected Leaders Celebrate School’s New Outdoor Learning Center and Gratitude Garden

PS/MS 146 students, family, faculty, administrators and sta joined area elected o cials and community leaders on Monday for the ceremonial ribbon-cu ing to unveil e Howard Beach School’s sparkling new Outdoor Learning Center and Gratitude Garden.

“We are so proud of this beautiful outdoor space that we created for our school community,” School Sustainability Coordinator Jodi Tucci said. “Our amazing Principal Danielle Cross had a vision and a wish. And we helped make this wish come true with a lot of hard work and donations from friends and family. We worked before school and a er school we called on our friends to

lend a helping hand.

“We know that our Mayor Eric Adams has a citywide initiative to focus on sustainability in the NYC public school system,” Tucci continued. “We hope we inspire other teachers at their schools to create this type of outdoor learning space for their schools. With a li le love and a lot of hard work they can do it.”

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) added, “ e Outdoor Learning Center and Gratitude Garden at PS 146 is a beautiful addition to one of our community schools. Cheers to the garden team and Principal Cross on a job well done. It is my honor to be able to allocate $10,000 for the next school year to maintain and add to this amazing project.”

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Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati School leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon on Monday morning. Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati Dozens of families, elected o cials, and other community leaders turned out to see the nished green space. Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati Councilwoman Ariola called PS/MS 146’s new Outdoor Learning Center and Gratitude Garden “a beautiful addition to one of our community schools.” Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati Students enjoy the new part of their school. Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati Kids play in the Outdoor Learning Center Forum Photo by Vincent Coronati Councilwoman Ariola said she was able to allocate $10,000 “for the next school year to maintain and add to this amazing project.”

City Reaches Deal with Teachers Union

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced that the City has reached a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).

This agreement will cover approximately 120,000 municipal employees, bringing the total workforce under contract to approximately 67 percent.

The tentative agreement is retroactive, beginning on Sept. 14, 2022, and expires on Nov. 28, 2027. It conforms to the economic pattern established by the agreement with District Council (DC) 37 earlier this year, and includes wage increases of three percent for each of the first three years of the contract, 3.25 percent in the fourth year, and 3.50 percent in the fifth year. The agreement also includes a $3,000 lump sum ratification bonus for all UFT members and a first-of-its-kind annual retention payment to be paid in May of each year, beginning with $400 in 2024, $700 in 2025, and $1,000 in 2026 and every year thereafter. These payments will help the City retain its educators, especially those earning lower annual salaries.

The tentative agreement also establishes City public schools as the first major school system in the nation to offer an expansive voluntary virtual learning program, ultimately available to all high school students and at least some middle school students. This virtual learning program will give students access to a much broader set of course offerings across the city and the ability to take classes at nontraditional times, like evenings and weekends, and is not a substitute for in-person learning. Additionally, this groundbreaking initiative will allow New York City public schools to expand course offerings to students who don’t currently have access to

the full range of accelerated courses, and to reach students for whom traditional in-person schedules don’t work, for example students with full-time jobs. Further, teachers leading virtual classes will have the option of teaching from locations that work best for their class. Virtual classes will be offered through a citywide program as well as through school-based programs.

The tentative agreement must be ratified by UFT’s membership, and would apply to teachers, paraprofessionals, school secretaries, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, staff nurses, and supervisors of school security.

The total cost of the tentative UFT agreement through Fiscal Year 2027 will be $6.4 billion, which is funded in the labor reserve in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget.

In addition to wage increases planned over the next five-plus years, the tentative agreement includes:

• Annual Retention Payments: UFT members will receive a retention payment of $400 in May of 2024, $700 in May of 2025, and $1,000 in May of 2026 and every May thereafter.

• Virtual Learning Program: The DOE will offer an expansive voluntary virtual learning program to all high school students and some middle school students. This program will allow for flexible class scheduling, like weeknights and weekends, and the opportunity for educators to teach virtually.

