Co-op City Times 02/13/21

Vol. 56 No. 7

Take the wi-fi survey; help Management advocate for better internet connectivity

Riverbay Corp. has teamed up with the Emergency Management program at Metropolitan College of New York to survey Co-op City residents about their internet connectivity. Data is collected about families’ cell phone use, computers and televisions. You can help by taking the survey online at https://tinyurl.com/y4k9orc4, or point your phone’s QR Reader at the QR Code in the flyer on page 15 in this issue to complete the survey.

At the conclusion of the survey, you will be shown how to test and document your internet speed.

Management will use the data collected to try to help Co-op City families get better internet service from their cable provider. With more families working and in remote learning from home during the Covid19 pandemic, internet connectivity and wi-fi access are an uphill struggle for many. Some families complain about weak signals and others about inconsistent, (Continued on page 3)

Indoor dining has returned

Saturday, February 13, 2021

$1.25

HCR approves Board resolution implementing fines for not wearing face masks in common areas Enforcement begins Tuesday, Feb. 16

The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) has advanced Riverbay Board of Directors’ Emergency Resolution 21-04 to implement an administrative fine of $50 to anyone over the age of 2 in a common area of the development without a face mask or appropriate face covering. The policy becomes effective Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.

Emergency Resolution 21-04 was passed at the Board’s January 27, 2021 business meeting with an affirmative vote from 14 directors and one abstention. In a Feb. 8 memo to the Board of Directors, HCR’s director of the Office of Integrated Housing Management, Alfred Walcott, issued the agency’s approval of Emergency Resolution 21-04, clearing the way for implementation. (See memo on page 2.)

Previously, on January 25, 2021, HCR notified owners, managing agents and site managers of Limited Profit and Limited Dividend Mutual Housing Companies through HCR’s Memorandum #2021 - B - 2 (updated on Jan. 28) that in so far as NYS Public Health Regulation of Nov. 27, 2020 provides that those who medically can tolerate face coverings in public places when social distancing is impossible should wear such face covering, and that building owners and those operating on their behalf can deny admittance to anyone who does not comply with the regulation, then, pursuant to Section 17(s) of the Private Housing Finance Law – providing the housing company’s internal governing documents grants the cooperative authority to create bylaws, rules and regulations governing its residents and their guests – HCR regulations provide that “rules of tenancy should be established by a housing company to provide reasonable control of tenant or cooperator’s actions which might ‘infringe on rights of other tenants or cooperators to peaceful possession of their apartment or tend to impair residential character of a housing development’.” Such measure, however, must have HCR’s review and approval.

Riverbay Senior Attorney Michael Munns affirmed, “Riverbay’s Occupancy Agreement authorizes the Board of Directors to adopt reasonable rules and regulations which shareholders must comply with.”

BY ROZAAN BOONE

(Continued on page 2)

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Indoor dining in New York City returned in limited capacity yesterday after an announcement earlier in the week by Governor Cuomo.

Restaurants will be allowed to serve up to 25% of their seating capacity in addition to take-out and delivery options. However, 10 p.m. still remains the statewide curfew for restaurants, according to Governor Cuomo.

“We respond to the facts that we face today. The facts may change tomorrow and then we will change with the facts. The enemy changes tactics, we adjust with the enemy, but the numbers are down now,” Governor Cuomo said during a press briefing earlier this week.

(Continued on page 3)

Riverbay Holiday Closing & CCTimes deadline notice

In observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, Riverbay Administrative Offices will be closed.

For emergency services, please call: MAINTENANCE: 718-320-3300, press option 2 PUBLIC SAFETY: 718-671-3050 Because of the shortened work week, all articles and directors’ viewpoints submitted for publication in the Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 issue must be received prior to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Material received after this time will be considered on a first come basis as space allows.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Have a safe Presidents’ Day!

We wish our readers a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Snow, snow and more snow Frigid temperatures are again sweeping the city as we prepare for more snow this week. Meteorologists are keeping an eye on a couple of systems moving into our area. Tonight into Sunday, a mixture of snow and ice is expected which could cause slippery conditions so pedestrians and drivers alike are cautioned to take extra care when navigating the walkways and roadways. The next system being watched is Monday night into Tuesday, and finally, another snowstorm is predicted for Thursday.

Last Sunday, Feb. 7, Mother Nature deposited about 47” of the fluffy stuff. At right, members of the Riverbay Janitorial department teamed up to tackle the clean-up in Section 3. So far this season, New York City has already seen more than 32.5” of snow, surpassing the city’s seasonal average snowfall. In 2019-2020, NYC recorded only 4.8” of snow.

Photo courtesy Building Janitorial Dept.

NYC’s middle schools eye a Feb. 25 reopening

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Some semblance of normalcy returns for New York City’s middle schools as they are set to reopen later this month beginning on February 25.

Earlier this week, New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced the update in a letter to parents.

“We are pleased that we can now re-open our buildings to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 in a manner that prioritizes health and safety, while offering the educational experience of learning with our dedicated educators in person,” Carranza said in the letter.

While this update means that by the end of February

approximately 250,000 public school students will be back attending their hybrid learning classes, parents should keep in mind that not every middle school will be able to reopen to their full capacity right away. In fact, according to Chancellor Carranza only about half of the city’s public middle schools will be able to have in-person instruction for five days a week beginning on February 25. The remaining middle schools that are unable to accommodate their entire student bodies for a full week right away will continue working to reach that goal in the coming months, Carranza added. “When we talk about the city coming Continued on page 4)

2

Fines

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

Emergency Resolution 21-04 was introduced by Board President Linda Berk after numerous complaints were received by Board members and Management from shareholders concerned about the inordinate number of neighbors and visitors to the property who continue to blatantly disregard the Public Health Regulation and local government guidance to wear a mask or other appropriate face covering in common areas of their residential building to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health. “When HCR notified us that they were granting Mitchell-Lama developments the right to impose a fine for shareholders not wearing masks, I felt it was critical for us to seize the opportunity to make a statement because we are such a large community and also especially because we are the largest NORC in the country,” stated Ms. Berk. “Public health is not an individual decision and when things affect the public health – the health of our shareholders – it becomes a community responsibility. Some are not taking it seriously, not necessarily a lot, but for those who do, it puts the rest of the community in jeopardy. I felt the need for us to make a statement of how serious this issue is for the entire community.”

Board President Berk acknowledged that what shareholders do within the confines of their apartment is one thing and their right. “However, when in the laundry rooms, on the elevators, or any of our garages or community centers, they are expected to protect everyone, including themselves,” she said. “We continually encourage people to follow the rule of only four to an elevator and five in the laundry room at a time, and to wear your mask; the only way we can ensure that hap-

pens is if we individually follow the rules.”

Riverbay Management has prominently displayed signs and posters in residential buildings, community centers and garages reminding shareholders of their personal responsibility during the COVID pandemic to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and observe social distancing. These messages are carried regularly in the Co-op City Times and on the Riverbay Crawler emphasizing how vitally important it is for shareholders and visitors to the property to adhere to these guidance.

“Masks work to prevent the spread of the virus. This is a fact,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s Executive General Manager. “We have relied on residents to act responsibly and most have. This community complaint is targeted to increase compliance from those who potentially put their neighbors and fellow cooperators at risk.”

Addressing criticism by some residents that this is just a money-making gambit, Ms. Berk emphasized emphatically: “This is about people’s lives, not just their health. This resolution is a means of making a statement of how serious it is for people to wear masks. Therefore, Public Safety will be vigilant, and if they have masks available, will offer people a mask as opposed to giving them a fine, however, we each have a personal responsibility to wear a mask when leaving our apartment. We sincerely hope the community takes this to heart to protect all of us as we get through this challenging and difficult pandemic.”

According to Emergency Resolution 21-04, fines will not be issued to children under the age of 2, to anyone inside of an apartment or any person who qualifies for a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the NYS and NYC Human Rights Law. The resolution further states that the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) will encourage persons to wear a mask and, if available, will offer a free mask and only issue a fine as a last resort.

CCPD’s Chief Joseph Riley said: “I am thankful for the Board’s proactive action in providing shareholders an extra level of protection by passing a resolution that is solely designed to increase public safety. During these challenging times, the majority of our community realizes the need to practice social distancing and wear appropriate face coverings and masks that cover the nose and mouth. I hope that this resolution will reinforce in the few shareholders who have not complied with the recommendations of governmental and health experts pertaining to appropriate and important Covid-19 safeguards the importance of doing so. Emergency Resolution 21-04 contributes towards making every shareholder, employee, and visitor to our community safer.”

Common areas of residential buildings include hallways, stairways, elevators, laundry rooms, lobbies and basements.

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Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

No Parking on M.S. 181 School Lot Violators will be towed at Owner’s Expense

Shareholders, please be aware that effective Wednesday, February 24, 2021, the parking lot and loading dock area behind M.S. 181 Pablo Casals School, located at 800 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY, will no longer be available for your use between the hours of 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Cars parked on the school’s property will be towed at owner’s expense

For many years, as a good neighbor gesture, the school has allowed shareholders in neighboring buildings to utilize their parking lot for overnight parking with the understanding that cars must be moved by the beginning of the school day 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Thank you for your cooperation. Stay safe and healthy.

Wi-Fi Survey

(Continued from page 1)

less than desirable internet speeds which is problematic especially with work and school deadlines to meet.

“It is clear that our residents need robust internet service to handle their virtual demands,” said Noel Ellison, Riverbay General Manager. “Riverbay recognizes that our long term agreement with Optimum/Altice will expire in a year or two and we need to be prepared to enter the next phase of connectivity requirements. We expect to receive inquiries from a growing number of service providers and will require empirical data to support our negotiating positions. In addition, good data will assist us in assessing the most viable service options for Co-op City’s future.”

Mr. Ellison added that the best way to gauge the service the community is experiencing now, and is looking for in the future, is for shareholders to participate in this survey.

“A strong response from Co-op City’s residents will help provide us with information that can help level the playing field when we sit at the table with the large internet service corporations,” said Mr. Ellison. “We strongly urge everyone to go online and complete the survey.”

Indoor dining

3 (Continued from page 1)

“We, overall, are in a footrace with the at the hands of this virus,” he said.

COVID spread. We are watching for “Thankfully, our pilot program to reopen variants. We’re watching for increased Buffalo Bills games to fans was an infection from variants. We’re watching unparalleled success and now we are vaccine effectiveness with some of these taking that model and expanding it to new variants of interest as they call them, other large venues across the state to not but the footrace is clear. It’s rate of only reinvigorate local economies, but vaccination versus rate of infection,” also help bring some fun and joy back Cuomo said, explaining New York’s into people’s lives as safely as possible. current COVID-19 situation as a whole.

In order for a professional sporting Indoor dining was not the only update venue to reopen for spectators, they must this week as the Governor also pass the current following checklist: announced the limited return of • Site must obtain Department of attendance at arenas and stadiums for Health approval. sporting events with a max capacity of • The venue must institute and 10,000 people. Limited spectators will enforce a 10% capacity limit. be allowed starting February 23, • All staff and spectators must receive Governor Cuomo announced. a negative COVID-19 PCR test within The Department of Health continues 72 hours of the event. to inspect eligible venues statewide, and • Site must mandate the continuous here in New York City, the Barclays wearing of face coverings and Center will be the first indoor venue to temperature checks for all those in host a sporting event with spectators attendance. since the pandemic hit.

