Co-op City Times 1/2/2021

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Welcome to the new year, 2021!

Vol. 56 No. 1

Saturday, January 2, 2021

New Yorkers warned about COVID-19 vaccination scams

BY ROZAAN BOONE

This week, law enforcement, consumer advocates, health and local government officials warned New Yorkers to be aware of scammers offering early access to COVID-19 vaccines, noting that the vaccine will not be available to the general public for several more months to come and when it does become more widely available it will be free of cost for New Yorkers with health insurance coverage while those without may – or may not – have to pay an administrative fee; that is yet to be determined.

The Food & Drug Administration has so far authorized two vaccines for emergency use – the Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine for individuals 16 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 and older.

According to the New York State Department of Health, and consistent with federal guidelines, the first New Yorkers to be vaccinated will be high-risk hospital workers, i.e., emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff; nursing home residents and staff, followed by long-term and congregate care residents and staff; EMS workers, all other health care workers and hospital staff, coroners and medical examiners. Once healthcare and certain essential workers have been vaccinated, the general public will be next in line starting with those most at risk, such as those 65 and older, and those with underlying conditions.

However, New York has not yet issued a firm timeline for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said: “We must remain vigilant about potential scams and ensure New Yorkers know the latest information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, there is no government-authorized vaccine

$1.25

Message from CCPD’s Chief Riley

Co-op City continues to experience incidents of street activity related to the theft of auto parts, especially tires and rims from vehicles. Thieves coming into our community, as well as the rest of New York City, continue to target Honda and Acura vehicles. If you park on the street, please park in well-traveled and lighted areas and remember to lock your vehicle, keeping items of interest out of sight. If you can, use garage parking. You may consider investing in a set of wheel locks, particularly if you have one of the aforementioned vehicle types.

CCPD has had success in apprehending persons who prey on our community.

Recently, a shareholder looking out her window in Section 5 called us as she saw suspicious activity involving parked vehicles. When we arrived, while searching (Continued on page 5)

(Continued on page 2)

• 2020 Year in Review, Part 2 continues this week on pages 3 and 4

MTA looks to stay afloat for 2021

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The latest COVID relief package passed this week by Congress looks to be the lifeline the MTA desperately needs.

Facing a budget deficit that could potentially mean drastic service cuts and layoffs, the MTA made its situation abundantly clear to Congress when it asked for $12 billion in emergency funding earlier this year.

“We cannot cut our way out of this crisis – we are facing a blow to our ridership greater than that experienced during the Great Depression,” MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye said to the press back in November.

Certain versions of the potential 2021 MTA financial budget were proposing service cuts by 40% in addition to massive layoffs. The MTA’s own

(Continued on page 6)

$600 or $2000?

What is the latest?

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

President Trump officially signed the approximately $900 billion COVID economic relief bill on Sunday which will provide much needed aid for the country.

With the President’s signature, the government will avoid a partial shutdown and millions of Americans will finally receive necessary economic support. As the economic relief legislation currently stands, $600 checks can be expected for many individuals.

Below is a quick recap of how much individuals and couples can expect to receive: * Individuals who had a 2019 adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 will receive a $600 stimulus check. * Individuals who filed as head of their household in 2019 and had a (Continued on page 5

Above is a sample of the Annual Window Guard Notice which has been posted in the lobby of all residential buildings. The notice will be mailed to each Co-op City household in January 2021. The mailing will also include the fire safety plan. The Annual Window Guard form must be completed and returned following the accompanying directions. The deadline is February 15, 2021. For further information, you may contact your respective CSO, (718) 320-3300, select Option 3.

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

2

Vaccine

(Continued from page 1)

available to the general population in New York. Throughout this pandemic, scammers have found ways to victimize the public, with the vaccine distribution process being their latest method for fraud. My office remains committed to rooting out COVID-19 scams, and I encourage the public to report suspected illegal activity to my office.”

The Attorney General’s website offers the following tips to help avoid being exploited and falling victim to COVID-19 vaccine scammers: * Be wary of anyone calling or emailing you with offers of a vaccine and do not give out your Social Security number, personal credit card, or bank account information. No one from a vaccine distributor, health care company, or private insurance company will ask for this information. * If you have health insurance, you should not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine while the pandemic remains a public health emergency. If you don’t have health insurance, the provider may only charge an administration fee. However, in many instances, you likely will not be required to pay the administration fee. * You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get into a vaccine clinical trial. * If you get an e-mail about a COVID-19 vaccine or clinical trial, check the sender’s email domain to make sure it matches the website of the organization sending the e-mail and be wary of clicking on any hyperlinks or providing any login or other personal information.

The NYS Division of Consumer Protection also warns against clicking on hyperlinks in unsolicited emails pointing out that it could download a virus to your computer or device. “Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date,” the Division cautions. Consumers are also advised to be on the lookout for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or “experts” with information about the COVID-19 vaccine. For the most up-to-date information about coronavirus or distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, New Yorkers are urged to visit the NYS Department of Health at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home. It is also advised that you ignore online offers for vaccines or emails offering to help you get the vaccine sooner.

“If you see ads touting getting your vaccination sooner for COVID-19, ask yourself: is an ad or sales pitch a trusted source of information?” the Consumer Protection division stated.

Other advice includes: * Being aware of emails asking for personal information. Do your homework when it comes to sharing your personal information over email. * Hanging up on illegal robocallers. If you receive a call about scam COVID-19 vaccines, hang up. Don’t press any numbers. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.

“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccination brings along hope for so many of us, but it

EYE DOCTORS

also creates new opportunities for unscrupulous scammers to attempt to lure people into unintentionally providing their personal information,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “As the vaccine is rolled out over the next several months, there are simple steps you can take to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams that can help protect your hard-earned money and your identity.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker added: “As we begin the monumental and historic task of vaccinating New Yorkers for COVID-19, we must be mindful of following verification protocols that will ensure a safe and effective vaccination process. As Governor Cuomo has announced, the vaccine will be free to receive and should be covered by insurance. New Yorkers can do their part by keeping their personal health information safe and questioning any requests for information that are not affiliated with a trusted health or government entity.”

To help streamline and centralize trusted information for the public, Gov. Cuomo launched the “Vaccinate New York” website, www.ny.gov/vaccine, where anyone can access accurate and updated information on the vaccine, safety, distribution priorities and much more.

In addition to scammers, officials also remain vigilant for cases involving vaccine fraud.

Earlier this week, the state Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into Brooklyn-based ParCare Community Health Network over allegations that it “wrongfully distributed and administered COVID-19 vaccines,” Attorney General James said. She added: “In order for the vaccine to be most effective in protecting our communities, we must all follow the same distribution plan. We will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent that process.”

The case prompted Gov. Cuomo to announce stricter penalties up to $1M and loss of license for those who engage in COVID-19 vaccine fraud.

In addition to the stated official websites, Co-op City shareholders should discuss their options with their personal healthcare providers. The COVID-19 test site located at 105 Dreiser Loop is a resource available right here in the community seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The New York City Test & Trace Corps recently began offering Rapid Testing for COVID-19 at the Co-op City test location where results are provided on-site and contact tracers, information and resources are immediately available to support those who test positive. There is no cost to patients for getting tested.

To report to the state Attorney General’s Office if you have been a victim of a COVID19-related scam, visit https://ag.ny.gov/complaint-forms or call the Attorney General’s Help Line at (800) 771-7755. Whistleblower complaints are also welcomed.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection can be contacted at the helpline, 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or by visiting the DCP website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Year in Review, Part 2: July 2020 – December 2020

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

(Editor’s note: The following is an account of significant events occurring in or affecting Co-op City, as reported by the Co-op City Times, during the last six months of 2020; July through December.)

JULY Co-op City mourns the tragic death of young rising basketball star, 17-year-old, Brandon Hendricks, nephew of Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison.

Brandon was shot and senselessly killed on Sunday, June 28, 2020 in the Bronx while attending a friend’s birthday celebration just days after his high school graduation.

Indoor dining no longer included in Phase 3 reopening Scheduled to begin Phase 3 on July 6, New York City was originally slated to provide indoor dining in restaurants at 50% capacity as part of the plan.

Having indoor dining added to Phase 3 was aimed at providing more income for the thousands of restaurants and eateries in the city that have been struggling to stay afloat amidst the pandemic.

CCPD investigates ballistics found in Co-op City over the weekend of June 27. Officers from Co-op City’s Public Safety Department responded to a call of fireworks and gun shots heard in the community. Although officers didn’t witness the shooting, after later returning to the area, detectives found several spent rounds from a firearm and immediately notified NYPD for ballistic processing.

2020 Census: 100% is Co-op City’s goal Co-op City is one of the few exceptions leading the way for the city when it comes to the Census count. Approximately 70% participation has been reported in Co-op City’s seven tracts thus far and improvement is still anticipated as the deadline to respond to the 2020 Census was extended to Oct. 31. Section 5 leads the race with online and overall responses at about 60%, compared to the rest of Co-op City.

New Stop signs installed on the corner of Asch Loop and Aldrich streets in Coop City by NYC Department of Transportation.

Power Plant undergoes renovations for the first time in many years. Co-op City’s cooling towers got a new paint job to help preserve the towers and improve appearance.

New Coronavirus testing site opens in Co-op City Members of Riverbay, North Central Bronx Hospital, Health + Hospitals, and representatives from local and state government celebrated the opening of the new Coronavirus testing site in Co-op City with a ribbon cutting ceremony, thanks to collaboration among local and state officials, NYC Health +Hospitals’ Test and Trace Corps, and North Central Bronx.

The new test site features production line-type service where patients will enter and advance to three checkpoints – registration, medical screening with a nurse practitioner, and then swab. There are 21 stations in total, seven of each, although not fully staffed yet. Patients will be reminded to social distance, keep masks on, and follow the arrows as they move among stations.

All residents of the Bronx and outer boroughs are welcome to get tested at the site at 105 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. The walk-in location is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dreiser auditorium gets a new look It’s been well over a year since the closing of the Dreiser auditorium. Construction on the site began early 2019 with asbestos abatement and creating a clean slate for what now is a brand-new auditorium – or as some have described it, a new state-of-the-art entertainment hall.

When the center is finally open for visitors post Coronavirus pandemic, share-

holders will be in awe at the new space, decked out with hanging chandeliers, a new proscenium-style stage, renovated patio, and, equally important, air conditioning. Enclosing the stage are two large screens that everyone can view, no matter their location in the room. Architectural designs fill the ceilings along with wall-to-wall lighting, including those similar to what you would see at Broadway performances.

AUGUST HCR authorizes Mitchell-Lama housing companies to reconvene surcharge collection at 2018 levels.

ConEd calls on Co-op City for extra support as heatwave takes NYC As temperatures across New York City over the summer rise above 90 degrees, Con Edison called on Co-op City during the back-to-back heatwaves, not once, but twice, already.

Riverbay was able to deliver an average of approximately 12.5 MW to Con Ed electric grid. For perspective, a megawatt is equal to one million watts.

A typical incandescent lightbulb uses 60 watts.

ConEd’s Demand Response program includes two parts, both of which provide Co-op City compensation whenever the Power Plant is called on to generate and deliver energy to ConEd. Co-op City centenarian celebrates 108th birthday!

Ms. Louise Signore celebrated her 108th birthday with a socially distanced lawn party under the portico of her building where family, friends and neighbors gathered to mark the auspicious occasion, thanks to the Riverbay Community Relations department.

Tropical storm Isaias causes power outage, property damage to thousands in NYC, while Co-op City shareholders continue to receive essential services.

Although large trees were uprooted and branches fell onto cars parked along the streets in the community, power lines in Co-op City remained intact allowing shareholders to continue to have electricity powered by the Co-op City Power Plant.

Management reports progress on Local Law 11 as the city’s Department of Buildings restarts issuing permits.

DOH reports two Legionnaires’ cases in Building 25 in past year. The NYC Department of Health (DOH) held a virtual townhall meeting with Building 25 residents on Thursday evening, Aug. 13, 2020 after advising Riverbay Management of two reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in the building within the past 12 months.

Until the results of the water sampling tests in Building 25 are known, DOH similarly advises Building 25 residents, particularly those considered vulnerable to the disease, to take extra precautionary steps. A DOH information flyer distributed to Building 25 residents earlier this week described some steps that can be employed.

Census gets new deadline of September 30. Last scheduled for Oct. 31, 2020, the Census loses a full month in garnering counts across the country – possibly leaving many uncounted, thanks to the new deadline date.

With the president asking for Census counts by Dec. 31, 2020, the Census now has the herculean task of getting as many people as possible across the country to respond a month sooner than scheduled, on Sept. 30.

Installation of Boiler #2 in Riverbay Power Plant is now complete. On Aug. 4, 2020, Riverbay received a letter of completion from the Bronx Borough Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) for Boiler #2, also known as the Victory boiler. The letter was the final approval needed from the DOB in a long and complicated installation process.

Since its installation, the boiler has been up and running. A final performance test is on the schedule for this fall.