UFT members will receive the following compounded wage increases:

Sept. 14, 2022: 3 percent

Jan. 18, 2024: 3 percent

Jan. 18, 2025: 3 percent

Sept. 14, 2025: 3.25 percent

Sept. 14, 2026: 3.50 percent

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 3
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Photo Courtesy of Mayoral Photography O ce Mayor Adams and UFT President Michael Mulgrew celebrate the tentative pact.

City Leaders React to Police Commissioner’s Sudden Decision to Resign

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell startled City Hall and 1 Police Plaza on Monday when she announced that she would be resigning the post she has held since Jan. 1, 2022.

City leaders reacted to Sewell’s decision on Monday.

“I want to thank Police Commissioner Sewell for her devotion over the last

18 months and her steadfast leadership. Her efforts played a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer. When we came into office, crime was trending upwards, and thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, most of the major crime categories are now down. The commissioner worked nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a year and a half, and we are all grateful for her service. New Yorkers

owe her a debt of gratitude,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

“I want to thank NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell for her service to New York City,” added City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Commissioner Sewell broke barriers as the first woman, and first Black woman, to lead the largest police force in the country. I empathize with the unique challenges she faced that are so familiar to many of

us in positions that have not traditionally been held by those who look like us. Despite differences about NYPD disciplinary policies, we shared a bond and mutual respect as professionals. I wish Commissioner Sewell all the best in her next chapter.”

Several published reports attribute Sewell’s decision to fatigue from the micromanaging ways of City Hall. She is set to leave at the end of the month.

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Photo Courtesy of Caroline Willis/Mayoral Photography O ce City Police Commissioner Sewell announced on Monday that she would be resigning. Photo Courtesy of Caroline Willis/Mayoral Photography O ce “ e commissioner worked nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a year and a half, and we are all grateful for her service. New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude,” Mayor Adams said.

Prevent Summer of Smoke across NYC: Pol

Days a er smoke and haze sti ed New York, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday warned it might soon happen again as he gave an update on the wild re situation and made a push to double the number of U.S. personnel via the Forest Service deployed to Canada. Schumer said we have to go from roughly 300 U.S. personnel to 600 to help ght these res.

Schumer, a er a morning call with Canada, said there are still not enough U.S. personnel involved and that to prevent a “summer of smoke,” the U.S. is going to have to send in more wildland re ghters.

“Last week, New Yorkers stepped outside feeling like they were living in a chimney. To try and prevent a summer of smoke, we need to take action,” Schumer said. “The best way to ensure New York and other parts of the U.S. do not suffer another wave of wildfire air pollution from these fires is to contain them as soon as possible. That will not be easy, but the Federal Government must explore all options on the table to keep Americans safe. I recently secured $7 billion in federal funds to help us take action on this front. Climate change has taken these once-ina-hundred-years events and turned them into yearly occurrences.”

Schumer said that Canada’s wild re season this year is already "severe" and current predictions" indicate the potential for continued higher-than-normal re activity across most of the country throughout the 2023 season due to ongoing drought and long-range forecasts for warm temperatures." Schumer said, just as we work to remedy res on the West Coast, we now have to focus in on the Northeast as climate change forces us to adopt new methods and measures.

“We have re mitigation plans on the West Coast, and they are very precise. We are going to have to be er develop these now for the East Coast, speci cally as it relates to New York and Canada,” Schumer added.

Last week, the Northeast – including much of New York State – was overtaken by a thick haze of wild re smoke. Toxic air and smoke bellowed across the border and put the health of families and communities across the East Coast at risk, forcing them, no ma er their health, to a empt to seek shelter indoors. Many workers, like New Yorkers who work outdoors, had to make decisions between their safety and their livelihood, while everything from afterschool activities to Broadway shows, to sporting events and ights had been cancelled.