• Site must mandate assigned, socially During a press conference on distanced seating.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, Governor Cuomo • The venue is responsible for explained the timing of this new collecting contact information from all development, “While we continue to those in attendance to help contact fight COVID on multiple fronts, we tracing efforts. must also get this economy re-opened • Site must have enhanced air intelligently and in a balanced way. Live filtration in addition to proper ventilation sports and entertainment have long been and purification standards. ingrained in the fabric of New York and • Retail, food services and athletic the inability to hold events has only activities must abide by all state-issued added to the isolation we have all felt guidance.

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

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Reopening

(Continued from page 1)

back strong, so much of it depends on our public schools. And our public schools have done amazing work throughout this crisis,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his media availability on Monday. “Teachers and staff will come in on the 24th to get ready. And then in-person education for kids at the middle grades, grades six to eight, up and running Thursday, February 25th. This is going to be great for New York City, and a lot of work has gone into this to make sure we are ready – and, of course, to always put health and safety first.”

Middle school parents who opted in for blended learning should also remember that the city’s public schools continue to randomly test 20% of their students and staff for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Notably, all students must consent to the testing before their first day of in-person instruction in order to attend classes.

In Chancellor Carranza’s letter to parents, he highlights that students who do not complete their consent form will be transitioned to fully remote learning.

As a reminder, parents can visit the mystudent.nyc portal and sign the permission slip. After logging in and clicking on the “Manage Account” tab, the permission slip appears in a dropdown menu under “Consent Forms.”

Parents who opted in for blended learning should be contacted by their child’s school with their schedule before February 25. If a parent has decided to change their child to fully remote learning instead, they can

go online to nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference to change their preference or by contacting their child’s school directly.

In order to maximize the seats available for inperson instruction, consistent attendance is necessary for every student. The student’s respective school will reach out to the parent should that student continue not showing up for their in-person classes. Additionally, students who irregularly show up for their classes will be transitioned to fully remote learning.

Looking ahead to next fall, the deadline for parents of prospective middle school students to apply has been extended to February 23. As for prospective high school students, the deadline has been extended to March 1.

Students are allowed to apply to up to 12 programs with their middle or high school application. Both applications can be found on the mystudent.nyc portal.

Parents who have questions can also call 718-9352009 for more information.

Children born in 2018 can begin applying this year for a spot in a 3-K program. The window to apply to a program opens on February 24 and the deadline is April 30. Parents who have not done so, should create a myschools.nyc account in order to apply to 3-K programs.

The portal shows parents a directory of all available 3K program options. Parents who have questions, need assistance with the application process or wish to apply over the phone can also call 718-935-2009.

IMPORTANT!

For up to date communication from Riverbay Corportion, read the Co-op City Times, tune in to the Riverbay Crawler on channel 12 (MATV) & channel 591 (Optimum), and register for Phone Tree notifications.

Thank you, Riverbay employees

A special thank you to the garbage removal crew at the Peartree garbage facility in Co-op City. During the Nor’easter 2021, this department was really put to the test.

We should all be thankful that this staff does the best they can in these “emergency” situations. Although the snow stopped a lot of day-to-day tasks, the accumulation of garbage never stops. With mostly everyone being home during the pandemic and because of the snow storm, the amount of garbage probably doubled. And, with Co-op City being the largest building complex in the USA, we generate a lot of garbage. The number of dumpsters each building fills on a regular day is a lot but add a storm, and it definitely increases. Let’s tip our hats, stand up, shout out and give a standing ovation to this wonderful department that deals with the thing we all make but no one wants to deal with – garbage, trash, rubbish, etc. Keep up the great work, truck drivers, helpers, floor workers, porters, supervisor, and department heads. We thank you for keeping Co-op City the clean and beautiful place it has been for the past 50 years.

Thank you!

–Ruby Cruz

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Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Building 32 Association

Greetings, Building 32 co-operators!

Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day are both upon us. For Valentine’s Day, let us take a moment to tell those we love how we feel about them. If you ask me, I don’t think we need a single day to do this. We should do it every day, either with words, through actions, or both.

For Presidents’ Day, let us honor both leadership and service, two things we as a nation are desperate for during these harrowing times.

Therefore, please be mindful of COVID-19 guidelines. COVID is not only a challenge to the health and safety of those we love, but it is a challenge for those

who lead and for those who serve the community. The vaccine rollout has begun, and infection rates are down.

But COVID is not over. As of this printing, there were over 2600 deaths in one day. Just because hope is on the horizon with the vaccines, we must not become complacent. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands regularly, and social distance at least six feet.

It’s going to take love, leadership and service to see our way through to the other side of the pandemic.

In the meantime, stay strong, stay safe. And may we meet in person soon!

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Presidents’ Day! —Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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 in emotional distress, the number to call for help in NYC is 1-888-NYC-WELL (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, 718-671-3050, and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311.

Vermin – If you see any evidence of vermin, i.e. roaches, mice, etc., please contact the Call Center so they can send the exterminator.

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.

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

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 February “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

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6

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family. Last week, Wanda Randall and I distributed face shields throughout the building. Effective February 15, vaccine eligibility will open to those with a wide range of comorbidities. Please continue to wear a mask always, wash your hands often, and social distance whenever possible.

There have been numerous reports of evidence that someone is sleeping in the Garage 2 entrance level stairwell to the right of the main gate. Exercise caution while in Garage 2.

In further celebration of Black History Month, we honor Sarah Rector. Born the daughter of freedmen in 1902, Sarah Rector rose from humble beginnings to become the wealthiest Black girl in the nation at the age of 11. Sarah and her family were African American members of the Muscogee Creek Nation who lived in the Black town of Taft, Oklahoma, considered Indian Territory. Following the Civil War, Rector’s parents, formerly enslaved by Creek Tribe members, were entitled to land allotments under the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887. As a result, hundreds of Black children, or “Creek Freedmen minors,” were each granted 160 acres of land as Indian Territory in 1907. While lands granted to former slaves were usually rocky and infertile, Rector’s allotment from the Creek Indian Nation was located in the middle of the Glenn Pool oil field and was initially valued at $556.50. Strapped for cash, Rector’s father leased his daughter’s parcel to a major oil company in February 1911 to help him pay the $30 annual property tax. Two years

later, Rector’s fortune took a major turn when independent oil driller B.B. Jones produced a “gusher” on her land that brought in 105,000 gallons per day. Sarah Rector began earning more than $300 a day.

In January 1914, the Kansas City Star published the headline, “Oil Made Pickaninny Rich.” At the time, a law required Native Americans, Black adults, and children who were citizens of Indian Territory with significant property and money to be assigned “well-respected” white guardians. As a result, Rector’s guardianship switched from her parents to several white men. NAACP leaders fought to protect her and her fortune. By the time she turned 18, Rector was worth an estimated $1 million, or about $11 million today. She owned stocks and bonds, a boarding house, a bakery and a restaurant in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

She eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she bought a grand home that still stands today, known as the Rector Mansion,” according to the Amsterdam News. In 1922, she married Kenneth Campbell, the second African American to own an auto dealership.

Rector lost most of her wealth during The Great Depression. When she died at age 65 on July 22, 1967, she only had some working oil wells and real estate holdings.

“Poverty is what happens when people give up caring for one another.” –Unknown Good health to you.

—Linda Collins

African American Association

Youth Committee Members (top, l-r) Malcolm Nembhard, Michelle Marbury, Cheryl Jenkins, Amadi Bourdain, Jennipher Martiena, Jannett Martiena, Amir Oberry, Francine Reva Jones, Mosi McCloud, Kevin Lambright, Joaquim Norment, Aaliyah Carter, Thais Norment and Sanaya Norment.

Black Film Festival Recap The 24th Annual Black Film Festival went off without a hitch. Seventy-two attendees were present at our annual event and Tribute to The Ancestors. We included film shorts on Hollywood Legend Cicely Tyson and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Although we missed being in the Bartow Center having Miss Reva’s sandwiches and punch, we like to think we took “lock-down lemons” and made Black History Celebration Lemonade! The addition of guest speakers from our own Youth Committee of Co-op City, and special invited guest speakers, Minister Arthur Muhammad of the Muhammad Mosque #7 in Harlem, and Activist Omowale Clay of the December 12th Movement, took the virtual event to the next level.

Highlight from Youth Committee’s Jannett Martiena We are very proud of all of our Youth Committee members for their work and commitment to last week’s Tribute to the Ancestors presentation. We hope you enjoy this work, written by 16 year old Jannett Martiena on the life of Barbara “B” Smith and delivered during the AAACC’s Tribute to the Ancestors.

“Hello, my name is Jannett Martiena. I am 16 years, I am a junior in high school, and I will be talking about B. Smith.

Barbara ‘B.’ Smith has been heralded by The New York Times as “a Renaissance woman.” B. Smith was an incredible jack of all trades. Though she is most known for her successful restaurant businesses, she excelled in all avenues of the busi-

ness and fashion realm.

B. Smith began her career modeling, participating in the Ebony Fashion Fair and later signing with the Wilhelmina Modeling agency. Smith was even the first Black woman model to be featured on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine in 1976. The New York Daily News described her as “one of the most important African-American style mavens of all time.” Smith accepted a role in the Off Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore, the award-winning play by Nora and Delia Ephron.

In 2012, Smith was inducted into the American Chef Corps. She ran three B. Smith restaurants: on Theatre Row in Manhattan; in Sag Harbor, New York; and in Washington, DC. Smith was even honored with a 2012 Silver Spoon Award for sterling performance by Food Arts. Barbara “B.” Smith: We salute you!”

Be a card carrying member of the AAACC Membership is only $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. Kindly send a check or money order only.

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

—Michelle Marbury

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

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

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 Remember: 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 / February 13, 2021

Public Safety Report

7

February 2021 SCAM of the month – Valentine’s Day Phishing Scams

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety conducts research in order to provide cooperators with the most up-to-date information on current scams. There are numerous agencies that track and report trends in scams. The fact that scammers would target Romance right in time for Valentine’s Day is proof that nothing is sacred in the world of scammers. Pursuit of love or the perfect romantic partner may leave some people at risk of becoming a scam victim.

Scam artists are a very clever group of people. They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims.

Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. This year in particular, people are spending more time at home. This loneliness is resulting in more people using online dating and chatting sites. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim.

Valentine’s Day is a day of wonder and joy for many couples around the world. Unfortunately, it is also a special day for cybercriminals.

Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, date of birth or Social Security number. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know and have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Also, be leery of fake flower or chocolate websites. Always be sure to enter a website directly into your browser; never click on a link from an email. Sometimes one letter off can take you to a fake website. This is true every day, not just Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day should be a time for love and romance. Instead, it has been a new avenue for thieves to try to scam unsuspecting victims. Use caution when giving out personal information on dating websites. Be wary of anyone who wants you to leave the dating website to engage in conversation in another forum such as email, telephone, texting or apps such as “Hangout” or “WhatsApp.” Be cautious of anyone who states they love you in just a short time of online communication.

