Co-op City Times 04/17/21

Email your questions for the 2021 election candidates to Riverbay2021Eection@riverbaycorp.com. First forum is on Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. Questions must be received 24-48 hours before the forum.

Vol. 56 No. 16

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Addressing critical projects for Co-op City maintenance & stability President’s Message

$1.25

Co-op City COVID-19 vaccination site offers Moderna Johnson & Johnson vaccine paused Roughly seven million Americans have already received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, but with several recipients reporting severe-type blood clots, federal regulators decided to put the vaccine on pause this week.

On Tuesday, April 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a nationwide pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine due to “a small number of cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot have been reported in people after receiving the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.”

Reports of the rare blood clots occurred among women ages 18 and 48, with symptoms occurring six to 13 days after vaccination. According to news reports, one of the women died, while one is in critical condition.

The CDC recommends residents who got Johnson & Johnson’s single dose vaccine should seek medical care urgently if experiencing any of the following symptoms: • Severe headache • Shortness of breath • Backache • Leg swelling • New neurologic symptoms • Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae), or • Severe abdominal pain • New or easy bruising

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Linda Berk President

Last week, I shared with you the budget process to help you, as a shareholder, understand each phase of the budget review, proposal, and approval by the Board of Directors. The budget was also included in the last week’s paper so that each shareholder could review the areas of income and expense. The budget showed that Riverbay has an operating surplus which continues to help us cover the cost of the projected capital projects needed. And while we have a surplus in both years of the

(Continued on page 2)

First official Candidates’ Forum to be held Wednesday, April 21 Broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. on Riverbay Crawler Shareholders of Riverbay Corporation will be able to view the first of three official Candidates’ Forums in the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election on the Riverbay Crawler on Wednesday, April 21, as the twelve candidates discuss and debate issues of importance to their candidacy for a seat on the Board of Directors.

The Riverbay Board of Directors sets policy for the Riverbay Corporation, which are then carried out by Management.

Because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 forums will be held virtually and broadcast live on the Crawler, available to Co-op City shareholders

BY ROZAAN BOONE

(Continued on page 3)

TUNE IN LIVE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, AT 7:30 P.M. RIVERBAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2021 ELECTION CANDIDATES’ FIRST VIRTUAL FORUM ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE INVITED! Forum will be broadcast on Channel 12 (MATV) and Channel 591 (Cablevision) and will be available for viewing in the ensuing days.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – The Year Ahead

(Continued on page 3)

Management Report

Bob Klehammer

If you read last week’s Co-op City Times, you saw a copy of the corporation’s updated Five Year Capital Plan (CP) that is part of the new two-year operating budget recently approved by the Board. Only the expenses in the first two years of the CP are actually funded in the current operating budget. We show the remaining three years as a planning guide for the Board to see what Management believes are needed capital improvements in the future.

(Continued on page 4)

New York updates travel advisory

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers looking to travel were required to quarantine following their arrival back in state, but an important update was issued this week by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that loosens some restrictions of the COVID-19 travel advisory.

Asymptomatic travelers who are entering New York are now no longer required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test or quarantine, according to the new update.

This update, which is intended for fully vaccinated individuals, applies to both international and domestic travelers who are entering New York. However, (Continued on page 3)

2021 Riverbay Election Supplement – see pages 26 – 31 for candidates’ statements

2

President’s Report

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

budget, there is a shortfall in the second year, which is where the 2% increase is necessary.

The one last component that will help you to understand the process and how Management makes recommendations for the Board’s review is an understanding of what projects we have completed, what projects are in process and what projects we expect to complete in the future.

As you will see from the following list of each phase, we have accomplished many necessary infrastructure needs. Not all are visible to shareholders, many not very exciting, but all are critical to maintenance and stability of our property. I believe the Board, working with Management, has approved very reasonable budgets repairing and updating many necessary issues while doing so with minimal carrying charge increases. As noted here, since 2105, we have had minimum increases (on average every two years comparable to rent controlled increases in NYC) that have enabled us to maintain our affordable housing.

