GrowNYC - Empowering students to combat food insecurity 🌱

 

Igniting the spark of learning in individuals at every age is key to fostering a sustainable future and enriching our understanding of environmental practices. Here at GrowNYC, we've recently taken an exciting leap forward by launching our brand new Farmstand Business Curriculum!

Are you ready to discover more? Dive right in and let's explore this amazing journey together! 

NYC students aim to combat food insecurity locally 

What is it? The GrowNYC Farmstand Business Curriculum takes a deep look at our food system, prepares students for green careers, and empowers them to take meaningful action in their neighborhoods. The curriculum is designed for NYC high schools, although it can be adapted for any audience.

Why it matters: Schools in all five boroughs reach out to GrowNYC about growing food in their school gardens and creating food access points for their communities. Food insecurity is a pervasive issue that existed before the pandemic and without meaningful change, will persist after.

• The curriculum and accompanying resources provide tools for NYC schools to reach beyond the perimeter of their school and onto plates in their communities, while allowing your students to learn real-world business skills.

• It inspires schools to grow at production and launch farm stands,

 Queens high schools explore farmstand business

What’s next: The GrowNYC Farmstand Business Curriculum is being used at four high schools who want to start food access points at their campuses in Queens. Over the next year, the students will be exploring how to make their farmstand business a reality. 

Recently, all the students taking the curriculum visited GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden on Governor’s Island to better understand the logistics and behind the scenes work of operating a farmstand. From sourcing or growing produce to labor, pricing, customer service and beyond. 

The students engaged in a range of hands-on activities by GrowNYC’s Education  

 

Earth Month Actions 

Join the GrowNYC Family: Your commitment to monthly giving symbolizes an extraordinary pledge to the sustainability of GrowNYC and our programs. As a Friend of GrowNYC, your recurring gift of $15 or more per month not only earns you an exclusive GrowNYC cotton canvas tote bag and invitations to special events, but also the gratification of making a lasting impact on our city. Champion Regional Agriculture: Discover your nearest GrowNYC Greenmarket or Farmstand and make the powerful choice to support our local farmers. Fuel our Mission: We can't do it without champions like you! By investing in GrowNYC, you're investing in a vision that makes New York City a more sustainable haven for all. Your support is not just an investment, it's a declaration of belief in a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Nos Quedamos Past, Present, and Future

 

A Multimedia Showcase Event

We are excited to share that our We are Melrose: Envisioning the Commons event was a huge success! From April 4th to April 18, we gathered at Boricua College Gallery to enjoy a hybrid multimedia exhibit that highlighted the rich history of Melrose Commons in the South Bronx with the work of local Bronx-based documentary photographers María de la Paz Galindo and Michael Young. THANK YOU to all who assisted and stay tuned so you don’t miss future events like this! 

Experience the Recap!

A Spotlight to Commemorate HERstory! In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we took March to honor all of the amazing women from our staff and board, and to feature all their achievements and contributions to our organization. We feel deeply inspired by their hard work as it empowers us to keep moving forward. Thank you!

Check out the Team Highlights Here

Spring into Our Equinox Event The Spring Equinox symbolizes renewal and growth, making it the ideal time for a fresh start! Join us at our second annual Spring Equinox event on Saturday, May 11th from 1-4pm at Yolanda García Park. With dance performances, live music, and a Microgreens workshop led by our Environmental Justice Youth Team, this is the perfect opportunity to renew, heal, and move forward together as we celebrate and strengthen the Melrose community.

Let us know you'll join us! We Stay/Nos Quedamos’ 30th Anniversary Campaign Activating resilency through community partnership, ownership and self-determination.

WE STAY/Nos Quedamos, Inc. 754 Melrose Avenue,  Bronx, NY 10451 info@nosquedamos.org

Colombian National Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Import Tons Of Cocaine Into The United States

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ÁLVARO FREDY CÓRDOBA RUÍZ was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States.  CÓRDOBA RUÍZ pled guilty on January 2, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed the sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This sentence demonstrates this Office’s commitment to prosecuting drug traffickers like Córdoba Ruíz, who seek to import tons of cocaine into the United States.  Those who seek to flood our streets with narcotics will face serious consequences, especially when they partner with violent drug trafficking organizations like the FARC.  I commend the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office who work tirelessly to investigate and disrupt these complex drug importation networks.  Their work has a profound impact on countless lives in our communities.” 

