THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MAY 5, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 16 • MAY 5, 2022

QUEENS CONSOLES Borough Embraces Widow,

Three Children Left behind after Father is Slain while Delivering Food in Forest Hills

See story on page 2

Zhiwen Yan, 45, was shot and killed Saturday night near 108th Street and 67th Drive. On Sunday, elected officials and area residents visited Yan’s widow, Kunying Zhao (c., striped shirt) outside their Middle Village home. A GoFundMe account has also been set up for the family.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

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World’s Borough Embraces Widow, Children of Deliveryman Slain in Forest Hills his family when he was senselessly shot and killed. The incident underscores the need to combat gun violence throughout our city, and am confident that the perpetrator will be apprehended. The person responsible must face justice. My office will remain in touch with the 112th Precinct, and I will continue to be there for the family to provide any assistance they need.”

State Sen. Joe Addabb, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) added, “My condolences go out to the family and friends of Zhiwen Yan, who was shot and killed on Saturday evening while doing his job. Mr. Yan was well

known in Forest Hills where he worked as a delivery driver and lived in Middle Village. Mr. Yan was a shining example of the American Dream, emigrating from China and working hard to provide a better life for his family. Food delivery drivers already have a tough job, and no one should have to fear being shot at while they are working.

Elected officials need to work in tandem with the NYPD and local communities in order to end gun violence on our streets, and I vow to continue in this endeavor so no family will have to go through what the Yan family is currently facing.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

Yan was gunned down around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after making a delivery in the vicinity of 108th Street and 67th Drive.

By Michael V. Cusenza A widely beloved Chinese food deliveryman was murdered on the job in Forest Hills Saturday night—and the borough Zhiwen Yan and his family called home has turned out in droves to support them in this time of unimaginable grief.

Yan, 45, was gunned down around 9:30 p.m. while on his scooter after making a delivery in the vicinity of 108th Street and 67th Drive. He worked for the Great Wall restaurant on Queens Boulevard.

Yan, who lived in Middle Village with his wife, Kunying Zhao, and their three children, reportedly was a fixture in both

communities, quick to flash a smile and refer to all customers as “my friend.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Yan’s wife set up a GoFundMe page on Monday. In just 48 hours the site garnered more than $150,000.

Several community leaders and elected officials have visited Kunying Zhao in Middle Village to offer condolences.

“This is a terrible and horrific tragedy and my heart aches for the victim’s loved ones,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (DFlushing). “This delivery worker was working hard, trying to earn a living to support

Yan worked for the Great Wall restaurant on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Addabbo Bill would Make Life Imprisonment without Parole Mandatory when Victim is a Cop

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently introduced legislation to make life imprisonment without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of murder in the first degree when the victim is a police officer. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) sponsors this bill in the Assembly.

In 2004, the State Court of Appeals determined that New York’s existing death

penalty statute was unconstitutional and could not be enforced. In a capital case, specifically when the jury is deadlocked and unable to agree on death or life without the possibility of parole, the jury would be informed that, in the case of deadlock, the trial judge would ultimately decide whether to sentence the defendant to as little as 20 years to life or as much as life in prison without parole. The court found this might coerce jurors to change their votes to the

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

The legislation seeks to close the loophole that allows parole for murderers of police officers by requiring that mandatory life sentences without parole be imposed for these circumstances without exception.

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death penalty, to avoid the defendant from being released on parole in 20 years. This potential for coercion was found to violate the due process clause of the New York State Constitution. The court did not hold that the death penalty was an inappropriate punishment for certain heinous crimes; only that the procedure for imposing the sentence was flawed.

After the Court of Appeals invalidated New York’s death penalty law, the State Legislature enacted Chapter 765 of the Laws of 2005, also known as “The Crimes against Police Officers Act.” Part of this law created the new crime of aggravated murder—deemed to occur when a person intentionally kills a police officer, peace officer, or an employee of the Department of Correctional Services.

The only sentence which can be imposed under this 2005 law for the crime of aggravated murder is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

However, the earlier crime of murder in the first degree, the charge brought against those who intentionally killed law enforcement officers prior to the enactment of the 2005 Crimes Against Police Officers Act, remained on the books following the Court of Appeals ruling on the death penalty statute.

As such, State law technically continues to provide for prosecutorial discretion in allow-

ing those who murder law enforcement officers to be eligible for parole—in direct contradiction to the intent of the 2005 statute.