Landscape improvements begin in Section 5. After Tropical Storm Isaias clean-up is complete, new trees and hedges will be planted, all flower beds and gardens will be given a facelift and the chain and post fencing in certain areas will be removed and replaced with beautiful hedges, and most of the damaged or weed infested lawns will be turned over and re-seeded. Although this project has already begun at Building 31, it is expected to continue into Spring 2021.

“Save the Post Office” rally takes place in front of Section 5 Post Office.

Family and Co-op City neighbors welcome home, Mr. George Crouch, as the 96-year old veteran returned home after several months-long recovery from COVID-19.

SEPTEMBER NYC Census 2020 launches final push to obtain a complete count.

This week marked the beginning of the last 30 days for New Yorkers to be counted in the 2020 Census and census takers continue to work feverishly to canvass local neighborhoods and ensure New York achieves a total count.

(Continued on page 4)

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Year In Review

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021 (Continued from page 3)

COVID-19: NYC public schools delay reopening Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew announced on Tuesday, Sept. 1, that NYC public school openings will be delayed until Sept. 21, 2020.

Teachers and principals will return to their school buildings before the official start date to prepare for in-person learning and to implement safety protocols for students who return to in-person learning on Sept. 21. However, students will spend three days reconnecting with their school, learning new health and safety procedures, and wellness checks when they attend orientation, Sept. 16-18.

COVID-19: MTA says, “Wear a mask of face $50 fine.”

The governor issued an executive order mandating the new fines, set to begin Monday, Sept. 14. Passengers who board MTA mass transit, including subways, buses, and railroads, must comply with the new law or receive a $50 summons.

Copper-silver ionization system installed in Building 25 where the water distribution system is currently being tested for legionella bacteria after the NYC Department of Health (DOH) notified Management in August that there had been two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the past 12 months.

The copper-silver ionization system is a water disinfection system considered to be very effective in deactivating legionella bacteria or algae and preventing distribution of the bacteria. Cooper and silver ions remain in the water for a longer period than other traditional disinfectants.

Annunciation software issues in modernized elevators being addressed.

NYC H+H offers priority testing for teachers and students.

OCTOBER NY City Council’s Ethics Committee votes to expel King.

The New York City Council voted 48-2 on Monday, Oct. 5, to expel Councilman Andy King over continued misconduct allegations following a recommendation from the body’s Standards and Ethics Committee. Prior to the expulsion vote, committee members unanimously recommended Mr. King’s expulsion as punishment for continuous misconduct allegations. City Council Member Steve Matteo, chair of the Committee on Standards and Ethics, announced the charges that garnered a unanimous 50 vote on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Special Election set for Dec. 22, 2020.

2020 Count ends as a result of Supreme Court ruling on Oct. 13. The Census count was brought to an abrupt end, leaving workers in a last-minute scramble to collect as many responses as possible, with only two days to go.

The Supreme Court greenlit requests from the Trump administration to stop the 2020 Count ahead of the original Oct. 31 deadline. According to a media release from the 2020 Census, “…The Supreme Court allowed President Trump to cut the 2020 Census count by two weeks, a move designed to depress responses among Black, Brown, and immigrant New Yorkers and rob New York City of billions for critical programs, as well as congressional representation and seats in the Electoral College for the next 10 years.”

Immediately after the announcement, the Census focused its outreach on neighborhoods with low response rates. People who did not fill out the survey at that point were urged to postmark mail-in responses by Thursday and complete the online form by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday morning.

Pedestrian islands installed in Hutchinson River Parkway school zone. New York City Department of Transportation began school safety improvements in Section 5 as part of the city’s Vision Zero program. To increase safety around the school loading zones and organize traffic, the DOT plans to shorten crosswalks and install pedestrian islands to improve visibility and improve crossing distances.

Planned changes also include new parking markings, loss of 11 parking spots, and restrictions on 16 parking spaces.

Smoke detector installations resume.

Riverbay celebrates grand reopening of Dreiser Auditorium.

Co-op City scores higher energy rating than other city-wide buildings with power plants.

NOVEMBER Joseph Biden declared Presidential-Elect and 46th President of the US, while Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris first woman to hold position.

Major cities around the country erupted in praise and dance, four days after the big election as news reports announced former Vice President Joe Biden as the projected winner of the 2020 Presidential Election, making him the new and 46th President of the United States come January 2021.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, news outlets announced that Joe Biden won the election having garnered 279 Electoral College votes thanks to the battleground state of Pennsylvania, which put the former Vice President over the required 270.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris makes U.S. history as not only the first woman to be selected for the prestigious role as Vice President of the United States, but the first woman of color to achieve this distinction. Both made their victory speeches in Wilmington, Delaware.

NYC public schools closed once again as COVID-19 positivity rate surpassed 3%.

CCPD officers thwart car thieves.

DECEMBER DOH: ‘Effective control’ of Legionella bacteria at 100 Benchley Place The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene informed residents of 100 Benchley Place this week that test results from the building’s hot water system show “Effective control of Legionella bacteria” in the building’s hot water system.

The tests were conducted after two residents reportedly became sick with Legionnaires’ disease within the past 12 months. Since informing Building 25, the agency has been working with Riverbay Management, issuing precautionary water restrictions and conducting water testing in the building.

Carrying charge increase takes effect Jan. 01, 2021. An Order of the Commissioner of the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), dated August 13, 2019, authorized carrying charge increases to be implemented as follows: 1.9% increase effective Sept. 1, 2019 and another 1.9% increase effective Sept. 1, 2020, which was delayed to Jan. 1, 2021 because of the pandemic.

Trees New York gives back to Co-op City Trees NY, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “Plant, preserve and protect New York City’s urban forest through education and community participation,” planted 37 new trees around the community on Thursday, Dec. 10, thanks to a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and with the help of Urban Arborists Inc. Kevin Riley projected winner in Special Election in the 12th District, winning the contest with approximately 65.5% or 4,086 of the 6,243 total in-person votes cast in the Dec. 22 Special Election.

Chief Riley

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

the area, we recovered three tires and rims, the fourth was still on the vehicle which was jacked up pending removal. The thieves were unable to deposit any of the tires into their escape vehicle. The wheels were returned to the shareholder.

If you see some activity, by working together, we can continue to improve the quality of life here at Co-op City.

Thank you, shareholders For many years, members of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety have organized a Toy Drive during the Holiday Season to bring happiness to children in Co-op City and the surrounding areas. The collection box is located in the Public Safety waiting area at the Bartow Mall. I am pleased to report that this year’s drive was the most successful in memory. The collection box required constant emptying and storage space within the CCPD Headquarters complex was near capacity due to the amount of donations received.

The toys have now been distributed making children’s lives a little brighter during these tough times. On behalf of the women and men of the Department of Public Safety, I want to thank all shareholders who contributed to making our Toy Drive a success. Not only did the number of toys surpass previous years, but the volunteer CCPD officers involved in the drive reported that the quality of the donations appeared to have improved also. It is refreshing that during these times, Co-op City shareholders once again demonstrated superior community togetherness.

On behalf of all members of your Department of Public Safety, I want to extend our best wishes as this year comes to a close. We hope the New Year brings this past year’s distressing events to a rapid conclusion and provides a Happy New Year to all.

—Joseph R. Riley

Safe Riverbay

Relief

(Continued from page 1)

2019 adjusted gross income of up to $112,500 will receive a $600 stimulus check. * Couples (including those whose spouse died in 2020) earning up to $150,000 a year combined will receive $1200 plus an additional $600 each for any dependent child 17 years old and younger.

Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters that stimulus checks will begin being deposited directly into people’s bank accounts as soon as this week and physical paper checks being mailed out starting this week too.

Despite the President signing the relief bill into law on Sunday, he continued voicing his support for $2000 checks. “Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP,” Trump subsequently tweeted on Tuesday signaling his continued push for bigger checks. “$600 is not enough!”

Unfortunately, the path to $2000 checks for individuals will need much more than the President’s support. So far as of Tuesday, only the House of Representatives has voted and passed legislation to increase individual stimulus checks.

According to the Associated Press, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intends on bringing the $2000 checks to a vote in the Senate. However, the Associated Press also reports that should McConnell bring the legislation to a vote in the Senate, it would likely be his own version of the House-passed legislation, which could cause some complications across partisan lines. More specifically, McConnell’s version of the legislation would likely include a repeal of the tech company liability shield law currently in effect as well as revamping the new presidential election review commission which was dissolved back in 2018.

“There’s a major difference in saying you support $2,000 checks and fighting to put them into law,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said when he voiced his feelings about the situation on Tuesday. “The House bill is the only way to deliver these stimulus checks before the end of session. Will Senate Republicans stand against the House of Representatives, the Democratic majority in the Senate and the president of their own party to prevent these $2,000 checks from going out the door?”

The legislation for $2000 checks needs senate approval and ultimately the President’s signature to officially become law.

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6

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

New Yorkers to begin receiving extended federal unemployment benefits next week

Thank you for your support

Unemployed New Yorkers will begin receiving extended and expanded federal unemployment benefits next week — the first week these benefits can be paid under federal law, according to New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The programs extended include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which provides benefits for those not covered by traditional state unemployment insurance; Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which provides additional weeks of benefits after an individual exhausts the 26 weeks of state unemployment insurance; and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which provides all New Yorkers receiving unemployment benefits an additional $300 weekly payment.

The federal government has extended federal unemployment benefits for an additional eleven weeks through March 14, 2021.

New Yorkers currently receiving benefits do not need to call the Department of Labor to receive these extended benefits — they should continue to certify for unemployment benefits in their usual manner and will automatically receive extended benefits. Those whose unemployment benefit year has ended should reapply online. Details of how New York will implement these extensions include: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – New Yorkers can now receive up to 57 weeks of PUA benefits, with the program extended from the week ending January 3, 2021 through March 14, 2021. New Yorkers currently receiving PUA should continue to certify as usual and will continue to receive their benefits.

According to the Federal government, additional eligibility documentation will be required beginning January 31, 2021. The Department of Labor will directly contact claimants who need to provide additional documentation.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation – New Yorkers can now receive up to 24 weeks of PEUC (up from the 13 weeks originally authorized in the spring) with the program extended through March 14, 2021. New Yorkers who have exhausted the 26 weeks of state unemployment insurance should continue to certify as normal and will automatically receive up to 24 weeks of PEUC. Individuals who previously exhausted the original 13 weeks of PEUC and transitioned to the Extended Benefits program will begin receiving extended PEUC benefits after they exhaust their EB benefits. The Department of Labor will automatically handle these program transfers.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation – New Yorkers’ FPUC benefits will resume the week ending January 3, 2021 and will last for eleven weeks. During that time, all New Yorkers who are receiving unemployment benefits — including traditional state UI, Shared Work Benefits, PEUC, EB, or PUA — will receive an additional $300 payment per week.

Per federal guidelines, FPUC benefits will not be backdated, and can only be provided starting the week ending January 3, 2021.

New Yorkers may be eligible for an additional $100 per week through the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program. MEUC benefits are provided for individuals who earned at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but are disqualified from receiving more substantial PUA benefits because they may be eligible for traditional state UI. New York has signed an agreement with the US DOL to offer MEUC benefits and is currently awaiting additional guidance from the Federal government on implementing the program. The Department of Labor will provide more details as they become available.

MTA

I congratulate Kevin Riley on his election to the City Council, representing our District 12.

My gratitude to all who wrote my name on their ballots — a Co-op City first; to the Committee to Elect Bernie for City Council and chairperson Cleve Taylor, treasurer Claudia Sampson, and top graphic designer Linda Berk; to my wife, Olivia, and the over 100 supporters who added their names to our campaign ad/flyer.

We entered the race without any illusions that we could match a campaign supported by the Bronx Democratic Party leadership. To avoid petitioning because of the COVID pandemic, we pursued a write-in campaign.

Our campaign focused on drawing attention to the needs and concerns of our community — too often ignored, as our voters are taken for granted.

We called on City Hall to fulfill its pledge to fund our youth/community center; end monopoly cable service; provide shuttle service to the Bronx Ferry Terminal.

With over 60,000 men, women, and children homeless in the world’s richest city, many of whom work full time, the City must invest in new M-L cooperatives and low-income housing; prohibit landlords from warehousing empty apartments—over 90,000; declare indefinite moratorium on mortgage foreclosures and evictions, including full debt forgiveness; reinstitute universal rent control. NYC must demand HUD reinvest $50 billion in our existing public housing—upgrading boilers, elevators, maintenance, etc.

Although there is a national shortage of skilled labor, it’s inexcusable for our youth to face a bleak future of unemployment—over 50% among young people of color. The City should revive and upgrade HS vocational programs; reinstitute tuition-free colleges/universities, with stipends; create entry-level renewable energy jobs. It must replace 5,000 NYPD officers with DOE-trained personnel—ending the penal atmosphere in our schools.

