Twenty-One Charged with Firearms, Illegal Drugs, and Conspiracy Offenses Following Multi-Agency Violent Crime Reduction Effort in Memphis, Tennessee

 

Federal and local law-enforcement officials announced today that 21 individuals were charged in connection with firearms-trafficking, drug-distribution, conspiracy, and other offenses as part of a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in Memphis, Tennessee. The indictments are the result of a series of coordinated arrests made following a months-long multi-agency operation.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) initiated this investigation after analyzing crime and gun recovery statistics. By examining more than 5,000 data points collected from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), MPD’s Real Time Crime Center, and 911 calls referencing shots fired, analysts were able to identify areas of Memphis with the highest density of firearm-related crime. Based on that analysis and other information, ATF opened an investigation into illegal activity at several locations around Memphis and Shelby County.

“The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st-century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.”

“For months, ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized Memphis,” said Director Steve Dettelbach of the ATF. “The results are now clear: more than 20 arrests; nearly 100 seized firearms, including guns outfitted with machine gun conversion devices; and large quantities of narcotics – including fentanyl. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with partners around the country to further drive down violent crime.”

“We have a serious gun violence problem in Memphis and strong law enforcement partnership is one of our most effective tools for addressing it,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “This was an extensive, well-coordinated, and sustained effort to identify and take down some of our community’s most dangerous repeat offenders, serial shooters, and firearms trafficking rings so that we protect citizens and ensure our city’s safety. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and reiterate this office’s commitment to working with them to make our streets safer.”

“ATF is committed to reducing the impact of firearm related violent crime in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of ATF Nashville. “Using technology helps us to identify the high crime areas and those who criminally possess firearms. We employ every technique available to law enforcement to dismantle criminal organizations and disrupt the illegal use of firearms for criminal activity. Working with our law enforcement partners, this enforcement initiative did just that.”

Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the ATF Nashville Division, U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis of the Memphis Police Department, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clint Cannon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as on larger firearms enforcement and violence-prevention efforts.

Additionally, District Attorney General Steve Mulroy announced that his office obtained a court order under Tennessee law to shut down the Save a Stop 2 store as a nuisance and danger to the community. The order was based on the excessive illegal firearm and drug crimes being committed on and around the property. 

“This is an excellent example of effective partnerships among agencies,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steven J. Mulroy. “Thanks to the great work of the ATF and our local law enforcement, we were able to file a nuisance action to shut down a breeding ground of crime in the community which had long degraded neighborhood residents' safety and quality of life. Because of that and the work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, residents can now look forward to a safer community.”

Between 2022 and 2023, law enforcement officials investigated illegal firearm and drug crimes happening in Memphis and Shelby County. Information from 911 calls involving the Save a Stop 2 property showed repeated reports of armed persons, drug overdoses, shots fired, both aggravated and simple assaults, auto thefts, fights, drug sales, and other disturbances. Many of these activities took place in the store’s public parking lot during business hours while nearby uninvolved, law-abiding citizens were engaged in their shopping or day-to-day errands.

The joint investigation has led to nine indictments or complaints and 21 defendants facing federal charges. Federal agents purchased or seized 91 firearms, six of which were outfitted with machine gun conversion devices or “switches” designed to convert a firearm to a fully automatic weapon. Additionally, law enforcement purchased or seized almost two kilograms of methamphetamine, 332 grams of powder cocaine, 210 grams of powder fentanyl, almost 65 grams of crack cocaine, 2,826 fentanyl pills, and 767 MDMA/Meth pills.

Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. The following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents:

• Marvis Harris, 49, Christopher Butts, 41, and Antoinette Ozier, 41, were indicted together on drug distribution charges. In the same indictment:

  • Harris and Butts were charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs as well as distribution of drugs.

  • Butts and Ozier were charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions and for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

  • Harris was also charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions, illegal possession of machine guns, and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

  • Ozier was charged with using a premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing drugs.

• Ernell Paige, 45, was charged in an indictment with possessing drugs with intent to distribute and with distribution of drugs.