This legislation, Addabbo said, seeks to close the loophole that allows parole for murderers of police officers by requiring that mandatory life sentences without parole be imposed for these circumstances without exception.

“Every day police officers risk their own lives protecting and defending members of the community, including strangers, so we can all stay safe. Families of murdered law enforcement officers, like Officers [Wilbert] Mora and [ Jason] Rivera who were killed in the line of duty earlier this year, should never have to endure this pain, and criminals of these heinous crimes must never, under any circumstances, be considered for release,” The senator said.

“I will always have the utmost respect for the men and women who have chosen a career in law enforcement. Let this legislation serve as a warning to the criminals in our State that should they take the life of one of our police officers, they will spend the rest of their lives in prison without the possibility of parole. All in our communities, especially officers and their families, deserve to know that we value the lives of our heroes,” Amato added.

Adams Appoints Ulrich DOB Commissioner

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the Department of Buildings and Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. as first deputy commissioner.

As the leadership team at DOB, they will enforce the city’s construction codes and zoning resolution, as well as the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, to protect workers and the public on construction sites and in the city’s nearly 1.1 million buildings. They will also play a key role in advancing the city’s sustainability goals, including through the enforcement of Local Law 97.

A former three-term New York City councilmember who served on the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings, Ulrich was a leader in the city’s rebuilding effort after Hurricane Sandy, passing legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process while using the council’s oversight powers to improve the Rapid Repairs and Build It Back programs.

Currently, Ulrich serves as a senior advisor to Adams.

“Eric Ulrich and Kazimir Vilenchik are the right leadership team at the right time for the Department of Buildings,” Adams said. “Our city and our economy cannot recover from the COVID-19 pandemic without a strong construction industry, and this team will deliver while prioritizing worker safety and customer service. I want to thank Acting Commissioner Gus Sirakis for his deep commitment and ongoing service to DOB, and I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Ulrich and First Deputy Commissioner Vilenchik to move our city forward.”

Vilenchik is currently the Brooklyn borough commissioner at DOB, having served as

deputy borough commissioner in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. He has worked at DOB for 14 years and brings over two decades of additional private sector experience.

Prior to joining the Adams administration, Ulrich represented District 32 in Queens on the New York City Council from 2009 to 2021, serving on the Committee on Housing and Buildings. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, he coordinated a massive relief effort to help area residents rebuild their homes and businesses. He introduced and passed legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process using the best available flood maps and led the effort to create a special coastal risk district in the zoning resolution to provide a planning tool for signif ying flood risk in the areas of the city most vulnerable to projected future tidal flooding. He also utilized the Council’s oversight authority to improve the operations of the Rapid Repairs and Built It Back programs.

Ulrich attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn and Baruch College School of Public Affairs. He grew up in Ozone Park and now lives in Rockaway Park. He is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

“From day one, Mayor Adams has made ‘Get Stuff Done’ the motto of his administration, and this is the spirit I bring to the Depar tment of Buildings,” Ulrich said. “I w ill be laser-focused on raising safety standards on job sites, delivering the customer ser v ice our city deser ves, and making our building industr y the most sustainable in the nation. I look for ward to working collaboratively across the agenc y and w ith all of the stakeholders to move our city forward.”

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“I will be laser-focused on raising safety standards on job sites, delivering the customer service our city deserves, and making our building industry the most sustainable in the nation,” incoming Commissioner Ulrich said.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 16 • MAY 5 2022 | 3

Jamaica Man Convicted in 2011 South Richmond Hill Slay Monday of murder in the second degree.

Sentencing has been set for June 17. At that time, Thomas faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to trial testimony, the defendant became involved in a petty dispute with Keith Frank at a house party in South Richmond Hill. The victim was just blocks from his home when Thomas shot him in the chest. The young man, who’d just become a father eight months prior to the incident, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died from the single gunshot wound. Thomas immediately fled the five boroughs, but eventually was found living

Thomas shot Frank after a house party near 132nd Street and 109th Avenue.

in Guyana, where he fought extradition.

But after eight years he was returned to Queens to face the murder charge.

“The defendant was on the run for approximately eight years before being brought back to Queens to face justice.

Yesterday, following 2 1⁄2 hours of deliberations a jury found the defendant guilty of committing this senseless slaying,” District Attorney Katz said. “The family of the victim was denied justice for more than a decade. Today, they can put this sad chapter behind them knowing the defendant will be punished for taking the life of their loved one.”