Schumer noted that he has long-championed environmental e orts to combat the damages caused by climate change, including historic wild re mitigation and response funding. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the In ation Reduction Act passed last Congress, Schumer helped to secure $7 billion in forest management and wild re funding that the Biden Administration is currently ge ing out to communities throughout the country. In addition, Senate Democrats fought for and secured funding to improve air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education Stabilization Funds from bills like the American Rescue Plan can be used to improve indoor air quality through e orts like ltering and puri cation. While these helped keep COVID out of our schools, these e orts can play a similar role in keeping out smoke. Combating climate-change-fueled wild res is a cross-agency e ort and funding is moving to e orts like expanding the re ghter workforce and purchasing new technology to beat back res, Schumer said.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major American health concern. It is responsible for 1 out of every 3 deaths in this country. ere are over 2 million strokes and heart a acks reported every year. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) are primary contributing CV health risks. ese conditions a ect more than 80 million Americans each year. Along with the huge loss of life comes the tremendous nancial burden resulting from cardiovascular disease.

Because of the crush imposed by cardiac diseases on the economy, Medicare, Medicaid and private payers, have really applied the push for health-care teams to manage disease collectively and e ciently.

e role of the pharmacist here is very clear: ensuring cardiac patients are compliant with their meds thereby preventing hospital readmissions.

Cardiac medications include many types of drugs including Lipid-Lowering erapies like statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, Blood Pressure Meds like Beta Blockers, Diuretics and ACE inhibitors and yroid meds like Levothyroxine. ese are just a few of the myriad of meds that a cardiac patient can face.

With new drugs constantly turning up, physicians are realizing the value of pharmacists'' expertise in medications– it

is an essential piece in saving the lives of patients.

At your local pharmacy there exists a real opportunity to learn about your meds. Not only what they do for your conditions, and safeguarding that you always have the ample supply you need, but whether you’re on the right one, at the appropriate dose. Another component monitored by your pharmacist is the possibility of any potential drug interactions between your particular medications.

e role of the pharmacist as a member of your cardiac health-care team is recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) which both recommend a team-based approach, which includes pharmacists, in the treatment of hypertension.

Community pharmacists are making a huge di erence by provide services like blood pressure screenings, as well as offering advice to patients on many lifestyle issues, such as diet and exercise. You can turn to us with any di culty you’re experiencing, even when trying to stop smoking.

e bo om line is that your pharmacist is in an ideal position to help manage blood pressure and cholesterol medication therapy. Talk to us and take the opportunity to get heart healthy!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644

Ariola Warns Woodhaven Constituents about Roadwork

National Grid recently updated City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) about a major roadwork project in Woodhaven that could take the entire summer to complete. Ariola immediately reached out to her constituents.

“National Grid has informed us that they will be installing a new gas main along 88th Ave, between 80th Street and 85th Street,” she tweeted on Friday. “Please be advised of this if you plan to travel in this area…”

According to National Grid, the project will launch “in the coming weeks” and will take approximately 90 days to nish.

As for what to expect, typically work performed by National Grid will begin with the installation of a new gas pipe either in the street or sidewalk. e excavation required will be back lled at the end of each day. Steel plates will be used to cover any excavations le open to allow vehicular tra c and provide access to driveways, steps, and walkways. National Grid o cials pledged that “the entire work area will be kept clean and orderly.” A empts will be made to keep noise, dust, and debris to a minimum.

All or part of your gas service may have to be replaced. In order to complete this work, National Grid workers must gain access to your home at the point where the service enters the building. If this is the case, you will be contacted by a National Grid representative to make an appointment.

Also, all street and sidewalk surfaces a ected by the construction will be repaved to ensure a smooth surface, National Grid o cials promised.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 5
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph The Pharmacist’s Corner
START AT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY
HEALTHY HEARTS
e view of the Manha an skyline om Long Island City was much clearer Monday evening.
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography
O
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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.
Photo Courtesy of Google

Council Passes Zero Waste Act, Bills to Increase Healthcare Costs Transparency

e City Council on ursday passed the “Zero Waste Act,” a package of zero waste legislation that will advance the City’s e orts to divert organic waste from land lls, ght climate change, and create a greener, more sustainable future.

e City’s legislative body also voted in favor of several other pieces of legislation, including bills to increase healthcare costs transparency.