• Ulandus Mayes, 34, and Christopher Watts, 39, were indicted together for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license and for unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions. Mayes was additionally charged with distribution of drugs and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

• Enrique Cardenas-Otra, 41, was charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions and for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license.

• Xavier Ashford, 30, and Marquez Glover, 21, were both charged with distribution of drugs.

• Leedell Otis, 46, Ricky Brooks, 41, and Jeremiah Otis, 34 were indicted together. In the same indictment:

  • Leedell Otis and Ricky Brooks were also charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions.

  • In addition, Leedell Otis and Jeremiah Otis were charged with distribution of narcotics, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

• Justin Bankhead, 33, was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

• Jamar Anderson, 27, Tijerol Crawford, 33, Raymond Greenwood, 39, Broderick Harper, 26, Benjamin Jones, 28, Octavius McMullen, 32, and Larry Raiford, 58 were indicted together. In the same indictment:

  • Anderson, Jones, Crawford, Greenwood, and McMullen were also charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions.

  • Anderson, Jones, Raiford, and Crawford were charged with distribution of narcotics.

  • Harper and Jones were charged with possession of a machinegun conversion device.

  • Crawford was charged with carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

• Adrian Seymour, 37, was indicted for unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions, distribution of narcotics, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

ATF led the investigation preceding the indictments with assistance from MPD, the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, HSI, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marques Young and Michelle Parks for the Western District of Tennessee are leading the team that is prosecuting the cases.

These indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, using data-driven methods to set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

10 Defendants Indicted For Operating $20 Million Black Market HIV Medication Fraud Scheme

 

Defendants Include Alleged Medication Wholesalers and Pharmacy Owners

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), announced today the unsealing of Superseding Indictments charging BORIS AMINOV, CHRISTY CORVALAN, IRINA POLVANOVA, ROMAN SHAMALOV, JONATHAN GAVRIELOF, ANTONIO PAYANO, DAVID FERNANDEZ, CRYSTAL MEDINA, JUAN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Pop,” and ALBERT YAGUDAYEV, a/k/a “Jeff,” in connection with their participation in a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million.  POLVANOVA, SHAMALOV, and YAGUDAYEV were arrested this morning and GAVRIELOF was arrested yesterday evening.  All four will be presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott today.  AMINOV, CORVALAN, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA were previously arrested in connection with an earlier indictment in the case, which is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.  PAYANO and HERNANDEZ remain at large.  

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to get rich by lying to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies and depriving vulnerable HIV patients of legitimate and safe medications.  The defendants allegedly made millions of dollars through submitting fraudulent insurance claims, paying illegal kickbacks, and buying and selling black-market HIV medications.  Today’s charges send a clear message that this Office will be tireless in its pursuit of those who seek to line their pockets by lying to federal agencies and preying on vulnerable members of society.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “For more than half a decade, the defendants allegedly operated a health care fraud scheme that defrauded taxpayer-funded medical programs.  Black market medication frauds like this take advantage of vulnerable members of our community, exposing them to unnecessary risks.  The FBI will make sure anyone attempting to illegally benefit from government health care programs is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “Health care fraud schemes that divert HIV medication harm patients who actually need the medication as well as put other patients at risk when black market medications are recirculated and dispensed by pharmacies participating in the scheme.  HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who exploit federal health care programs for their own greed.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictments:[1]

From at least in or about 2017 through at least in or about 2023, AMINOV, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, SHAMALOV, PAYANO, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA engaged in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million through trafficking in black-market HIV medication.  In doing so, they exploited at least hundreds of low-income individuals who had been prescribed HIV medication, jeopardizing the health and safety of those vulnerable patients. 

AMINOV and PAYANO distributed black-market HIV medications to pharmacies that were owned and operated by, among others, CORVALAN (the “Corvalan Pharmacies”), POLVANOVA (the “Polvanova Pharmacy”), and SHAMALOV (the “Shamalov Pharmacy”).   

