Co-op City Times 3/14/20

Vol. 55 No. 11

Saturday, March 14, 2020

$1.25

Management makes operational adjustments to help protect residents & staff amid Coronavirus pandemic Riverbay Management this week implemented more best practices against Coronavirus in its operations to help protect both shareholders and Riverbay staff members, who continue to provide essential services to residents.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

On Thursday, an update letter (reprinted in this issue on page 3) was distributed under every apartment door outlining steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the NYC Department of Health and local government that have so far been infused into Riverbay operations to help prevent spread of the virus in the community.The Co-op City Times also taped a video update with Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer to be uploaded on the Riverbay Crawler, channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Altice.

Reiterating what has already been put in place since preparations for the outbreak began at Riverbay almost four

weeks ago, Management noted an extensive education campaign has been launched whereby shareholders and staff are provided information on proper hand washing procedures and the importance of practicing good personal hygiene, including covering your cough and sneeze, frequent hand washing and taking responsibility for disinfecting personal space at home and work to help prevent or contain the spread of germs.

Informational flyers are posted at high traffic offices in the Riverbay administrative building, residential buildings, community centers, in the Co-op City Times and on the Crawler. Topical videos are also running on the Crawler. In addition, touch-free sanitizing stations have been installed in high traffic areas around (Continued on page 2)

RIVERBAY EVENT CANCELLATIONS See page 3 for listing

JASA has suspended all activities, trips and sit-down lunch service effective Friday, March 13, 2020. In photo above, a cooperator picks up lunch for his mother at the Bartow senior center.

Photo by Ralph Henriquez

Call Center continues to improve service despite system setbacks

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

The Riverbay Call Center opened on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, under the supervision of Associate Director Lutitia Matthias and has since been streamlining service calls and customer service for shareholders.

Although the Call Center has provided residents with a better call experience from the start, there have been challenges.

Many of the difficulties stemmed from glitches in the system used for the call center that presented disruptions in workflow.

“The system has given issues; the holdup is getting it to run fluidly,” Matthias, a 20-year industry veteran formerly with Verizon, told the Co-op City Times (Continued on page 4)

King hearing granted committee continuance

BY JASON CHIREVAS

City Councilman Andy King, set to face a third round of ethics violations charges in less than two years, will not have his day before the council’s standards and ethics committee until next month, as committee members granted the councilman’s request to continue the scheduled March 9 meeting to a later date, namely April 3.

If Mr. King, a Democrat, and his counsel appear before the ethics committee, chaired by Staten Island Republican Steven Matteo, on the new date, they will have the opportunity to present a defense against the charges levied at the councilman, which include disorderly conduct, conflict of interest violations and violations of the council’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy during an (Continued on page 4)

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Coronavirus

(Continued from page 1)

the corporation and in community centers including in almost all meeting rooms.

Sick employees and those who may have been in contact with sick people are prohibited from coming to work and not allowed to return without a clearance note from their medical doctor. Everyone is advised to avoid sick people and crowds, if possible.

To help spread the word about these preventive measures, Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay’s Safety director, has also been meeting with community groups to educate them about the virus, how to protect themselves and their family, and help stop its spread.

On the operations side, Janitorial staff has significantly increased the frequency of disinfecting common areas of residential buildings. This includes cleaning all handrails, elevator buttons, door handles, floors, laundry rooms and other frequently touched surfaces with CDC-approved detergents.

Service staff members required to enter shareholders’ apartments must wear disposable gloves. Staff and shareholders are asked to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet apart. Shareholders who are sick or who have sick household members are asked to call and either postpone or reschedule their appointment. Upon completion of a service job, the staff member will sign off on the work order on behalf of the shareholder to prevent transmission of germs. An email will then be sent to the shareholder and if there is disagreement about the work, the shareholder can contact the Riverbay Call Center and report their concerns.

This week, as the city began taking additional precautionary steps to mitigate community transmission of Coronavirus among large gatherings, JASA Senior Services, which runs daily activities, trips and a lunch program for seniors in each of the three community centers, announced that effective yesterday, Friday, March 13, all activities and trips are cancelled, and only take-out, boxed lunches will be available at the centers for seniors to pick up and take home. Riverbay management has met with Ann Moncrieffe, director of the JASA Bartow and Einstein centers, as well as community partners, including Pastors Cyndie and Mike Tolone of Newsong Church, and shareholder Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, team chief of Bronx CERT-10, and stands ready to help supplement JASA’s lunch operation to ensure senior residents receive their meals without having to venture out, if it can be helped.

“Riverbay’s priority is to do whatever we reasonably can to prevent spread of the virus in the community and to help protect our seniors who are a vulnerable

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population at risk of contracting Coronavirus,” said Mr. Klehammer. “However, I continue to stress that everyone has to take personal responsibility for their own and their family’s health and welfare. Pay attention to the advice being given by trusted sources and avoid rumors.”

By Thursday afternoon, Riverbay Community Relations Department sent cancellation notification of several upcoming community events. A March 17th Census Awareness event that was to be held in Co-op City, the March 19th Coco-Cola Job Fair, and the March 21st Annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the African American Association were all cancelled. In announcing the decision to cancel the annual Spelling Bee, the African American Association said it will work with Riverbay to reschedule the event when the threat of Coronavirus subsides. So far, CCPD’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention Seminar slated for March 26 is still tentatively scheduled to take place although that too could change depending on developments at that time.

As Mr. Klehammer stated last week, Management remains “nimble” and ready to adjust since this situation is extremely fluid. Preparedness plans are being finetuned for operational continuity should – or rather – when, an outbreak occurs in Co-op City. This week, all department heads turned in their critical staffing and contingent plans to management so the corporation can continue to prepare to switch over operations to a combination of on-site personnel and telecommuting, if necessary.

As the situation progresses, shareholders are encouraged to tune in regularly to the Riverbay Crawler for information and updates. Those who have not registered for Phone Tree notification are urged to do so as soon as possible and provide Riverbay with a phone number or email address to receive phone, email and/or text alerts in the event of an emergency.

Just in the last week, the number of Coronavirus cases in New York has more than doubled with the majority of those cases reported in Westchester County, followed by Nassau County and Suffolk County The World Health Organization (WHO) this week declared Coronavirus a pandemic, a disease with global implications. So far, it has affected 129 countries and territories, and counting. The organization reported early Friday morning that, as of then, Coronavirus has infected more than 132,500 people worldwide, and is so far responsible for approximately 5,000 deaths.

There are upwards of 1,800 Coronavirus cases reported in the United States, and 41 deaths as of press time Friday, March 13, 2020, according to the CDC. Cases have been reported in 42 states, including New York, and the District of Columbia.

The NYS Department of Health said as of March 12, there were 325 positive cases of Coronavirus in the state, 230 outside of the city and 95 in New York City, with those numbers expected to rise.

Health officials continue to emphasize preventive and containment measures, such as proper hand washing; avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; social distancing and avoiding non-essential travel.

In a press briefing yesterday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanon (Continued on next page)

Please Refrain From Littering.

• Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Keep Co-op City Clean!

• Evening and Saturday appointments

Thank You!

“Se Habla Español”

718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Co-op City Times 2 n d COMBING

Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...

7th Annual Spelling Bee cancelled

The 7th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee which was to be held on Saturday, March 21, has been cancelled due to Coronavirus.

Riverbay Fund Survey

The Riverbay Fund Community Needs Assessment can be completed online at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/River bayFund2020, or by filling it out on page 11 of the March 7 issue of the Co-op City Times, and mailing or delivering the survey to the Riverbay Community Relations department in the administrative office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Domestic & Sexual Violence Seminar

CCPD is sponsoring a Sexual & Domestic Violence Prevention Seminar on Thursday, March 26, 7-9 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center. The guest speakers will be from Safe Horizon and LIFT. All are invited to attend.

Bereavement Support

Co-op City’s weekly Bereavement Support Group, led by Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, administered by the JASA Senior Services program, meets in room 13 of the Dreiser Center, 1 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. every Monday.

Residents interested in participating may call Dr. Smith at 917734-4058 or by calling JASA at 718-320-2066, ext. 2010.

“Remember to wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of germs.”

Coronavirus

Front Page

(Continued from page 2)

Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of isolating the sick and placing their contacts in quarantine. “In addition,” he said, “measures that increase social distancing such as cancelling sporting events may help to reduce transmission. These measures, of course, should be based on local context and risk assessment, and should be time-limited. Even if you cannot stop transmission, you can slow it down and save lives…”

Everyone is urged to practice precautionary behavior to help prevent community transmission.

That includes: • Staying home if you are sick • Covering your cough and sneeze • Properly disposing of used tissues in the trash • Washing your hands frequently • Clean and disinfect frequentlytouched surfaces • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Those most vulnerable to the virus are seniors and individuals with underlying or preexisting health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

Anyone experiencing anxiety, fear, stress, depression or similar emotions as a result of Coronavirus and needs support can contact NYC WELL 24 hours a day/7 days a week year-round. Call 888-NYCWELL, text WELL to 65173, or chat at nyc.gov/nycwell.

Local government and law enforcement officials caution New Yorkers to avoid listening to rumors especially on Social Media and to seek out credible sources of information on Coronavirus such as the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), New York City Department of Health and nyc.gov.

Riverbay event cancellations and local library closing

March 17 – Census Count Awareness Day March 19 – Riverbay/Coca-Cola Job Fair March 21 – Annual Spelling Bee

In addition, the Baychester Library will be closed effective today, Saturday, March 14, 2020.

It is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, pending further review.

The New York Public Library Temporary Library Closing

As a precaution to limit the spread of Coronavirus, all library locations are temporarily closed beginning March 14 through March 31.

During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Be sure to check out the library’s array of online resources at nypl.org.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Call Center

(Continued from page 1)

King

(Continued from page 1)

earlier this week. “The goal is to make sure our systems are functioning right and that’s been our hiccup since the beginning of this call center. It’s trying to get this system to function.”

One of the most significant issues call center staff have confronted with the system is the callback feature, which shareholders now have the option of using.