The City must demand Washington triple SNAP allocations, reducing hunger, ending food lines and with additional millions of customers, farmers will stop pouring milk down drains and burying fresh produce.

I fervently believe that, with strong political leadership in the City Council, these goals can be accomplished.

Wishing all a prosperous, healthy, and pandemic-free New Year.

—Bernie Cylich

(Continued from page 1)

research found that if they did not secure the funding they needed, it would mean further delays in getting ridership back to where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, the MTA will be buoyed by $4 billion in relief funding provided by the latest COVID relief package.

“The bill that was passed earlier in the week is incredibly important for the MTA and the MTA is critical to the economic recovery of New York City. Not having to make reductions on subways and buses up to 40%, service reductions up to 50% on the commuter rails and avoiding laying off 10,000 of our colleagues is incredibly important to the New York economy,” Foye said last week as a guest on Bloomberg TV’s Bloomberg Surveillance. “NYU’s Rudin Center said that we could lose up to 450,000 jobs in the region if we had to make these cuts and about $60 billion of gross regional product; that’s a national issue. This bill gets it done.”

When asked how much time this $4 billion in funding re-

alistically buys the MTA and what the money will directly be used for, Foye said, “It buys us all of 2021 and the four billion plus covers the MTA deficit in 2021.”

The MTA securing $4 billion in emergency funding will help it avoid the drastic cuts once being proposed earlier in the year while continuing to maintain its commitment to the daily sanitization of its buses and trains.

Foye noted during the Bloomberg interview that MTA ridership is currently about 70% less than it was during the same time period in 2019, which is a slight improvement from March and April when ridership was down more than 95%.

At the MTA Board meeting held earlier this year about the 2021 budget, their best-case scenario found that if they secured the necessary funding and support in the next few years, they could potentially get ridership close to where it was before the pandemic by 2024, albeit with more rigid disinfecting protocols in place.

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

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Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

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John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

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Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

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All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Please Note: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Monday by 5 p.m.

Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

7

If You See Something, Say Something The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to wish a Happy New Year 2021 to everyone. The year 2020 was a bit of a challenge for everyone. We would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the year. Last week, we spoke briefly about an incident where a cooperator called our department for suspicious activity which resulted in officers responding and preventing the conclusion of this crime in progress. This week, we will speak in depth about: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING, and its importance all-year long.

Last week was another example of the many windows of Co-op City helping to serve as the eyes and ears of the community. I would like to commend the shareholder who called CCPD early in the morning on Tuesday, December 22. The shareholder reported suspicious persons lurking on the street on the side of garage 8. When CCPD responded, we discovered that three wheels had been removed from a vehicle on the street. Thanks to this call, we recovered the wheels which had been removed from the vehicle and secreted in the general area for future recovery by the thieves. Instead, the shareholder was able to retrieve their property. Thank you for seeing something and saying something.

A few weeks ago, another cooperator called and advised the Department of Public Safety that a male was removing property from a vehicle parked on Hutchinson River Parkway East. The caller remained on the telephone and directed officers right to the perpetrator who was placed under arrest after being found with property removed from a parked vehicle.

As cooperators, you are familiar with your normal view and are experts in spotting activity which could be a crime in progress. There have been cooperators who have called in suspicious activity taking place inside of garages observed from apartment windows. Usually, the garage calls are for locations on the roof and the ramps leading up to the roof but there are windows that can see specific floors of the garages. Looking out your Co-op City windows or terrace can be scenic and also informative. We thank all persons who bring information to our attention.

The phrase, “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING,” originated from a series of public service announcements put in place by the Department of Homeland Security, the New York City Police Department and various other agencies. Initially, it was intended to pertain to suspicious packages left on city streets and transportation facilities. The phrase is now used to refer to all types of suspicious activity. As New Yorkers, terrorism is something we should always be vigilant of here and anywhere your travels may take you. This year will be the 20th anniversary of the fateful events of September 11, 2001; a reminder of how important it is to observe and report suspicious activity. The New York City Police Department reports that every year more than 2,000 SEE SOMETHING, AND SAY SOMETHING. If you observe an emergency, if you observe a person in immediate danger or you observe suspicious activity, be sure to notify 911 and the Co-op City Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Do not be tempted to take action yourself, unless you are specially trained to do so. To provide the most

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Report

Public Safety Blotter December 20 – December 26, 2020 December 21, 2020 – 620 Baychester Avenue A victim was assaulted and property taken from him in a robbery. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The victim was accosted by a male he observed lurking under the portico. Perpetrator description is unknown at this time.

December 22, 2020 – 99 Earhart Lane CCPD thanks a resident of Building 31 for doing their civic duty. The cooperator observed several males engaged in suspicious activity near garage 8.

The witness called CCPD who were on scene within 30 seconds. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the suspicious males were attempting to remove all four tires off a vehicle. The males succeeded in removing the tires, but hid them nearby as they were “scared off” by the response. All tires were recovered.

December 24, 2020 – 100 Aldrich Street CCPD arrested a male found trespassing within the building. After determining that the male had no legal right to be within the building, he was issued a Criminal Court Summons. He was then returned to Bronx Central Booking to answer a warrant.

620 Baychester Avenue CCPD issued five community complaints to persons found loitering in a stairway.

Anonymous calls to Public Safety

From time to time, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, it has been reported to Management that some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to accept these

calls and investigate, accordingly.

If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor.

Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taken place and, in most cases, who the individuals involved are as well.

Thank you for your cooperation.

—Riverbay Management

useful information to law enforcement, be ready to answer the following questions: Who did you observe? What did you see? (Be specific). Where did you see it? When did you see it? Why is it suspicious?

Callers are encouraged to be accurate, fast and complete in their reports.

When describing a suspicious person, try to provide as many details as possible – height, weight, age, hair color, eye color, clothing description from top to bottom (hat, shirt, pants, shoes). If the person is driving a vehicle, callers should try to provide the vehicle’s license plate number in full or as much as you can remember, color, make and model of vehicle. When you are on the phone, you may feel like the dispatcher is asking too many questions but they are skilled professionals who know exactly what questions to ask.

If you observe suspicious or suspected terrorist activity in New York State, call 1-(866) SAFE-NYS or 1 (866) 723-3697. In New York City, call 1 (888) NYC-SAFE or 1 (888) 692-7233. In Co-op City, call (718) 671-3050. If you cannot recall these numbers or if out of New York State, call 911 nationwide. It is a good idea to enter these numbers into your home telephone and your cell phone.

Many of the serious arrests made in Co-op City begin with a telephone call from an observant cooperator. Active involvement by residents helps the Public Safety Department in their goal to keep auto crime rates in Co-op City among the lowest in the city.

Arrests for trespassing in the stairwells are often the result of a cooperator calling in that they saw, heard or smelled something in the hallway. Co-op City’s approximately 45,000 residents have some 90,000 eyes (90,000 ears and 45,000 noses). All of these eyes, ears and noses can be effective tools in helping to fighting crime. The Department of Public Safety recommends not opening a (Continued on page 23)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specific directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back.

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site.

Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Kevin

Is it a fact that we are in a pandemic? Is it a fact that people are struggling to pay their bills? Is it a fact that 90% of us are still here in spite of the pandemic? Is it a fact that 98% of those still working or retired are still receiving 100% of their expected income? Whether you agree with any of those facts or not, the reality is we are aware. We hear it on the news 24 hours a day. It’s real news that some people use as their new entertainment. Why not. Is there anything else on TV worth watching more than 30 times per week? It’s the same story with different levels of excitement. The media knows what ruffles our feathers (keeps their ratings up). They are always looking for ways to keep us glued to the tube. Because we want to be informed and whatever they serve us, gives us a new truth to spew because we heard it first. Just like on social media; we are quick to share a post because we want to inform everyone else what we know about the new information we received. That same new information that has already traveled to 60 million people last week.

People used to ask me how come I don’t write in the paper every week. When I answer them, “Because I am actually ‘doing’ the work and as I fix the problems, I will report them to you. When I need your input, please be there to volunteer as I do;” I get a blank stare.

Okay neighbors, now that we have the holidays behind us and moving into a new year, let’s make some reasonable resolutions that are achievable, for example: save money or spend less, learn something new, read more, get involved, get organized, spend more time with family and friends, just to name a few.

If anyone is home quarantining, please let CSO

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators. Happy New Year!

New cooperators – Welcome all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Suicide prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or is in emotional distress, the number to call for help in NYC is 1-888-NYCWELL (1-888-692-9355). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255.

If you see something, say something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311.

Covid-19 – Covid-19 is still spreading. Wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance. We can beat this virus…together.

Compactor room – All cooperators are reminded that boxes need to be broken down and recyclables need to be rinsed with water to reduce vermin before being placed in the compactor room. All other items must be taken down to the area near the Ash Cart Room in the basement. Building 10 is our building, let us take care of it.

Questions, comments and suggestions – You can contact the building association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 ‘ABC’Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all January “babies” an incredibly happy birthday.

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Lambright, Assistant Treasurer

What’s Real?

Most people take what they read or hear as gospel just because it’s in a newspaper. For that reason, I don’t like quoting people I don’t know or have never met unless it’s a statistic.

Increases The cost of living as far as I know in the last 75 years has not gone down in the United States. Each year, unions and laborers alike have enjoyed some kind of increase. This causes manufacturers to up the cost of products which trickles down to consumers.

Some will argue that it happens in the reverse. Regardless of who is right or wrong in the direction of cause and effect, the consumer always carries the burden. Here in New York, we are no different. So do you think Co-op City would be different? Sorry, you took too long. The answer is no. Even at a time when our former management was neglecting capital improvements and a former board President touted, “No Increases on my watch!!,” laborers and manufactures were getting their increases. The result was a ½ billion dollar debt that we are still paying till this very day. But you already knew that, right?

As a community, the year 2021 will mark five (5) straight years that we have been on an increasingly balanced forward trajectory unmatched by any other administration in the history of Co-op City. I am

Building 25 Association

know so that they will not send any employees to your apartment, unless it is an emergency.

There are no plans to bring back the lobby attendants at this time; we will provide update as we receive it.

Regular daily mail delivery will not be delivered to individual floors, so please make every effort to pick up your large packages in the lobby.

We wish all neighbors born in January a Happy Birthday, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Latest update to resuming our building meetings due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the offi-

proud to be an instrumental part of that success and so should you.

Power It is important that we keep our eyes on the prize.

Let’s continue to work together. Let’s continue to stay safe together. Most of all, let’s continue to respect our differences as well as our similarities.

As we venture into this new year, let’s take ownership of our thoughts as well as our actions. Let’s mentor those who seek guidance. Let’s seek guidance from those with the wisdom to share. Let’s continue to rebuild our community with hearts of progressive endowment. Let us not forget that if we pass the knowledge of our experiences to our youth, they will harness the power to lead our generations to come.

Keep in Touch These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us.

If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at: klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646721-8185. Thank you and continue to stay blessed. cial go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. so be on the lookout for the telephone number and dial-in code posted near the elevators. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca @gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with the following: “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson —Wanda Bailey

WE’RE BACK!

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

9

Gov. Cuomo: New Yorkers can begin using new paid sick leave benefits starting Jan. 1, 2021 NY enacts nation-leading Paid Sick Leave Law

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced this week that New Yorkers can begin using sick leave benefits under the state’s nation-leading paid sick leave law starting January 1, 2021. This legislation, which was advanced in the Governor’s 2020 State of the State address and enacted as part of the FY 2021 Budget, secures paid sick leave for workers at medium and large businesses and paid or unpaid leave for those at small businesses, depending on the employer’s net income.

Under this groundbreaking law, New Yorkers can use guaranteed sick leave to recover from an illness themselves, care for a sick family member, or address safety needs if they or a family member are the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.

“Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we knew that no one should have to make the unimaginable choice between keeping their job or caring for themselves or a loved one,” said Gov. Cuomo. “This public health crisis has put that need in even greater relief. Now, as we continue to beat back COVID and build a stronger New York, we are expanding this fundamental right to all New Yorkers.

“New York has long championed workers’ rights, and this strongest-in-the-nation paid sick leave law will help millions of our neighbors stay healthy—a boon for both businesses’ bottom line and New Yorkers’ well-being,” the governor added.

“No one should have to choose between going to work sick or caring for a sick loved one and not getting a paycheck, especially as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “That is why in New York, we have the most comprehensive paid family leave and paid sick leave programs in the nation that serve as a model for other states to follow. This is part of our ongoing efforts to help ensure equal access, opportunity and success for all hardworking men and women in New York State.”

New Yorkers earn sick leave based on the hours they work, earning one hour of leave for every 30 hours they work, retroactive to September 30, 2020. New York’s new guaranteed sick leave law requires businesses to provide different levels of sick leave depending on their size: * Businesses with 100 or more employees must provide up to seven days (56 hours) of paid sick leave per year; * Businesses with five to 99 employees must provide up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year; * Businesses with fewer than five employees, but a net income of more than $1 million must provide up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year; and * Smaller businesses with fewer than five employees and a net income of less than $1 million must provide up to five days (40 hours) of unpaid sick leave.