File Photo

side a South Richmond Hill house party in December 2011, Queens District Attorney A Jamaica man has been convicted of Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.

Troy Thomas, 36, was found guilty Thomas fled to Guyana shortly after the murder. shooting and killing a 20-year-old man outBy Forum Staff

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Courtesy of Google

Pol Touts Plan to Slash Drug Prices

By Forum Staff As inflation continues to cause the cost of living to skyrocket in the Big Apple, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Monday announced her policy package to reduce costs and slash prescription drug prices: the “Gillibrand Prescription for Lower Drug Prices.”

Gillibrand noted that experts say that reining in prescription drug costs may be Congress’ best shot at fighting inflation.

According to AARP, if consumer prices rose as much as prescription drug prices over the years, a gallon of gas would cost more than $12 today. For the past several decades, prescription drug prices have risen faster than inflation.

The core pieces of the “Gillibrand Prescription for Lower Drug Prices” are: • Reimagine financial assistance for Medicare. Legislation to create the Medicare Cost Assistance Program, a new, streamlined program to provide assistance with Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and cost-sharing for low-income individuals. This would reimagine financial assistance for Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D. The legislation would also expand and streamline administration of the Extra Help program to provide premium and cost-sharing assistance to eligible low-income individuals with Medicare Part D. • Review brand-name price gouging. Legislation that would level the market for Americans purchasing prescription drugs by pegging the price in the United States to the median price in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan.

• Empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices. A bill that directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.

• Import lower-cost drugs from Canada. Legislation to allow patients, pharmacists and wholesalers to import safe, affordable medicine from Canada and other major countries.

• Expand subsidies to seniors living in U.S. territories. Legislation that would make Medicare beneficiaries in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, eligible for the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy program. Under current law, low-income Medicare beneficiaries in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories are ineligible for Medicare Part D subsidies. This program, known as “Extra Help,” provides federal subsidies to help low-income seniors with their monthly premiums and other out-ofpocket prescription drug costs.

Under current law, the secretary of HHS is prohibited from negotiating lower drug prices on behalf of Medicare Part D beneficiaries. In contrast, other government programs, like Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are allowed to negotiate. According to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, Medicare paid twice as much for the same prescription drugs as the VA in 2017.

“With inflation high and while our nation is recovering from the pandemic drug prices remain unacceptably high, which puts a heavy financial burden on older adults and families throughout New York City and across the country,” Gillibrand said. “I am releasing the ‘Gillibrand Prescription for Lower Drug Prices’ plan to provide a framework for slashing drug prices, which would provide much-needed relief as inflation continues to raise the cost of living for average New Yorkers.

From fighting price gouging to importing affordable drugs from Canada to enabling Medicare to negotiate drug prices, this plan will help us bring down costs for countless Americans.”

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

PEDIATRIC MIGRAINES: Helping your kids In this final part of our series on migraines, we will talk about a very special sector of the migraine population.

It is estimated by medical experts that 10% of pediatric patients suffer from these headaches.

Two studies released earlier this year focused on treatment as well as preventative strategies for children suffering with the condition.

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the first-line for acute treatment in pediatric patients, and of the two ibuprofen has proven to be more effective.

As in adults with chronic migraines, pediatricians recommend keeping headache diaries for your children so that you can identify triggers which can include stress, various foods and the constriction of blood vessels in the head and neck.

Experts say that parents have to look for the following manifestations in their children, which vary according to age groups: Infants may present with only episodic “head banging”. Preschool children often have episodes involving an ill appearance, abdominal pain, vomiting, and the need to go to sleep; they may exhibit pain by irritability, crying, rocking, or seeking a dark room in which to sleep.

Children aged 5-10 years typically have bifrontal, bitemporal, or retro-orbital headache; nausea; abdominal cramping; vomiting; photophobia; phonophobia; a need to sleep; tearing, swollen nasal passages; thirst; edema; excessive sweating; increased urination; or diarrhea.

Older children may experience increasing headache intensity and duration; a pulsating or throbbing character to the headache; and a shift to a unilateral, tem-

poral location.

If your child presents with any of these, a thorough general physical exam in addition to a neurological exam should be performed immediately.

Of course the main goal of parents is to find ways to relieve children of any and all symptomology and we have comprised the following outline of suggestions to help your child deal with the situation.