“We had to, at one point, shut down our callback feature, which a lot of shareholders were not happy about, but we had to fix the glitches that were happening,” Ms. Matthias. “It didn’t make sense to keep continuing with something that was broken.”

Since all calls were running into one queue, overwhelming the system, Ms. Matthias and her team came up with a new idea of separating lines, giving residents two options while on hold.

“We had to separate the queues, and that took some time. In separating it, we created two queues, one for those who decided to stay on the line, and another queue was the callback feature,” she said. “With the new changes, staff at the Call Center managed both at the same time. Every morning we come in, we have agents to handle both queues.”

Ms. Matthias said shareholders who decide to use the callback feature now will not lose their place in line.

“It’s almost like a placeholder,” she said. “We will call the person back when it’s their time to speak to someone.”

All incoming calls start out along the same electronic pathway. the main queue, in which the caller chooses to stay on the line or request a callback. After three and a half minutes, shareholders are given an option to go into the callback queue, where they provide the system their phone number. Once the cooperator hangs up, the system will keep the customer’s place and, when the shareholder’s spot in line comes up, the system calls the person back.

“We call up to two times, and then we will go ahead and send the call to the next available agent,” Ms. Matthias said.

Although the Call Center has 13 agents, Ms. Matthias hopes to fill all 18 cubicles ahead of the busy air conditioning season in Co-op City.

“The goal is we can have people on staff to handle all of the extra calls that are going to be coming in.” she said. “Right now, we handle anywhere between 350 to 400 calls a day, and AC season, it’ll jump by at least another 200.”

incident that allegedly took place in 2017.

Last year, Mr. King faced a two-part disciplinary meeting before the standards and ethics committee to answer similarly themed charges, including allowing his wife, SEIU 1099 Executive Vice President Neva Shillingford-King, to use city council resources and personnel for her purposes — one such use was a 2017 trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for Shillingford-King’s daughter’s wedding, which Mr. King referred to as a “retreat” — and retaliating against staff members the councilman believed were cooperating with the investigation into his alleged misdeeds.

Mr. King, who called the last round of charges “all lies,” declined to appear at either part of last year’s disciplinary meeting, which, according to city council rules, rendered his lawyers unable to present a defense for the councilman. Counsel for Mr. King tried to get the 2019 hearings continued but the committee denied those requests. Mr. King later charged the committee’s denial of his counsel’s request constituted a violation of his due process rights. He sued the council, largely on that basis, in late 2019 but a state Supreme Court judge tossed the suit out of court.

The standards and ethics committee issued a report last fall substantiating all the charges against Mr. King at the time. On Oct. 28, 2019, the city council voted 44-1-2 to suspend Councilman King for 30 days, fine him $15,000, strip him of

Happy Birthday, Bradley!

This little cutie turned 3 on the 3rd! Happy birthday, Bradley!

—Warm greetings from Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle and the rest of the family.

We love you!

Keep in prayer

We ask that you keep Ms. Voncile Mallory, leader of the Bartow Swingers, in your prayers as she recuperates after a recent illness. We wish her a speedy and full recovery.

AC season aside, Ms. Matthias plans on making sure there are enough agents handling calls for those choosing the callback feature while on hold.

“We just had to make sure we had enough agents handling the callback queue,” she said. “If we can get to our calls in under three and a half minutes, then that callback option is not given which is good for me, because it means we’ve been answering them promptly.”

According to Ms. Matthias, the callback feature seems to be most beneficial for customers from noon to 2 p.m., with the morning hours establishing a pace that often determines how the day goes.

“The goal right now is to put all 13 agents on between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; we find that it sets the tone for the rest of the day,” she said. “So, the goal is to really keep our hold times down and not rely so much on the callback feature, but know that we have it available to use at any time.”

The Riverbay Call Center is housed in the Dreiser Community Center and is not open for in-person visits from shareholders like the Cooperator Services Offices were. To contact the Maintenance or Restorations departments, or to schedule inspections, call the Riverbay switchboard at 718-320-3300. Callers will hear the prompt, “For maintenance, restorations and inspections, press 2.” This will lead to the Call Center.

Once on hold, depending on the wait time and the time of day, a resident will speak to an agent or, after three and a half minutes, be asked if they would like to receive a callback.

Ms. Matthias, along with Riverbay Management and the IT department, are working together to put a better system in place. She said she thanks shareholders for their patience during the transition.

“It hasn’t been easy. I know we haven’t made everyone happy, I ask that [shareholders] not give up on us just yet,” she said. “It’s still a journey, and I don’t plan on giving up on this journey and the process. Bear with us as we figure out what’s wrong, what’s not working … as we go into our next phase of implementing new procedures and new systems. Just stay on the ride for a little bit longer.”

Ms. Matthias began her career at Verizon, where she spent 10 years working her way up from her starting position as a customer service representative at the age of 18, to management, where she supervised more than 25 customer service representatives.

his committee appointments, end his ability to use discretionary funds and appoint a monitor to watch over his day-to-day actions. Mr. King was the lone dissenter in that vote.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, both Democrats, encouraged Mr. King to resign. When Councilman Matteo announced the new round of charges against Mr. King Feb. 14, Speaker Johnson told the press he has, in essence, had enough of the councilman.

“Council Member King has repeatedly disgraced his office with his actions,” Mr. Johnson said. “If these charges are found to be true, the council should move to expel him.

One of the new charges against Councilman King alleges he has acted to circumvent the monitor appointed to his office on several occasions. Although Councilman Matteo did not go into great detail about the circumstances or severity of the new round of allegations Feb. 14, he did say, since the committee’s investigation last year, members were “approached by additional witnesses with new information regarding alleged past misconduct by Council Member King. Among this misconduct was a completely unacceptable violation of the council’s anti-harassment and discrimination policy.”

Councilman King did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Double-Dutch Tournament On Feb. 29, “Bounce Steady Jumpers,” which is part of the Co-op City Double Dutch program sponsored

by Riverbay and the National Double Dutch League, competed at the huge Double Dutch competition event in the Brownsville Recreational Center in Brooklyn. The competition hosted competitors from across the five boroughs, Connecticut and North Carolina and was funded by the National Double Dutch League. Peyton Duff, who attended all the way from Co-op City, won third place in the unattached division, which means competing as an individual. The team as a collective performed well too, and put their hard weeks of practice on display.

Photo by Tasia Duff

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

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

Want to pay your carrying charges in a quick, secure and hassle free way? Just sign up with “Zego” (Powered by PayLease). Creating an online account is free and simple. Go to www.Riverbaycorp.com and click on the “PayLease” button located towards the bottom of the page. Click on “CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT” button and follow the instructions for setting up a “Zego” (Powered by PayLease) account.

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

Payments will be received in one business day.

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

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

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

Secure and easy payment system.

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

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

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

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

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 writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor – can•verify the• authors. or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

– •the– authenticity • – • – of•– – • Anonymous – – • –L•etters – •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. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

Director may be on to something RE: Section 5 garage To the Editor: In a recent viewpoint, a Board director described a fantasy project to build a housing project and the Section 5 needs for Garage 9. She stated a feasible study was underway. In a meeting, Riverbay Management stated Garage 9 should be located next to building 31, where the current baseball and handball court is currently located. Management stated this location would provide direct access to the new MetroNorth train station and access to Erskine Place.

The problem Management had was to where the current baseball and handball court could be relocated.

I think the director may have the answer to this problem. Adding the eighth floor on Garage 9 to hold cars may have some problems. But building an eighth floor designed to hold only baseball and handball courts may be a good use of this unused space. I suggested it be on Garage 9 because it provide the largest space where a tennis court could also be included.

The eighth floor would need to be enclosed with fences and a Plexiglas roof with radiant heat that would allow it to be used 365 days a year.

By merging the Management preferred location for Garage 9 and the director’s idea of a rooftop sport area, Section 5 would get the best of both worlds.

Management stated the using of new technology like that used to build the garages in Bay Plaza would be the way to go. They were built on piling and it took them less than six months to build. If Garage 9 was built first, then the new parking spaces could be used during the creation of the eighth floor on Garage 8.

While there is a concern for a floor that has 100plus cars, there should no concern for a floor that has 80 to a 100 people playing or watching a baseball and handball games, Garage 9 then could provide 300 to 500 parking spaces for residents of Section 5, and 150 to 300 spaces for people using the new MetroNorth train.

—Bruce Gitelson We welcome your letters to the editor. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Upcoming college fairs, save the dates To the Editor: Please note the following: The ninth annual Co-op City College, Career & Resource Fair will be held Saturday, Oct 3. The event will be held at the Dr. Daniel Hale Middle School 180 on Baychester Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We are thankful to our elected officials and friends for sponsoring this successful community event this year. This year, we have some extraordinary resources for students, grades third to college, thanks to some awesome volunteers/education activists.

The Annual Latino College Expo will be held Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at New York University’s Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square. Seminars in English and Spanish.

For parents of children with disabilities, on May 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1225 Morris Park Ave., there will be workshops about autism, transportation, transition, after-school routines and more.

Email me for contact information.

In recognizing our She-Roes, let’s celebrate a Great Queen of Africa, Queen Hatshepsut, Queen of Kemet — Ancient Egypt, the lands of the Blacks 1503 to 1483 B.C. She rose to power after her father, Thothmes I, was stricken with paralysis. While several males sought to oust her from power, she withstood their challenges to remain leader for many years of what was the world’s leading nation. She had a number of spectacular temples and pyramids erected. Some of the towering structures still stand today as a reminder of the first true female ruler of a civilize nation.

Kudoes to the American women who dared to run for president of this great civilized nation.

Our day will come! We’ve got to keep on voting!

—Evelyn M. Turner

Director erred in labelling U.S. a democracy To the Editor: Recently, a Riverbay director stated in the Co-op City Times that “we should not be too quick to judge or silence those who are trying to make you aware of something.” He erred when he called our government a “democracy.” Nothing could be further from the truth. We are a constitutional republic. The word democracy does not appear in our Constitution, nor in any of the constitutions of the 50 states. We pledge allegiance to the republic of the U.S. We have the Electoral College as a feature of a republic.Ademocracy grants no rights to political minorities. When he was leaving the Constitutional Convention, which adopted the federal Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government the founders had given us. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Let’s hope we can.