However, those already providing paid sick leave can continue to do so.

NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Ensuring paid sick leave for working New Yorkers was a major priority for the Senate Democratic Majority. The coronavirus pandemic has further demonstrated how essential paid sick leave is, and by not penalizing workers for avoiding the workplace when they are ill, we help avoid spreading colds and viruses. I am proud that by working with our Assembly colleagues and Governor Cuomo we were able to get this done.”

NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie stated: “The Assembly Majority has always believed that families are the heartbeat of our communities. After being overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to help New Yorkers get back on their feet. The Paid Family Leave provisions in this year’s budget will help ensure that New Yorkers can care for themselves or sick loved ones without worrying about losing their jobs and being able to put food on their tables. This is just one step to give New Yorkers the support they need to navigate this difficult time and keep moving forward.”

“The lack of a paid sick leave policy was hurting our most vulnerable New Yorkers, and that is simply unacceptable,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Governor Cuomo has been a champion for workers – and under his leadership, New York has been a progressive leader on issues important to working families. With this new law, we will remain at the forefront of the effort to restore economic parity and secure social justice for all.

New Yorkers will no longer have to choose between staying home and getting healthy, or going to work to pay their bills.”

Prior to the law’s passage, approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers did not have access to paid sick leave, forcing them to either take unpaid leave and risk losing their jobs or show up to work while sick, potentially spreading communicable diseases to coworkers and the general public. Nearly one-in-four workers had reported being fired or being threatened with termination for taking sick time.

New York’s sick leave law builds on Governor Cuomo’s actions to protect and uplift workers and their families, including enacting a $15 minimum wage that raised income for 1.5 million New Yorkers and enacting the nation’s strongest Paid Family Leave program, which benefitted 128,000 New Yorkers in its first year.

Happy New Year’s, fellow co-operators!

I hope 2021 has started in a positive direction for you. 2020 was a dark one for us all, so let’s put that year in our rearview and work to make 2021 bright. You can do that by not stressing so much on New Year’s resolutions. This year, try not to make big, sweeping resolutions that you’re just going to break after a few weeks.

Instead, try to accomplish smaller goals. If we all worked on accomplishing smaller goals, we would be able to accomplish big things together. Remember, small changes can have big results.

With new things in mind for 2021, let’s congratulate Kevin Riley, district leader and aide to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, on his projected win in the special election for City Council. He will represent our own District 12. The seat was vacated by Andy King after he was ousted due to ethics violations. Mr. Riley declared victory over community organizer Pamela Hamilton-Johnson and public defender Neville Mitchell. He also defeated Co-op City’s and Riverbay Board’s very own, Bernie Cylich. Mr. Cylich ran a good write-in campaign but fell just a bit short. Good luck to Bernie in future elections.

Speaking of elections, the special election held just before the holidays was a very low-turnout race. Only about 6,200 people voted in person, though more than 95,000 were eligible. This is not acceptable! For our community to have its needs met, we must all participate in the electoral process. So, let’s pledge to do better and more for our community in 2021.

Now for some literal housecleaning. Let’s do our best to keep our elevators and laundry room clean. Sure, we have porters around to clean up after us, but we can do our part and not make their job harder than it needs to be.

This is still ‘porch pirate’ season. Try to help your neighbors safeguard the packages that will be left in front of doors by Amazon, Fedex, UPS, and USPS. Lastly, please be mindful of COVID-19 guidelines. Even though the vaccines are starting to be administered, COVID is not over. We still are in the midst of some of the highest daily infection rates and death rates. Just because hope is on the horizon with the vaccines, it doesn’t mean we should become complacent. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands regularly, and social distance at least six feet.

—Ezekiel Springer Jr.

We’re Hiring Life Insurance Agents

Building 23 Association

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

10 Director’s Viewpoint

– Francine Reva Jones, Assistant Secretary

Happy New Year to friends, family and the Co-op City community.

This is the time when many folks make New Year’s resolutions. I generally recall the same resolution regarding“health,” i.e., to improve my health by eating better, sleeping more and exercising regularly. “Your Health is Your Wealth” is the phrase that continues to come to mind. You cannot be in optimum health if you are overweight, having high blood pressure or diabetes. It is unfortunate that many Americans have contracted the Coronavirus and are unable to take care of themselves. It has been reported that the virus attacks people whose immune system has been weakened by such diseases. Older adults and people who have certain underlying conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

However, if you are well and able bodied, are not sick in bed or in the hospital, you should take better care of yourself. If you are not already doing so, try eating natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, take your vitamin supplements, don’t stress – get adequate rest, do exercise by walking or biking around the greenway once a day.

How is it that so many “fast food” establishments have popped up over the years? Why are folks not cooking healthy foods anymore? I stopped at a friend’s home recently and her teenage children were going out to pick up food from a “fast food” place. Parents should teach their children how to cook, so that, if the parents cannot cook every day, the children can pitch in. It is more beneficial and healthier. Kids should refrain from patronizing “fast food” spots regularly.

“Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when they are old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

Standard Bible.

New Year Greetings

Another resolution I have is to learn more technology, especially what I need to use. The most obvious is the smartphone. It can do so much. In addition to calling people, I use it to conference call, text, email, make shopping lists, calculate, for Zoom meetings and forums, record meetings, timer, travel directions and music. However, it can do so much more. In the past, the African-American Association offered computer and social media tech classes and now JASA offers virtual computers, smartphones and tablet classes on Wednesdays. You can pick up useful tips. If you don’t want to be left behind in this high tech world, you must try to learn a little more. Check this newspaper for JASA’s upcoming events or call them at 718-320-2066.

Many shareholders have been asking for more and better cable options for the dollars that they spend.

Altice and Verizon are not the only ones out there. I would like to see a group of high tech cooperators explore alternatives for our community.

Stimulus checks Although the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being administered, most Americans need financial help to get through this Coronavirus Pandemic. After months of collaborating, the House and then the Senate agreed on a $900B stimulus/survival package. Surprisingly, #45 complained that it was insufficient and it was several days before he signed off on it. According to political reporter Jacob Pramuk, “…Trump’s delays in signing the year-end bill may cost millions of jobless Americans a week of unemployment benefits after two key relief programs briefly expired.”

The $900 billion pandemic aid portion of the legislation includes the $600 payments along with a $300 per week federal unemployment insurance supplement into mid-March. It extends programs that allow freelance, gig and self-employed workers to receive

African American Association New Year’s message from the president Happy 2021 from the African-American Association of Co-op City … I extend to you, one and all, a personal invitation to join us and be the vision you want your people, your children, your world to see.

We, as African-Americans, in an organization whose name bears our ethnic description, must remember, this organization represents our crusaders like first African-American Mayor of NYC, David Dinkins; Actors Chadwick Bosman, Katherine Johnson, our “Hidden Figure” very human “computer” for NASA; Congressman John Lewis, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Bill Withers, Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters, Ellis Marsalis Jr., Earl Graves, Andre Harrell, Betty Wright, Zindzi Mandela and so many more who left us this year and who made us proud to be African-American; our fallen soldiers like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and so many more who we must represent.

Covid-19 has changed us forever, but we can rise like the phoenix from the ashes and show this community and the world that we know our worth. We know that when we stand together and make our numbers known we can change things for the better. Eighty percent of this community is of African- American descent.

This community should feel that power. This is the legacy we must leave for our children, whether we birthed them or not. They must see an organization that they can be proud of and want to take up the mantle someday. Use the information below to join us today.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes w/Cynthia Dixon – Contact Cynthia, 917-9037073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact Keith, 917-561-6211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact Meena at 917863-1507.

Join the African American Association of Co-op City Membership is $15/year for a single membership and $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

benefits and increases the number of weeks people can receive insurance.

The bill puts over $300 billion more into small business support, mostly in the form of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans. It creates a $25 billion rental assistance fund. It includes more than $8 billion for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and $20 billion to make shots free to Americans. It also puts $82 billion into education as schools struggle to reopen, and $45 billion into transportation, which includes airline payroll support.

Special Elections Congratulations to Kevin C. Riley. He is the projected winner in the Special Election in the 12th Council District. His leadership experience as District Leader in the 83rd Assembly District should make for a successful Councilman.

Will the Riverbay Board elections need to be in the form of a Special Election? As chair of the 2020 Riverbay Board Election Committee, I have posed this question and seek the advice of counsel regarding a Special Election that might be needed during this Coronavirus Pandemic. The Board will meet later this month to discuss and decide on what will be done.

We must strive to live as normal a life as possible while adhering to the mandates to protect ourselves and our families from the deadly Coronavirus. So, I ask everyone to please wear a mask, stay at home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently, get tested frequently, and practice social distancing. Keep your family and friends in prayer.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year and practice the Kwanzaa principles year-round.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you. I can be reached at: 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbaycorp.com.

Fare collection on Access-A-Ride services resumes Jan. 19, 2021

MTA New York City Transit has announced that beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2021, fare collection will resume on all Access-A-Ride services.

The fare for Access-A-Ride is $2.75 per trip (the same as the full fare on public transit) and is collected in cash. Customers must have exact change ready at boarding as Paratransit operators do not provide change or accept round-trip payment. MetroCards cannot be used either as payment but customers may pay their Access-A-Ride fares using TransitCheck coupon. Each coupon is good for full payment on one trip.

For those eligible, Personal Care Attendants may accompany Access-ARide passengers free of charge.

NYC Transit will notify Paratransit customers of this change in fare collection directly by email, text, automated announcements on the dedicated phone line, and through communications from the Paratransit service team as well as posters on Paratransit vehicles. Transits’ social media accounts and its website will also be used to get the word out to customers.

Paratransit customer may book their trips electronically via online trip management, MYmtaApp or by calling the Access-A-Ride call center at 1-877337-2017. Customers are reminded that face coverings are required when using MTA services.

For more information about Access-A-Ride Paratransit Services, visit https://new.mta.info/accessibility/paratransit.

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Building 13 Association

Welcome, 2021. There are still so many things going on in this New Year both locally and nationally, let’s not lose focus. Congratulations to our new Councilman Kevin Riley. We wish nothing but the best in his new position. His success will translate into our success if we continue to stay informed and involved.

Building 13 Association’s next monthly meeting will be on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. We will have a guest joining us so please check the bulletin board in the lobby for additional information. Make sure we have your e-mail address so you can receive the invitation. If you would like to receive a reminder, please make sure we have your telephone number.

We always have fun and this year was no different, we had a great time at our holiday party. Congratulations to our General Trivia and Music Trivia contest winners, Doris Sanchez and Toni Hecker. Thanks to the assistance of Valerie Gunn, Family Feud and Name That Tune was awesome. Congratulations to the “Feud” winners, Team 1 (Elena, Nancy, Gail, Doris and Vivian). Kudos to Team 2 who played a good game (Rosetta, Rachel, Tiny, Lydia and Miguel). Look for additional activities we will do on ZOOM. As requested, we will have another Family Feud contest.

Reach out if you would like to join in the fun.

Thank you to all who contributed to bring a bit of cheer to our staff.

Special thanks to Annice Bailey and Doris Sanchez, our Building 13-Building and Grounds representatives.

Special thanks to Doris who recently did a walkthrough with our Janitorial supervisor, Omar De Los Angeles. We also appreciate the assistance of the director of the Janitorial department, Joshua Blake, for meeting with us, addressing various concerns and explaining upcoming improvements.

Please make sure to continue complying with the recommended city and state safety guidelines as well as the Co-op City guidelines. Wear a mask on the premises, socially distance and wash your hands often.

Remember, elevators should be occupied by no more than four (4) people and the laundry rooms, by no more than five (5) people.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

–Coretta Scott King Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at (daddpeterson@aol.com) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

Please dispose of PPE trash properly Used gloves and masks must be disposed of properly in trash receptacles and not thrown on the ground on the property or on floors in residential buildings. This behavior is irresponsible and unsanitary and presents a health hazard to others. Please dispose of these items and all trash in the proper receptacles located throughout the community.

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Happy New Year! This month represents a new beginning for our community. In January, we will have a new City Councilmember, a new Congressman, and a new President. Congratulations to Council Member-elect Kevin Riley, Congressman-elect Jamaal Bowman, and President-elect Joe Biden. I wish these elected officials much luck as they lead our community and nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next Saturday at noon, the Christmas tree and holiday lobby decorations need be taken down. The association needs volunteers to assist with this task. If you would like to help, please contact me at 917-442-9526 to register as a volunteer.

Our next association virtual committee and general meetings will be held Tuesday, January 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m., respectively. Information on how to attend the Zoom Meetings will be posted on fliers in the lobby a week before the aforementioned dates. So be on the lookout for the information soon.

Again, happy New Year, Building 19 family, and I look forward to seeing you.

—Leon Tulton

11

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

12 Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl Last year was really rough. So, lots of people couldn’t wait for 2021 to arrive. And, now, let’s look at our current situation and see exactly what’s going on.

