Outdoor Movie THIS Saturday Night - Inside Out - Saturday, Sept. 10 in Vinmont Park

Join Us for a Movie in Vinmont Park (Mosholu & 255th Street)
Saturday, September 10th

Porto Potties will be available!

Friends of Van Cortlandt Park Part of National Campaign from Michelob ULTRA and the American Hiking Society to restore trails this fall

A portion of every Michelob ULTRA purchase this fall will help restore 12 trails, including the John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park, throughout the US and everyone can help decide how the funds are distributed.

 

Just in time for the fall foliage, Michelob ULTRA is introducing an initiative to help restore running, cycling and hiking trails which are essential to Michelob ULTRA drinkers’ pursuit of an active life.  From September 4^th through November 26^thMichelob ULTRA will be donating a portion of every purchase up to $200,000 to the restoration of 12 trails across the United States, including our very own John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY.

 

Partnering with the American Hiking Sociery for the second straight year, Michelob ULTRA has expanded the program from two trails in 2015 to a total of 12 trails this year.  Each of the 12 participating trails will received $5,000, with Michelob ULTRA drinkers helping to decide which trails receive the remaining funds by visitingmichelobULTRA.com/theextramile and voting for their hometown.

 

“We are honored to have been selected for this exciting opportunity to receive not only funding needed for the ongoing maintenance of the John Muir Trail in our Park,” said Christina Taylor, Executive Director of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park, “but also for the opportunity to promote the various hiking opportunities in Van Cortlandt Park.  We know that “VCP is Where NYC Hikes” and hope this will encourage more people to explore our 20 plus miles of trails.”

 

The 12 participating trails span from coast to coast with the John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park as the only trail in the Northeast.  The John Muir Trail, 1.5 miles, was established in 1997 with the help of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park summer interns, is the park’s only east-west path.

 

To support the Go the Extra Mile Fund, purchase any package of Michelob ULTRA.  Everyone can cast a vote for their favorite trail by visitingmichelobULTRA.com/theextramile – no purchase necessary to vote.

 

For more information on the John Muir Trail, hiking in Van Cortlandt Park and upcoming opportunities to go on a hike with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park visit

 http://vancortlandt.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Van-Cortlandt-Park-NYCs-Most-Hikeable-Park.pdf

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We would hope that this promotion does not lead to underage drinking or overindulgence in binge drinking to earn a few pennies from this companies beer sales. There must be better ways to get the much needed monies, right elected officials? 

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

 

Victory Over Citizens United

This week in the Citizens United v. Schneiderman case, the judge dismissed Citizens United's challenge to the Attorney General's longstanding donor disclosure rules. Under the Court's ruling, Citizens United must finally disclose its biggest donors to the Attorney General's Office.

Attorney General Schneiderman issued the following statement in response:

"Today’s decision is a victory for common sense oversight of New York’s vast nonprofit sector. New Yorkers deserve to know their donations are protected against fraud and abuse, and today the court protected that right by dismissing each and every one of Citizen United’s claims."

Protecting Animals And Families From Exploitation

Attorney General Schneiderman ordered former Scottsville Veterinary Adoptions, Inc. to distribute its assets to the Humane Society and Lollypop Farm after an investigation by the AG's office found that the group had been selling dying pets to unsuspecting New Yorkers. As a result of the agreement, the adoption center will no longer be permitted to operate as a non-profit and will be subject to inspection in order to ensure compliance with the New York Pet Lemon Law. 

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

THREE sHOOTINGS ASSOCIATED WITH J'OUVERT THIS MORNING

  Mayor Bill de Blasio: Every year, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people come out to participate in this celebration of Caribbean culture. Typically, at J'Ouvert almost a quarter of a million people, including last night at the parade – often over a million people. The vast, vast majority celebrate peacefully. They represent their culture proudly. And it's a moment where every year, people look forward to celebrating their heritage as all New Yorkers do for their own heritages. And we are very clear about honoring and uplifting that celebration of heritage. But at the same time, our hearts are heavy today. We never accept violence in our midst. Last night, there was violence that is fundamentally unacceptable that we will continue to address more forcefully. Last night, a very few people violated that spirit of pride and celebration and caused pain for so many others. 

  Chief of Brooklyn Detectives Patrick Conry, NYPD: In the early morning hours associated with J'Ouvert, we had three shooting incidents involving four individuals who were shot. Two of those individuals are deceased. I will give you a little bit of a summary of each of the three incidents.

Approximately 03:45 hours at Empire in Flatbush, we had two individuals shot – a female 72-year-old who was shot and it's not likely, and a male 18-year-old who is deceased. We believe at this point, one if not both of those individuals are unintended targets. We did recover some shell casings that leads us to believe there was a crossfire. 

Second incident happens at 4:15 am – Franklin and Empire, which is about a block away. We have a female, 22 years old, shot in the head. She's also deceased. We believe she was an unintended target at this time, absent any additional information. 