—David Hammer

Window Guard Forms now past due Apartment visits to be scheduled

The annual Window Guard form is now past due. Failure to submit the Window Guard form will result in a Riverbay staff member’s visit to your unit to acquire the information.

Riverbay staff visiting your apartment will have ID’s. They will ask the questions on the form, complete the form for

Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

you and you will then be required to sign and date the form.

If you are unsure if you submitted the form already, you may contact the CSO office and verify.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

—Cooperator Services Office

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

Jason Chirevas Managing Editor

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.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 A, B & C Building 21 A, B & C

Building 21 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Bellamy Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

May 31, 2023

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

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Public Safety Report

Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers safety tips in recognition of National Poison Prevention Week

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges all residents to make sure all members of their household know the number for Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222.

The third week of March is known a National Poison Prevention Week. 2020 marks the 58th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week. It is a good time to make sure this number is on hand at all times. It is also a good time to make sure all poisons are properly locked up. Poison Prevention Week is also a good time to become familiar with substances that can be a threat to members of the household.

The national number for Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222. This number is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a vital resource if you believe you or someone else has been poisoned. Poisons are very fast acting and your actions in the first minutes or seconds can have a serious effect on the outcome of the incident.

Please be sure to enter this phone number into all home and cellular telephones.

It is also a good idea to post the number near all telephones and carry the number with you at all times. Enter the number into the closest telephone right now as you are reading this article.

Even more important than knowing what to do in the event of an accidental poisoning is to take steps to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. More than 2 million poisonings are reported to the 57 poison control centers located in this country. Ninety percent of poisonings take place in the home, so poisoning prevention should start there. Most non-fatal poisonings happen to children under the age of six. Poisonings are one of the leading causes of death in adults. By taking proper steps in the home, many poisonings can be avoided.

Poisons can be in solid, liquid or gaseous forms. Some poisons can even be invisible and odorless. Almost any household product, cosmetic or personal care product can be hazardous if not used for its intended purpose. Pesticides and disinfectants result in 150,000 calls to the nation’s poison control centers. Prescription and over-the-counter medications taken by the wrong persons or in the wrong amounts can have serious effects.

Take this opportunity to lock up any hazardous substances in your household.

Proper storage is the most important factor in preventing poisoning. Household products should be stored in locked cabinets out of the reach of children. Keep all household products in their original container with the original label attached.

Never put chemicals into different containers, especially food containers, the results can be catastrophic. Drano stored in a Snapple bottle has been known to result in serious damage to the digestive system when inadvertently consumed by a thirsty child.

Keep all medicines in childproof containers. This is especially important when people who do not have children are visiting. Elderly persons may have medications in easy access containers. Be sure to use the correct measuring device when giving medication to children. Use the cup, syringe or spoon that comes with the medication.

Accidental overdose of children’s medication is a growing problem. If a medication comes with a dropper, use that dropper, not a cup from another medication. Tylenol is a common drug that can be very toxic if too much is taken. Contact your pediatrician if you have any questions regarding dosage of medications for children.

Poison control is for use in very specific situations. Some of these situations may overlap with other medical emergencies. Therefore, it is also a good idea for all family members to know when and how to call 9-1-1, 1-718-671-3050 for public safety or the proper number for other situations. Young children have been known to have made life saving calls to 9-1-1. It is also important to keep important, non-emergency numbers accessible stored in or near your telephone. Calls to 91-1 for situations that are not emergencies can result in persons with life or death emergencies being delayed in receiving the help they need.

Calling poison control or 9-1-1 can be stressful and may seem overwhelming

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

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

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

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

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

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-651-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

Public Safety Blotter March 1 - March 7, 2020

March 1 120 Donizetti Place One man was issued a Criminal Court Summons for unlawful possession of marijuana.

March 3 2067 Bartow Ave. A man was apprehended shoplifting inside Dollar Tree. After being summonsed, he was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

March 5 Bartow Mall One man was issued a Criminal Court Summons for public consumption of alcohol.

Donizetti Place A task force of U.S. marshals, CCPD detectives, and other Police agencies conducted a warrant search of Co-op City for a suspect. The suspect was located and arrested. In addition to the aforementioned, he was also wanted for a fatal hit and run.

Rear of Truman High School CCPD units responded to investigate a report of someone being assaulted.

Upon arrival, officers spotted a man and woman in an altercation and noticed the woman had injuries. The suspect fled from officers but was quickly captured and arrested.

120 DeKruif Place One man was issued a Criminal Court Summons for marijuana possession. at first but knowing what to expect can make the call go smoothly. Staying calm is most important. Never hang up until directed to do so by the dispatcher. The dispatcher may pause to obtain information from another source. Also be prepared to take directions from the dispatcher; they may be able to provide you with lifesaving tips to use. The dispatcher may direct you to induce vomiting or not induce vomiting; give milk or water depending on the substance ingested. Never take it upon yourself to do any of these things without instruction. The wrong action can make the situation worse.

When in Co-op City, also call the department of public safety at 718-671-3050 in addition to 9-1-1 for all emergencies and 1-800-222-1222 for poisoning emergencies. Make sure all of these numbers are in your telephone before you finish reading this article.

Remember if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. 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. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons.

March is known as American Red Cross Month, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Developmental Disabilities Month. It is a good opportunity to take a first-aid course or learn about a disability that affects your friends or neighbors. March is also known as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to make sure that all members of your family have proper fitting helmets for any sports or activities they participate in. Staying healthy is a key component in staying safe.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY There are no employment opportunities to list this week.

Please check back again next week.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Celebrating local women of influence Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer Dear fellow shareholders, Through Presidential Proclamation, we honor women who have made significant contributions in history during the month of March, commemorating the strength and leadership of women of the past, and influential women of today who have helped shape our world with notable contributions in civil rights, space flight, poetry, politics, entrepreneurship, politicians, heads of state, sports, medicine, art, acting, activism, supreme court justices, and countless others who have paved the way to the success of women. We honor you!

We have women of our own in Co-op City who have laid a foundation of service to the community in a selfless desire to make our community a better place to live, through their work and volunteerism.

Linda Berk – President of the Riverbay Board of Directors. Through responsible policy setting, Linda took the corporation into the 21st Century during a time when there were concerns as to how we were going wrap our arms around a deteriorating infrastructure, and still maintain the financial stability of the corporation. With over $100 million in the bank, we have been able to start much needed projects, such as elevator modernization, Yardi system software project, Local Law 11, renovation of the Dreiser auditorium, lobby renovations, a new call center, garage access system and many other projects in the works.

Co-op City just commemorated their 50th Anniversary as the largest affordable housing development in the nation. Linda spearheaded events creating community engagement. Director Berk also co-chairs the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and continues to work on the needs of the shareholders and in keeping Co-op City safe and affordable.

Shirley Saunders – Female District Leader and president of the Co-op City Democratic Club. Mrs. Saunders works tirelessly volunteering her services, and representing voters within the district. She communi-

cates those needs to our elected officials – an important role in being the eyes and ears of the community.

Lori Melton – President, National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Chapter. Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a pioneer, NCNW focuses on enlightening and influencing women and men through advocacy and empowerment. The Co-op City chapter, under Ms. Melton, supports many programs enhancing the lives of the citizens of our community and other communities. Currently, they support Workmen’s Circle, a local Nursing and Rehabilitation facility with night gowns and socks for the women. They also have a canned food drive for the residents of the Westhub shelter. They participate in back to school drives with book bags and school items for those in need. They just completed a spectacular event for Black History which was given a high grade for its content. Ms. Melton is an exemplary role model for NCNW. Marie Smith – Activist for NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)/former Riverbay Board director. Marie is a resource advocate for anyone needing support services in mental health. She has been a volunteer for NAMI for over 15 years and conducts monthly meetings, raising awareness and providing resources that allow those seeking help to get much needed assistance.

Evangelina Gonzalez – Member of the Spanish American Club and advocate for residents of the Pinnacle Multi-Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, also known as Bay Park or Hebrew Home. Cookie, as we know her, brings a personal connection, love and kindness to the residents. The club started visitation 50 years ago and continues to hold firm to their values in keeping and maintaining themselves a valuable part of the residents lives. Having cake and coffee with them is always a treat and Cookie has made this a special part of her life as many do not have family involvement. Cookie has been doing this for over 20 years never missing a visitation day. She has passed on the baton to another member, Lourdes Suarez, and continues to visit, support and lift their spirits.

Leslie Peterson – Chairs the Community Garden/president of the Building 13 Association and is a former Riverbay Board director. Leslie and members of her building have taken an active role in providing

a community space where we can all come together, share, teach and look after one another. They have many events and workshops that promote and enhance our talented neighbors. The garden waterfront property was transformed to encourage healthy living and fellowship. It includes areas for growing herbs, flowers and vegetables, community, composting, educational workshops, family activities and a host of other events that reflect the culture of the community.

Leah Richardson – Riverbay Board director. Leah was instrumental in getting C.L.A.A.Y. off the ground.

C.L.A.A.Y. (Cooperative Leadership Action Among Youth) @ Co-op City features “Project Citizen,” a civic education program of the Center for Civic Education in cooperation with the National Conference of State Legislatures, and supported by the United States Department of Education. Project Citizen is targeted to students in grades 5-12 and designed to promote responsible participation in local and state government. The goal of the program is to help “students understand Public Policy and use this information to create change in their community thereby empowering them,” and to initiate dialogue between young people to help better identify the problems that are often too nuanced and get overlooked by legislators. C.L.A.A.Y provides Co-op’s youth with the tools to go into the world and be the change they want to see.” Director Richardson believes that we can only maintain a high quality of life if we remain active, engaged and informed community leaders. On May 28, 2020 Director Richardson is being honored at the annual 45th Precinct Council breakfast at the Villa Barone for her community service.

