Co-op City Times 03/16/2024

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Secures $1.5M in Funding for Youth Enrichment Hub in Co-op City

BY ROZAAN BOONE

US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced this week that the Riverbay Fund is eligible to receive $1.5M in federal funding to transform and renovate the former Bingo Hall on Bartow Avenue into an enrichment hub for youth in the Northeast Bronx.

The appropriation to the Riverbay Fund is the largest chunk of more than $12M in federal dollars that the congresswoman has secured for eligible community projects in the 14th Congressional District in fscal year 2024.

Congresswoman

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Addressing HCR-Ordered Carrying Charge Increase

President’s Report

Sonia Feliciano

Dear fellow Shareholders, Efforts are being made to engage the Governor in helping us with the fnances of Co-op City which HCR determined requires an 8.1% increase. Our legislative offcials, HCR, and the Governor’s offce were contacted to help us scale down the carrying charge increases that we are being forced to pay. For many, an 8.1% carrying charge is not feasible and we must continue to protect our shareholders by remaining stable and affordable. We are hoping that we can come together and address the discrepancies that we see in the reporting of some of the numbers, such as power sales, electricity, gas, and equity over payouts.

Early Voting in NY Presidential Primary Begins March 23

Presidential Primary Day –Tues., April 2, 2024

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Early voting in the New York Presidential Primary begins next Saturday, March 23, 2024 and ends on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Presidential Primary day is Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

(Continued on page 5)

“From helping seniors at NYCHA get new elevators, strengthening our shorelines to protect from future storms, increasing accessibility at our public libraries to creating spaces for families and youth to gather and address basic safety needs, I look forward to the more than $12 million we’ve secured this year making life better for neighborhoods across the Bronx

BSA Denies Baychester Retail LLC Appeal

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

In a unanimous vote taken on Monday, March 11, 2024, the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) denied Baychester Retail LLC’s appeal of an August 2022 NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) revocation that prohibits the developers from advertising in their C7 zoning district.

(Continued on page 2)

Town Hall/Board Business Meeting in Dreiser, March 20

Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano has called a town hall meeting to be held in Dreiser Auditorium on Wednesday, March 20, to discuss the April 1, 2024 carrying charge increase with shareholders.

Shareholders who would like to speak should arrive early and place their name on the sign-up sheet. Each speaker will be allotted 3 minutes. Please note this town hall is to discuss the HCR-ordered 8.1% carrying charge only and questions/comments must be specifc to the topic in the essence of time.

Saturday, March 23, 2024 is the last day to register to vote in the April 2nd Presidential Primary. March 23 is also the deadline for New York registered voters to request an Early Mail ballot, Absentee ballot or Accessible ballot. Ballot requests can be made online at https://requestballot.vote.nyc; in-person by going to the Bronx Board of Elections, located at 1780 Grand Concourse, #101, Bronx, NY 10457; or by designating someone else to deliver your ballot request application to the Bronx Board of Elections and pick up your ballot. Only the person named in the application will be able to pick up your ballot.

The developers aimed to erect two LED panels on their 60-foot tall structure to advertise in the direction of the New England Thruway.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) originally revoked the advertising permits for Baychester Retail III LLC at the 500 Baychester Avenue lot on the grounds that the sign would be within 200 feet of an arterial highway.

(Continued on page 4)

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The town hall will run from 7-8:00 p.m. and will be followed by the Board Business meeting which shareholders are invited to stay for. (See Agenda on page 9.)

The March 20th town hall and Board Business meeting will be live streamed on the Riverbay Crawler starting at 7 p.m. Master antenna subscribers can tune in to channel 12, and Altice/Optimum subscribers to channel 591.

President’s Report –––––

(Continued from page 1)

These are things we brought to HCR’s attention, but the responses were not clear and it is imperative that they do a better job in addressing our concerns. We also hope with support behind us, it will temporarily put this carrying charge increase on hold. We are not giving you promises, but we are advising that we are taking all steps possible to address this issue before the April 1, 2024 deadline.

There is a bill in the Assembly proposing monies that will enable cooperatives like ours to address critical/capital repairs. The amount could be as high as $50 million to deal with repairs that have to be made to this development. When we applied for a new mortgage, we were able to use $124 million of those monies for capital reserves. We currently have $88 million left for capital projects with so much more to do. Local Law 11 is fast approaching again and we want to be prepared. We have other projects in the pipeline, such as new garage elevators where we expect the work to start in May 2024. With the extensive work that was done recently on Local Law 11, we hope that any work will be less costly than what was paid.

Governor Hochul has committed to preserving affordability throughout by funding projects that will provide upgrades for repairs in developments. Housing in New York is becoming increasingly unaffordable. We are a large community and we are not sitting on our laurels. We will continue to fght for the right to live here and remain affordable. We cannot and will not fail.

If you have any concerns, you can reach me as follows: S. Feliciano, c/o Liaisons offce @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, email: Sfeliciano@ riverbayboard.com

Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Please stay well and be safe

Shareholders First – We Matter.

Estimados Accionistas,

Se están haciendo esfuerzos para involucrar al Gobernador para que nos ayude con las fnanzas de Co-op City, que HCR determinó que requiere un aumento del 8.1%. Se contactó a nuestros funcionarios legislativos, HCR y la ofcina del Gobernador para ayudarnos a reducir los aumentos de los cargos de mantenimiento que nos vemos obligados a pagar. Para muchos, un cargo de manten-

Early Voting –––––

(Continued from page 1)

Those who request an early mail or absentee ballot cannot vote at a voting machine although they may vote in-person using an affdavit ballot. Affdavit ballots are kept separate until the election is completed. Election offcials then verify whether the voter’s early mail or absentee ballot was received. Only if the voter’s early mail or absentee ballot was not received is the affdavit ballot counted.

To use an accessible ballot, you must have a print disability such as blindness, low vision, dyslexia, dysgraphia, learning and physical disabilities that limit your writing abilities. Alternatively, voters with disabilities can vote in-person using an accessible Ballot Marking Device (BMD) during early voting or on Election Day, April 2, 2024. Voters who are unable to affrm they are visually impaired or otherwise disabled must request a regular absentee ballot.

Early mail, absentee and accessible ballots being returned by US Mail must be postmarked by April 2, 2024. They can also be dropped off at the Bronx Board of Elections on or before April 2, 2024. Voters returning ballots by US Mail are advised to post their ballot in time for it to be received and counted by the Board of Elections.

The early voting poll site for Co-op City shareholders is Dreiser Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475.

Early Voting schedule for the Presidential Primary is as follows:

Saturday, March 23 – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, March 24 – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, March 25 – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26 – 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27 – 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Thursday, March 28 – 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday, March 29 – 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, March 30 – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Polls are closed on Sunday, March 30, and Monday, April 1, 2024.

On Primary day, Tuesday, April 2, polls will open 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

To check your voter status, call 1-866-868-3692, or online, visit nycvotersearch.com.

Registered voters will be voting for their choice between the Democratic and Republican candidates to compete in the November 2024 General Election for the offce of President of the United States.

Among the Democratic candidates listed on the NY ballot are Joseph R. Biden Jr., Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips.

Co-op City voters will also be voting to elect six delegates to the Democratic National Convention in the 14th Congressional District. The candidates on the ballot, who have all pledged to support Joe Biden, are Amanda C. Farias, Michael R. Benedetto, Anne Marie Anzalone, Antonio Alfonso, Jr., Leah Richardson and Andres Y. Vargas.

Among the Republican candidates listed on the NY ballot are Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie and Nikki R. Haley and Donald J. Trump.

imiento del 8.1% no es factible y debemos seguir protegiendo a nuestros accionistas manteniéndonos estables y asequibles. Esperamos poder unirnos y abordar las discrepancias que vemos en los informes de algunas de las cifras, como las ventas de energía, la electricidad, el gas y el capital sobre los pagos. Estas son cosas que les informamos a HCR, pero las respuestas no fueron claras y es necesario que hagan un mejor trabajo para abordar nuestras preocupaciones. También esperamos que, con el apoyo que nos respalda, suspenda temporalmente este aumento de la carga de mantenimiento. No le hacemos promesas, pero le informamos que estamos tomando todas las medidas posibles para abordar este problema antes de la fecha límite del 1 de abril de 2024.

Hay un proyecto de ley en la Asamblea que propone fondos que permitirán a cooperativas como la nuestra hacer frente a reparaciones críticas/capitales. La cantidad podría ascender a 50 millones de dólares para hacer frente a las reparaciones que hay que hacer en esta urbanización. Cuando solicitamos una nueva hipoteca, pudimos utilizar 124 millones de ese dinero para reservas de capital. Actualmente nos quedan 88 millones para proyectos de capital, con mucho más por hacer. La Ley Local 11 se acerca de nuevo rápidamente y queremos estar preparados. Tenemos otros proyectos en cartera, como los nuevos ascensores de los garajes, cuyas obras esperamos que comiencen en mayo de 2024. Con el extenso trabajo que se hizo recientemente en la Ley Local 11, esperamos que cualquier trabajo sea menos costoso de lo que se pagó.

La gobernadora Hochul se ha comprometido a preservar la asequibilidad en todo el territorio mediante la fnanciación de proyectos que proporcionarán mejoras para las reparaciones en las urbanizaciones. La vivienda en Nueva York es cada vez más inasequible. Somos una gran comunidad y no nos vamos a dormir en los laureles. Seguiremos luchando por el derecho a vivir aquí y seguir siendo asequibles. No podemos fracasar y no fracasaremos.

Si tiene alguna preocupación, puede ponerse en contacto conmigo de la siguiente manera: S. Feliciano, c/o Liaisons ofcina @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, correo electrónico: Sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com.

Gracias por el privilegio de servirles. Por favor, cuídense y manténganse a salvo. Somos Accionistas Primero – Nosotros Importamos.

Co-op City Creatives: Annette Martin

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

At the start of her retirement, Annette Martin, who is now 93, painted for hours while sitting on her Spring Hill, Fl. lanai. She considered herself naturally gifted, after falling in love with painting as a girl when her mother enrolled her in classes at a Harlem studio. During her 22-year stay in Spring Hill, she played an active role in the community, featured in exhibitions, and won prizes for her paintings.

When Martin moved to Co-op City last year, she went from oil painting to using mostly pens and colored pencils. She lives in Section 1 with 70-year-old Joey Martin, who she calls her “senior citizen son.” While he currently provides for her, taking her outside and buying her art supplies, he motivated her to take her art career seriously in the ‘70s.

While living at Eastchester Houses in the 70s, Annette covered her living room wall with a photo-realistic painting of her oldest son.

Family and community have always been a priority for Martin – her sister owns fve of her paintings, and her late husband always supported her creativity. Her grandmother inspired her to participate in her neighborhood and is responsible for Martin’s love of people. The mother of three sons, she says that she always wanted a daughter to pass her knitting, sewing, crochet, drawing, and painting skills to. Today, she is proud to have three grandsons, a granddaughter, and twin great granddaughters.

A weekly reader of the Co-op City Times, she was inspired by Co-op Creatives Geraldo Rivera and Sonia Salmon to share her work with her community again.

“I enjoy people seeing what I’m capable of doing too,” said Ms. Martin. “There’s a lot of talented people here in Co-op City, and I hope that I would be considered one of them.”

(If you are a Co-op Creative and would like your work featured in the Co-op City Times, please contact pmcampbell@riverbaycorp.com.)

Annette Martin

Photo by P.M. Campbell

Photos courtesy of Annette Martin

Co-op City Times

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Easter Tap Takeover

Bring your children and join Co-op’s own Jason E. Bernard, world-renowned tap dance instructor, on Saturday March 30, between 12 and 2 p.m. for a Tap Dance Takeover! Tap dancing shoes are included for the tap dancing instruction and demonstration. Following Tap Dance Takeover, there will be an egg hunt and games from 2 to 4 p.m. This free event will be held in Room 31 of Bartow Community Center.

Reminder for Dog Owners

Dogs must always be on a lease while in any public space within Co-op City. Shareholders with dogs found off leash are in violation of NYC Law and Riverbay rules and regulations.

If a dog is observed off leash, shareholders should not confront the violator. Please call Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Dispatchers are available 24 hours a day. A Community Complaint may be issued to the owner of a dog detected off leash on our property. The fine for this violation is $200.

Public Safety

Reminder

Shareholders ordering online packages are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate delivery locations supplied by online services. Direct delivery to lockers, hubs, and secure alternate delivery locations will decrease inconvenience, reduce crimes of opportunity and provide a reliable method of securing items delivered. To reduce package thefts, alternate delivery methods are strongly encouraged.

