THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 16, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 22 • JUNE 16, 2022

BOYS DEAD IN BAY HORROR Two Teens Drown in Waters off Howard Beach

See story on page 2

First responders try to save one of the swimmers on the way to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 22 • JUNE 16, 2022 | 1

Richmond Hill Teens Drown in Jamaica Bay

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

First responders in helicopters and marine units search Jamaica Bay for Daniel Persaud and Ryan Wong.

By Michael V. Cusenza A pair of 13-year-old boys drown on Friday when the sandbar they were on collapsed, thrusting them into the waters of Jamaica Bay off Howard Beach.

According to officials, Daniel Persaud, 13, and Ryan Wong, 13, both of Richmond

Hill, were with a group of friends that decided to skip school at MS 137 in Ozone Park around 11:45 a.m. to go swimming.

Frantic calls to 911 Friday afternoon brought a phalanx of first responders screaming down Cross Bay Boulevard. Photographs and videos captured by witnesses show firefighters and EMS personnel performing CPR

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Firefighters and EMS personnel prepare to rush the boys to the hospital.

Witnesses and first responders on the beach at Jamaica Bay.

on the boys after they were pulled from the tempestuous waters of the bay. They were rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where they were pronounced dead.

On Saturday, Gloria Wong, Ryan’s mother, posted several photos in a tribute to her son.

“Rest in Peace little Ryan. I love you. You will forever live in our

hearts,” the grieving mom wrote.

Samantha Singh, Daniel’s mother, told the New York Post he was “always helpful and happy.”

“He was a good boy,” she said. “Always go to the pool, always go to the beach. But he can’t swim that well. But he loved the water. He always go to the beaches.”

Ariola Secures Millions for District 32 as GOP Members Outpace Council Progressives in Funding

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park) has secured millions of dollars in funding for District 32 projects, helping the GOP wing of the council outscore its Progressive colleagues in discretionary capital.

Ariola is one of five council Republicans who will get a piece of more than $40 million in discretionary funding. A large crew of Progressive council members will be left

off Speaker Adrienne Adams “pet project list — a punishment that will be felt by the folks who voted them in — for their ‘no’ vote Monday night that they broadcast ahead of time,” sources told the New York Post on Tuesday.

“NYC Republicans in the City Council scored more funds than the radical left.

Common sense prevailed and we were able to secure the most funding in decades for our constituents, including a tax rebate and restoring funding for the NYPD budget to bring it back to pre- ‘defund

Photo Courtesy of Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit

“Common sense prevailed” in budget negotiations, Councilwoman Ariola said.

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the police’ campaign levels,” Ariola said.

Ariola noted that that the funding she has earned for Council District 32 will be put toward several groups and projects, including: upgrades to local parks, schools, and libraries, local infrastructure projects, cultural institutions, veteran’s groups, and senior services.

The new budget will also provide the first homeowner property tax rebate check in more than a decade, and Ariola sponsored a brandnew driving simulator for the FDNY to help them to train chauffeurs on Randall’s Island.

Most importantly, the new budget was able to restore the NYPD’s budget to pre-Defund The Police campaign levels, providing the police department with much needed funding to help keep the people of the five boroughs safe.

“We’ve done this all while still adding $750 million to the City’s reserves, and $1.6 billion to our labor reserves,” Ariola added. “With that, we can be better prepared for any tough times that may come our way in the future.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

Part of the funds earmarked for District 32 will go toward improvements and upgrades to area libraries, schools, and parks.

Man Convicted of Murder in Death of Cop

A Jamaica man has been found guilty for his role in the February 2019 Richmond Hill cell phone shop robbery that resulted in the death of City Police Det. Brian Simonsen, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.

Jagger Freeman, 28, was convicted of murder in the second degree, robbery in the first and second degree, assault in the second degree and grand larceny in the third and fourth degree. A jury rendered its verdict after five days of deliberations.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder, who presided at trial, set sentencing for June 30, 2022. At that time, Freeman faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Freeman’s co-defendant, Christopher Ransom, 30, pleaded guilty in October 2021, to aggravated manslaughter in the second degree and robbery in the first degree before Holder. Ransom is currently serving 33 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision.