What do these women have in common? They are champions, strong leaders committed to community believing that we can build a better community by giving of ourselves.

Thank you, shareholders, who reached out to me.

Caring about your community is an important part of loving where you live and being part of the solution.

Shareholders First – We Matter You can write me at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY; email me at sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com ; you can call me thru the Board laisons’ office at 347913-4224.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Important! Please Respond.

Why do I need to fill this out?

It is important that Riverbay has up-to-date contact information for all shareholders. This is to your benefit and with your safety in mind.

We may need to contact you in case of an emergency or with news that affects the community.

Your personal information will not be used for any other purpose.

With the current Coronavirus outbreak, precautions may need to be taken such as cancelling Riverbay activities or closing offices. In this event, we may attempt to notify you through the phone tree or crawler.

It is essential that all shareholders are able to be contacted so that any action taken by Riverbay can proceed smoothly and effectively.

We would appreciate your cooperation in helping Riverbay keep all shareholders informed and safe.

Thank you.

—Riverbay Management

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Coronavirus Cases Increase

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Earlier this month, a group of doctors in Washington state held a news conference about the coronavirus outbreak. And, they mentioned that they had 10 cases within their state. Nevertheless, despite their best efforts, six people died within that group.

Coronavirus – Take it Seriously As of last Saturday, March 7, 2020, there were 89 cases of coronavirus in NYS. So, the governor declared a state of emergency. Here’s the breakdown of the coronavirus cases from the governor: Westchester, 70; NYC, 11; Nassau, 4; Rockland, 2; and Saratoga, 2. Again, this data is from when I wrote this viewpoint, Saturday, March 7. Therefore, there will probably be several changes to this data by the time that you read this material.

Here are some additional statistics that will help you to understand the seriousness of this coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, March 6, 2020, NY officials told about 4,000 people to self-quarantine. As of Saturday, March 7, more than 102,000 people worldwide had been infected, and at least 3,491 people had died. Furthermore, in the U.S., there are more than 400 cases, and at least 19 deaths have occurred from the coronavirus.

Last week, the Co-op City Times published a lot of good information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. So, please review that material or please go online and review the tips from their website, cdc.gov. Thanks.

Several Noise Complaints Unfortunately, there are allegations that some cooperators are refusing to listen to the noise complaints from their neighbors. For instance, why do you think that Riverbay has mediation sessions wherein cooperators can sit down and work out their differences with mediators? How does it make you feel that a neighbor has to bring you to a mediator so that you can stop all of the alleged noise in your apartment?

What would you do if your neighbor told you that you were making too much noise by your constant banging on objects and dragging heavy furniture around during the day and night? How would you feel if your neighbor told you that the amount of noise that’s coming from your apartment is waking them up during the middle of the night?

Look, neighbors should always try to be peaceful with one another. Therefore, they should always try to work together in a positive manner. However, dragging heavy furniture around during the night? Every night?

Banging on objects all day and night? Why? What is the problem? Regardless, all of this outrageous behavior needs to stop.

Bottom line: Several cooperators have stated that they’re keeping logs and they’re making cellphone videos of the noise disturbances from their neighbors.

Furthermore, some cooperators have said that they will be calling our Public Safety department at 718671-3050 on a daily basis to report the excessive amounts of noise that’s going into their apartment.

Thereafter, they’re hoping that our officers can substantiate these excessive noise situations and then issue a community complaint on a daily basis—if necessary.

Again, the fines on these community complaints will double with each occurrence. Thereafter, Riverbay will take legal action to collect their monthly carrying charges along with the fines that were issued.

Lastly, I hope that this information will help some cooperators to see how their behaviors are negatively affecting their neighbors. And, I hope that everyone will make a good decision to treat their neighbors with decency, kindness, and respect. Thank you.

Census – Please Respond Shortly, everyone should receive official information from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the Census Bureau, “Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.”

So, please cooperate and respond to the questions

on the forms. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Thanks.

This Violence Must Stop Just recently, a young 15-year-old girl was horrifically beaten, stomped, kicked, and robbed by several young men. A video then showed a young man snatching the sneakers off of her feet. Then, as of last Saturday, March 7, the cops had arrested five young men.

So, I want to encourage everyone to please consider discussing this case with your family members. No one should ever be a victim of crime, especially this type of crime. But, as you can see, it happens.

Therefore, as a family community, we need to sit down with our family members and teach them some good things, like: God, love, respect, displaying good values, and getting good grades in school. Moreover, they must learn to stand up for the right things and to never get involved in criminal activity.

Now, should young gentlemen ever put their hands on a lady? Never! Should they behave like bullies and stomp, beat, or rob anyone? Never, ever! But, think,

how will they ever learn these concepts without help and guidance from good people that care about them?

So, please sit down and discuss these matters with your loved ones. Thanks.

Sexual, Domestic Violence Seminar Our Co-op City Police Department will be holding a Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention seminar on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 7 p.m. Suffering?

Please go to this event.

Close We can treat our neighbors better. Plus, we can teach our children to become good and responsible adults.

So, please do your best to help them.

Thank you.

Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475/ 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 / March 14, 2020

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Building 18 Association

Hi, neighbors.

Thanks to all of you who attended our general meeting Feb. 25, though there was some disappointment because our scheduled guest speaker was unable to come. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the association room; scheduled guest speaker is Commander Toba LeCrown, American Legion, on Census 2020. This is a very important meeting so please attend, there will a 50/50 drawing and refreshments served.

Membership dues We have 113 paid members; congrats to the twentieth floor having the most.

If you have not paid your dues, you can give $10 to any member on the association committee. Membership benefits are posted on the bulletin board.

Fundraisers Bake sale, April 20; flea market, May 16; please keep in mind.

To our sick and homebound we pray for a speedy recovery, to the bereaved families we give our sincere sympathies.

Happy birthday to all with that special day this month.

Please stay watchful. If you see, hear or smell something, please call the Co-op City Department of Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and 911 and report.

—Gertie Brown

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. March came in with fierce winds, especially around the Long Island Sound, which most of Co-op City experienced. Nevertheless, hope all is well.

The entertainment committee Please note on your calendar the date of July 15,when we invite you to join us on a trip to the Ace in the Hole at the Royal Manor in Garfield, New Jersey, featuring the Motown Revue presenting the Nu-Men of Soul. You don’t want to miss this. Buffett, family-style menu. Note: Correction, the price is $100. Pick-up at Einstein Center, Section 5, and three drop-offs at Dreiser/H&R Block, Bartow/library and Einstein. You may contact Margie at 718-373-4629; Sharon, 718-671-1905, or Nelson Sweeting, 646-644-4055.

General meeting The next Building 27 Association general meeting will be Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. Fliers will be posted of a possible speaker. This is a new year, does anyone have ideas or projects they would like to see happen for our building? We are all in this together to make a difference for the betterment of our building, youth and community. Feel free to share. This is the reason the building association exists.

Ban of using plastic bags are now in effect. As of yet, have not heard what are the requirements from Riverbay for the compactor rooms concerning the plastic bags. How will the cooperators dispose of their garbage?

Survey A survey is included along with your carrying charge. The survey is regarding the shareholders’ views of the use of the property by the waterfront that is now being cleaned. Please look at it and fill it out. If you need the cost factor to the shareholders and if you have other questions, make a note of it and send it in.

Census Riverbay and others have been informing the community of the Census. The mailing of Census information surveys to our homes will be began this month.

State Sen. Jamaal Bailey mailed pamphlets out to his constituents. Why is the Census important? Please read the pamphlet. Census data is used to determine how many seats/representatives our state gets in the U.S. Congress and how $675 billion in federal funds is allocated among the states for funding of our schools, hospitals, senior centers, public transportation, roads and bridges. The pamphlet also informs us the Census Bureau is required by law to keep our personal information safe and confidential. So let’s mail in, phone in and now also online. Let’s be counted to receive our portion of funding for the state of New York.

Taxes Please, my neighbors, it is tax filing season. Do not engage in any phone conversations if you receive a phone call regarding taxes. Just hang up the phone.

Internal Revenue will not call you. If you receive any mail, to be sure of compliance, just go directly to the IRS office located at 1200 Water Place near Eastchester Road in the Bronx. By all means, to be safe, do not mail any money/checks, go to IRS in person.

Happy birthday to all in this month. The best of health to all. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of any illness, or the death of a neighbor, also if one is in a nursing home.

Pray for peace within our nation.

Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine but, most of all, be thankful and prayerful.

—H. Overman

MTA Real-Time Service Updates

The most up-to-date information on MTA service status is always available at www.mta.info. For immediate notice of service changes, sign up for email or text alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com. For weekend subway service changes, visit web.mta.info/weekender.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 39 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

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

The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

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

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

National Council of Negro Women

Book club On Saturday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m., we will have our first book club meeting of our new year, so start reading now. Our first book for 2020 will be “The Color of Water; a Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,” by James McBride. The book is available in paperback and is a delightful read, truly a paean to mothers everywhere. We will meet in room 11, Dreiser Community Center. Book lovers, come join us even if you are not a member of NCNW. Women Represent! 2020 Mark your calendars. Saturday, April 18, “She Shaped Me: A Man Reflects on Woman’s Way,” is our women’s program theme this year. Male participants will reflect on how women have molded them into the men they are today. The theme for Women Represent this year is based on “The Color of Water” by James McBride, the book we are currently reading in our book club. April is National Poetry Month, and we invite poets – men, women, boys and girls – of all ages to participate in our poetry segment in recognition of National Poetry Month. So, if you are a poet, please join us. You may read original poetry or poetry by other poets. The program will be in the Dreiser Community Center, room 4, on Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Camille Worrell, co-chairman for our event, if you would like to participate or for more information, at worrellswords@aol.com.

Brotherhood Winery Join us Saturday, June 20, for a delightful day featuring a guided tour and wine tasting at Brotherhood Winery; all you can eat buffet lunch at the Golden Corral; three-hour stay at Resorts World Casino in the Catskills. All this for only $95. No refunds. Bus leaves from 177 Dreiser Loop at 8 a.m. sharp. Make checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mail to PO Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information contact: 917-574-6286, 718-379-3788 or 646-270-1985.

