Mayor Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Shimamura Expand Free Learn to Swim Classes for Summer 2026

 

Expansion adds eight new locations, bringing free swim instruction to 18 outdoor pools citywide

  

Registration now open through August for children to learn essential swimming skills

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced the opening of registration for free summer Learn to Swim classes at 18 outdoor pools across New York City, eight more locations than last year’s total of 10. These classes will offer slots for more than 16,000 participants this summer.

NYC Parks’ free swim instruction teaches approximately 19,000 young people ages 18 months to 17 years old how to swim each year, saving families hundreds of dollars in lesson costs while building lifelong water safety skills. Last summer, nearly 6,000 children and parents with tots participated in classes at outdoor pools.

This year’s summer session will run from July 6 until August 28. Learn to Swim classes are also offered during the fall, winter and spring. All NYC Parks outdoor pools will open for the season on June 27.

“New York City is a beach town, with 14 miles of beaches and dozens of public pools for New Yorkers who want to cool off on a hot summer day,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every child deserves to enjoy the water safely. That’s why we’re expanding free swim lessons across the five boroughs — giving more young New Yorkers access to an essential life skill, saving families money and making sure every child feels confident in the water.”

“Water safety is fundamental, and every child in New York City should have access to life-saving swimming instruction. This summer, we’re proud to expand the number of sites offering our free Learn to Swim classes — the most locations we’ve had since 2019,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “This will ensure that more New Yorkers can learn critical life skills right in their own communities and experience a safe and fun summer in the water.”

This summer, Learn to Swim classes will be offered at Kosciusko Pool, McCarren Pool, Sunset Pool, Bushwick Pool and Betsy Head Pool in Brooklyn; Van Cortlandt Pool, Crotona Pool and Claremont Pool in the Bronx; Asser Levy Pool, Gottesman Pool, Hamilton Fish Pool, Jackie Robinson Pool and John Jay Pool in Manhattan; Astoria Pool, Fisher Pool and Liberty Pool in Queens; and Faber Pool and Lyons Pool on Staten Island.

New Yorkers can register for summer classes here.

Registration is conducted through a free, secure online lottery system. Applicants who are not selected will be placed on a waiting list. Participants should keep the following in mind: 

• Choose only one class. Register for only one class per person. Multiple registrations will not increase your chances of selection.  
• Register every child separately. Families with more than one child interested in Learn to Swim must submit a separate application to register each child.  
• Applications are nontransferable. If you or your child is selected, that spot cannot be transferred to another person, including a family member.  

To learn more about NYC Parks’ swim programs, visit nyc.gov/parks/aquatics.  

VCJC News & Notes 6/12/2026

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Things to see below

The survey of your preferences for our events - please fill in (#4)

The links to our new social media accounts - please follow us (#7)

Our request for a Google review (#8)

Other happenings in the area (#10)

Reminders

1. Shabbos schedule
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/12/26 @ 8:09 pm
   Shabbos/Shavuos Ends Saturday 6/13/26 @ 9:13 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   
   

   Come join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company.
   
   

2. Yizkor donations

   It is customary to make a charitable donation in conjunction with Yizkor.  If you wish to donate to VCJC as part of your Yizkor observance this past Shavuot, it can be done in person at the office, by check, or online through our website

   
   

3. About our new kiddushim
   Reminder that kiddush now takes place in the ballroom. There is a greater variety of food, which can be enjoyed while seated at covered tables. Our aim is to offer a more enjoyable and meaningful experience, and to encourage conversation and interaction among attendees. This is an evolving effort. It has received very positive reviews so far; we’d love to have your opinion as well. Please join us for services and kiddush, and let us know what you think!

   
   

4. What works for you?
   Please Help Us Plan for Events
   We have created a survey, Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Community Event Planning Survey, to help us set the direction for our activities.  We’d really appreciate your taking a few minutes to fill it in. Here’s the link: SURVEY
   
   

5. The VCJC Chavurah
   The VCJC Chavurah meets every Tuesday Night at 7:30PM.  All are welcome to join us as we continue to learn together.

   No cost to attend and no prior experience is needed.

   If you are interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community, but want more details, contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org, or speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
   
   

6. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Sh’lach 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת שְׁלַח־לְךָ

   13 June 2026 / 28 Sivan 5786 (Diaspora)

   Parashat Sh’lach is the 37th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   This page displays the Diaspora Torah reading for Sh’lach 5786. The Israel schedule is used by Jews living in modern Israel.

   Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1-15:41

   Shelach (“Send”) tells the story of Israelite spies journeying into Canaan, the negative report they bring back, and the resulting punishment decreed upon the Israelites: to wander and die in the desert over forty years. It ends with laws about sacrifices, the story of a man who desecrates Shabbat, and the commandment to wear ritual fringes. 