According to court records, on Feb. 12, 2019, Ransom and Freeman arrived at the T-Mobile store on 120th Street shortly after 6 p.m. Ran-

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Simonsen was killed on Feb. 12, 2019.

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Your problems are our job.

som entered the cell phone business brandishing a black pistol. Ransom ordered two employees inside the establishment to surrender both cash and merchandise from the back room of the store. Ransom was still inside the business when police officers responded to the scene. Ransom pointed his gun—which appeared real—at the police officers, who discharged their weapons in response.

Monday’s conviction included robbery in the second degree and grand larceny in the third degree related to Freeman’s participation in a separate cell phone store robbery on Feb. 8, 2019.

Det. Simonsen, a 19-year-veteran of the NYPD was fatally shot once in the torso. He was 42 years old. Sergeant Matthew Gorman was seriously injured with a bullet wound to his left leg.

“The jury has spoken. The defendant’s actions set in motion a terrible chain of events that began with an armed robbery in progress and resulted in the tragic loss of Detective Brian Simonsen as well as Sergeant Matthew Gorman being shot in the leg,” Katz said. “We express our condolences to Detective Simonsen’s family and hope today’s verdict brings them a measure of closure.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 22 • JUNE 16, 2022 | 3

State Legislature Approves Addabbo’s Seawall Study Commission Bill

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and so we want to be clear that we will investigate, arrest, and prosecute criminals when they break the law,” Adams said.

By Forum Staff The State Senate and Assembly have approved a bill that would set up a commission to study the feasibility, costs, impacts, and best locations for the construction of a seawall around the city of New York’s coastline, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the legislation’s sponsor, announced Monday.

The commission would consist of the following appointed members: • Commissioner of Environmental

Conservation or his/her designee; • Secretary of State or his/her designee; • 3 members are appointed by the Governor, with at least one having expertise in environmental justice issues; • 2 members appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate; • 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly; • 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

4 | JUNE 16, 2022 • Number 22 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

• 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Assembly; • 2 members to be appointed by the Mayor of NYC; • 1 member appointed by the County Executive of Nassau; • 1 member appointed by the County Executive of Suffolk; • 1 member appointed by the County Executive of Westchester.

According to the bill, commission members should include individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas: climatology, hydrology, environmental, aquaculture, flood risk management, environmental justice, ecological restoration and management, or coastal science and engineering.

“We are seeing the increase in devastating hurricanes and tropical storms impacting New York City. We must be proactive in determining what measures we can take to help make our City safer from rising sea level, and deadly storm surge,” said Assemblyman Brian Barnwell (D-Maspeth), who sponsored the bill in the Assembly. “This bill will mandate a study to determine the costs, feasibility, and locations of where to place a sea-wall along the NYC coastline to protect our people, and our infrastructure. Other cities have installed similar structures, and we cannot continue to be re-active, we must be pro-active. This study starts that process.”

The final report, to be issued by Dec. 31, 2023, would include information on: • Coastal areas at most significant risk from rising sea levels; • Areas at risk from storm surge based on current sea levels; • Areas that are more likely to be at risk from coastal hazards, including from extreme weather events, with projections extending through the year 2100; • Locations for construction of a seawall including any communities to be at risk from such construction; • Feasibility, costs, and locations of nature-based solutions and on-shore protection measures; • Costs include impacts on vulnerable populations and natural resources; • Recommendations on state and local regulatory and/or statutory alterations.

“This legislation has been vetoed multiple times after it passed unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly, thereby hindering our efforts to solve future flooding issues, at a time when we should be moving forward to protect an individual’s home, personal property, and life,” Addabbo said.

“I am hopeful that the governor recognizes the importance of this legislation, which passed both houses again this year, finally signing the bill into law so we may proactively address future events impacting our communities.”

Man Convicted of Sexually Abusing Girl, 7

Photo Courtesy of Google

When Nivelo moved to an apartment on 97th Street in East Elmhurst, he escalated the abuse by repeatedly engaging the child in acts of anal and oral sexual conduct.

By Forum Staff An East Elmhurst man has been convicted of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl over a three-year period starting in 2012, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Jose Nivelo, 43, was convicted on Thursday of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree. When he’s sentenced on June 24, Nivelo faces up to 25 years in prison.