Valentine’s Day creates a frenzy of shoppers wanting to buy that perfect gift for that special someone. Sometimes, shoppers become so engrossed in the desire to get a real bargain that they fail to have their guard up and can fall victim to a shopping scam. Always remember, the deal that seems too good to be true may not be what it seems. Fake websites may offer counterfeit merchandise or even no merchandise at all. The Valentine’s Day gift buying frenzy puts shoppers in a mindset where they do not see the potential for fraud. Wanting to surprise that special someone with something special can result in shoppers not seeing potential fraud.

Cybercriminals know this and create phishing emails containing popular Valentine’s Day gifts such as flowers, chocolates and jewelry. By clicking on links, unsuspecting shoppers may be handing over personal information, triggering a malware download onto their device, or opening a compromised attachment leading to a ransomware infection.

Some people may read about these scams and wonder how anyone could possibly fall for them. Scam artists are very persistent; they blanket a large number of potential victims until they find their prey. The internet has made it extremely easy for scam artists to target millions of potential victims with a single touch of a button. Telephone or regular mail scam artists work a little harder but do eventually find their victim. Bold scammers have even been known to approach their potential victim in person at their door or in a public place.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for reporting internet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

Some schools are open; DRIVE CAREFULLY. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Yes, some die-hard bike riders do ride bikes in the winter. Snow makes this even more hazardous. Motor vehicle operators must be extra vigilant.

Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers.

Bicycle riders must be courteous to pedestrians. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

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

Public Safety Blotter January 31 – February 6, 2021 January 31, 2021 – 100 Co-op City Blvd.

Upon investigating a report of graffiti to an apartment door, the cooperator inside the apartment was issued a Community Complaint for Defacing Riverbay property.

February 4, 2021 – 120 Darrow Place CCPD units were dispatched for a barking dog. The dog was on the approved Riverbay dog list, however, no one responded after several attempts to make contact with someone inside the apartment. The apartment was issued a Community Complaint for loud and excessive noise.

February 6, 2021 – 100 Casals Place CCPD responded to a noise complaint and discovered a cooperator who turned down the music but was smoking in the hallway. The individual was issued a Community Complaint for Smoking.

February 6, 2021 – 125 Dreiser Loop A female reported that an unknown male snatched her cell phone from her hand and ran off. A canvass of the area was conducted with negative results.

The matter is under further investigation with the CCPD Detective Squad.

If your Valentine’s Day plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce Drunk Driving deaths and injuries. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it can save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or getting ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. Observant cooperators are a valuable tool in helping to fight crime in the community.

Wishing a Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my readers.

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.

Beginning Tuesday, February 16, non-compliant shareholders who fail or refuse to properly wear masks or face coverings are subject to a $50.00 Community Complaint violation. 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. 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. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY 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.

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

8 Director’s Viewpoint – Sonia

Feliciano, Treasurer

United, we have power

Dear fellow shareholders, Hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy.

The Riverbay Corporation was asked by the state if we could provide a location for a vaccination popup site which we did at the Bartow Center at 2049 Bartow Avenue from January 30th to February 1st. The flyer that was circulated, “SOMOS is here with the vaccination of hope,” indicated that eligible New Yorkers could register on the SOMOS website or call to obtain an appointment for one of the days the vaccinations was being offered. For many, the website did not work nor did the listed number. We were under the impression that this pop-up site was for Co-op City residents in the 10475 zip code, but this was not the case. People with appointments came from all over, as far as Long Island, to get vaccinated. I was extremely disappointed that approximately 160 vaccines per day over three days was not going to fulfill the need of a community of 50,000 residents of which we have 6,000 seniors.

The state’s response to the COVID-19 vaccination drive was handled poorly and Assemblyman Benedetto, State Senator Bailey and Councilman Riley were made aware. As a community, we should not be fighting so hard to have a place where we can get vaccinated. Travelling to other places for many is not an option and just like we have a testing site, having a vaccination site should have been the number one priority for our community. The Riverbay Corporation nor its Board of Directors, while providing a location and security to ensure social distancing guidelines were met, should

not be blamed for the chaos that ensued. There was no proper set up and no organization of any kind. There were residents who were lucky enough to get vaccinated, but many were turned away when the vaccines ran out. It was a dismal experience for residents waiting outside in the cold weather, but unfortunately, with the amount of people present, we could not maintain adequate social distancing which is why there were lines outside. The citizens of this community are just as vulnerable and we did not deserve what we got. As a community, we should always remember that we have power and that we need to have our voices heard.

Assemblyman Benedetto was present on January 30 and was just as annoyed and embarrassed at the turn of events. He admits that mistakes were made and that this serves as a learning opportunity for this not to happen again. Our hope is that we can work with our legislative officials to impress upon the Governor’s office that we need a site right here in Co-op City to serve our community. We are the largest NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), and we are a community of 50,000 residents, a city within a city.

The 45th Precinct Community Council sponsored a NARCAN (naloxone) seminar educating all who attended on the effects of Opioid addiction and what we can do as a community to help someone who may be having an Opioid overdose. In 2021, Opioid use in the area serving the 45th Precinct had 6 overdoses, 5 fatal and 1 non-fatal, compared to 4 in 2020. Opioid use (fentanyl, heroin, prescription drugs, morphine and many others) are on the rise and its use can lead to a fatality. COVID-19 and the overdose crisis has shined

a light on this epidemic. The NYS Health department is introducing programs that provide education on this societal issue. The Bronx is impacted heavily in disproportionately affected communities and learning about the effects gives us greater understanding and keeps us knowledgeable. Not only are we educated, but a Narcan kit is provided that you can use to save a life.

The Riverbay Corporation is going to partner with the Department of Health representative Matthew Carrion to bring this seminar to the community. There will be more information in the Co-op Times and the Community Relations newsletter. Mr. Carrion said it best, “with education comes empowerment.” A special thank you to John Doyle, vice president of the 45th Precinct Council. This brings value and education for all.

I cannot stress enough the use of masks. Masks serve as a protection to all of us. Wearing masks in public places is necessary to avoid any spread of the disease. Masks dangling from the ear, pulled down below the nose or resting on your chin is not proper use as it increases the risk of potentially spreading to others. Coughing, sneezing and talking releases germs in the air that affect others nearby. Never get into an elevator with a person who is so disrespectful that they won’t wear a mask. It is not worth a life. I encourage you to wear your mask and educate others as well.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me on 917-992-7311. You can also reach me through the Board liaison’s office or via email, sfeliciano@riverboard.com.

Stay well and be safe.

We are Shareholders First – We Matter.

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Are you a Baby Boomer caregiver?

Caregivers provide much of the care or assistance for people with health problems or disabilities living in the community. They help family members or friends with activities important for daily living such as bathing and dressing, paying bills, shopping, and running errands. Caregiving can also include emotional support or help with managing a chronic disease or disability. This can happen in the caregiver’s home, the care recipient’s home, or long distance.

Baby boomers are people born from 1946 through 1964. Caregiving is a common experience among baby boomers. One in four baby boomers is a caregiver.

Caregiving can come at a cost to your health. A CDC study found that baby boomers who are caregivers have more chronic disease, more disability, and lower self-rated health compared to baby boomers who are not caregivers.

The study found that over half of all baby boomers are employed. If you are a caregiver, your life and work can be affected in many ways because of the care you give. Baby boomers play a vital role in the care of the elderly. Attempts to balance all the demands can be hard on your physical and emotional health, despite the great sense of reward you may feel.

If at all possible, preparation is the key to safeguard your loved ones’ asset. Consider having a conversation with your loved one regarding the following: Blocking scammers from calling. Add your parents’ home and mobile phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. Sign your parents up for free credit reports. Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to give you a free credit report every 12 months if you ask for it. Help them to set up automatic payments. Work with your parent(s) to have their utility bills, mortgage payments, and credit card payments taken care of automatically. Reach out to a financial planner to discuss the various ways your parent(s) can simplify their portfolio and how to set aside money for future long-term care. Consult with an Elder Law Attorney regarding the need for a

will, living will, living trust, guardianship or a durable Don’t forget to register for our upcoming 45 minute power of attorney (POA). A durable POA can act on a “Let’s Talk” Informational Caregivers Support Session person’s behalf financially and legally when they are on February 17, at 7 p.m. Topic: Medicaid Myths and no longer able to do so. It can help people with de- Facts: What you know and do not know about the mentia and their families avoid court actions that could Medicaid changes, presented by Alyssa Monteleone, remove control of a parent’s assets. Be sure to send a Elder Law Attorney. Please register online at copy of the POA to any company, organization, or fa- www.comeoutreach.org or call 718-379-3159 and leave cility your parent(s) use/s so you can communicate with your name and number.

—Diane Cooper them on your parent’s behalf.

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Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

National Council of Negro Women

Membership – NCNW Co-op City Section is kicking off our 50th Anniversary Celebration at our Membership Meeting on February 14, 2021 at 3 p.m. Our section began in 1971 when Roberta Boozé, Jessie Profit, Lillian Dean, Dorothy Edwards and Evelyn Garner, distinguished women in the Co-op City community, laid the groundwork to begin organizing the Co-op City Section under the direct sponsorship of Daisy S. George, a former National Vice President of NCNW. The five women met with the National President, Dorothy Irene Height, at her YMCA office to be briefed about NCNW. On February 14, 1971 the first meeting was held at Community Protestant Church in Co-op City. The organization was chartered on June 13, 1971 with over 50 Charter Members. The Co-op City Section looks forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary throughout the year. Stay tuned for our upcoming virtual events and programs all year long.

Health Committee – February is National Heart Health Awareness Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.

Heart disease is a serious and very common condition. If you have other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, you’re more likely to have heart disease than someone who doesn’t have these conditions. There are things that we can do to lower our risk of heart disease. Gradually become more physically active as tolerated to strengthen your heart. Activity can also promote weight loss as well, which lowers your risk for heart disease and can lower your blood pressure.

Don’t forget to consume a heart healthy diet which includes more vegetables and fruits and less saturated fats.

Book Club – The next book we will be reading for our adult book club will be “Caste: the Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. Wilkerson’s central thesis is that caste, while a global occurrence, achieves its most violent manifestation in the treatment of American Blacks. Her argument is based on exploration of three caste systems in history: the Indian caste system, the Nazi caste system and the American caste system – which the Nazis researched in creating their own. Start reading it now because it is so fascinating. Our discussion will be on Saturday, March 13, at 3 p.m.

Women Represent! – Join us Saturday, April 1, for Women Represent 2021!

This year’s theme, Black Women in Justice: All Rise, will recognize women’s rise to the top for justice! And there’s more, so you’ll have to stay tuned! Remember the date, Saturday, April 17, for an insightful and entertaining afternoon! If you would like information regarding participating in our program, please contact Camille Worrell, chairperson of Women Represent! 2021 at worrellswords@aol.com.