CB #10 Meeting

The next General Board meeting and public hearing of CB #10 will take place on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throgs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY 10465. For additional information, you may contact CB#10 at (718) 892-1161 or by email: bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

Governor Directs Health Care Providers to Follow New Protocols in Wake of Cyberattack

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Governor Kathy Hochul has directed New York’s health insurers to follow new protocols following a massive cyberattack on February 21, 2024.

Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, experienced service outages after a ransomware attack crippled their payments and claims infrastructure. BlackCat, the criminal hacker group that took responsibility for the attack, demanded $22 million in Bitcoin from Change Healthcare in exchange for their stolen data.

While Change Healthcare did not publicly confirm paying the ransom, Wired reported earlier this month that a Bitcoin address “associated” with the criminal hacker group received roughly 350 Bitcoins on March 1. The report referenced a publicly viewable transaction on Bitcoin’s blockchain showing the payment of 350 Bitcoins, approximately $22 million, sent to the hacker group’s associated account.

Change Healthcare offers a critical service for healthcare providers, specifically through “connection and data transfer between providers, payers, and consumers,” according to the company. In other words, Change Healthcare is used by a myriad of healthcare providers, including many New York based ones, to streamline their payment cycles, claims and patient engagement services.

In response to the attack on February 21, Change Healthcare took most of their systems offline to prevent further intrusion into their networks. As a result, the Governor’s office reported that “some providers are currently unable to request preauthorization; engage in concurrent or retrospective reviews; submit internal appeals, external appeals, or claims for payment within the requisite timeframes; verify an insured’s eligibility for coverage; and

2023 Income Affidavit

Filing Options

The 2023 Income Affidavit process will begin this month, March 2024, and the filing deadline is April 30, 2024. This year, shareholders will have two options to file their 2023 Income Affidavit – either the traditional paper form or an electronic form which will be available on the Riverbay website, https://www.coopcity.com/income-affidavit, once finalized.

To view an instructional video on how to complete the electronic income affidavit, please visit the official Co-op City website, coopcity.com, and click on the following link at the top of the Home page, “Learn about the annual Income Affidavit form.”

Shareholders filing a paper income affidavit should be aware that the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has changed the form – it is now in duplicate pink and white copies only. In addition, the paper form must be notarized

The electronic annual income affidavit project was spearheaded by Riverbay Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III.

obtain timely payment for health care services.”

As for the new protocols, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a letter to healthcare providers with instructions on how to limit the impact of the service disruption. Among the instructions, DFS urged providers to suspend “certain utilization review requirements, appeal timeframes, claim submission timeframes, and eligibility verifications,” as explained by the Governor’s Office. The letter also advised affected insurers to “work with providers to address cash flow disruptions to avoid disruption of health care services.”

UnitedHealth Group offered an update on the situation on March 7. Pharmacy services were fully restored last Thursday, meaning electronic prescriptions, claim submissions and payment transmissions were operational again. On March 15, UnitedHealth Group anticipated their electronic payment functionality to be fully operational again. The last step will be reestablishing connection with their claims network and software, which UnitedHealth Group expects to do by March 18.

Governor Hochul discussed the significance of properly securing New York’s healthcare infrastructure and disclosed a significant investment her administration made to improve safety protocols.

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel confidence that their financial information, and sensitive medical data, are safe from digital attacks and the dark web,” Governor Hochul said. “Health care insurers and providers must work together to guarantee that any digital event doesn’t stop people from receiving appropriate care, and my administration has allocated $500 million to help hospitals rapidly and aggressively enhance their systems and safety protocols.”

MetroCard Bus Updated Schedule

The MetroCard Bus will be in the Dreiser and Einstein Centers according to the following schedule: Dreiser Loop – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Einstein Loop – 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30 Monday, September 30

Friday, May 31 Wednesday, October 30

Wednesday, July 31 Tuesday, December 30

The MetroCard bus will be at the Bartow Center (Co-op City Blvd near the eye care store) on the first and third Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Phone Service Interruption

Riverbay

Sunday, March 17, 2024

8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Riverbay will be performing routine server maintenance which will affect incoming and outgoing phone service across the corporation. This work is expected to take approximately two hours. For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

Shareholders will be notified when the process has been completed and phone service restored. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience.

—Riverbay Management

BSA –– (Continued from page 1)

Monday’s vote will prevent Baychester Retail LLC from moving forward with their proposed signage.

Chair of the BSA, Champa Chanda, detailed her position before leading the voting process.

“Based on the evidence provided by Department of Buildings and City Planning, I believe DOB’s approach was rational in applying Zoning Resolution Section 32-662 to determine the distance of the signs from the arterial highway,” Chanda said before allowing BSA Vice Chair Salvatore Scibetta to weigh in on the application.

“I was not compelled by the appellant’s argument of collateral estoppel as the distance of the arterial highway was never a factor raised in any prior litigation. The two prior actions before us were Bartow 1 and Bartow 2, which dealt with two very distinct questions that are independent from the issue at hand. Further, I find that the DOB’s reliance on the 1947 alteration map and momentum map are properly relied on,” Vice Chair Scibetta said.

BSA Commissioner Dara Ottley-Brown discussed her opinion of the application after Vice Chair Scibetta spoke.

“I agree with the statements that both the Chair and the Vice Chair have stated. And I feel that the DCP letter that was sent in the last submission was very crucial to me in helping to form my opinion because, as the authority charged with interpreting the city map, they clarified the meanings of the alteration maps and why they were important, especially the 1948 alteration map that was adapted by the Board of Estimates in 1959, was crucial in showing the dissolution of Baychester Avenue as its own discrete street and its incorporation into the New England Thruway. So after that, I felt that DOB had properly relied on that map in making its determination,” Commissioner Ottley-Brown said.

Next, Commissioner Nasr Sheta expressed his opinion on the appellant’s arguments and application.

“For me, although the letter from the DCP was very decisive since the DCP acts like the custodian of all alteration maps, and they provided very clear-

cut explanations indicating that the site is directly abutting the New England Thruway. In addition to that, I did look at the applicant’s submission and I saw that the applicant put before us two main arguments. The first one is that DOB had no opinion before us on previous matters that the distance is less than 200 feet. When I looked at the previous matters and the submissions made back then, it is very clear that the distance has never been a subject of dispute before the BSA…The second thing, even looking at Google Maps and looking at the description of the thruway and the submissions from the DCP, it is very clear that the description of the thruway is much more than 200 feet. If we go with the applicant’s explanation that roadways are the only portion of the thruway that’s meant to constitute that thruway, I believe this is in clear contradiction with the explanations from DCP. So, I believe at the end, that DOB did a very good job explaining and proving their case. I am not buying the argument from the applicant,” Commissioner Sheta said.

Commissioner Chris Yoon closed out the commentary period and discussed why she agreed with the Board’s overall sentiments.

“I agree with what’s been stated. Prior to reopening the case on November 13 of 2023, I agreed with the Department of City Planning letter that stated that Baychester Avenue is part of the New England Thruway and that the western boundary of the subject’s site is coincident with the eastern boundary of the New England Thruway. The appellant’s submission of new evidence in November of 2023 did not change my mind. The purpose of the condemnation map is not to define the extent of a street or a thruway. As such, I believe Baychester Avenue is part of the New England Thruway, that the signs in question are therefore noncompliant and that the appeal should be denied,” Commissioner Yoon said.

Following Commissioner Yoon’s comments, the BSA Board voted unanimously to deny the application.

Bronx Community Board #10 District Manager Matt Cruz called the BSA decision “good news.”

“The property owner cannot work or operate the advertising fixtures at 2001 Bartow Avenue due to the proximity of the NE (New England) Thruway…We must remain vigilant of our community,” District Manager Cruz stated. “There are always scrupulous property owners. At least in this case, we had the City of New York supporting our efforts to stop these abrasive signs and advertising fixtures.”

Advertising poles erected at 500 Baychester Ave.

File photo

Federal Funding ––––– (Continued

from page 1)

and Queens,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “I want to thank all the applicants for their patience and dedication through the selection process. I will continue fighting so the 14th Congressional District gets every dollar we deserve.”

Claudia Sampson, president of the Riverbay Fund, stated: “First and foremost, as president of the Riverbay Fund, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her staff for their unflagging efforts to ensure that my request for the $1,500,000 grant – incidentally, the largest of the 14 grants awarded to Congresswoman AOC’s District 14 – to assist us in bringing the Northeast Bronx Youth Center project to fruition in Co-op City. For more than a decade, we have reached out to our elected officials for assistance in providing our underserved youths with a safe space on our property where they can play year-round but also learn valuable STEM skills. My mission is to continue to seek more lucrative funding opportunities and resources to build on this generous award so that our community’s youths can truly compete and succeed in the 21st century.”

The Riverbay Fund submitted an application in April 2023 to Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s office for FY24 community project funding in the 14th Congressional District which, at that time, included Co-op City. Co-op City has since been redistricted back into the 16th Congressional District represented by Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who, in 2022, secured $500,000 in federal funding to be used to “begin the restoration and revitalization process for a currently polluted, unused strip of waterfront land in Co-op City, which is the largest affordable housing community and the largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in the nation.” He was also integrally involved in the 2022 HUD refinancing of Co-op City’s mortage which resulted in $124M earmarked for capital projects in Co-op City.

The Congresswoman’s staff evaluated the Riverbay Fund’s application, along with other community project applicants in the 14th CD, according to guidelines set by the US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations – not for profit status, service to NY14 and eligibility. Next, a short list of applications that had been screened and scored against additional criteria was submitted to the Appropriations Committee which then included the 14 approved community projects in the FY24 Appropriations Bills.

In addition to the Riverbay Fund, the other applications in Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s district eligible to receive funding were from:

• Malikah Safety Center in Queens, which is eligible to receive $1.2M to acquire a three-story mixed use property to serve as a violence prevention focused community center

• Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, eligible to receive $1.17M to demolish and construct a new five-story club to meet the needs of the growing population in Long Island City and Astoria

• GrowNYC – New York State Regional Food Hub, eligible to receive $1M to build the NYS Regional Food Hub, a new 60,000 sq. ft. building in Hunts Point to store, aggregate and distribute produce from regional farmers to under-

Riverbay Safety Outreach to Building Associations

Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto has announced that the is available to conduct presentations addressing:

1. How to survive an active shooting

2. Fire: How to survive – Fire prevention tips

3. How to prevent injuries in and out of your apartment

To schedule an appointment, Mr. Barzelatto can be reached at abarzelatto@riverbaycorp.com or by phone at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3624.

served communities throughout the five boroughs

• NY Public Library – Pelham Bay Library ADA Restroom Upgrade, eligible for $500,000 to ensure greater accessibility for patrons

• New York City Housing Authority – Bronx River Houses Playground Revitalization, eligible for $1M to rebuild the playground at Bronx River Houses to provide safe space for children to gather for socialization outside of home and school

• New York City Housing Authority – Sotomayor Houses Basketball Court Revitalization, eligible for $1M to rebuild the basketball court at Sotomayor Houses to provide additional space for children to gather outside of home and school for socialization

• New York City Housing Authority – Monroe Houses Playground Revitalization, eligible to receive $1M to rebuild the playground at Monroe Houses to provide safe space for children to gather outside of home and school

• New York City Housing Authority – Astoria Houses Playground Revitalization, eligible for $1M to rebuild the playground at Astoria Houses for children to gather safely outside of school and home

• Billion Oyster Project – Flushing Bay Oyster Reef, eligible to receive $500,000 to design and install a one-acre oyster reef in Flushing Bay to address longstanding environmental justice inequities in underrepresented communities in Queens. This project will also serve as an outdoor classroom for students and local public schools to learn about marine science and maritime careers

• New York City Housing Authority – Middletown Plaza Elevator Replacement, eligible to receive $500,000 for elevator replacement at Middletown Plaza

• New York City Department of Transportation – Westchester Square Plaza, eligible to receive $1M for a capital project to make the intersection of Westchester and East Tremont Avenue safer for all, and to reconstruct the intersection’s southwest corner as a new public space with seating, plantings, street lighting, and other amenities

• New York City Department of Transportation – Astoria Blvd. Safety Improvements, eligible to receive $1M for a capital project targeting an intersection in Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst with a high crash rate to address pedestrian safety and improve pedestrian circulation

• Hutchinson River Restoration Project, Inc. (HRRP) – Hutchinson River Restoration Project, eligible to receive $50,000 to characterize areas/causes of shoreline pollution on the Hutch River and determine administratively and practically how the area can best be restored for park land or other public use; to increase participation in debris clean-up activities along the river and expand public awareness of the polluted shorelines in riverside communities

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represented Co-op City since 2022 when a court-appointed master redrew congressional lines after the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission’s map was rejected by the state legislature.