Third incident happened at 6:45 am. Classon and Rogers – a couple of blocks off the parade route, but within the zone. We had a male, 20-year-old, shot in the leg. Two groups crossing paths had a verbal dispute which turned physical. Apparently, a male stepped out from the crowd – fired one round from a 9 millimeter firearm, striking him. He's not likely. 

So to recap – three shooting incidents – four people shot; two deceased. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF HERMINE – HIGH WINDS, COASTAL FLOODING, STRONG RIP CURRENTS AND RAIN

   Mayor Bill De Blasio today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts of Hermine, now considered a Post-Tropical Cyclone. While it is considered “Post-Tropical,” Hermine remains a powerful storm with significant hazards. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the New York City area in effect from 11AM today. A tropical storm warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds, which include sustained wind speeds of 39mph to 74mph. A Storm Surge Watch has also been issued for New York City coastal areas until further notice. Hermine is forecast to track off the DELMARVA coast this weekend and gradually intensify Sunday into Monday as it slowly tracks up to the northeast. The National Weather Service is currently forecasting sustained winds of 35-45 mph with potential for gusts up to 60 mph for the NYC area beginning as early as Sunday and extending possibly through Tuesday evening.

“This storm is expected to bring very strong winds to NYC over the next few days,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Tropical-storm-force winds can lead to power outages and create dangerous conditions, so make sure you secure loose objects like garbage cans and patio umbrellas and take precautions this weekend.”

STORM-RELATED UPDATES:

SI Ferry:

Beginning Sunday evening and through Tuesday morning, passengers should anticipate weather-related delays and/or cancellations

Bridges: 

When winds reach tropical storm levels, NYC area bridges may implement speed and vehicle restrictions. New Yorkers should expect potential restrictions Sunday evening through Tuesday.

NYC Beaches:

Due to life-threatening rip tides, NYC beaches are closed to swimming, surfing, and bathing on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

New Yorkers should take actions ahead of the storm to prepare for high winds, minor-to-moderate coastal flooding, rain, life-threatening rip tides, and high surf.

PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS

High winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of high winds, New Yorkers should:

·         Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

·         Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

·         Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

·         Use caution when walking or driving high profile vehicles during periods of high winds .

·         Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you toward an oncoming vehicle.

·         Use handrails where available.

·         Avoid elevated areas such as roofs, as wind speeds may be higher above ground level.

·         If you are driving during periods of high winds:

·         Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

·         Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.

·         Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.

·         Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as trucks, vans and SUVs, as these vehicles are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.

·         New Yorkers are encouraged to call 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Additional wind guidance from the NYC Buildings Department:

·         All cranes were ordered to cease operations in the City by 3pm on Saturday, September 3. Cranes should be safely stored as required by manufacturer guidelines.

·         All builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners should secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

·         The Department of Buildings will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

·         Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.

·         Buildings Bulletin2010-019 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

PREPARE FOR FLOODING

If you live in a flood-susceptible area:

·         Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.

·         Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables. 

·         Move valuable items from basements to upper floors. (Basements are vulnerable to flooding.)

·         Know your flood risk. To learn more about coastal flood risk in New York City, visit the FEMA Region II Coastal Analysis and Mapping website for flood hazard information at http://www.region2coastal.com/. 

·         Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance. For more information, visit the National Flood Insurance Program online at www.floodsmart.gov.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES

·         Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

·         Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.

·         Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.

·         Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN:

·         Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do during an emergency, including a coastal storm. Use Ready New York: My Emergency Plan at NYC.gov/myemergencyplan.

·         If you have a disability, access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.

·         Know your zone. Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into six evacuation zones (1 through 6) based on risk of storm surge flooding. Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 311(212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY:212-504-4115) to find out if your address is located in an evacuation zone.

·         Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. For more information about what to pack in a Go Bag, visithttp://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/gather-supplies.page.

·         Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC to receive emergency notifications and updates via email, phone, SMS /text, or Twitter. Notify NYC messages are also available in American Sign Language (ASL). VisitNYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311 to sign up.

CITY ACTIONS TO PREPARE FOR THE STORM

·         NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor the storm.

·         A National Weather Service meteorologist is embedded in NYC Emergency Management’s Watch Command to provide real-time updates on the storm’s track and potential impacts.

·         The City’s Situation Room has been activated, and NYC Emergency Management is coordinating daily interagency conference calls to facilitate preparations with city and state agencies and private partners.

·         The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur. NYC Emergency Management works closely with NYPD, FDNY, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to mitigate the impact of flash floods. New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 3-1-1.

·         Additionally, the City's Downed Tree Task Force has been placed on stand-by. This multi-agency task force is responsible for coordinating the response to a large downed tree event.

·         Over the past 36 hours, the NYC Mayor's Office of Housing Recovery Operations, DDC, and the Build It Back program sent safety teams, engineers and builders to survey all homes in construction to implement additional safe guards ahead of the storm. The Housing Recovery Office will continue to monitor all work sites throughout the storm event and implement whatever additional safeguards need to be put in place. 