Please write Women Represent in the subject area.

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

—Joyce Howard

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We made it through the first snowstorm of 2021. Hope all is well and by now you have received your vaccine shot. Don’t miss the second shot, if required. Please continue to wear your mask, sanitize, and social distance. We will be fined $50.00 if one fails to wear a mask as long as you are on the premises of Co-op City. Most people are going about their daily lives, mask and all. Please follow the CDC guidelines for the sake of us all. Keep moving forward in this new year, staying positive, prayerful and keeping hope alive.

Happy Valentine’s Day, with the super bowl and all, please wear your mask, be very careful and mindful of your loved ones and those you are around to be here to celebrate next year.

Black History Month It was such a joy to see our youths of Co-op City in grand style on the virtual Zoom in partnership with the African-American Association. We were told the youths have named their committee (The Youth Café). Kudos to them. The youths gave their presentations of African Americans whom they admire and are inspired by, as they see it. So, we salute Malcolm/Kobe Bryant, Jennet/Barbara B. Smith, Jennifer/Kathern Johnson, Mosi/Mayor David Dinkins, Thais/Bill Withers, Amir/Ellis Marsalis, Amadi/Chad Bosnick and Joaquin/Coach Tom Johnson.

The youths are listed by their first names, ages 10 through 16. There were short previews of (films) Glory, the National Anthem sung by Alicia Keys, video of Cicely Tyson and Hank Aaron. A program well put together. Thank you to the proud (mom) and the hostess, Michelle Marbury, a job well done. We also salute the committee: Michelle Marbury, Cheryl Jenkins, Francine Jones and Kevin Lambright. God bless you all for mentoring our youths who are the future of Co-op City and beyond.

Window Guards/Safety information Remember, deadline is February 15, to respond to the questionnaire by law.

We have four ways to respond: by mail, fax, phone and online. This is the annual notice to protect a child from peeling lead paint and from falling from a window.

If a child 5 years or younger lives with you or visits, window guards should be installed. Good news, online form entry process took less than two minutes.

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. “We need leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity, but in love with Humanity.” –Martin Luther King.

—H. Overman

9

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 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 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines 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 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. New guests are welcome to register for pantry services through April. New registrants can receive food the same day they register.

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 a.m. – 1 p.m. It 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.

Recertification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry and picking up food packages at the 920 Baychester Avenue location must recertify at the pantry starting January 2021. A valid ID NYC card, a nondriver’s, 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 show an ID. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program.

Income eligibility for Emergency Food Support – Guests are now required to sign an Income Eligibility Form. The mandate is from the United States Department of Agriculture. The form declares that the household income is at or below 200% of the federal income poverty levels. The document specifies the eligibility requirements. Black Forum will supply the form to registered guests. We are aware that guests may pick up food from more than one agency in NYC. Each of those agencies may also ask guests to fill out the form.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum @gmail.com. Please stay safe.

—D. Illis

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

10 Director’s Viewpoint – Mary Sweet Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Enough of that. Now back to vaccine-talk.

Taking a Covid-19 vaccine is far less risky than not taking it. That’s the general consensus. And out of the roughly 135 million inoculations worldwide, what are the odds that an allergic reaction could lead to um…you know. I’m reading: .000025 – at most. Them’s good odds. Still people, especially people of color, aren’t so sure. In general, lots of people, at least in the beginning, worried about taking the new less-than-conventionally-tested vaccine. POC’s specific worries and hesitance can be described in one word: Tuskegee. Add to that: rampant internet myths and misinformation and you wind up with a heap of skepticism.

Last December, the MIT Technology Review published a piece on the Pfizer vaccine. “Reading the ingredient list is like looking at the side of a cereal box, except that you need a degree in organic chemistry to understand it.” Despite the laundry list of ingredients, the reviewer says, there is nothing in the two currently available vaccinations that isn’t in regular flu vaccinations, except, of course the magic ingredient (the inert virus matter that wakes up our own immune system protections). Pfizer made sure to remove a certain suspect preservative that, though proven safe, had gotten a bad rap, so that now, “There is no thimerosal—or any other preservative—in the Pfizer vaccine.” And addressing a bit of SciFi misinformation, the writer couldn’t help but snidely add, “No microchips, either.”

Fear of the vaccine isn’t the big worry, though. The big worry is how to find a shot for ourselves and our loved ones and everyone else we might run into whenever we venture outside our homes, aka our “bubbles.”

It’s getting much better by the day, but, oh, how poorly organized the initial rollout has been. The states were told, here’s the vaccine, you figure out the rest. The initial rollout was so slow that one CNN anchor said (around late December/early January) that at that rate it would take 10 years to innoculate all 330-odd million of us (minus the 70 million or so kids under 16 who are not yet permitted to receive the vaccine).

President Biden is promising 100 million shots in

Skepticism vs. Optimism Pearson, Secretary

his first 100 days, but NY Times columnist Michelle front page on February 3 with his quote: “Suddenly, Goldberg writes, that was then and this is now. Now our clinic was full of white people.” we’re on track to double that number and though we But boiled down, scarcity caused the inequity and don’t want to go back to the days where we needed abundance will correct the discrepancy. Remember to rely on “the power of positive thinking” instead of what the spokesperson from Health and Hospital said, that she’s thinking another couple of weeks and we science, we could all use a bit more optimism. Opticould get a handle on things, vaccine delivery-wise. mism, of course, is still hard to muster when even the And she said that on January 13th. tech savvy find it next to impossible to find a vacciThat’s why I’m still hopeful that by the end of nation location much less make an appointment. A March, anyone eligible to receive the vaccination psychologist tweeted: “The system is set up to be a (which is hinted will soon include people with cotechnology race between 25-year-olds and 85-yearmorbidity, aka, pre-existing conditions) will get their olds. That’s not a race, that’s elder neglect.” shot at a shot. Then it will become the job of the “inDistribution inequity is widely reported and undefluencers” to persuade the skeptics to join the “herd niable. Seems the wealthy manage to get more than immunity” ranks. their fair share even when it comes to vaccinations. Is One of those influencers is basketball-famer Kaanyone surprised by that? Public Advocate Jumaane reem Abdul-Jabbar whose inoculation was filmed as Williams’ January 31 statement noted, “…that the peoa PSA (public service announcement). In his Februple and communities of more color, disproportionately ary 1st NY Times editorial, he argued that basketball harmed by the pandemic, have been disproportionplayers would make great role models for young skepately hindered in equitable access to vaccination.” The demographic number percentages were tallied and – tics. He quoted recent numbers of people increasingly willing to take the Covid vaccine. Of those 65 though not as awful as in other areas – the NYC numand over, 85% of the population was willing to be bers brought outrage and embarrassment. vaccinated, a substantial increase from the time of In NYC, some people, about a fifth, preferred to the vaccine’s announced readiness. But the under 35 non-disclose, but in a population-to-vaccination percrowd has stayed put at 55%. (A later letter-to-thecentage comparison, the discrepancy was revealed in black and white. Whites got more than their share, Editor suggested that instead of the players taking getting 40% of the shots while making up 33% of the “vaxxies,” they should pose with their grandparents population, Asians got an appropriate 15% of the while the elders got the shot.) shots for their 14% population share, Latins got half But my favorite part of the article was the description of what Arnold Schwarzenegger said at his videoed their due – 15% of the shots but 29% of the populavaccination: “Come with me if you want to live.” tion, and Blacks, though 24% of the population, got Such good advice! Hold on. It’s comin’. And in only 11% of the shots. the meantime, stay safe.

It’s more than racial inequity, technological disReach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by advantage, or ideological resistance. The problem’s email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com. also financial and logistical. Who has enough free time to spend scouring websites or holding the phone to find and make an appointment? Who can afford to skip work, hop in the car, and travel wherever a shot slot opens up? The head of a nonprofit in Washington, DC made the NY Times

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing

Dear members and friends, Hope our readers are well and weathering the pandemic. The Coalition to Save Affordable Housing extends our sincerest condolences to cooperators who lost a family member or friend to COVID-19.

Fortunately, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in vanquishing the deadly virus with the successful launching of a vaccination program. However, in order to mitigate the spike of the second wave of the COVID we, even those who have been vaccinated, are advised to continue masking (even double masking), social distancing, washing hands and testing.

On November 3, 2020, the American voters gave a resounding rebuke and evicted Trump from the White House, ending the four year nightmare, and elected President Biden who is bringing humanity and compassion to the office. He is resisting Republican obstructionists and bringing necessary relief to our people.

Our community has had its share of unfortunate pandemic fatalities. With the possibility of a second wave of COVID, the Riverbay Board of Directors, nevertheless, had agreed to conduct last year’s, 2020 Board Elections in May of this year for five open seats to the Board, of course, mindful of circumstances as they develop.

The Coalition will begin to gear up for this coming election.

We have great news: We have been able to obtain a permanent room in Dreiser that will allow us not only to meet and conduct organizational business but to hold social, cultural and educational events. We can’t wait until Management opens the centers as per directions from the City/State.

On this note, we invite our members to renew their membership and our friends to join our coalition. We are the community organization with a proud record of ousting corrupt management, stopping privatization and keeping our homes safe, livable and the best deal in town.

Help us to continue our work by paying dues and making a contribution. Annual dues are $20 for an individual and $30 for a family.

Mail your dues/contributions to: Coalition to Save Affordable Housing, P.O. Box 64, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Our email: www.ctsah.org.

—Bernard Cylich

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021 Section 2 – (Cooper Place Townhouses and Buildings 9-14) had a virtual meeting on February 11, 2021.

On behalf of the shareholders, I want to thank our guests, Jr. Property Manager/CSO Lois English, and the Building Supervisors who attended to discuss several issues including the request for public space repairs. Section 2 presidents represented their building shareholders.

Thank you to all who participated.

Building 13’s next free mask giveaway is scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. During the free distribution of masks, we will be providing envelopes and collecting association dues. Your association membership entitles you to have your annual papers notarized and helps support our virtual meetings, marketing and activities.

SOMOS had a pop-up vaccination site at Bartow Avenue. There is strength in numbers and while I have written and communicated with our elected officials

regarding a permanent site in Co-op City, you should be doing the same. It is not enough to put someone in office. You must let them know what you want.

Remember to follow the Riverbay Corporation safety guidelines and wear your mask when entering the premises, elevators and laundry rooms and, of course, socially distance and wash your hands. Failure to comply with Riverbay guidelines of wearing your mask on the premises could result in a $50 community complaint fine.

Reminder: STAR: For information, visit www.tax.ny.gov/star or contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036. We are Block 5141, Lot# 120 Window Guard Forms: Window guard forms must be returned by February 15, 2021. You can complete the form by phone, online, mail or fax. If you did not receive your form, contact the CSO office.

Building 13 Association

11 “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

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Broun Place Townhouse Association press release for this week reports the excellent experience of a neighbor who went to Yankee Stadium for her vaccine.