“Since coming on board as our congressional representative, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez has taken every opportunity to meet with us, to learn about our operations and our needs here at Co-op City. We appreciate the advocacy she and her staff have put in on our behalf and the support they have given to our community events,” said Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano. “We are especially grateful for the $1.5M Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has secured from the federal government for the construction of a youth enrichment center which is desperately needed in our community.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has secured $1.5M in federal funding to convert the former bingo hall on Bartow Avenue to a youth enrichment hub. File photo

6 Co-op City Times / March 16, 2024

The

– • Letter to the Editor • –

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.

Finances

To the Editor:

We’re about to get an 8.1% increase in our maintenance. That will keep our housing solvent. We can’t print money to pay our debts. Only the U.S. government can do that.

“The surest way to destroy a country is to debauch its currency.” –economist John Kenneth Galbraith, quoting Soviet leader Lenin

According to the U.S. Debt Clock, our current federal debt is $34.5 Trillion. Meanwhile, as of last June, our federal government’s unfunded liabilities were estimated at $123 Trillion.

If we keep this deficit spending, the U.S. will go the

Package Theft Alert

Package thefts continue to negatively affect shareholders. Public Safety Officers have had some success in arresting persons entering and stealing packages however many persons arrested, after being apprehended, are released, and return to continue this illegal activity. Theft of packages continues to impact the quality of life of shareholders within our community.

All shareholders ordering online packages are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate delivery locations that are supplied by online services. Direct delivery to lockers, hubs, and secure alternate delivery locations will decrease inconvenience, reduce crimes of opportunity, and provide shareholders a reliable method of securing items delivered.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to work with the NYPD, and investigate and apprehend criminals who are plaguing the community with thefts. At the present time, in order to reduce package thefts, alternate delivery methods are strongly encouraged.

—CCPD

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 anonymoushotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services.com/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); Email: reports@lighthouse-services.com; or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the email or fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Be sure to subscribe to the official Co-op City YouTube channel, https:// bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!

way of the Weimer Republic (pre-Nazi Germany), Zimbabwe and Venezuela. Countries collapse when they print worthless paper currency, unbacked by precious metals (gold or silver). While we can’t predict when the collapse will occur, it is inevitable unless we trim our mammoth federal budget.

The Democrats and the Republicans are both responsible for this upcoming catastrophe. As they say, you have to pay the piper at some point. To avoid economic collapse, I believe we need to reduce the size, scope and power of our federal government. Otherwise, our children and grandchildren will pay the price.

—David Hammer

Dogs Must be Leashed at All Times When in Public Spaces

The Department of Public Safety has received complaints that authorized dog owners are using several of the community’s gated parks as dog runs. It has been reported that dog owners are telling other shareholders that the parks are also dog parks. This is not true.

All shareholders should also be aware that dogs must always be on a lease while in any public space within Co-op City. Shareholders with dogs found off leash are in violation of NYC Law and Riverbay rules and regulations.

If a dog is observed off leash, shareholders should not confront the violator. Please call Public Safety at 718-671-3050. Dispatchers are available 24 hours a day. A Community Complaint may be issued to the owner of a dog detected off leash on our property. The fine for this violation is $200.00.

Be careful and ask to see Employee ID

If you are having work done in your apartment, shareholders – especially those who are elderly and/or who live alone – are reminded that all personal items should be secured in a safe location. This is for your own peace of mind, as well as the protection of the Riverbay workers/ contractors coming into your home. Riverbay employees wear identification badges and so do the various Riverbay-approved contractors seeking access to your home. Ask to see identification before allowing anyone to enter your apartment. If you are unsure, you should contact your local CSO at (718) 320-3300 (follow prompts), or Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.

Share Your Comments & Suggestions with Riverbay

Shareholders are encouraged to submit input on how to improve services and service delivery as well as other ideas that impact the quality of life of Co-op City residents.

If you have a suggestion you’d like to share with the Riverbay Board and/or Management, visit the Home page of the official Co-op City website, coopcity.com, or scan the QR Code here to be connected. Scroll down to “Useful Links” and click on “Send Comments & Suggestions.”

Be an engaged shareholder. Help improve quality of life in Co-op City.

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

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow

New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell Media Assistant

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and 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, NY 10475.

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

What is the CCPD Blotter?

Public Safety Report

The CCPD blotter is a log or record maintained by a Public Safety Department that documents incidents, arrests, complaints, and other activities handled by CCPD officers during their shifts. It typically includes details such as the date and time of an incident, location, a brief description of what occurred, and any actions taken by the police. You can think of it as a sort of diary or journal for the department, where we keep track of everything we deal with on a daily basis. This record helps CCPD keep organized, track trends in criminal activity, and provide information to the public and other agencies when needed.

the perpetrator/s and secure a conviction.

Some crimes, such as domestic violence incidents or altercations, can escalate rapidly if not addressed promptly. Calling the police can help prevent these situations from spiraling out of control and potentially leading to more serious consequences. In many jurisdictions, there may be a legal obligation to report certain crimes or emergencies. Failing to do so could result in legal consequences for the individual who witnessed or became aware of the crime.

Mean expression

What Do We Mean by See Something, Say Something?

The expression “see something, say something” originated as part of a public safety campaign aimed at encouraging individuals to report suspicious activities or behavior to the authorities. It has been widely adopted by various law enforcement agencies and government organizations around the world.

The exact etymology of the expression is not definitively documented, but it likely emerged from the need to promote community vigilance and engagement in preventing crime and terrorism. The phrase encapsulates the idea that if someone notices something out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous, they should not hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities. The simplicity and directness of the expression make it easy to remember and understand, rendering it an effective slogan for public awareness campaigns. By emphasizing the importance of individual vigilance and reporting, the phrase aims to empower citizens to play an active role in maintaining public safety and security. Overall, “see something, say something” reflects a proactive approach to crime prevention and counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the collective responsibility of communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help keep everyone safe.

Why reporting crimes in progress to the police is essential – Crimes in progress often pose an immediate threat to individuals or property. Prompt reporting allows law enforcement to respond quickly, potentially preventing further harm or damage. Reporting crimes in progress helps protect the community at-large. By alerting the authorities, individuals can help ensure that necessary measures are taken to address the situation and maintain public safety. Timely reporting increases the likelihood of preserving evidence that can aid in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. Delaying a call to the police may result in the loss or destruction of crucial evidence, making it more difficult to apprehend

Public Safety Blotter

March 3 – March 9, 2024

March 03, 2024

4180 Hutchinson River Parkway

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package that was left in the lobby was removed by an unknown individual without her permission.

March 04, 2024

4100 Hutchinson River Parkway

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without his permission.

March 05, 2024

2049 Asch Loop

A non-resident female came into CCPD Base and reported that her boyfriend forcibly removed property from her and assaulted her causing serious injuries. A canvass for the suspect was conducted by Public Safety Officers and yielded positive results. The suspect was placed under arrest.

March 06, 2024

140 Carver Loop

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without her permission.

March 07, 2024

99 Earhart Lane

CCPD along with the Riverbay

Garage Supervisor identified a vehicle that was illegally parked in Garage 8 and had been previously reported stolen in New Jersey. The vehicle was towed from the garage.

100 Benchley Place

CCPD responded to a domestic violence incident between two cooperators. Upon investigation by CCPD, a female cooperator threatened her husband with bodily harm with a set of scissors and smashed a hole in the bedroom wall with a hammer. The female cooperator was placed under arrest by Public Safety Officers and charged with menacing. A Community Complaint for Anti-Social Behavior was also issued.

March 08, 2024

Opposite 100 Erdman Place

A cooperator returned to his parked vehicle and observed that the front bumper had been hit by another vehicle causing it to tear off of the vehicle. NYPD was also notified.

2049 Bartow Avenue

CCPD responded to a call of a male in the restroom washing up. The non-resident male suspect is well known to CCPD. He was ordered to leave the area and he refused. He was subsequently arrested by Public Safety Officers.

Delaying a call to the police can have several negative consequences: The longer a crime in progress goes unreported, the greater the risk to individuals and property. Delaying a call to the police may allow the perpetrator/s more time to carry out their criminal activities or escape, putting others at greater risk of harm. Delaying the reporting of a crime may result in the loss or contamination of valuable evidence, making it more difficult for law enforcement to investigate the incident and identify the responsible party. Prompt reporting of crimes in progress allows law enforcement to intervene and potentially prevent further harm or damage. Delaying a call to the police diminishes the opportunity for timely intervention and resolution of the situation. Failing to report crimes in progress undermines efforts to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law. It can contribute to a sense of impunity among criminals and erode trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

Scam Targeting College Athletes: The latest scam now involves college athletes. In the last week, both Southern Connecticut State University Police Department (SCSUPD) and the Western Connecticut State University Police Department (WCSUPD) investigated scams where the caller claimed to be a member of the department and that their child was given a citation for open container, curfew citation and trespassing. The caller then requests that the payment for the citation be sent via Venmo, JPAY, or cash app.

On March 2, 2024 during the early morning hours, SCSUPD received two separate phone calls from parents of football players who indicated that they received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Sergeant with SCUPD. The caller stated that her son was given a $500 citation for open bottle container, curfew and trespassing citation. The caller advised the parents to send the payment to Venmo account cynthiawalden@campusbonds_fees024 or to CashApp floydvinny. No money was sent, and they

(Continued on page 26)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For informaton on

OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact:

Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both partes.

DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementoned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specific directons.

Daryl Johnson Resources For The 8.1% Increase

A lot of cooperators are worried about the upcoming 8.1 percent carrying charge increase and their ability to stay here. However, I want to review some programs that can possibly help our cooperators if they have housing issues.

The Homebase Program

A lot of cooperators have told me that this 8.1 percent carrying charge increase is going to hurt their finances. Therefore, some cooperators are making plans to move out of here. However, moving out of here to anywhere can be very expensive. So, it might be good to consider some options before a final decision is made to move.

One option could be the Homebase program. Below is information gathered from their website: Homebase can help if you’re at risk of becoming homeless. They have locations across New York City’s five boroughs and offer a wide range of services to help you if you have a housing crisis.

Homebase will help you develop a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and have more stability with your housing. You do not have to wait until you are in housing court to seek help from Homebase.

Homebase can help a wide range of services: Services to prevent eviction, help getting public benefits, emergency rental assistance, education and job placement assistance, financial counseling and money management, help moving, and short-term financial assistance.

You may be eligible for Homebase services if you: Are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system, are low-income, and want to remain stably housed in your community.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)

The SCRIE program (pronounced like SCREE) can help seniors avoid the constant carrying charge increases that we receive here. Online information states: SCRIE helps eligible senior citizens 62 and older stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent.

Tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if their landlord increases the rent. The landlord gets a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.

Please go online to get additional information about this program.

Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)

The DRIE program (pronounced like DREE) can help individuals with disabilities. Online information states: DRIE helps eligible tenants with disabilities stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. This means tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if the landlord increases the rent. The landlord will get a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.

Please go online to get additional information about this program.

NYS STAR Program

We have more than 15,372 apartments here. So, can you believe that about 5,000 shareholders just received a credit of about $100 (Basic STAR) or about $200 (Enhanced STAR for ages 65+) off of their March 2024 carrying charge statement?

And, the other 10,000 shareholders didn’t receive any money because they didn’t follow our printed advice to apply to the NYS STAR program.

Bottom line: We receive a STAR credit just one time every year. So, please go online and apply today.

Help Your Community

Every shareholder here is going to get hit with a tremendous 8.1 percent carrying charge increase on April 1, 2024. And, in most cases, this increase will remove at least $50 to well over $100 from everyone’s wallet. But, that’s just for this year. However, we should anticipate that we’re going to get hit with additional increases on an annual basis.

Therefore, in my opinion, the solution to this annual problem is to get new board members that are willing to help our community in a proper and beneficial way. Thereafter, we need for this entire com-

munity to start having shareholder meetings to hold board members accountable for their actions. In other words, our shareholders own this entire community, including the Riverbay Corporation. So, our shareholders can vote board members out if they’re not fulfilling their duties in a proper way.

Collectively, our shareholders can tell our board to strategically reduce our expenses to avoid these wild increases. Thereafter, our board can tell management to strategically reduce their expenses. So, you will not see contractors receiving $12,000 just for labor and $5,000 worth of materials just to restore a 1-bedroom apartment. The questions about the way that insurance commissions and insurance policies are paid would stop. We would review how a $35 million contract for exterior building work ballooned to over $77 million.