Introduction 244-A, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Shahana Hanif, would establish a permanent citywide residential curbside collection program to divert organic waste. e program requires residents to separate both yard waste and organic waste, such as food scraps, for regular weekly curbside collection by the Department of Sanitation. It will be phased in, with citywide coverage by October 2024. e bill also requires the City to conduct public outreach to residents, building owners, and maintenance sta .

Introduction 274-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would establish a goal of zero divertible waste for New York City by 2030. e Department of Sanitation would be required to report to the Council if this goal cannot be met.

Introduction 275-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would re-

quire the Department of Sanitation to report on their e orts to increase waste diversion rates. e report must include information on speci c materials and their recyclability, and e orts to recycle or reuse materials collected through public li er baskets and other sources.

Introduction 280-B, sponsored by Ma-

line. e bill also requires the Department of Sanitation to submit reports to the Council about the usage of each site.

Introduction 281-B, sponsored by Majority Leader Powers, would require the Department of Sanitation to establish a minimum number of organic waste dropo sites in each borough, and a minimum

lish an O ce of Healthcare Accountability. is o ce would audit city expenditures on employee-related health care costs and make recommendations on how to lower these costs. It would also require creating a website that provides information on the costs of hospital procedures and summarizes the cost transparency of each hospital.

Resolution 512, sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, calls on the New York State legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to create an independent Commission to oversee hospital services pricing for the purpose of increasing access to hospital services, promoting nancial stability for hospitals, and lowering healthcare costs for New Yorkers.

jority Leader Keith Powers, would require the Department of Sanitation to establish community recycling centers in every borough, to collect materials that are not collected through regular curbside collection but that can be recycled or reused. Information about each facility would be posted on-

number citywide. Information about each drop o site would be posted online. e bill also requires the Department of Sanitation to submit reports to the Council about the usage of each site.

Introduction 844-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, would estab-

Additionally, the council approved several home rule resolutions, including health insurance coverage for surviving spouses or domestic partners of members of the City Fire Department; and including thyroid cancer in the list of cancers presumed to be incurred in the performance of duty for purposes of disability retirement for re ghters in a city with a population of one million or more.

“Our heroes should not have to worry about whether their loved ones will be taken care of a er they are gone, or if their illnesses received from on-the-job hazards will be properly recognized,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said.

City Announces Nation’s First Minimum Pay Rate for App-Based Restaurant Delivery Workers

on Sunday announced that the City has set a rst-of-its-kind minimum pay rate for app-based restaurant delivery workers.

When fully implemented, the city’s more than 60,000 delivery workers — who cur-

rently earn $7.09/hour on average — will earn at least $19.96/hour. Restaurant delivery apps will also have exibility in how they pay delivery workers the new minimum rate.

DCWP closely considered all comments submi ed during the public comment period and established a nal rate that will greatly increase workers’ incomes, while also being responsive to industry and worker feedback. e nal rate also takes into

account that, as independent contractors, delivery workers pay out-of-pocket for their expenses and do not have access to workers’ compensation insurance, or paid time o , and must pay more in Medicare and Social Security contributions.

e pay rate will be $17.96 when it takes e ect on July 12, 2023, and will increase to $19.96 when it is fully phased-in on April 1, 2025. e rate will also be adjusted annually for in ation. Apps have the option to pay delivery workers per trip, per hour worked, or develop their own formulas, as long as their workers make the minimum pay rate of $19.96, on average. Apps that pay workers for all the time a worker is connected to the app (the time waiting for trip o ers and trip time) must pay at least $17.96 per hour in 2023, which is approximately $0.30 per minute, not including tips. Apps that only pay for trip time (the time from accepting a delivery o er to dropping o the delivery) must pay at least approximately $0.50 per minute of trip time in 2023, not including tips.