According to the charges, in April 2012, Nivelo, who regularly picked up the 7-yearold girl from school, began sexually assaulting her inside his then-home on Hampton Street in Elmhurst. Nivelo groped her body and had her undress in front of him on numerous occasions. Furthermore, when Nivelo moved to an apartment on 97th Street in East Elmhurst, he escalated the

abuse by repeatedly engaging the child in acts of anal and oral sexual conduct.

“The defendant was entrusted to care for this young girl while her mother worked but instead exploited his role as babysitter to sexually abuse the victim for years. This was a betrayal of trust in the worst possible way, bringing unimaginable trauma and pain to this young victim,” Katz said. “During my time as a State lawmaker, I successfully championed legislation to aid in the prosecution of child abusers and I remain committed to seeking justice on behalf of all survivors, even if years have passed since they were harmed. The defendant has now been convicted and will be sentenced by the court for his heinous actions.”

When she served in the Assembly, Katz authored the course of sexual conduct against a child law.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

BANKING YOUR BABY’S FUTURE: Insight into Stem Cells, Cord Blood & Tissue In today’s ever changing technology landscape there are options for our newborn children that could never have even been dreamt of in past years.

Medical technology has progressed to a point where harvesting the blood from the umbilical vein in the cord during birth provides a supply rich in stem cells. These harvested stem cells are then banked in a medical facility and stored in the event that a child becomes ill and is in need of these potentially life saving cells.

Cord blood contains blood-forming stem cells that can be used in the treatment of patients with blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as certain disorders of the blood and immune systems, such as sickle cell disease and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Because chemotherapy kills both cancer cells and the healthy blood-forming stem cells, transplanted stem cells from cord blood can help re-grow healthy blood cells after the administration of chemo. Regeneration of blood-forming cells is a process facilitated by successful stem cell implantation. .

Cord blood is an FDA-approved treatment for nearly 80 diseases including numerous types of malignancies, anemia, inherited metabolic disorders and deficiencies of the immune system. It has saved thousands of lives around the world through more than 40,000 transplantations.

Cord tissue research continues in clinical trials for the hopes of treating diseases including ALS, Alzheimer’s, heart disease,

Lupus, Parkinson’s stroke and many other illnesses.

But consumers must be aware that choosing a reputable facility for these procedures is a time consuming and tedious process. It is a daunting task for those without medical knowledge and familiarity.

There are many avenues to be explored and many companies who offer the services. We at Cross Bay Chemist recognize that many of the families in the communities we serve are considering these life saving options for their unborn children. As a result we are looking forward to offering information to make your research easier and help you to make informed and life saving decisions for your children.

In weeks to come we will be providing you with information supported by both science and the laws regulating these procedures. If you are considering ay of these options we caution you to act with extreme care and caution before committing to any specific companies. This is not an area in which a YELP or online review provided by individual companies is an appropriate platform on which to base your decision.

Consult with your Ob-Gyn as well to determine their familiarity with the collection process and make sure your hospital is prepared for collection of blood and tissue.

We will be back with much more information on this topic.

Until Next Week…

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Lindenwood School Marks World Culture Day Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2 in Lindenwood recently celebrated World Culture Day, according to State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who attended the event. The culture, food, music and more from over 20 countries that represents the diverse student body and staff at the school were on display throughout the halls.

In the photo, Addabbo tries his hand at the sport of curling at Canada’s World Culture Day display.

File Photo

“This was a betrayal of trust in the worst possible way, bringing unimaginable trauma and pain to this young victim,” DA Katz said.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 22 • JUNE 16, 2022 | 5

City Council Votes to Adopt $101B Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

By Forum Staff The City Council voted on Tuesday to adopt the $101 billion Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

The FY 2023 adopted budget includes: The FY 2023 adopted budget includes 18 new Units of Appropriation (U/A) that have been prioritized by the Council, a historic amount to be added as part of budget negotiations. Highlights include: • First-ever NYPD U/As added by Council, with an unprecedented six (6) additions – a nearly 50-percent increase that brings the total NYPD U/As to 20; they include PS and OTPS U/As for Patrol, Communications, and Intelligence and Counterterrorism.

• Four (4) in DOC – Including jail operations, and health and mental health programming.