Now, do you see how we can improve our community? If yes, then please consider stepping up and joining our board during this upcoming election. But, you need to understand that thousands of our cooperators are outraged by what’s going on here. Therefore, they’re fed up with this nonsense that Riverbay cannot cut anything. And, they’re upset that they have to pay for these exorbitant increases.

Bottom line: We need your positive help. So,

Important! Please Respond. Co-op City

please run only if you can stay committed to doing the right things for our community. Close

With your positive help, we can make improvements to all aspects of our community.

Thank you.

Contact Information

Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else.

Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family.

Thank you.

System

Scammers Impersonating Businesses with Fake Subscription Renewal Notices

Email continues to be a popular avenue for scammers who want to steal consumers’ personal and financial information. To trick consumers into clicking links and providing personal information, scammers are posing as legitimate businesses and emailing consumers. BBB warns consumers to be extra vigilant when receiving urgent emails from supposed businesses asking for payment information.

How This Scam Works

You receive an urgent email from a business you have a membership or an account with that states your subscription or membership has expired. The email asks you to click a link to provide your payment information. The email may even offer a special deal or discount for updating your payment information now.

The email may look legitimate and include the business’s logo, and you may have even received the email around the time your subscription has expired or will be expiring. So, you click the link and provide your credit card information, only to find out that the email and the website were fake. Your card may be charged, and a scammer now has your personal and financial information.

Scammers may also email you stating that your subscription to a certain business has or will be auto-renewing for a certain dollar amount, causing confusion and worry. They may provide a customer service phone number to call, which is actually fake.

BBB Scam Tracker has received several recent reports about scammers impersonating different businesses through email.

One consumer shared, “Received an email on 1/3/2024 that ‘my Sirius XM account has expired!’ This email came in one day after my normal Sirius XM renewal date. The email wanted me to go to a website and ‘insert’ my credit card info. … Before proceeding, I logged into my actual Sirius XM account and verified it had automatically renewed as normal. What threw me off at first was that the scammer somehow knew my renewal date. I did not lose any money.”

How to Avoid Similar Scams

• Take a second look at the email. There are several red flags that identify phishing emails. Look at the sender’s email address – if it’s a long string of numbers and letters that don’t make sense, or if the email address just doesn’t look right, it’s likely an impostor. Scare tactics and urgent requests are also quite common for phishing emails, as are spelling errors and poorly written emails.

• Go to the business to confirm the email. If you receive an email stating your subscription has expired or payment is needed, first verify the information on your own. Consider calling the business’s real phone number directly (don’t use any phone numbers that are included in the questionable email you received) and verify your account details with them.

• Keep track of your subscriptions and any auto-renewing payments. Keep track of any subscription or membership renewal dates and the anticipated charges on a calendar so you know when to expect them. That way, you can have a better idea of determining when a subscription renewal email is fake or not.

• Think twice before providing payment for something you didn’t initiate. Don’t provide your payment information to anyone if you did not initiate the purchase. If you’re being asked to pay with your bank account number, prepaid credit cards, digital wallet apps, or wiring money, this is a red flag.

• Check with BBB Scam Tracker. If you’re questioning an email you received from a business, look up the details on BBB Scam Tracker and verify if anyone else has received the same type of email. This can help you verify whether or not the email is fake.

• Once you verify the email is fake, report it as spam and delete it. Your email provider may provide an option for you to mark an email as spam. If you’ve verified that the email is a scam, report it and delete it right away.

If you receive a fake email from a scammer pretending to be a business, report it to BBB Scam Tracker to warn others at https://bbb.org. The BBB office serving Metropolitan New York is located at 30 East 33rd Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016; (212) 533-6200.

Bartow Mall Parking Alert

Shareholders, guests and shoppers are reminded that there is a two-hour parking limit in the Bartow Mall.

Parking is for the exclusive use of customers while shopping in the commercial establishments within the Bartow Mall. There is a posted twohour time limit. Vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Town

I’m delighted to see that our elected officials are taking our painful HCR-imposed carrying charge increase seriously. I for one will be cheering them on in their appeal to HCR and beyond.

Help is On The Way our

influx of cash, those costs would have had to come directly from our carrying charges – the hard way.

Beyond? How often do any of us find ourselves in a room with Governor Hochul (aka the HCR Commissioner’s boss) in a position to maybe, just maybe, catch her ear? I’m guessing our representatives are more likely than most to do just that. Perhaps they could remind her of her April 2022 words spoken in Dreiser Auditorium at our mortgage refinancing celebration: “My administration is committed to maintaining access to safe, quality, affordable housing that enables New Yorkers to live with the dignity they deserve.”

By the way, the HCR commissioner was also there that April day two years ago. She was quoted as saying: “I am enormously proud of this partnership that will protect affordable homeownership at Co-op City for another 35 years. In addition to keeping maintenance fees stable for residents, the [refi] will finance much-needed capital repair projects to ensure that all 15,372 homes remain safe and secure for the long term.”

She went on to say, “Generations of New Yorkers have benefited from the ability to live affordably in this bustling and diverse community while building equity to pass down to their children.”

Some questionable word choices there, such as – building equity

The good budgeters among us might have built heftier bank accounts in the 10, 30 (in my case), to 56 years of living in our beautiful, affordable community, than our market-rate rent-paying neighbors. How smart and lucky we are! But we were not building equity in the normal sense of the word. Nor should we have.

Co-op City’s way-back motto is – to serve, not profit. Word quibbling again, I say – to provide, not profit works better. To provide, in this wealthy land, for the less-monied and to profit no one, not some fat cat money bags, and not us fortunate few thousand.

But back to the jogging of memories, remember what that refi saved us? Depending how you calculate it – and I calculate it by the $114.5 million we were left with (after upping the reserves, paying fees, and paying off the old mortgage) to finance mostly-mandatory capital projects. If not for that refi

How hard? Using the formula that for every two million bucks we need to pay our bills, that we do not have, carrying charges must rise 1%. And that, dear neighbors, would have translated into a 57.25% increase in each of our carrying charges; for all of us except for those who qualify for a SCRIE or DRIE rent increase exemption. The city picks up the cost of those frozen rents, or in our case, frozen carrying charges, by way of a tax credit.

Anyway, it’s nice to know it’s not just a big deal to us. Our state senator and assemblyman and our councilmember took the time to get together and write to DHCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas.

If you missed last week’s report on the subject, you can find it online at issuu.com/cctimes or read the letter at https://bit.ly/3Td3lwr.

If you just want the gist, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a paragraph-by-paragraph synopsis and commentary (from shifting points of view).

1. An 8.1% increase will irreparably burden many middle class and senior residents currently enjoying our safe and affordable-by-design community.

2. It’s too soon after the pandemic setbacks to start messing with our comparatively low carrying charges.

3. Co-op City’s a vibrant, one-of-a-kind, gorgeous mosaic of a community which would be so “irreparably harmed by such a drastic and steep increase” that we three elected officials couldn›t just stand by and say nothing.

4. (Dear HCR) Keeping Co-op City afloat is important and complex, reconsider your decision, look for an alternative solution, work with Riverbay, let us help. (Signed: Sen. Bailey, AM Benedetto, CM Riley.)

Two different calculations (one nuanced the other not so) were used to arrive at the two different numbers.

HCR: You’re X in the red. That requires an 8.1% increase. Sorry.

Riverbay: Our numbers reflect a more positive trend. We’re X in the red due to yesterday’s inflation (Covid

Mall @ Bay Plaza’s Bronx Entrepreneurial Scholarships

The Mall @ Bay Plaza’s Bronx Entrepreneurial Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications until April 1, 2024 from college-bound high school seniors with an interest in entrepreneurship and/or business.

Each annual scholarship award is $3,000 – not to exceed $12,000 over four consecutive years.

Eligible students must be residents of the Bronx and must be a graduating high school senior who has been accepted to an accredited fouryear college or university with a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Students will be considered for academic achievement, financial need, the student’s community service record and recommendations from teachers, guidance counselors and/or principals. Students must submit a transcript and one-page essay explaining, “Why entrepreneurship is important to me.” Submissions should be sent to Apply@BronxESFC.com.

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are disbursed to the student’s college/university’s Bursar’s office in August. Students must continue to attend classes and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent to remain eligible.

Three recipients will be selected by an independent committee based on application materials provided.

and the Ukraine war supply chain dis-ruptions) increasing the cost of: fuel, water, materials, and insurance.

Which brings us to Adolfo Carrión Jr., the City Housing Preservation and Development commissioner, who appeared on Inside City Hall with Errol Louis on March 6.

The segment dealt with new affordable housing construction but veered off into our direction.

Here’s a synopsis of what he said (with my bolds).

Carrión: We’re also looking, with private partners and public partners, at the creation of a new vehicle for insurance because the insurance companies are really hammering residential real estate, especially affordable housing development. Carrion added: The number one fastest growing cost of operating housing in New York City is insurance and it’s toppling over deals. We’re having to come back and refinance deals that we financed in the past because the insurance costs have gone out of control, hundreds and hundreds of times over.

Then the former Bronx Borough President brought it home: “And I’ll give you a very quick example. A development in the Bronx – affordable housing – their insurance bill annually was $200,000; one year later, it was $900,000 and they just get the bill from the insurance company.”

Louis: “… You may have to do some work with the State Legislature, perhaps with the Insurance Division, to try and figure that out. OK, we look forward to hearing more about that. We hope we can get more housing built as quickly as possible. The city really needs it.”

Sounds like help just might be on the way, but it better hurry up!

Have a good week, everybody. MPearson@ RiverbayBoard.com/718-219-2211.

ACROSS

1. Swell up

6. Pendulum’s path

9. Type of salmon

13. *Steve Miller Band: “I want to fly like an ____”

14. Simon & Garfunkel, e.g.

15. Popular winter boot brand

16. Ohio city

17. Lodge

18. Squirrel away

19. *Glenn Frey: “The pressure’s high just to stay alive ‘cause ____ ____ is on”

21. *John Travolta in “Grease”: “I got ____, they’re multiplyin’”

23. Automated teller

24. Clarified butter

25. Bad-mouth, slangily

28. Stag

30. Tartans

35. “I’m ____ you!”

37. Commies

39. Monocot’s alternative

40. Road’s edge

41. Living room centerpiece?

43. Prefix meaning “left”

44. Deadly snake

46. Sasquatch’s cousin

47. Court petitioner

48. Blood infection

50. Indian flatbread

52. Opposite of post-

53. Sound of impact

55. *Duran Duran: “Her name is ____, and she dances on the sand”

57. *The Beatles: “Take a sad song and make it ____”

60. *Elvis: “We’re caught in a trap, I can’t ____ ____”

64. Relating to a mode

65. Scrooge’s exclamation

67. Memory failure

68. Bouquet thrower

69. Number of candles on a cake

70. Musketeers’ weapons

71. Picnic invaders

72. “Just kidding!”

73. Did, archaic

DOWN

1. *The Go-Go’s: “They got the ____”

2. 100,000, in India

3. Cameron Diaz’ Fiona, e.g.

4. Hula dancer’s hello

5. These are held to be true

6. Miners’ passage

7. *Tainted Love: “Once I ran to you, now I ____”

8. “Lord of the Flies” shell

9. Like the other side of the pillow?

10. Certain kind of exam

11. Not his

12. Antiquated

15. Protection from a sword

20. To death, in French (2 words)

22. ____ B vaccine

24. Manna from heaven

25. *Bon Jovi: “Tommy used to work on the ____”

26. Habituate

27. Spaghetti ____

29. *Don McLean: “Drove

Building 18 Association

Greetings, neighbor.

March is National Women’s Month. Let us continue to celebrate each other with love and respect honoring the great women who opened many doors for us.

Our next General meeting will be Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m. We encourage everyone to attend. We will have our election of offcials. All positions are open for re-election. Looking forward to seeing you.

Love, Laugh, Live!

––Gertie Brown

Building 22A&B Association

Good morning, neighbors. Hope you had a wonderful week.

Friday was the 4th Annual International Woman’s Day and our community celebrated with a party at Bartow Center. The program was fantastic, dancers from a senior center in Brooklyn performed; it was beautiful. The program was about women honoring women, and it was an electrifying afternoon.

Our next Association meeting is March 25 in the Association Room. If you want to be a candidate for president, treasurer or secretary, leave your note under Ms. Gladys Polite’s door, on the “B” side for our next meeting. We will be voting.

As always, please continue to read the Co-op City Times for all community information and activities.