It Is What It Is The coronavirus disease is still infecting thousands of people all over the world on a daily basis. And, as of Christmas 2020, here were the top five places all over the world that had the highest amounts of COVID cases.

First, can you believe that the United States came in first place with over 18 million cases? Then, over 332,000 people died from this disease. Horrible, right? However, how does it make you feel to learn that only 4.25 percent of the world’s population lives in the United States?

Some medical professional stated that we acted late with testing and with efforts to control this disease. Also, some politicians did their best to downplay this disease. Then, lots of people believed those foolish politicians and didn’t want to cooperate with the medical authorities. So, we now have to deal with these results.

Second, India had over 10 million COVID cases.

And, over 147,000 people died from this disease. India contains 17.5 percent of the world population.

Third, Brazil had over 7.4 million COVID cases.

And, over 190,000 people died from this disease. Brazil contains 2.73 percent of the world’s population.

Fourth, Russia had over 2.9 million COVID cases.

And, over 53,000 people died from this disease. Russia contains 1.87 percent of the world’s population.

Fifth, France had over 2.5 million COVID cases.

And, over 62,000 people died from this disease. France contains .84 percent of the world’s population.

Although these numbers are currently high, medical experts are saying that these numbers can possibly go down if enough people get vaccinated. So, here are six companies that have agreements with the U.S. for a vaccine: Novavax, 100 million doses for $1.6 billion, $16 per dose; AstraZeneca, 300 million doses for $1.2 billion, $4 per dose; Johnson & Johnson, 100 million doses for $1 billion, $10 per dose; Sanofi GlaxoSmithKline, 100 million doses for $2.1 billion, $21 per

Johnson

Happy New Year

dose; Moderna, 100 million doses for $1.5 billion, $15 per dose, and Pfizer BioNtech, 100 million doses for 1.95 billion, $19.50 per dose.

Other Problems Last Saturday, the president rejected a $2.3 trillion COVID relief and spending package. With $900 billion on the table for COVID relief, this package could have helped a lot of people, businesses, schools, etc.

However, as of December 26, 2020, more than 12 million people are now going to lose their extended unemployment benefits.

Then, there was talk that the government would probably shut down on Tuesday, December 29. Also, the CDC moratorium on evictions was set to expire on December 31. So, it was estimated that more than 20 million people could possibly be evicted from their homes.

Previously, news outlets reported that this package was in the works for several months with the assistance of the president and the White House. Then, after Congress voted on the package, the president stunned everyone and said that he wants the $600 stimulus checks to be increased to $2,000.

Now, yes, a lot of people would love to get $2,000 instead of $600. However, some politicians have indicated that they will not approve a package that contains $2,000 payments. So, do we have a major problem on our hands? Absolutely!

Bottom line: A lot of pressure will be placed on President-elect Joe Biden to correct these negative situations. So, we’re going to have to wait until January 20, 2021 to see how he handles these matters.

Broadway – Big Trouble According to a published report, the shows on Broadway made almost $2 billion between May 2018 and May 2019. And, now, more than 1,100 employees have lost their jobs during this pandemic. However, Broadway is far, far bigger than the shows that are displayed in theaters. For instance, visitors brought in over $11 billion last year. Then, around $8 billion was spent on hotels, restaurants, stores, transportation, etc.

Bottom line: The huge crowds that used to visit

areas around Broadway and Times Square are gone.

So, what’s going on with all of those hotels, restaurants, stores, clubs, taxies, and other businesses in those areas? Are they making good money? Do they have a lot of customers? What happened to this concept of having a nice dinner inside of a restaurant? Do you see the major problems here? Therefore, just like everyone else, they need government assistance if they’re going to survive.

New Councilmember Kevin Riley will be our new representative on the City Council. So, I want to extend my best wishes to him.

Christmas Decorations – Love, Joy, and Happiness Displayed Did you get a chance to walk around our community during this recent holiday season? Did you see the festive lights and decorations in and around our townhouses? Did you look up and see some of the balconies all over our community? What about the lobbies? Beyond amazing!!!

Some of our cooperators did an outstanding job of decorating our community with very nice Christmas decorations. So, please know that your hard work showed everyone that there is a lot of love, joy, and happiness here. Now, yes, we have problems. However, our good qualities far exceed these problems. So, please be proud of the work that you accomplished for our community.

And, please accept our thanks for doing a very good job.

Close I hope and pray that 2021 will be a better year for everyone. So, please, let’s move forward and make things better.

Thank you.

Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Building 2 Association

Cheers to a New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone. Wishing you and your families health, happiness, peace and joy in Twenty 21.

The building staff extends their thanks to everyone who contributed to the holiday collection. Your kindness and generosity demonstrated your appreciation for their excellent work throughout 2020 and served to make their holidays that much brighter. As you can see in the photograph above, their smiles are shining through their masks. Unfortunately, Hector Martinez, Antonio Fernandez and Anthony Gonzalez were not present when this photo was taken.

Welcome to our new neighbors. Happy Birthday to all the January celebrants.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones. Our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to those recuperating from an illness.

Let us all make a new year’s resolution to do everything in our power to keep ourselves, our loved ones and neighbors healthy and safe. Continue to wear a mask on the building premises, in the elevators and laundry room.

Wishing you and your families health, happiness, peace and joy throughout the new year.

“Ring out the old, ring in the new, “Ring, happy bells, across the snow: “The year is going, let him go; “Ring out the false, ring in the true.” –Alfred Lord Tennyson —Georgianna Rodriguez

Text COVID to 692-692 for real-time updates or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

13

Velocity Track Club

Velocity Track Club wishes everyone a safe and healthy New Year! 2020 was a challenging year for us. We lost friends and family due to the pandemic. We lost the entire outdoor season and part of our indoor season. But we learned a lot from it. We learned how to train virtually, via Zoom. We became creative with the in-person training once some of the restriction were lifted. Through Velocity Track Club at the Armory Meet. it all, our faith is stronger!

We would like to thank our Co-op City community (especially our friends in Section 5); our Monsignor Scanlan family; Good Sports, Inc.; former Councilmember Andy King; USATF New York; AAU, Inc.; Co-op Building 12; Co-op City Times newspaper, Family Fitness Center and everyone who supported our children. It takes a village to raise a child! God bless you!

On Sunday, December 27, VTC (Velocity Track Club) competed in the Armory Youth Invitational #2 at the Armory in Fort Washington, NY. Due to the COVID protocols, the place was not packed, but the competition was great. The meet was well organized and all COVID-19 protocols were followed. The following events were contested: 55 meters, 55 meters hurdles, 200, 400 & 800 meters, Long Jump and Shot Put. Medals were awarded to the top three athletes in their event/division. VTC had 23 athletes compete and 12 out of the 23 athletes earned 16 medals, over 50%!

The following athletes were blessed with medals: Drea Santiago, Bryce Hickman, Romel Barrett, Dakota Hickman, Brianna Burrell, Steven Monegro, Olyvia Burrell, Pierce Parker, Kenese Irish-Bramble, Karly Jackson, Khloe Gathers and Ryann Joseph!

Congratulations to all who participated; you all are winners!

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support our youth so they can continue to do great things!

For additional information, please go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email WATCLT@AOL.COM. —Coach Winston Dinkins

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

14 Director’s Viewpoint – Leah

Richardson

Happy New Year Dear shareholders, in a year filled The start of a new year gives shareholders and with challenges, I am ever grateful Management the opportunity to start the year with for your support, your emails and the right attitude. As a shareholder, you can choose phone calls were heartfelt. to change your point of view towards cooperative livI hope all of you enjoyed the holiday season. Deing and resolve to: spite the ups-and-downs, I wish you the warmest * Follow the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you thoughts and best wishes for a Happy New Year, 2021. would like to be treated.”

May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always. * Do not refer to the Board directors as “they;” the This goes for Management as well. directors are members like you who also pay mainI look forward to exciting times as we continue tenance and volunteer their time. our efforts to make Co-op City the best place to live. * Remember you can’t fire your neighbors. Find As you make those New Year resolutions, I ask that ways to be neighborly. each shareholder resolves to help make your Co-op * Give your Board the benefit of the doubt, they City community a better place to live. There are many are doing their best as volunteers. ways you can get involved, such as attending the An* Do not assume the Board is incompetent or disnual meeting, running for office, get on one of nuhonest. Get involved in committees and be part of the merous committees, picking up trash when you see decision-making process. some lying around or simply being kind to a neigh* Remember that the “my home is my castle” atbor. I appreciate the support of so many of you and titude does not work in a cooperative. Common indo try our best to do what is in the best interest of all terest living means you also agreed to share control homeowners. Best of luck for the coming year. over the property.

Let’s all of us together have a nicer, more posi* Be more knowledgeable, ask questions and attive 2021! Happy New Year! tend open Board meetings and committees to be well The Board overcame several challenges and acinformed. complished many goals in 2020 despite the many ob* Acknowledge the Board may have more inforstacles we are going through. Soon the Board posimation than you. This doesn’t mean the Board is right, tions will change, and new residents will volunteer but it does mean you might not be correct in your their time to fulfill the demands of the Board to serve opinion. this community. It offered me the opportunity to get * Be more knowledgeable, ask questions and atto know many of my neighbors and to work with a tend Board meetings to be well informed.

Board that is dedicated to ensuring that Co-op City * Be familiar with your community Rules and Regand surrounding property are maintained and enulations, bylaws, rules and budget. hanced. This has been a difficult year. I would like to * Find positive ways to enhance the image of your take this opportunity to thank each of the Board memcommunity. bers for all of their hard work and for their volunteer * Try to work out disputes with a neighbor before service to the community. Whether a Director chaired “legal action.” Look for alternatives with an open mind. a committee or not as a Board member our work is Speak first to fellow shareholders, a Board director never done; there are many ongoing issues that are and/or even Management to help resolve your conpressing and are handled outside of committees. cern(s) and come to a meaningful resolution.

Do not assume the Board is incompetent or dis* Find ways to thank your directors and commithonest. Get involved in committees and be part of tees for their service to your community… and Manthe decision-making process. agement, too.

Dog mess It is time again to remind pet owners that you are required to keep your pets on a leash always while they and you are in the common areas. You are also required to pick up after your pet immediately when they mess. That does not mean you can come back later or tomorrow. It means immediately. All people have to do is walk around the greenway and it will become obvious that many do not comply with the pet rules. The Board is constantly trying to come up with ways to fix the problem. We fine owners when we are notified of violations. We provide supplies for clean-up and we announce and publish the rules. It is up to each pet owner to be responsible and considerate of your neighbors.

Thank you! Management and staff The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in many people, people who have shown compassion and empathy and offered a helping hand to others during this extraordinary time. As we face the coronavirus challenge, I want to thank Co-op City Management and staff who have been working diligently around the clock to ensure they are keeping our community safe and maintained.

Essential workers I would like to thank all the essential workers for all that you do during this time. The world literally could not function without you. Thank you for continuing your service despite the risks and for taking care of the sick, feeding the masses, and helping us all hold on to this new normal. I hope that once this is over, we continue to hold you in the same regard.

I hope that the flaws in the system we’ve discovered will be fixed and the improvements we’ve made will last. Thank you for doing your part. I hope that by staying home, we can do the same. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Board director.

I am excited to be of service to the community.

I look forward to hearing from you; lrichardson @riverbayboard.com. I would like to wish each of our residents a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

NAACP Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.” And we’ve been doing it since 1909.

Focus Areas: Federal Advocacy, Education, Economic Opportunity, Criminal Justice, Health, Environmental & Climate Justice.

NAACP 111th Annual Convention theme: “We Are Done Dying.”

Democracy wins! Democracy must work for all of us.

• BET: 52nd NAACP Image Awards, February 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET • NAACP UNMASKED Series: Town Hall on Vaccine Safety.

• Donations to NAACP Empowerment Programs are tax deductible. For NAACP statements, go to NAACP.org.

COVID-19 has not gone away! What you do as an individual impacts all of us.

We are all in this together. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing.

Due to COVID-19 and at the request of the NAACP and Riverbay Corporation, we have not had gatherings of any kind (health & safety reasons) in Einstein C.C., room 36, since March 13, 2020. Riverbay Corporation has recently informed me that no one should be in the room for any reason until further notice.

The NAACP Branch in Co-op City would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Blessed Kwanzaa. Congratulations to all the members of the newly formed executive committee. During this brief pause, we are restructuring and preparing for the new term. We are anxious to see everyone and hope you join us when we resume our meetings on the 4th Sunday of the month. Our next Zoom Meeting will be held on January 24, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Stay safe and have a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Membership Dues: New, renewal or gift an annual membership go to NAACP.ORG. or send request for application using post office mailing address. Annual dues: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10. Checks/money order made payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution in any amount, it is most appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

“The civil rights movement didn’t begin in Montgomery and it didn’t end in the 1960’s. It continues on to this very minute,” –Julian Bond —Brenda Brown

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People #2210

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

People First Democratic Club Happy New Year’s, Co-op City, While we say goodbye to 2020 and all that it gave and took away, we have to now look forward to 2021 with a new energy. 2021 will bring about a newness.

