SECTION BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCH. RIVER PKWY E.

No Surprises Act Protects Individuals from Surprise Medical Bills

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

A new law implemented last month protects individuals from incurring surprise medical bills.

The new law, which is called the No Surprises Act, is two-fold. First, the law protects individuals who are covered under group or individual healthcare plans from receiving unexpected bills from providers who are not a part of the individual’s healthcare network. Second, the new law establishes an independent review process for individuals to dispute healthcare charges and provides dispute opportunities for uninsured or self-pay individuals who incur unexpected medical bills.

Medicare and Medicaid recipients were the fi rst demographics to have protection against surprise medical bills by law, and now that law has expanded to protect all consumers.

Surprise medical bills can happen when an insured individual receives care from a facility or provider that is not a part of their healthcare coverage. The individual is then stuck paying more money for that care than they would have with an in-network provider because their provider will only pay a portion of the bill. Additionally, that same person could also be billed by the out-of-network provider for the difference between the total bill and the amount their healthcare plan already covered, which is a process called balance billing.

Fortunately, under the No Surprises Act, balance billing is considered a surprise medical bill and individuals are therefore protected against such bills.

Uninsured individuals or individuals who decide not to use their health insurance for a particular service can often ask for a good faith estimate up front of what that care will cost, according to the new law. If the fi nal bill is $400 more than the original good faith estimate, then the individual has 120 days to fi le a dispute, also according to the new law.

Below is a rundown of what kind of protections insured individuals can expect from the No Surprises Act: ● No surprise bill for emergency services, even if the service is an outof-network provider. ● No more out-of-network coinsurance or copayments for most emergency and some non-emergency services. Individuals also cannot be charged more than the in-network cost-sharing for services. ● No out-of-network charges and balance bills for specifi c services such as anesthesiology or radiology, which are sometimes administered by out-ofnetwork providers despite being inside an individual’s in-network facility.

● Health care providers and facilities must provide potential patients with easily accessible information regarding the patient’s billing protections and who to contact if the person feels that a provider or facility has violated their protections. Patient consent is also required to waive billing protections, meaning patients must both receive notice of and consent to balance billing.

Individuals interested in learning more about the No Surprises Act can go online to cms.gov/nosurprises or call the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059. TTY users looking for more information can call 1-800-985-3059.

Co-op City Poet’s Corner

Who Am I?

By FRANK MAYES

I suppose each of us at one time or another has asked the question, who am I? And what’s my purpose on life? Ok, let’s take a look; you’re not a doctor or a lawyer or the President of the United States. But do you cast a shadow on a sunny day? Do you see your refl ection displayed in a mirror? If so, you are somebody. From the smallest insect in the forest to the largest whale in the sea, God created all of us with a purpose, to be involved. The clerk in the grocery store, the vagrant on the street, the jobless ones seeking employment. Remember we are all blessed in the image and the mental capacities of the greatest spiritual being that there ever was.

Failure is not reaching for a goal and not succeeding, failure is not reaching. So if one door does not open, try another one. We are guided by our gift of “common sense,” so use it. If you learn just one thing every day, when you reach your “golden days,” you will be educated. It is written that education without common sense is like a ship without the ocean. So hold your head up high, know that you are like that one grain of grass needed with others to make a beautiful lawn.

Learning Ladder

Early Childhood Center Building Each Child’s Success Step By Step

100Aldrich Street, Bronx, NY10475 Co-op CityBuilding #15A (718)618-0782 Ongoing Registration

Free 4-K & 3K Mon-Fri 8:00am-2:20 pm

Children born in 2017 can apply for a seat now WE HAVE A FEW OPENINGS! Children born 2018 and 2019 can apply NOW for Sept 2022 @ MySchools.nyc

COME IN OR CALL US FOR ASSISTANCE WITH APPLICATION

• DepartmentofEducationProgram • Certified Teachers in All Classrooms • Rigorous and Responsive Instruction • Daily Breakfast and Lunch

Convenient Location!