• Four (4) in HRA (Human Resources Administration) – A long standing priority of the Council, relating to reporting on Fair Fares and Domestic Violence Services.

• One (1) in Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) – Runaway and Homeless Youth • One (1) in Department of Buildings (DOB) – Enforcement and inspection.

• One (1) in Department of Education (DOE) – Student transportation.

• One (1) in Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) – Committee on Special Education placements.

• NYPD Overtime Reporting • DOC Reporting on Sick Leave and Unstaffed Posts • Cultural Grant Reporting • Detailing of Department of Sanitation (DSNY) litter basket pick-ups, school organics, and public waste containers • Information on City Doula Services • DYCD Runaway/Homeless Youth and Saturday Night Lights Utilization Data • $60 million for Cost-of-Living-Adjustments for Human Service Providers to increase salaries for human service workers • $55.3 million to expand B-HEARD • $30 million for the New Family Home Visits Program • $19.3 million to increase mental health support and outreach for unhoused individuals: • $5 million for Mental Health Continuum to help students with significant mental health challenges access direct mental health services in school and connect students to other services throughout the City • $5 million for community-based hate crimes prevention and response programs • $3 million for Maternal Medical Home and Obstetric Simulation

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

• $1.4 million toward pilot program providing free optometry Eye Care Pilot Program services to low-income New Yorkers.

• Community Safety and Victim Services Initiative: A new Speaker’s discretionary funding initiative that provides each Council Member with $100,000 to invest in holistic safety by supporting local community safety programs.

The funding recipients will be chosen by the local Council Member, and can be distributed to youth, housing support, health, mental health or other local programs that strengthen communities, or victim service providers.

• $700+ million increase in the commitment of city funds spent on our public schools, as federal stimulus funding for our schools declined significantly.

• $277 million for the Summer Rising Program to provide free academic enrichment to students.

• $79.4 million baselined to expand the Summer Youth Employment Program to 100K slots: • $46 million for contract enhancements for wage increases for Special Education Pre-K and Day Care Providers • $33.4 million to expand Career and Technical Education: • Expand Fair Futures program by $18.8 million for a total program budget of $30 million • $19.7 million to double the slots for Work Learn Grow to 4,400 jobs: $19.7 million • $14 million for Community Schools Funding to restore and add funding to support new schools • $11.2 million to provide additional supports to English Language Learners • $10 million for childcare for undocumented families • $10 million to support the Education Equity Action Plan for the implementation of citywide kindergarten-tohigh school Black studies curriculum • $9.2 million for the Low Income Childcare Voucher • $5.1 million for DOE Community

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Photo Courtesy of John McCarten//NYC Council Media Unit

Coordinators to support unhoused students • $4.4 million to establish the City University of New York (CUNY) Reconnect pilot program to help working-age adults attain a degree that expands earning potential – at all CUNY campuses, serving 10,000 students in its first year • $2.5 million to create New York State’s first two trauma recovery centers to support underserved victims of crime • $2 million for CUNY Remediation • $1 million for CUNY STEM to support programming at campuses citywide • $237 million to expand City FHEPS to fully fund and increase the rental voucher rate to match Section 8 levels • $171.3 million to expand funding for Drop-in Centers, Safe Haven Beds, and Stabilization Beds • $90 million to protect working and middle-class homeowners with a property tax rebate; City Rebate in combination with State Rebate will provide at least $440 per homeowner; For the first time ever, the City’s rebate will go to people who are behind in bills; The Council also adopted tax rates that minimizes impacts on homeowners • $65.8 million to provide prevailing wage for shelter security • $33.8 million for HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) Single-Room Occupancy to meet the needs and privacy for HASA recipients.