6/15 4.5% 8/17 1.9% 8/18 1.9% 1/21 1.9% Completed Capital Projects * Dreiser Auditorium renovation and total rehabilitation of four public bathrooms * Installation of Copper/Silver Ionization units protecting all apartments from legionella bacteria * Boiler #2 Installation and Commissioning * Installation of new garage access control system * Dreiser and Bartow Mall upgrades * Emergency Façade Work, Buildings 10, 20 & 26 * Bellamy Loop Basketball Court Refurbishment * New entrances for 20 Chevron building lobbies * Removal of steel and concrete T-beams from garage roofs, repair of roof decking and installation of enhanced lighting * Installation of fire alarm system at Bartow Mall * Replacement of leaking porticos in Buildings 6, 18, 23, 25 * Replacement of domestic water mains in Buildings 3, 4, 10, 16, 21, 26, 28, 31 * Emergency Repair work to all buildings in Sections 1-4 to remove unsafe façade * Replaced rusted and corroded stairs and doors in buildings and commercial centers * Replaced entrance doors at garage stairwells with clear vision panel doors for improved safety * Replaced windows in all stairwell doors with clear vision panels for improved safety * Installation of new HVAC unit for Einstein Mall * Cooper Townhouse HTHW major leak Ongoing And Planned Capital Projects * Elevator Modernizations – Replacement of all 160 residential elevators and upgrades to 16 garage elevators. Ninety (90) residential elevators completed and all garage elevators completed. Project completion in 2022. * Local Law 11 Façade Inspections and Restoration. Five (5 of 10) buildings in Section 5 completed, remaining to be completed in 2021 and work in Section 1-4 began in 2020 and will be completed in 2023. * Replacement of Tower and Triple Core building entrances. Work commenced in 2021 and to be completed in 2022. * Installation of fire alarm system in Einstein Mall. Work began in 2020. Will be commissioned in 2021. * Remedial concrete work in Garage 2. Work to commence in 2021. * Restoration of all public bathrooms in Bartow Mall. To be completed in 2021. * Ongoing replacement of electrical transformers in residential buildings. * Complete engineering review for the replacement and upgrade of concrete areas at Einstein Mall. * Complete engineering review for the replacement of domestic water pumps.

Work to be bid in 2021. * Commence engineering review for the replacement/improvement of the convector system. * Complete engineering review of the facades of all townhouse clusters and approve plan for required restoration work. Written report presented to the Board August 2020. Work to be bid and commenced in 2021.

Future Capital Projects * Create waterfront park. * Replacement of convector system. * Refurbish all 65 building lobbies. * Upgrade commercial center storefronts. * Installation of fire alarm system in Dreiser Mall * Completion of bathroom restoration in Einstein Mall and two remaining in Dreiser Mall. * Install electric car charging stations in garages. * Install solar panels on top of garages. * Rehabilitate Bingo Hall space for community use. * Replace trailers used for construction department offices. * Replace original Boiler #1 at Power Plant.

* Install key fob readers at entrances to garage stairwells. * Upgrade all water parks and playgrounds. * Examine feasibility of installing irrigation system throughout community.

In addition to these capital improvement projects, we have instituted several significant operating programs and procedures to enhance customer service and save money: * Retained NAES as the operator of the Power Plant. Allowed the elimination of two senior management positions, increased the reliability of the plant resulting in a reduction of operating costs while increasing the revenue received by selling excess power to Con Edison. * Entered into a fleet management contract with Enterprise that reduced our vehicle maintenance and staffing costs while improving the safety of our 142 vehicles. * Hired TruGreen to supplement our Grounds Dept. and provide weed control, fertilization and seeding of the grounds with noticeable improvement in appearance. * Created annual program of replacement of damaged and cracked sidewalk slabs.

Board increased funding from $200k annually to $400k in current budget. * Outsourced the restoration of vacant apartments to increase the number of completed units. * Entered into a new energy management contract that saved over $500,000 annually in consultant fees. * Reorganized the Commercial Leasing Department to negotiate more leases inhouse, achieve market rents, introduced CAM charges and reduced the need for outside broker commissions. Increased commercial leasing revenue from $5.6 million in FYE 3/2016 to $7.1 million projected in FYE 3/2020. Also, gave this department responsibility for all storage unit rentals. They inventoried all rooms and leased previously vacant units that increased storage revenue by $300k annually. * Created central customer call center to improve response times for resident work orders. * Updated main management software, Yardi, with cloud-based state of the art program that will allow migration to a paperless work order system and better utilization of maintenance and restoration staffs.