After purchasing black-market medication from AMINOV and PAYANO, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, and SHAMALOV then dispensed that medication to patients of the Corvalan and Polvanova Pharmacies or otherwise distributed it to other pharmacies.  FERNANDEZ and MEDINA were employees of the Corvalan Pharmacies who participated in the day-to-day operation of the scheme. 

As part of the scheme, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, FERNANDEZ, MEDINA, HERNANDEZ, and YAGUDAYEV also funded and paid illegal kickbacks to patients in order to recruit patients to their respective pharmacies.  CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, FERNANDEZ, MEDINA, HERNANDEZ, and YAGUDAYEV regularly attempted to recruit new patients to increase the number of prescription medications for which the Pharmacies could fraudulently bill government insurance.  CORVALAN, FERNANDEZ, and MEDINA also paid patients to sell back their HIV medications to the Corvalan Pharmacies, thereby inducing patients to forego using the medications they were prescribed.

From at least in or about 2021 through at least in or about October 2023, SHAMALOV and POLVANOVA engaged in a related scheme where they bought and then re-sold diverted black-market prescription HIV medication through online prescription drug marketplaces to other pharmacies around the country.

In order to further their schemes and conceal their proceeds, CORVALAN, POLVANOVA, and SHAMALOV used bank accounts associated with their respective pharmacies to funnel money to shell companies controlled by AMINOV.

The defendants spent the proceeds of the scheme to purchase luxury cars, including a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach with an estimated fair market value of approximately $245,000; waterfront real-estate, including two properties in the Bronx purchased for a total of approximately $2.4 million; designer clothes; and jewelry and gold. 

AMINOV, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

CORVALAN, 41, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

POLVANOVA, 47, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

SHAMALOV, 47, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

GAVRIELOF, 28, of Woodmere, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

PAYANO, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

FERNANDEZ, 24, and MEDINA, 28, both of the Bronx, New York, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

HERNANDEZ, 63, of New York, New York, and YAGUDAYEV, 35, of Queens, New York, are charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and HHS-OIG.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Jackie Delligatti are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR AMBUSH SHOOTINGS THAT WOUNDED NYPD OFFICER

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder in 1st Degree; Shot at Two Cops in Van, Opened Fire Inside Stationhouse

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for shooting at two NYPD Officers who were inside a marked van, and for opening fire inside the 41st Precinct station house, targeting a dozen cops and a civilian in February 2020, and wounding an officer.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted Murder in the first degree, for two incidents on a February 2020, weekend in which he shot at NYPD officers. He unleashed a fusillade of bullets in his mission to kill cops. I commend the officers who used tremendous restraint. Now the defendant will serve a lengthy prison term for attacking those who put their lives on the line every day.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Robert Williams, 45, of Evergreen Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio to 23 years to life in prison on each of two counts of Attempted Murder in the first degree. The sentences will run concurrently. Williams pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023.

 According to the investigation, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on February 8, 2020 at 906 Simpson Street, the defendant allegedly walked up to a marked NYPD van and briefly engaged in a conversation with two officers. Williams allegedly took out a gun and fired at the two cops, striking one of them. The officer sustained injuries to his chin and neck.

 According to the investigation, at approximately 7:45 a.m. on February 9, 2020, the defendant entered the main area of the 41st Precinct stationhouse and allegedly shot at five NYPD Police Officers, one Lieutenant and one Sergeant. One of the shots Williams fired struck the Lieutenant in his right arm.

 Williams then entered a side room in the precinct and shot at a Sergeant, a Police Officer and a civilian employee who worked there. When the defendant ran out of bullets he began to walk towards the exit of the precinct. Police opened fire at Williams and the defendant threw himself to the ground and tossed the gun to cops. The defendant, who was not shot, was taken into custody at the scene.