• $19.2 million for additional staff and services at Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) • $5.8 million for client service staffing and systems upgrades for benefits and housing assistance • $452K to restore the Source of Income Unit staff and funding at CCHR • $569,905 to expand the Office of the Tenant Advocate • Fair Fares program to assist lowincome New Yorkers with public transit costs: $75 million baselined • Infrastructure and support funding for the City’s three public library systems: $67 million

• Emergency Assistance Grants: $40 million • Support for Cultural Organizations: $40 million • Emergency Food Assistance Program: $30 million for a total program budget of $52 million • Seamless Meal Transition for Older Adults Using GetFood Recovery Meals: $15 million • Language Access Expansion: $8.6 million • Adult Literacy Program Enhancement: $6.7 million • Immigrant Family Engagement: $4 million • Low Wage Worker Initiative: $2 million • Workforce Development Centers: $1.7 million • $44.1 million for Parks Department Maintenance and Summer Workforce • $22 million to support citywide 6-days/week, twice daily litter basket service pickup • $9.2 million to enhance the School Organics Collection Program • Restore Sanitation Funding: Precision Cleaning: $7.46 million; Lot Cleaning: $4.9 million; Rat Mitigation: $4.8 million; Street Cleaning: $1.9 million; E-waste Collection Restoration: $1.4 million.

• $4.1 million to support 50 Urban Park Rangers • $3.5 million for Organics Drop-Off Sites • $2.9 million for the Zero Waste Schools Educational Program & Stop’N’Swap Program • $2.6 million to support Green Thumb Gardens • $2.5 million for Forest Management • $2.4 million to enhance the Office of Building Energy and Emissions • $2.25 million to keep school playgrounds open during non-school hours citywide • $2 million for Tree Stump Removal • $1.28 million for a Public Waste Container Pilot • $1.6 million to enhance Department of Investigation (DOI) Staff to combat corruption • $75,000 for Small Business Residence Fund grant program for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) to find relief, assist them in competing against others in their industry and to encourage hiring from surrounding communities • In order to support New Yorkers in any future emergencies and major economic downturn, the Council added $750 million to the Rainy Day Fund, bringing to a grand total of $1.95 billion.

• General Reserves: Added $500 million in FY 2023 for a total of $1.6 billion and $200 million in FY 2024 – 2026 for a total of $1.2 billion in each year to protect against drastic cuts.

Companion Animal Care Standards Act Awaits Gov’s Signature

By Forum Staff The Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which requires that all entities—shelters and rescue facilities—be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, ensuring that the State’s homeless companion animals will live in safe and humane conditions, with proper cleaning, nourishment, and veterinary care, currently awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the bill’s sponsor, noted on Tuesday.

The bill, which was approved by the Legislature in May, will: • Require all personnel to have on-going training on the care of homeless companion animals.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Nancy Wong

The bill was approved by the Legislature in May.

• Require recordkeeping of animal records, including health and behavior.

• Ban dangerous and reckless methods of animal transport.

• Recognize the importance of foster care in animal sheltering, while requiring shelters and rescues to monitor and track all foster providers.

• Require all entities to have a clear, written, management structure that defines staff authority, reporting structure and responsibilities.

• Establish staffing requirements that are sufficient to feed each animal, clean enclosures and provide socialization and exercise.

• Require that the number of animals housed will not exceed the number of humane housing units available.

The effective date of the legislation would be three years after it is signed into law, allowing those organizations affected by the legislation ample opportunity to work to meet these new standards. For some it will mean physical upgrades with which the Companion Animal Capital Fund can assist. For others, it means upgrading current and/or creating new policies and procedures that will enhance the day-to-day care of New York’s homeless companion animals.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 22 • JUNE 16, 2022 | 7

8 | JUNE 16, 2022 • Number 22 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

City DOT Announces Plan for Older Adult Pedestrian Safety

By Forum Staff The City Department of Transportation has released the Pedestrian Safety and Older New Yorkers Study, as well as a series of initiatives that are part of a larger investment to improve overall pedestrian safety at intersections, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced on Monday.

The study analyzes key factors contributing to crashes amongst older New Yorkers and put forth commitments to Vision Zero treatments like turn calming, which lower senior pedestrian deaths and serious injuries by up to 60 percent. The report also identified new Senior Pedestrian Zones to guide future engineering, enforcement and education. DOT will install turn calming treatments at 50 intersections annually and drastically expand pedestrian head-starts (known as Leading Pedestrian Intervals – or LPIs) installations by 2024 within those same zones, along with a host of other commitments to keep older pedestrians safe.

The population of New Yorkers aged 65 and older is growing, currently making up about 15 percent of New York City’s population, but over 45 percent of pedestrian fatalities. Older adult pedestrians also have worse outcomes if in a crash than compared to other age groups, and have more difficulty scanning different directions of traffic. Older adult pedestrian fatalities are more likely to occur close to home and in the middle of the day.