Hired a new IT director who has undertaken the implementation of improvements to the corporation’s IT infrastructure, per the recommendations of the 2014 consultant report, to ensure it is reliable, secure and able to recover quickly in the event of a disaster. Implemented an IT Helpdesk to coordinate all assistance needed by users. * Hired a new Safety director who implemented training programs for all staff and ensures that they are working in a safe manner. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of recordable work place injuries and Workers Comp claims by creating a culture of safety within the corporation. * Entered into an agreement with the Red Cross that will result in the replacement of all smoke detectors and the installation of a CO2 detector in every apartment that will save the corporation over $1 million. * Hired a new Janitorial director who we asked to review every product and piece of equipment used in that department. Changes have already been made that reduced operating expenses by over $150k the first year and projected further reduction of $400,000 in 21-23 budget. * Reassigned several tasks to more appropriate departments for better service delivery, e.g. repair of outdoor benches from Maintenance to Grounds, maintenance and repair of domestic water pumps from Maintenance to Power Plant. * Improved procedures at central warehouse for better control of our inventory.

Implementing plans to reduce the number of supply storerooms to further control inventory. * Received HCR approval of a downsizing program for residents underutilizing their apartments. * HCR granted our request for higher contract approval limits that will reduce the number of contracts needing agency approval and the time to commence capital projects. * Working with Jackson-Lewis, negotiated new collective bargaining agreements with Locals 32BJ, DC9, 153, 282 and 94 that eliminated outdated provisions and achieved significant management rights provisions including, the ability to reduce headcount due to technological innovations and the ability to outsource some work. * Upgrade of all 35 laundry rooms-including new washers/dryers, painting, new countertops. * Reduction of General Liability Insurance Limits from $50 to $10 million that reduced premium increase in 2021.

Together, Management and the Board have been able to raise the standard of business operations at Riverbay with the goal to continue bringing our 320-acre campus into an exemplary green living community. As we move forward into the 21st century, we become more efficient and dependable, a goal that benefits everyone. To do so requires a multi-faceted approach of bricks and mortar issues, service improvements and quality of life enhancements. This has been a long haul for all of us, involving some inconveniences along the way. However, nothing good comes without sacrifice. We have an impressive community that continues to be desired. Let’s continue the hard work and enjoy the fruits of that hard work.

Please continue to be well and stay safe!

I can be reached at Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, or LBerk@riverbayboard.com.

Vaccines

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

Federal regulators responded very quickly in calling for a national pause in using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as did local officials in shutting down vaccine mega-sites throughout New York City – including Co-op City’s site at Dreiser – that were exclusively administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Management was notified by the city that they were shutting down the local site on Tuesday, April 13, and preparing to switch over from distributing Johnson & Johnson to the Moderna vaccine. The switch not only impacted previously scheduled appointments, but Co-op City’s vaccine hotline as well.

Riverbay’s General Manager, Noel Ellison, told the Co-op City Times this week: “As a result of the shutdown and swift changes, the city is changing their network scheduling system that Co-op City is a part of. They will review the system for a week, possibly putting Co-op City back on the hotline again. Ultimately, their data will determine what we’ll do moving forward.”

Mr. Ellison continued, “This situation with the supply of Johnson & Johnson is unfortunate, but it was good to see the city quickly respond with a plan – and to know that we (Co-op City) are also a part of the plan.”

Forum

(Continued from page 1)

on channel 12 for master antenna subscribers, and on channel 591 for those with Optimum subscriptions.

In addition to the election supplements which are published in three consecutive issues of the Co-op City Times beginning last Saturday, April 10 – in which shareholders can read the candidates’ statements and ads outlining their platforms – the forums offer a chance for shareholders to interact with the candidates by asking them questions pertinent to the community and their role as a Board director.

Questions for the candidates can be submitted to the Election Committee by email to Riverbay2021Eection@riverbaycorp.com. Questions may be directed to one or more candidates by name, or directed to all candidates, and must be received at least 24-48 hours prior to the forum. All submissions must include the shareholder’s name and the best contact information where the election committee may reach the shareholder.

The second candidates’ forum is scheduled for next Saturday, May 1, followed by the final forum on Wednesday, May 5, both also at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, April 9, the Election Committee held a candidates’ meeting that was attended by all 12 of the official candidates. Mr. Jeff Buss, counsel to the Election Committee, reviewed the election rules with the candidates, and, along with committee members, answered questions posed by the candidates to clarify the rules and other issues relevant to their campaigns. A random drawing of the candidates’ name was also held to determine the order in which their names will

Travel

(Continued from page 1)

NYSDOH requires any traveler who develops symptoms of COVID-19 at any point during the 14-day period from when they arrived to self-isolate immediately and contact their healthcare provider or local health department to determine if further testing is needed.

The CDC still strongly advises both domestic and international travelers who are not fully vaccinated, or are not currently recovering from a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last three months, to quarantine following their arrival.