100 Aldrich Street, Bronx, NY 10475

Take the BX 30, BX23,or Q50

Completed Window Guard Forms Due

Highlighting Co-op Creatives: March Art Call

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented 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 to the Editor

Shareholders who have not yet returned their completed Window Guard form letters must be signed by the writers and include are asked to do so as soon as possible following the directions included in the mailing. The form was due on Tuesday, Feb. 15, and can be returned by phone, fax, mail or email as per the directions enclosed in the mailing. Our Community

The city’s Window Guard law was enacted to help prevent incidences of young children being injured or killed in falls from unguarded windows. It requires owners or managers of multiple dwellings (buildings with 3 or more apartments) to provide and properly install or repair approved window guards on all windows in apartments where a child(ren) 10 years or younger resides or visits, although anyone, for whatever reason, may request window guards, The February 12, 2022 issue of the Co-op City Times included a letter to the editor from a fellow shareholder who said that some directors’ viewpoints focusing on “Black and Brown” voters and issues was very even if there are no young children in the apartment. divisive as it ignored Asiatic, white

Each year, Management is required by law to send out the Window Guard and Native-American voters, among Notice in January to all residents so that they may report whether children live in others, who also live in Co-op City. the apartment and to request installation of window guards or repairs to window Just to prove the writer’s point, guards previously installed by Management. For new leases, building owners there was a director’s viewpoint that or managers must provide a Lease Notice to the new resident within 30 days of said: “… is that our community (i.e. occupancy to determine if children live in the apartment. According to the law, residents are obligated to respond fully to all questions on the form. They must also allow Management access into their apartment to install window guards on all windows in the apartment except those that lead to fi re escapes, which does not apply to Co-op City buildings; they must not the Black and Latino community) …” It appears that those of us, like me, who are white and Jewish and have lived here for over fi fty years are not considered part of “our community.” ––Stewart Berman remove window guards once they are installed or make any changes to the window guards; or remove any part of the window guard.

The Window Guard form asks if a child fi ve years or younger lives or visits the apartment regularly; if a child 10 years or younger lives in the apartment and if so, are window guards installed, need to be installed or repaired; and thirdly, even if no child 10 years or younger lives in the unit, would the occupant like window guards installed or, if they are already installed, are repairs needed. The form then asks for the shareholder’s name, full address, signature, date and contact phone number.

Shareholders must answer all questions on the Annual Window Guard form and sign and date the form as well as provide their contact phone number in case follow-up is necessary. Failure to complete the form fully will result in a phone call in an attempt to collect the missing information. Shareholders may also receive an automated reminder phone call to return the form. After all avenues have been exhausted, the names of those who do not respond to the notice will be forwarded to the New York City Department of health for further action.

In addition to returning the Window Guard form by mail, phone, fax and email, they can also be deposited in the Window Guard drop boxes at the Dreiser CSO on the lower level plaza; at the Public Safety offi ce in the Bartow Center or at the Einstein CSO. Shareholder can call their respective CSO for assistance completing the form using the specifi c response code on their form. To contact CSO, dial (718) 320-3300, select option 3, and follow the prompts.

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Artists of Co-op City, this is your chance to be featured in the Co-op City Times! February’s showcase was a great success in our presentation City Times of the talent that our community holds. We will once again be collecting of the talent that our community holds. We will once again be collecting pieces (Paintings. Poems. Photos.) from artists of all ages in the compieces (Paintings. Poems. Photos.) from artists of all ages in the community for March’s artist presentations. Email some of your best work munity for March’s artist presentations. Email some of your best work to PMcCoyCampbell@riverbaycorp.com with “Co-op Creatives” in the to subject line. Along with your artwork, please send a picture of yourself, subject line. Along with your artwork, please send a picture of yourself, the Co-op City section you reside in, a shorat personal bio including the Co-op City section you reside in, a shorat personal bio including your pronouns, and an explanation of your piece/pieces. your pronouns, and an explanation of your piece/pieces.

If you are selected, you will be featured in the Co-op City Times and possibly Riverbay’s other communications outlets. possibly Riverbay’s other communications outlets.

Thank you to Carla M. Cherry and Davida Ladson for being our February presenters! February presenters!

If you are not selected for March, don't worry; there is always next month! We can’t wait to share some of the very talented artists in Co-op month! We can’t wait to share some of the very talented artists in Co-op City with our readers. City with our readers.

Photos by P.M. Campbell

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s offi cial newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager Ralph Henriquez Production Manager John Crow New Media Producer

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented 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 writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confi dential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author.

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 submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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 classifi ed advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily refl ect 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor only from Co-op City shareholders at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material.