Measures that may be helpful for managing acute attacks include the following: Have your child to lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room during the attack and go to sleep.

Initially you may administer age appropriate dosages of simple analgesics (eg, acetaminophen or ibuprofen); if they do not work you must consult with your child’s physician as to whether they need what are known as pharmacologic abortive therapies for acute attacks (ie, triptans).

Applying ice or pressure to the affected artery.

Help your child with other modes of treatment like self-relaxation, biofeedback, and self-hypnosis.

Again we hope this series has shed some important light on migraines and the serious life altering effect they have not only on patients who suffer with them, but on their loved ones, co-workers and everyone involved in their day to day lives. And remember, your local pharmacist is the most reliable and available part of your health care team at the initial stage of uncovering important facts about whatever ails you so ask us. That's what we're here for.

Until next week!

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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Thank You, Teachers!

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Under current law, the secretary of Health and Human Services is prohibited from negotiating lower drug prices on behalf of Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

Students, Parents, administrators, and support staff across the five boroughs this week are celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week.

On Tuesday, City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park; second from r.) visited PS 63 in Ozone Park “to give a big shout out to all those educators out there helping to guide our next generation.

“Thank you for all that you do!” Ariola added.

According to National Today, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated in the first full week of May, from May 1 through May 8 in 2022.

“Teaching is known to be a time-consuming and challenging profession, so this week is our chance to say thank you to those that play or have played such a huge role in our lives,” National Today posted to its website.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola

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City Launches Campaign to Tackle Traffic Violence

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Monday launched a $4 million multi-platform, multilingual campaign to counter rising traffic violence and curb dangerous driving behaviors, like speeding, that have occurred at higher rates since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City’s largest and most concentrated investment in public awareness since the start of Vision Zero in 2014, the campaign — titled “Speeding Ruins Lives, Slow Down” — also represents the largest education effort targeted at community and ethnic media with a $1.5 million commitment, helping to reach a range of communities across the five boroughs, including communities of color that disproportionately suffer as a result of traffic violence.

The campaign launched with the unveiling of a new billboard on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York. With 35 traffic fatalities and more than 300 serious injuries since 2017, East New York is one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by traffic violence during the last two years of the pandemic and a Vision Zero priority area with major safety and street redesign projects also currently underway. Campaign content will reach all five boroughs through a variety of media,

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

The campaign launched Monday with the unveiling of a new billboard on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York.

radio and television ads, billboards, bus shelters, LinkNYC kiosks, and gas station pumps. An extensive community and ethnic media presence — with a $1.5 million commitment marking the city’s first Vision Zero public education campaign focused on community and ethnic media with more than $1 million — will include newspaper and online digital ads, running in nine different languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English,

Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish. Russian, and Spanish.

Adams also noted that the City Police Department continues to increase its enforcement of speeding and reckless driving in areas where fatalities are occurring.

In the 28-day period ending April 24, the NYPD issued 47.4 percent more summonses for all hazardous conditions on city roads than in the same period in 2021.

The NYPD also issued 54.6 percent more summonses in that period than in the same period last year, including a 322 percent increase in East New York’s 75th Precinct, and they have issued five percent more speeding summonses citywide in the first four months of 2022 than they had at this point last year.

“Speeding and reckless driving behavior puts everyone on New York City’s roads at risk, and eradicating it remains at the core of the NYPD’s intelligence-driven traffic safety policies,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “We have stepped up enforcement on highways where data shows a rise in injuries and fatal collisions. Across the NYPD, we have focused relentlessly on drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.

And we have continued to conduct Vision Zero high-visibility corridor enforcement and education operations, which strategically deploy personnel to carry out traffic enforcement and education in areas of the city where it is needed most: those locations with a high number of vulnerable road users hurt in traffic collisions. The NYPD’s layered approach reinforces our core philosophy that traffic safety is public safety — a philosophy that drives enforcement across all our police precincts and at our weekly traffic safety forum meetings.”

Mailbox Fishing Crew Dismantled in Queens

By Forum Staff

and elsewhere. Each defendant had their own role in this organized scheme, which started with defendant Luis Velazquez allegedly stealing mail from various Queens locations to find both personal and business checks.