Compactor Room: Put newspapers, small boxes fattened. Follow the instructions on the door and walls. This is your home, keep our environment clean.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please remove your clothes from the washer and dryer on time. This is respecting your neighbors’ rights. Fabric softener sheets should be put in trash can and not on the foor. Also, clean the dryer trays.

Happy birthday to all. Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. If you see something, say something.

—Betty Leak

P.O. Box 318, Bronx, NY 10469

Join Us for a Day or More of Fun on Our Upcoming 2024 Trips! Lunch Included.

• Fri., May 24 DANIEL Sight & Sound Teatre, Ronk, PA

• Turs., June 27 TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY Atlantic City, NJ

• Turs.-Sat., CAPE COD & MARTHA’S VINEYARD

July 11-13, 2024 Peninsula of MA

• Fri., Aug. 16 ESSEX STEAM TRAIN Essex, CT

• Sat., Sept. 7 HERITAGE CAPE MAY Cape May, NJ

• Sat., Sept. 21 LAKE GEORGE LUNCH CRUISE Lake George, NY

• Sat., Oct. 5 PHILLIPS CRABFEAST Baltimore, MD

TWO PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

177 Dreiser Loop (Front of H&R Block)

Te Park @ 161st Street (Bet. Grand Concourse & Walton Ave., Opposite Bronx Courthouse)

For Information, Please Call Lessie Harris @ 347-866-4625

New York Yankees Community Council Youth Leadership Award

The New York Yankees Community Council will provide a $750.00 stipend to fve deserving students nominated by Bronx Community Board # 10 to receive the Youth Leadership Award.

Applicants must have performed 50 hours of leadership/volunteer work as a tutor, mentor, community unity developer, and/or as an advocate against violence or substance abuse in their community.

Bronx Community Board # 10 is seeking high school seniors who reside in the Bronx Community Board # 10 service area and meet the service requirements above.

Applicants are required to submit a completed nomination form and attach a resume stating the applicant’s: name, address, education, voluntary and/or extracurricular activities, work experience, awards, etc., to Bronx Community Board #10, 3165 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, via mail, email (bx10@cb.nyc.gov), or by hand (normal business hours: Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.). The deadline is Friday, April 19, 2024.

Emailed submissions must include “New York Yankees Community Council Youth Leadership Award” in the subject line.

A nomination form can be downloaded from the Bronx Community Board #10 website, www.nyc.gov/bronxcb10, under Announcements, or on Facebook.com/BronxCommunityBoard10, or requested by contacting CB #10 at 718-892-1161.

Be an Engaged Shareholder!

Get involved with your building association, join a Board Committee and/or community group, or write a Letter to the Editor about quality of life concerns!

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section – Last Sunday, March 10, we had our regularly scheduled Membership meeting. We welcomed a new member, Charmaine McFarland, to our section.

NCNW promotes education as one of our critical concerns for the future known as “Four for the Future.” Therefore, we were quite pleased that two of our members, Denise Gerald and Cynthia Waters, were able to join PS 178’s Black History and the Arts program on Thursday morning, March 7 (pictured above). They both are looking forward to the next time they can visit the school.

tween the ages of 9 and 18 years who are interested in leading, advocating and empowering women of African descent, their families and communities. To celebrate Women’s History Month, the members dressed as historical fgures and provided the history of their person of choice.

On Saturday, March 23, we will be celebrating the birthday of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, our 4th National President with a one-hour Prayer & Praise Service honoring her birthday. This “drum major for freedom” as she was called by President Obama, ordered American fags to be fown at halfstaff in her honor on the day of her burial. We will be celebrating her life spent tirelessly pursuing justice. This service, led by our Co-op City Section Chaplains Rev. Beverly Spruill and Judge Taisha L. Chambers, will be on Zoom, open to the entire community. The Meeting ID: 890 6981 0477 and Passcode: 19351935 will give you access. Come and join us from 11 a.m. to noon as we celebrate this great leader.

NCNW Youth Section – Our Youth Section members (pictured at left) met on Saturday, March 9, in Room 14 at Dreiser Center. This group is made up of young ladies be-

They also completed their election process. Congratulations to their new president, Danniyella F.; frst vice president, Brianna R.; treasurer, Felicia W.; and secretary, Sarai P. (pictured at left).

If this sounds interesting to you, please contact them at email: ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com, or visit the section’s website, www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. Yet it’s one of the few cancers that’s preventable thanks to screening! Here are two reasons why getting checked matters – screening can fnd the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease; screening can also fnd colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. New national guidelines have changed the age from 50 to 45 to begin screening for colon cancer. If you have a close relative who has had colon cancer, you may be at higher risk for getting the disease. Rates of colorectal cancer are higher in African Americans than other races perhaps because fewer get screened for colon cancer.

Social Media – Remember you can fnd us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City, and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

—Joyce Howard

Reminder, please send all email correspondence to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Thank you for your cooperation.

Rivers Run Community Garden

The garden is currently under construction. If you can, please come over to help. There is so much to be done and something to do for everyone. We are taking down old wooden beds and putting up corrugated steel beds with enclosures.

We’d like to thank the staff and students of Bronx Health Sciences HS for collaborating with us for another season and for coming out for a workday last Friday. Also, the Army JROTC headed by Sergeant First Class John Montalvo and assisted by Ciara De Los Angeles joined with us for garden construction and bed building. Both groups of young, energetic and awesome individuals were so helpful, respectful, and incredible.

Upcoming Workdays

(All are welcome – weather permitting):

• March 16-18, noon

• March 23-25, noon

Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulflling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome.

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at

call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at

Above: Army JROTC

Below: The BEES from Behavioral Science HS

Building 33 Association

Good day, shareholders, President’s Report: Marvin Walton, Riverbay Executive General Manager, had a second meeting with building presidents and their board on March 7. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to improve the Maintenance/Restoration process from appointment scheduling to completion of the work required. This meeting is a frst of its kind where Management included the shareholders regarding an issue burdensome to many. The goal is to establish a process that works for all, including scheduling that benefts a working-class community and improving the relationship with the Call Center, Maintenance staff, and Restoration department. The information we are discussing will move us in a positive direction.

A town hall meeting is scheduled for March 20 to discuss the 8.1% carrying charge increase. We need shareholders to stop stating the meeting doesn’t matter because the maintenance increase will happen anyway. Do you all have ESP? State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and City Council Member Kevin C. Riley are asking HCR to reconsider the increase. If they are willing to stand up for us, why won’t we stand up for ourselves? If

15,000 shareholders appear at the meeting, there’s a strong possibility the increased amount can change. So if the increase matters to you, bring yourselves to the meeting and ask your questions!

Parents, are you aware of the Summer Rising Program being offered for your children by NYC? There is an article in last week’s Co-op City Times on page 3. Read the article and complete the application by March 25, 2024. Get your child from K-8 into a program that will beneft them this summer. It’s from 8-6 p.m. and bus transportation for some.

Environmental Report: Clean up your dog and keep the compactor rooms, elevators, laundry, and hallways clean!

Women’s History Month: I received a fyer for A Women’s History Month Luncheon on March 23 in the Einstein Community Center, Room 39, at 2 p.m. For information and to RSVP, call 646-579-1701.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!” –Maya Angelou

Till next week, take care and walk good.

—Andrea D. Mayo

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. The weather has been a little favorable, be careful, viruses are still around and this is also fu season. Daylight saving time is here. Spring is in the air. Let’s continue to pray that we all will remain safe and healthy.

Building 27 Association – General meeting is Thursday, March 28, at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is Assist. Exec. Gen. Mgr. Cary Smith; see you there in Bldg. C Association Room, rear lobby. Please be mindful of others who may want to ask questions. Also feel free to offer your suggestions that possibly could beneft us all. Light refreshments and 50/50 raffes.

Collection of Dues – To new shareholders, we welcome you all. The collection of dues is only $5.00 which will acknowledge your family as a member supporting your Building Association. The dates of collection will be April 4 at 4 to 8 p.m. and April 5 at 6 to 8 p.m. in your respective lobby.

Women History Month – It appears every month there is something to celebrate and to refect on. In 1987, Congress passed Pub.L 100-9, which proclaimed March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” The resolutions and proclamations annually celebrate the contributions women have made to the

Building 13 Association

Make sure you attend our next scheduled meeting on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Association Room. Building 13 will have as a guest, Riverbay Deputy GM Mr. Warren Mitchell, who is assigned to our building, to discuss some items that remain a concern. Additionally, if time permits, we will also discuss and become more informed about participatory budgeting. It is time we collectively come up with ideas that will beneft our community and utilize the money available to constituents. We need to be involved in the decision-making process.

The follow-up meeting was held with the Executive General Manager to discuss specifc maintenance concerns and possible reorganizing how complaints are scheduled. At our Association meeting scheduled for March 18, I will share some of the items with you. At the meeting, if you would like a copy, you will have to make sure we have your e-mail address. Building and Townhouse presidents and their boards attended the meeting and it was very informative. Hopefully. you were able to read last week’s CCTimes to also get more information about the various departments and their area of responsibility. Please take the time to read the Co-op City Times weekly and also the notices placed in the bulletin board in the lobby. Attend community meetings and stay involved.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. You are all encouraged to join the NAACP Zoom. Black men have the highest cancer incidence rate. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both Black men and women. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community. In general, they have the highest rate of colon cancer than any racial/ethnic group in the United States.

Join the General virtual meeting on Sunday, March 23, at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Othon Wiltz, MD will answer your questions on Colon Screening and the Colonoscopy procedure. Dr. Othon Wiltz specializes in Colon & Rectal Surgery, with a special focus on Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery. Zoom meeting ID: 860 7325 9170, Passcode: 636324.

Remember to Save the Date, April 20, when Rivers Run Community Garden and others will celebrate Earth Day with the community to raise our awareness on the importance of Earth and the Climate.

Summer Fun Day: As always, we try to bring new and exciting events and activities to the community and this year will be no different. Some of the performers and instructors have already confrmed their presence and some community vendors have contributed to the event. SFD is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 (Rain date: June 23rd). The festivities are open to the entire community.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” –Cesar Chavez

Visit our Facebook page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

United States and recognize the achievements women have made in a variety of felds in America. We are thankful for the women of Co-op City, so many talented younger adults who are fuent in the technology feld, the future. We pass the torch and trust them to keep Co-op City an affordable, clean and safe home and community for future generations.

Offce of Council Kevin C. Riley, District 12, Tax Preparation Services – Free services for individuals without dependents with maximum income of $59,000 and those with dependents with income maximum of $85,000. Individuals may call the offce at 718-684-5509 or visit Section 5, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 44, phone (347) 326-8652; or 940 East Gun Hill Rd., (718) 684-5509.

Happy Birthday to all celebrating this month. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card. She is excellent in sharing goodwill. Also notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become deceased or transferred to a nursing home. There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about. –Margaret J. Wheatley

—H. Overman

ADVERTISE!

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality for all during the course of 20th Century American History. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the Lifeblood of the organization. We meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances.

NAACP Offce hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-noon.

March is Women’s History Month.

Happy Birthday – to our beloved Dr. Hazel N. Dukes who is turning 92 years old.

NAACP Youth Committee – Saturday, March 16, from 4-6 p.m. will present a class on Civic Engagement and Etiquette. This event is FREE and open to children K-12 and will be held in the NAACP offce located in the community center at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36 on the 2nd foor. Please RSVP at naacpcccity2210@gmail.com, or leave name and phone number at 718-320-3210.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. You are all encouraged to join this Zoom. Black men have the highest cancer incidence rate. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both Black men and women. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community. In general, they have the highest rate of colon cancer than any racial/ethnic group in the United States.

Join us at our General virtual meeting on Sunday, March 23, at 3 p.m. Dr. Othon Wiltz, MD will answer your questions on Colon Screening and the Colonoscopy Procedure. Dr. Othon Wiltz specializes in Colon & Rectal Surgery, with a special focus on Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery. Zoom meeting ID: 860 7325 9170, Passcode: 636324.

Please note: According to a new American Cancer Society (ACS) study, the number of people under 55 newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer has nearly doubled since 1995. That’s why both ACS and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have issued new recommendations for people at average risk of colorectal cancer to start regular screening at age 45.

Voting: This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: our vote. The issues that affect our community will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. We can fx America’s broken democracy, VOTE. For more information on the NAACP’s work to mobilize Black voters, visit naacp.org/vote.

55th NAACP Image Awards – Saturday, March 16, 8-10 p.m., will be hosted by Queen Latifah. Check local listings for the broadcast.