DCWP found that workers spend approximately 60 percent of their working time engaged in trips and 40 percent on-call. For example, on a given day, a worker may be on-call awaiting trip o ers for four hours and making deliveries for six hours. If that worker’s app only pays for trip time, the worker would make $179.60 based on the trip time rate when the rate takes e ect in 2023. If,

instead, the worker’s app pays for both trip time and on-call time, the worker will still make $179.60. ese per-minute rates are approximate. Apps would have to calculate exact pay in accordance with the rule.

In September 2021, the New York City Council passed Local Law 115, requiring DCWP to study the pay and working conditions of app-based restaurant delivery workers and to establish a minimum pay rate for their work based on the study results. DCWP published its study last year, which drew from data obtained from restaurant delivery apps, including DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats, and Relay; surveys distributed to delivery workers and restaurants; testimony; extensive discussions with stakeholders on all sides; and publicly available data. Members of the public, delivery workers, and restaurant delivery apps submi ed thousands of comments on the proposed minimum pay rule, which DCWP carefully considered in developing the nal rule.

“Today is a historic win for New York City’s delivery workers, who have done so much for all of us through rain, snow, and throughout the pandemic,” said Mayuga. “When the rate takes full e ect, workers will make three times as much as they do now. I am proud that our city has ful lled its promise to provide more stability and protections for 60,000 workers and get them a digni ed pay rate.”

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Photo Courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography O ce City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga called Sunday “a historic win for New York City’s delivery workers…”

Assemblywoman Launches Annual Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblywoman Stacey Phe er Amato (D-Howard Beach) noted on Tuesday that she is inviting students from Ozone Park, Howard Beach and across the Rockaway Peninsula to participate in the Assembly’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, held in partnership with New York State Libraries.

e theme for this year’s challenge is “All Together Now” to celebrate kindness

and friendship. ose who complete the challenge will be awarded an Assembly Excellence in Reading certi cate to celebrate their achievement.

“Reading is vital for young New Yorkers’ intellectual development and o ers them opportunities to become immersed in thrilling narratives, explore di erent worlds, discover new interests, or learn new skills,” Phe er Amato said. “To combat the loss of learning commonly experienced by students

over summer break, known as the ‘summer slide,’ it’s vital for children to continue reading over the summer months. e Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect opportunity to inspire kids to regularly read throughout the summer and foster a love of learning within the next generation of leaders.”

e challenge asks children to read for at least 15 minutes a day, for at least 40 days, during the months of July and August. Children can read by themselves or with a partner

or caretaker and then mark the days on the calendar provided. A er marking 40 days or more, they can submit the calendar to Phe er Amato’s o ce to receive their certi cate. e assemblywoman’s o ce has dropped o summer reading forms at every school in the 23rd Assembly District. You can also go to a local library to pick up a form or reach out to Phe er Amato at Amatos@nyassembly.gov or call her o ce at 718-945-9550.

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Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Phe er Amato “To combat the loss of learning commonly experienced by students over summer break, known as the ‘summer slide,’ it’s vital for children to continue reading over the summer months,” Assemblywoman Phe er Amato said. File Photo e assemblywoman hands out certi cates to recent Summer Reading Challenge participants.
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Million-Dollar Drug- and Gun-Trafficking Ring Taken Down

Queens District A orney Melinda Katz on Tuesday announced that an investigation in collaboration with the NYPD has led to drug and gun tra cking charges being led against eight men and the seizure of narcotics with a street value of more than $1 million. ree of the defendants are charged as major drug tra ckers. e year-and-a-halflong investigation was sparked by violence and drug sales in and around Rufus King Park in Jamaica.