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which will be kept confi dential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be verifi ed.

Thank you for your cooperation.

CCPD Offers Safe Driving and Walking Tips for Winter Weather

By LT. PAM APOLLO

The past few weeks have been quite a mixed bag as far as weather is concerned. We had fl uctuating temperatures and several large snowfalls. This weather led to icy and unsafe conditions. Snowfalls, combined with frigid temperatures, can have quite an impact on walking and driving. Cooperators should exercise extreme caution when walking or driving should this situation present itself. We have come to learn that there is nothing predictable about weather in the New York area. During severe winter weather, it becomes even more important to be sure to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Snow, ice and freezing rain present an increase in hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. Be alert for black ice, which can often look like normal asphalt until after it is too late. By allowing extra time for travel and avoiding unnecessary travel, readers can stay safe during adverse weather conditions.

When there are hazardous conditions, residents should try to stay home, if possible. Walking or driving in bad weather increases your chance of being injured. The elderly and those with mobility issues should definitely stay home and enlist the help of a friend or neighbor. Many local restaurants and establishments offer free delivery service. Food delivery services such as Door Dash and Uber Eats allow delivery from almost any establishments that sell food. There are supermarkets and delivery services that offer food delivery that you can order from your home.

Avoid driving in extreme weather even though the New York City Department of Sanitation steps up plowing and salting efforts when snow is expected. However, sometimes roads are not clear until several hours after snow finishes falling. Salt used for melting snow is no longer effective when temperatures fall below 20 degrees. Snowy days are excellent times to catch up on reading, movie watching and TV viewing. When it snows, replace road trips with family game night, break out those good old-fashioned board games, serve some tasty snacks and enjoy quality family time.

Extreme weather makes it even more important to be certain your car is in optimum condition including good tires. It is also important that all drivers and passengers BUCKLE UP for safety. Buckle children into the proper restraint system for their age and weight, always in the rear seat of the vehicle. Never put a rear facing infant seat in the front seat of an auto that has a passenger side airbag. The airbag can propel the car seat into the seat back with enough force to seriously injure or kill the child.

Recent legislation makes it mandatory for every person riding in an automobile to wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts. Airbags are designed to be used in connection with seatbelts. An airbag comes out of the steering wheel or dashboard at a speed of 250 miles per hour. Without a seatbelt, the force of an airbag can cause serious injuries. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle equipped with airbags will minimize injuries.

Seatbelts will prevent the wearer from being thrown from the automobile in the case of a collision. Today’s automobiles are designed to keep the passenger

compartment intact in the event of a collision. Without a seatbelt, you will not Public remain within that safety zone. Unsecured persons in a vehicle continue to travel at the vehicle’s speed until they strike a solid object within or outside the Safety vehicle. Internal organs of the unbelted person then collide with the skeletal system causing serious internal injuries. An unbelted person also serves as a Report projectile and can cause injuries to other persons in the vehicle. A person properly restrained stays within the vehicle’s safety zone and comes to a slower stop exercise extreme caution when walking or driving thereby minimizing injuries. should this situation present itself. able about weather in the New York area. During severe to drive safely and obey traffic rules. Snow, ice and freezing rain present an increase in hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. Be alert for black ice, which can often look like normal

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@ .com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@ riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specifi c directions.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites:

www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com

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.

(Continued on page 23)

Public Safety Blotter

February 6 - February 12, 2022

February 6 – 99 Asch Loop

While on routine patrol, CCPD observed a vehicle in Garage 4 with two (2) wheels missing. A report was filed and an investigation to determine the owner of the vehicle.

February 7 – 99 Asch Loop

CCPD responded to Garage 4 to assist a person having difficulty with payment exiting the garage. After the assist, a garage inspection was conducted. Officers observed three high-end luxury vehicles with suspended license plate tags and one with unsecured doors. An investigation to determine the owner of the vehicles was conducted. The vehicles were eventually removed from Co-op City Property.

120 Casals Place

A shareholder reports that her laundry was removed from the dryer without her permission. The shareholder was instructed that leaving unattended laundry is a violation and subjects shareholders to a community complaint violation for “abuse of equipment” as shareholders are expected to remove laundry in a reasonable amount of time once the laundry cycle is completed. February 8 – 120 Asch Loop

While conducting a sweep of the building, CCPD observed a shareholder loitering on the staircase with a lit marijuana cigarette in her possession. The shareholder was issued two (2) Community Complaints.