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fght for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10, or Silver Life, $750. Make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the offce phone at 718-3203210, or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

—Brenda Brown

Section 5 Produce Party Distribution Continues

Did you miss the produce party last Saturday morning? The community fridge in Section 5 was open and ready to distribute fresh produce despite rainy weather to our shareholders and neighbors. A variety of cucumbers, blueberries, strawberries, apples, bananas, and lettuce were just some of the fresh fruits and veggies that were happily distributed. So don’t miss another party! Bring your shopping bags or carts to our pantry and fridge located by the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) for Teens in Section 5. Rain or shine, our dedicated volunteers will be there with warm smiles to greet you and distribute the bounty of fresh produce to all! See you soon at the fridge! Come join us as we fight to drive out hunger. Register/volunteer @grassrootsgroceryny or drop us a note via email: coopcitycommunityfridge@ gmail.com.

–Yolanda Ramirez

Photos by Antoinette Erksin

Puzzle –– (Continued from page 11)

Section Five Association

We have been spared of a snowy winter for two years now. Please stay vigilant; there are new variants, and Covid is on the rise again. Are you watching the news? The viruses are still around. Spring is in the air, still be careful and wear your mask, if needed.

Legislators Call on HCR – We thank our legislators who represent Co-op City and intervene in opposing the recently ordered 8.1% carrying charge increase on Co-op shareholders which will become effective April 1, 2024. State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and City Council Member Kevin C. Riley sent a joint letter to Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskaus of the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal. The letter expressed that such a steep increase of 8.1% would create an immediate burden as the increase is to go into effect April 1, 2024. To our knowledge, some shareholders are already paying the $50.00 late fee because it is impossible to meet car notes, insurance and carrying charge all in one check. If the State is the oversight manager of Co-op City, why did HCR not address that Riverbay was operating at a loss the frst year that was noted, rather than wait two years to address this loss?

Shared Vision – In the effort to reform the process led by Exec. Gen. Mgr. Marvin Walton joined by Assistant EGM Cary Smith III and Deputy GM Warren Mitchell on Thursday, March 7, at Dreiser Center. This meeting was with the Building and Townhouse Association leaders. Issues/concerns were repeated across the community, and to name a few, were appointments/inspections and work orders. There were few who offered their views and solutions to some concerns. In closing, Mr. Walton will have sessions with Riverbay departments to discuss changes and will report back to the association board members in 3 to 6 months.

Offce of Council Member Kevin C. Riley is partnering with the Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services and Urban Upbound to host free tax preparation services for eligible residents of District 12. Individuals without dependents must have an income maximum of $59,000, and those with dependents, an income maximum of $85,000. Location: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 44, phone: (347) 326-8652; or 940 East Gun Hill Road, (718) 6845509. Other Council Districts are searchable at www.mygovnyc.org

Saturday Volunteers are needed for food distribution at 10:30 a.m. at the Co-op City Fridge. Interested in volunteering? Contact Coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com.

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, gave information regarding 501c3; OMNY Card which will be in affect very soon, and we will look into other options; SCRIE/DRIE, she is able to offer assistance, and that all shareholders are eligible for the STAR Program, but you must register.

We offer condolences to all who lost a loved one. We wish all the best of good health. Happy Birthday wishes.

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, Section5association10@gmail.com, or 914-709-5395. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. –Henry Ford

—H. Overman

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Our vice president, Mrs. Vivian Burrus, and I attended the community meeting that focused on the issues of concern in common between Co-op City hi-rise buildings and townhouses. A spreadsheet of all the issues was created by Mr. Walton and the staff. The “Shared Vision” of the mission for all of us was reviewed. Many issues were discussed but the fre didn’t turn on till question time and the carrying charge increase was brought up. Mr. Walton posted a graphic which simply showed how to fgure out your increase. I praised this and said this needs to be published in the Co-op City Times.

International Women’s Month has not been celebrated enough here. Gloria Wise, Wilena Lerner and Anna Capel were three great cooperators who did so much for our community and the folks who live here. Those three come to my mind. Tell me who you think of.

Last week was the week for scams by post offce and directly to a credit card. A phony charge was attempted, attributed to a purchase never made to Amazon Prime. A new credit card will be sent. Check your accounts frequently. The UPS mail brought a thick envelope from “Guarantee Act Info Federal Bill 0521.” This solicitation was trying to get folks to send donations to support the passing of “Federal Bill 0521.” Don’t fall for phony solicitations like that.

Saturday, March 9, I did an early walk around. Please retrieve your Co-op Times each week and read it. Please be an informed cooperator and read your Co-op City Times

I visited Dreiser Mall recently and want to bring your attention to the opening of three new stores in Dreiser Loop Mall. Please go there and look around. We need to support local businesses.

One thing you can help with is the abidance of dog owners to Riverbay rules. If you can report seeing someone not picking up their dog’s business, give a location and description of it. We are having to allow support dogs. The support dogs must be registered with Public Safety. If you see a crime or something that you know is against our rules and regulations, call CCPD; phone number: 718- 671-3050.

Cooperators, participate in our opportunities to voice opinions and ask questions. It is only effective if you participate. The Riverbay chat line is mentioned in the Co-op City Times. It is not only for complaints. Your Broun Place tidings are also welcomed for publication here, critical and positive.

We send best wishes and hopes for complete healing to all those who are recovering from suffering and illness. A couple of meaningful statements: “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself” and “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” by Ronald Reagan. We hope you read the Co-op City Times

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Are You Ready for a Challenge?

How many informative facts do you know about colorectal cancer? Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grab a pencil and paper and answer the questions below. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t get everything correct; this quiz aims to test your knowledge and help you better understand colorectal cancer.

1. Colorectal cancer develops rapidly, True or False. 2. Colorectal cancer can be prevented if detected early, True or False. 3. Regular screening helps identify the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable, True or False. 4. The ACS recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 55. Test and see how well you did. For those who answered some questions incorrectly, let’s look at a few statistics surrounding women’s health. Visit the following link: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/ detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html. Answers:

1. False 2. True 3. True 4. False

Screening for colorectal cancer is of paramount importance due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, early detection signifcantly increases the chances of successful treatment and improves outcomes. Colorectal cancer often develops slowly over several years, starting as benign polyps that can be detected and removed during routine screening tests such as colonoscopies. By identifying and removing these precancerous growths, individuals can effectively prevent the development of colorectal cancer or catch it at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Secondly, colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. Regular screening helps identify the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable, potentially saving lives. Studies have shown that screening reduces both the incidence of colorectal cancer and mortality rates associated with the disease.

Furthermore, many individuals with colorectal cancer do not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease. By the time symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain manifest, the cancer may have already advanced to a more aggressive stage, making treatment more challenging. Screening tests enable the detection of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for prompt intervention and better outcomes. The ACS recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test) or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).

Lastly, while certain risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as age and family history, are beyond individual control, screening provides an opportunity for early detection and intervention regardless of risk factors. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to undergo regular screening, as recommended by healthcare professionals, based on factors such as age, family history, and other risk factors. Ultimately, screening for colorectal cancer is a proactive step individuals can take to prioritize their health and well-being.

—Diane Cooper

Women’s History Month Spotlight

Phyllis Wheatley

BY JOYCE L. DUNCAN

Phyllis Wheatley, an American author, was considered the frst African American author of a published book of poetry.

The date and place of her birth are not documented but Wheatley was born in 1753 in West Africa. She was sold into slavery and the local leader who bought her took her to Boston. She was bought by a wealthy Boston merchant and tailor, John Wheatley. They named her Phillis after the slave ship that transported her to North America.

The Wheatley’s 18-year-old daughter was Phyllis’ frst tutor or teacher and taught her reading and writing. By the age of 12, Phyllis was reading Greek and Latin Classics in their original languages. At the age of 14, she wrote her frst poetry, “To the University of Cambridge,” in New England. The Wheatley’s recognized Phyllis’ ability and supported her education. She was strongly infuenced by the readings of Alexander Pope, John Mitton, Homer, Horace and Virgil, and so Phyllis began writing poetry. She published her frst famous work, “Poems On Various Subjects.”

Phyllis penned several works in honor of George Washington and was invited to meet the Commander-in-Chief after he was moved by one of her works.

Eventually, Wheatley found freedom and married but never escaped poverty due to the struggles of living during the Revolutionary War.

Wheatley believed the power of her poetry was immeasurable. Her writings of poetry did not simply refect the literature she read but was based on her personal ideas and beliefs.

We salute Phyllis Wheatly who is considered fundamental to the genre of African American Literature.

Emergency Food Pantry

Building 6 Association

Greetings, neighbors. I hope when you read this it fnds you in great standing. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of our Irish neighbors. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. As many of the neighbors aren’t feeling too lucky these days with the 8.1% carrying charge increase looming April 1st, I feel we, as shareholders, need to get more involved in civic engagement. Get involved in your Building Association. Join a committee. Volunteer. Start being proactive versus reactive to things. It’s all up to us as shareholders, Mr. Walton has explained several times, so we must act like so. The Riverbay Board of Directors has a townhall meeting on 3/20, 7 p.m., in Dreiser. I implore all shareholders to show up and voice their opinions. We also have an annual Board of Directors election this May which is always a super low turnout for over 15k+ residents. Not getting a quorum of a third of the stakeholders is disappointing to say the least. With this being said, we have to do better as neighbors. Co-op City is an amazing community flled with a gumbo of all ethnicities, races, variables of age, demographics and religions.

It’s spring so let’s spring forward into success. To my neighbors of the Muslim faith, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to all. As always, I pray for safety over all. God speed.

Save the Dates…

3/28: The Building 6 Association General Meeting with special guest speakers Matthew Cruz, District Manager, Bronx Community Board 10; and Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto, 7-9 p.m., Dreiser, Room 1.

4/4: The NYS national guard emergency preparedness seminar demonstrated by NYS SSG. Chen, 6-8 p.m.

4/13: Managing stress, anxiety, depression workshop demonstrated by LCSW Angel Gavilanes, 12-2:30 p.m.

4/27: The Building 6 popup fea market fundraiser, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

All events are held in the Association Room unless otherwise noted.

My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. –Archbishop Tutu.

––Lauren K. Lassiter

Black Forum

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. We require guests to wear masks when visiting the pantry. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Religious affliation is not necessary to receive food.

New Client Registration & Re-Certifcation for Returning Guests Registration and re-certifcation is now open through April 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identifcation is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identifcation, and Access-A-Ride identifcation are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertifcation, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identifcation. Household members need to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the offce. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue

location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location on Thursdays.

Upcoming Trips

We are accepting money for all trips right now.

Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Atlantic City Casino, NJ, $55. Rebate: TBA. Full payment is due by April 26.

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic, RI and Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT; $225. First payment ($75) is due by March 15; second payment ($75) is due by May 24; third payment ($75) is due by June 28. The Nordic is a popular hangout with an endless supply of lobster, crab, prime rib, flet mignon, shrimp, salads, veggies, and much, much more.

Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen with MGM Casino; $120. First payment ($60) is due by September 6; second payment ($60) is due by October 4.

We are accepting payments for trips now. Non-refundable payments will only be accepted in the following forms: cash, personal checks, and ONLY postal money orders. Please call 917-209-5334 to book trips and arrange payment drop-offs.

Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

—D. Illis

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Membership meeting.

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of Building Association dues for 2024 began on March 1st. Building Association dues are $10 per apartment. We will be available in the Association Room (located in the rear of Building 10B) to collect dues on March 28 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. You can also bring your dues to the Building Association meeting or give to any executive board member. Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, i.e. flyers, meeting and party supplies, and refreshments etc.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311.

Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988. You can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.

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

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incrediblyhappy birthday.

Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy Anniversary!

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

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

Have a wonderful week.

Jewel Crawford-Duncan

The African-American Association of Co-op City

In celebration of Women’s History Month – Two Phenomenal Women of Co-op City

Mrs. Miriam Henson, March 20, 1907 – November 2014, was one our own Centenarians, reaching age 106 and a founding member of Community Protestant Church. She was an original cooperator and active member of many organizations here in Co-op City.

Mrs. Celestine Withey, June 21, 1921 – October 28, 2015, was a charter member of the National Council of Negro Women alongside the late Dorothy Height and not only met Mary McLeod Bethune, but served on the committee that put “Ma Bethune” in Lincoln Park in Washington, DC. She was also the president of the Building 25 Association.

Two historical women of Co-op, gone but never forgotten. What are you doing for your community?