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR USING COP’S GUN TO SLAY GOOD SAMARITAN DURING BODEGA ROBBERY

Also Charged with Attempted Murder of Police Officers; Fired All 15 Rounds from Weapon He Grabbed from Cop’s Holster 

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a 30-year-old Bronx man has been indicted on murder and a dozen other charges for stealing a cop’s gun and fatally shooting a man during a bodega robbery. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant allegedly assaulted and tried to rob a bodega worker, then grabbed a responding police officer’s service weapon and fired, killing Waly Camara, a hardworking immigrant who had rushed to help. 

   “We are fortunate that no one else was shot when the defendant allegedly kept on firing the pistol inside the store and out the doorway, forcing people to run for cover. His total disregard for human life is appalling.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Efrain Guzman, 30, of 20 Richman Plaza in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, has been indicted on first-degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, second-degree Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault, second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Assault, second-degree Attempted Robbery, third-degree Robbery, Menacing a Police Officer or Peace Officer, first-degree reckless Endangerment and Resisting Arrest. 

   Guzman was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Eugene Oliver and is due back in court on November 28. If convicted, he faces life in prison. 

   According to the investigation, on August 9, 2016, Guzman entered N&A Foods on East 198th Street in Fordham and begged for money. Camara, a worker there, threw him out. Guzman then went across to A&M Deli on East 198th Street and Valentine Avenue, where he demanded money and tried to get behind the counter. 

   He assaulted the worker and fought with other workers, and Camara came to help them. Police Officers Jorge Monge and Sean Kern responded and broke up the fight and as they were escorting Guzman out of the store, he took the gun out of Monge’s holster and began firing. 

   Guzman allegedly shot Camara in the leg. He died at St. Barnabas Hospital from a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Kern returned fire and struck Guzman. As he lay on the floor, Guzman allegedly fired at the cops and store workers until the gun ran out of rounds. 

  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Orville Reynolds of the Homicide Bureau and Natasha Major of the Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Christine Scaccia, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, and the overall supervision of Nicole Keary, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division and Jeremy Shockett, Chief of the Trial Division. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

BRONX MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ROBBERY

 Defendant Pointed Gun At Police Officers Who Responded To Holdup 

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a 30-year-old Bronx man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder related to a confrontation with police officers after he robbed a man at gunpoint. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant robbed a man and then put responding police officers in grave danger by pointing and waving a gun at them. He will receive 12 years in prison for his acts of mayhem on the streets of the Hunts Point neighborhood.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, David Gant, 30, pleaded guilty yesterday, August 31, 2016, to second-degree Attempted Murder and first-degree Robbery before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. Gant is expected to receive 12 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 23, 2016. 

   According to the investigation, in the early morning hours of July 22, 2014, Gant pulled a 9mm pistol on a man and robbed him. The victim called 911 and responding police officers found Gant, who pointed his gun at officers. An officer fired a shot, and Gant fled, falling and breaking his leg. As he lay on the ground immobile, he waved his gun at the officers and then held the gun to his head before eventually being subdued and arrested. 

   The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kieran Linehan of the Special Investigations Unit, under the supervision of Tarek A. Rahman, Chief of the Special Investigations Unit, and the overall supervision of Nicole Keary, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division and Jeremy Shockett, Chief of the Trial Division.

RIKERS INMATE INDICTED FOR SLASHING A CORRECTION OFFICER AND PUNCHING TWO OTHERS IN TWO ATTACKS

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Queens man jailed in Rikers Island has been indicted for attacking three New York City Department of Correction Officers, one of whom suffered a gash on his arm that required 16 stitches. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant committed vicious, unprovoked attacks on three Correction Officers. Our public servants should not have to face danger when they go to work each day. We will not tolerate jailhouse violence.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Matthew Whittington, 26, of 129-40 89th Avenue in Queens, has been indicted on second and third-degree Assault, first- and second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband, second- and third-degree Menacing, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration and third-degree Attempted Assault. 

 He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas and is due back in court on December 15. If convicted, Whittington—a violent predicate offender who is currently incarcerated--faces five to seven years in prison and five years post-release supervision. 

 District Attorney Clark said that according to the investigation, on August 6, 2016, at 7 p.m., Whittington allegedly struck Correction Officer Brian Nurse in the face, causing him to strike his head on a cell door. 

 On August 7, 2016, at 6:40 a.m., Whittington allegedly struck Correction Officer Malik Medina in the face, knocking him unconscious, when Medina was retrieving Whittington’s food tray. 

 Correction Officer Corey Hughes heard the sound of Medina hitting the floor and went to investigate. Whittington came at Hughes and allegedly slashed him with a scalpel on his right forearm. It took 16 sutures to close the wound.

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheryl Konigsberg of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, under the supervision of Sonya Tennell, Supervisor of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, James Brennan, Deputy Chief of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, and Deanna G. Logan, Chief of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, under the overall supervision of Stuart Levy, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Jean T. Walsh, Chief of the Investigations Division. 

 The District Attorney thanked the Department of Correction’s Central Intelligence Bureau for its assistance in this case. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

  Rikers Island crime comes under the purview of the Bronx District attorney's office.