February 9 – Co-op City Blvd./Baseball Field

CCPD responded to a call for persons removing tires from a vehicle. As CCPD approached the area, a minivan fled the area. A canvas was conducted for the minivan with negative results. CCPD observed a vehicle with the tires removed. The cooperator was advised to notify the NYPD for statistical and insurance requirements.

February 10 – 120 Asch Loop

A shareholder reports an unknown male ringing her doorbell inquiring about a painting appointment. The shareholder denied the appointment and the male left the area. Further investigation by Public Safety Detectives revealed that a Riverbay painter had inadvertently rung the wrong bell.

750 Baychester Avenue

While on directed patrol in the Building 17 area, an anonymous female reported to CCPD that she had just heard what she believed were shots fired in the vicinity of Truman High School football field. While CCPD was canvassing the area, additional 911 calls were received and NYPD also responded. A joint canvas for additional witnesses, victims, and physical evidence was conducted with negative results.

February 12 – 2063 Bartow Avenue

A male entered into the establishment and tried to reload a prepaid card with a counterfeit bill that he possessed. The subject was told to leave the store by an employee with nothing further to report.

100 Aldrich Street

A shareholder reported a package identified as delivered was in fact taken without his permission or authority from the hallway in front of his apartment door. A report was filed with CCPD for further investigation.

900 Baychester Avenue

A shareholder reports unknown persons repeatedly are entering her apartment while she sleeps and that these persons commit unapproved actions and may be removing property. A report was filed with CCPD and the victim is being referred to the appropriate social services organization in an attempt to provide needed counseling services.

2420 Hunter Avenue

CCPD responded to a call of persons loitering on the staircase. Upon arrival, CCPD observed two (2) males fleeing from the staircase into an apartment. Upon investigation by CCPD, the suspects were determined to be guests of the shareholder of that apartment. The shareholder was issued multiple Community Complaints for their guests loitering on the staircase.

900 Co-op City Blvd./150 Dreiser Loop

CCPD Emergency Service Officers responded to a call for a suspicious male in Building 2A. Upon arrival, the officers observed a suspect acting erratically. Upon seeing the officers, the suspect fled and attempted to enter Building 3B. The officers followed the erratic male. The suspect became combative and was determined to be a continued threat to himself and others. The suspect refused to comply or cooperate with lawful orders, at which time, he became physically resistant. He was restrained. During the encounter two officers were injured. The male was transported to Jacobi Hospital for evaluation.

Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl Johnson

E-Bikes –– Don’t Play With Fire

E-Bikes – Don’t Play With Fire

Some people bought an e-bike and had a nice time riding swiftly and had a nice time riding swiftly through the streets. Thereafter, they brought their e-bike home and started charging the battery. Next, without any warning, the battery created a tremendous fi re in their home.

Extremely Dangerous Batteries

Back in December 2021, a family allegedly had seven e-bikes in their apartment on the lower East Side of Manhattan. So, they decided to charge at least one of their e-bikes. Then, at some point, they had an outrageously horrible fi re in their apartment.

Thereafter, online video shows that the fi re was so bad that two children—a brother and sister—had to crawl out of their fourth-fl oor window. Then, they were able to grab onto a yellow pipe that was miraculously placed next to that window that ran throughout the length of their building.

Next, like a scene out of an action movie, the video shows both children sliding down that pipe just as the fi re burst through that window. So, fortunately, they were able to slide down that pipe from the fourth fl oor to the ground. However, a man died, and their mother was in critical condition.

So, what caused that horrible fi re? Well, it was determined that a lithium-ion battery on one of the e-bikes caused that fi re. In fact, the FDNY commissioner said: “The intensity of this fi re was such that it blew the windows out and actually blew a wall down within the apartment.”

Back in 2021, it was also determined that lithium-ion batteries from e-scooters caused 93 fi res in NYC. Then, a published report stated that four people died from some of those fi res. Furthermore, an FDNY fi re chief said that the batteries “fail without any warning. And, the fi re is very intense, almost like a blow torch coming from these batteries. There is a tremendous amount of energy stored within a very small space.”