“We allege these men were signi cant drug and gun tra ckers who were a grave threat to public safety as peddlers of death and addiction. We will hold accountable anyone threatening the safety of our neighborhoods,” Katz said. “We are grateful to the brave undercovers who worked with us on this case. I also want to thank the New York State Police and Nassau County Police for their help. My team and I look forward to prosecuting this case on behalf of the communities we serve.”

rough a long-term wiretap investigation authorized by Katz and supervised by members of her o ce, the police intercepted numerous communications in which the defendants openly discussed their illegal activities and were able to secure search warrants for the defendants’ residences at 85th Street in Brooklyn; 161st Street in Jamaica; and Acre Lane in Hicksville, L.I. Law enforcement seized the following from these locations:

– Two 9mm rearms

– One stolen 357 Magnum Revolver

– One 40 caliber rearm

– More than 3 pounds of cocaine

– 334 Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) pills

from at least one of the defendants on 40 occasions and purchased ve handguns from at least one of the defendants over the course of the investigation conducted by District Attorney Katz’s o ce and the NYPD’s Queens South Violent Crime Squad.

“ e NYPD’s ght against the tra cking of illegal guns and illicit narcotics in our city is at the forefront of our public-safety mission. e defendants in this case showed a callous disregard for human life, and we will never waver in our e orts to hold them – and anyone else who threatens the people we serve –fully accountable,” City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. “I want to thank our NYPD investigators, the O ce of the Queens District A orney, the New York State Police, and the Nassau County Police Department for their work on this important case.”

e defendants:

• Adrian Escobar, a.k.a. King Mango, 33, of Brooklyn, is the leader of the organization. In one indictment he is charged with operating as a major tra cker;

• Junior Escobar, 20, of Jamaica;

• Jose Escobar, 26, of the Bronx;

• Jonathan Fernandez, 31, of Brooklyn;

• Joseph Fernandez, 33, of Brooklyn;

– More than 1 pound of fentanyl

– More than 1.5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms

– 1,337 Adderall pills

– 797 Oxycodone pills (30 mg)

– 485 Xanax pills

– One car

– More than $67,000 in cash

In addition to the drugs and guns recovered during the raids of residences in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau County, undercover agents bought cocaine and ecstasy

• Jonathan Suarez, 33, of Hicksville;

• Juan Escobar, 18, of Jamaica;

• Manuel Gomez, 43, of Jamaica; Jose, Juan and Junior Escobar are brothers; Adrian Escobar is their cousin. Jonathon and Joseph Fernandez are brothers.

Senate, Assembly Unanimously Approve Adult Cystic Fibrosis Assistance Program Bill

e State Senate and Assembly both unanimously voted in favor of a bill aimed at improving the lives of adults living with cystic brosis, Assemblywoman Stacey Phe er Amato (D-Howard Beach), the bill’s author, announced Tuesday.

e proposed legislation would establish

a program to reimburse the cost of providing health care or health insurance to eligible individuals who have cystic brosis.

According to Phe er Amato, the bill would ensure that those with the rare genetic disease that damages the lungs and digestive system receive support.

It is estimated that cystic brosis impacts over 1,600 New Yorkers. According to the

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF is a mutation in the cystic brosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that causes the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly,

it’s unable to help move chloride—a component of salt—to the cell surface. Without the chloride to a ract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, in ammation, respiratory failure, and other complications.

“ is legislation directly a ects the people who need it the most, individuals and their families ba ling with this disease. It will give those impacted by CF the resources they deserve so they can purchase medication, receive care and live the life they want. It’s been one of my biggest honors to work with the advocates and my neighbors to get this bill over the nish line and create legislation that will save and improve lives,” Phe er Amato said.

One of those impacted is Michael Fox of Breezy Point. Fox, along with his mother, Gretchen, have worked tirelessly and shined a light on this rare disease. “Passing this bill is tremendous for those New Yorkers struggling due to the substantial nancial burden caused by living with cystic brosis,” Michael Fox said.

e bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Kathy Hochul for consideration.

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Photo Courtesy of DA Katz “We will hold accountable anyone threatening the safety of our neighborhoods,” DA Katz said. Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Phe er Amato “It’s been one of my biggest honors to work with the advocates and my neighbors to get this bill over the nish line and create legislation that will save and improve lives,” Assemblywoman Phe er Amato said.

of Arverne and pushed him, causing him to hit his head on a counter. Hernandez then put his arm around Keena’s neck and held him on the floor while Abuhamra punched and kicked him in the head and stomach.