7. VCJC is now active on social media - follow us!
   We have launched both a Facebook page and an Instagram page.  Both have a nice amount of content already and we are planning both regular posts and a greater variety going forward.  Please take a look and follow us!

   
   

8. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   -->You can do this!  We know you can! YES, YOU!
   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!  
   
   

9. VCJC Annual General Membership Meeting
   The meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, June 28 at 10AM in Boyarsky Hall.  A light breakfast will be available at 9:30.  You must be a current member to attend. Elections for the Board of Trustees will be held. Proxies are not permitted for the election.

10. The Leffell School is considering a Sunday basketball program
    They would like your input regarding your level of interest. They are located in White Plains. Here’s their blurb:

    
    

    We’re excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity this fall for fourth- and fifth-grade boys: Leffell Lion Cubs Sunday Basketball. This program is open to both Leffell School students and students who attend other schools. This six-session program is a new Sunday basketball clinic designed to build skills, confidence, and a love for the game in a fun and supportive Jewish environment. The Leffell School is currently gauging interest as we finalize details. Please complete the short survey <https://www.leffellschool.org/basketball-clinic> to indicate your children’s interest in participating this fall.

    Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We appreciate your help in sharing this exciting program with your members as we look to create something special for the larger Westchester/Rockland/Fairfield community.

Please help with information about buildings

As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463

Four Members of Oregon-Idaho Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to a Combined 37 Years in Prison

 

Trafficked Methamphetamine in Southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon

Four members of a drug trafficking organization that operated in both Idaho and Oregon have been sentenced to a combined thirty-seven and half years in federal prison.

According to court records, in 2024 law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Members of the organization obtained methamphetamine from California and brought it back to Idaho and Oregon for further distribution. During the investigation and subsequent arrests, law enforcement seized over 17 pounds of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced each of the defendants to federal prison.

“This investigation reflects DEA’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement counterparts, we will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who profit from distributing dangerous drugs in Idaho and Oregon.”

“Out of state acquisition of illegal narcotics endangers our community,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement to zealously prosecute those bringing drugs into Idaho.”

Juan Pulido, 44, of Caldwell, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent of distributing it to others. At the time he committed the crime, Pulido had four prior drug trafficking convictions. During sentencing, Judge Brailsford described Pulido as a “large scale methamphetamine supplier.” Pulido was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Maleah Rochelle Benavidez, 31, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. During her involvement in the conspiracy, Benavidez was absconding supervision on two prior drug trafficking convictions.

Daniel Ryan Carrion, 38, of Ontario, Oregon, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. During the investigation, Carrion led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, creating such a significant danger that officers had to end the pursuit. During the pursuit, Carrion threw a pound of methamphetamine in an open field that law enforcement officers seized.

Wesley John Roehl, 41, of Boise, was sentenced to 24 months, followed by three years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Nampa Police Department and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Nampa Police Department, Boise Police Department, Ada County Sherriff’s Office, Meridian Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the Idaho Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole. Other agencies that assisted in the investigation included the United States Postal Inspector Service and the High Desert Drug Task Force.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the High Desert Drug Task Force are both supported by the HIDTA program, which provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives to identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach.

THIS IS OUR WHY: Secretary Mullin Meets with Angel Family Marcus and Dalilah Coleman

 

President Trump is calling on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, to make it impossible for illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses

On Wednesday, June 10, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin met with Angel Father Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters. 

Dalilah tragically sustained life-changing injuries after a crash caused by an illegal alien. On June 20, 2024, Partap Singh – an illegal alien from India – caused a multi-car pileup while driving a commercial 18-wheeler in the sanctuary state of California. He drove at an unsafe speed and failed to stop for traffic and a construction zone. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicles issued him a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The aftermath of the crash that injured Dalilah

Secretary Mullin met Dalilah for the first time, and spoke with Marcus about the importance of passing Dalilah’s Law, proposed legislation that would bar any state from granting CDLs to illegal aliens.

Secretary Mullin with Dalilah Coleman

Secretary Mullin talks with Marcus Coleman

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Dalilah – who was 5 years old at the time – was unable to walk, talk, eat orally, or attend kindergarten as planned. Since then, Marcus has advocated for the passage of Dalilah’s Law, which is named after her. President Donald J. Trump called on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law at his State of the Union address in February.

“We’re creating a nationwide tour,” said Marcus Coleman. “We’re going to go around to all the governors and ask them to sign the Dalilah Standard, and pledge their state to the Dalilah Standard, which will stop illegal immigrants from truck driving and will put harsher laws on trucking. If a trucking company is in their state and they violate ELP or any of the Dalilah Law, the trucking company will be closed down.” 