 District Attorney Clark thanked the 41st Precinct, specifically NYPD Detectives Gregory Casvikes and Lawrence Sanchez, for their assistance in the case. District Attorney Clark thanked the Bronx Homicide Squad, specifically Detectives Sean Butler (retired) and Keith Walker (retired), for their assistance. District Attorney Clark also thanked all Bronx NYPD officers who responded to the scene.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New Hotline and Online Form to Report Hate and Bias Incidents

Reiterates Support for Communities Impacted by Discrimination

New Yorkers Impacted by Hate or Bias Can Call 844-NO-2-HATE or Use an Online Form to Report Incidents to HBPU

HBPU Condemns All Forms of Hate, Encourages New Yorkers to Contact the Unit to Report Incidents and Request Support

Announcement Comes as Governor Hochul Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Hate and Bias in the Wake of the Conflict in Israel Following Hamas Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul today, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Human Rights' Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, announced the launch of a new telephone hotline and online form allowing New Yorkers to report hate and bias incidents directly to HBPU. Alongside this announcement, HBPU encourages to all New Yorkers to contact the Unit if they or someone they know has experienced an incident involving hate or discrimination. Today's announcement and reminder comes as Jewish, Arab, Muslim, and other communities across New York State and around the country face prejudice and violence in the aftermath of the horrific violence in Israel and Gaza.

“Hate is a cowardly thing, and no New Yorker should have to endure the discrimination it fuels,” Governor Hochul said. “It is crucial to stop any form of hate as soon as it emerges so that it has no opportunity to grow into a force that leads to the loss of life. Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am proud to launch this hotline so that everyone can quickly get the help they need.”

The Division’s Hate and Bias Prevention Unit (HBPU) condemns all forms of hate and seeks to address acts of hate and bias that occur in New York State. While emergency situations and real-time incidents should be referred to 911 first, HBPU encourages all New Yorkers who have experienced an incident involving hate or discrimination, or who wish to participate in community anti-hate initiatives, to contact HBPU. HBPU stands ready to offer a wide range of assistance to community members, including assistance in filing complaints, organizing educational programming, hosting community dialogues, providing conflict resolution, and more.

Today’s announcement highlighted the Unit’s launch of a dedicated incident reporting hotline at 844-NO-2-HATE, and members of the public can also report incidents through HBPU's online reporting form. Governor Hochul announced the plan for these new reporting mechanisms during an event at the Center for Jewish History in September.

Earlier this week, Governor Hochul led a bipartisan coalition of 17 governors to stand in solidarity with Israel, issuing a joint letter to federal leaders to express the broad support for Israel and condemnation of terror attacks from Hamas. Governor Hochul has led New York's response to the crisis in Israel, offering support to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and meeting with Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan. She has attended multiple vigils and rallies in support of the State of Israel, from Albany to New York City. The Governor has also lit state landmarks in blue and white, the colors of Israel's flag, raised the Israeli flag above the Governor's residence in Albany, and directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the victims of the Hamas terror attacks.

Launched by Governor Hochul in December 2022 and chaired by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, HBPU has established 10 regional Hate and Bias Prevention Councils representing every region across the state. The councils are comprised of a diverse network of public and private stakeholders that include community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, government agencies, and other advocacy groups. HBPU also oversees a rapid response initiative, which offers support to communities impacted by hate or bias incidents. More information about the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit can be found here.

 

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION LAUNCHES SECOND CYCLE OF "THE PEOPLE'S MONEY" CITYWIDE PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING PROCESS

 

All New Yorkers 11 and older can now submit ideas on how to spend part of the city budget

New York City Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) Chair and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Sayeed today announced the launch of a new cycle of “The People’s Money” — New York City’s citywide participatory budgeting process. All New Yorkers, ages 11 and up, will be able to decide how to spend part of the city’s budget. From today through November 19th, 2023, residents can submit ideas for projects to address community needs. Ideas can be submitted online or in-person at idea generation workshops across the five boroughs.

 

Last year, the CEC ran this process for the first time in New York City history, inviting thousands of residents to submit ideas and ultimately vote on programs for their communities. In August, Mayor Adams and the CEC announced the funded programs from Cycle 1, which are currently in their implementation phase. These 46 programs address community needs such as, youth, mental health services, food access, job training, workers’ rights, senior services, immigrant services, arts and culture, and the environment.