Over time, a battery will need to be replaced on an e-bike. However, that is when things can go really bad because some buyers might not know the actual condition of the replacement battery. In other words, where did this replacement battery come from? Was this battery cleaned up and sold as new? Were some new battery cells placed alongside some of the old battery cells? Is that so-called new battery an actual timebomb waiting to explode?

Not too long ago, it was reported that some thieves robbed some delivery workers and stole their e-bikes. Thereafter, it was possible that they sold those e-bikes or they took them home. So, is it possible that those e-bikes can blow up their apartment and render socalled retribution to them? Absolutely! But, hey, that is what can happen when someone steals something. In other words, you steal, it kills.

Bottom line: Some people might think that an e-bike battery can only cause a fi re if the battery is plugged into an electric socket. However, there are cases wherein these batteries have exploded without them being charged. For instance, in May 2021, an e-bike set off a fi re inside of an elevator in China. And, within seconds, smoke and fi re fi lled the entire elevator. In fact, this fi re was so bad that it left a 5-month-old baby girl and her grandmother in critical condition. Then, three other passengers on that elevator were injured.

Lastly, please make sure that you understand the extreme danger that you and your loved ones can face if you decide to let someone bring an e-bike into your home.

Cable Services

Last week, the headline for an article on page 1 of the Co-op City Times stated: Optimum Brings its Fiber-To-The-Home network to Co-op City. The article then stated that Optimum “has begun installing its next generation of fi ber-to-the-home (FTTH) network throughout the property, and work to bring distribution into residential buildings will begin in Section 5 this coming week.” The article then stated that cooperators would see “Optimum technicians working in the streets to bring fi ber into each building.” Thereafter, the technicians will be working in the hallways installing their new cables. So, Optimum will be providing these services. However, didn’t we previously state that Verizon was going to wire up our buildings and bring their FiOS service here? Yes! So, now, we will have to wait for Verizon to finalize their plans with management and then issue a date when they can start. Nevertheless, as mentioned previously,

Building 25 Association

They’re back! Yes, The Canadian Geese, the birds have taken over our greenway. Poop everywhere. Can the geese feces be hazardous to our health? Let’s explore that theory… . According to “Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension NJ Agricultural Experiment Station Rutgers,” there are concerns that the geese pose a potential threat to human health and safety, they can transmit diseases to humans through direct contact with feces or through water-borne disease transmission. Although scientifi c studies have shown that the geese feces do possess human pathogens such as Cryptosporidium species, Giardia species, Salmonella species and E. coli, the potential risk of transmission to humans is not well understood. People are encouraged to minimize direct contact with geese feces, removing your shoes prior to entering your home, washing hands.

We also would like to remind neighbors to attend their building meetings to get to know your neighbors and get information.

Wish all neighbors born in February a happy birthday; for those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon and with the death toll rising due to the pandemic that we just can’t seem to shake and other illnesses, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to families who has lost loved ones.

Due to over scheduling, our next virtual building association meeting will be held Tuesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. Look out for detailed log in or call in information posted notices near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. 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.

We will close with the following: “Live to the fullest, and focus on the positive.” –Matt Cameron

––Wanda Bailey

Verizon has their wires throughout Co-op City. So, at some point, they will bring those wires into our buildings and onto each fl oor.

Finished? No! As cited in a previous viewpoint, a group of former Verizon workers want to also wire up our buildings. So, they will have to bring in a tremendous amount of wires into Co-op City. Then, guess what? They will also have to bring their wires into our buildings and onto our fl oors.

Enough? I think so. Look, we currently have three companies that want our business. And, they’re willing to spend a ton of money to wire up our buildings. So, will there be great deals and improved service? Personally, I think that there will be a lot of competition if two or more companies are doing business in Co-op City. Plus, everyone has to remember that streaming services are delivering thousands of paid and free channels to their subscribers at reasonable prices.

So, any company that does business here will have no choice but to deliver good prices and good service to our community.

Close

Please consider the extreme consequences before bringing an e-bike into your apartment.

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.

Co-op City Times / February 19, 2022 9 Building 21 Association

The next Building 21 Association general session gathering will be: Friday, February 25, via Zoom at 7 p.m.

Special guest: Noel Ellison, Riverbay Corporation General Manager

We need Floor Captains on each fl oor in every building. They are a necessity.

Every fl oor of every building should have assigned Floor Captains. If you have not volunteered for your own fl oor, consider doing so.