On the 20th, we will inaugurate a new President and Vice President. People Frist Democratic Club is hopeful and feel that if we continue to stay diligent washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and keeping social distance, we will come out of this just fine. Congratulations to our new City Council Member, Kevin C. Riley. PFDC looks forward to working with you.

PFDC has a bunch of events upcoming for the month: January 5, Coat Drive Giveaway in partnership with Kevin Riley and the Riverbay Corporation to be held in Dreiser Loop.

January 6, our first PFDC meeting via Zoom, Meeting ID: 935 5321 0675, Passcode: 323134. Please request your application by emailing us, peope1stdc @gmail.com.

January 22, 2021, NYC Mayoral Forum: Sponsored by the PFDC. The topics will be Parenting and Education, mod-

erated by Dr. Shawn Best, University Director for the CUNY Black Male Initiative. Please submit your questions to peope1stdc @gmail.com.

Future events in February: Candidates Forums for Bronx Borough President and City Council. We have a busy 2021; we do not only have these two races and the mayoral race, but we also have Public Advocate and Comptroller races. We will have their forums as well. In March, we will hold a Zoom webinar series covering all positions in government and their duties.

PFDC will be very active in our community, and our pledge to you is to keep you informed about what is going on within the city, state, and the federal government.

One way to stay informed is to join us, and you do so by emailing us at peope1stdc @gmail.com to request an application. The annual fees are $25 for individuals and $30 for a family. You must be registered or be planning to register as a Democrat and be at least 16 years old.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis —Al Quattlebaum

Building 21 Association Happy 50th Anniversary to Building 21 – Happy New Year, 21’ers! All residents! And all shareholders!

The classical expression in a short prayer for the New Year says, “Let the old year end with all of its curses and let the New Year begin with all of its blessings.” It is time to end all prejudices and substitute for them new friendships. It is time to end old hatreds and substitute for them new love. It is time to end old frustrations and to substitute for them new hopes…

Let us begin again.

Save the date: January 28, 2021 at 7 p.m. – Come and say Happy Anniversary to Building 21 at: The Building 21 50th Anniversary Zoom! Meet with special guests, hear and share fun facts about Bellamy Loop and come ready for surprises and be ready to toast the New Year! Be there, Thursday, January 28, at 7 p.m.

Annual dues, donations and envelopes – We have secured a black Drop Box, under 24-hour surveillance in the laundry room. Please place your annual building association dues of $10 into the lockbox in an envelope with your building and apartment on the outside of the envelope. This box is up only temporarily. Checks or money orders can be made out to Building 21 Association. Cash is also acceptable. The box is located on

the right side of the television. You can see it if you are able to see the laundry room camera from your TV. It is a secured tamperproof lockbox and will be checked daily. Be sure to put your building and apartment number on the envelope. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation.

No mask, No entry… Remember only four (4) persons to an elevator with a mask properly covering your face and nose. We must think of others, to protect ourselves and each other during this pandemic. The number of new infections continues to rise. Even if you are entering the buildings and elevators alone, molecules are airborne that you or someone else can breathe in. To protect each other, we all must put on our masks properly. Please cover your mouth and your nose. One or two in our lobby or an elevator without masks is too many, can affect and infect many.

Think of your neighbors and yourself.

21 Association contact information: Phone us at: 347-504-1821 or email us at: 21association@gmail.com.

Happy New Year! Be safe and well, you and yours…

Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bld. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. -12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours.

All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required.

We also ask that all guests use the markers on the ground to help practice physical distancing. Registration for new pantry guests is currently closed at this location. New registration dates will post when available. This location is closed on Friday, January 1. It reopens Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit CO-OP City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church

or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Re-certification Guests currently registered with the food pantry and who pick up food packages at the 920 Baychester Avenue location are required to recertify at the pantry starting in January 2021. A valid ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021.

Members of a household listed on an application must present themselves at recertification. They must present an ID. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also re-certify to continue in the program.

Income eligibility for Emergency Food Support The federal government now requires that new and returning guests sign an Income Eligibility Form to receive food. It declares that the recipient’s household income must be at or below 200% of the federal income poverty levels. Additional details about the eligibility requirements are located on the form.

Contact us We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

Happy New Year to all!

—D. Illis

15

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with the guidelines to wear our mask, to be aware of social distancing at all times. The kids are back in school, let’s pray, keep our fingers crossed, that all will work out well, that learning will progress, and for the continued safety and healthy well being of the children and school staffing during the entire year of 2021.

Happy New Year 2021!

I am sure we all are thankful and grateful to see a new year. In the midst of sorrow and trouble everywhere, we pray that it is all left behind in the year of 2020. We will continue to follow the rules of the CDC, and most of all, take care of ourseleves and those around us by wearing the mask, social distancing, and keep washing and sanitizing our hands. We all should be better for it. Somehow we are receiving the strength and grace to hold on. Take the vaccine, keep the faith, and think positive and in due season this too shall pass.

In the midst, Zoom came on the scene, a blessing in disguise, and we are meeting more people than ever, meetings, entertainment, church services, concerts, etc., you name it. We won’t even have to venture out.

Thank you Again, we take this time to thank all essential workers, all occupations, employees, medical/scientist, elected officials, volunteers, neighbors, Riverbay, Management and everyone who, through it all, kept our community, the city and state running and surviving. God bless them all and keep them safe and healthy.

The Ramp In the December 19, 2020 Co-op Times, pg. 9, we have been advised by the NY State Dept. of Transportation of the I-95 direct access to Co-op City via a new ramp from the Hutchinson River Parkway to Bartow Ave. Copies of the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) statement (DDR/EA/D4 (f) is available for review by the public at Baychester Library, 2049 Asch Loop, phone number: 718-3796700. Also available for download at dot.ny.gov/bhmi.

One may contact Community Board 10, 718-892-1161.

The deadline for comments is February 2, 2021. This information is brought to our attention.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating this month.

Condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, someone deceased or in a nursing home.

Pray for the world and the blessings over the vaccines, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt —H. Overman

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING! 718-671-3050 Co-op City Public Safety

CSO Contact Numbers Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, room 6, at 718-3203300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, room 22. The office may be contacted by calling 718-320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling 718-320-3300 and follow the prompts.

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

16

Director’s Viewpoint – Michelle

Marbury

Know who “you” are… Know who “we” are…

What will we do with this New Year?

This viewpoint is a dedication and overview of an infrastructure that works for us. My hope is that we work together. It’s never too late to be whoever you want to be, shareholders.

We can make the best or the worst of it. My hope is that we make the best of it. “It” being whatever circumstance that faces us. I hope we see things that startle us into knowing the power that we have. I hope we stop turning away from the beauty of our differences… I hope we can live a life, right here in our own community that we can be proud of; and since we have yet to really do that, I hope we have the strength and the courage to start all over again.

Welcome 2021: Be the change you want to see!

“We” have chosen to live here, in a cooperative community. This means we have to cooperate with each other. Remember that we are shareholders and business partners…We are not tenants. We must coexist and cooperate with each other in order to make and keep our community rated as among the best places to live in New York, for its current residents and for generations to come.

The importance of building associations Each Co-op City Board Committee is chaired and co-chaired by a Riverbay Board member. Each building can and should be represented in these committees. When you “show up” in person or by Zoom or Webex, this will give you information to take back to your respective building association. Each building association should be represented in your respective and collective “Section’s Association,” if one has been certified by Riverbay Corp. For exam-

ple, the Section 5 Association is comprised of all buildings and their associations in Section 5, and the same for the Section 1 Association and so on. You then share the information you retrieve from the committee meetings with your neighbors and fellow shareholders at your building association meeting. This is how shareholders and residents should receive information about the community, besides reading the Co-op City Times, hint-hint. At the next committee meeting, you bring your feedback and hopefully you will have answers and positive responses to your needs.

But “The Building Associations,” each one in each building, is where it begins. Do you see how this works? Let us make this community work, together.

Floor Captains are an absolute necessity in each building. All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows: 1. Contact numbers for your floor only: List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times: Place them at each apartment door (delivered on Saturdays) 3. Elevator notices: Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: Meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage your neighbors to: Vote – Vote – Vote! in the Riverbay election Make calls to the Riverbay offices Security – 718-671-3050 CSO – 718-320-3300 Don’t forget: January 5th…

Georgia is holding two runoff elections for U.S. Senate on January 5, 2021, as no candidate received a majority of votes in either November 3, 2020, election. Georgia was the only state to hold two U.S. Sen-

ate elections in 2020—one regularly scheduled election and one special election to fill the rest of retired Sen. Johnny Isakson’s (R) term. Encourage your friends and family to get out to the polls and vote.

In Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes Those who have loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes during this turbulent time, we join you in prayer and well wishes that you all remain healthy and strong.

To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause to their memory and pray for the strength of each family as you carry on for those who remain. Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone.

Now more than ever…

Shareholder, resident, Co-op City community, it has never been more important to be involved in this community. I am Michelle Marbury, cooperator and shareholder and your business partner. I am humbled to represent you on behalf of “us;” we are the partners of Riverbay Corporation. Together we will, we must, make 2021 a banner year.

“All choice is made in the mind...all acceptance is made by the spirit...There are not billions of minds in this world at all, but only one, and it is in every one of us.” –Silva, J. & Miele, P. Join one of the clubs of Co-op City. Volunteer to be your floor’s Floor Captain, attend your building association gatherings, Zoom Meetings, etc. Wear masks and gloves. Your energy to do the right thing will shape this community for the better. Choose to do what is right. Thank you for reading my viewpoint.

I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

Let’s all do our part!

Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Happy New Year to all, here, there and everywhere.

Broun Place’s executive board members, Vivian Burrus, Rev. Grace Emanuel, Lillian Richardson and myself, Eva Lazaar, send New Year greetings to everyone in the hope that 2021 will be better. We appreciate how local markets and pharmacies have accommodated and kept us supported with necessities throughout this critical time.

Congratulations to Mr. Kevin Riley on being the Councilman-elect from the special election of December 22nd and we wish him an excellent rapport and tenure with our constituents. Thank you, Andy King, for the many good things done by and initiated by you over the years. Thank you too to the Co-op City Times for the great job publicizing this special election and its candidates.

In Broun Place, please don’t forget to acknowledge our excellent Grounds staff. They have done an astounding job moving the snow. We continue to be grateful being in an area with great medical availabilities and COVID-19 testing sites within walking distance. The site for information is: https:// www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19testing.page, all your questions can be answered there.

Channel 12 and cable 591 are running an infomercial made here on the Dreiser Loop COVID-19 testing site.

You should get tested. President-elect Biden recommends a one-hundred-day period of steady mask wearing. This will help contain the virus as will the vaccine.

We hope this will become more readily available.

Here is a Kansas son’s obituary for his father who died of Covid-19. “He died in a world where many of his fellow Americans refuse to wear a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another,” he wrote.

“COVID-19 is not fiction.” Review your weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a face mask (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep 6 feet between each other and wash hands with soap ‘n water frequently.

Scams are on the rise. The recording says, “Credit card banks are lowering your annual interest rates.”

Another, “Emergency, your car warranty has expired; press one to speak with a representative.” Another, “We apologize for our error on your electric bill.” These are examples of scams. We suggest getting on the “Do Not Call List” to help block scam calls.

The community newsletter from the Community Relations department can be requested by emailing that department. Catch the “Tunes on Tuesdays” evening shows. Broun Place neighbors, Saturday mornings, pick up your personally delivered Co-op City Times. Reminder, dispose of pedestrian litter in the corner cans.

Thank you to everyone who says, “Good morning” and “Excuse me.” We enjoy some of the new “stream-

ing” movies. Hopefully you too can check them out.

Thanks to all the Riverbay staff for kindness and responsiveness throughout the year.

You are encouraged to join or renew your Broun Place Association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Sending birthday greetings to Eva KindaichiLazaar on making it to 75. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

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Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

National Council of Negro Women Membership – NCNW Co-op City is turning 50 years young! The kickoff for our 50th Anniversary is scheduled to take place at our February General Membership meeting on February 14, 2021. The 50th Anniversary theme will be: “NCNW Co-op City Section Celebrating 50 Years of Service Stronger Than Ever.” The Co-op City Section of NCNW, Inc. is committed to service for the betterment of our immediate community and the society in which we live. Are you interested in health, education, cultural programs, voter registration, visiting shut-in and planning fundraising events? E-mail us at Ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com for more information or to request a membership application.

Our first membership meeting of the New Year will be on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The Zoom information to access our meeting will be emailed to all members closer to the meeting date. Section members are reminded that both section and national dues are past due. National dues ($50) can be paid online by visiting NCNW.org or by mailing a check made payable to National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Receipt of online payment of national dues should be sent via email to 2nd Vice President of Membership Akeisha Neely at NCNWCoopCitySocial@gmail.com. Checks for section dues ($25) should be made payable to NCNW Co-op City Section. Both checks should be mailed to NCNW, Inc. Coop City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. We also have a new PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NZF3GRVSU5946.