She reports the setup is very organized with two lines, one to make appointments. The other for those who already have them. She is going back there to fulfill her appointment commitment. For more information on vaccines, visit: nyc.gov/covidvaccine, or call 311.

You can access the NYC cab assistance program, “Curb.” The fare is paid. No parking worries. The following is the help site for all your questions on COVID19: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/gettested/covid-19-testing.page. Get tested for COVID19 and eligible folks can get the vaccine. Use the CDC recommended weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a clean face mask, (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep 6 feet between you and others. Finally, wash hands frequently. Don’t take the mask off to speak! I have seen people enter a local store, and lift the mask to talk, STOP! Celebrate Black History month by watching the programs produced to honor and teach us. Joe Torres, ABC anchorman, announced a series on ABC on Black History. A five-year old and her mom made a video highlighting several history-making women, including Rosa Parks, Cicely Tyson, Aretha Franklin and Stacy Abrams. This week, Carter Woodson is especially remembered. Carter Godwin Woodson, 1875 – 1950, was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, included in African-American history.

The hearing proceedings and question and answer session of Community Planning Board 10 aired on Channel 591 and Channel 12. It focused on the proposed highway construction into I95 North. This plan seems to hurt Co-op City and won’t help our congested streets.

By the way, were cooperators consulted about the Hutchinson River Park East center divides?

Are you complaining about not getting the supermarket weekly inserts? The distributor of those advertising bundles had no contract permitting distribution in Co-op City. Speak to your local market manager, recommend they contact the Co-op City Times for advertising information.

Another, “National Campaign to Guarantee Social Security” mailing came. This organization must have a lot of money but they are seeking your donation.

The wording is designed to scare you to think your Social Security is in jeopardy. So far it is not. On the envelope it says, “The COVID-19 Bailouts kept big businesses from paying into Social Security, experts predict the Trust Fund will be exhausted by 2023.”

Phone scams of last week, again, “Your car warranty has expired, renew now” scam just press 1. Investigate before writing a check.

“Tunes on Tuesdays” evening shows program is in the Co-op City Times. Neighbors, Saturday mornings, pick up your personally delivered, Co-op City Times.

You are encouraged to join or renew your Broun Place Association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Keep dancing and better days are ahead!

Wakanda forever!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

12

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Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

13

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

14 Director’s Viewpoint –

Francine Reva Jones, Assistant Secretary

Co-op City street names Did you know that Carver Loop is named after a famous African-American agricultural scientist and inventor named George Washington Carver?

George Washington Carver (1/1/1864-1/5/1943) was born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri. Slavery was abolished in 1865. Carver grew up learning about and loving plant life. When he was older, he attended Simpson College. His hobby was painting and from that he learned a lot about plant biology. He studied at Tuskegee Institute and discovered over 300 uses from the peanut, 118 uses from the sweet potato and 75 from the pecan.

Carver discovered a way to help farmers’ crops grow by using what he called “crop rotation.”

He received two patents for processes making paints, dyes and stains from plants, clay and minerals. He also received an additional patent for cosmetic preparations from peanuts. Carver also taught students at Tuskegee Institute for many years before his death.

So, this is who “Carver” Loop is named for. I credit the planners of this great community with selecting George Washington Carver for a Co-op City street name. All the street names are named after famous people, whom you can research or you can see pictures of them hanging in the Bartow Community Center corridor. For this 2021 Black History Month, George Washington Carver is remembered and honored for his contributions to the world.

Recently deceased African-Americans were saluted at the 24th Annual Black History Month Film Festival last Saturday sponsored by the African-American Association of Co-op City (AAA). The Mistress of Ceremonies, AAA President Michelle Marbury, and the AAA Secretary, Kevin Lambright, were outstanding teammates in presenting this program. Cheryl Jenkins was recently appointed AAA Second Vice President and was very helpful.

Michelle Marbury also chairs the Riverbay Corporation Youth Committee and she wanted them all involved in the “Tribute to the Ancestors.” This segment began with nine-year-old Malcolm Nembhard who did a fantastic job in researching and presenting his tribute to Kobe Bryant. Jannett and Jennipher Martiena discussed B. Smith and Katherine Johnson, respectively.

Thais, Joaquim and Sanaya Norment gave accolades to Bill Withers, John Thompson, Jr. and Joe Clark, respectively. Amir Oberry, an aspiring musician himself, spoke about Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr.; Aaliyah Carter, Betty Wright; Amadi Bordain, Chadwick Boseman; and Mosi McCloud, Mayor David Dinkins.

The AAA officers honored Janet DuBois, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Earl Graves, Sr., Andre Harrell, Little Richard, Congressman John Lewis, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Charlie Pride, and Dr. Susan Moore. Our special guest, Brother Omowale Clay, one of the leaders of the December 12th Movement, praised Father Lawrence Lucas, who was also a founding member of the December 12th Movement. Another special guest was Minister Arthur Muhammad who spoke about his mentor, Minister Abdul Hafeez Muhammad.

Kevin Lambright was the technician and provided edu-tainment of short videos of all of the ancestors who were entertainers as well as video presentations on Cicely Tyson and Hank Aaron, who recently passed on. I was pleased to receive many compliments on the program, which began and ended with a public service announcement of AAA’s latest installation of officers. If you are a viewer who expressed a desire to join, we will be in contact with you soon.

Highway Ramp There has been a great deal of community opposition to the NY State Department of Transportation’s plan to erect an exit ramp off the Hutchinson River Parkway northbound onto Bartow Avenue in order to relieve traffic congestion around Exits 8 and 9 of Interstate-95.

At this location on Bartow Avenue, there is only a onelane winding roadway that residents call “killer curve.”

Although a traffic light is proposed, I believe a ramp exiting onto Bartow Avenue would be very dangerous.

At the Bronx Community Board 10 meeting on January 17, cooperators voiced their disagreement with the plans and had previously offered an alternative. As it stands, there would be fewer parking spaces in Section 5, more congestion and fumes in our community.

There is also concern about the need to remove underground utilities in the proposed ramp area. It was decided to write letters protesting the DOT plans. I hope you will support our efforts.

Resolution 21-05 I submitted a First Reading Resolution 21-05 which states, in summary, that the Riverbay Corporation must

abide by the NY State Business Corporation Law that requires that one-third of the shareholders eligible to vote should vote in the annual shareholders’ meeting.

However, there is nothing that informs or requires shareholders regarding the need for them to participate in the one-third voting requirement. In addition, fewer shareholders are voting each year, making it more difficult and stressful to meet the one-third objective. Therefore, I felt that if shareholders knew about the voting requirement upon moving into the community, they would be more prepared to participate.

Current shareholders would be asked to honor this requirement as well. Your comments are welcomed.

Essential Workers I thank the essential workers for their work ethic and loyalty. We must strive to live our lives as normally as possible, while adhering to the mandates to protect ourselves and our families from the deadly Coronavirus Pandemic. So, 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.

There are preparations being made for a vaccination site in the Co-op City community. More information will follow.

Building Associations Please attend your building association’s virtual meetings and help to make our community as vital and stable as it should be. Thank you.

Condolences are extended to the family and friends of Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes singing group. It was a successful Motown act of the 1960s, the best female group in U.S. chart history, and one of the best-selling girl groups in the world. Mary Wilson will long be remembered by many.

Contact: fjones@riverbaycorp.com.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” –by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

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.”

The NAACP on Black History Month: We live in a society that has intentionally left Black narratives out of the American memoir while simultaneously standing on the backs and shoulders of Black individuals. Black people’s accomplishments and gains deserve a place in history outside of Black History Month. Highlighting our past achievements and benefactions is vital. At every moment, even in the face of tremendous adversity, Black history is made every day, and we all should remember that year-round.

Our next General Meeting, held the fourth Sunday of every month, is Sunday, February 28, at 3 p.m. If you are not a current member but thinking about joining, we welcome your attendance.

We invite you to visit our Facebook page at Co-op City NAACP for information, announcements and upcoming events.

If you are a member and interested in joining a committee, contact: Alfred Lynch Jr., Civic Engagement chairperson, at alynchjr54@hotmail.com Leah Richardson, Education chairperson, at flamingoleah1963@gmail.com Junius Williams, Criminal Justice co-chair, at junie3@optonline.net Adeyemi LaCrown “Toba,” Criminal Justice co-chair, at toba4change@aol.com Joyce Dixon, Health chair, at girlie1995@aol.com Brenda Brown, Membership chair, at bbbsugarsweet@aol.com Anika Green, Youth chair, at amg2109@gmail.com Tremaine O’Garro, Economic Sustainability chair, at tremaineogarro@gmail.com Upcoming events & information: • The Youth Committee will be hosting an information Zoom on Saturday, February 20, at 7 p.m. Business and Educational achievement is key for success. Let’s talk. Join us. Contact Anika Green, chairperson. Information will be posted on our Facebook page.

• The NAACP Co-op City Branch Civic Engagement Committee and Raise the Bar Coalition president, Rev. Dr. Deborah Jenkins, will be sponsoring a Ranked Choice Voting Information Zoom presented by “Rank The Vote, NYC” on Monday, February 22, at 7 p.m. (Meeting ID: 822 8054 1441, Passcode: 15651.)

• The Co-op City NAACP Criminal Justice Committee, in accordance with the Governors’ Executive Order # 203, New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, was invited and attended ongoing conversations with the NYPD. Membership dues: To pay a new, renewal, upgrade or gift membership go to NAACP.ORG, branch #2210, or send your request for an application to naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com. Annual dues: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10, by check/money order payable to: NAACP #2210. Mail to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station, P.O. BOX 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. We appreciate your continued support and if you would like to make a financial contribution in any amount, we thank you in advance for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

Note: Until further notice, at the request of the NAACP and Riverbay Corporation, we have not and will not have gatherings of any kind (health & safety reasons) in Einstein C.C., room 36.

“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

People First Democratic Club

Co-op City: “The first 100 days” Let’s look into the first 100 days or the first 14 weeks of the Biden administration. All the executive orders will do little to reverse the damage of the past four years. Yes, it’s the right direction to pressure lawmakers to do more. Meanwhile, the impact of COVID pandemic economic fallout has been widespread; more particularly prevalent among blue-collar workers and minorities communities. Working American laborers are facing a future crisis similar to during the Great Depression. American businesses anticipate reducing their workforce and increasing their integration of technology. Labor automation will affect blue-collar workers most in manufacturing and food services employment. The rise of other technologies like artificial intelligence is employment to white-collar counterparts. Minority and blue-collar workers will bear the brunt of this impact. Work in this country is being diminished, eliminated, or to foreign countries to laborers who accept lower pay. The question to ask, will America create employment in America for blue-collar workers and minorities? These are some of the economic issues the Biden administration is to face in the next 100 days. Get informed and get involved!! Join, People First Democratic Club!

We have a few events upcoming for February: • Press Conference for a special announcement on February 10, at 11 a.m. in front of “Welcome to Co-op City,” 120 Aldrich St. • February 16, at 7 p.m., we will hold a conversation with the candidates for Public Advocate.

Join the discussion with all the candidates who are running for Public Advocate. Send your questions to our email, peope1stdc@gmail.com; you can have your questions asked. We will also take questions from the webinar.