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with Dalilah Coleman and her parents, Marcus and Ileana,” said Secretary Mullin. “Dalilah is just one of countless victims of illegal alien truck drivers. President Trump is calling on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law, to make it impossible for illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses. May God bless Dalilah and the entire Coleman family.” 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Singh, the driver of the truck that injured Dalilah, on August 29, 2025, in Fresno, California.

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Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

 

Defendant Stole More than $2.75 Million from Daycare and Spent Funds on Professional Wrestling Events, Personal Travel, and Luxury Goods

In federal court in Brooklyn, Murielle Misczak pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud her former employer, a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare), of more than $2.75 million.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.  When sentenced, Misczak faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution of $2,805,871.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea. 

“The defendant took advantage of her access to bank accounts for the Daycare to steal millions in tuition payments in order to line her own pockets and fund trips to World Wrestling Entertainment events among other personal expenses,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals like the defendant who abuse positions of trust and seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.”

“Murielle Misczak’s selfish greed deprived a local daycare of nearly three million dollars in critical funding intended for services to support the development and care of our communities’ children. The FBI continues to pull back the curtain on fraudsters seeking to steal from innocent New Yorkers, regardless of their cover up attempts,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020.  Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts.  Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems.  Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.”

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.

Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Virginia Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal Officers

 

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, and Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax, Virginia Steve Descano challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers by criminally prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks, requiring individual identifiers, and functionally banning cooperative 287(g) agreements with numerous local law enforcement agencies dedicated to helping enforce this nation’s laws.  Virginia Code, §§ 19.2-83.6:1, 15.2-1726.1. 

Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations.

"Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Virginia’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand."

"Governor Spanberger cannot tell Federal officers how to do their job,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. "And she certainly cannot prohibit them from ensuring their own safety in conducting Federal law enforcement operations. Our suit today stops those unconstitutional efforts."

"The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Virginia’s," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Acting Attorney General Blanche has instructed  the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. This lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in Virginia, New Jersey, and California. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US FOR OUR JUNE EVENTS

 

D.A. Bragg, CUNY ISLG Announce Funding Up To $200,000 For Grassroots Organizations To Support Survivors Of Domestic Violence

 

Proposals Requested from Survivor-Led, Community-Based Organizations

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., and the Institute for State & Local Governance at the City University of New York (“ISLG”) released a Request for Proposals to fund survivor-led, grassroots organizations that support people impacted by domestic and intimate-partner violence in Manhattan. The Request for Proposals is available here.

“Domestic and intimate-partner violence remains one of the most pervasive crimes in New York City, including a top driver of serious assaults,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Research demonstrates that survivors, and particularly those from marginalized communities, frequently do not report to law enforcement or proactively seek out traditional service providers. We hope by empowering survivor-led, grassroots organizations, we can help reach more New Yorkers, address their safety needs, and drive down domestic violence in Manhattan.”

“Survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence face complex challenges, distinct needs, and different barriers to staying engaged in services that address those needs. The organizations that make sure survivors feel and are safe are critical to Manhattan’s communities, and we’re ready to partner with them to pilot, expand, and sustain their services,” said Siobhan Carney, Policy Director at CUNY ISLG. “With this focus on survivor-led organizations, we’re hoping to support responsive, innovative services for survivors, by survivors.”

In Manhattan, homicides are down 70% and shootings are down 62% compared to 2021, according to NYPD data. In contrast, domestic violence major crimes – including murder, felony assault, rape, and other serious felonies – are up 25% since 2021. Those numbers are even higher citywide, where domestic violence major crimes have risen 50% since 2021.

As one element of D.A. Bragg’s work to combat this trend, the initiative aims to reach communities that are underserved, marginalized, or underrepresented within existing systems. It will prioritize organizations that engage communities disproportionately impacted by domestic and intimate-partner violence, as well as organizations that are led by survivors who best understand barriers to accessing traditional services and systems of care.

Services provided by these organizations may include addressing immediate needs that help survivors remain safe and engaged in existing services, such as food, transportation, childcare, translation or language access or other targeted supports. Funding may also support short-term or emerging approaches that allow organizations to meet survivor needs in new or more responsive ways. This could include piloting small-scale initiatives, hosting survivor-centered events that distribute resources or elevate community voices or building the capacity to provide certain services directly (including but not limited to healthy relationship workshops, entrepreneurial initiatives, and nutrition workshops).

Up to four organizations will receive up to $50,000 each. Proposals are due July 22, 2026, and funds are expected to be awarded in Fall 2026.