DA Katz continued that the stolen checks were then provided to the crew’s boss, who would coordinate with other defendants to alter the checks or change the checks completely by erasing the handwritten ink using brake fluid or acetone and then putting the names of an accomplice, who was willing to open bank accounts for the organization. The defendants changed the original amount of the checks to a much higher figure and then these doc-

tored checks were deposited into the accomplices’ bank accounts. From that point, cash would be withdrawn against these fraudulent checks.

Between April 16, 2019 and June 4, 2019, according to the charges, another group of defendants allegedly conducted five electronic money transfers moving the cash from deposits into two co-defendants’ accounts—in essence laundering the stolen money.

United States Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said, “Postal Inspectors have zero tolerance for those who victimize consumers using the U.S. Mail. This is why Postal Inspectors, along with our law

enforcement partners, are relentless in investigating these cases to ensure alleged criminals like these, are brought to justice for the crime of mail theft.”

City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell added, “Mailbox fishing is a very serious crime – where victims are often unaware that a theft has been committed until months later. Today’s charges serve as an example to those who believe they can get away with victimizing hardworking members of our communities by stealing from the U.S. Postal Service. In conjunction with our law-enforcement partners, the NYPD will identify you, will arrest you, and will deliver justice.”

Six individuals have been charged in two separate indictments by a Queens County grand jury for allegedly working in concert to steal checks from mailboxes, alter them with higher dollar values and deposit the checks for cash or other transactions from crewmembers’ accounts, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Four defendants are charged in the first indictment and two more are charged in a second separate indictment. The defendants are variously charged with grand larceny, conspiracy and other crimes.

“This scheme caused havoc and unwarranted financial hardship for the victims. As alleged, these defendants worked together to line their pockets with money laundered through banks after they deposited checks stolen from numerous USPS mailboxes.

They would erase the original payout on the checks and write in their own figures,” Katz said. “My Office, working in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York City Police Department, has broken up this crew of alleged thieves.

We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to protect the residents of Queens from these types of schemes.”

According to the charges, between March 1, 2019 and June 10, 2019, the defendants were all part of a criminal conspiracy specializing in mail theft and check fraud, which netted File Photo approximately $100,000 in stolen funds from Mailbox fishing is a federal crime in which envelopes containing checks and sensitive documents are “fished out” of curbside mailboxes by crooks using a makeshift rod, such as residents and businesses in Queens County an adhesive slathered all over a weighted bottle attached to the end of a string or rope.

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Georgia Man Cops to 2020 Jamaica Rape

Queens DA Melinda Katz

File Photo

By Forum Staff A Georgia man has admitted to attacking a woman in 2020, dragging her into a dark alley between shops on Jamaica Avenue and raping her, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Rony Lopez Alvarez, 39, pleaded guilty Thursday to rape in the first degree. Lopez Alvarez faces 10 years in prison to be followed by five years’ post-release supervi-

sion. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, on Jan. 18, 2020, at approximately 4 a.m., as a 27-yearold woman walked past shops and stores on Jamaica Avenue Lopez Alvarez grabbed her. Putting a hand over the victim’s mouth, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a sharp object against her. Lopez Alvarez then forced her into an alley between the shops and told her he would “snap her neck” if she screamed for help.

Lopez Alvarez then pulled the victim toward the back of the dark alley where he removed some of her clothes and raped her.

Lopez Alvarez then fled the area. The woman was able to walk out of the alley and flag down a passerby who called 911 for her.

The victim was taken to an area hospital, Katz said, where she was treated and a rape kit was used to collect DNA evidence.

A DNA profile was developed from the evidence found in the rape kit, and after an investigation was conducted, a DNA match was discovered. Lopez Alvarez was found in Forest Park, Georgia, and transported back to Queens.

“Although the trauma cannot be undone, I hope that the victim takes some solace and rests easier knowing her attacker will be incarcerated for his criminal actions,” Katz said.

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City Mourns Fallen Firefighter at Funeral

Photos Courtesy of FDNY

By Michael V. Cusenza Thousands last Wednesday attended the Mass of Christian burial of hero City Firefighter Timothy Klein who died last month battling a 3-alarm blaze in Canarsie.

The six-year veteran smoke-eater was trapped under a ceiling collapse and critically injured while fighting the fire on Avenue N. Klein was removed from the building by his fellow Bravest and rushed to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

“He was more than a Firefighter, he was more than a hero, he was representative of an American family. Your son gave his all for this country. The American dream is knit together by people who put on the uniform and run towards harm and danger,” said Mayor Eric Adams in remarks delivered at the Church of St. Francis DeSales in Belle Harbor.