Hernandez continued holding his arm around Keena’s neck and Abuharma continued punching and kicking him for several minutes after he lost consciousness and began seizing and shaking.

Keena was taken to the hospital in critical condition and placed on life support because he was unable to breathe on his own.

“This is yet another instance where a seemingly minor dispute escalated into serious physical violence,” Katz said. “We will hold these defendants accountable.”

If convicted, Abuhamra and Hernandez each face up to seven years in prison.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday that Saber Abuhamra and Jorge Hernandez have been charged with assault and strangulation after they allegedly came out from behind the counter at a Rockaway Park deli and attacked a customer who complained about his food last weekend and now is fighting for his life.

Abuhamra, 34, and Jorge Hernandez, 23, both of Far Rockaway, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault in the second degree, strangulation in the second degree and assault in the third degree.

According to the charges:

On June 11, between 4:50 a.m. and 5:15 a.m., Jorge Hernandez, a worker at the Pickles and Pies Food Market and Deli at 202 Beach 116th St. in Rockaway Park, punched 31-year-old James Keena

Manhattan Man Charged with Raping Woman at Jamaica Storage Facility

Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that Charles Rowe has been indicted for allegedly raping a 69-yearold woman, a acking another woman, and commi ing other crimes including robbery and burglary at a Jamaica storage facility in March and April.

Rowe, 56, of Manha an, was arraigned on Friday on charges of predatory sexual assault, rape in the rst degree, criminal sexual act in the rst degree, sexual abuse in the rst degree, burglary in the third degree, petit larceny, robbery in the rst and second degree

and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

According to the charges:

On the evening of March 13, Rowe grabbed a woman as she was leaving her storage unit at 168-11 Douglas Ave., held a knife to her and threatened to kill her. He pulled her into a bathroom at the storage facility, sexually abused her and raped her before eeing. e victim was taken to the hospital where a sexual assault evidence kit was administered.

On April 25, Rowe returned to the same storage facility late in the evening and entered a woman’s storage unit where

he began rifling through her property. When the 61-year-old woman objected, Rowe allegedly said, “Let’s not turn this into a murder.” She struggled with Rowe, who had a metal object in his hand that he used to slash her neck and chest. He punched the woman and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Rowe fled with property belonging to the woman. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Several hours later, in the early morning hours of April 26, surveillance footage showed Rowe at the same storage facility prying open a door and removing it from its

hinges. He was seen on the video leaving the location with a shopping cart that he did not have when he entered.

On May 6, DNA evidence in the sexual o ense evidence kit collected from the victim of the March 13 incident was matched to a DNA pro le of Rowe. He was arrested May 13.

“We allege this man is a stone-cold predator who subjected two women to horri c violence and damaged and stole from a local business,” Katz said. “He will be held to account.”

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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 11
Photo Courtesy of Google e alleged a ack took place early Sunday morning at this Rockaway Park deli. Photo Courtesy of Google
Rockaway
Rowe allegedly commi ed the crimes in this storage facility on Douglas Avenue in Jamaica.
Park Deli Workers Charged in Assault of Customer
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz “We will hold these defendants accountable,” DA Katz pledged. Photo Courtesy of DA Katz DA Katz characterized Rowe as “a stone-cold predator…”
12 | JUNE 15, 2023 • Number 23 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 13 from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company Call to get your FREE Information Kit 1-855-225-1434 Dental50Plus.com/nypress Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds: B438, B439 (GA: B439B). 6208-0721 DENTAL Insurance HELP WANTED Queensboro Physical erapy Position: Physical erapy Aide 3 days a week. Experience in a Physical erapy O ce se ing required. Please send resume to: Nickandcarlqpt@aol.com For the best service and prices for classified ads and legal notices Call The Forum 718-845-3221

YOLSA 7 VARIETIES LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/07/23. O ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to JACQUIE YOLE E LAFOREST, 8820 85TH ST. 2ND FLOOR, WOODHAVEN, NY, 11421, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Charles Warner Digital LLC. Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York on March 07, 2018. O ce located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC. 98-25 Horace Harding Expressway #12G, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