• TBA, we will have a webinar on Ranked-Choice-Voting. We have been getting a lot of questions about Ranked-Choice, so we will get your questions answered. We will announce the date soon.

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; you can 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 plan to register as a democrat and be at least 16 years old.

“There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.” –Jackie Robinson —Al Quattlebaum

Community Protestant Church

15

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 in session via conference call every Sunday at 9 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 12:00 p.m., you are cordially invited to call in for an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

The subject for Pastor Owens’ sermonette last Sunday came from John 20:19-31. “Then the same day at evening … came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. … He shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. … But Thomas … was not with them when Jesus came. … and said unto them, except I … put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. … Jesus saith unto him, Thomas because thou has seen me, thou has believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Pastor Owens said Thomas was like a lot of believers today.

He had a reactionary spirit. Thomas loved Christ, he had traveled far and wide with Him, but there was a flaw in the relationship between him and Jesus. A critical confrontation was necessary to challenge and convict Thomas. That’s what Jesus does with doubting Thomases today. He forces a confrontation with them. If a Christian is going to be a strong witness for Christ, there must be a strong conviction and a confession. If conversion is real it has got to be a spiritual response.”

Our prayers go out for God’s grace, mercy and comfort for the sick, shut-in and bereaved among us.

Reminder: Flu vaccine is still available. Covid-19 vaccine is 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.

—Evan G. Mitchell

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

16 Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl

Johnson

MGMT Gets High Marks For New Elevators Lots of cooperators are giving high marks to our new elevators. So, let’s step back and see some of the reasons why we had to get new elevators.

New Elevators – High Marks We have lots of cooperators living in our buildings. Throughout the day, they have to go to work, school, appointments, and other places. Then, we have delivery people and other workers that are visiting our buildings throughout the day. So, for the most part, everyone is using our elevators at least twice per day. And, in some buildings, our elevators have to carry several passengers between the 1st floor and the 33rd floor.

So, you would think that our current elevators would have motors that could handle this type of volume. And, you would be right—up to a point. Thereafter, you would regret ever purchasing our elevators.

Now, let’s see why.

A few years ago, we paid a lot of money for elevators that could handle the above-cited volume. However, it was discovered that these elevators didn’t come with the motors that we wanted. In fact, these motors were smaller than what was ordered. So, there was a lawsuit and a settlement.

The settlement stated that we would get a 25-year warranty for those smaller motors. So, we could get new elevator motors if there were problems with the former motors. Sounds good, right? Well, not necessarily.

You see, we could get a motor replaced. However, the elevator company didn’t keep those motors in stock. So, take a guess what they had to do. Well, they had to build a new motor over a 6-month period. Say what? Yep! Therefore, let’s say that an elevator motor went out in your building. Well, it would take 6 months plus shipping time for another elevator motor to be placed in your building.

Now, let’s expand on this point. With 33 stories, the Towers are the tallest buildings in our community.

So, over time, these insufficient elevator motors would probably wear out faster in these taller buildings.

Thereafter, again, it would take more than 6 months to get these elevator motors replaced. And, we would have a true nightmare on our hands.

So, do you see why our current elevators had to be replaced? Now, yes, these new elevators are extremely expensive. However, we need new elevators in all of our buildings to avoid some really big problems.

Bottom line: There are a lot of lessons that can be learned from our elevator problems. For instance, I love the expression: Trust, but verify. Also, do you see how important it is to pay attention to details? Do you see how the details with our elevators have affected everyone in this community? So, please review the details when you deal with people. Thank you.

Voting Resolution There’s a new voting resolution that the board will be considering soon. This resolution states that: “management is directed to amend the Riverbay Corporation Occupancy Agreement to include a requirement that shareholders participate in the annual shareholders’ meeting to select the resident board of directors, or create a separate document for that purpose.”

Then, this resolution states: “that a document be created for the signature of current shareholders requiring them to participate in the annual shareholders’ meeting that selects the resident board of directors. …”

The biggest problem with our elections is that the NYS Business Corporation Law states that we need a third of our shareholders to vote. Why? Going back several years, was it extremely hard to get a third of shareholders to vote? Yes. So, if a third of our shareholders refuse to vote, then do you think that it’s time to change this law? Absolutely.

Question: How did President Biden just win his election all over this country? He won because he had more votes than that other candidate. Did a third of the country have to vote in this election? Did they have to beg people to vote? No. A lot of people simply voted. That’s it! So, that’s what we need here. You win because you received the most votes by some shareholders.

On the other hand, what is the name of the lawyer or manager that is going to try to change our occupancy agreement to get cooperators to go against their personal and religious beliefs just to vote in our board elections? Should cooperators be evicted if they refuse to participate and vote for candidates that they completely dislike?

Furthermore, what is the name of the judge that is going to evict anyone in this community solely because they refuse to vote in our board elections? What lawyer would even dream of taking this foolishness into a court of law? For board candidates? Never!!!

The other portion of this resolution calls for a document to be created for every shareholder’s signature.

Look, there are plenty of people that use a variety of signatures for different documents. So, in my opinion, this process of trying to verify everyone’s signature is a complete waste of time for our board elections.

Think, does trying to invalidate ballots based on sig-

nature verification sound familiar? Again, courts all across the country recently threw out some outrageous allegations about signatures upon presentation.

Bottom line: Laws change all the time. So, we need to have a special meeting with our politicians so that we can change this one third voting law for our community and other places.

Close People have their own feelings and religious beliefs about voting. Therefore, we should never force people to vote. 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.

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 spiritfilled 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 doors are currently closed until February.

Zoom Service: Sunday, 11 a.m., Bilingual Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English), Prayer 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

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

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Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

17

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

18

Director’s Viewpoint – Michelle

Marbury

This Valentine’s Day: Fall in LOve with your community All we need is LOve, LOve is all we need… Happy Valentine’s Day! The earliest possible origin story of Valentine’s Day is the pagan holiday Lupercalia.

Occurring for centuries in the middle of February, the holiday celebrates fertility. ... Lupercalia was popular and one of the few pagan holidays still celebrated 150 years after Christianity was legalized during the Roman Empire.

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century.

There are many stories about St Valentine and, over time, these stories grew into the legend we know today.

When someone says that you are their “valentine,” they are simply choosing you as the person that they would like to show fondness to on that special day.

When people are married or dating, it is assumed that they are automatically the other person’s valentine due to the romantic relationship that they hold.

I wish you and yours a happy and sweet Valentine’s Day. I hope for the purposes of our beloved community, we all fall in LOve with Co-op City. I hope we nurture

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Greetings, R.O.D.L. Pray all are well. To begin, we are forever grateful to our editor, Rozaan Boone, for the tribute to Delores Debnam. Thank you. As a reminder, if you know of anyone who is ill, in the hospital or in need, please contact Josephine Flowers at (718) 320-0539.

Get excited!!! Our beloved Kenny who we all know and love has volunteered to take us shopping to Aldi, Fairway, Stew Leonard’s, and Whole Foods in New Roc City. We will prepare our van maintaining all precautions (masks, sanitizing and social distancing). Availability would be for only 5-6 people per outing. It will be on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, your commitment is to be taken seriously so everyone can benefit from the service. Pick-up will be at Dreiser Loop only (in front of the hardware store). Drop off to each individual residence. Date, cost, time and contact: TBA. We are trying to move forward as best as possible. Safety first.

Looking forward to our first Zoom meeting February 10th. Please note: We want to hear from all of you via email. You can express your concerns and needs. Or, you can use it as a way of communicating one with another or to convey pertinent information we can all benefit from. Feel free to share.

Continue to pray one for another. May the Love of the Father, Grace of the Son and Communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

—Gladys Baez

a relationship with each other where we stop finding Committee wore “the color red” to symbolize the blood fault within each other and be willing to give of the spilled by the ancestors. The slaves – millions of nameless goodness we all process. I truly hope LOve prevails. souls who died so that we would live. The countless Happy Valentine’s Day! souls perished in wars fought and won on their backs The Color Red: African-American/Black History and never given acknowledgment. The Black men and Month 2021 women of today still shedding blood, still dying, only The African-American Association of Co-op City because they are Black men and women. Last Saturday, held its 24th Annual Black Film Festival last Saturday. “we” and especially our youth, donned “the color red” The program was streamed in “Zoom Webinar” format because we still have many rivers to cross. displaying a virtual panel discussion and collection of In Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes vignettes delightfully delivered by the Youth Committee To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause of Co-op City. Interesting that tomorrow we will cel- to their memory and pray for the strength of each family ebrate “Love,” dawning the color red. But last Saturday, as you carry on for those who remain. Those who have we all donned the color red for very different reasons. loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes during this For “the color red” in the Pan-African flag, (also turbulent time, we join you in prayer and well wishes called the Marcus Garvey, UNIA, Afro-American or that you all remain healthy and strong. Those who are Black Liberation flag,) designed to represent people lonely, please know that you are not alone. of the African Diaspora, and, as one scholar put it, to Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be symbolize “black freedom, simple.” Well “freedom” reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com. Let’s all costs… The colors RED-BLACK&GREEN represent do our part! blood, people and land.

Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force Last Saturday, members of the AAACC and the Youth for good.

Goose Island Seniors

Happy Valentine’s Day. You are blessed if you have someone to love. Don’t just tell them but show them how much you love them. For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Happy Black History Month. So many important Black people were left out of history books. I remember Jackie Robinson being the first African American baseball player. Later, I read Moses Fleetwood (Fleet) Walker and his brother, Weldy Walker, in 1884 were the first openly Black baseball players in the Toledo Blue Stockings in Ohio. Everyone should have the right to showcase their abilities. I’m glad we are finally finding some truth, not only for Blacks but all races.

Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris are great additions.

From the Goose Island Seniors president – I did it again. Cecil Kornreich and Ray Betancourt are both very much alive and well. I don’t know how my records got so messed up. A member called and was very mad at me for making such a horrible error and she had every right to be. She said plenty of people will be calling Cecil to see if it is true. First, I was never so happy I was wrong and if he got a lot of calls it will show how loved and appreciated he is. I called him and he thought the mistake was funny and forgave me.

That shows you what a terrific guy Cecil is. We have some of the best people in our club. We had two Estelle Lebowitz. One passed away long ago and was removed

Building 25 Association

Neighbors who wear prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, do your eyeglasses fog up while wearing your mask? Many people complain that wearing their mask fogs up their eyeglasses which limits their visibility; this could be very dangerous.

If you are among those who suffer with fogged eyeglasses, there are anti-fog lens wipes and sprays on the market that could ease your burden. Research the internet to find what is best for you.

Cicely Tyson, a purposeful and pioneering actress who died on January 28 at the age of 96 – family will hold an official public viewing on Monday, February 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Abyssinian Baptist Church, located at 132 West 138th St, New York, NY 10030. If you want to contact Abyssinian Baptist Church to find out about protocol for COVID-19 safety, call (212) 862-7474.

We wish all neighbors born in February a happy birthday. 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 official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, February 16, 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.