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings:[1]

CÓRDOBA RUÍZ conspired with his co-defendants and other individuals associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”) — a violent organization based in Colombia that was dedicated to the overthrow of the Colombian government and responsible for the production and distribution of the majority of the cocaine that eventually reached the United States — to source and distribute tons of cocaine destined for the United States.  CÓRDOBA RUÍZ negotiated with individuals he believed to be narcotics traffickers from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “Mexican DTO”) seeking to establish a cocaine supply line from Venezuela to the United States.  These individuals, however, were actually confidential sources working at the direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

In recorded communications during the investigation, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ agreed to assist the planned cocaine venture through his political and logistics connections in Colombia.  With respect to the former, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ connected confidential sources purporting to be members of the Mexican DTO with a Colombian politician, conveying that, in exchange for financial and political support, the politician would help to facilitate a cocaine partnership between the defendant, his co-conspirators, and the confidential sources purportedly functioning as the Mexican DTO.  CÓRDOBA RUÍZ also connected the confidential sources with individuals who offered to provide large quantities of cocaine and security for the promised cocaine loads.  In December 2021, to prove their bona fides and establish the quality of their supply, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ sold the confidential sources a five-kilogram sample of cocaine containing a high level of purity — lab tests demonstrate the cocaine was between 86.6% to 89.1% pure — from a FARC-associated farm outside of Medellín.  CÓRDOBA RUÍZ was arrested in Colombia in February 2022, while negotiating a much larger partnership with the Mexican DTO, which contemplated the shipment of approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine per week.

In addition to the prison term, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ, 65, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Bogotá Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Kaylan E. Lasky, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution.

[1] Communications, conversations, and statements discussed and quoted herein are described in substance and in part, and many of these conversations occurred in Spanish.

D.A. Bragg Announces Return Of 30 Antiquities Seized From Subhash Kapoor And Nancy Wiener

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr, announced the return of 27 antiquities to the people of Cambodia and 3 antiquities to the people of Indonesia. The pieces, collectively valued at nearly $3 million, were recovered pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into trafficking networks targeting Southeast Asian antiquities, including those of alleged trafficker SUBHASH KAPOOR and convicted trafficker NANCY WIENER.

The pieces were returned during two recent repatriation ceremonies. The first, in honor of the return to Cambodia, was attended by Michael Alfonso, Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York and H.E. Ambassador Keo Chhea of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia to the United States. The second, in honor of the return to Indonesia, was attended by Thomas Acocella, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York and Consul General Winanto Adi of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York.

“We are continuing to investigate the wide-ranging trafficking networks that continue to target Southeast Asian antiquities. While we have made significant progress and have dismantled several prominent networks, there is clearly still much more work to do. These repatriation ceremonies show our continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and returning stolen antiquities back home,” said District Attorney Bragg.

“Today’s ceremony isn’t just about returning lost treasures; it’s a renewal of commitment between nations to safeguard the soul of our shared heritage. This commitment, built on robust cooperation, is what makes today significant. Cambodia and the United States are setting a global standard for protecting and repatriating cultural heritage. Through this united effort, we ensure the preservation of our collective past for future generations,” said Ambassador Keo Chhea.

“My sincerest appreciation towards New York District Attorney’s office and all related parties for their tireless effort to recover the antiquities. Not only it reflects the closeness of Indonesia and the United States, the repatriation of the antiquities also serves precious gift for the celebration of 75th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Indonesia and the US.” said Consul General Adi.

“In the past week, HSI New York has proudly reunited the People of Cambodia and Indonesia with 30 artifacts that represent each country’s uniquely robust cultural heritage. For years, these pieces were in the hands of people who saw nothing beyond the profit and status of their illicit possession. HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group has worked tirelessly with international partners to take these small steps in seeking justice against some of the world’s most prolific traffickers. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Governments of Cambodia and Indonesia for standing side by side with us in doing so,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo.

Among the pieces returned include:

• The Bronze Shiva Triad, which was smuggled out of Cambodia in the early 2000’s at the direction of Nancy WIENER. Beginning in the early 1990’s, WIENER dealt and trafficked in Southeast Asian antiquities, which she sold through her gallery in New York County. After the Triad arrived in Manhattan, WIENER and a convicted co-conspirator arranged for the piece to be restored and offered it for sale at her gallery in 2007. After failing to find a purchaser, WIENER donated the piece to the Denver Art Museum in December 2007, where it remained until it was recovered by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit in June 2023. In 2016, the District Attorney’s Office arrested WIENER, and she was ultimately convicted and sentenced in 2021. 
• The Stone Relief, returned to Indonesia, stands out as a rare example of material culture from the Majapahit Empire (1293-1527), one of the most powerful and influential empires in Southeast Asia’s history. It was particularly well-known for its terracottas, making this Stone Relief a wonderfully rare example of Majapahit art. The relief depicts two seated royal figures, a lady and a man, surrounded by stylized foliage and holding round objects in their hands, which may be the Maja fruit for which the empire was named. The Stone Relief was recovered from a KAPOOR-owned storage unit.