Book Club – The Book Club is excited to announce the new adult book for 2021 will be “A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown. The death of Cupcake’s mother takes her down a spiraling path of life events. Join us on Saturday, January 9, at 3 p.m. via Zoom to discuss how Cupcake beats the odds. The third book club chat in our children’s series will be a mommy and me event on Saturday, January 16, at 3 p.m. We will be discussing “Dancing with Butterflies: Discovering Mindfulness Through Breathing” by Adrienne Barr. This beautifully illustrated mommy and me book encourages readers to manage anxiety with an easy-toread story. Pre-order your hardcover, personalized autographed book, coloring pages and a bookmark. For more information and to register, email NCNWCoopCitySocial@gmail.com.

Women Represent – With the topic of “Justice,” Women Represent! returns via Zoom. April is the month. Are you a performance poet? Are you a singer? Do you work in the legal field? If you would like information regarding participating our program, please contact Camille Worrell, chairperson of Women Represent!

2021 at worrellswords@aol.com. Please write Women Represent in the subject area. Our theme will be announced in January. All are invited to attend.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

Good health and happiness to all in this New Year!

—Joyce Howard

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment Reflect, Revise, Reset Happy New Year! Take a moment to look back at 2020. I realize that this may be a little difficult to do. However, you cannot go forward without acknowledging where you came from or came out of. You have just come out of a year that you have never experienced before. You have met some extraordinary people who may have changed your life. You are amazed at how strong, resilient and creative you are. You learned how loved and appreciated you are.

You realized how important it is to take part in something that is much bigger than yourself. You realized life is to be enjoyed, not taken for granted and that love conquers all.

Yes, it is time to reflect, revise, and reset. Take on an attitude of gratefulness.

Be grateful for life: grateful to be blessed and be a blessing. We all want to be loved, appreciated, and recognized for our uniqueness and purpose. Gratefulness allows us to see things through the eyes of others. Gratefulness allows us not to judge one another but realize that we are all a work in progress. Gratefulness allows us to forgive, because we were forgiven at some point in our lives. Gratefulness reminds us that each day we wake up we are given another day to try to get it right. So, why not begin today? After all, it is a new day, a new year.

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment is here for you as you continue this journey of resetting and move toward a new normal. Starting in January, we will be hosting our free virtual “Let’s Talk” Caregivers Informational Support Sessions. Are you caring for someone with Cancer, Diabetes, COPD, MS, Alzheimer’s, End Stage Renal Disease or any other illness or disabilities? What stage of the Caregivers sputum are you in? Do you foresee yourself caring for a loved one in the very near future? Did you just enter the caregivers’ role? Have you cared for a loved one for over a year? Are you caring for an adult child or disabled child? Were you recently a family caregiver?

You all have something to give or receive. Join us as we connect, laugh, support, learn and encourage each other. Sign off from work, prepare dinner, and assure everyone is set up for the evening. Put your feet up, relax, exhale and take some “Me Time” and “Let’s Talk” about the things that concern YOU! Caregiving 101 will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 7 p.m., presented

by Senior Whole Health.

Join us, every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Each session is 45 min.

Registration is open. Register online at comeoutreach.org or leave a message at 718-379-3159.

—Diane Cooper

17

Section Four Partnership Happy New Year from the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City…

Support our Partnership fundraiser. Call us or email us to get yours!

T-shirts are $10 and all sizes are available while supplies last.

Zoom-in to the next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City, Sunday, January 10, at 3 p.m. We’ll do another Zoom workshop and tackle what’s important to you. Join us…Get involved…Email: section4partnership@gmail.com.

Phone: 347-915-4939. Let’s show up! Virtually! Let’s get it done! Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

Section 4 Partnership Mission Statement The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

Each one of us, divided by all of us, equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

Building 26 Association To all in Building 26, we are letting everyone know that the building association will be officially in recess until we can resume the use of the association room for our meetings. We hope and wish that everyone will have a safe & healthy winter. We are all aware of the Covid-19 virus and ask that everyone please wear masks, wash your hands and use sanitizer. Also, please keep safe distancing in the elevators with no more than four (4) people; laundry rooms with no more than five (5) people and public areas also.

The executive board wishes that everyone who celebrated or is going to celebrate holidays this season have had or will have a joyous time even with the pandemic looming around us all. We also want to wish all of our cooperators a Happy & Healthy New Year for 2021.

Thanks for the generosity from many of our cooperators during our yearly collection for the porters and Maintenance people. It was a success and each one received a generous gift for the holidays and they were extremely pleased. We also want to thank the volunteers who helped during the two collection days in each of the three lobbies. The volunteers were Pat Malave in the A lobby, Alice Jackson & Melissa in the B Lobby and Audrey Chambers and Barbara Penn in the C lobby.

We want to thank those who decorated our lobbies, Lloyd & Nancy Edmondson in the A lobby, Pat Malave in the B lobby and Barbara & Jared Penn in the C lobby. Each lobby looked beautiful and many people told us how much they enjoyed seeing the lobbies looking so festive.

On behalf of the executive board, we want to give our condolences to those who have recently lost loved ones and also our hopes for those who are not well; we wish them a speedy recovery. Please note that we wish our neighbors who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, etc. a joyous time and many more to come.

—Barbara Penn Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Noise complaints may lead to a fine. Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community.

—CSO Department

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

18

Community Protestant Church

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

For Youth Sunday School, call (712) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign.

For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call at (712) 432-3900, Access code: 343284, #.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC...On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for NOON DAY PRAYER AT CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Please join us via the Conference Call number above.

In his end-of-the year message last Sunday, Pastor Owens took his text from Luke 2:22-40: “And when the days of her purification according to the Law of

Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: … And, behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. … and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, … he took him up Him his arms and blessed God. … And there was one Anna, a prophetess, … And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord…” His topic was “Twas The Days After Christmas.” He questioned why the secret of Christmas has eluded many of us once again and left us with a gnawing sense of disappointment. He stated that if you have a longing in your heart that Christmas did not satisfy, it is time to recognize who Jesus really is.

That longing feeling is for Him. It is time for all of us to focus on the fact that Jesus is coming again.

Don’t put away the hope of Christmas. Keep it alive in our hearts.

Reminder: Flu vaccine now available.

Be safe from Covid-19. Practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations.

A Happy and Blessed New Year to all.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

From Chaplain Byaz – This is not the end – but the beginning of something new. May the love of the Father, grace of the Son and communion the Holy Spirit be upon all of you. We love you and miss you all. Get ready!!! Get ready!!! Get ready!!! Greater things are coming. Have a happy safe and blessed New Year, Retirees of Dreiser Loop.

Please contact Josephine Flowers, Good & Welfare coordinator, 718-320-0539, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Reminder-2: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, please send it to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm.

19, Bronx, NY 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Or, you can email us at dreiserretirees@verizon.net. Down the road, we are planning to be in touch via email.

Attention! The Retirees need experienced parttime, freelance drivers with a CDL license with Passenger endorsement with at least 3-years’ experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458 and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

—Delores Debnam

Join us at our Zoom Meeting: January 6 @ 7 P.M. Meeting ID: 935 5321 0675 Passcode: 323134 Request an application: peope1stdc@gmail.com

Pay your carrying charges online with ZEGO (Powered by PayLease)

Want to pay your carrying charges in a quick, secure and hassle free way? Just sign up with “Zego” (Powered by PayLease). Creating an online account is free and simple. Go to www.coopcitynyc.com and click on the “GoZego” link in the website footer at the bottom of the page. Once on the Zego page, click on “Resident/Homeowner login” on the top navigation bar and you will be prompted to create an account.

There are tremendous benefits when you pay your carrying charges online: • Online payments can be made via electronic check for free and via credit card for a small convenience fee.

• Payments will be received in one business day.

• E-receipt is provided as soon as a payment is made.

• Make a one-time payment and or set up AutoPay for automatic payments to avoid late payments resulting in late fees.

• A resident support center is available 24/7 for support and phone payments.

• Secure and easy payment system.

• Electronic payments cost less than checks, which helps save Rivebay shareholders’ money.

• Paying online with “Zego” helps to increase your credit scores • Current month carrying charges can be paid online up until the last day of the each month.

If you need additional information, please call the Finance Department (Bookeeping section), 718-320-3300.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 p.m.

You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and peace!

—M. Chambers

Goose Island Seniors

Happy and healthy New Year. Welcome to 2021.

The 2021 Membership cards have been mailed out to all members of 2020 automatically. I want to thank those members who gave a donation to Goose Island Seniors. We will not collect dues for 2021 but if you wish to donate $5, $10 or $15 it will help keep our club room for when we reopen. You may send your donation to the club address below. The pandemic has gotten worse and it will be wise to stay closed and keep the seniors home for now. We have just enough funds to cover us for 2021. We have cancelled the cable but left the phone on. Someone brought up in the Zoom Meeting that if we cut off the phone, we may lose our phone number which we had for years.

We have some of the best people in our club; I love you very much. Stay safe until we can gather again.

Words from the Goose Island president – Congratulations, we made it to 2021. We have lost so many along the way. Hopefully, we learned something on the journey. Every New Year, I look for everyone to keep the spirit they had during the holidays. Sadly, so many do not. There are some of us who have burdens and trials and we ask God for strength and it seems things get worse. It may seem God does not hear you, but He is actually there with you. Psalms 23:4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Someone said if the mountain was smooth, we couldn’t climb it. Because it is rough, we can grip it and make it to the top. Life is not always easy but God is with us leading every step and sometimes carrying us. The coronavirus vaccine is out. It is new. Make a wise decision.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of January: Novella White, Emma Keslinger, Mary Roach, Yolanda Jones, Othelia Jones, Edythe Rosenberg, Laura Sobelman, Estelle Lebowitz, Saul Weber, Linda Drax-Werner, Sarah Arteaga, Zulma Medina and Toby Landau.

Sick and shut-in – Marvine Hollman is doing much better. Thank you for your prayers. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president), sends her love to all.

Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center.

She will love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, in the Section 5 Community Center. Phone number: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed.

You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941.

Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered.

On behalf of my officers and myself, stay safe.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Please Turn On Your Headlights when driving in the parking garages.

19

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Mon., Jan. 4

No Activities

Body in Motion 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Exercise class via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Tues., Jan. 5

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9828183332 5?pwd=bERyOXIrZXlENWR4V2 RKU0NmdzAwdz09 Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Mobile: +1-929-205-6099

Wed., Jan. 6

Health and Wellness, 10 a.m.

-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola, 1 p.m. 2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 8

Thu., Jan. 7

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and Phone)

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

Chair Yoga w/Charles Tyler Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Passcode: 855423 Music Therapy, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 Passcode: 045708

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

“Zumba w/Ola,” 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 Call in number: 1-929-205-6099

“Creative Hour with Sister Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on how to make Floral Arrangements. Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915-3777-954.

Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org

Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of the month, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Conference call: 929-299-1045, Code: 1386

Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. w/ Ms. Margaret Kempe and students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, different games each Smartphione/Tablets Zoom week incl. Bingo. Please call 718-320Meeting w/Ralph 1:00 p.m. - 1345 to register and receive Zoom info.

2:00 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/2959552471? Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJN0 11 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, call JASA hUVnVFZz09 To register, please call the JASA office w/your name, email & phone. office with your name, email ad- Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us /j/ 93681329040?pwd=VGlHQWFRYW dress & phone number. d3SHkwOEd6aXRmaFIvZz09; Dial in: Meeting ID: 2959552471 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: 936 Passcode: 259554 Dial in: 1-929-205-6609 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554 Meditation w/Charles Tyler Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting link https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Must call or email to register: Passcode 770292 929-399-1387

Health and Wellness 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone)

Smartphone/Tablet Class w/Ralph 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Call Main Ofc., 718-320-2066, to register. Please give your telephone # & email address Stretch and Tone with Ola 1 - 2 p.m. (via Zoom or phone). Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 (NORC) Aerobic Classes Every Fri., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98682 358691?pwd=dS9ublovZ01mRVVYbEhCYng2SkZHdz09 Mobile: 929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691 Passcode: 849150

No Activities

Concerts in Motion 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/82906881632.

Dial in by phone: 646.558.8656 Meeting ID: 829-0688-1632

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

AARP Chapter #4997

From President Mickens: Dear members, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We are all looking forward to a Happy New Year. May 2021 bring Peace and Happiness to you and yours. AARP is working on behalf of our seniors. Updates to follow. Stay safe…

Keep in touch with each other; remember to continue to wash your hands, wear your face mask (including in the elevator and on public transportation) and maintain social distancing.

Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family

member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

FYI: We are updating our mailing list. If you have a change of address, home phone number or cell phone number, please contact Jean: 718-379-3742; Deborah: 718-379-6312.

Reminder: Our monthly Membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice. No word from Riverbay re the community center opening.