General Meeting: Come and join us tomorrow! Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m.; Meeting ID: 833 2041 9323; Passcode: 814872. Note: Due to security reasons, we require that all attendees must be “on camera,” visible and identified during AAACC events and meetings or you will be removed from the webcast. We thank you for your cooperation in our attempt to protect the sanctity of our gatherings.

OPEN MIC Fundraiser: April 6, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Dreiser, Room 15.

Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair: April 20, 3 p.m. via Zoom; Meeting ID: 895 7434 7940; Passcode: 951615.

To show you how much we care about your presence, the African-American Association offers a gift. In the spirit of Dr. King, we must unite in our communities through our organizations. These are important and pivotal years. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of “our push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting, and pushing each other into a bright, productive, prosperous future.

Our gift to each member is a complimentary 4-night hotel stay or cruise. Hopefully, you will

be stimulated enough, refreshed and renewed enough that you will “join us” and enjoy your “vacation on us,” and make an impact just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Join the AAACC

$25/year single membership and $35/year family/household. Zelle us your payment using our email address.Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095;the African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes, contact:Xonia Wilson at: 646-301-9438

Evening Line Dance Classes, contact: Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073

Yoga & Pilates Classes, contact: Meena Sharpe-Hicks at 917-863-1507

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers,” contact: Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714

What’s your dream? We’d like to know.

––Michelle Marbury

Building 25 Association

Hello, neighbors. Welcome, new shareholders, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!

On March 7, Mr. Marvin Walton, Riverbay Executive General Manager, held a follow-up meeting with building and townhouse association leaders in Dreiser Auditorium, and addressed apartment repair process. Building 25 Association leaders were present and will continue to serve and act on behalf of Building 25 shareholders.

Our General meeting is on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in our meeting room under the portico. Mr. Edgar Perez, director of Restoration, will be our guest speaker. This will be a good opportunity for Building 25 shareholders to get answers regarding restoration of apartments: inspections, plastering, flooring, ceramic tiles, and painting. Please attend our building’s monthly meeting and participate in other planned activities. We welcome your input and support. In addition to attending meetings, shareholders may also contact us at bldg25association@gmail.com. The Association’s suggestion box is in our laundry room.

We wish our sick neighbors comfort, and we hope you will feel better soon. We extend our condolences to families who have lost a loved one recently.

Reminders:

• April 2, 2024 is Presidential Primary Election Day. If anyone needs to register to vote, your application “must be received by the Board of Elections no later than March 23, 2024, to be eligible to vote in the Presidential Primary.”

• Our Building Association is planning an evening of fun, and the details will be available soon.

“May love and laughter light your days and warm your health and home.” –IrishBlessing

Have an amazing week, everyone!

Evelyn Herbert

AAACC Executive Staff Members (L–R): Kevin Lambright, Francine Reva Jones, Cheryl Jenkins, Michelle Marbury, Marita Anderson-Taylor and Laverne Hugine AAACC Meetings & Events

22

Co-op City Times / March 16, 2024

AARP Chapter #4997

Our Tour Committee is preparing for the April 30th trip to see a showing of from our new

This will remain our pick-up location and we will still maintain three dropoff locations upon our return. There is still seating available on our June 18th trip to the Vynecrest Winery and Wind Creek Casino. For the cost of $139, you will travel by Motor Coach to the Vynecrest Winery, enjoy time at Wind Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962, for reservations or information.

Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Telephone number, 718-320-1946; email address, aarp4997@gmail.com. Please leave a message or request a call backmask, one will be provided for you.

Our Chapter conducts a monthly General Membership meeting every second Monday of the month from September to June. Information is always posted in this column prior to the meeting, and we have been enjoying a rise in participation from the members. This is due, in part, to our Membership contact, Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088, who works tirelessly for the chapter.

From Mrs. Wilson, 718-671-5493, Good and Welfare, we are told that our

Greetings, retirees and friends,

members are progressing with their personal dilemmas, and we continue to send prayers for comfort and strength.

NY Presidential Primary date is April 2, 2024. We will have early voting from March 23rd to March 30th in Dreiser Loop only. Times are posted in the Co-op City Times for your convenience. After seeing the new increase in our carrying charges go from approximately 2.0% to 8.1%, I hope that everyone can always see the importance of voting. We, at AARP #4997, have been

representatives with calls and postcards asking for reinstatement of over $51 million to the New York State budget. We will see what happens with Governor Hochul in April. Comparatively speaking, this pales in comparison to what will happen if we do not get involved with the November 2024 Elections. Voting is a right that our forefathers fought and died for, and we should never forget that or them.

On a lighter note, I mentioned three outstanding women last week. I hope you had a chance to look them up, but if you didn’t — Barbara Jordan, African American lawyer, educator, politician; Ada Lovelace, British mathematician

We are here to serve—not to be served.

Ann Purnell

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

How is everyone doing? Hopefully, you have all adjusted to the change in time.

Atlantic City Overnight Trip – Tropicana Casino/Hotel, Wednesday, May 29-30. One-night hotel stay and tribute to the Jersey Boys and Girls show. $295pp/double, $345pp/single; $15 bonus slot play & $25 food voucher. The remaining balance is due March 19. Bus pick-up at 9 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop-offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loops.

Carnival Cruise 2024 – Eastern Caribbean 9 day/8 night cruise (traveling to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turks, and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) on the beautiful new ship Venezia leaving from NYC on July 16 (cruising through July 24, 2024).

Please contact Serita at (347) 564-5722 for information regarding these trips. Serita will be in Room 19 on Tuesday, March 19, from 1-3 p.m. to accept payments.

Entertainment Committee – Our annual June luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the beautiful Marina del Daisy will be in Room 19 on Tuesdays and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Questions can be addressed to Daisy at (718) 671-6122 or (917) 292-7010 and Jay at (201) 310-2972.

Scholarship Committee – Scholarship applications are available in Room

19. The deadline for the submission of completed scholarship applications to the Scholarship Committee is May 24. Applicants must be high school seniors scheduled to graduate in June 2024. The applicant’s parent/grandparent must be a RODL member in good standing (dues paid for the past two years). Contact JoAnn at (718) 710-9082 with questions.

Membership Committee –Annual membership dues for 2024 can be remitted by personal check payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” in the amount of $25 and mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at (718) 655-9170.

Happy Birthday – A special shout-out to George Crouch who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. We extend our best wishes to all our March celebrants. May you all have an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – We continue to pray for those who have experienced a recent loss.

Good and Welfare – Please keep all of those who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. We hope they will soon see brighter days ahead. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

Goose Island Seniors

Resorts Atlantic City – Tue., March 19. Wait list only. Price, $65. Bonus, $20 slot play. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m.

Women’s History Month luncheon – Sat., March 23, Room 39, 135 Einstein Loop, Section 5 Center. Only a few seats left. Price, $40. Buffet lunch, wine, live entertainment and more. For reservation, call/text 646-579-1701.

Mt. Airy Lodge Casino – in Mt. Pocono, PA. Thu., April 18. Price, $65. No bonus. Bus arriving at Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m., and Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bx., NY 10475 or Zelle to 347-847-1941. $StephenCarlSr. Vaccination required.

Sight and Sound (Daniel) – Bethlehem, PA. Thu., April 25. Price, $215. Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Sight and Sound (Daniel) – Bethlehem, PA. Tue., May 7. Balcony seats (2 or 3 steps down). Price, $195. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Deposit $50 to reserve seat on bus. Balance due April 17. Golden Corral Restaurant before show.

Goose Island Indoor Picnic – in our club room #39, Friday, May 24, 1 p.m. Members only. Covered dish or $15 at door.

Villa Roma – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Catskills, NY. Tue., June 11. Wait list only. Price, $125. Down payment $50 to reserve seat. Balance due by May 20.

Tribute to Whitney Houston – Tropicana Casino, June 27. Wait list only. Price, $150. Bonus, $25 slot play and $20 food voucher. Wait list only.

Nordic Lodge Seafood Feast, Foxwood Casino and Tanger Outlet – Aug. 3. Price, $220. First payment, $55 to reserve seat on bus. Call/text: 646-847-1701.

Resorts Atlantic City – Thu., Aug 8.

Holiday Hills – Prospect, CT. Tues., Aug. 20. Price, $130; $50 deposit to reserve seat on bus. Balance due by Wed., July 17.

2024 Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Aug. 31-Sept. 7, 2024. Call: 646-5791701.

Resorts AC – Tue., Sept. 10th.

Latin Day at Brownstone – Thu., Sept. 26. Price, $145; $50 deposit. Balance due Aug. 28.

2024 Las Vegas Trip – Oct. 11-15. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Motown Holiday Party – Windows on the Lake in Long Island, Thu., Dec. 12. Price, $145; $50 deposit. Final payment due Nov. 13.

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 34 or 39.

Bingo – Mon., Wed. and Fri., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 each additional card; 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments.

Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Dominoes, movies, socializing and more.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of March: Stephen C. Roberts Sr., Minerva Gordian, Lourdes Lopez, Michelle Rosenthal, Liz Pelaez, Pearl Applewhite and Kerrie A. Perry.

Sick and Shut-in – Loretta Woodard, Sandy Roque. Our former president,

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center, (718) 379-9613l Stephen cell (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net; $StephenCarlSr.

Good health to all.

Stephen Roberts, Sr.

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

JASA FREE Tax Preparation 2024 – Income Limit: Single, $32,000; w/dependents, $60,000; Mondays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Must bring Social Security Card. Call 718-320-2066 for appointments.

Agatha House Foundation’s National Diabetes Prevention Program – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join our 6–9 month program. For more information or to register, call Coach Brittany, 917-943-3503.

Bartow OAC Trips – Aldi, 3/20, $4; 12 seats. Payment must be made in Bartow OAC.

Bartow OAC – Motown Show, “Windows on the Lake,” Lake Ronkonkoma, June 26, $150. Tickets sold at Bartow OAC.

Bartow OAC – 6 weeks, “Walk w/Ease.” Starting April 10. To register, email amoncriffe@jasa. org or stop by Bartow OAC.

Mello Tymes Acupunture w/Dr. Flora Luyando

Bartow

Mon., March 18

Tues., March 19

Wed., March 20

Thurs., March 21

Fri., March 22

Sat., March 23

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

(NORC) Line Dancing with Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m., Every Mon.

Walk w/Odessa, on break until Spring 2024

Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m., (1st & 3rd Tues.)

Health & Wellness w/Ann 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adult coloring, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Smart Phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine (1st Wednesday only per month) 12-1 p.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia Wed. & Fri., 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Dominoes w/Jose 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne and Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Card Games with Frankie, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 3 p.m.-4 p.m., in the back of the JASA NORC Office

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Saturdays

1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the back of JASA NORC Of fce

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for appointment.

Dreiser OAC - Spirit of NY “White Party” Cruise – July 17. Tickets are $126.00. Payments can be made in three installments in Rm. 7.

Einstein OAC - Essex Steam Train & River Boat Cruise – June 28. Tickets, $144; can be paid in only Mondays & Fridays, 9-11 a.m.

Common Pantry – is scheduled for Tues., Mar. 26. For new applicants, contact JGrimes@JASA. org, or call 929-399-1371 on Tues. & Thurs.

Memory Matters: Coping w/Memory & Cognitive Changes – Alzheimer’s Assoc. in partnership w/JASA. Meeting weekly on Fridays, Feb. 16–April 5. Group discussions, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. JASA NORC

two business days for a response.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving

Einstein

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ageless Facials & Self Care, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Appointments only.

Never Too Old to Learn

Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

Bridge to Care Arthritis Exercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

Creative Arts & Painting, 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 35

Go Easy on us Computers 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Hair Care 4U, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Appointments only

Spring in Your Step Stretch & Tone w/Ola, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Action Bodies In Motion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Prize Bingo & Board Games 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A

Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa Dancing, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk With Ease, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Coloring for Calmness 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m

Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Let’s Get It on Zumba 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney Consultation & other services.

Steel Drum Classes

Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Notary Wed. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by appointment.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Aud. A.

Notary – Einstein OAC. Tues. & Thurs. for Af-

Call Einstein OAC – 718-671-5161 for appointment: Hair Styling, 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.: Braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls. Facials & Manicure, every Mon., 1-3 p.m.

Dreiser

Palisades Mall, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10-11 a.m. (Virtual), 863-4924183, Passcode: Dreiser23

Stay Well w/Denise 10-11 a.m., Rm. 2

Piano Sing Along Class 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Twice a month), Rm. 2

Movie Day! 1:15 p.m.-3 p.m.

Movie Title: “Origin”

Game Time, 10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Art w/Lovie, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Twice a month

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A

Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 347-893-2966. Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300. Passcode: Dreiser23

Coloring Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium A Alzheimer’s Presentation w/ Montefore for the Aging Brain

1:00-2:30 p.m.