“His dedication didn’t end at the firehouse door; Tim never missed a chance to help. He always stepped up for family and friends, his fellow Firefighters at work and outside of work and for the community he bravely served. He committed himself fully on and off duty, he is the kind of person we should all aspire to be,” added Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

Klein worked in Brooklyn, but was raised in Breezy Point and lived in Rockaway.

“Today I stood with the FDNY as they laid their brother Firefighter Timothy Klein to rest,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “The strength of Timothy’s mom is inspiring. I will continue to pray for Timothy, his family, friends and the entire FDNY.” On Monday, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) sponsored a resolution that will have Klein’s heroism recognized by New York State.

“This resolution is a small way that we in the legislature can honor Firefighter Klein for laying down his life to protect others,” Addabbo said. “This is the risk that our first responders take every day they go to work.

While these words cannot bring Firefighter Klein back, we hope that they can provide some comfort to his family, friends and colleagues in knowing that his sacrifice is recognized throughout New York State, and that we honor his memory.”

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Adams Announces that 97 Percent of Kindergartners have a Scholarship Account for College, Training

By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced investments in the future of New York City children, giving 97 percent of kindergartners across the city access to a New York City Scholarship Account to save for college and career training in the future. Families can now activate their kindergarteners’ NYC Scholarship Accounts from the Save for College Program.

This year, a total of $6.5 million has been invested in the 65,300 NYC Scholarship Accounts for students participating in the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, which provides families, schools, and communities with a way to work together to invest in children’s futures — regardless of their family’s income or immigration status.

Starting this school year, and every year going forward, kindergarten students enrolled in a New York City public school — including participating charter schools — automatically receive a scholarship account invested in a NY 529 Direct Plan, with an initial $100 from NYC Kids RISE, unless their families choose not to participate. This signifies an investment in the financial and social resiliency of families and neighborhoods, and it provides a new way

Photo Courtesy of NYC Kids Rise

Adams said the milestone is the result of a broad effort from local leaders, partners, schools, businesses, and parents in Queens who helped create a universal, community-driven wealth-building platform that is embedded in homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

to drive financial assets towards communities that have been systematically excluded from wealth-building opportunities. This milestone is the result of a broad effort from local leaders, partners, schools, businesses, and parents in Queens who helped create a universal, community-driven wealth-building platform that is embedded in homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

Through the program, families can receive up to $200 in additional rewards for their child’s scholarship account by taking foundational steps — such as opening and connecting a separate college and career

savings account that they own for their child — and starting to save in the ways and amounts that make sense for them.

Communities, businesses, anchor institutions, and other systems can contribute to groups of these NYC Scholarship Accounts as both a targeted and universal platform for community-driven asset-building in every neighborhood. By combining seed scholarships, family savings, community investments, and funding streams from every level, the Save for College Program can build significant assets for public school students and communities.

The Save for College Program equips elementary schools with financial education lessons in the classroom and new collegeand-career and asset-building activities for entire families. Families can participate in financial empowerment and college/ career-going activities and workshops and are connected to one-on-one counseling at the city’s Financial Empowerment Centers.

Community Based Organizations can integrate the Save for College Program into their programming to increase access for their families and enhance their missions, including taking elementary school students and their families on college visits and incorporating the platform into workforce development and after school programs.

“We need tangible and practical solutions to reduce the racial wealth gap, even more now as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Mayor Adams. “The Save for College Program can reduce the amount that students and families have to borrow in student loans, combating the student debt crisis that has disproportionately impacted students of color. I am proud to announce the activation of thousands of scholarship accounts, bringing New York City students one step closer to financial assets.”

Colleges Present Introductory Cannabis Industry Workshop

By Forum Staff Queens College, in partnership with Farmingdale State College, is offering an introductory non-credit bearing workshop, “Get Started in the Cannabis Industry,” designed for individuals who would like to learn more about opening, managing, or working in a cannabis business in New York State.

According to Queens College officials, participants will gain insight into the cannabis industry through presentations by distinguished faculty and will have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the

cannabis community, as well as successful entrepreneurs. They will also learn about the FSC Cannabis Production and Management Certificate Program and will earn a combined QC and FSC cannabis microcredential digital badge at the end of the course. Space is limited to 25 participants.