FRESH ON TOP LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/14/23. Ofce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Karl Garcia 4317 220th St Queens NY 11361. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

HK KINGDOM LLC Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)

1/10/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to HENRY FERRE S, 13201 ROOSEVELT AVENUE, SUITE 818063, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. General Purpose

Notice of formation of TASTEMAKER STUDIO LLC Articles of Organization led with the Secretary of State of New York on 04/21/2023. O ce located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC TO: e Limited Liability Corporation 6933 218 th Street, Oakland Gardens, NY, 11364 USA.. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

ATCO MA FOOTING LLC Articles of Org. led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/18/23. O ce in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ANGEL CARDENAS, 3728 100TH STREET FL1, CORONA, NY, 11368USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

JONADOSH BOXING PROMOTION LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 05/11/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JONATHAN OLUWASHEYI ODUSHOLA, 14838 236TH STREET, ROSEDALE, NY, 11422. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Quali cation of CTC Triangle (USA) EC LLC. Authority led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/13/23. O ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 03/22/22. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 103 Foulk Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, DE 19803 A n: Pamela Jasinski, also the address to be maintained in DE. Arts of Org. led with the DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Legal Notices

PRESTIGE HOME CONT CTORS LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 05/10/23. O ce: 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, 214-83 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MOST DANGEROUS GAMES

LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 04/30/23. O ce: 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, 4122 24TH ST APT 6E, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LYMNOS T NSPORTATION

LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 05/26/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Michael Angelidis, 13628 62nd Avenue, FL 2, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Da Feng Enterprises LLC, Arts of Org led with SSNY on 01/09/23. O . Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: e LLC, 166-44 20th Rd, Whitestone NY 11357. Purpose: to engagein any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of COZY CABIN RENTALS LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/31/23.

O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: MICHAEL LIPARI, 18923 39TH AVE. APT 120, FLUSHING, NY, 11358, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ACELAND VAULT LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/24/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: GASTON ACEVEDO, 6740 164TH ST, APT 5L, FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of NEW FARRINGTON GA GE LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/01/23.

O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: NEW FARRINGTON GA GE LLC, 3366FARRINGTON STREET, SUITE 200, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of LIAISON BOOKKEEPING SERVICE LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/25/23. Ofce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ICI SHEED, 48-18 VERNON BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY, 11101, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of CARSTEN

LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/12/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: CHRISTOPHER LEJUEZ F NKEN, 17505 115TH AVENUE, QUEENS, NY, 11434, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

MONEY MEAL CAPITAL Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/07/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: YUHUA CHEN, 7363 BELL BLVD, APT 2K, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY, 11364, USA Purpose: any lawful activities.

OMNEEL, LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/27/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: e Company, 3 Dakota Dr., Ste. 300, Lake Success, NY 11042, C/O Abrams Fensterman, LLP. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice Of Formation of MTNS Brokerage LLC. Arts. of Org. filed w/SS of NY on 6/9/23, Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to principal business address: 3043 47 St., Ste 3, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful act.

14 | JUNE 15, 2023 • Number 23 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

OZONE PARK

2

OZONE PARK

FLUSHING

MINT 1 FAMILY HOME IN OZONE PARK. FIRST FLOOR FEATURES LR, DR, LARGE EIK AND A HALF BATH. SECOND FLOOR HAS 3 BEDROOMS& 1 FULL BATH. FULL/FINISHED BASEMENT. CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION, SHOPS & SCHOOLS. LOVELY 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH CO-OP ON 5TH FLOOR. MAINT: BASE IS $879.01, AC: $37.50 = $916.51. 195 SHARES.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 23 • JUNE 15, 2023 | 15
FAMILY IN THE HEART OF TUDOR VILLAGE. FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS.
16 | JUNE 15, 2023 • Number 23 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 15, 2023 by Mike Kurov - Issuu