Courtesy of DOT

Left turn failure to yield crashes are nearly twice as deadly for older adults than for younger adults, and account for 35 percent of older adult pedestrian fatalities.

Senior Pedestrian Zones identified in the study will guide future engineering, enforcement and education. They cover the locations of approximately 30 percent of citywide older adult fatalities and severe injuries but only 13 percent of the city’s square mileage. DOT’s data driven commitments include: • Extending LPI crossing times during mid-day in Senior Pedestrian Zones and

at new LPI locations by the end of 2024 • Adding LPIs at all feasible intersections on Priority Corridors in Senior Pedestrian Zones by the end of 2024 • Creating Senior Turn Calming initiative and installing treatments at 50 Older Adult targeted intersections annually • Implementing ten or more Senior Street Improvement Projects annually • Targeting Raised Crosswalks to older pedestrians and safety improvements near and at bus stop locations • Targeting safety improvements to bus stop locations under elevated trains

• Targeting Older Adult Education and Outreach to Senior Pedestrian Zones Other key findings of the study include: • Road diets, bicycle lanes, pedestrian islands, sidewalk expansions, turn calming and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) all deliver impressive injury reductions for older adults. LPIs and turn calming treatments reduce older adult pedestrian deaths and serious injuries by 40-60 percent • Crash patterns suggest that older pedestrians use the street very similarly to younger adults • More older adults are injured or killed while riding their bike than by being struck by a cyclist • Asians are overrepresented in older adult pedestrian fatalities. This is likely due to older Asian populations being concentrated in denser parts of the city (Manhattan Chinatown, Sunset Park, Flushing, Jackson Heights) where walking rates are higher and car ownership is lower, leading to increased exposure to traffic.

Intersections are the leading site of pedestrian injuries and fatalities, the report noted. This January, Mayor Eric Adams, Rodriguez, and City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell committed to make safety design improvements to 1,000 intersections with improved traffic signals, raised crosswalks, and other expanded pedestrian space and visibility measures.

Groundbreaking Post-Mastectomy Bill Approved by State Legislature

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato

By Forum Staff The State Legislature recently approved a bill that would provide insurance coverage and information on chest wall reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, commonly known as “aesthetic flat closure,” according to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who introduced the legislation.

File Photo

The bill passed both the State Senate and Assembly unanimously.

Currently, breast reconstruction is covered by insurance, and while many women pursue reconstructive surgeries, some women also choose to “stay flat” and pursue aesthetic flat closure.

Women who forgo breast reconstruction are most often done in one surgery, but about one in four will require revision

to produce an acceptable aesthetic result (an aesthetic flat closure). Too often, these women are told that their revision surgery is “cosmetic” and therefore will not be covered by insurance. With this new bill, flat closure procedures would be covered by insurance just like reconstructive surgery. This change in the law gives women a choice in how they want their post-mastectomy body to look.

“Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. The courageous women who brought this issue to my attention told me their struggles and how they wanted to be in control and decide how their bodies looked after their mastectomy. The women in our State who have had a mastectomy don’t deserve to just survive, but the opportunity to thrive and live their lives the best way possible. Our bill sends a message that women in New York will get that chance and can make that decision,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

“One in every eight women in this country will experience the life altering and traumatic experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer. If a woman undergoes a mastectomy as a treatment for her cancer, the aftermath of that surgery should be entirely within her control. If a woman chooses to undergo chest wall reconstruction, that is her right and it should be covered by insurance, in the

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Delaywaves

State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky

same manner as breast reconstruction. I am proud to sponsor this legislation and I thank Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato for championing a woman's right to make decisions concerning her own body,” said State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), who carried the bill in the Upper Chamber.

The legislation now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 22 • JUNE 16, 2022 | 9

Bayside Man Charged in Attacks on Subway and in Bakery

Photo Courtesy of Google

Ubiera allegedly stabbed a man at the 74th Street and Roosevelt Avenue subway station.

By Forum Staff A Bayside man has been charged in a Roosevelt Avenue bakery attack and two stabbings at borough subway stations, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.