Grandparents’ Day cruise Calling all Grandmas, Glam-mas, Grandpas, family and friends for a spectacular day dining, dancing and laughing as we celebrate Grandparents’ Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, as Spirit Cruises takes us around New York Harbor from noon to 2 p.m. For only $80, this is your day to enjoy yourself. Make checks payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mail to PO Box 93, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. For more information contact: 917-670-4012, 718-379-3788, 917-574-6286. Tickets are nonrefundable and will be given out at Pier 62 at boarding time 11:30 a.m.

Payment deadline is Aug. 1.

Social media Remember, you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcity Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

—Joyce Howard

Building 35 Association

The executive committee of the Building 35 Association would like to invite all cooperators to come to one of our next meetings. Meet your neighbors and get pertinent information.

March 17 at 7 p.m., the NYC Fire Department Safety Division will make a presentation on what we can do to prevent fires and what do to in case of a fire.

They have been to past meetings and are a fount of good information April 21, 7 p.m., Jamaal Bowman, candidate in the Democratic primary for congress, will introduce himself and present his platform.

May 19, 7 p.m., Joshua Blake, new director of janitorial services, Riverbay Corporation, will tell us what is going in his department.

—Bill Gordon

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NAACP of Co-op City

The NAACP has partnered with NYC and N.Y. State in an effort to make people aware of the importance of completing the census form you will receive this month. Our local branch has joined the Co-Op City Census Partnership Committee, which is composed of various organizations in the community with the purpose of getting a maximum response to the census from our cooperators. The NAACP branch has had tables set up in the community centers and have attended various functions asking cooperators to sign pledge cards. The pledge cards are just a way of reminding you to complete the census upon receipt. We have also provided speakers to various building association meetings to explain the importance of the census and, of course, sign our pledge cards. The census form can be completed and mailed or completed on the phone or online.

The Democratic presidential race has narrowed down to two choices. The New York State Democratic Primary is April 28. If your candidate has dropped out, please do not make this an excuse not to vote. The NAACP does not endorse any party or candidate, but we do want everyone to register and vote. Vote in the primary and vote in the general election.

—Bill Gordon

Working Families of Co-op City

What a difference a (Super Tuesday) day makes Super Tuesday results are in. It’s down to two, plus Tulsi Gabbard, on the Dems’ side. Elections are coming up fast. The April NYS presidential primary, early voting starts April 18, runs through April 26, takes one day off, and comes back on Election Day April 28. Whatever shall we do? The national Working Families Party, having lost its candidate Elizabeth Warren to unknown forces, has switched to supporting one of the democratic frontrunners in teh primary. Watch the debate on CNN on Sunday, March 15. Tulsi will not be invited to the stage since the rules have, once again, changed. Then come to our next meeting to talk about what now? I say we invite the contenders to duke it out for us, live, here in Co-op City.

I think it’s worth a try. What do you think?

Next meeting Co-op City Working Families meets this coming Tuesday, March 17, in Einstein room 35 at 7 p.m. Wear green! Join with like-minded progressives to promote tolerance and end second-class citizenship. That’s what this group stands for. Stand with this group.

Email mpjazz@optonline.net and/or text 718-219-2211.

—Mary Pearson

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

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Building 9 Association

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Greetings, Building 9 family.

The Coronavirus is a crisis that is sweeping our nation and our planet. In a densely populated community such as ours, prevention is the ultimate protection.

Please, diligently practice proper handwashing protocol, avoid touching mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands. Cover coughs and sneezes in the bend of your elbow, not with your hands. Respiratory disease is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing and germs left on inanimate objects.

Fifth annual Women’s History Month Canceled: Global Women’s Day event gala on March 16.

We have to cancel the gala. We have been impacted heavily by key speakers who can no longer attend as they are United Nations officials who have been given directives to avoid large gatherings. Safety first. We appreciate your support.

Our Game Night event will be tonight, Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. Let’s play dominoes, Pokeno, bingo, cards, checkers, chess, backgammon, etc. Please join us.

Our March Building 9 Association membership meeting is scheduled to be held Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Please join us.

Sunday, March 8, was International Women’s Day. March is Women’s History Month. Our fifth annual women’s history event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. We agreed members would participate in a pot luck-type event for women’s history month. Please feel free to bring a dish. Our theme will be ordinary people who share extraordinary stories of experience with women who did extraordinary things, as well as those women among us who not only survived, but triumphed over adversity. Members will share stories of unsung or little known (s)heroes of our not too distant past. We have everyday women in our midst, our friends and neighbors, who have led extraordinary lives in terms of travel, exposure to artists, musicians, influential political and social leaders and historical figures, and who have actually lived through calls to action such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, civil rights abuses, human rights violations, green booking, etc.

Shirley Wells, Linda Holley, Roslyn Green, Gloria Terrell, and I attended the Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto Black History Month MLK Community Service Award luncheon at Einstein Center. We applaud the three 2020 MLK Community Service Award recipients.

Regrettably, I was unable to attend Council Member Andy King’s Three-fifths Awareness Day event at Mosque #7 in Harlem.

The Local Law 11 work has begun on Building 9. Please clear your terraces and close your window coverings and terrace doors for privacy.

Due to construction in Garage 2, please obey traffic cones and posted signage.

Please complete and return your 2020 Census forms. Government funding depends on population enumeration.

The United States Presidential Democratic primary election in New York is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28. Voting is your right and a privilege.

Happiness can be found in doing the things you love to do.

“I loved going to work every single day.” –Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) mathematician, NASA. —Linda Collins

Building 6 Association

Co-op City Little League is celebrating 50 years as an organization serving the northern Bronx communities youth in sports and recreation. We are committed to the children in our community and could not do it without the partnership of our board members and all of our wonderful parent-volunteers and coaches, too. We are proud of all the teamwork and commitment that comes out of our Bronx kids year after year. Co-op City Little League, home of the 2019 WBA and BIT Champs.

Co-op City registration is on now. You can sign up your kids today, March 14, in the Co-op City room in Dreiser Loop Community Center, room 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s going to be a great year for the Co-op City Little League Baseball 2020.

If you want to run for the Building 6 Association vice president, secretary or treasurer you need to contact Building 6 President Jeffrey Schwartz. In order to run for any Building 6 Association board positions, you must have all Building 6 dues paid up already or you can’t run for any positions. If you would like to run for any position and you are all paid up in your Building 6 Association dues, you need to let the Building 6 President Jeffrey know by March 28.

I hope everyone implements plans to stay healthy and not get the coronavirus.

Everyone needs to get your window guard forms in ASAP. They are now past due. If you don’t get the form in, Riverbay will make apartment visits.

—Jeffrey Schwartz

Building 25 Association

The graduating postings will start mid-April until the end of June, once your child’s name has been submitted. Check each week until the end of June, let’s make sure all of our children get recognized for their hard work, look out for posting near the elevators when we will be in the lobby to collect names.

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

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month, generally from September through June. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., please keep an eye out for postings outside your elevators.

If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles, please log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association.

Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, assistant treasurer.

I will close with the following quote: “The beauty of daylight savings time is that it just make everyone feel sunnier.” –Ed Markey —Wanda Bailey

Building 32 Association

Fellow, co-operators!

Here’s a friendly reminder from the secretary of the Building 32 Association.

On Tuesday, March 17, the Building 32 Association will have its next general meeting at 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you. There will be raffles and door prizes to win — another Kidde fire extinguisher will be up for grabs — and light refreshment will be served.

Also on hand will be a speaker to talk to us about the U.S. Census and why it is essential everyone fills out this important form this year. Stand up and be counted! It reflects in how we are represented in government, how much of the federal budgets are allocated to our community, and so on. This is vital information we all need to know and maybe have some Census myths and fears busted in the process. And when the Census comes around every 10 years, there is also opportunity for part-time work.

Hope to see you at the next meeting.

—Ezekiel Springer Jr.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Building 13 Association

Women’s History Month This month is set aside to admire the many contributions and sacrifices women have made for their country and community. I want to give a special shout out to some amazing, active women of all ages residing in Building 13. I started to name them but then I realized there are so many I don’t think I would have enough space and certainly don’t want to forget anyone. My compliments to you all but “no man is an island,” and our unity is achieved because of each one’s efforts. Kudos also to my fellow building presidents and their boards for keeping the spirit of Co-op City alive. Women’s History Month is an ideal time to say thank you so much for the love and support you exhibit in this community, not only in Building 13, but also in the many organizations you patronize. For the record our men in the Building are always there to assist and we thank them too.

Building association At our last building meeting our guests were Lois English, junior property manager, and representatives from CSC, Co-op City’s laundry company. They were very knowledgeable and informative. They answered questions about usage, water levels, the new payment machine and the mobile phone app. If you still need to get a refund from your old laundry card, I posted the information in the lobby bulletin board.

Also at the meeting, members were nominated and elected our association board. They opted to keep the currently serving board members.

The association will begin collecting membership dues at the end of March. Annual affidavits will be notarized for free when you become a paid member of the Building 13 Association Inc. Check the lobby bulletin board for additional information.

Shape your future for the next 10 years, complete the 2020 Census Pennsylvania Dutch-Amish trip Join us on May 30 as we visit the Amish Country and experience an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch family-style meal at the home of Henry and Linda Stoltzfus, tax and gratuities included. There are some seats remaining. The trip will include visiting the woodworking shop and time at a farmers market. The cost of the trip is $95 payable to the Building 13 Associ-

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

ation. The first payment is due now of $50 and the second payment of $45 is due by April 15. The bus will depart from 100 Casals Place at 8 a.m. and leave from Pennsylvania at 6 p.m. For additional information, contact Doris Sanchez at 646-372-7954.

You have the power to change the world. Co-op City Earth Day parade is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Payments for events can be sent to: 100 Casals Place 32K, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Contacts: President Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 or daddpeterson@aol.com and or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer at 718-671-3801.