In the words of 92-year-old George Toma, the groundskeeper for last week’s 55th Super Bowl: “Grass grows in inches, but is killed by feet.”

—Wanda Bailey

from present records (that was Hillary Weber’s mom) and the other is in a nursing home, I believe, upstate.

Estelle Lebowitz, I apologize to you also.

Covid-19 Vaccine – Vaccinefinder.nyc.gov online listed Bartow Statcare Urgent Care at 2063A Bartow Avenue, (917) 310-3371 (by appointment only). Check Co-op City Times weekly for other sites. Your medical doctor may have information.

Zoom Meeting – Wednesday, February 17, at 7 p.m.

Invitations have been sent out. If you have not received yours, please text or call me at 347-847-1941 or email goose.island@optonline.net. Send me your email address if you haven’t already.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate in February: Ida (Mitzi) Cleare, Maria Mendez, Aida E. Grant, George Vazquez, Joyce Chaney, Lucila Correa and Aida Gonzales.

Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla sends her love to all.

Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center in Somers, NY. 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. Our office is presently closed. We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. 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.

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(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Mon., Feb. 15

No Activities Presidents’ Day

No Activities Presidents’ Day

No Activities Presidents’ Day

Tues., Feb. 16

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m. 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., Feb. 17

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 - 3 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 19

Thu., Feb. 18

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

“Creative Hour with Sister Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. How to make Floral Arrangements.

Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915-3777-954.

Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/2959552471 To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number.

Meeting ID: 2959552471 Passcode: 259554 Dial in: 1-929-205-6609

Music Therapy, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 Passcode: 045708 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1 - 2 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 Call in number: 1-929-205-6099 Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of month, 1 - 2 p.m.

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 week incl. Bingo. Please call 718-3201345 to register & receive Zoom info.

Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m. -12 p.m. To register, call JASA w/ name, email & phone. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93681329040; Dial in: 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554 New Arthritis Exercise/Dance class with Damian every Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96708931492 Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492 Passcode: 491268 One tap mobile: 1-929-205-6099

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

Smartphone/Tablet Class w/Ralph 1 - 2 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

Meditation w/Charles Tyler Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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

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.

From President Mickens: The year is moving forward with more changes and good speed. President Biden is not wasting time trying to turn back some of the most harmful changes made in the last four years. We are seeing more vaccines becoming available to all people who were hardest hit by Covid-19. Even though some of us are unsure about the vaccine, for good reasons, we need to be pro-active for our own health and safety. Covid19 is something we have never seen in our lifetime and spreading is such a danger. We have the opportunity to do the research for ourselves and make educated decisions.

Research-Educate-Decide.

While at home with the family, explore your own Black History and learn as a group about your ancestors. February

AARP Chapter #4997

is Black History Month and the AARP is bringing notice to heart health. Heart disease is still the number one killer of women!! Watching out for your health is important to everyone in your circle and keeping your appointments is mandatory. Without the ability to meet with our members, the executive board is meeting by Zoom and is available by sharing the information with the members.

Since Covid-19 is taking another down-turn in New York City and we see more sights returning to normal, do not let your guard down. Continue wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands. It is proven to be effective and lifesaving. Yankee Stadium is now open to Bronx residents and you can make an appointment online or by telephone. Enough about COVID –

Upcoming Events

JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – February Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 15, 2021.

New 2021 Arthritis Exercise class w/Damion – Every Thurs., 1 - 2 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 986 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762.

Every Tues., Yoga classes with Adira Polite – 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/98404647097?pwd=RXg2WCtqNzlEa0JLVWtWN3VWa1JPZz09 Dial in: 929 205 6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Every Wed., Tai Chi classes w/Adira Polite – 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5d24 rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09 Mobile 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Zumba Classes on Saturdays – 1 - 2 p.m. Coop 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=eVhjY3Jzb3FpNjdDOVRwbjYOUmFWdz09 Dial in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

Meditation Class – GPC (Grandparents), 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., third Thurs. of every month, https:// bit.ly/35VESDV. Dial in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

Fri. Aerobics Class with Adira Polite – 11 a.m.

- 12 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/98682358691?pwd=dS9ublovZ01m RVVYbEhCYng2SkZHdz09 Dial in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150.

“TEA and TALK” with Kelly – Every Tues., 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, Passcode: 415390.

Lifestyle Factors and Dementia among African Americans – Tues., Feb. 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., https://zoom.us/j/97368337225?pwd=a1h6T3pEVTh ESFZnVUgxUnNjOFAxZz09 Dial in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 973 6833 7225, Passcode: 012537.

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.

JASA Bartow Senior Center 12-week Cooking Classes – Every Thursday starting March 11 May 27, 4 - 5 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE NOT PLANT-BASED CLASSES. Meeting ID #: 910-2152-1179. Dial in: 646-876-9923 w/meeting ID number. follow your heart!

From our Good and Welfare, contact Mrs. Frances Wilson. We are extending get-well wishes to our member, Ms. Olive Glasgow, who is recuperating and doing very well.

Fortunately, we have not received any sad news to report and for that we are feeling blessed and hopeful.

FYI: You can still contact Jean to join or renew your membership with AARP. The number is 718-379-3742.

Our chapter has partnered with another relatively new group in Co-op City, Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, which assists with caregiver issues and has Zoom calls. We would like to welcome the many valuable groups that Co-op City has for the shareholders.

—Ann Purnell

20

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Leslie

Peterson

The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement

Ella Josephine Baker, a Black North Carolina native, migrated to New York in the 1920s. She was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades. In New York City and the South, she worked alongside some of the most noted civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Baker was a field secretary and director of branches for the N.A.A.C.P. in the 1940s, and she traveled throughout the Jim Crow South, organizing against discrimination and recruiting people to the Civil Rights Movement. She worked alongside King and others in the Southern Christian Leadership Council in the 1950s and was a mentor to the young activists who founded the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee in 1960. S.N.C.C. went on to lead the “Freedom Rides,” in which participants risked life and limb to desegregate interstate transportation, and then to organize “Freedom Summer,” a massive voter registration drive targeting disenfranchised Black southern voters.

The STAR property tax exemption (Basic and Enhanced) was reflected on the February carrying charge statement. Several years ago, the process and procedures were changed for new enrollees. The distribution would be made by way of a check. Regardless to how you received your STAR exemption/credit, the point is once you enroll, you automatically receive it every year. Riverbay DOES NOT determine who does and does not receive the STAR. They merely adhere to the list that is sent to them. In a particular case, correspondence was mailed to the shareholder but never delivered prompting removal. Your tax doc-

uments and other information is confidential so if this is your circumstance, only you can rectify the situation. Contact 311 and remember your Block # is 5141 and your Lot# is 120. For other inquiries, the Riverbay Finance Department has a general email where they can be reached. Email address: RiverbayFinance@Riverbaycorp.com.

The time is now for us to have our own vaccination location. We have several areas that could accommodate the flow of people, socially distanced and not have people waiting out in the cold.

I have written to our local officials and I am sure they are advocating for us but we must inspire them to push harder. Contact the Governor’s Vaccine Equity Task Force, established to break down barriers to vaccination and ensure there is equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state, leaving no community behind. There is strength in numbers. Don’t sit back and assume someone is handling it for you.

Reach out and let them know how you feel and what you want! Let’s be that squeaky wheel.

Before you know it, June will be here and we will be faced with a primary. Many politicians currently in place will have termed out. We will be voting for Mayor, Borough President, Comptroller, City Council and Public Advocates positions. Scheduled to be introduced during the primary for the first time in New York City will be Ranked Choice Voting. Ranked Choice voting will only be used if a candidate does not receive 50% + 1. It is important that you understand the process. The NAAP Co-op City Branch, along with Raise the Bar, will be hosting an information session on February 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

There are many things we need to keep our eye

on. The impending DOT Redesign that could result in a costly repair is one; additionally, the deadline to submit a statement regarding the Bruckner Expwy-Hutchinson Pkwy Mobility Improvement Project for Bronx County, Project ID No. X73127 was February 2nd as indicated in the Co-op City Times January 30th edition. I am sure many did submit responses so we need to stay abreast of what is transpiring going forward with this project. Another item we need to discuss is the zoning issue where the monopole was installed and what needs to be done requesting the structure’s removal. The commitments on the memorandum of understanding agreed to by the Mayor and City Council Speaker had aggressive timelines and stated prior to any animal shelter being built the items on the memorandum would be implemented. Included in that memo was the Community Youth Center and Beacon program.

STAR: The School Tax Relief (STAR) program offers Co-op City shareholders a savings, however, many shareholders have not signed up. For information, contact 311 or www.tax.ny.gov/star.

Window Guard Forms: Important Safety Information Enclosed. This envelope contains Fire safety information and your annual Window Guard form. These window guard forms must be returned

by February 15, 2021.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis I am pleased to be of service to the community. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com or by telephone at 718-320-1370.

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Co-op City Baptist Church

21

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11 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 on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. To join, use the Zoom information shown above.

The Hospitality Ministry will celebrate their 10th Anniversary tomorrow, Sunday, February 14, at our 11:00 a.m. Worship Service; the theme is “Expressing Gratitude to our Lord through works of Hospitality and Compassion.” Psalm 33:22. Please join us for this celebratory service using Zoom information shown above.

On Sunday, February 21, the First Lady’s Ministry will celebrate their 25th Anniversary at our 11:00 a.m. service. Please join them for this celebratory service

using the Zoom information shown above.

On Sunday, February 28, at 9:00 a.m., the Christian Education Ministry will present its Annual Black History Program via the telephone conference line shown below.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at 12 p.m. 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 The COVID-19 vaccination is available for seniors.

If you are interested in getting the vaccine and are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a Covid19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844-444-2819.

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear your masks, 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 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

Living under a curse brings dread, agony, and lifeThe requirement for wearing a mask and social dislong pain. When people have diminished mental catancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue pacity, due to negative backgrounds, they have a difservices. ficult time enjoying their lives and engaging in healthy General Information relationships. They fall prey to generational negaThe Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, tivity by repeating the errors of their ancestors with120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on out realizing they have been freed. the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap acGalatians 3:13 Christ has bought us out from uncessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office der the curse of the law by taking the curse for our hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 wrongdoing upon himself. For it is written in the Scripp.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come ture, anyone hanged on a tree is cursed 14 Now God over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. can bless the Gentiles, too, with this same blessing he The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning promised to Abraham; and all of us as Christians can starting at 9 a.m. After Services, we always have a have the promised Holy Spirit through this faith. kiddush.

We have been freed to be free but many of us conThe synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional tinue to carry the curse of our ancestors and make the Synagogue. people around us miserable. It took four generations The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount for the curse of lying and deceit to be broken in the lives you can donate, big or small, would help. The synaof the patriarchs and yet they were men who loved God. gogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a Genesis 20:1 Now Abraham moved into the relot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t gion of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, 2 and there Abratake out the Torah. ham said of his wife Sarah, she is my sister. Then The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.