—Delores Debnam

Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – January 2021

New: Cooking demonstration, Black Beans Burger, Thurs., Jan. 7, 11 a.m. Zoom Meeting: https:// zoom.us/j/98850214910?pwd=M05KaTdQQ0h6ZFY 3OHY5blNXdjA1UT09, Meeting ID: 988 5021 4910, Passcode: 571702, Dial in: 929.205.6099.

New: Arthritis Exercise Class w/Damion on Thursdays beginning Jan. 7, 1-2 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 986 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762.

Tai Chi classes – Every Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5 d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09.

Mobile: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Zumba classes on Saturdays, 1-2 p.m. Co-op City Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/j/92928109097?pwd= Z1lwMHFNcDNRSGZZZ20vTmlZSmtLQT09.

Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Mobile: 929.205.6099.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sun., 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98867100439?pwd=eVhjY3Jzb3 FpNjdDOVRwbjYOUmFWdz09.

Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

Meditation Class – GPC, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., third Thursday of every month starting in January 2021.

Dial-in number: 929.299.1045, Passcode: 1386.

NEW: Computer learning Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number. https://zoom.us/j/93681329040?pwd= VGlHQWFRYWd3SHkwOEd6aXRmaFIvZz09.

Call in number: 929-205-6609, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554.

Light Housekeeping service is available w/Kris Agency. Housekeeping service is for 4 hours @ $15.00 an hour. If interested, call the JASA office, 718-320-2066.

JASA activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-320-2066 and give us your email address.

Sex Education – 1-2 p.m., Jan. 21, 2021 https://zoom.us/j/94340275929?pwd=RjRZTVVlZUh DNjQ3MGVGU05ZUFFtUT09 Meeting ID: 943 4027 5929, Passcode: 192010, Dial in number: 929-205-6099.

Bereavement Group changes – Starting January 2021, the Bereavement Group will be meeting on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 12-1 p.m.

NEW: Smartphones and Tablets Learning Technology Zoom meeting w/ Ralph – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/2959552471?pwd= aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJN0hUVnVFZz09.

Meeting ID: 295 955 2471, Passcode: 259554.

JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers present “I Have a Dream,” a MLK Presentation Readings and Tributes in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fri., Jan. 15, 2021, 2-4 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96621378242?pwd= Q1hrUldLdzBxUUNGRnlxVXRwcnoyZz09.

Meeting ID: 966 2137 8242, Passcode: 668219.

Dial by phone: 929-205-6099.

“TEA and TALK” with Kelly starting Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, 1-2 p.m. Moderator: Kelly Ardama will lead a discussion related to hot trending topics, discussed over tea. Dial in: 929-205-6099. Meeting ID: 945 0739 5832, Passcode: 415390.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

Emergency: 718-671-3050 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

20

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” –Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation – All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.) Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256, or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Remote Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing: We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com.

Temple door is currently closed until February.

Zoom Service: Sunday, 11 a.m., Bilingual Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English). Pray and Reflection Service Friday, 8 p.m. (English), 4.12 Youth Services Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

—Marta Medina

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services.

General information The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B; it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help the synagogue. We also need men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:00 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at 5:52 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, January 8, 2021, 4:26 p.m.

Good and welfare We sell Tree Certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all members Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in January.

For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in January, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and games After services and kiddush, your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

Baychester Library is open for Grab-and-Go service. Please make sure to check out nypl.org for more information and online resources.

Church of New Vision

From the Pastor’s Desk: On behalf of the Church of New Vision, we wanted to take a moment to send a note to let you know we are thinking about you during this special time of the year. While many are focused on the pandemic and what might be the politically correct thing to say or do in this wonderful holiday season, we remain focused on the “Christ” of Christmas.

We know that it can be challenging to go through the holiday season without the opportunity to come out to services at the church to fellowship with one another or even visit family. However, we want you to know that God is with you at all times. He will surely be your source of strength and comfort this year as He has in years past. So, with that in mind, we want to take this opportunity to thank God and pray that you and your family have a Blessed, Merry Christmas, as we as a church family celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As we look forward into the New Year 2021, our verse of the year is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen.

–Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the Word of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference line by calling 1-646-7699900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please MUTE your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, December 27, Worship Service theme: “We Are Who We Are by The Grace of God.” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10-11 “But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not, I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” Amen (Acts 4:33; Ephesians 1:6-7, 2:8-9; Romans 3:10-11, 3:23-24, 5:17-21, 12:6-8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; James 4:6) (grace).

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the bereaved families. May the love of God embrace, heal, strengthen, comfort and give you peace.

Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, wear a mask and stay safe!

Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

—Brenda Brown

Open Door Ministries “Reframe: Remembering the Past with Hope” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

When we reframe something, we remove it from its place and look at it from a new perspective. We examine it and sometimes place it in another location where it is better suited for its purpose. We should reframe past hurts, fears and bad decisions before they take hold of us and make us captive. By reframing, we gain power over negative things. If you forget where you came from, you weaken who you have become. We should not dwell in the past, but we also cannot forget what we have suffered and where we have sinned. A healthy memory will help us push forward despite past failures while at the same time making us cautious as we travel new roads in 2021.

1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Paul regretted the evil he had done but used it as an impetus to do greater good.

Jesus still bears the scars of his crucifixion as proof that he has overcome. Our past does not dictate our future but will mark and define us. The lines of maturity on our faces should give us pause to reflect before we make foolish choices or decide to continue to live in the past. “The butterfly does not look back at the caterpillar in shame, just as you should not look back at your past in shame. Your past was part of your own transformation.” – Anthony Gucciardi Things to remember: Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8:18 Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 1:6 I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text: 917-334-4407.

Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City Blvd. All Services are being held online. To join, please call 720-740-9746, Access code: 876631.

You are invited to join in worship services on the following days: Sundays: Worship service, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays: Prayer & fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning, 11 a.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will be held Wednesday evening, 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: Bible study and worship service starts at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Jesus promises US a blessed life if we put him first.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is there will heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two master; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what he shall eat, or what he shall drink nor yet for your body, what he shall put on . Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Where withal shall we be clothed?

Remember that he promised to supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Therefore, let us not to be anxious about the future, how we are going to live for years to come, how much money we want to leave behind. He gave us life and body therefore He will take care of us.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. for worship service on Zoom. You can join us by Zoom Video, https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102; Password: 788175#.

Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. To join, use the Zoom information shown above.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at noon. You can join using the Conference Call Line, 563-999-2090; Pin: #660065.

Friday Noon Prayer is held at 12 p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Sunday School for adults is held at 9:00 a.m. Use Conference Call Line shown above to join in. Sunday School for children and youth are held as follows: Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) 802-5451; PIN/Access: 2788906 Juniors (9-11years old), 3:30 p.m.; ZOOM: (516) 259-9274 (no access code required) Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m.; FCC: (701) 802-5230; PIN/Access: 3559529 Flu season is here, don’t forget to get your flu shot. If you have not had Shingles, you should also consider getting the Shingles vaccine.

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear a mask, practice social distancing and stay safe!!!!

GOD will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year to the Co-op City community.

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Hattie L. Lucas

Newsong Church The Gift of Worship

21

11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. –Matthew 2:11-NLT The original word for worship in this verse, means to prostrate yourself out of reverence and blow kisses in the direction of the other person. This seems like a strange way to greet anyone especially a young child. So why would these prominent magi from the Far East worship a Jewish child in this way?

In the ancient eastern culture, when two people of equal status greeted one another, they would kiss on the lips. If there was a slight difference in status, they greeted one another by kissing each other on the cheek. If one was inferior to the other, he would touch his forehead to the ground and as he was bowing down, he would blow kisses towards his superior. This is the kind of adoration and reverence they gave to Jesus.

Although they were somebody in their culture, when these wise men encountered Jesus, they immediately humbled themselves and gave Him the highest honor.

Google the word “worship” and the images that appear are people in a corporate setting lifting their hands and singing songs. But worship is more than a service, it’s a lifestyle. As followers of Jesus, it’s something that we do 24/7. It’s found in our attitude and in our actions. For instance, every time we say “yes” to something that God wants, or obey His word, we’re worshiping. Every time we serve the needs of others, whether in the church, at work or in school, it’s an act of worship. When we financially give to the work of the church, when we offer our natural talents and abilities to help build and equip the church, it’s an act of worship. Giving is an essential part of our worship and service to God, it flows out of our love for God. It’s been said… “You can give without love, but you cannot love without giving.” The more we fall in love with Him, the more we give our time, talents and treasure to Him. The magi got it right. They didn’t know all the details, but they knew that there was a child that was born King of the Jews. They knew that He would be Savior and King, and when they finally found Him, they worshiped Him. They bowed down and blew kisses to God in the flesh. What about you? Have you encountered Jesus? If not, He wants to meet with you. He loves you. If you are a Christian, how many kisses have you thrown Jesus’ way lately? Today you get a chance to worship Jesus through your words and your actions. On Sunday, you get a chance to attend church and participate in corporate worship. Jesus gave it all for us, the one thing we can give back is our worship!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

RIVERBAY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

LOCKSMITH

Please see page 7 for information on how to apply for employment opportunities within Riverbay Corporation.

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

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APPLIANCE REPAIR

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Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson

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• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish);

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

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718.792.2655

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station) 10/2021

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PAINTING

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Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

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COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

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Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

1-800-479-2667

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CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES

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• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

www.co-opsales.info DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

UPHOLSTERY

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

Custom Craftsmen – 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers - Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs $8.99 & up. Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made, Refinishing, Touch Up & Polishing of Furniture.

3314 White Plains Rd., STYLISH DECORATORS Bronx, NY 10467

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Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! 1/30

PUBLIC SAFETY

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 www.ccpd.us If you SEE something, SAY something!

Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form;

NEW STYLE BLINDS

All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

Executive Exotic Limo

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods:

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight garages.

If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City property, please call Public Safety at 718-671-3050.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material.

All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

As we prepare to press the RESET button for entering the new year, a few “thank you” acknowledgements are due.

First, my personal “thank you” to the officers of our building association: Peter Garcia, Sandy McMichael and Darlene Dove, for continuing to step up to the plate and give of their time to attend meetings and maintain records; coordinate building services with Riverbay staff and Management; and, make this a vibrant and safe community through the activities, like distributing masks and holiday celebrations.

Thanks to the core of cooperators that stay active and knowledgeable by attending meetings, helping with building functions, i.e., Halloween Candy Giveaway, and keeping us safe by saying something when they see something.

Each year, the association collects a holiday gratuity for our building porters and staff. We thank all of you that were able and willing to give so generously.

Surprisingly, the economic situation did not impact the contribution level. Sandy McMichael leads this event, and this year was supported by cooperators Kevin

Happy New Year!

Public Safety

(Continued from page 7)

stairwell door to look and see what is going on inside the stairwell, call the Coop City Department of Public Safety, (718) 671-3050, immediately. We will respond and check the area and take the necessary enforcement action.

Objects out the window, noise and dogs in the building are also areas where calls from the public are very useful in helping with enforcement. All of these can be lease infractions and can be very sensitive and technical situations.

Cooperators should never attempt to confront the offender but call Public Safety immediately. Try to remember and convey as much information and details to the dispatcher Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street while maintaining 6-foot social distance. Coop City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment.

Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members.

People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As we hear of the announcements of approval of more than one type of vaccine, people may be starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic. This is not the time to let your guard down. We have come too far to let all of our hard work go to waste now. Protection from the vaccination will not help the community at-large until a high percentage of individuals receive the vaccination. Speak to your doctor about which vaccination is the best for you.

We must continue to follow the current recommendations for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19. Thank you to all of the Co-op City residents who are doing a good job wearing masks and maintaining social distance. For those who can do a better job, please do your best to follow the regulations. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-671-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

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Jones, Jesse Williams, and Peter Garcia. We thank Neil Henry for helping Peter with the holiday lighting.

Today, Saturday, January 2, we will distribute masks from 10 a.m. until noon, or whenever the supply is depleted (2-3 per household). We also have liquid sanitizer, so cooperators can bring 4-6-ounce bottles to fill. Additionally, each household can enter a chance to win a gift basket to welcome in the New Year.

Most will agree and as a spiritual leader framed it, 2020 has been a year of “Un’s” – unexpected loss, unprecedented change, unimaginable pain, unpreparedness for “warfare,” unresolved issues, and unforeseen trials. It told us, forced us to be still and to reckon with what is truly important in life, and to reflect on ourselves, on our families and loved ones, and with our purpose. Yet, we have all walked through this year and are still standing. My wish is that your faith still stands and carries you through a wiser, healthier, and kinder 2021. Happy New Year to all!

—Josie Ferguson

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Co-op City Times / January 2, 2021

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes o f Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Lo w Ra te s Fo r T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Licensed Insurance Agent

PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION.

Not Pictured: Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative; Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

The Wright Agency (near Eastchester Road)

COVID COMPLIANT

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

Courteous Staff!

Appointment Hours: Mon. & Wed.: 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tues. & Thurs.: 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!