Our website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com.

Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

Building 30 A and B Association

The itinerary for March is as follows: Building association meeting will be on Wednesday, March 11, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in the association room.

Our monthly Pokeno game will be on Friday, March 13, with the door opening at 7 p.m. and the games starting at 7:30 p.m. in the association room.

Our crochet classes will be on Thursdays, March 5, 12 and the 19. There will be no crochet on Wednesday the 26th.

For those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and new additions, congratulations. For those who suffered a recent loss, our sympathies. Those under the weather, get well soon.

—Linda Werner

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Reminder: We are in the process of updating our membership roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, please call us at 718-379-0377, RDL room, Monday or Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., or send us a note, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, room 19, Bronx, 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Also include an email address. We are planning to “keep in touch” before and/or after our monthly meeting.

Good & Welfare Heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann Baker on the loss of her cousin.

To our members and friends still under the weather, know you are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Travel events Price includes coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block May 12, Tuesday, “I Left My Dignity in My Other Purse,” Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Showtime: 11:30 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit ASAP to hold seat: $40. Balance due $45 - no later than April 6.

Contacts: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722; or Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500.

July 1 to July 3, Wednesday to Friday, Dover Downs Casino; Price: $380/double; $470/single; $100 deposit due A.S.A.P; double: $140 due April 6; $140 due May 4; single: $185 due April 6; $185 due May 4. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347-564-

5722; or Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500.

Theatre committee Price includes van transportation from Dreiser Loop, in front of Rehab Center April 4, Saturday, “Stephanie Mills and Howard Huett,” at Lehman Center. Showtime: 8 p.m. Price: $100; Contact: Eleanor Barlow 718-324-7847.

Sept. 10, Thursday, “9 to 5,” Westchester Broadway Theater. Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit $40 due to hold your seat. Contact: Marie GreenRyan, 718-671-4949.

We accept checks/money orders payable to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone number. Committee members will be available in the RDL room 19 in Dreiser, 718-379-0377, on Mondays and Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Keep in mind, our Jazz up Your Health Senior Spa Day is in the works date to be determined. If interested in joining us, call Hattie L., 718-671-8449.

Drivers wanted Attention: The Retirees need experienced parttime, freelance drivers with a CDL license and passenger endorsement with at least three years’ experience and a clean driving record. A Stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs.

Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

—Delores Debnam

Evangelical UM Church Open Doors, open hearts and open minds

Come and visit us You’re always welcome in God’s House, your House. We are a Bible centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are welcome! Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone number: 718-320-3795. Email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Schedule for Sundays Come and receive a blessing. Regular Sunday service hours, English 9:30 a.m. and Spanish 11:30 a.m. Bilingual service will be held at 10 a.m.

Bilingual service Sunday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m., join us for Christmas service and fellowship, following service.

English service: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Spanish service: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bilingual service: first Sunday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon. Children Sunday school: 9:45 a.m. Bring your children, they will have a great time while learning God’s word. Adult Sunday Bible study: English, 8:45 a.m., Spanish, 10 a.m.

English prayer/Bible study night and Spanish prayer/Bible study afternoon Tuesday Spanish prayer/Bible study: Noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday evening Bible study: 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Tuesday English prayer service: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come, let’s pray together. “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28b (NIV) Friday evenings VBS “Kids Club,” 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a great time for the community children to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 Friday night is Fun Night for the youth ages 13 to 21, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is a great time for the youth of our community to learn God’s word, enjoy each other’s company and make new friends. There will also be many activities. Exciting things are happening. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Food pantry Food pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 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 or older can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Health education workshop Join us for upcoming health education workshop: “Nutrition & Diet” on Tuesday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at your local community church, Co-op City UMC, 2350 Palmer Ave., entrance ramp on Boller Avenue, parking lot entrance is on Palmer Avenue.

—Marilyn Méndez-González

AARP

AARP is sponsoring free shred events as part of “Operation: Stop Scams,” a series of shredding events around the state, from upstate to Long Island, from April to June. AARP will help people fight back against fraud and help protect them from identity theft by shredding truckloads of sensitive personal documents. Join AARP in Co-Op City: Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Erskine Place Ballfield, 120 Erskine Place.

Heartfelt condolences to MaryAnn Baker on the loss of her cousin. Please contact our Good & Welfare Coordinator, Frances Wilson, at 718-671-5493 if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

2020 tour plans March 23 to 25: Del Lago Resort & Casino in Finger Lakes; three days, two nights; two hot breakfasts, two dinners; visit Ventosa Vineyards, a local winery; admission to the Corning Museum of Glass; visit the Muranda Cheese Co.; $60 Free play; $399/person, double occupancy; add $165 for single; final payment due immediately. Correction: bus departure: arrive by 10:30 a.m. to receive luggage tags in front of library at Asch Loop; Leaving at 11 a.m. sharp; contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

April 8, “Queen Esther” at the Sight &Sound Theater with lunch at Good & Plenty; shopping at Tangers Outlet; includes motor coach transportation; $170/person; final payment due immediately; contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith 718379-3370.

July 16 to 19: Ocean City, Maryland; four days, three nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster Restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino; $789/person, double; $1,064/single; contact Judith, 718-3793370, or Hannah 718 379-7962.

Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, 2021; New Year’s Parade Extravaganza in California; five days, four nights; $2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 non-refundable deposit due when signing up. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370; or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name. They may be mailed to the group/trip leader.

—Delores Debnam

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• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

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Serving all cultures & faiths

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Goose Island Seniors

Sight & Sound “Queen Esther”: Thursday, April 23, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Few seats available. Price: $145, includes free buffet at Golden Corral, then the play “Queen Esther.” Seats: Center stage balcony 1 to 4 steps down. Buses leaving from our three usual bus stops: Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m. All money is due by Wednesday, April 8. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors, visit us or mail to: 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. First to pay in full, will be first to select theatre balcony seats. All are welcome to come on Goose Island Seniors trips, they are not for members only.

Cruise to Bahamas: July 27 returns Aug. 5, on Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunrise ship. Leaves New York and stops at Dominican Republic; Turks & Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Prices: inside cabin, $1095.64 per person; ocean view, $1255.64 per person; balcony, $1555.64 per person. Prices may vary.

Reservation: $400. Final payment due April 15. For more information, please call 718-379-9613.

Bingo: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Time: 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Members only, in our club room 39. Admission, $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. 25¢ each extra card, three extra cards maximum. Sunday bingo this month is March 29.

Karaoke: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Stephen in room 45. All are welcome. Come and listen or come and sing. Free concert.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of March: Molly Koníkoff, Carla Zeman, Hattie Lucas, Shirley Rooney, Stephen Roberts Sr.,Yvonne Starks, Vivian Werner, Michelle Rosenthal, Diana Rodriguez, Lillian Friedman and Pearl Applewhite.

Sick and shut-in – Mary Pilla at the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center, new phone number is 914-534-5474 and Thomas Gordon, Somers, N.Y., 917743-5362. Call Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379-9613. If there is no answer, please leave a message.

Feel free to visit us at the Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to noon.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stephen cell: 347-847-1941.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts Sr.

American Legion Post 1871

Post 1871 celebrates 50 years of doing business in Co-op City American Legion will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The anniversary dinner is planned for Thursday, May 28, by 6 p.m. at Eastwood Manor. The event will showcase the long journey of the organization in Co-op City. The organization was chartered in 1970 as the One thousand, eight hundred and seventy first chapter in the United States. It was just a year after Co-op City came into being that Post 1871 was established.

This 50th year anniversary of Post 1871 is not only an opportunity to look back on all the organization has achieved in Co-op City, but it is also the perfect time to look into the future and adjust to the new dynamics of the organization. Several veterans’ organizations started like the Legion in the community, but they no longer exist today due to members aging out. Organizations like the Veterans of the Foreign Wars and the Jewish Veterans Organization all co-existed in Co-op City at a time. So, for Post 1871 to survive all the ups and downs and exist for these 50 years, it calls for celebration.

The events will involve foods, drinks, dance and awards to certain community dwellers who have helped in one way or the other being part of the transformation of this community.

Commander Toba hopes new generations of veterans we have today depend on the kind of vision shared and expressed by the World War I-era founders. That vision proved timeless. Thus, we are extending the same vision and values to future generations as we reflect on the past and embrace the beauty of the future.

We use this opportunity to appeal to the community to come out and celebrate this awesome moment with the veterans in this local area and their families to include both the Legion Auxiliary and The Sons of the American Legion.

The Legion Auxiliary The Legion Auxiliary, under the leadership of Frances Wilson, has been strong and has so many activities for the New Year. So, I implore all veterans’ spouses in this neighborhood to reach out to the unit and make a great organization. The meeting place is in Dreiser and the group meets every third Monday of the month — March 16 for this month. You can always reach out to the president Wilson and/or the secretary, Guthrie Brown, for further details.

Oratorical contest Our oratorical champion student this year remains both the Bronx champion as well as the city’s champion. He will be competing at the state contest Saturday March 14, at 9 a.m. in Albany. If he wins, as he’s been doing this year, he will be representing New York State in Indiana later in the year.

Obituary With a heavy heart, we announced the death of our former adjutant, retired Lt. Col Silas Stanford, who went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 7,. 2020.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba, MSA

Building 15 B Association

Our next building association meeting will be Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in our meeting room in the rear lobby of Building 15B. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Khalil Abdul-Wahhab from emergency response team, who will give a presentation on emergency preparedness. Please try to make every effort to attend this very important meeting.

Refreshments will be served. We will also have a 50/50 raffle. I look forward to seeing you all March 19.

—Sandy Krasnove

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo De Cristo

147 Dreiser Loop Bronx, N.Y. 10475, lower level Come as you are…

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

If you are looking for a place of worship in the local area that is aimed at teaching the transforming word of God, Circle of Christ Church invites you to fellowship with us. We are a non-denominational, multicultural and loving church that accepts you just the way you are. Senior Pastor Elisamuel Colón and the body of Christ are committed to love people into a life changing-liberating relationship with God. We are located at 147 Dreiser Loop, patio level, in the Dreiser Community Center.