All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows:

1. Contact Numbers (for your fl oor only) ● List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor. 2. Co-op City Times ● Place them at each apartment door. (Delivered on Saturdays.) 3. Elevator Notices ● Read them and talk to your neighbors about them. 4. Promote: ● Meetings, clubs and gatherings. 5. Encourage ● Your neighbors to: Vote – Vote – Vote! In the Riverbay election. ● Make calls to the Riverbay offi ces

Public Safety: 718-671-3050

CSO Offi ces: 718-320-3300

6. That is all! That is it!

If you have questions regarding The 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information. Email: 21association@gmail.com. Call: 347-504-1821. Attend the monthly general meetings via Zoom video conference. Everyone from all buildings plan to come and join us at Building 21. Bring a friend.

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

––Michelle Marbury

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

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

@CCPDnyc Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m.12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31-day rotation on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available.

All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least four clean shopping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. We require masks and physical distancing. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a Non-Driver’s, or Driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Guests do not have to be affi liated with a church to receive food. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Recertifi cation

A reminder to all clients new and old, recertifi cation started on January 4. You must recertify in order to pick up groceries in the year 2022. No exceptions. Required documentation is as follows: NY State Driver’s license, NY State Non-Driver’s or NYC I.D (zip code 10475). Passports, Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cards, Job I.D.’s and Access-A-Ride I.D.’s are not acceptable.

Restaurant Meal Distribution

The restaurant meal distribution is on hold until further notice. Defensive Driving Class

Classes are TBA until our normal meeting space reopens once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. An online version of the course is available at the Empire Safety Council website: https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” to receive a discount.

Contact Us

Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

––D. Illis

Director’s Viewpoint –Director’s Viewpoint Francine Reva Jones

Stop Gun Violence

Over a decade ago, when I headed the African-American Asheaded the African-American Association of Co-op City, T-shirts were designed and sociation of Co-op City, T-shirts were designed and made for the members with the inscription “Stop Gun Violence.” They were worn proudly at many of the community’s outdoor events, such as the Co-op City fairs, National Night Out Against Crime, etc. Co-op City has long been considered a community with a low crime rate. Although Niche.com gives it only a C+ rating for Crime & Safety, they rate it A- overall. It also states that Co-op City is one of the best places to live in New York.

I believe that most cooperators feel safe in our community and offi cers of the Co-op City Public Safety Department and the 45th Precinct can be called for our protection. However, the CCPD needs to be increased to full capacity so that every building can be covered in light of the lobby attendants being eliminated.

As safe as our community might be, it has been reported that there are illegal guns coming into NYC from out of state and Co-op City will be affected. Airports have good security systems where they can detect heavy metals and bomb paraphernalia. They are set up to screen individuals and luggage fl ying out of NY. This type of security should be set up for bus and train travelers in order to assure that no one is transporting illegal weapons.

According to NYPD records, there were 485 murders in 2021, a 4% increase from the 468 tallied in 2020. I believe that the traffi cking of illegal guns is the reason for most of these deaths. Recently, a man was indicted on hundreds of counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and related charges for traffi cking 73 weapons and high capacity magazines to the Bronx and Manhattan, where they were sold to an undercover NYPD offi cer. These weapons are being transported in duffl e bags by bus. It was reported that the Port Authority Police is conducting routine bag checks on commuters and will soon begin checking luggage on buses arriving from out of state.

The Bronx District Attorney has stated that Bronx residents, including children and babies, are dying from gunfi re. These smugglers are using illegal guns to kill, predominantly Black men. Many times, they accidently kill other people. They need to know that there are consequences to their actions. On the other hand, crimes like this might not occur if the issues of lack of jobs, homelessness, mental health, and poverty were resolved, in my opinion.

Black History Month

I believe the Bronx DA has done many positive things for our safety. She is an elected offi cial who is doing an exemplary job by organizing marches to end gun violence, rallies against hate, gun buybacks, re-entry resource fairs for former prisoners, getting indictments on people for gun murders, etc. I believe that if people had decent-paying jobs, this gun traffi cking would not be such a big problem. For Black History Month, I intend to contact my elected offi cials to inquire as to what they are doing to combat the gun traffi cking problem. Won’t you join me?