The registration fee is $25.

Course topics will include an introduction to the U.S. cannabis industry; the role that medical marijuana played in industry development; the legal environment for the cannabis industry in NYS; management and marketing of a cannabis business; economics of cannabis; cannabis plant sci-

ence and production; and how to enter and advance in the cannabis industry.

A representative from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management will provide an update on NYS’s regulations and policies.

“We are pleased to partner with Farmingdale State College on this initiative and to help create a path toward entrepreneurship for populations who had previously been negatively impacted by cannabis legislation,” Queens College President Frank H. Wu said.

Workshop Information: Saturday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Queens College

Queens College President Frank H. Wu

The workshop is designed for individuals who would like to learn more about opening, managing, or working in a cannabis business in New York.

10 | MAY 5, 2022 • Number 16 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Student Union Building | First Floor – Faculty and Staff Lounge Saturday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Student Union Building | Fourth Floor – Conference Room 403 Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367 Faculty from the Farmingdale State College School of Business, and experts in the field, will lead the sessions.

To learn more and to register, please visit cannabisworkshop.qc.cuny.edu.

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12 | MAY 5, 2022 • Number 16 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 16 • MAY 5 2022 | 13

Legal Notices 83-05 Doran Avenue LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 70-16 53rd Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Wowee Zowee, LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State: 3/11/22. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in DE: 3/9/22. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to the principal office address: 21-12 74th St., East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: all lawful purposes.

ASTORIA DREAMS 45TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554. General Purpose.

ASTORIA DREAMS 44TH STREET LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/07/2022.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LEONARD RIDINI, ESQ., c/o Westerman Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie, LLP, 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802,East Meadow, NY 11554.

General Purpose.

GRACIOUS OWL DESIGN, LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 03/09/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to LISA DICK, 6610 YELLOWSTONE BLVD., APT 2D, FOREST HILLS, NY, 11373, USA. PURPOSE: General Purpose.

MARY JANE SOLUTIONS LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 01/14/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to MARY JANE SOLUTIONS LLC, PO BOX 863292, RIDGEWOOD, NY, 11386, USA. PURPOSE: General Purpose.

MEMENTO GROUP L.L.C., Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/31/2022.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SUNNY 21, L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/20/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SUNNY 21, LLC, 58-27 197TH ST., FRESH MEADOWS, NY, 11365, USA, Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

GEM HUNTING TRADING LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)4/15/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to GEM HUNTING TRADING LLC, 88-04 CORONA AVE, 1 FL, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA**. General Purpose.

CTSQ Asset LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/14/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 3636 Main St., #CS, Flushing, NY 11354.

General Purpose.

SAPPHIRE CDS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/10/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Daniel Sosa, 7849 221st St., Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

86-13 94th Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/18/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Warner Wai Jit Moy, 86-17 94th St., Woodhaven, NY 11421. General Purpose.

SIKDER TAXI 2 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/18/2022. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 88-39 HOLLIS COURT BLVD, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY, 11427. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

THE WALKER GROUP VENTURES, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 03/08/22.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to WAYNE BROWN, 130-16 228TH STREET, LAURELTON, NY, 11413, USA. General Purpose.

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JANEL CAMPBELL NP IN FAMILY HEALTH, PLLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/18/21. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to THE PLLC, 112-16 176TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY, 11433, USA. General Purpose.

Notice of formation of EIGHT NYC HOLDINGS LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/21/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to:4148 68th St., 3/F, Woodside, NY 11377.

Purpose: any lawful act.

Easy Movements L.L.C., Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/6/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Imran Imtiaz Khan, 111-34 130th St., South Ozone Park, NY 11420. General Purpose

Notice of formation of Young Ambitious Enterprise LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/07/2022. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 240-17 143rd Ave Rosedale NY 11422. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of formation of EE GLOBAL LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/25/2022. Office located in Queens.

SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY Shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to JOSE FARJARDO, 15021 107TH AVE., FL-1, JAMAICA, NY, 11433. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of AI-TOP LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 07/25/2021.

Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY Shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 1335 Bell Blvd Bayside, NY 11360.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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HOWARD BEACH MINT HI-RANCH, NEWLY RENOVATED IN THE LAST 2.5 YEARS. 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS, NEW AC/HEATER, 200 AMP ELECTRIC, NEW ROOF, NEW WINDOWS, MUST SEE WON'T LAST!!

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