1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Drama Club 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Wellness Mornings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nutrition Presentation, 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Meeting ID: 816 1164 3463, Passcode: dreiser23

Manicure Services for Seniors 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Twice a month)

Sewing Class w/Joy, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Knitting & Crocheting Class Trip 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Alert & Alive w/Cathy and Essie 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Line Dance w/Sassy

1 p.m.-2 p.m., Aud. A

Bingo w/Gay, 1:20-2:50 p.m., Rm. 4

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served with margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice. For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Payments for trips can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. only.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

LUNCH: KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed

NON KOSHER: Baked Chicken Thighs, Rice and Beans, Mixed Vegetables

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Egg Barley w/ Mushrooms, Roasted Peppers; NON KOSHER: w/Ground Beef, Steamed Green Beans

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Zesty Chickpeas Stew, Brown Rice, Tossed Salad, Apple; NON-KOSHER: Baked Chicken Thigh, Rice and Beans,

LUNCH: KOSHER: Zesty Chickpea Stew, Brown Rice, Tossed Salad with Dressing NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish w/Black Bean Sauce, Pasta, Steamed Sliced Carrots

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef & Peppers Penne Pasta, Steamed Sliced Carrots, Pear; NONKOSHER: Vegan Chickpeas Tuna Salad, Rotini w/ Tomatoes & Black Olives, Broccoli and Red Peppers, Apples

LUNCH: KOSHER: Apricot Glazed Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato, Capri Blend Veg.; NON-KOSHER: Chickpea of the Sea Tuna Salad, Rotini, w/Tomatoes and Black Olives, Broccoli and Red Pepper Salad

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Apricot Glazed Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato, Capri Blend Vegetables, Orange; NON-KOSHER: Curried Chicken, Smashed Red Potatoes, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Banana

LUNCH: KOSHER: Hawaiian Chicken Legs, Orzo w/Vegetables Normandy Blend Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Baked Breaded Fish Filet, Pearled Barley, Braised Collard Greens

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Hawaiian Chicken Legs, Orzo w/Veg., Normandy Blend Veg., Apple, Plus 10 Grab and Go; NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish in Black Bean Sauce, w/Ziti Pasta, Peas w/ Sliced Carrots, Orange

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch: Bartow Only

BARTOW OAC LUNCH

: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Chicken Cutlet, in Mushroom Gravy, Egg Barley, Banana NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish in Black Bean Sauce, Penne Pasta, Corn w/Peas & Sliced Carrots, Orange

KOSHER: Moroccan Style Roasted Chicken Legs, Brown Rice, Steamed Green Beans, Plum

NON-KOSHER: Soft Taco w/Vegetables., Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Banana

KOSHER: Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlet in Mushroom Gravy, Egg Barley, Roasted Peppers, Banana NON-KOSHER: Stuffed Peppers w/ Ground Beef and Rice, Steamed Green Beans, Banana

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746, and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2024 is: Hebrews 12:2 NIV “Let us fx our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.”

Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcomed. Masks are required and temperature will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900, Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone.

March 10th Worship Service Theme: “A Praise at Midnight.”

Scriptures: Acts 16:25 NKJV “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

Announcements & Save the Dates

Sunday, March 17 – Join us for the 8th Anniversary Celebration of Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge at the 3:00 p.m. service. Guest Speaker, Pastor Johnny Simmons from Life Line Ministries.

Wednesday, August 14 – $50 deposits due now to see “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Adults, $215/Youth, $175. Final payment due May 26, 2024. Contact: Sis. Sadie James, 718-652-8943; or Sis. Loretta Scott, 718-671-2623. Bus departs from the church at 6:15 a.m.

We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you.

—Brenda Brown

Co-op City United Methodist Church/ IEMU de Co-op City

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and Visit Us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-flled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community Services are held in person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745) or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). You’re always welcome. –Pastor, David Jolly

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do fows from it.” –Proverbs 4:23 NIV

This is a simple and straightforward command, but not easy to follow. In this world, there are many distractions and opportunities to focus on things that keep us from following God’s will in our lives. As we know, the fesh and the spirit are in a constant war and every day we are faced with temptations.

According to this verse, where we fx our minds is going to direct everything in our lives. As a result, our hearts, minds, and especially our affections and emotions, which are the more immediate cause of our actions, need purity, integrity, obedience to God’s will and persistence in seeking only that which aligns to His plans for us.

As we are halfway in the Lent season, this is an opportunity to renew our commitment to live a righteous life by fxing our heart and mind on the Truth of God’s Word. His words have the power to transform our hearts and guard our minds from evil temptations. Remember, Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan’s attacks in the wilderness and He was successful. So, let God’s Word direct our paths to a true holy life.

May the Holy Spirit guard your mind and heart, renew your thoughts and attitudes, and let your heart refect the light of Christ!

Come and Receive a Blessing

Tuesday: Daniel’s Book Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Español at 12:15 p.m.; English at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m.

Food Pantry: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events – Save the Dates. All are welcome!

Sunday, March 17: Spanish Service at 10 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 14: Bilingual Workshop facilitated by LCOA at 11:30 a.m. “Making Healthier Choices when Eating Out.” Holy Week Services

Sunday, March 24: PALM SUNDAY/DOMINGO de PALMA

Spanish Service at 10:00 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Holy Thursday: Communion and anointing at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Friday: Bilingual Service at 6:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday: Breakfast, 10-11:15 a.m.

Resurrection Bilingual Service at 11:30 a.m.

Egg Hunt after service

Miércoles: Servicios de Cuaresma - Concilio Hispano at 7:00 p.m.

Zoom ID: 831-3856-8589, Código 35896

Wednesdays: Bronx Cooperative Parish Lenten Services at 7:30 p.m.

Zoom ID: 923 9074 4028 (no passcode needed)

—Grace Abadia

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-6714416, or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org

Worship Schedule: In person Sunday Morning Worship, 11 a.m. Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. Every Wednesday, “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. on the Conference Call Line, (712) 432-3900, Access Code: 343284#. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m., Bible Study Online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom.com or dial in using One Tap mobile, (646) 931-3860 or (929) 205-6099. Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Special Services: Friday, March 29, at noon, Good Friday Service. Witness seven dynamic men and women of God: Rev. Dr. Edgar Howard, Rev. Dr. Gail Badger, Rev. C.L. Washington lll, Rev. Quinton E. Ervin, Rev. Audrey Jones, Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and Rev. Dr. Thomas Johnson, deliver the Seven Last Words from the Cross, Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m., 55th Church Anniversary.

Save the Date: Friday, May 24, the Trustee Ministry along with Mae Travels present Daniel at Sight & Sound Theaters in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Experience one of the Bible’s most epic stories as it comes to life on a panoramic stage. Ticket price, $225 per person includes roundtrip Motor Coach transportation, orchestra seating, Amish country buffet lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant, meal gratuities and taxes. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due. Contact Evangeline Brown at (646) 221-1582 or ebronbrown@aol.com for reservations and additional information.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one. To our sick and shut in members, please know that we are praying mightily for you and for your speedy recovery. If you are celebrating a birthday this month, we wish you a very Happy Birthday!

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

–Psalm 84:10

—Lexa M. Mingo

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

The Cost of Following Jesus

Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fre down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

Just as we are quick to judge and condemn, the disciples wanted immediate retribution when they felt disrespected. Jesus corrects them and gives them life lessons as they walk.

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus did not accept the man’s offer instead he provided truth on the suffering of service.

59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, frst let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Jesus made it clear that spiritual death is the result of rejecting his call. He reorders the man’s priorities and points him to what is eternal.

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but frst let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is ft for service in the kingdom of God.” This man wanted to establish the criteria for the call. He wanted to be in control of the conditions of ministry and how he would serve. In looking backward, he stopped forward motion.

What should we understand about following Jesus?

1. Jesus does the calling. We must have hearts inclined to hear and obey his voice.

2. Following Jesus may be painful, disheartening, and often lonely.

3. We must have hearts of compassion and love to act honorably when called.

4. The call is so urgent that sometimes family must take a backseat to Jesus’ demands.

5. There is no looking back once the call is accepted. The work always goes on.

Schedule – 147 Dreiser Loop

First Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday: Spanish, 9 a.m., & English Service, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed./Thurs.: Non-perishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Young Adults, third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Blessings in Christ.

Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle –Matthew 18:20

–Luke 18:14.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 17

Bible Lessons:

Prayer: —Rev. Dorian Miceli

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Upcoming Events:

Condolences:

Sick and Shut-in:

Birthday Greetings: —Merville Chambers

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City Newsong Church

Purim Celebration on

to donate,

General Information Facebook

10 a

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

Sabbath ends

Candle Lighting

Good and Welfare:

To all Members:

Fun and Games:

—Bruce Gitelson

Easter at Newsong

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:25 (NIV)

Good Friday Service: “Journey with Jesus,” March 29 at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday Celebration: March 31 at 11 a.m.

About Us:

Sunday Worship Experience: Colossians 3:16

Newsong Deaf Church, Room 35:

Kidsong, Room 49:

Newsong Church Youth:

Contact Us:

Social Media: Instagram: Facebook: @

Website: Twitter: @

YouTube:

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City Boulevard, Building 22A. Mailing address: P.O. Box 204, Bronx, NY,10475. Invite everyone to worship on the following days:

Sunday School begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship service begins at 11:45 a.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study will also be held at 7:30 p.m.

Worship Service and Bible Study will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

All night services and Wednesday morning prayer will be on Zoom. To join, call 646-931-3860, Meeting ID: 7215591000#, Passcode: 505050#.

Focus: The faith of the apostle Paul was active and visible, impacting the lives of multitudes everywhere he went. Likewise, our faith in Jesus Christ should impact those around us.

Paul was a native of Tarsus in Asia Minor, and although he was a Grecian Jew, he was a strict Pharisee. Paul was born a Roman citizen and after receiving his education in Tarsus, he came to Jerusalem and studied at the feet of Gamaliel who was a Pharisee and a celebrated doctor of the law.

However, he bitterly opposed the church and became one of the leaders in persecution against the Christians, until he encountered Jesus who said Saul, Saul why persecutes thou me?

Saul’s conversion shows how a man can be fearfully wrong and yet think that he is right, it also shows how no case is hopeless when we turn our lives over to God. Here we see how Paul wrote words of encouragement to the church. They are as follow: (Romans 1:14-19) “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.”

Paul described his debt as being one to two cultures, to the Greeks and those who are not Greeks, Whom the Greeks considered to be Barbarians, in other words, he was prepared to discharge his debt to all men, whether educated or uneducated, whether cultured or uncultured. His commitment included the heart of Paul’s message was faith in Jesus Christ, by which all could come before the presence of God with equal standing, and all could receive eternal life.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Public Safety –––– (Continued from page 7)

were advised it was a scam.

On March 3, 2024, during the early morning hours, WCSUPD received several phone calls from parents of football players who received similar phone calls. as a Sergeant with the WCSUPD and claimed that their son had been picked up for two citations, open container and trespassing. This caller requested money to be sent via Venmo account cynthiawalden@campusbonds_fees024, JPAY or CashApp. One parent did attempt to send payments to CashApp account $Renee Brummitt, and Venmo account @Campusfees_bonds24 that did not go through. The parent then sent a payment to Venmo account Jeffrey Dement $CampusBondFees24 for $498 that went through. The parent was then contacted by the scammers from phone number 678-221-8931.

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in person only and at 11 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m.

We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone, 718-320-3774. Masks are required.

The service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The church’s Free Conference Call Line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.

This week’s events: Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. by Zoom. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday at noon; Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service. All are on the church’s conference call line.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway Ministry’s food distribution will be on Friday, March 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

The Scholarship Ministry invites you to cruise with them aboard the beautiful Celebrity Equinox Ship from Tuesday, July 30, to Thursday, August 8, 2024. Ports of call are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. All staterooms at the prices previously listed are no longer available. If anyone is interested in receiving a current quote, please contact Ms. Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 646-780-9813. Please be mindful of the date, April 1, 2024. This is the deadline for paying the balance Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541 for the amount of your balance. For your convenience, payments and balances will be accepted prior to April 1, 2024.

Very Important: Please provide Sis. Day with a copy of your passport. Or, if you prefer, you may call Ms. Hermena Smith at 646-780-9813 to verify the information on your passport. This is very important in order to avoid any problems at the airport. Please take care of this matter as soon as possible. Thank you.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in Co Op CBC. This App is open to all.

GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1

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

Marilyn C. Williams

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