Our Sunday services are in Spanish and English. We have an anointed worship team and dance ministry that minister regularly. The English service has bible-centered nursery program and children’s church where children are ministered to from the cradle to 12 years of age. Please see our schedule below and followed us on Facebook and our website, circleofchristchurch.com.

Circle of Christ Church responds to Isaiah 68:10 says: Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. We have a food pantry that serves the community, and we offer family counseling based on need. If you are interested please contact us at 347-945-1992 or on facebook@Circle of Christ Church.

English Services Tuesday prayer 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Wednesday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. prayer/Bible study Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Friday 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Operation Grace Youth Service, 7 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., young adults Sunday service, 11 a.m.

Servicios en Español Salmos 122:1 Yo me alegré con los que me decían, “a la casa de Jehova iremos”.

Nuestros servicios dominicales son en español e inglés. Tenemos un equipo de adoración ungido y un ministerio de danza que ministran regularmente. El servicio de inglés tiene una iglesia infantil centrada en la biblia y un programa de guardería donde se atiende a los niños desde la cuna hasta los 12 años de edad. Tenemos ministerios para todas las edades. Consulte nuestro programa a continuación y síganos en Facebook y en nuestro sitio web circleofchristchurch.com. Distribuimos alimentos y ofrecemos asesoramiento familiar según las necesidades. Si está interesado, contáctenos al 347-945-1992 o en Facebook Circle of Christ Church.

Domingo:Culto de Adoración de 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Jueves: Oración y Estudio Bíblico de 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Please save the date: April 4, from noon to 2 p.m.

Are you or someone you know experiencing feelings of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, anxiety, and you are just not feeling like yourself?

If so, please join us for a free workshop delivered by our very own Dr. Derrick Suite, a national leading psychiatrist in the Bronx. He will be discussing “depression and how to navigate our way into feeling better and living healthier lives.” We are all affected by it in one way or another.

Invite a friend and join us as we support each other as a community.

—Nancy Rosario-Rodriguez

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector installations suspended

Effective immediately, Riverbay Corporation is suspending the mandatory smoke/carbon monoxide detector installation program until April 1, pending further review, for the safety of our residents and staff. However, we will continue to service any faulty/non-working or beeping unit in your apartment. If you require service, please contact the Riverbay Call Center/Emergency Desk at (718) 320-3300, press #2.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

—CSO

Mon., Mar. 16

*Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Non-Kosher

Juice Roast turkey Mashed sweet potatoes Sautéed strings beans Fresh fruit Alt: Veggie burger

Spanish style baked chicken Sautéed green beans Roasted potatoes

Tues., Mar. 17

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

Kosher

Juice Stuffed cabbage w/beef Boiled potatoes Steamed carrots Fresh fruit Whole wheat bread Alt: Salmon Croquet

Italian saugage Penne Steamed spinach

Wed., Mar. 18

Fee for lunch is $2.00; $5.00 for guest

MENU Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Juice Chicken Cacciatore Fettuccini Italtian blend vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Egg salad

Teriyaki chicken thighs White rice Baby carrots w/parsley

Thu., Mar. 19

Today’s meeting cancelled The African-American Association’s monthly meeting that was scheduled for today, March 14, has been cancelled. Please stay tuned for a rescheduled date.

To contact the African American Association: email: aaaccpower@gmail.com, or call us at 929-430-3255.

The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

Quotes from the ancestors: Celebrate Women’s History Month “I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as one who tried.” –Dorothy Height Dorothy Irene Height, March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010, was an American civil rights and women’s rights activist. Height specifically focused on the issues of African-American women, including unemployment, illiteracy and voter awareness. She was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years.

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly dance classes: Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening line dance classes with Cynthia Dixon: Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, section 5, 6 p.m. Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa class: Saturdays 10:30 a.m. Dreiser Loop, room 1. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba classes with Meena: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2. Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Healing Drum Circle will resume in the spring.

Please continue to follow this article for updates.

The AAA wishes you and yours a prosperous Women’s History Month.

We leave you with this in celebration: “For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?” “What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe.” –Bell Hooks Bell Hooks is a cultural critic, feminist theorist and writer. Celebrated as one of our nation’s leading public intellectuals by The Atlantic Monthly, as well as one of Utne Reader’s 100 Visionaries Who Could Change Your Life. She is a charismatic speaker who divides her time among teaching, writing, and lecturing around the world. Previously a professor in the English departments at Yale University and Oberlin College, hooks is now a distinguished professor of English at City College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She is the author of more than 17 books. She lives in New York City.

Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. See you around the neighborhood.

—Michelle Marbury

Beginning Monday, March 16, all JASA trips and activities are suspended until further notice. Meals will be available on a to-go basis.

Juice Baked salmon Baked sweet potato Roasted zucchini Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit Alt: Sliced deli turkey

BBQ pork chops Baked sweet potato Collards

Fri., Mar. 20

African-American Association

Juice, Sweet & sour chicken, Barley, Normandy blend vegetables, Challah bread, Fresh fruit, Alt: Gefilte fish

Baked whiting fish fillet Corn Winter blend vegetables

All NYPL locations will be closed beginning today, March 14 through March 31. During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please make sure to check out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

Black Forum

Emergency food pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry faces the yellow schoolhouse and basketball court at the back of the building. We open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please bring an upto-date photo ID with your 10475 address when registering. The only accepted IDs are the ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license. We do not supply bags.

Please bring three to four durable, clean and doubled shopping bags, or reusable bags, and a shopping cart.

Guests are issued a card that must be shown at every visit in order to pick up anything, even non-food items.

Monthly food package pick-up occurs on a 30-to-31day rotation, once a month. The pantry is now accepting new guests.

Defensive Driving Next class: Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dreiser Community Center, room 4; Cost: $35/person.

Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance cost by 10% and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Walk-ins are welcomed but

only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of the class, no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Students arriving after 9 a.m. may be denied entry into the class.

Future class dates: Saturdays April 11, May 9 & June 20. Time: 9 a.m. - 3p.m. Location: Dreiser, room 4.

Rivers Casino, Philadelphia Saturday, June 28. Cost: $45 Rebate: TBA. No refunds. We are accepting money now. Payment is due

by Friday, May 22. Seats are issued when complete payment is received. No exceptions. We look forward to winning with you! Please call 917-209-5334 or 718320-0033 if you have questions.

The proceeds from fundraisers go to purchasing food and supplies for the Black Forum emergency food pantry, which has fed members of the Co-op City community for almost 30 years.

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

—D. Illis

23

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Faith at Work Christian Church

Open Door Ministries Metamorphosis: Fighting against Yourself Full sermon at Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

Metamorphosis: a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.

Genesis 48:2 When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed.

When God changes your name he calls you as he sees you, not as you are. Jacob was a cheater, a supplanter, he took what was not his by trickery and ended running for his life on several occasions. Israel was a prince with God; he fought with God and man and won. He was highly esteemed and the father of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Jacob – His birth - Genesis 25:26 When the second baby was born he was holding on to Esau’s heel, so he was named Jacob which sounds like Hebrew for heel; grabbing a heel is a Hebrew idiom for tricking someone.

His deception - Genesis 27:35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!”

He was also used - Genesis 30:16 When Jacob came in from the field that night, Leah went out to meet him. She said, “You will have sexual relations with me tonight because I have paid for you with my son’s mandrakes.” So Jacob slept with her that night.

As God often does, He used the circumstances of Jacob’s life to mold and change him into the person that would be a blessing to others. Throughout his life, one can see how the good and bad things that happened to him shaped him in the direction of God’s desire.

Israel – Jacob’s rebirth - Genesis 32:28 the man said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended (struggled; wrestled) and have power with God and with men and have prevailed.

He earns a blessing through struggle - Genesis 32:26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But Jacob said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me.

He clearly hears the voice of God - Genesis 46:2 God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

Sunday services are at 11 a.m. in Bartow Community Center, room 28.

Contact Open Door Ministries by text, 917-3344407, or email opendoorministries.net.

—Pastor Luis Ramos

120 Dekruif Place, street level Praise and worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Church telephone 347202-7006 email: fatwcc@aol.com; faithatworkchurch.org Weekly worship experiences Wednesday prayer service at 6:30 p.m., Sunday morning worship 9:30 a.m.

Church motto We are Christ-centered, family-focused with power and authority church. Mission: to empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us, where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, in love, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible.

March 15 is our monthly faith café and pantry for the community We regret to inform you we have cancelled this month’s pantry.

At our faith cafe, we have, as special guests, Saint Dominic Family Services making an appeal for foster parents. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, please join us to hear their presentation.

Join us for our annual Good Friday worship service April 10 at 10 a.m.

Remember, it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord.

—Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Scheduling Activities Calendar

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

MetroCard Bus

The MetroCard bus visits all three Co-op City shopping malls on the first and third Thursday of each month, at Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; at Dreiser Loop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at Einstein Loop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., enabling people to sign up for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard or purchase or add money to an existing MetroCard.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for the Reduced-Fare MetroCard on the bus.

To apply, seniors must be at least 65 years of age, and bring proof of age with a photo, such as a Medicare card, driver’s license or passport. Persons with disabilities must have a valid U.S. Medicare card (red, white and blue) along with a valid federal/state issued photo identification card in order to be immediately processed.

Disabled persons without Medicare cards must ensure that their doctor completes the physician’s section of the application. After a review process, permanent Reduced-Fare MetroCards are mailed to qualified applicants.

In addition to being able to sign up for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard or have one refilled, anyone can add value to their MetroCards or purchase pre-encoded MetroCards, including daily, weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes.

Transit staff is on hand to answer any MetroCard related questions. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

24

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

On behalf of our pastor, the Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, welcome to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, N.Y. 10469; telephone 718-862-9172.

Regular church schedule Sunday school, 9 a.m.

Worship service, 11 a.m.

Communion service, every first and third Sundays Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wed. at noon Prayer meeting and Bible study, Wed. at 7 p.m.