Genesis 26:6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar. 7 When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, From the Pastor’s Desk: On behalf of the Church She is my sister, because he was afraid to say, She is of New Vision, we wanted to let you know we are my wife. He thought, The men of this place might kill praying and thinking about you as this new year beme on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful. gins.

Genesis 27:35 Isaac said, your brother came deWhile many are focused on the pandemic and what ceitfully and took your blessing. 36 Esau said, might be the politically correct thing to say or do, we Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second remain focused on Jesus Christ. time he has taken advantage of me: He took my It can be challenging to fellowship with one anbirthright, and now my blessing! Then he asked, other without the opportunity to come out to services. haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?

However, know that God is with you at all times. He Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Grandfather, Father will surely be your source of strength and comfort this and Son all suffered from the curse of lying. They did year as He has in years past. not trust God to see them through negative circumWith that in mind, we thank God and pray that you stances, so they relied on their own slickness. It took and your family have a Blessed New Year, as we as a Joseph in the fourth generation to reverse the curse. church family remain steadfast, immovable always Genesis 50:18 Joseph’s brothers came and threw abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our themselves down before him. We are your slaves, they labor is not in vain in the Lord. said. 19 Joseph said to them, Don’t be afraid. Am I Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So, don’t The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. of God, be with you all. Amen. –Pastors Kenneth & We carry depression, insecure relationships, lack Deborah Hodge of trust, stubborn attitudes, and other detrimental charWe welcome you with the love of the Lord to join acteristics from our parents into our present and live us Sunday as we share the Word of God, 11 a.m. on unfulfilled Christian lives. It is time to seek healing YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer and wholeness from God and let our ancestors rest. service, 7 p.m., via telephone conference line by callContact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917ing 1-646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388.

334-4407.

Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all Blessings in Christ. can hear with clarity.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

in Co-op City.

Sabbath ends on Saturday, February 13, at 6:21 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, February 19, at 5:16 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. If you want to buy at tree, call (347) 449-5005). 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 Debbie Schwartz, Sam Grynewize and all other members who will celebrate their birthday in February. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in February, 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

Open Door Ministries

“End the Curse” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

Traditional Synagogue

Church of New Vision

Sunday, February 7, Worship Service theme: “What the Lord’s Supper Means to You.” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 “And when he had given thanks, he breaks it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” Amen (1Corinthians 11:23, 27-30).

February is Black History Month and Heart Health Awareness Month. Join us Saturday, February 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., featuring a tribute to Black History in the medical field and a Morning of Heart Health Awareness. We will explore how to maintain a healthy spiritual heart through good nutrition, the power of God’s word and a low impact aerobic exercise session. To register for this free virtual or phone discussion, RSVP by Wednesday, February 17, at https://www.churchnewvision.org (click “Upcoming Events”). The week of the event, you will receive a link and/or telephone number to attend. Information contacts: Sis. L. Scott at 718-671-2623 or Sis. H. Smith at 718-708-5035.

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

22

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family! I want to thank everyone who attended both our general meeting on January 29 and committee meeting last Tuesday. Our association had the honor of having US Army Colonel Joan Davis, RN (retired), a past resident of our building, who spoke to us about COVID, its impact on people’s lives, and the new vaccine that we have been hearing about in the news. In addition to being a retired military officer, she is also a retired registered nurse from Montefiore Medical Center. Colonel Davis was gracious enough to answer the many questions that our members had related to COVID and I want to publicly thank her for educating us about this worldwide health issue.

One of the items that was discussed at our January 29, virtual general meeting is the association’s annual membership drive. Starting February 5, until February 26, cooperators in our building will have an opportunity to either become a member of our association or renew their membership for 2021. The annual dues are $10. You may have recently seen a large envelope placed on your apartment doorknob last Friday.

This envelope will contain an introduction letter, member registration index card, a ticket to enter a $25 raffle drawing scheduled to be held during the association’s March 26, general meeting, and a return envelope. The return envelope will include instructions on where to turn in your $10 annual dues (if you make your payment via check or money order, please make it payable

to “Building 19 Association”). Please make sure to hold on to the duplicate of the raffle ticket that you will be returning with your annual dues. One person will be randomly picked as the winner at next month’s general meeting in which he or she will win a $25 gift card.

Whether you are a first-time member or a returning member, I ask that you consider being a part of the association family.

This past Monday, I was alerted about the special letter carrier access to our mailboxes not being secured. The lobby attendant on duty during that time was informed about the issue and contacted the local post office so the mailboxes could be secured. I am bringing this issue to everyone’s attention to caution you that your mail may have been either stolen or tampered with. If you either suspect or notice that your mail may have been tampered with or stolen, please let the association know by contacting me either at 917-442-9526 or leontulton@yahoo.com.

The next association virtual committee meeting is Tuesday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. Please look out for our flier with the Zoom information about the meeting a week before the scheduled date.

As I stated before, I hope that you will consider joining (or re-joining) our association this month. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

Have an enjoyable Valentine’s Day tomorrow and continue to stay safe.

—Leon Tulton

American Legion of Co-op City

VA is focusing on high-risk veterans Post operations American Legion of Co-op City con- first.

Food distribution tinued to operate throughout the panThe Post resumed its food giveaway demic by supporting its members, supplying PPEs and food giveaway. More program this February. In its first giveso, with the closure of the building’s away on Saturday, February 6, the Post office space, the administrative tasks gave out almost 250 boxes of fresh were conducted remotely. Our meetings food, vegetable and dairy products to are conducted virtually through Zoom, the community at the Section Five and we thank God for how comrades location in front of the community adjusted to all these changes. I am using center. On Saturday, February 13, at this medium to encourage comrades to the Dreiser Loop Center, in front of the always find reasons to gather through pharmacy at noon, we will continue the this medium. Our Zoom information is food giveaway. Beneficiaries are advised Meeting ID: 852 9376 7539, Passcode: to come with their shopping carts and 549673 and if anyone wants to join the bags, as the boxes are a bit heavy.

Commander Toba appealed for meeting on telephone, dial 1-929-436assistance for the Post 2866. Kindly save this meeting inforIt is no gainsaying that the pandemic mation as we meet every third Saturday has hit the Post so hard, especially since of every month. the only avenue of raising funds was disQuestions about Covid-19 rupted last year. Thus, at our December vaccines answered in January 2020 meeting, it was resolved that commembership meeting Veterans and family members rades should find it fit to make extra received answers to COVID-19 vac- donations to the post. Some members cine questions from Service Officer had already done this, but I am using this Joan Davis during a virtual session on opportunity to appeal to everyone to folSaturday, January 16. Officer Joan, low suit. Mail your check to the Post though retired as a colonel in the army, regular mail address and/or call the continues to work as a nurse with the commander if you want someone to Veterans Affairs hospital in the Bronx. pick up at a convenient place of choice.

Oratorical speech contest She said receiving a COVID-19 vacThe Annual American Legion High cine was a “personal decision.” Thus, she advised veterans to talk to their School Oratorical Scholarship Program medical provider at their VA facility. “A Constitutional Speech Contest” will Officer Joan Davis elaborated on the not be held for the first time this year differences between the two approved due to the pandemic. All the logistics to vaccines for members to make their convert the competition to fit into the informed decisions. She said VA will new normal could not be possible. So, be reaching out to its members for the we will look toward years ahead.

—Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba vaccine appointment. However, the

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship service every Sunday morning at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, NY 10475; Pastor Rev. R, Sibblies. Tel. 718-324-0334 or 646-345-6707.

All services are now held online until further notice. To join, please feel free to call 720-740-9746, Access Code: 8876631.

Sundays service starts at 11 a.m.

Wednesday morning fasting and prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Regular prayer meeting & Bible study will also be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Praise and worship service will be held on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The new spirit-filled believers set a daily pattern of truth, unity, fellowship, praise, and prayer.

Knowing the truth is vital to believers, but knowledge without application or practice is of little, if any, value.

Practice is what gives value to Apostolic doctrine. To know what is right but fail to do what is right is sin.

James 4:17 states: Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin As we consider the things that brought unity to the early church, we will be observing the same thing that brings unity to the church today. Truth never changes, and these core principles establish unity among believers as we, like the disciples of the first century, commit ourselves to live by them.

It is important that we maintain fellowship with one another, (1John1:7)

states: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.

We should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 As we continue to praise God and maintain a prayerful life, we will be able to grow stronger in God. Prayer will help us to overcome temptation. Jesus said that men ought always to pray and not to faint. It is important for believers to pray together and worship together. Doing so builds strong bodies of unit, enhances and furthers the corporate work of the church and strengthens every believer.

The newly baptized believers at Pentecost went forth spreading the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Acts 2:38-40 states: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

May the truth and blessings of the church ever continue through the mercy of Jesus Christ who purchased our redemption with his own blood.

—Rev. R. Sibbilies

Newsong Church

What is Biblical Meditation? cows, goats, and sheep have a little 8 Do not let this Book of the Law pouch inside their stomach that stores depart from your mouth: meditate on it some of the food. They then spit the day and night, so that you may be care- food (or cud) back up and chew it ful to do everything written in it. Then again and again to get all the nutrients you will be prosperous and successful.” out of it.

–Joshua 1:8 (NIV) When we meditate on God’s word, Before I tell you what biblical we’re not just reading it, we’re feeding meditation is, let me tell you what on it. We’re chewing it up. It’s our it’s not…It’s not emptying your mind. daily bread, and the more we chew it, It’s not becoming one with the uni- the more we’re being nourished by it. verse, or reaching a higher spiritual A couple of weeks ago, I said that dimension. It’s not chanting while in a when we read the word of God, it allows trance-like state, or channeling with us to hear what He’s saying. Meditation another object or being. These are helps us to listen to His voice. There’s a some of the teachings of Eastern difference between hearing and listening.

Mysticism and New Age Spiritualism, Let me give you an example. I had a and you will not find them in the Bible. hard time focusing when I was in school.

Biblical meditation is…Filling My mind would wander. I could hear the your mind with the word of God. It’s teacher speaking, but I was only catchfocusing your thoughts on the word of ing every other word, because my attenGod. It’s fixing your eyes on the truth tion was somewhere else. Sure enough, of God’s word, and allowing that truth the teacher would catch it and ask me to to speak to your heart. In today’s scrip- comment, or solve the problem, and I ture reading, Joshua was chosen by wouldn’t be able to. I was hearing but God to lead the children of Israel into not listening. Meditating on God’s word the promised land after the death of helps me to slow down and listen to Moses. God tells Joshua that he will be what God is saying. Next week, we’ll successful if he meditates on God’s look at some more benefits of meditaword, and not allow it to depart from tion, but here’s your homework for his mouth. today. Choose one scripture, read it over The word “meditate” is the Hebrew slowly three or four times, listen to what word “hagah.” It means the low moan- God is saying to you, and then write it ing of an animal when it chews its cud. down in a journal!

Unless you take a trip to the Bronx Zoo, Join us this Sunday at 11 a.m. for you’re probably not going to see very church online! www.newsongchurchmany cud chewing animals walking nyc.org. around our city. However, animals like —Pastor Mike Tolone

Co-op City Times / February 13, 2021

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