Board of Directors Elections

Similar to electing your city, state and national representatives, you should also vote in your local Riverbay Board Directors elections. The annual Riverbay Board of Directors elections takes place in May of each year. If you would like to become a member of the Board of Directors, you need only be a shareholder in good fi nancial standing. If you don’t wish to run for the Board, be sure to vote for fi ve candidates of your choice. The top fi ve vote getters will serve a three-year term.

Board Directors are dedicated and hard-working shareholders who sacrifi ce many hours of their time to serve our community. They are good people who need your support. Remember, they represent you and make decisions on your behalf.

Over the past few years, resident voter apathy has required the Election Committee to extend the election for two weeks due to its failure to reach the required 1/3 quorum of eligible voters in the specified time. Please show that you care about your community by making a pledge to vote in this year’s Board election. The Election Committee generally offers voting incentives. However, offering prize

money to vote is a waste of our shareholders’ money, but it is one way to encourage residents to vote. Cooperators should be ready and willing to vote. As the chairperson of this year’s Election Committee, I hope that this year will be different and that 100% of our eligible shareholders will vote. Cooperator care and participation are necessary for a community to remain vital and strong. Voting shows that you care.

Building Associations

Please attend your building association meetings. Many building association presidents are currently conducting virtual meetings, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and variants. At these meetings, you will obtain important information about your building and the community, as well as to meet and greet your neighbors. Floor Captains need to be re-established. They look out for the neighbors on the fl oor in cases of emergency, or simply by holding a package delivered to their neighbors’ door. If you don’t have a building association, try organizing one. If you need assistance, please contact me. Show that you care.

Health and Wellness

Please remember to continue wearing a mask or face covering in public places to protect yourself and others from the Covid-19 virus and variants.

Closing

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. (By Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) Thank you for reading my viewpoint. You may contact me at FJones@riverbayboard.com. Yes we are back! Altour office is officially open And the rush is on...Everyone wants to travel again.

Join us on one of these tours!

Queen Mary Cruise

Caribbean from New York Dec. 22, 2022 – 12 days Alaska Cruise – 8 days, August 26, 2022 Canadian Rockies – June 22, 2022 Cruise to Greece – September 11, 2022

*NEW*

River Cruise, Amsterdam-Germany – Aug. 20, 2023

Tuscany & Italian Rivera

Guided Tour – Sept. 29, 2023

London & Paris

August 28, 2022 - 8 nights *NEW* Cruise Japan – 2023

ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 TO CONTACT MONICA Monica.Smith@altour.com 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702

Join us for our next Meet and Greet February 26, 12 p.m. Sharp St. Michael’s Church. (Please use front or side door)

Free Income Tax Prep Assistance for Seniors

Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with the Iona College Accounting Department, is once again offering free income tax preparation for seniors 62 years of age or older who reside within the boundaries of his district (Co-op City, Throggs Neck, Morris Park, Pelham Bay, and City Island). Tax documents can be dropped off at the assemblyman’s offi ce beginning on Monday, Feb. 7.

This service islimited to seniors who meet the following criteria: • Simple tax returns only! • Complete copies of 2018 federal and state returns must be included • Name, Social Security number, and date of birth of all people claimed on the return as taxpayers and dependents

Please disclose if there have been any changes in taxpayers or dependents from your 2020 return, such as birth or death of a taxpayer or dependent.

Seniors are encouraged to bring all their tax documents to Assemblyman Benedetto’s offi ce at 3602 East Tremont Ave., Suite 201, or 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 12, between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Service is limited to the fi rst 150 constituent respondents, so please respond as soon as possible.

Tax returns are prepared by student volunteers from Iona College as a service to the community. All returns will indicate that they were prepared by a non-preparer. For more information, please contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s Co-op City offi ce at (718) 320-2220.

African-American Association

The AAACC Presents: Vendor Day! Tomorrow!

The African-American Association’s vendor acknowledgement Zoom presentation will be held tomorrow, February 20. at 3:00 p.m. The AAACC believes that the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, “Ujamaa,” which means cooperative economics, should be practiced not only during the holiday season but should become a way of life. The goal of the AAACC is to create a cohesive relationship between vendors, entrepreneurs and the community at-large that will benefit all. This is a general membership event. We offer you an invitation to become a member.