 

“Participation leads to more participation. More than 100,000 New Yorkers participated in the first-ever citywide participatory budgeting effort, and we can't wait to see how many more New Yorkers will take the reins of the budget this time around,” said Betsy MacLean, NYC Chief Engagement Officer.  “As we saw with last year’s great success, putting budget decisions in the hands of New Yorkers - particularly New Yorkers who have been historically and systematically left out of these decisions - leads to great outcomes, increases civic engagement, and advances equity.  I cannot wait to see what New Yorkers come up with, especially some of our youngest New Yorkers.”

 

“The CEC is proud to launch a new cycle of The People’s Money! Tens of thousands of New Yorkers submitted ideas, volunteered, and voted in this process over the past year, demonstrating the value and impact of participatory budgeting,” said Dr. Sarah Sayeed, CEC Chair & Executive Director. “We are so excited this year to work with many diverse community partners to connect even more New Yorkers to this process. Sharing ideas is the first step to identifying pressing needs and opportunities, and we encourage all residents to make their voices heard.”

 

Through a robust and inclusive engagement process where over 200 groups, entities, and community-based organizations’ (CBOs) submitted proposals, the CEC, and a diverse group of 104 selected partner organizations will be opening their doors to host idea-generating sessions at conveniently located sites citywide. Residents will also be able to submit ideas via the CEC’s online platform participate.nyc.gov.

 

These community partners will engage in grassroots outreach primarily directed toward New Yorkers who have typically been left out of the democratic process. This includes a targeted effort in 33 neighborhoods, as identified by the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity as most heavily impacted by COVID-19, and with specific communities, such as those with limited English proficiency, youth (11-21), veterans, people with disabilities, immigrants, NYCHA residents, older adults, the faith-based community, LGBTQIA+, and justice-impacted residents.

 

This new cycle of The People’s Money process will run in four phases:

• Phase 1: Idea Generation
• October 10 – November 19, 2023: Residents submit ideas online or in-person for projects to address community needs.
• Phase 2: Project Development
• January – February 2024: Committees of volunteers evaluate submitted ideas against equity criteria and develop projects to appear on ballots.
• Phase 3: Voting
• April – May 2024: Residents vote online or in-person at a vote site in their neighborhoods.
• Phase 4: Project Implementation
• June 2024 – July 2025: Winning projects are announced, funded, implemented, and monitored.

 

“The participatory budget is essential for all New Yorkers to make their voices heard,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Commissioner Manuel Castro. “The new cycle of The People’s Money means greater collaboration with community partners on the ground to bring about real change. After the success of the last cycle, we are excited to see more immigrant New Yorkers play a role in the democratic process and see the projects come to life.”

 

“NYC Service applauds the inclusive and community-led phase of ‘The People’s Money’ which harnesses the creativity and ingenuity of New Yorkers,” said Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “Thank you to the volunteers, civic leaders, and community-based organizations powering this important phase of the participatory budgeting process.” 

 

“The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit understands how vital it is for New Yorkers to have a say in their government, and that includes having a say in where money goes. We look forward to supporting this new cycle of the People’s Money to continue bridging the gap between New Yorker and New York City government,” said Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Public Engagement Unit. “We are so happy that thousands of New Yorkers answered the call to participate in the last cycle of the city’s budgeting process and are thrilled that even more New Yorkers will be empowered to use their voices in this next cycle of the People’s Money.”

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - MGM Resorts Supplier Procurement Webinar - Register Today

 

MGM Resorts in partnership with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Westchester, invite you to a free virtual Supplier Diversity Procurement Webinar on November 14th, 2023 from 9:00am-10:00am. 