Donny Ubiera, 32, was arraigned on Monday on a criminal complaint charging him with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third and fourth degree. In a second complaint, Ubiera is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first and second degree, robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weap-

on in the third and fourth degree.

According to the charges, at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, Ubiera approached a man from behind as he entered a bakery near Warren Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Ubiera was allegedly holding a board with a nail protruding from it in one hand and a rock in the other, and yelled for the man to ‘come outside and fight me!’ The victim attempted to evade Ubiera by running behind the bakery counter, but Ubiera allegedly reached over and struck him on the head with the nailimbedded board.

The victim was treated at an area hospital.

According to the charges, at approxi-

mately 8:40 a.m. on Friday, June 10, Ubiera stood over a man as he sat on a bench waiting for a train at the Queens Plaza subway station. The victim was looking at his phone when he realized Ubiera was hovering over him and heard something drop to the floor.

The victim spotted the knife and that is when the defendant allegedly picked it up and mumbled something that was inaudible.

Without provocation, the DA said, Ubiera allegedly began to stab and slash the man. The victim raised his hands to protect himself, but Ubiera did not relent.

The victim sustained numerous cuts and slash wounds to his hands, fingers and face.

According to the charges, Ubiera alleg-

edly fled the scene but was observed by two officers allegedly throwing two cell phones, one of which belonged to the victim who had been attacked.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he required thirty-six stitches to close his wounds.

The following day, on June 11, at approximately 7:15 a.m. at the 74th Street and Roosevelt Avenue subway station, Ubiera approached a group of four to five people waiting for the train. Again, without provocation, Ubiera allegedly struck one of the men from behind and fled. The victim was taken to a local hospital and treated for a stab wound to his neck. This victim required two life-saving surgeries in order to repair the damage from the puncture wound.

Ubiera was arrested Sunday on Utopia Parkway in Whitestone, by detectives who recognized his image from video surveillance footage.

“The subway system provides a crucial lifeline to millions of New Yorkers and the safety of our riders is paramount. As alleged, the defendant began his three days of terror by violently attacking a man inside a bakery, before going on a rampage inside the transit system and repeatedly stabbing two straphangers without provocation over the course of two days,” Katz said. “Violence on our subways will never be tolerated and those who display a blatant disregard for the lives of fellow residents will be held accountable. The defendant now faces serious criminal charges for his actions.”

If convicted, Ubiera faces up to 50 years in prison.

Laurelton Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Shooting Former College Football Player

By Forum Staff

A Laurelton man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for shooting a former student athlete outside a deli on Springfield Boulevard in July 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.

Jeffrey Thurston, 28, was also sentenced for a burglary related to a March 2020 incident involving an estranged girlfriend and her son, as well as an attempted assault for an unrelated shooting that occurred in July 2020, Katz said.

Thurston pleaded guilty in May to at-

tempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, four-counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, burglary in the first and second degree, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, three counts of attempted assault in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to the charges, on July 27, 2020, around 4:30 p.m., Thurston encountered the 20-year-old victim inside a deli on the corner of Springfield Boulevard and 136th Avenue. The two men accidentally bumped into each other inside the store

Photo Courtesy of Google

Thurston encountered the 20-year-old victim inside a deli on the corner of Springfield Boulevard and 136th Avenue.

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which led to punches being thrown. The victim, who was a defensive end for the SUNY Buffalo football team, chased the defendant out of the store and tackled him onto the sidewalk.

The ensuing fight was captured on video surveillance and showed Thurston regain his footing and proceed to walk away from the victim. Then, Thurston suddenly turned around, pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot into the victim’s abdomen.

Thurston fled the scene but was apprehended two days later by the Regional Fugitive Task

Force of the City Police Department.

In addition, said DA Katz, in two separate incidents, Thurston broke into his estranged girlfriend’s home on March 13, 2020, at which time he displayed a knife and choked the woman’s 6-year-old son.

On July 8, 2020, Thurston fired a gun at a vehicle with passengers inside. No one was injured during that shooting.

“The defendant has now been held accountable for displaying a blatant disregard for public safety on three separate occasions,” Katz said.

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

DA Katz said that Thurston “has now been held accountable for displaying a blatant disregard for public safety on three separate occasions.”

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