Erin Jackson: First African-American “Speed Skating” Gold Medalist, who almost missed the 2022 Olympics after a stumble in the

Olympic qualifiers. (Portions of this segment excerpted from Yahoo Sports. Picture by Black Enterprise.com)

Erin Jackson's gold-medal dreams were over. Jackson failed to qualify for the 500-meter event at the Beijing Olympics, but then something beautiful happened. Her teammate Brittany Bowe gave up her spot, giving Jackson a second chance. Jackson did not waste it, picking up a gold medal in the 500-meter event last Sunday in Beijing. Jackson was the final member of Team USA to skate on Sunday. She took part in the second-to-last skate of the day. Jackson had a tall task ahead of her. Miho Takagi of Japan put up a 37.12 early in the event, and remained in the top spot the entire time. Jackson – the No. 1 ranked skater in Gold Medalist Erin Jackson the world – proved she was up to the task. Jackson got out to a strong start, and kept up that momentum throughout her skate. She finished with a time of 37.04, narrowly beating Takagi for the gold.

This performance makes Jackson the first African-American woman to win an individual speed skating medal at the Olympics.

Be a Card Carrying Member of the AAACC

Membership is $15.00 per year for a single membership and $25.00 per year for a 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.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs:

Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-5616211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena, 917-863-1507

Upcoming Event Dates!

Sunday, February 20 – General Meeting and Vendor Day Sunday, March 20 – General Meeting Saturday, April 9 – Holistic Health and Wellness Fair Saturday, May 14 – Annual Spelling Bee Saturday, June 18 – General Meeting and Juneteenth Recognition We hope you are experiencing a prosperous Black History Month! “We’ve got many rivers to cross.”

––Michelle Marbury

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

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

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

Fundraising Cake Sale

The Episcopal Church Women of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church are having a Cake Sale on Saturday, March 26, starting at noon. Please come down and join us for this event. Buy and take home some of our delicious baked goodies!!

Grace and Peace! ––M. Chambers

All is Calm and White in Section 5

On Sunday morning, Feb. 13, Co-op City shareholders woke up to nearly 3 inches of snow gently covering the neighborhood. In Section 5, the blanket of snow created a winter "calmness" on the trees, bushes and streets for shareholders to experience from their window view or meditative strolls. Photos and caption by Yolanda Ramirez

National Council of Negro Women

Black History Month – The Youth Committee is still seeking talent for our upcoming 21st Annual Black History Celebration on February 26 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. This year’s theme will be focused on health and wellness. We are looking for singers, dancers, poets and healthy habit demonstrations such as meal prep ideas, meditation and skin care regimens. All video submissions should be sent to Ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com no later than February 23. Video submissions should be no longer than 5-7 minutes. We would also like to thank the Riverbay Corporation for their continued support and partnership. Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4889 3357, Passcode: 309923. Check out these talented young people. Many are our neighbors here in Co-op City.

Women Represent – Our annual Women’s Day program will be by Zoom on Saturday, April 2, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s program is “From Struggle to Strength: Women’s Words on Conquering With Courage.” You are all invited. Stay tuned for more details.

Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Our 47th annual BHRP Program will be held on May 21 at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to attending this program in-person this year so we can gather with all 18 of the NCNW sections from New York State to honor outstanding women in our communities, welcome new Life Members and Legacy Life Members and raise funds for the maintenance of our national headquarters that is located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. This program that is presented by sections all over the United States is named after our Founder, Mary McLeod Bethune, and our National President for forty years, Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

February is Heart Health Awareness Month (continued) – Atrial fi brillation is a quivery, fl uttery heartbeat instead of your normal heartbeat. You may also have signs of dizziness, weakness and fatigue. It is easy to dismiss symptoms of AFib because they may come and go and they can vary. Talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms because it may lead to something more serious. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes and sometimes more serious procedures.

Did you know Monday, February 7, was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? Even though HIV rates have been decreasing overall, Black people still account for most of the new cases of HIV. HIV can be prevented and managed. Wear condoms, get a free HIV test yearly and ask your doctor if PrEP is right for you! https://menafn.com/1103643793/ CDC-data-released-ahead-of-National-Black-HIVAIDS-Awareness-Day.

Membership – At our membership meeting on February 13, we welcomed three new members: Femi Lewis, Lacey Britten and Cynthia Waters. They are excited about joining NCNW in our service to the Co-op City community.

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

––Joyce Howard