LEARN ABOUT:

MGM’s Supplier Diversity Program
Diversity Participation Goals
Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program
Goods & Services Needed
Prequalification & Procurement Processes
Supplier io Platform
Bid Package Release & Schedules 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Subcontractors and vendors, particularly those with diversity certifications, that provide the following:

Promotional Items

Uniform Dry Cleaning

GC for Small Construction & Repair Projects

Street Sweeping ü Maintenance Repair + Operating (MRO) Supplies

Office Supplies

Janitorial Products (chemicals, cleaning supplies & equipment)

Food & Beverage (paper products, water cooler jug service, kitchen equipment, restaurant supplies, food products) 

Reserve Your Spot - Click Here

MAYOR ADAMS TO TRANSFORM GRACIE MANSION INTO “HAUNTED” HALLOWEEN-THEMED EXPERIENCE FOR “HALLOWEEN AT GRACIE MANSION 2023” CELEBRATION

 

Two-Day Event Will Offer Lucky New Yorkers A Safe, Fun, and Family-Friendly Halloween Experience With Decorations, Activities, and Treats

 

New Yorkers Interested in Attending Can Sign up for Online Ticket Giveaway, With Select Tickets Reserved for New Yorkers in Shelter and Families Seeking Asylum

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced “Halloween at Gracie Mansion 2023,” a two-day celebration that will transform the outdoor grounds of historic Gracie Mansion into a “haunted” Halloween-themed experience for a group of young New Yorkers. In addition to Halloween decorations, the event will offer guests the opportunity to trick-or-treat, greet costumed characters, and visit a corn maze and haunted cemetery.

 

To help all New Yorkers enjoy Halloween this year, Mayor Adams has set aside tickets for approximately 300 families in the New York City Department of Homeless Services shelter system and asylum seeking families. The remaining tickets will be free and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public can sign up for the ticket giveaway online right now.

 

“I am confident that when we open ‘The People’s House,’ New Yorkers will finally believe me about the ghosts floating around here,” said Mayor Adams. “Halloween is a great opportunity for New Yorkers to spend time in their communities, and that’s why we are inviting our city’s residents to celebrate on the haunted — we mean historic — grounds of Gracie Mansion. We’re excited to host New Yorkers for trick-or-treating, exploring our corn maze, and braving our spooky cemetery. And to ensure that all families have a chance to enjoy Halloween, we are saving tickets specifically for families in our shelter system and seeking asylum for a fun evening.”

 

“Every child should be able to experience the fun of Halloween, which is why our administration is reserving special tickets to ‘Halloween at Gracie Mansion 2023’ for families in the city’s care,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Halloween should be a fun, family-friendly time for all people. With this event, we are making sure it is.”

 

“This year, we are making sure that ‘The People’s House’ is truly open to all the people by inviting families experiencing homeless and seeking asylum to join our ‘Halloween at Gracie Mansion 2023’ celebration,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “We know that children experiencing homelessness endure a unique set of incredibly challenging circumstances, and this event will provide them a safe space to simply be children and enjoy all the incredible Halloween activities available at this year’s celebration.”

 

“Halloween at Gracie Mansion 2023” will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, and Sunday, October 29, 2023. The event — geared towards children between six and 10 years old — is expected to welcome between 1,200 and 1,500 guests to the lawn at Gracie Mansion each day to enjoy the Halloween festivities. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Since launching in 2014, Gracie Mansion’s Halloween celebration has welcomed thousands of children for a safe and fun Halloween experience.

VCJC News & Notes 10/20/23

 

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!

Reminders

1. Shabbos
   
   

   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 10/20/23 @ 5:50 pm
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 10/21/23 @ 6:53 pm
    

2. Sunday,October 22
   Sisterhood meeting 11:00 am. A brunch will be served. 

3. Help VCJC Support Israel as it recovers from and responds to the terrorist attack from Hamas.
   VCJC urges you to help support Israel following the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas. We have set up a webpage at https://vcjc-israel.brizy.site/ where you can get some more information. That page will direct you to the UJA Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund page where you can make a donation directly to the fund.

   You can go directly to the UJA page from here, if you prefer.

   There are many ways in which we can support Israel in this hour of need, as it recovers from the brutal attack and tries to remove Hamas as a player on the world stage.

   If you wish to provide support, but prefer to use another channel, you can find a list of channels here.

   If you do make a donation as a result of the VCJC, we’d love to hear about it! Please drop us a note.

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