The following program is at the church’s Annex: 2053 Asch Loop North, Neighborhood Bible study, Thursday at 10 a.m.

Sunday school is now in session every Sunday at 9 a.m.

Sunday school is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The Purim party was a great success, with a soldout crowd. The food was good, the professional entertainment by Oneng Shemesh was great. We left the party after we had our Hamentashen dessert.

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

The Synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a Kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help.

The synagogue needs men to help make a Minyan.

There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, March 14, at 6:41 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, March 13, is 8:02 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree.

Mazel Tov, to all having Simchas.

If you’re ill, wishing all good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the Synagogue.

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

Fun and games After services and Kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub.

Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

(John 10:10) We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday school and we look forward to seeing you.

Worship service begins at 11 a.m.

Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Other scheduled events: On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP 718-862-9172.

Closing celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CPC Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m., We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord! The pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you

Community Protestant Church

to celebrate with us at the closing service for our 50th Anniversary. Theme: Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever Observance of the 51st anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 5, 11 a.m. We will celebrate and praise God for 51 years in the master’s service at Community Protestant and remember with thanksgiving where He has brought us from. We extend a cordial invitation to you to worship with us on our special day.

Holy Week services at Community Protestant; all are welcome Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. service in conjunction with Co-op City Baptist Church. Friday, April 10, noon, Good Friday service.

The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fellowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing.

—Evan G. Mitchell

25

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

Newsong Church Weird in a God Way, Part-3

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. –Matthew 7:1314 (NLT) Jesus calls us to walk with Him down the narrow path. It seems weird to the “normal” people who choose not to follow Him, but when you look at the scriptures, we find Jesus modeled this for us time and again.

While He was on the cross dying for our sins, two other criminals were crucified with Him. One of the criminals mocked and insulted Jesus, while the other had a repentant heart, and asked Jesus to remember Him in the next life. Here’s Jesus’ response…

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” –Luke 23:43 (NLT) When we’re going through a hardship or when we’re in pain it’s easy to focus on ourselves. One could even say it’s normal to not want to help someone during those times. However, here on the cross, going through excruciating pain, Jesus takes the weird road. He helps someone else who’s also in pain. What a lesson for us! I’ve found in my life, one of the things that help me get through a bad day is to help someone else with theirs. It takes the focus off what I’m going through. It also makes me realize many times, what I’m going through isn’t as bad as what someone else may be going through. When we help someone else through their bad day, God meets us with 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, main lobby, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 You are invited to attend services on the following days: Sunday school for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship starts at 11:45 a.m. each Sunday.

Prayer and fasting service will be held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Friday evening youth service will start at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Miracles are a normal part of revival that includes physical wonders, salvation and the establishing of the people of truth.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being cripple from his mother’s womb, who never walked.

The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet, and he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia. The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. (Acts 14:8-11) The role of signs and wonders in the confirmation of truth is seen in Hebrews 2:3-4 Which states: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

Baptist Church

grace to help us through our bad day!

Friend, as followers of Jesus we’re called to help others. God will use the things that you’ve gone through in your life both the good and bad, for His glory! Your past pain, can help to serve someone’s present pain.

That act of kindness can lead a person to Jesus! In a world that is so uncertain, He’s the assurance people need. It’s time to be weird in a God way, because normal isn’t working!

Newsong Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop in room 45. Discounted parking is available in parking garages 7 and 8.

While you’re enjoying our worship experience, your children will be enjoying Kidsong. At Kidsong, children from nursery to sixth grade will learn about Jesus in fun, interactive ways!

We also have a youth ministry called Against the Flow. At ATF, teens from 12 to 18 years old enjoy Christ-centered discussion groups, cafe nights and other outings. ATF meets every Friday night at 7 p.m. at 2049 Bartow Ave. room 28!

If you have any questions you can contact us: Church Office 718-708-8385 Website: newsongchurchnyc.org Facebook.com/newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchBX IG: @newsongchurchBX; @againsttheflow.nyc Our Newsong family is here for you! Join us this Sunday and experience the difference!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

according to his own will?

Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentles, to take out of them a people for his name (Acts 15:14) When the first church council met in Jerusalem about A.D 50 to consider whether it was necessary for Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses, the argument ended when the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. (Acts 15:12) The fact that God worked miracles and wonders among the Gentiles was considered to be proof of Gods approval of the Gentile’s faith. If he honored their faith with miracles and wonders, they must have been acceptable to Him even though they were not keeping the Law of Moses.

Miracles, signs, and wonders accompanied the ministry of the early Christians and played an important role in the church. Moreover, the days of miracles are not over.

God still works through miracles today and they are still important to the ministry of the church in this world. It is important however, that we meditate on the word of God daily and we will be able to experience great miracles in our lives. God take great delight in his people when they worship him with all their heart and walk in his way. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. (Psalm 1:1) For more information, call 718-3240334 or 718-430-4218.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for worship service. Sunday school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, study and pray with us.

The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. Visit us on the web at coopcitybaptistchurch.org.

Join us for a mid-week spiritual pickup at our worship service held on Wednesdays at noon. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bible study will also be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 5 p.m. Prayer service is held on Fridays at noon. On March 25, the 7:30 Bible class prayer service is also held on Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us from the comfort of their home for an hour of prayer. Prayer service via a conference call line on Friday at 7:30 p.m. You can call 563-999-2090; Enter PIN number 660065 to be connected. Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

March is Women’s History month and the First Lady’s Ministry is presenting HerStory on Saturday March 28, at 10 a.m. Adult ticket price is $20 and children ages 6-17 is $10. Following the presentation there will be a fashion show by the Knit and Crochet Circle. Join them for an informative, inspirational and enjoyable day.

On Sunday, April 26, we will celebrate Men’s and Women’s Day at our 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The guest speaker, for the 11 a.m. service will be Rev. Stephanie Coleman, associate pastor, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Bronx. The guest speaker for the 3:30 p.m. service will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, Bridgeport, Connecticut. The theme for the day will be “Men and Women Praising God with Our Whole Heart,” Psalm 138:1. Please join us for these celebratory services.

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

St. Joseph's Episcopal Anglican Church

The congregation of St. Joseph's cordially invites you and your family to worship with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome.

Weekly Schedule 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. Every Fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every Fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service.

We look forward to welcoming you to church tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the Third Sunday in Lent. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher and celebrant.

2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly at noon.

3. On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, interactive discussions on various topics in the bible 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a short noon-day service.

4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., and we are always looking for new members.

Group Activities The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday in each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on the second Sunday of each month.

Upcoming Events • Sat. March 28: ECW Prayer Breakfast 10 a.m. to noon. Donation, $20.

• Sat. May 23: St. Joseph's Day Luncheon at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx noon to 5 p.m. Adults $100, children 12 and under $50. Flyers are out and we are

depending on our members to distribute them and spread the word.

Tickets are available from Merville 718-320-2089; Renee, 718-379-6511; Yvonne, 718-671-8815; Eileen, 718-3798624 or Arethea, 718-379-0028. Please be sure to purchase your tickets early.

General Information To those celebrating birthdays during the month of March, we wish you all a happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

To the sick and shut-in, we have you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.

New pledge cards for the year 2020 are now available. Please collect yours, pray on your ability to pledge, then complete and return them to the church as soon as possible. Bear in mind that a workable budget depends largely on your commitment.

Outreach Program Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph's, we collect nonperishable food items on an ongoing basis.

Please remember to donate.

A special thank you to all our friends and neighbors who have been responding to this request.

For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718320-0844. You may also visit our website: st.josephsepcbronx.org for more information relating to St. Joseph's Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

“Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.”

—Psalm 95: 1 —Merville Chambers

19

What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CS 314937-D 02/24/2020

You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Avoid sharing personal household items

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

Wear a facemask

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Animals: Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

Discontinuing home isolation

If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility.

These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.

Monitor your symptoms

High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas.

Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

Clean your hands often

Stay home except to get medical care

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE

C VI D

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

A id ttouching Avoid hi your eyes, nose, andd mouth. th

Avoid close contact with people who are sick..

CS314915-A

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Clean and disinfeect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissuee, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Help prevent the spreaad of respiratory diseases like COVIDD-19.

STOP THHE SPREAD OF GERRMS

26 Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

27

Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

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

JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

1-800-479-2667

Fully Insured

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

718.792.2655

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

CAR SERVICE

Executive Exotic Limo

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838 Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

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

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

Breathe Easy

• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

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Elim in Bugsate

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

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

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

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

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! 3/28

UPHOLSTERY

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

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Co-op City Times / March 14, 2020

ICES! R P B E S T UALITY! BEST Q

I N S TA L L A LWAYAT I O N INCLUD S ED!

Follow Us! @coop.sales

1-800-479-2667 • www.co-opsales.info

$$ TURN YOUR TAX REFUND $$ INTO YOUR DREAM KITCHEN! $6,000

$2500 Solid Oak, Shaker White or Figured Cherry With Choice of Countertop Including Stainless Steel Sink and Gooseneck Faucet w/Spray

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (dozens of colors); Choose ANY Wilsonart Laminate Countertop; 8-Inch Deep Stainless Steel Sink; Gooseneck Faucet With Spray Feature; White or Almond Subway Backsplash.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION! DON’T PAY EXTRA!

Update Your Bathroom For Less!

WE OFFER: • SHOWER DOORS • TUB ENCLOSURES

• LIGHT FIXTURES

• FLOORING (TILES, WOOD LAMINATE)

• CARPET CLEANING

• VANITIES/SINKS • WALL MIRRORS • CABINET REFACING • MEDICINE CABINETS • RANGE HOODS • PAINTING • BLINDS • APPLIANCES

Lifetime Waterproof Kitchen Flooring $1200

Lifetime Waterproof Custom Closet Doors & Bedroom Flooring Full Height Closet Organizers FOR EVERY RIVERBAY CLOSET! $1400

— We Beat ALL Competitor Pricing! — JasonLash@Co-opSales.com • Se Habla Español Licensed & Insured #1188270, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs