Any shareholder of record who meets criteria outlined in the annual Riverbay Board of Directors’ Election Rules & Regulations has a right to run for and be elected to the Riverbay Board of Directors, to elect directors, and to participate in the annual shareholders meeting. (see 2021 Election Rules & Schedule on pages 22-25.)
Vol. 56 No. 12
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Election packages due March 31, 2021 for candidates running for a Riverbay Board seat
Voting period: 6 a.m., Mon., May 3 – 9 p.m., Fri., May 21, 2021 BY ROZAAN BOONE
Prospective candidates for the Riverbay Board of Directors have until Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to return their election package that includes the signed Statement of Interest to the 2021 Election Committee. Election packages, which also contains an acknowledgement of the 2021 Election Rules and Regulations, and consent to the Riverbay Legal Department to conduct a background check, are available for pick up from Public Safety headquarters in the Bartow Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY, or by emailing a request to the 2021 Election Committee at Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com. Once completed, the package may be returned, along with proof of payment of the candidate’s March 2021 carrying charges, either by email or mail to the 2021 Riverbay Election Committee, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Hand delivery to Public Safety is also an option. All packages must be received by the March 31 deadline. On March 3, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved Amended Resolution 21-05 directing Management to take steps to remind and inform both current and incoming Co-op City residents of their right as eligible shareholders to run and be elected to the Riverbay Board, to elect directors to represent them on the Board, and to participate in the annual election as voters. In the last several years, (Continued on page 6)
Riverbay manager of Payroll retires after 41 years of service to corporation BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
Fresh out of college, Kenneth Duchnowski landed a job at Riverbay as a junior accountant on January 2, 1980, after being encouraged by his mom to apply. With 40-plus years under his belt, Duchnowski witnessed many changes throughout his years working at the corporation. “My mom found an ad in the newspaper and told me I needed to apply. By the time I got home after (Continued on page 8)
$1.25
Section 1 Power Outage Update Management Report
Bob Klehammer Power Plant staff and our consultants have made tremendous progress to determine the cause of the power outage in Section 1 that first occurred on February 26th. As we’ve been updating the community over the past two weeks in the Co-op City Times articles, we previously had traced the cause to a fault on the “C” feeder, one of two feeders that service the area. This past week, we were able to pinpoint the manhole where the fault was located and, on Thursday, made the repairs to the feeder. We have begun a three-step process to ensure that this is the only repair needed to the feeder and ultimately restore full service to the buildings this coming week. Yesterday, we introduced electric flow to the feeder. This process is known as a slow burn. We will monitor it for a few days to ensure that there are no indications of other issues. If all goes as planned, we will then allow electricity to flow to the “C” feeder transformer in Buildings 1-7 this coming Monday. These buildings are currently being serviced solely by the “A” feeder transformer. We will monitor this for 48 hours to confirm the integrity of the equipment in each substation. (Continued on page 2)
Exclusive vaccine hotline for Co-op City shareholders extended to March 30 (See page 3 for details)
Kenneth Duchnowski
CDC releases first guidelines for fully vaccinated people BY BRANDON ORTIZ
While the rest of the country waits for their turn to be vaccinated, the CDC has released its first set of guidelines for those individuals who have been fully vaccinated. The guidelines provide parameters for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with people who are not vaccinated. For an individual to be considered fully vaccinated, there must have been two weeks that have passed since receiving the last required dose of their vaccine. If the individual received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they must wait for the two-week window as well to be considered fully vaccinated. Individuals who are fully vaccinated are still recommended to follow CDC approved COVID-19 precautions when in public, when visiting or coming into contact with unvaccinated people and especially when dealing with unvaccinated individuals who are at an increased risk for getting severely ill from COVID-19. According to a CDC estimation, currently only about 9.2% of Americans have (Continued on page 4)
MTA takes a big step toward a full recovery BY BRANDON ORTIZ
The MTA turned a major page in its road to recovery after President Joseph Biden officially signed the American Rescue Plan into law last week. The legislation provides much needed financial support for state and local governments across the US, but more specifically $6.5 billion in aid for the MTA. MTA Board members previewed a doomsday scenario late last year in which drastic service cuts of up to 40% and massive layoffs would become a reality if the MTA did not receive necessary funding. Despite receiving $8 billion in total funding from the first two COVID-19 relief bills, the MTA still faced a dire financial situation caused by massive revenue losses due to the pandemic. While MTA officials decided to postpone a fare hike for buses and trains, a 7% increase on tolls for bridges and tunnels was approved last month. Now with a total of $14.5 billion in aid that will help offset pandemic-induced revenue deficits, the MTA can resume improving its infrastructure and, more specifically, the $51.5 Capital Plan that was supposed to officially start in 2020 and go on through 2024. “This is a great day for all Americans, mass transit customers and our heroic employees,” MTA CEO and Chairman, Pat Foye, said in a press release. “This funding is crucial as we work to bring back ridership and recover from the pandemic. Critically, it will also further offset COVID’s impact and help protect against (Continued on page 4)
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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Management Report
(Continued from page 1)
Finally, if no problems are observed, we intend to allow power to flow into the buildings and apartments from the “C” feeder on Wednesday, March 24. This will complete the restoration of full, redundant electrical service to those buildings. This work will be done one building at a time. There should be no loss of power during this process. We will issue a more detailed schedule to the affected build-
Stay connected, Co-op City!
ings next week, once we make a final decision to proceed. Building 8 will continue to be powered by the temporary generator. We are cleaning and rebuilding components in its substation that were damaged by the fire. We expect to complete all work and restore full power from our grid to Building 8 in four weeks.
New Schools Chancellor visits PS 160 in Co-op City
Be sure to check the Riverbay Crawler daily (ch. 12 on MATV, and ch. 591 on Optimum) for updates and info. Now airing, a Management Update with Bob Klehammer addressing the Co-op City vaccine site and Section 1 power outage progress (every three hours starting at 12 p.m.). Also, see page 1 of this week’s issue for further updates and information. Shareholders who are not signed up for Phone Tree alerts are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Phone Tree alerts provide important notifications relative to the Co-op City community. The application to sign up for Phone Tree alerts can be found on page 4 of this issue of the Co-op City Times. Seniors who would like to sign up with CCPD’s RUOK program for a daily telecheck can use the application on page 5 of this issue. Those who wish to sign up for the medical service database with CCPD can utilize the application printed on page 3 of the March 13, 2021 issue of the paper, or look for future publication dates. In addition to the Co-op City Times and the Riverbay Crawler, stay tuned also to Riverybay’s official Facebook page, Co-op City Riverbay, and to the Co-op City Times and CCPD Twitter accounts, @coopcitytimes and @CCPDnyc, respectively, as well as the Community Relations newsletter.
On Wednesday, March 17, new NYC Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter visited PS 160 in Co-op City where she toured the school and interacted with administrators, teachers and students. Schools Chancellor Porter was accompanied on her visit by new Acting Bronx Executive Superintendent Ms. Erika Tobia, Superintendent Cristine Vaughan, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Councilman Kevin Riley. During the visit, the distinguished guests visited both a blended learning class and a remote class engaged in an assignment as she walked through the school’s first grade wing and spent a bit of time in the 5th grade classroom.
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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In Memoriam: Martha Maynard Howell October 10, 1923 – March 3, 2021
Martha Maynard was born at Lying-In Hospital in New York City to parents Madge Hooks Maynard and William A. Maynard. The third of six daughters – Jayne, Betty, Nancy, Sophie and Emma – who were raised primarily by their mother, Martha attended New York City public schools and graduated from George Washington High School in Manhattan. The Maynard girls were all resilient, opinionated, adventurers. Martha, in particular, was a vivacious go-getter. As teenagers, she and her sisters, Jayne, Betty and Nancy, became accomplished track and field stars, amassing numerous medals as members of the Mercury Track Club and the Police Athletic League Olympians. Strong, compact and competitive, Martha was a sprinter. During World War II, Martha worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard manufacturing flanges for naval ships. She also operated a bench lathe and drill press, creating machine gun parts critical to the war effort. Martha was later employed Martha Maynard by the Veteran’s Administration at the Kingsbridge Road Veterans Administration facility in the Bronx. After the war, Martha met Cleveland A. Howell Jr. at a wedding reception. Their courtship was brief, but their love was lasting. The couple married shortly after meeting and spent their honeymoon at the East Hampton home of Martha’s cousins, Gladys and Gordon Dickenson of Three Mile Harbor Road. At a time before the notoriety of the Hamptons as a vacation destination, Martha, her family, and their friends spent many happy summer days there. Martha helped form a woman’s social group called The Tuscarora Girls, which hosted events and beach parties in East Hampton, as well as at Harlem nightclubs, including Small’s Paradise. Martha and “Cleve” soon took up residence in the West Bronx neighborhood of University Heights and started a family. Their first child, Daniel, was born in 1950, followed quickly by Stephen in 1951. Their third son, Thomas, arrived 11 years later. In 1970, on Daniel’s 20th birthday, the family moved to a brand new
Exclusive vaccine registration hotline for Co-op City shareholders extended to March 30
Co-op City Management, NYC Department of Health and Health + Hospitals Corporation are continuing to partner to serve the residents of Co-op City and to ensure that every shareholder who would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine does not have to travel outside of the community in order to be vaccinated, especially with a significant segment of the development made up of senior citizens who are more vulnerable to the virus. Last week, Management successfully secured approval from the DOH to train Riverbay staff members to register vaccine appointments, and an exclusive hotline, manned by Riverbay personnel, was set up for eligible Co-op City residents to call from March 15-19, 2021 to schedule their appointment between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each weekday. Proof of address is required at the time of appointment. The hotline number is available on the Riverbay Crawler which is accessed by tuning to channel 12 if you are on the master antenna (MATV) and channel 591 for Optimum subscribers. This week, the city extended the service to Wednesday, March 30. Those who are eligible and have not yet called to secure their vaccine appointment are urged to do so. Please note that the hotline is not manned after 4 p.m. Riverbay staff members are also now eligible to receive the vaccine and are encouraged to contact the hotline to schedule their appointment at the Dreiser Auditorium. Proof of employment is required at time of appointment. Two weeks ago, the city rolled out its Homebound Vaccination program in Co-op City. The service is now available city-wide. Co-op City shareholders who are home-bound, or their caregivers or family members, can indicate interest in getting the vaccine on their behalf by filling out an online form at forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound or by calling the city vaccine hotline at 877-VAX-4NYC (829-4692). In addition to the vaccine hotlines, in-person registration takes place daily on the second floor in the Dreiser Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can also be made by using the state’s “Am I Eligible” online tool, am-ieligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov, or the city’s, vax4nyc.nyc.gov. —Rozaan Boone
Throwing garbage, objects or cigarettes from apartment windows or balconies is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.
residential community in the Bronx, Co-op City. Martha quickly asserted her natural leadership skills in her new community, becoming the director of the Northeast Bronx Cultural Center and the Riverbay Fund. When she identified a deficit in Co-op City’s cultural programs, Martha learned how to write grants and ultimately received funding to bring a range of exciting and enriching new programs into the community. These were no small-time productions! Martha produced shows with popular recording artists and entertainers, including Ray Charles, The O-Jays, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Ramsey Lewis, The Geoffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, WWF Wrestling and various others. She was also a dedicated and vital member of Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Martha continued to be a Co-op City fixture, tirelessly pouring herself into community work even after losing her beloved Cleve in 1985. Six years later, at age 68, she retired from the NEBCC and Riverbay Corporation and gamely moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she purchased her first home. Martha thrived in “Sin City,” building strong friendships and a vibrant, active retirement marked by more than a few jackpots on the slot machines. She also was an avid craps player and she reveled in the opportunity to take her grandsons to play alongside her when they came of legal age. After 28 years living on her own, Martha returned to New York in 2019 to live her final years with her sons and family. She passed away peacefully on March 3, 2021 after being in hospice care at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx for a single day. Predeceased by her husband, Cleve, as well as her son Stephen in 1989, Martha is survived by her sons Daniel and Thomas; their respective spouses, Cheryl and Jeanne; daughter-in-law Georgette; grandchildren Eric, Mark, Daniel, Christopher, Andrew, Russell, Karinne; and great-grandchildren Julieanne, EJ, Nathaniel, Jeremy, Ari, Stephen, Justin, and great-great grandchild Jon Michael. It’s been said that the service you perform in life is the rent you pay for entry into Heaven. Martha’s rent is Paid-in-Full. May she rest in eternal peace.
CDC
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” CDC director, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, said recently. “There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in their own homes. Everyone – even those who are vaccinated – should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities.” Below are some guidelines to follow for individuals who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people are able to do the following: • A fully vaccinated person can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. • A fully vaccinated person can visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. • A fully vaccinated person can refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure only if asymptomatic. Fully vaccinated people should still adhere to the following safety precautions: • Fully vaccinated individuals should continue wearing well-fitted masks and physical distancing when in public. • Fully vaccinated individuals should still wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting or interacting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 complications. • Fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks, maintain proper physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households. • Fully vaccinated people should still avoid medium and large-sized in-person gatherings. • Fully vaccinated people should still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. • Fully vaccinated people should continue wearing their well-fitted masks when using mass transit or traveling through airports. Essentially, the CDC is advising fully vaccinated people to continue going about their daily lives with the same attention to the COVID-19 safety precautions that they had prior to being vaccinated. Meanwhile, here in Co-op City, Riverbay has continued receiving complaints about shareholders not wearing masks properly, disposable masks being reused and, in some instances, two disposable masks being used to cover a shareholder’s face. As a reminder, shareholders must wear properly fitted face masks while in all Riverbay buildings and public areas. A properly fitted face mask is one that snugly covers both the nose and mouth of an individual. Additionally, the New York Department of Health issued an update to its face mask guidance last month. In the update, the NYDOH now recommends wearing a cloth face covering over a disposable mask or a face covering with two or three layers of material. However, the DOH press release specifically highlights that wearing two disposable masks does not improve security from potential virus droplets in the air and is not recommended. The New York Department of Health also recommends that disposable masks should not be worn for more than one day. However, cloth face masks can be washed using hot water and reused. Individuals who would like to read more about the NYDOH mask guidance updates can visit nyc.gov/doh online. More information about the new CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals can be found online at cdc.gov.
MTA
(Continued from page 1)
devastating service cuts and layoffs in the years ahead “We remain committed to bringing our 117-year-old where we still face deficits.” subway system into the 21st century and this new Shareholders wondering what happened to the federal funding package will help us do that.” Penn Station Access Plan, which includes a proposed Late last month Governor Cuomo officially Metro North stop here in Co-op City, can rest assured extended the hours of service for overnight subway that the MTA can now continue working toward commuters. New York City’s subways are currently making that a reality. operating from 4 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. Cleaning While Foye did not provide a specific order for crews will still work to disinfect train cars and stations when he expects certain parts of the Capital Plan to during the daily pause in service to clean the various resume construction, other proposed upgrades from surfaces on which the COVID-19 virus can potentially the Capital Plan include expanding the new Second spread. MTA officials have not provided an exact Avenue subway, upgrading train signals, making more timeline for when they expect 24-hour subway service stations wheelchair accessible and increasing service to return. to Penn Station. The MTA recorded approximately more than 1.9 “The latest infusion of federal aid allows us to million subway trips last Friday, which marked the unfreeze our historic 2020-2024 capital program,” highest recorded number of train commuters since Foye said during an MTA board meeting this week. the start of the pandemic.
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Cleaning-up
Riverbay Grounds crew cleaning up around the greenway recently after pruning dead limbs off of trees and picking up debris left behind by heavy winds. Photos by John Alexander
Emergency Resolution #21-12
SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Cheryl Jenkins BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: March 15, 2021
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2021 a fire led to the failure of Building 8 high voltage substation resulting in power outages in Buildings 1-8; WHEREAS, proposals for the emergency repairs have been requested from two reputable companies, RESA Power Solution (RESA) and Circuit Breaker Sales NE, Inc. (CBS), to ensure safe and reliable operation of the Riverbay electric system for Buildings 1-8; and WHEREAS, Management reviewed both proposals and recommends RESA for $436,225.00 plus $38,714.97 in tax for a total of $474,939.97 (see attached March 11, 2021 Project Manager Memo); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract #3610 with RESA Power Solution for a total contract price of $436,225.00 plus $38,714.97 in tax for a total of $474,939.97 with a 10% contingency ($43,622.50) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders ABSENT: Johnson, Leslie PASSED
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Election
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021 (Continued from page 1)
participation has decreased and the corporation has struggled to make quorum to validate the annual election which results in the election being prolonged until the required 1/3 of eligible shareholders cast their ballots. In addition to the reminder being posted on the official website, coopcitynyc.com, and in the Co-op City Times, the following message will also be printed on shareholders’ April and May maintenance statements: “The annual election of the Riverbay Board of Directors will be held virtually commencing May 3rd, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. and continuing through May 21st, 2021. Votes may be cast electronically or by mail. Shareholders of record as of March 30, 2021 have the right to vote and the right to run for a seat on the Board. Your voice counts, please participate!” This week, Board Director Francine Reva Jones, chair of the 2021 Election Committee and maker of Resolution 21-05, said: “In accordance with Board Resolution 21-05, current and prospective shareholders will receive information about voting in the annual shareholders’ meeting to elect Board Directors. This information will be printed on their April and May carrying charge statements. Prospective shareholders will receive a document when applying for an apartment in Co-op City. This voting information will appear on the Co-op City website and in this newspaper as well. I am so pleased that shareholders will be individually reminded to vote.” Shareholders will vote to replace five seats on the Board this year as the terms of the Riverbay Board President, Linda Berk, as well as directors Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright and Leah Richardson are expiring. Director Leslie Peterson, sixth place winner in the 2019 Board election, was sworn in last May to fill out the remainder of another director’s term who resigned from the Board. She must now run for the chance to remain on the Board and serve a full threeyear term, according to the Riverbay by-laws. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional petition period has been cancelled this year to avoid face-toface contact among shareholders and the candidates seeking their votes. All meetings will be held virtually including the annual Shareholders Meeting which is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. The three Candidates’ Forums where shareholders get to hear the candidates debate issues of importance and relevance to the community, will also be held virtually. The first forum will take place on Wednesday, April 21; the second on Saturday, May 1, and the third on Wednesday, May 5. Any candidate who cannot attend can submit the reason for their absence and the Election Committee chair may announce that reason to the viewers of the virtual forums which will be held via Webex and broadcast on the Riverbay Crawler. Shareholders of record as of March 30, 2021 who are listed on their unit’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement and annual Income Affidavit, and who are in good financial
Mobile mammography van in Co-op City today
Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with Project Renewal and in partnership with the Baychester Library, once again sponsored a free Mobile Mammography ScanVan in Co-op City today, Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baychester Library, located at 2049 Asch Loop North. All insurance plans accepted. Co-payments and deductibles are waived. This program is for women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. Free for uninsured women 40 and older. Appointments are recommended; call (646) 415-7932.
REMINDER: All club articles and submissions are DUE ON MONDAYS.
standing with Riverbay Corporation, can run to serve on the Riverbay Board of Directors. Only one resident shareholder per unit may run as a candidate or serve as a Board director at a time. Candidates must not be indebted to Riverbay Corporation on the date they are certified (April 6, 2021) and on the date votes are counted (May 21, 2021) or else they will be disqualified. Candidates must also remain current on their financial obligations to Riverbay Corporation throughout the election period and until sworn in, if elected. Prospective candidates may also not hold a political party position or public office subject to the New York State Election Law; must not have been convicted of a crime against the Corporation, must not have been removed from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, or from employment with the Corporation for cause; or for reasons which the Election Committee in its sole discretion deems to be adverse to the best interests of the Corporation; and must otherwise be in compliance with the requirements and qualifications of the Corporation’s by-laws and governing documents. [2021 Election Rule B(4)] Sitting Board directors must continue to live in Co-op City while serving on the Board. Once prospective candidates return their election packages on March 31, the Election Committee and Riverbay Legal and Finance departments will conduct their due diligence and certify the official candidates by Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Those candidates will be announced in the Saturday, April 10, 2021 issue of the Co-op City Times, also the issue date of the first Election Supplement in which the official candidates will publish the first of three election statements and a free ¼ page election ad expressing their views on issues relevant to the community and the Riverbay Board as they compete to win the support of their fellow shareholders to serve on the Riverbay Board of Directors. The second Election Supplement will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 17, and the final supplement on Saturday, April 24. The 2021 Election Rules will be reviewed with all certified candidates at the virtual Candidates’ Meeting scheduled for Friday, April 9, at 8 p.m. At that time, the election committee and its counsel, Jeff Buss, will answer questions the candidates may have regarding the rules. The 2021 Election Rules and Regulations and the Election Schedule are printed on pages 22-25 of this issue of the Co-op City Times. Providing the quorum is met, and there are no credible challenges to the election, the election results will be certified on Wednesday, May 26, and newly elected Board directors will be sworn in and begin serving their three-year terms on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. The 2021 Election Committee is served by its chair, Director Jones; co-chair, Board Director Michelle Marbury, and shareholders John Gale, Denise Gerrald, Sandy Krasnove, Marita Taylor and Joyce Wilson.
Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez Production Manager
John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.
Please Remember: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Mondays by 5 p.m. Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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March ‘Scam of the month:’ COVID-19 one-year anniversary precautions
Public Safety Report
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO
The month of March 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of the Covid-19 Pandemic. During the past year, we have seen changes to many aspects of everyday life. With vaccines becoming more readily available, Covid-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations are starting to show signs of decreasing. These rates are going down to levels not seen since before Thanksgiving. Getting a vaccine when you are eligible is a helpful step in avoiding the spread of Covid-19. Mask wearing, social distancing and washing your hands frequently are still steps everyone should continue to follow. Now is not the time to let your guard down. Being aware of potential scams pertaining to Covid-19 will help keep readers safe from the potential additional threat created by Covid-19. Electronic scammers are a ruthless bunch of individuals who are willing to try to use any emergency as an opportunity take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The Covid-19 pandemic is no exception. Nationwide and locally, there have been numerous reports of people falling victim to scams. Fortunately, some smart consumers are noticing that something is not right and do not fall victim but are able to report the incident so others can be alert. Covid-19 put a new twist on the “relative in distress” scam. People have received calls from scammers stating that a relative has Covid-19 and needs a respirator but their insurance is expired. The scammer goes on to say, if you pay the monthly premium we can proceed with the necessary medical care. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety receives updates from various agencies regarding trends in scams. Scam artists are a very clever group of people. They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims. Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim. The Department of Justice warns of inaccurate flyers and postings regarding the use of face masks and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband reiterated this week that cards and other documents circulating on the web and via social media channels bearing the Department of Justice seal and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) name and phone number and claiming that individuals are exempt from face mask requirements are fraudulent. There are even reports that there were websites selling fake identification cards stating the bearer is exempt from wearing a mask. Googling this information now takes you to information stating that this practice is not valid. Neither the Department of Justice nor the ADA issues or endorses any type of document in regards to the wearing of masks. If you have any questions regarding the wearing of masks, you should speak to your physician. If you have a condition which prevents the wearing of a mask, it is even more important to stay at least six feet away from people and avoid situations where this is not possible. The Americans with Disabilities Act is not involved with issuing blanket statements exempting persons with disabilities from the legitimate safety requirement of wearing facemasks. The ADA is a resource for persons with disabilities and has an informative website, www.ada.gov, for up-to-date ADA information. For more information and technical assistance about the ADA, contact the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY). Vaccine scams are another type of scams that have been occurring. Do not give personal information to anyone over the telephone unless you initiated the call and are sure of who is on the other end of the phone line. Here in Co-op City, there are personnel in the lobby of the Dreiser Community Center daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to assist cooperators in making vaccine appointment. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide information on an unconfirmed phone call regarding
No Parking on M.S. 181 school lot Violators will be towed at owner’s expense
Shareholders, please be aware that effective Wednesday, February 24, 2021, the parking lot and loading dock area behind M.S. 181 Pablo Casals School, located at 800 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY, will no longer be available for your use between the hours of 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Cars parked on the school’s property will be towed at owner’s expense
For many years, as a good neighbor gesture, the school has allowed shareholders in neighboring buildings to utilize their parking lot for overnight parking with the understanding that cars must be moved by the beginning of the school day 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Thank you for your cooperation. Stay safe and healthy.
Public Safety Blotter 03/07/2021 – 03/13/2021 03/07/2021 – 140 Elgar Place CCPD officers found a male loitering in a staircase in possession of marijuana. The male was discovered to have an outstanding warrant and as a result, was remanded to Bronx Criminal Court to resolve the matter. 03/07/2021 – 140 Alcott Place CCPD officers found a male loitering in a staircase smoking marijuana. As a result, the male was issued four summonses. Covid-19 vaccines. Speak to your physician and see if a Covid-19 vaccine is right for you. Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, date of birth or Social Security number. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know or have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Be also leery of fake websites offering to give you something for nothing. Always be sure to enter a website address directly into your browser; never click on a link from an email. Sometimes one letter off can take you to a fake website. Some people may read about these scams and wonder how anyone could possibly fall for them. Scam artists are very persistent; they blanket a large number of potential victims until they find their prey. The internet has made it extremely easy for scam artists to target millions of potential victims with a single touch of a button. Telephone or regular mail scam artists work a little harder but do eventually find their victim. Bold scammers may even approach their potential victim in person at their door or in a public place. Scammers will sometimes pick up on a series of telephone numbers in which a large group of older persons reside and send out multiple calls until they catch a victim. Co-op City is known as a NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). As such, it can be a target for some types of scams. There is a variety of different scenarios used in this type of scam stating that a family member is in danger unless they wire money to specified person. In most cases, the scammer does not even know who the victim or their family members are. Wiring money to someone you do not know is almost never a good idea. If something seems out of order, notify authorities. Scammers may target groups in a geographical population once they find a demographic that fits their scam. Caller identification can also (Continued on page 27)
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specific directions.
CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com
Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
8 Director’s Viewpoint – Mary
Pearson, Secretary
Election talk and the case of the missing bus stop
So they took another swing at Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) last month for a Queens City Council District election. RCV kicked in for that race because the initial results were close enough to warrant it (one of the nine candidates running got 38% of the vote and another got 35%). Preparation to start counting the absentee and military ballots happened just this past Monday. Yes. Three weeks later. But my beef isn’t with Ranked Choice Voting. My beef is with the NYS rule that absentee ballots need to wait till the bitter end before being counted. Other states count them as they come in. It’s one of those arbitrary states’ rights issues that can so muck up the works. If voting were more uniform and less done on a whim, the last presidential election results might not have ended with nearly half of the country screaming “foul!” But back to RCV and why I think it’s a super idea. Ranked Choice Voting’s aim is to elect our officials by a majority and not by a simple plurality. In special elections and primaries with three or more candidates, RCV guarantees that no one is elected just because he got the most votes. Before RCV, winner-take-all would be called at a 40% threshold and sometimes even less. With RCV, the candidate must top 50% to win. And that makes for a happier constituency. My number one didn’t win? Well, I can live with number five and thank goodness number 17 didn’t walk away with the election with only 33% of the initial vote. For another thing, in the argument supporting RCV, the candidates need to play well with each other, well, at least act more civilly toward one another. I’ll be your number two if you’ll be mine. The third big reason to favor RCV is that the candidates must appeal to more voters than simply the ones in their base. In a city-wide run, no matter how sewn up the race is for a candidate in, say, Brooklyn, with RCV she still can’t afford to ignore the rest of
Retirement
the boroughs. The last biggie in support of RCV – besides the fact that the voters chose in 2019 to implement the method this year – is that it’s a cost-saver. Run-off elections will no longer need to be held. Those are the pros in a nutshell. As for the cons, some candidates think choosing five top favorites is too confusing a process. To that I say, balderdash! (And so did the court.) Those candidates with more name recognition might lose a bit of automatic advantage so they’ll just have to work a little harder. Some actually sued to make RCV go away. Tsk tsk. Two Bronx races in progress. Last week saw early voting start in two more City Council Special Elections in neighboring districts. Ritchie Torres switched fifteenths. He left his Bronx City Council District 15 (CCD15) spot for the Congressional District 15 (CD15) seat. The other CCD opened up when City Council Member Andrew Cohen gave up CCD11 for a judgeship. Will two new RCV horse races be coming soon to the Bronx or will someone win by a slam dunk? If any candidate in a primary or special election gets 50% plus one vote – that’s the winner and no also-rans figure in the counting; Ranked Choice Voting doesn’t kick in. And if the total outstanding absentee and military ballot count wouldn’t change the initial result anyway, again, no RCV counting is needed. But if those mailed in or dropped off extra ballots could change the result, no one in NY can say, We’ll know soon enough, because we might not know who won till mid April. Reminder: Rank Choice Voting only applies in NYC races for City Council, Borough President, Comptroller, Public Advocate, and Mayor. It’s just for City level positions, not State or Federal, and just for Special Elections and Primaries. It will not be used in the fall general elections. Covid-19 and the Absentee Ballot. For 1.) the Spe-
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the interview, I got the call that I got the job,” he remembered. Duchnowski thought it would be a pit stop while pursuing a music career, but his tenure turned out to be much longer. “I figured it was going to be a little stay over for a while, because I was an aspiring musician. That’s what I thought I was going to do,” he said. Throughout his time at Riverbay, Duchnowski held various positions, including his start as junior accountant, accounts payable supervisor, payroll auditing, and, most recently, retiring as the manager of accounting and auditing (payroll). In his most recent position, Duchnowski managed a staff of four who process weekly payroll, contracts, vacations and oversee that process’s accuracy for Riverbay’s workforce. “There’s never a dull moment at Riverbay. There’s always something going on,” said Kenny. “I’ve had a lot of positions and freedom to keep moving up. I had great bosses and got a lot of experience and challenges throughout the years.” “Kenny was a cheerful presence in the office,” said Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer. “He kept his cool even as he dealt with employee questions and monitored compliance of several different union contracts. I also enjoyed having another die-hard Mets fans around to commiserate with.” General Manager Noel Ellison thanked Duchnowski for his 41 years of service to the employees of Riverbay. “Throughout his 40 years of service, Kenneth worked tirelessly to ensure that every Riverbay employee got paid their due on time,” Mr. Ellison said. “He was often the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. It was not unusual for me to come in on a Saturday and find him at his desk. He knew
the intricacies and nuances of every bargaining unit agreement and was an excellent resource for us during labor contract negotiations. When it came to the Riverbay payroll process, he could answer any question; he was truly an asset for this company.” Director of Finance Peter Merola said: “I would like to thank Ken for his many years of dedicated service to Co-op City. He was a great person to know and work with. He will truly be missed and I wish him much success in his retirement.” Although life had other plans for Duchnowski’s career path, he continued to be passionate about his music which helped keep his mind off other things. “My band, The Tender Mercies, put out a few CDs of original music that we wrote and performed. Riverbay staff used to always come out to see us on stage,” Kenny said. Not only is Duchnowski an excellent colleague to work with, but also fun to hang out with outside of the office. Mr. Ellison said, “Duchnowski is also a cool guy to hang out with; I remember traveling to clubs in the Village to see his band perform and being amazed at how animated he was on stage. He plays a mean rock guitar. I pray he and his wife find joy in a peaceful and healthy retirement. “ As he wraps up packing for his move to Virginia, Duchnowski is most looking forward to doing anything and everything he wants to do. He said, “I’m excited about biking, hiking, antiquing, and most importantly getting back my golf game.” Other members of Riverbay staff shared remarks regarding Duchnowski’s retirement. Payroll Supervisor Luz Pena said: “Kenny was the most dedicated, hardworking person I have ever worked with. He has impeccable work ethics and was the best boss I ever had. He was respectful, kind, funny, understanding
cial Elections this month in districts other than ours, 2.) our June primaries, and 3.) the general election in October/November, fear of Covid is still a valid excuse for voting by absentee ballot. This comes from the NYS Board of Elections site, under Qualifications to Vote by Absentee Ballot, reason #2: Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability (temporary illness includes being unable to appear due to risk of contracting or spreading a communicable disease like COVID-19). We’re still covered for this whole year. Gimme them old-time poll sites! June 12 early voting (EV) is coming up fast. Who, besides me, would love to get rid of Truman High as our EV poll site and move it back to our actual, easy-to-get-to grounds? And not only for early voting, but for June 22, too. Instead of one site per community center, our election day poll sites are still spread out all over (three centers, two schools, and a church). Revert! Who’s with me? Politicians a-poppin’! Since the current petition period for the upcoming primaries ends on March 22, a good many politicians may be stomping and stopping around Co-op City this weekend to collect some last-minute petition signatures. Without those signatures, they can’t get on the ballot to land the job of Mayor, Comptroller, or Borough President, or to keep the job of Public Advocate or City Councilmember. Help out your favorites. Another Section 5 issue?!? Someone moved the BxM7 Section 5 bus stop from Einstein Loop East at Elgar Place to Hutchinson River Parkway East at Einstein Loop South. It took me more than a month to notice. At least one unhappy resident would like to know if her much longer, isolated walk home is temporary or permanent. No one seems to know! You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.
and patient.” “Kenny has been so great to work with these past few years,” added Victoria Net, Payroll Coordinator. “We have gone through so many things in the Payroll department and have always persevered. He has always looked out for the company and for its employees. I have been lucky enough to work with him for the last 8 years and will truly miss seeing him come into our office 100 times a day. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter, Mr. D.” Averil James-Bonnette, Riverbay’s Assistant Director of Finance, told the Co-op City Times: “I worked with Kenny for the last six years. He was extremely helpful, reliable, and accommodating. He was always efficient in providing payroll information when requested of him. He had a very good working relationship with everyone in the Finance department. As he starts a new chapter of his life, I wish him all the best in his retirement.” “Kenny was relentless in getting his job done well and supporting his colleagues,” said Mike Munns, Riverbay Senior Attorney. “Many lawyers, including myself, initially dreaded his calls and ended up admiring his professionalism. I will miss him. I know Riverbay will be in good shape since Kenny gave his replacement, Justin Brisbon, an unqualified endorsement.” Duchnowski is grateful for all of the comradery among staff and the memories while working at Riverbay. He said: “I had a lot of good times at Riverbay. I even remember the first computer that they bought at Riverbay. No one knew how to use it, so we used to do softball statistics after company softball games. “Everyone at Riverbay was very respectful. I had a great staff, they are terrific. I had a lot of good friends here and colleagues. It’s been a pleasure working with everyone.”
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Happy Birthday, Aaliyah!
Another teenage star arrives: Miss Aaliyah Carter! After thirteen years of preparation, welcome into the world of teens. You will find it to be rewarding and sometimes challenging, but you are well equipped for whatever comes your way. Happy “13” birthday! We love you, – Grandpa Ted, Grandma Dot, Mom, Dad, Amanda, Alyssa, Jay & Uncle Jermaine
Building 25 Association
It’s that time of the year when Building 25 Association asks parents in Building 25 to submit their graduating child’s name to get posted in the Co-op City Times to honor their achievements especially during the toughest time your child has probably known. Due to the Covid virus, we will not be collecting names in the lobby, however, any parent who wants to participate should submit their child’s name through our general email address, building25ca@gmail.com. This offer will run until the end of June of 2021. Every year, March 1 through March 31 is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history, and this year’s theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” We wish all neighbors born in March a happy birthday. For those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon. Latest update to resuming our building meetings due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. so be on the lookout for the telephone number and dial-in code posted near the elevators. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know. Closing with the following quote in celebration of Women History Month: “Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.” –Amelia Earhart —Wanda Bailey
Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment
The Doctor’s Visit How much you and your loved one gets out of each doctor’s visit has as much to do with how much planning you put into it, how much follow-up action you take, as well as the time you spend with the doctor. Remember, you only have about 15 minutes with the doctor, so you need to make every minute count. Write down all the questions you and your loved one wants to ask. Record all the symptoms your loved one has experienced since the last visit and note any physical or mental changes during that time. Make a list of all the other physicians and healthcare providers seen, trips to the ER, and other health-related incidents that have occurred since your loved one’s last visit to the doctor. Bring a copy of the hospital discharge summary if you have one. Inform the doctor of any significant unexpected circumstances that may have occurred, for example, recent death, birth of a baby, or any tragic major life event. Talk with your loved one about what you both want to accomplish during this doctor’s visit. For instance: What are your loved one’s main concerns? Is it about physical symptoms, like pain or shortness of breath? Or feelings, such as being sad and worried? What are your main concerns? If you and your loved one share the same concerns, then you know what to focus on during the visit. But if you and your loved one have very different concerns, try to agree on one or two that each of you will discuss with the doctor. Figure out how to talk with the doctor about sensitive issues. These might include a symptom that feels embarrassing like incontinence. Each of you may need time to talk alone with the doctor. Your loved one may want you to stay in the waiting room while he or she is being examined by the doctor or they might want you to come into the doctor’s exam room. When it’s time to talk, your loved one might prefer that you remain quiet. If your loved one has advanced dementia or is otherwise unable to communicate, then you will need to take a more active role. Many doctors will be available for scheduled telephone calls. To make this call most effective, have your list of concerns ready and limit the list to the items that you do not wish to discuss in front of your loved one. Ask the doctor for a copy of the visit note and the most recent lab values to be able to provide other health care providers with updated information. Schedule the follow-up appointment. Fill all prescriptions promptly and ask the pharmacist if there are any possible negative interactions or side effects that should be reported to the doctor. Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment is here for you. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns, 718-379-3159, or email us at www.info@comeoutreach.org to learn about the services we offer. —Diane Cooper
9
Rivers Run Community Garden
Celebrate Earth Day with Parade and Family Fun Rivers Run Community Garden, Co-op City Little League and Riverbay Corporation will host an Earth Day Parade and family fun activities on April 24, 2021 starting at 9:30 a.m. Organizers are inviting members of the community, schools and businesses to join and march from the Co-op City Greenway Stage to the Coop City Baseball Field to celebrate environmental awareness. The parade’s Grand Marshall is Noel Ellison, Riverbay Corporation’s General Manager. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth.” There is a call to encourage people to join in the global environmental revolution and combine civic education, climate and environmental literacy to help create jobs, build green consumer markets, and allow citizens to engage with their governments in a meaningful way. There is strength in numbers and together, our voices will be amplified and resonate with a joyful noise that will signify the beginning of the end of isolation, fear and loneliness. The parade will kick-off a day of exhibition games, garden crafting workshops, composting and fun ways to participate. In addition, we will have a free food giveaway. If your organization would like to participate, please call us at 718-671-3801 or write us online at Rivers_run@yahoo.com. —Gail Sharbaan
Free COVID-19 testing at Faith@Work Christian Church
Thanks to Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s recommendation and funding from Choose Healthy Life Project and assistance from United Way of New York City, Faith@Work Christian Church in Co-op City is opening its doors as a new testing site in Co-op City for those underserved not only in Co-op City but surrounding neighborhoods. The grant from Choose Healthy Life project also covers education of the COVID-19 virus. The Covid test being administered at Faith@Work is a self-collection test. A healthcare professional will provide guidance as you swab your nasal passage to collect a sample for testing at the lab. Quest Diagnostics facilitates the Covid-19 testing and will provide patients with results within two days. Co-op City residents can get tested on March 31, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Building 7, 120 DeKruif Place (street level office). Faith@Work Church, pastored by Rev. Deborah Jenkins, will add future dates. For more information, please call 718-314-1816. —Reported by Toriea McCauseland
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
10 Director’s Viewpoint –
Francine Reva Jones, Assistant Secretary
Voting information to be distributed widely Dear cooperators, Congratulations to President Joe Biden and his team for expeditiously distributing a portion of the $1.9T stimulus monies to Americans. Board Elections In accordance with Board Resolution 21-05, current and prospective shareholders will receive information about voting in the annual shareholders’ meeting to elect Board directors. This information will be in the form of a letter to shareholders who will receive it in their April or May carrying charge envelopes. Prospective shareholders will receive a document when applying for an apartment in Co-op City. This voting information will appear on the Co-op City website and in this newspaper as well. The NY State Business Corporation Law requires corporations to call annual shareholders’ meetings for the purpose of electing directors and a quorum of not less than one-third of the shareholders eligible to vote to participate in the election in order for the election to be effective. The 2021 Riverbay Board elections are currently in progress and candidates may pick up an election package at the Riverbay Public Safety Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY. All forms must be completed and returned to the Riverbay Public Safety Office or by email to the Election Committee, Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com on or before March 31, 2021. The shareholders’ meeting will take place beginning at 6:00 a.m. on May 3rd and will conclude at 9:00 p.m. on May 21st. You are encouraged to get to know the candidates and you may vote for up to five of them. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Election Committee at Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com. Vaccination Site The Riverbay Management team has worked along with governmental officials and cooperators are pleased that the Covid-19 vaccination site in Dreiser Center is in operation. NYC is scheduling homebound cooperators for vaccinations. Register online at forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound or call 877VAX-4NYC (829-4692).
Marva Collins The month of March has been designated Women’s History Month and I take this opportunity to uplift the memory of Marva Collins (8/31/1936-6/24/2015), an educator who gained wide acclaim for her novel approach to teaching. She was born in Alabama and moved to Chicago after graduating from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in Georgia. She worked as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and became frustrated with the classroom approach at the public school and decided to start the Westside Preparatory School. She would provide students with a nurturing atmosphere in which they learned the basics – reading, math, and language skills. In one of her interviews, she was quoted as saying, “I take the children that no one else wants.” After many years of teaching, she received donations from many individuals, most notably, the entertainer known as Prince, who became cofounder and honorary chairman of Collins’ National Teacher Training Institute, created so Collins could retrain teachers using her methodology. Learn more about the fantastic Marva Collins and teach your children and grandchildren about her meaningful contribution. Several years ago, “The Marva Collins Story” was featured in the African-American Association’s Black History Month Film Festival. I admire Collins for her efforts as it was always my desire to be an educator. Although my career took a different course, some years ago I got my chance to teach children when I volunteered at the Saturday Tutorial sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women. It was for children that needed extra help in order to be on grade level. It was an extremely rewarding experience to see a child’s eyes light up when they finally understood the lesson or concept. I will always remember and be grateful for Eleanor Donnley and the wonderful women of the NCNW for that gratifying opportunity. Theater Reopening Many cooperators have been cooped up for so long that it was a relief just to get out to the AMC Bay Plaza Cinema. I reached out to friends and one of them joined me. The ticket line was not very long, but the service was slow. There was Plexiglas all across the concession stand as they carefully adhered to the continuing
Goose Island Seniors
This month is Women History Month, and we want to honor all the women of Goose Island Seniors who have supported our club through service, volunteering where needed, donating when necessary, spreading a positive spirit when gathering and whatever you did to make this club special and thriving all these years. Thank you. We have some of the best women. Speaking of great women, I just got the news that Helen Slader, a good friend in our community center lunchroom, has passed away. We had a good time with her and her family at her birthday parties. Our condolences to the family. Words from the Goose Island Seniors president – June 6, 2022 will be our 50th anniversary for the Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. I would like us to start thinking of a way to celebrate. I was thinking of several members being our special guests telling us some of the best moments in the club. Would you like to be one of the speakers? It’s a little over a year away but the day will be here before we know it. I’m hoping we can celebrate somewhere really special like Villa Roma. Send me your suggestions via text, email, or phone call. Contact information is at the end of this article. Tax Preparation – I have no information on senior tax preparers yet. Keep checking the Co-op City Times. To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of March: Molly Konikoff, Hattie Lucas, Shirley Rooney, Stephen Roberts Sr., Vivian Werner, Michelle Rosenthal, Diane Rodriguez, Lillian Friedman, Benjamin Carter and Pearl Applewhite. Sick and Shut-in – Edna Trujillo had a stroke. Please keep her in your prayers. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center in Somers, NY. She will love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816. Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475. The Section 5 Community Center, phone number: (718) 379-9613 (suspended). Our office is presently closed. We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. These are unusual times. All our lives are altered. On behalf of my officers and myself, stay safe. –Stephen Roberts, Sr.
protective Covid-19 mandates. The smell of freshly made popcorn brought back good memories. Social distance seating was in effect, but did not matter too much since we attended the first show and only a handful of people were present. The movie came with a message that increased my knowledge of the topic. My friend commented, “It was a good day out.” Senior adults are offered a weekday discount. Contact them for additional information. Condolences My condolences are extended to the family and friends of Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. (8/15/19353/1/2021) who was a business executive and civil rights activist who worked for various civil rights organizations before becoming a close advisor to President Bill Clinton. Some of his contributions included helping in the effort to desegregate colleges and universities; named field secretary for the NAACP in Georgia; director of the Southern Regional Council for Voter Education Project; director of the United Negro College Fund and raised $10M that benefited African Americans; served as president of the National Urban League; adviser to President Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign and helped guide Clinton’s transition into office. Jordan gave his life in service to achieve justice and equality. He will be missed by all who knew him. Essential Workers The contributions of essential workers are priceless. We must strive to live our lives as normally as possible, while adhering to the mandates to protect ourselves and our families from the deadly Coronavirus Pandemic. So, please wear a mask, stay at home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently, get tested frequently, and practice social distancing. Keep your family and friends in prayer. If possible, continue supporting your church, organization, etc.; even though we do not attend in person, most financial obligations remain. Please continue attending your virtual building association meetings. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. Contact: fjones@riverbaycorp.com. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. –from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Co-op City Toastmasters
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Greetings. As we look forward to Spring arriving and COVID-19 leaving, Coop City Toastmasters (CCTM) is happy to invite one and all to join us in our regularly scheduled meetings (virtual) on the first and/or third Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be May 1, at 7:30 p.m. (contact us for Zoom info). Let’s get started on building your confidence and public speaking skills in this new year. Also, have you thought about it: Being among others is also a great way to fight the COVID doldrums. Public speaking may seem a daunting task when your fears overshadow your efforts. Add an unhealthy dose of anxiety and it can seem impossible to move forward. But taking a leap of faith in your own abilities is not only a hallmark of Toastmasters, it’s a scientifically proven method of boosting confidence. As a baby learning to walk, those small steps in the direction of your goals is the key to success. CCTM invites you to join us as you take those small steps in your goal of enhancing your public speaking and leadership skills. “The desire to speak from a stage was always part of the vision I had for myself, then I realized I had to actually talk to strangers to make it happen. I needed serious help to pursue my secret dream. Toastmasters made those baby steps easy and fun. The energy of the club meetings – even now via Zoom – is engaging and encouraging. In a short time, I had spoken from several different stages, started a new business and began coaching others to do the same.” My friends, this could also be your story. Give yourself a chance. Take a baby step and visit CCTM, virtually, of course, any first and third Thursday and you will witness other like-minded, friendly and committed individuals seeking personal improvement. It will be a step that you will be glad to have taken. Please, mark your calendar for future meetings and plan to attend April 1 and April 15, which will be a supper event. Details will be posted so save that date. Come hear, listen and learn. Come meet friendly folks make speeches that will make you laugh, cry or go hmmmmm. Members offer non-judgmental feedback to get you motivated on your path to become better community leaders, parents, speakers, writers or whatever you desire. Contact us at www.3824.toastmastersclubs.org, toastmasters46.org or call 347244-9550 for the VP Public Relations. —Miniimah Saafir
Broun Place Townhouse Association
The first day of spring is here. Hope it is a happy spring day for us all. Improvements in obtaining the vaccine have been made. Vaccines are available but we must continue wearing masks as we go forward. Forever changes in our lives have occurred and will continue, so stay informed. Now 2021, happy birthday to my wonderful husband, Dave Lazaar. Here’s to many more birthdays. March continues with more salutes to Co-op City phenomenal women who played an important role in creating the fabric of Co-op City. Women’s history in Co-op City means we salute Betty Katz, former president of the Co-op City Parkinson Club; Anna Capel, president of the Handicapped Adults Association; Ester Smith, first woman president of the Riverbay Board of Directors, and, of course, Lorraine Rohlsen of the Co-op City Tennis Club. Read your weekly Co-op City Times, it contains interesting and important news of our Co-op City community which makes for a great and diverse community newspaper. Our household had this experience: one of the new combo units, smoke and Co2 alarms went off for no reason. It wouldn’t stop! We didn’t know who to call. Finally, having to leave the house, we duct taped the beeper and buried the alarm under pillows. A friend suggested, call Maintenance. This was the right move. The Riverbay telephone agent and the technician who came were very personable. Lesson learned, if an alarm goes off, call Maintenance. The Co-op City vaccine site is up and running now. If you haven’t been inoculated, sign up now. There is no truth to the rumor that the vaccine changes your DNA or will harm you. The new information number for the CDC is 1800-232-4636. For more information on vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 311. The following is the help site for all your questions on COVID-19: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Get tested for COVID-19 and take the vaccine. Use the CDC-recommended weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a clean face mask, (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep 6 feet between you and others, finally, wash hands frequently. Don’t take the mask off to speak. The Governor has increased the percentage allowed for indoor dining and increased the hours allowed to keep bars open. Are you missing supermarket weekly inserts? The distributor of those advertising bundles had no contract permitting distribution in Co-op City. Refer the local market manager to the Co-op City Times for advertising information. Do not litter masks or gloves. Please join or renew your Broun Place association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever! —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Get Vaccinated. Stay Safe. Save Lives.
Building 9 Association
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Salutations, Building 9 family. Wear a mask always, wash your hands often and social distance whenever possible. Get vaccinated! We have been made aware that our lobby attendant positions are being phased out by Riverbay Management. As I said when the garage attendants were reduced in shift, then numbers, it will not end here. And so, it has not. Why were lobby attendants hired in the first place? As the old adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Some say, “You’ll get more with less.” I say, you get less with less. We keep paying more, but we seem to be getting less services. Please learn as much as possible about Ranked Choice Voting. New York City will use Ranked Choice Voting for Primary and Special Elections for municipal elections for mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president and City Council elections. Women’s History in the making: A woman for our time Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is praised as key scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Shanta Corbett was born January 26, 1986 (35 years old). She is a Viral Immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, based in Bethesda, Maryland. As Senior Research Fellow and the scientific lead for the Coronavirus vaccine, during the vaccine development stage, Dr. Corbett went on record to say, “I want to make it clear that the work that we have been doing for so long I personally stand by it, essentially with all of my being.” Even before Dr. Corbett took on one of the most challenging tasks of her professional career, she was a force with which to be reckoned. Between 2009 and 2014, Dr. Corbett studied the human antibody response to viruses, specifically Dengue virus. As a student, she was selected to participate in Project SEED, a program for gifted minority students that allowed her to study chemistry in labs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and eventually landed a full ride to the University of Maryland, Baltimore where she spent her summers at laboratories and earned a summer internship at the NIH, the very place where she would be instrumental in developing a vaccine for the coronavirus. As a graduate student, she was involved in promoting science going to schools, speaking to groups that would not normally consider careers in science. Right now, her industry is 70 percent white, according to the National Science Foundation. Good health to you. —Linda Collins
The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!
We’re Hiring Life Insurance Agents Excellent Compensation Qualifications: • Minimum one year: Life Sales Experience • Checkable references • Maturity • Integrity • Goals driven Please call (718) 671-8000 The Wright Agency at Allstate 1435 East Gun Hill Road Bronx, N.Y. 10469 Please only apply if you are capable of earning $75,000 plus
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
12 Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl Were you on the greenway on Thursday, March 11, 2021? Did you see all of the new fencing that was installed in several areas around the greenway? Too much, right? Well, that’s nothing compared to what you’re going to see on the greenway and other areas around Co-op City. Fencing – Going Way Too Far I had to go to a few stores in Dreiser on Thursday evening, March 11. Then, surprisingly, I saw all of this new fencing as I was approaching the greenway. Getting closer, I noticed a pathway to cross the greenway. And, it was closed. Next, I noticed the other pathway— closed. Then, there was an opening in one section of the fence. So, I was able to walk through that section to cross the greenway. Later that evening, emails were exchanged. And, by Friday afternoon, management had decided to remove the fencing that closed off the pathways. However, they said that protective barriers would have to be installed for safety reasons when NYC’s Façade Inspection Safety Program (formerly known as Local Law 11) begins. And, with that statement, I knew that the area near the greenway and other areas around this community are going to look far different from before. Furthermore, I knew that we were going to get hit with a lot of new expenses. A History of Costly Building Work Back in May 1979, a piece of terra cotta fell off of a building in Manhattan and killed a student. Then, in 1980, former Local Law 10 was signed into law by former Mayor Ed Koch. This law required that buildings, which were greater than six stories, had to be inspected every five years by a licensed architect or engineer. And, interestingly, those inspections could be done with a pair of binoculars or even a telescope. Later on, officials felt that they had to make some changes to Local Law 10 after additional incidents occurred with other buildings. Particularly, there was one case that involved another student that was hit by falling bricks from an office building. So, the officials from the Giuliani administration enacted Local Law 11. Under Local Law 11, scaffolds, sidewalk sheds (bridges), and stricter requirements were brought into the inspection process.
Johnson
More Fences and New Expenses So, safe conditions were a big part of Local Law 11. However, trying to achieve those safe conditions brought on a lot of complaints. For instance, did some of the companies providing the scaffolds and sheds make a tremendous amount of money because of these new regulations? Example: Lots of buildings were hit with tremendous bills just for their building inspection. Regardless, they had to provide lots of exterior protection for their building while they were seeking financing for this work. So, big questions surfaced: Did buildings have to go into debt because of these new regulations? Was there a lot of red tape involved in trying to get through an inspection? In many cases, the answer is yes. In our case, get ready to see sheds erected outside of a lot of buildings in the near future. And, don’t be surprised if you see some of these sheds extended way beyond those buildings. Now, do I think that there will be some complaints about these sheds? Absolutely. The pathways on the greenway? Well, can you believe that some of those pathways are going to need protection if some of our buildings, that are undergoing repairs, are nearby? That’s right. So, yes, the weather is getting nicer. And, yes, it’s nice to go outside, sit down, and just relax. However, do I think that we’re going to be able to do those activities on the greenway in the next few months? Well, we’re going to have to wait and see. Bottom line: I know that a lot of people want to go outside and have a nice time. However, we’re going to need to be patient while this construction work is going on. We’ve been through a lot. Therefore, we’re going to get through this construction work, this pandemic, and everything else that we encounter. Election Season – It’s On The election season has started. So, have you ever thought about running for our board of directors? Have you ever wanted to represent your community—in a proper way? Have you ever thought about giving back to your community? Have you ever thought about publishing good material that can benefit a lot of people? Have
People First Democratic Club
Co-op City: “Class is in Session” On March 22, New York City public high schools are scheduled to reopen. New Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter will take over from outgoing chancellor, Richard A. Carranza, as of March 15. Meisha Porter is a longtime educator and the first Black woman to run New York City public schools. Mrs. Porter grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, and is the daughter of a New York City public school teacher. Approximately a third of the city high school students will return to school for in-person teaching, which will take place for the remainder of this school year and ends on June 25 if all goes well. The remaining students will continue to receive instructions remotely. Before the first day of in-person learning on March 22, families submit consent for students returning to school. The question now, are we ready? On Monday, March 8, the CDC issued new guidelines to Americans who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 of private and indoor gatherings. While in public, vaccinated people must continue to wear masks, maintain social distance, and continue to follow standard Covid-19 precautions for now. Biden’s administration pledged to open a large majority of schools across America within the first 100 days of his presidency. Major city school districts are ready to begin the process of resuming in-person learning. Parents, teachers’ unions, and school committee members continue to push back against reopening schools. Get informed and get involved!! Join, People First Democratic Club! PFDC will be very active in our community, and our pledge to you is to keep you informed about what is going on within the city, state, and federal government. One way to stay informed is to join us; you can do so by emailing us at peope1stdc@gmail.com to request an application. The annual fees are $30 for individuals and $35 for a family. You must be registered or plan to register as a Democrat and be at least 16 years old. “The highest result of education is tolerance” –Helen Keller —Al Quattlebaum
you ever thought about working with people that needed assistance? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to consider being on our board of directors. Being on our board is not that difficult. The chief thing that everyone needs to consider is to serve our community in a proper way. In other words, don’t think that you should receive extra privileges just because you’re a board director. Also, treat everyone with dignity, respect, and kindness. Now, some cooperators might think: “Oh, no, it’s too much work. You have to attend horrible meetings every week.” However, that’s just not true. Look, I used to justifiably vote no for almost everything that came before the board. However, our executive general manager has made improvements in the way that resolutions are brought before the board. Then, our current board president is always trying to keep our board meetings on track by limiting comments. Now, do we agree on everything? No. However, I will give them credit for improving our meetings. Close We need to fill some seats on our board with shareholders that want to help our community. So, please consider running for the board. Thank you. Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Women’s History Month: Tamika Mallory – Co-op City’s Own – makes powerful statement at 63rd Annual Grammy Awards Activist Tamika Mallory (pictured) appeared alongside rapper Lil Baby during his performance at the Grammy Awards last Sunday night. The artist took the stage to perform his song, “The Bigger Picture,” which was nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. As a part of the performance, Ms. Mallory said: “It’s a state of emergency. It’s been a hell of a year. Hell, for over 400 years. My people, it’s time we stand. It’s time we demand the freedom that this land promises. President Biden, we demand justice, equity, policy and everything else that freedom encompasses, and to accomplish this, we don’t need allies. We need accomplices. It’s bigger than black and white. This is not a trend, this is our plight. Until freedom!”
Building 13 Association
It has been a year since all non-essential businesses closed statewide. For more than one reason it was a tumultuous year. We are now being offered an opportunity to see our way clear of the ravages wreaked upon us by the pandemic. We are sorry for all losses and hope there is light at the end of this very historic past year. Remain mindful and vigilant and we will succeed together. As March and Women’s History Month come to an end, we have celebrated and admired the many contributions and sacrifices women have made to their country and community. The annual theme for Women’s History Month 2021 is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” We have one of those women— a pioneer of the community and Building 13. Meet Nelly Rodriguez (pictured) born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico. She came to New York when she was about six years old. She became a resident of Building 13 on December 24, 1970. She recalls when there was no sidewalk and milk was purchased in the machines located in the laundry room. Nelly spoke of St. Michaels Church. As one of the first parishioners, she was a member of the choir. When the church was started, services were in the apartment of the preacher who lived in Building 7 before moving to the lower level of Dreiser Loop. She is a past president of the Spanish American Community Club and a member of various organizations. She has relatives throughout Co-op City and loves that everything is close by and readily available. She has lived here 51 years, likes her neighbors and loves that her building is active and gets a lot done. Thank you to all the amazing active women in Building 13. My compliments to you all but “no man is an island” and our unity is achieved because of each one’s efforts. Remember, as the shareholder, you are responsible for your unit, family and guests who visit. Make sure they are aware of Riverbay Corporation’s safety guidelines and wear a mask in public spaces, when entering the premises, elevators, and laundry rooms. Failure to comply with Riverbay guidelines of wearing your mask by family members and your guests while on the premises could result in a $50 fine. If you have not submitted your window guard form, let Ms. English know (lenglish@riverbaycorp.com). Each unit has its own identification. She can assist you with this matter. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or email us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at (daddpeterson@aol.com) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team. —Leslie Peterson
African American Association
Tamika Mallory is a nationally recognized activist. She fights for human rights, equality, gun control and freedom. Tamika’s talks and keynotes are full of power, inspiration and offer wakeup-calls for all of us to start changing and fighting for justice. As an advocate for gun control, feminism and the Black Lives Matter movement, she has become a powerful voice during protests and demonstrations, most recently in light of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Mallory was born in Harlem, New York City, to Stanley and Voncile Mallory. She grew up in the Manhattanville Houses in Manhattan and the family moved here to Co-op City in the Bronx when she was 14. Her parents were founding members and activists of Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN),
13 a leading civil rights organization throughout the United States. Their work in NAN influenced Mallory and her interests in social justice and civil rights. Zoom-in with us tomorrow! – The next AAACC Power Meeting: Sunday, March 21, at 3 p.m. We will pay homage to the women of Co-op City and welcome special guest, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson of the 16th District of the Bronx and candidate for Bronx Borough President. Join the AAACC today … This is your invitation to join us. Be the vision you want your people, your children, your world to see. Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and $25/year for your household. Email aaaccpower@gmail.com, or call 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Kindly send a check or money order only. Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. —Michelle Marbury
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Black Forum of Co-op City
Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required. Physical distancing is a must. New guests are welcome to register for pantry services through April. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. It is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents. Recertification Guests currently registered with the food pantry must recertify. A valid ID NYC card, a non-driver’s, or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021. Members of a household listed on an application must present themselves at recertification. They must show an ID. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program. Income eligibility for Emergency Food Support Guests are now required to sign an Income Eligibility Form. The mandate is from the United States De-
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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partment of Agriculture. The form declares that the pick up food from more than one agency in NYC. Each household income is at or below 200% of the federal of those agencies may also ask guests to fill out the form. Contact us: We look forward to hearing from you income poverty levels. The document specifies the eligibility requirements. Black Forum will supply the at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Please stay safe. form to registered guests. We are aware that guests may —D. Illis
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Director’s Viewpoint – Michelle
Marbury
Some things are worth repeating… Riverbay Elections: Nothing to do with “religion” Each year, it becomes a daunting task to reach the mandated quorum, and it costs “us,” the shareholders, unnecessary funding to abide by the state law. In short, the Riverbay Election is not about religion in any way. This election is about running your business. Who keeps your carrying charge increases to a minimum? Who pores over documents and spread sheets and vetting procedures on your behalf? Who, dear shareholder, speaks for your best interest because we all 55,000 of us can’t be in a Board meeting? Who goes to your building association meetings and committee meetings and listens and takes notes and brings them back to the Riverbay Board and managing staff to represent you? There is nothing religious about that. There is nothing forceful about that. This is a business, belonging to you and me and all of us as a “collective cooperative community.” It is our responsibility to “cooperate,” to run it or, at the very least, choose who will. Out of the mouths of shareholders: Regarding Resolution 21-05 We received an email from a shareholder who stated quite eloquently, as I paraphrase: Riverbay is a cooperative corporation comprised of shareholders who own shares they purchased to apartments they reside in. People should have an interest in protecting their investment, especially when it involves thousands of other shareholders. Unless they can have a say in who runs that corporation, what rights have they? And to quote, “I fail to understand that this should even be a contentious issue. In Australia, voting is mandatory for the whole nation and they all accept it as a duty. It should be a Riverbay shareholder’s valued civic duty, as well as a privilege and honor to vote for their board directors.” It’s the law… Resolution 21-05 states that the Riverbay Corporation must, according to NY State Business Corporation Law, hold an election to elect a Board of Directors by a “one-third of the corporation” quorum. Guess who the “Riverbay Corporation Quorum” is made up of? YOU, dear shareholder, you are the Riverbay Corporation. This is a privilege, not a punishment: The Riverbay Elections We all came of our own free will to beautiful Co-op, gorgeous Co-op City, and when you and I came to this community and “bought in” to this corporation, we chose and agreed to become a part of a Cooperative Community (i.e., the difference between being told what to do as a “renter” of someone else’s property, as opposed to owning shares in a property as we do here); a community in which you get to have a say on how it is run. The most important way your voice, your
opinion, your expertise can be utilized to the greater good of this “community corporation” is by your vote. You are a part of a great business model, and as such, we are partners in the business of running our corporation. The privilege here is that you – “we” – are in charge. All “you” have to do is decide who “you” think is best suited to run your business. You do this by electing the best Board of Directors you can. The only way to do that is to exercise your right to vote. As stated in the beginning, we all chose to live here, no one forced you or me to become or remain a shareholder. In any business, there are rules to govern it, or it falls apart. We cannot let that happen to “our” beautiful, gorgeous Co-op City. Why not just change the law? Reduce the quorum? Worth repeating… What must be understood is when you made the decision to live here, you bought into a corporation in which you are a partner. You are in partnership (i.e., business) with the other 15,000 families and 55,000 residents. You elect the Board to run your business. If you don’t have a board, the corporation fails. That is something that should never happen. Why not just change the law? That would be the easy way out, but it would mean us “selling out” our power as shareholders. We must not become sell-out’s because something is hard to do. There is strength in numbers and our numbers are our strength. The problem here is that too many shareholders shun their responsibility. This is not a political election. This election is about the process of running a corporation and adhering to a business model that you agreed to when you moved in, having nothing to do with religious beliefs. A business model that allows you amenities that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere (i.e., central air and heat, gas and electricity and countless others) all included in your monthly carrying charge. That is what you are protecting when you exercise your power as a shareholder and part business owner of the Riverbay Corporation. That is why Resolution 21-05 is an important resolution. In Memoriam The painful reality is, we continue to sustain too many losses. To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause to their memory and pray for the strength of each family as you carry on for those who remain. Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone. Will we still wear masks? Why we still wear masks One day, we will lose no more souls to Covid-19; until then, will you please wear your mask? Even when vaccines are in abundance, until herd immunity is reached, no matter how long it takes, please be smart, wash your hands and wear your mask. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com. Let’s all do our part! Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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National Council of Negro Women
Dr. Dorothy I. Height Tribute & Birthday – On Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 4:30 p.m., we will be presenting a tribute to Dr. Dorothy I. Height, the 4th National President of National Council of Negro Women, Inc. This will also be a celebration of her birthday which was on March 24, 1912. This civil rights and women’s activist was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. Women’s History Month is the perfect time to spotlight her. Stay tuned for Zoom access to our program. All are invited to hear more about this fantastic woman. Women Represent! – Our Women Represent! 2021
Program will be on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Black Women in Justice: All Rise.” Three powerful justices will share their stories of resilience with us. Men of all ages, you are cordially invited to attend. Girls, teens and women, enjoy inspirational messages with you in mind. Come to be enlightened in so many ways. Please contact Camille Worrell, chairperson for Women Represent! For more information at worrellswords@aol.com. Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Because of the public health emergency caused by the Covid19 coronavirus, the BHRP Program this year will be a virtual program on May 15, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Mem-
bers are still asked to become Life Members, Legacy Life Members or Achievers in order to support our national office at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. At our 46th annual awards program, we will be honoring La-Trina Robinson-Webster, distinguished educator of NYC school system; Nydia D. Southerland, outstanding youth leader and Sara E. Dennis, New York State honoree and affiliate. Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. —Joyce Howard
Memorial Day I am glad to announce that our Memorial Day Ceremony will hold this year. The date is Sunday, May 30, 2021. During this event, American Legion will recognize those veterans who used to be with us but are no more. To this, we are requesting that if you know any veteran or families who passed away last year until now, we would like to know about them latest by Sunday, April 25, 2021. Kindly help with their names, branch of service, years they served and date of transition. Post Operations American Legion of Co-op City will continue to operate remotely if the pandemic lasts. However, throughout the pandemic, we will be supporting our members by supplying PPEs and food boxes. More so, with the closure of the building’s office space, the administrative tasks would be conducted remotely with membership dues being processed and 2021 cards sent to members. Our meetings are conducted virtually through Zoom, and we thank God for how comrades had adjusted to all these changes. I am calling on all
comrades to attend our meetings through this medium. Our Zoom information is the same: Meeting ID, 852 9376 7539; Passcode, 549673 and if anyone wants to join the meeting on telephone, dial 1-929-436-2866. Kindly use this meeting information to join the meeting today at 11 a.m. Food distribution The Post will continue its food giveaway program throughout the month of March. The boxes that are distributed these days contain fresh food, vegetables, meat/chicken, and dairy products. Our main distribution centers are Dreiser Loop Center, in front of the pharmacy by 12 p.m. and Section 5 location in front of the community center by 1 p.m. Anyone willing to benefit from the program is advised to come with shopping carts and possibly bags, as the boxes are a bit heavy. Commander Toba appealed for assistance for the Post I want to thank individuals who have been writing checks for the sustenance of the Post especially during this pandemic that our usual way of doing business
has changed. It is no gainsaying that the pandemic has hit the Post so hard, especially since our only avenue of raising fund – Memorial Day – was disrupted both last year and this year. To rescue the situation, the following comrades have gone above and beyond to answer the call: Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba (aka Toba), Antonio Codrington, Norman Thomas, Joan Davis, Robert Feliciano, Otis Simmons, Lewellyn Waterman, Juice Richardson, Kenneth Nelson. Veterans representative at building Commander Toba announced the establishment of VRep amongst the veterans in every building of Co-op City based on the recent incident that occurred in Coop City where several buildings experienced total black out. Adjutant Codrington had reviewed members list as per the various buildings they reside. This would be worked upon and very soon, different VREP would be announced as deem fit by the board. Once this exercise is concluded, the organization will be able to provide needed assistance to its members during any emergency. —Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba
Hello, neighbors. Hope all is well and have you received your vaccine shot. Do not miss the second shot, if required. Please continue to wear your mask, sanitize, and social distance. We will be fined $50 if one failed to wear a mask as long as you are on the premises of Co-op City. Please follow the CDC guidelines for the sake of us all. Keep moving forward in this new year, staying positive, prayerful and keeping Hope alive. So far, things are moving alone and we continue hoping the best for our children, school staffing, and all involved to stay in school. Co-op City Vaccine Site We received Robo alerts advising us to call 718879-5950, 3/15-3/19, for Co-op City residents only to schedule an appointment to take the vaccine shot. By now, it may have been extended. Other alternative, one may schedule an appointment with Montefiore vaccine hotline at 844-444-2819, Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Women History Month President Jimmy Carter’s message to the nation des-
ignating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History week. In his speech, he noted men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often, the women’s contributions went unnoticed. However, the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of men. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued each year honoring extraordinary achievements of American women. A favorite slogan: don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. Amended Resolution #21-05 We recall a few years ago, during the Riverbay Board of Directors annual elections, we would meet the required quorum. However, for some reason, the voting by the shareholders began to dwindle from year to year. This resolution, hopefully, with Management providing documents advising shareholders of their obligations as a shareholder will improve the voting process. Perhaps also after this season of the pandemic, we will return to
the open Board meetings to enlighten and engage with the cooperators. This would also present the opportunity to meet and get familiar with their directors, Management and at the same time, discuss why a Board of Directors is required, etc. I glanced at my lease from 1998; I did not see any reference regarding an annual voting process of Board of Directors. As the resolution stated, the shareholders are not adequately informed of why there is a Board of Directors’ annual election requirement. Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. Condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, someone deceased, or in a nursing home. Pray for the world and the blessings over the vaccines, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. We need leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity, but in love with Humanity. –Martin Luther King, Jr. —H. Overman
American Legion Post 1871
Building 27 Association
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718.239.7110
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Open Door Ministries “The Real Truth” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)
Truth goes beyond opinion and emotions. When truth is relegated to whatever we think the truth is, we are on the slippery slope of our opinion becoming the standard for truth. We make the mistake of accommodating our sin, this is the same as instead of exercising buying bigger clothing because we won’t stop overeating. We choose comfort over reality. Matthew 19:21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect (complete), go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. The rich man had no material needs but he failed to recognize his spiritual needs which Jesus pointed out. He thought he was good before God but Jesus cut through the rhetoric and revealed the truth that could set him free which reveals what is best not what is good. John 3:10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? Nicodemus sought understanding; he was not satisfied with what he knew. We act like we know the truth when in reality we are living a lie. Jacob Prasch – “The Bible says nothing about guilt by association. But guilt by cooperation? Guilt by participation? Guilt by identification? When a good man will get on a platform or on a television program with somebody who is heretical, with someone who is apostate or immoral, you are implicitly endorsing that person’s ministry and allowing yourself to be identified with him.” We identify with liars and become one. John 4:39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 When they came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. The Samaritan woman was religious but did not know the truth; when confronted by it she evaluated her life and found freedom. She found stability and truth in Jesus and was not offended by it. We must stop the constant transitions 1 Corinthians 7:30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917-334-4407. Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos
Church of New Vision
On behalf of the Church of New Vision, we wanted to take a moment to send a note to let you know we are praying and thinking about you as this new year begins. While many are focused on the pandemic and what might be the politically correct thing to say or do, we remain focused on Jesus Christ. We know that it can be challenging to fellowship with one another without the opportunity to come out to services at the church. However, we want you to know that God is with you at all times. He will surely be your source of strength and comfort this year as He has in years past. So, with that in mind, we want to take this opportunity to thank God and pray that you and your family have a blessed New Year, as we as a church family remain steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. Our verse of focus this year is: Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen. –Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the Word of God at 11 a.m. on YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m., via telephone conference line by calling 1-646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388. The season of fasting, spiritual discipline and strengthening your prayer life begins Wednesday, February 17, with 40 days of Lent & Fasting before Resurrection Sunday. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity. Sunday, March 14, Worship Service theme: “God is working it out for our good.” Scripture: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (Job 13:15; 2 Timothy 1:12) Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, wear a mask and stay safe! Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. —Brenda Brown
Co-op City Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11 a.m. for worship service on Zoom. You can join us by Zoom Video, https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. On Sunday, April 4, at 9 a.m., the Sunday School will present its annual Easter Program. You can attend using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 563-999-2090, PIN #: #660065. Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1 p.m. To join, you can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065. You can join us by Zoom Video, https://us04web .zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at 12 p.m. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 563- 999-2090, PIN#: 660065. Friday Noon Prayer is held at 10 a.m. Please note time change. You can join us using the Free Conference Call.com line shown above. Friday Evening Prayer is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Free Conference Call.com Line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month. Sunday School for adults is held at 9 a.m. Use Free Conference Call.com Line shown above to join in. Sunday School for children and youth are held as follows: Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) 802-5451, PIN/ACCESS: 2788906 Juniors (9-11years old), 3:30 p.m., Zoom: (516) 259-9274 (no access code required) Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m., FCC: (701) 802-5230, PIN/ACCESS: 3559529 The COVID-19 vaccination is available for seniors. If you are interested in getting the vaccine and are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a Covid-19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844-444-2819. Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe!!!! GOD will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas
Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation; ALL are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service. We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.) Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256, or by email: coopcityevangelical umc@gmail.com. Remote schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing: We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com. Church doors will be open this Sunday, March 21, 2021. We will still be online. Sunday: Bilingual Services via Zoom, Sunday at 11 p.m. Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English), Pray and Reflection Service Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued upto-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: driver, non-driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register. Blessings, —Marta Medina
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Dreiser
(929) 399-1394
(718) 671-5161
(718) 320-1345
Mon., Mar. 22
Einstein
No Activities
Tues., Mar. 23
Bartow
Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Mobile: +1-929-205-6099
Body in Motion (exercise class) 11 a.m. -12 p.m. (via Zoom or phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387
Wed., Mar. 24
Health and Wellness, 10 a.m. -11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Group, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 26
Thu., Mar. 25
Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387
Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and phone)
Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173 Passcode: 855423
Music Therapy, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Arts with Laura, 10 a.m. Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Passcode: 045708 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1 - 2 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387
“Creative Hour with Sister Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. How to make Floral Arrangements. Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915-3777-954. Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/2959552471 To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number. Meeting ID: 2959552471 Passcode: 259554 Dial in: 1-929-205-6609
Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of month, 1 - 2 p.m. Call: 929-299-1045, Code: 1386 Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. w/Ms. Margaret Kempe and students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, different games each week incl. Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 to register & receive Zoom info. Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m. -12 p.m. To register, call JASA w/name, email & phone. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93681329040; Dial in: 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554
Health and Wellness 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Meditation w/Charles Tyler Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone) Must call or email to register: Zoom Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 Smartphone/Tablet Class 929-399-1387 w/Ralph, 1 - 2 p.m. Call Main Arthritis Exercise Class 1-646-876-9923 Office, 718-320-2066, to regis- w/Damion every Thurs., 1 - 2 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 ter. Please give your telephone p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 986 Passcode: 770292 # & email address 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 Stretch and Tone w/Ola, 1 - 2 p.m. (via Zoom or phone). Must call or email to register: 929399-1387 (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Mobile: 929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691 Passcode: 849150
No Activities
Concerts in Motion, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/82906881632. Dial in by phone: 646.558.8656 Meeting ID: 829-0688-1632
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. From President Mickens The past week has shown us progress in the issues of COVID-19 and the lifting of many restrictions that had been placed on our society for almost a full year. Moving forward, we have three viable vaccines to use, more sites are opening up for our enjoyment, and finally high schools will be open by March 22. That puts all of our children back in the classroom for at least part of every week. The Biden Relief Bill has been enacted and the stimulus checks are starting to be dispersed through the federal government and that is a relief. Yes, we still have food pantry lines, but some relief is on the way. We would like to thank the Co-op City administration, Board of Directors, and elected officials for making our com-
AARP Chapter #4997
munity the first public site to administer vaccines to our residents and schedule appointments easily. Due to the high population of our community when you were able to get the vaccine, the process was unbelievably easy, quick, and even home-bound residents were cared for. We still need to wear a mask or two, social distance from others and wash our hands but we can hug our grandchildren, after we are vaccinated, and meet with relatives under careful conditions. Enjoy the small things in life and be happy. Reach out to your neighbors and friends to share what you now know about the situation and remind them “we are on our way and the weather will also be cooperating.” Correction: Last week, I stated that member registration
Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – March/April
12-week Cooking classes – JASA Bartow Senior Center, every Thurs., March 11-May 27, 4-5 p.m. Please Note: These are not plant based classes. Meeting ID: 910-2152-1179. Dial-in: 646-876-9923 w/meeting ID number. Concerts in Motion – Monday, March 22, 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting, https://concertsinmotion-org.zoom.us/ j/5270678391. Meeting ID: 527-067-8391. Dial-in: 646558-8656. When asked for participant ID, skip this by pressing # again. Chronic Pain – CUNY – Tues., March 23, 11 a.m.12 p.m., https://bit.ly/3qabUYY. Dial-in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 945 2860 2808, Passcode: 912116 New – Bartow Window Gardening Club starting Tues., April 6 – June 22, 4-5 p.m. Each participant will get a free garden herbs starter kit. Must register for this class. Deadline, Fri., March 19. Please email: amoncrieffe@jasa.org. Emails only with your name, address and phone number. Chat/Talk group w/our Social Work student – “The Bubble of Strength w/Kyra,” Mondays, 1-2 p.m. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95595038251, Meeting ID: 955 9503 8251, Passcode: 762941, Dialin: 929-205-6099. Yoga classes with Adira Polite – Every Tues., 9:30-10:30 a.m.; https://zoom.us/j/98404647097; Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022. Arthritis Exercise/Dance Class w/Damion – Every Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/j/96708931492, Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268, Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099. Tai Chi classes w/Adira Polite – Every Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198; Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576. Meditation Class – GPC (Grandparents) – 11 a.m.-12 p.m., third Thurs. of every month, https://bit.ly/35VESDV. Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462. Updated information: Digital Photography class w/Eddie – Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn how to not only take pictures, but how to edit, enhance and print them digitally by using your handheld devices. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94802959309, Meeting ID: 948 0295 9309, Passcode: 337875, Dial-in: 929205-6099. Friday Aerobics class with Adira Polite – 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; https://zoom.us/j/98682358691, Dialin: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150. Zumba classes on Saturdays – 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/j/92928109097, Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Dial-in: 929205-6099. Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sun., 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98867100439; Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733. Co-op City’s Annual Passover 2021 (Virtual event) – Friday, April, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Please join us for a wonderful morning of our Annual Passover celebration. Live entertainment by The Sheer Entertainment Group, special gifts provided. Please call 718-320-1345 or email pogando@jasa.org to sign up and get the Zoom link. Menu for the Seder: Ribeye steak, roasted potatoes & carrots; Dessert: macaroons.
checks could be mailed to Ms. Stella Baker, however, the apartment number was incorrect. It was printed as 2L and it should be 24L, my mistake! Please continue to respond to Ms. Baker at your earliest convenience. Our next General Meeting, by Zoom, is scheduled for April 12, at 1 p.m. Good and welfare contact, Mrs. Frances Wilson, informs me that again this week we have not had any sad news to report about our members and their families, blessed again. Continue to reach out to President Mickens for any information, questions, or concerns. The number is 718379-3742, and we are continuing to strengthen our membership. –Ann Purnell
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
20
NAACP
Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.” Though Black History Month ends February 28, we know that Black History isn’t just 28 days in February – it’s all year long. Our sights are still set on uplifting and empowering our community to harness the full potential of our power. NAACP.org Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Esq. Born in Atlanta on Aug. 15, 1935, Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. attended DePauw University in Indiana, where he was the only Black student in his class. He went on to attend the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. After graduation, Jordan returned to Atlanta where he was part of the legal team to help desegregate the University of Georgia. As a young lawyer, Jordan served as a field secretary for the Georgia NAACP, its highest ranking position in each state chapter. After serving as field secretary for the Georgia NAACP and executive director of the United Negro College Fund, Jordan headed the National Urban League, becoming the face of Black America’s modern struggle for jobs and justice for more than a decade. Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said the world has lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics. “An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled,” Johnson said in a statement. He noted that in 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, the organization’s highest honor, for a lifetime of social justice activism. “His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all that seek truth and justice for all people.” Jordan, an Atlanta native who rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a champion of civil rights, died March 1, 2021. He was 85. Education: The NAACP Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, Wisdom Cole, had a meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. She said, “Today, we had an introductory meeting with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss the issues plaguing current college students and over 40 million Americans, the need for meaningful action around student loan debt, education equity, campus safety & policing can no longer go unanswered.” Membership Committee: Welcome all new members of the Co-op City Branch. To pay a new, renewal, upgrade or gift membership, go to NAACP.ORG, branch #2210, or send your request for an application to naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com. Annual dues: Adult, $30; and Youth, $10, by check/money order payable to: NAACP #2210. Mail to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station, P.O. BOX 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Visit our Facebook page, Co-op City NAACP. —Brenda Brown
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
Saturday Morning Services will start at 10 a.m. This change was made at the request of some of our members. The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue Services. To arrange for Rabbi Kronengold to sell your Chametz, either authorize him remotely by phone or text to 212-470-4134, by email to danielzkronengold@gmail.com. You can sell your chametz in person in the synagogue on Sunday, March 21, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Any Chametz sale forms mailed or given to the synagogue office after that date will not be seen by the Rabbi in time. Passover Services will begin at 10 a.m.: Sunday, March 28 and 29, and on Shabbat, April 3, and Sunday, April 4. Yizkor Sunday – April 4 at 11 a.m. General information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m. Candle Lighting for Friday, March 26, at 6:55 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in Honor or Memory, of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. If you want to buy at tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To All members Happy Birthday to Sam Grynewize and all other members who will celebrate their birthday in March. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in March, please send me your names and I will add them to the list. Fun and Games After services and kiddush, your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health. —Bruce Gitelson
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
OMG! Our fearless “Queens” turned it out at our last “Who Am I?” Zoom meeting. Each so elegantly shared a part of their life with us. One told us about her love for the arts, especially plays. Another, her passion for gospel music, singing and what she learned so early in life: “When you sing, sing with conviction.” Concluding with our last speaker and her inspiring and humble words of gratitude and appreciation to the Lord for her life. They were fantastic! Thank you, ladies. Calendar: April 7 – Who Am I? Part 2. May 1 (rain date: May 8) – Mother’s Day Spectacular white event (greenway) June 12 – Father’ Day Flavor (rain date: June 19) greenway July-Aug. – No meetings September – DTBA, Zoom meeting. Reminder: Josephine Flowers, Good and Welfare contact: 718-320-0539 Prayer request: Please uplift George Crouch in prayer. Reach out. Call. Send a card. Let him know we’re aware and care. Outings: Our first shopping trip is full. If interested in future trips, please contact Dorothy Byrd. Talents: STEP IT UP, R.O.D.L. We need you. We are planning our Mother’s Day event and need more participants for the program. All interested, call 718-708-6489. We’re waiting. Today I pray that you have a heart free of sadness, a mind free of worries, a life full of gladness, a body free of illness and many days full of blessings. —Gladys Baez
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
Pentecostal Tabernacle
The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship service at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Bldg. 22A; Tel. 718-324-0334. All services are held online; call 720-740-9746, access code: 8876631 Sunday worship service starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening Worship Service starts at 7:30 p.m. God created mankind with the freedom of choice. His will is that we choose him with a heart of love. Joshua 24: 14-16 - 14 Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. 15 And if it seemed evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that was on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods. God desires a relationship with mankind One of the wonderful revelations of scripture is that God longs for a relationship with mankind. He does not need us, but he desires us, He loves us. He wants communion and intimacy with those whom He created and redeemed. It was for this purpose Jesus Christ died on the cross. When God created mankind, He enjoyed close connection with Adam and Eve. He enjoyed daily fellowship with them, for when He arrived after their sin they were not surprised by his presence, just ashamed for their nakedness. It was evidently common for them to enjoy time with him daily. What a precious thing it must have been to have ongoing, regular, intimate fellowship with Him! It still is. Some people are more decisive than others and seem not to have a problem making up their minds regarding natural choices both big and small. Others choose between their options, whether their decision is as significant as which job offer to take or as mundane as “paper or plastic.” Choices have consequences. We have observed this pattern throughout our lives. In matters great and small, this principle holds true, and it is no less true, regarding one’s spiritual standing before God. Life and Death hang in the balance of the choice to repent and to obey the gospel. Our decision either to live for God or reject his appeal leads us ultimately either to Heaven or to Hell. It is this knowledge and understanding that should cause us to approach every decision about our spiritual life soberly and in the fear of God. Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, I have set before you life and death; therefore, choose life. —Rev. R. Sibblies
ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE
If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form;
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m.
Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).
to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 noon. You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. Grace and peace! —M. Chambers
Community Protestant Church
The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the telephone conference call line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign. Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9 a.m. For Youth Sunday School, call (712) 4523900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign. For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 4323900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call Line above. Noon Day Prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. You are cordially invited to call in for an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony. Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Our young people continue to excel! Congratulations to Master Tyron Brown for being elected Head Boy at his school, Miss Tia Smith for making the honor roll twice in her school, Master Malcolm Nembhard for making the honor roll in his school, for his article on Black History in the Co-op City Times; and Master McIver for his excellence in
school. May God continue to guide your footsteps through life. Sunday, March 7, was Official Boards’ Day at CPC. Our guest preacher, Minister Diane Asphall, brought us a powerful and profound message. For scripture, she chose Philippians 1:3-11 and her topic was “Servants Leading from a Distance.” She stated that in Philippians 1:3-8, Paul admonished us to be continually grateful. In vv.9-11, Paul encouraged the people to continue to grow in God. In the midst of this pandemic, God still allows us to grow. Although we are unable to meet each other personally, you can serve and lead his people from afar. Sunday, March 14, we celebrated the 44th Anniversary of the Ushers of CPC. Pastor Owens’ text came from I Corinthians 12:2731. The topic for his insightful sermonette was “Navigating Church Traffic.” He compared highway traffic to church traffic which happens inside the church. He admonished everyone to stay in his own lane and be true to the ministry that God has given us. We all have different roles for the same purpose, to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reminder: COVID-19 vaccine is now available in our community. Be safe, practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out. Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations. —Evan G. Mitchell
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Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE RIVERBAY CORPORATION’S 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION (Adopted Wednesday, March 3, 2021)
A. GENERAL RULES 1. The Election Committee of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter, the “Election Committee” or “Committee”) shall be established during the month of January of each calendar year, or as soon thereafter as feasible. 2. The election of Directors of Riverbay Corporation will commence on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, (hereafter “Election Day”). The Election Committee reserves the right to extend voting hours. The Annual Shareholders Meeting will occur virtually on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. 3. The election will be for at least five residents to serve on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation, and as many as may be needed to fill any unexpired terms. 4. The election shall be supervised by the Election Committee. (a) The Chairperson of the Committee, (hereinafter “Chairperson”) shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter “Board”), who is not a candidate in the election. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the President of the Board (the “President”), and approved by the Board. (b) The Chairperson shall recommend to the President the appointment of such additional residents as the Chair deems prudent for membership on the Election Committee. All members shall be resident shareholders, appointed by the President and approved by the Board. (c) The Committee shall be assisted by Riverbay’s General Counsel. (d) No member of the Committee or their immediate family shall in any way engage in any campaigning either for or against a candidate or slate of candidates. Committee members shall, to the extent reasonably possible, refrain from publicly commenting upon any issue in the campaign, and shall not engage in any activity that may create the appearance of partiality. Members of the Committee who are also members of the Board shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period commencing one week prior to the Date of Certification and continuing through the date of the election, including any extended period. (e) A member of the Committee who violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4) (d) or whose family member violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4) (d) shall immediately be removed from the Committee. (f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting a member of the Committee or a member of his/her immediate family from voting. 5. There will be one vote per unit by residents who were shareholders of record on March 30, 2021. 6. Voting, by mail or electronically, will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 and conclude at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, unless extended in accordance with these Rules. B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES 1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement and the current Occupants Annual Affidavit of Family Income. Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Director. 2. No more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may be a candidate for the Board; and no more than one resident shareholder from a single unit may serve as a Director. 3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certified; and on the date votes are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on any of those days, the candidate will be disqualified. In addition, all candidates must remain current throughout the election period until the candidate is sworn in, if elected, for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to Riverbay. A candidate shall not be indebted to Riverbay for purposes of this rule if their monthly carrying charges and maintenance are fully paid by the 10th day of the month in which it is due. At the close of business one day prior to the certification of candidates and weekly thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any. 4. Prospective candidates may, after signing the required authorizations for background checks and upon verification that they are current on their indebtedness to Riverbay, be certified as candidates for election to the Board if they are shareholders of record, who maintain their primary residence at Riverbay, are current in their financial obligations to the Corporation, do not hold a political party position or public office subject to the New York State Election Law, have not been convicted of a crime against the Corporation, have not been removed from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, or from employment with the Corporation for cause, or for reasons which the Election Committee in its sole discretion deems to be adverse to the best interests of the Corporation; and are otherwise in compliance with the requirements and qualifications of the Corporation’s by-laws and governing documents. (a) Prospective candidates shall sign and complete a Statement of Interest in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and submit the executed Statement of Interest to the Election Committee by email, addressed to Riverbay2021Election@
riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on March 31, 2021, together with proof that they have paid their maintenance for March of 2021. In the event that the prospective candidate lacks access to email, then the prospective candidate shall return the completed Statement of Interest to the Public Safety Department, attention Riverbay 2021 Election Committee. On the following business day, the financial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated. (b) A candidate who is current on a written arrearage agreement shall be considered current on charges to Riverbay if such candidate is not otherwise indebted to Riverbay. (c) In addition to the Statement of Interest, prospective candidates must also execute and return with the Statement a document acknowledging the candidate’s receipt of the Rules and the candidate’s agreement to abide by the Rules; as well as an authorization to perform a background check of the candidate by the Riverbay Legal Department. 5. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board. Directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the corporation, and are required to place the corporation’s interest above their personal interests. Accepting campaign contributions from parties who contract with the corporation creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest and, in most circumstances, an actual conflict as well. Any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from Riverbay, including but not limited to the managing agent, or any vendor, union, commercial tenant, professional or contractor, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, will be disqualified. C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES 1. The Committee will verify a prospective candidate’s eligibility as valid or reject them as invalid by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Notice of the Committee’s certification will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 10, 2021. 2. The Committee shall hold a virtual briefing on the Rules for all candidates or their designees on Friday, April 9, 2021. 3. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at the candidates’ forum. The drawing for order of speakers will also determine the relative position of each candidate’s name on a ballot. Candidate names on the ballot will automatically rotate. The name of each candidate on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known. D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 1. Except as provided in Rule E (3), no audio and/or video equipment, other than personal electronic devices, may be used outdoors in Co-op City, or in building lobbies, elevators, or common areas, by candidates or by those campaigning for candidates in connection with the election. 2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, and common areas. (a) Residents, employees, candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted non-electronic campaign material, as a service to Co-op City, and the Committee will cause a notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times. (b) Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or similar electronic forum, under the Candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion believes that said material is false, defamatory, or constitutes a personal attack on another candidate. Examples of a personal attack include, but are not limited to, comments upon a candidate’s physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, gender, race, mental state, mental capacity, or false assertions of criminal acts. In addition, Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, disassociate themselves from, and request that any third-party or third-party website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or similar electronic forum, cease and desist from the publication of any emails, materials or posting relating to the election or any candidate for election, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory or constitutes a personal attack on a candidate. (Continued on next page)
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)
(c) Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee. 3. Except for the material prepared and published by Riverbay as described herein, all campaign material used, posted, transmitted or distributed by or for a candidate must include the name, address, or post office box of the person or organization who issued such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer. 4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and campaign handouts are permitted. 5. The unauthorized use of the Riverbay logo in any form is prohibited for use in or on campaign materials. 6. No member of the Election Committee, the Board, or any of Riverbay’s employees, management staff, or contractors, can participate in any prize(s) approved by the Board during the election period. 7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riverbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election. F. USE OF CO-OP CITY FACILITIES FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES 1. There shall be three official candidates’ forums conducted virtually. One forum shall take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. The second forum shall take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. The third forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. (a) The Committee shall televise the forums over Riverbay’s public access channel and broadcast them on the web using Riverbay’s WebEx account. The transmission by Riverbay of any statement made by any person at the forum shall not be an endorsement of any such comment or statement by Riverbay and Riverbay shall not be responsible for, nor shall it indemnify, any person or candidate who makes any false or defamatory statement. (b) All certified candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee. If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson with the reason for non-participation, the Chairperson, with the permission of the candidate, may take such reasonable efforts as may be required to enable the candidate to participate, or alternatively announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience. (c) The Committee shall establish rules and procedures for the civil conduct of all forums, including the establishment of time limits for questions and answers, the limiting of participation, the editing of statements, and the muting, either visual or auditory, or both, of individuals, including candidates, who, in the opinion of the Chairperson, are disruptive to the orderly conduct of the virtual forum or who engage in personal or malicious attacks, or who make defamatory statements. 2. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the election is prohibited. 3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one time, or for campaign rallies or activities, except as provided herein. Any such gatherings must comply with NYS DOH and CDC Guidelines as well as Riverbay’s face covering requirements. 4. At no cost, Riverbay will publish pictures of each candidate and up to three (3) different narrative statements or articles by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 10, 2021 issue. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates’ articles will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right to delete any material which, in its exclusive opinion, contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact. (a) In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a ¼-page campaign ad by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 10, 2021 issue. The same ad will be used in each of the issues and will appear opposite each candidate’s article for that week. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All ad copy will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right not to publish, or to delete any material, which in its opinion, constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact. (b) Starting on the day candidates are certified and continuing during the period of the campaign, board members who are not running for election shall be
free to write Viewpoints of a “non-political” nature, except that a board member may endorse candidates in one viewpoint only. It shall not be deemed to be “political” for a non-candidate Board member to describe the activities and achievements of the Board as a whole, including the activities of any incumbent candidates. In the event Board members wish to publish a joint Viewpoint, they may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board. (c) Management shall not endorse any candidate or slate of candidates. However, information of a non-political nature, for example, relating to the operation, management, finances or maintenance of the property, or to an emergency, may be published by Management during this period of time. (d) In the event that an article appears in a print or electronic publication other than the Riverbay sponsored publication, which is currently titled the “Co-op City Times,” in which the actions of the Board as a whole, or of an individual Board member are challenged, the Board, or the individual Board member who is challenged, shall have the right to respond in the Co-op City Times to such challenge, without regard to whether the Board member is a candidate in the election and without regard to the political nature of the comment. Any such response shall be limited to the subject matter of the challenge. (e) Similarly, a candidate who is not a Board member may respond to a challenge directed at the conduct or action(s) of that individual candidate. 5. Campaign ads other than those provided by Riverbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times, subject to Paragraph D(3), but must be paid in full by money order or certified check at least 48 hours before the normal deadline of an issue. The Committee will review all paid campaign ads prior to publication and reserves the right to reject any copy which, in its sole judgment, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or material misstatement of fact. 6. (a) The election of directors to the Board is a right of residents of Co-op City. Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity that raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees’ work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that may be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees to influence the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be an abuse of an employee position include soliciting donations for candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position. (b) Candidates who encourage, accept, or knowingly benefit from such prohibited participation are subject to disqualification by the Committee. (c) This policy does not affect employees’ right to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities. G. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION 1. Voting will be by mail and by on-line, electronic ballots. 2. In accordance with Riverbay’s by-laws, only one vote per occupied residential unit, cast by a resident shareholder of record residing in said unit, shall be counted. 3. All ballots, including electronic ballots, must be cast by an eligible, residential shareholder of record, and verified by such means as the Election Committee determines to be reasonable, in its sole discretion. 4. Any eligible, resident shareholder of record residing in an occupied unit may vote, but only one ballot may be cast by a unit, regardless of the number of shareholders of record residing within said unit. 5. Mailing, tabulation, collection, processing, initial counting and preservation of election ballots shall be conducted by an independent, third-party company, selected by the Board pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements. A copy of any such contract, as well as the name and address of any such independent third-party, shall be published in the Co-op City Times. One ballot will be mailed by the independent third-party on or about April 26, 2021 to each residential unit occupied by one or more eligible residential shareholders of record at the address set forth for said shareholder(s) of record on Riverbay’s books and records as of March 30, 2021. 7. In the event that more than one ballot is received from a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the first electronically recorded ballot, shall be counted. All other ballots received from said unit shall be disregarded, but preserved until five (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed. 8. Unless the voting period is extended or modified by the Board of Directors and/or the Election Committee, to be counted, any mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than May 21, 2021. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on May 3, 2021 and no later than 9:00 p.m. on May 21, 2021. In the event that the voting period is extended or modified by the Election Committee for purposes of obtaining a quorum, the Election Committee may count any valid ballot cast by a shareholder eligible to vote during the modified period, electronically or by mail without regard to the postmarked date. (Continued on next page)
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2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)
9. All ballots received, including disqualified ballots, shall be preserved until the time to challenge the election has lapsed. 10. The initial count, as recorded by the third-party independent company, shall be provided to the Election Committee no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. The initial count shall set forth the total number of ballots cast, the total number of votes received by each candidate, the total number of votes cast for each candidate by building, the number of votes disqualified and the basis therefore, and the total number of ballots required for a quorum. 11. The Election Committee shall, in a virtual meeting to be broadcast by WebEx and on Riverbay’s public access TV Channel at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, review and certify the final count of the election ballots. 12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total number of votes disqualified, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, and the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows: (a) The five candidates who have received the highest number of votes will be certified to the Board as having been elected to full three-year terms. (b) The candidate receiving the sixth highest vote shall be certified as having been elected to a vacant Board seat, if any, which will have the longest unexpired term. (c) The Committee shall continue the certification of candidates by certifying the candidate with the next highest vote for each vacancy by the longest unexpired terms, if necessary, until all vacant seats on the Board are filled. 13. Unless an extended schedule is in effect, the Election Committee shall cause the official Certification of the Election to be publicly posted by 10:00 a.m. on May 27, 2021 or if the Certification has not yet been completed, as soon thereafter as possible after the conclusion of the Election Certification Meeting. Posting may be by electronic means. 14. If a quorum is not reached, the Committee may recommend that the voting period be extended for an additional twelve (12) days, or implement an extended voting schedule, during which time shareholders eligible to vote in the election who received a ballot but did not cast a vote, shall be allowed to cast their ballot. If a quorum is not reached at the end of the extended voting period, the Board may, in its discretion, schedule a new election. Until such time as a quorum is obtained and a valid election conducted, existing Directors shall continue to hold their office. H. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT 1. The Committee may recommend the disqualification of a candidate for violation of these rules, or impose an administrative charge, not to exceed $300.00 per violation, on any candidate that it determines has violated, caused or knowingly permitted others to violate these Rules. The Committee may do so on its own initiative, or upon the complaint of another candidate or resident. However, the Committee is under no obligation to initiate a proceeding under this Section, or Section H, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, believes it to be appropriate. 2. No candidate may be disqualified for election to the Board unless the Committee has provided the candidate with notice of its intention to consider the candidate’s disqualification for election, and conducted a hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section H below. 3. The Committee may impose an administrative charge, without conducting a formal hearing in accordance with Section H, if the Committee has provided the candidate with notice that it may impose such a fee, the reason the Committee is considering imposing a fee, and an opportunity for the candidate to appear before the Committee to contest the imposition of an administrative fee. 4. Notification of the Election Committee’s decision to impose an administrative fee will be delivered electronically to the candidate. 5. Upon delivery of the notification of a fine, the candidate is indebted to Riverbay and payment is due on the third business day following electronic delivery of the notice. 6. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee to impose an administrative charge, and may, within three (3) days of delivery of said determination to the candidate, request a review of such determination by the Board. The Board, in its discretion, may affirm, modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, without explanation, to review the Committee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee. I. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS 1. Any aggrieved resident or aggrieved candidate may challenge the certification of a candidate for election, or the results of the election, or the election of any one candidate, based upon election irregularities or the failure of a candidate to meet required qualifications, by notifying the Chairperson of the challenge, by an email addressed to Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp .com. The Committee may also initiate a challenge to the election, or to the candidacy or election of any candidate, on its own initiative. 2. The challenge must be in writing. Such written challenge must specifically set forth the reason and the factual basis for the challenge. Any challenge by the Committee shall be on written electronic notice to the candidate, or candidates
impacted by the challenge, delivered to the candidate(s) by email at the address provided by the Candidate when they are certified. 3. A written challenge by a candidate or shareholder eligible to vote in the election must be delivered electronically to Riverbay2021election@riverbaycorp. com no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021. The written challenge shall state the factual or legal basis for the challenge. Failure to file a timely electronic challenge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021, shall preclude consideration of the challenge by the Committee. In the event that a quorum was not obtained by the May 21, 2021 close of the Election Period, then in that event, the time to file an objection to the Election shall be extended until one (1) business day after the Election has been certified, by 5:00 p.m. on said day. 4. Should the Committee find the challenge to be without merit, it may dispense with a hearing and reject the challenge in writing. 5. If, after reviewing the challenge, the Committee determines that the challenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certification of any candidate or candidates, or the results of the election, the Committee may hold a formal virtual hearing to review the challenge. 6. All virtual hearings under this Section H shall be scheduled upon prior notice to the challenger and to the candidate(s) whose qualifications, certifications, or election are being challenged. 7. The virtual hearing shall commence no later than five (5) business days after the Committee’s receipt of the challenge. The Chairperson may request that a member of the Committee recuse him/herself from the hearing if such committee member has a conflict of interest. 8. Upon notice of a formal virtual hearing by the Committee, the challenger or candidate whose certification is being challenged may submit electronic affidavits to the Chairperson, setting forth the charges and facts upon which the challenge is based. Such affidavits and supporting documents shall also be delivered by the challenging party, to the opposing party’s e-mail address, at least one day before the scheduled hearing. 9. At the virtual hearing, either party may present live, virtual testimony supporting the challenge, subject to virtual cross-examination. 10. The proceedings shall be recorded, however, any person or party requesting a copy or transcript of any such recording shall be responsible for the costs of producing said recording or transcript. 11. No witness will be allowed to present testimony except under oath as administered by the Chairperson. No witness will be called on behalf of a challenger unless the challenger has submitted an affidavit from the witness prior to such testimony providing the sum and substance of the witness’s testimony and served said affidavit upon the Committee and the opposing party in the manner set forth above. The challenger(s) shall also be required to virtually appear at such hearing and may be subject to examination by the Committee or the challenged candidate(s). 12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident participant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense. 13. At such hearing, the Chairperson shall be the presiding officer and shall make any ruling with respect to the procedure to be followed, or the testimony or evidence to be introduced. The Committee need not follow formal evidentiary rules applicable to the Courts of this State. In the event a member of the Committee who is virtually present shall dispute any such procedural or evidentiary ruling by the Chair, the Chair may be overruled by a majority vote of those members present. After testimony by a witness for either party, the opposing party shall have the right to question the witness. 14. At the conclusion of such virtual hearing, the Committee may uphold or void the election results, disqualify the candidate for a violation of these Rules, apply other sanctions as set forth in Paragraph G(1) of these Rules, or dismiss the charges brought. In order to void any election result, or to disqualify a candidate, such violation must be deemed to be material by the Committee in light of the number of votes cast for the candidate and the number cast in the election. 15. If a candidate who is disqualified received one of the highest vote counts, the disqualified candidate shall be ineligible to take office. The candidate who received the next highest count will be certified to the Board in his or her place. (If more than one candidate is disqualified, the next candidate or candidates with the highest vote will be certified.) 16. The decision of the Committee shall be addressed to the Board, shall be in writing, shall state the basis for its recommendation, and shall constitute the Committee’s final certification of the election results, or the qualification of a candidate. 17. The Board, by majority vote, shall determine whether to confirm or reject the Committee’s determination. The Board shall make any such determination within ten (10) days of the date of any written recommendation of the Committee. The Board’s failure to determine the issue within ten (10) days shall, except for good cause shown, be deemed an acceptance of the Committee’s recommendation. 18. Any candidate or resident aggrieved by the Board’s final determination (Continued on next page)
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭
2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)
shall have the right to seek judicial review of the Board’s determination, provided that any such Court challenge must be commenced within ten (10) days of the Board’s decision, or within ten (10) days of the Board’s failure to render a decision. 19. The Committee may call for a recount of all ballots cast, if it is determined by the Committee that such an action is warranted. Such recount of the ballots must be completed, and the result certified by the Committee to the Board, within four days of the date the Committee determines such recount is necessary. The results of this recount, upon certification by the Committee, will constitute the final election results. 20. The Committee may call for a new election if the Committee has determined that material irregularities cast doubt on the election results, or in the event the number of votes cast did not constitute the legally required quorum. Such a new election must take place in accordance with these rules on a date within thirty (30) days after the final decision on the challenge and such election held among the previously qualified candidates. 21. By participating in the election process, candidates, prospective candidates, shareholders, and their respective agents, representatives or supporters, agree to fully comply with and be bound by these election Rules.
Linda Berk, President of Riverbay Corporation Date: March 15, 2021
For election packages, prospective candidates may contact the Election Committee by sending an email to Riverbay 2021Election@riverbaycorp .com, attn. Director Francine Reva Jones, chair; or by sending their request via snail mail to: Riverbay 2021 Election Committee, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, attn. Francine Reva Jones, chair. Election packages can also be picked up from the Public Safety window in the Bartow Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Election packages containing documents that must be executed and returned by the March 31, 2021 deadline.
26
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021 HOME AID
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Co-op City Times weekly delivery To help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and protect both our workers and residents, the Co-op City Times is delivered to building lobbies. We ask that you keep the newspapers neat and tidy. Delivery to townhouses continues as it has to each unit door. Please pick up your paper promptly after delivery to avoid it scattering in high winds or getting soiled in inclement weather. If you are going to the lobby, please bring newspapers up for your neighbors, especially those who are among our vulnerable population. Stay safe.
Public Safety
Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
be manipulated to seem like the caller is local or from a valid entity. Let us show scammers that 718 area code with 379, 320, 671 and 862 exchanges will not fall for their scams. We are Co-op City Smart. If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment. Since Tuesday, February 16, 2021, non-compliant shareholders who fail or refuse to properly wear masks or face coverings are subject to a $50.00 Community Complaint violation. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong. (Continued from page 7)
Anonymous calls to Public Safety
From time to time, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, we understand that some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question. Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to accept these
calls and investigate, accordingly. If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor. Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taken place and, in most cases, who the individuals involved are as well. Thank you for your cooperation. —Riverbay Management
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Co-op City Times / March 20, 2021
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