Pictured: “Stone Relief”

For over a decade, the District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit, along with law enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations, have investigated KAPOOR and his co-conspirators for the alleged illegal looting, exportation, and sale of artifacts from numerous countries in South and Southeast Asia, including Nepal. As alleged, KAPOOR and his co-defendants generally smuggled looted antiquities into Manhattan and sold the pieces through KAPOOR’S Madison Avenue-based gallery, Art of the Past. From 2011 to 2023 the D.A.’s Office and HSI recovered more than 2,500 items allegedly trafficked by KAPOOR and his network. The total value of the pieces recovered exceeds $143 million.

The D.A.’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for KAPOOR in 2012.[1] In November 2019, KAPOOR and seven of his co-defendants were indicted for their conspiracy to traffic stolen antiquities. KAPOOR’s extradition from India is pending. Five of his co-defendants have already been convicted. This includes two of his indicted co-defendants as well as three other traffickers who had been charged separately.

During District Attorney Bragg’s tenure, the ATU has recovered almost 1,200 antiquities stolen from more than 25 countries and valued at over $250 million. Since its creation, the ATU has recovered almost 4,900 antiquities valued at over $450 million and has returned more than 4,500 of them so far to more than 25 countries.

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, Chief of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Senior Trial Counsel, supervised the investigations, which were conducted by Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Studley; Supervising Investigative Analyst Apsara Iyer, Investigative Analysts Hilary Chassé and Charlotte Looram; District Attorney Investigator John Paul Labbat; and Special Agents Brenton Easter, Megan Buckley, and Robert Fromkin of Homeland Security Investigations. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Denver Art Museum for their assistance and cooperation with our investigation.

[1] Any charges referenced herein that have not already resulted in convictions are merely allegations, and any individuals not convicted are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

Attorney General James and Acting Tax Commissioner Hiller Announce Arrest of Colonie Car Dealership Owner for Failing to Pay Over $160,000 in Taxes

 

Guy Kennedy Nicolas and His Business, G&A Auto Care Inc., Allegedly Failed to Report Over $2 Million in Sales and Pay Over $160,000 in Sales Tax Owed to New York State

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller today announced the arrest of Guy Kennedy Nicolas of Colonie, New York on six felony charges for allegedly failing to report over $2 million in taxable sales and pay over $160,000 in sales tax. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Nicolas failed to file annual sales tax returns for his car dealership business, G&A Auto Care Inc., for all but two years from 2013 to 2023. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison.

“New Yorkers should be able to trust that the local businesses in their communities follow the rules and pay their fair share of taxes,” said Attorney General James. “Failing to pay taxes is not only illegal, it cheats New Yorkers across the state out of quality public services they rely on. My office will continue to hold those who attempt to defraud the tax system accountable. I thank all of our partners who supported this investigation.”

“I commend Attorney General James and her team for their diligence and professionalism in handling this case,” said Acting Tax Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “Prosecutions such as these are essential to ensure that honest retailers aren’t undercut by those who evade tax laws.”   

“I applaud the Office of the Attorney General for the diligent work on this investigation,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “We were happy to assist because it is so important to make sure that regulated auto dealers are following the law and paying their required taxes like everyone else.”

A joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) and New York State Police (NYSP), with assistance from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles revealed that Nicolas, the owner of G&A Auto Care Inc., was the sole person responsible for sales tax at his business. Nicolas was required to report all taxable sales, including sales of cars, from his dealership and file sales tax returns on at least a yearly basis. 

However, from at least 2013 through 2023, G&A Auto Care, Inc. and Nicolas allegedly failed to file all but two annual sales tax returns. According to an audit conducted by OAG, between June 2013 and March 2023, Nicolas underreported total sales by over $2 million and failed to remit over $160,000 in sales tax due.

Today, G&A Auto Care, Inc. was arraigned in Albany County Court before the Honorable William T. Little. Nicolas was previously arraigned on April 11, 2024. The indictment charges both Nicolas and G&A Auto Care, Inc. with six felonies: 

• One count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
• One count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.
• Four counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.

Nicolas was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear back in court on May 10, 2024. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 5 to 15 years in prison.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Attorney General James thanks the New York State Department of Taxation Finance, New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Unit, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for their invaluable assistance on this case.