Additionally, all unvaccinated travelers are recommended to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test three to five days following their arrival in New York and consider quarantining for at least 10 days. Unvaccinated travelers are also advised to avoid any close contact with individuals at high risk for serious health complications caused by COVID-19 for at least two weeks after their arrival in New York.

The state travel advisory still asks all travelers regardless of vaccination status to continue adhering to face covering mandates and diligent hand hygiene following their arrival in New York.

“As we work to build our vaccination infrastructure even further and get more shots in arms, we’re making significant progress in winning the footrace between the infection rate and the vaccination rate, allowing us to open new sectors of our economy and start our transition to a new normal in a post-pandemic world,” Governor Cuomo said during a press conference last month in which he announced future updates to the state travel advisory. “As part of that transition, quarantine for domestic travelers is no longer required, but it is still being advised as an added precaution. This is great news, but it is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down. To beat this virus once and for all, we all must continue doing what we know works to stop the spread, including wearing masks, washing our hands and practicing social distancing.”

NYSDOH defines a fully vaccinated individual as one who has had at least two weeks since the final dose of their vaccine. Travelers are defined as recently recovered if they have met the necessary requirements to end their quarantine.

All travelers are still required to fill out a Traveler Health Form unless they have left New York for less than 24 hours or are coming from a contiguous state.

Contiguous states to New York are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. More information on the current state travel advisory and the Traveler Health Form can be found online at coronavirus.health.ny.gov /covid-19-travel-advisory.

As of this week, roughly 25% of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, according to state records.

3

After visiting the testing site on Wednesday, April 14, Mr. Ellison said, “People who thought they were getting the one-shot Johnson & Johnson didn’t seem to have an issue with getting the Moderna and having to come back to get the second shot.”

NYC Health reports as of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, 37% of residents in the 10475 zip code area, including Co-op City and Edenwald, are fully vaccinated.

The data also reports that 45% of residents received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Over 6,275,000 doses have been given to NYC residents to date.

“We still encourage residents to get their vaccinations because the quicker Coop City has mass or herd immunity, the quicker we can open up spaces and get back to normal,” said Mr. Ellison.

Although the Co-op City vaccination hotline status is still pending, Management will have an update some time next week. Until then, residents 18 and older should call (877) 829-4692 or visit https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ to schedule their first dose Moderna vaccine appointments. Onsite staff will schedule second-dose appointments during the first visit. appear on the official election ballot, and the order of the statements in the second election supplement published on pages 25-35 of this issue of the newspaper. That order is Monique Coleman, Sheila Richburg, Alixan Ducreay, Leah Richardson, Akeisha Neely, Isabel Fletcher, Regina Hamilton, Kevin Lambright, Daryl Johnson, Anika Green-Watson, Aminah Lucio and Leslie Peterson. In the final election supplement, the names will be rotated to give each candidate the chance to be in the top half in at least one of the three election supplements. Candidates’ names will also be randomly rotated on the official ballots.

This year, 4,998 votes are needed for a quorum. Shareholders are asked to be on the lookout for their ballots which will be mailed to each household by Election-America on Monday, April 26, 2021 and begin arriving in their boxes shortly thereafter. Only one vote is permitted per eligible household. All shareholders of record as of March 30, 2021 are eligible to vote in the election which will fill five seats on the Board.

Shareholders may choose one of two options to cast their ballot – mail-in or electronically. The voting period spans May 3-21, 2021.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than May 21, 2021, and electronic ballots must be transmitted and received no earlier than 6 a.m. on May 3, and no later than 9 p.m. on May 21, 2021.

Management

4

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

When I came to the community in July 2016, I discovered that Riverbay did not have a CP. That is like driving with your eyes closed. If we do not plan for these projects and only do work when it becomes absolutely necessary, you can end up with unacceptable conditions like falling bricks, out of service elevators and having to park your cars on the Greenways because the garages are deemed unsafe, as happened in the early 2000’s.

By now, most, if not all, residents have been affected by one or more of the capital improvement projects ongoing in the community. They are disruptive, noisy and sometimes dusty, but they are necessary.

I want to give you an update on where we are with the projects and what you will see for the rest of the year and into next year.

First, the elevator modernization project is ahead of schedule and should be completed by October of 2022. As I have previously reported, we have 160 residential elevators. The project was divided into 16 phases with 10 elevators being modernized in each phase. Each phase takes up to three months to complete.

We are currently near the end of phase 10 and NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has started to inspect these elevators so they can be placed back into service. As I write this, 94 elevators have been completed and approved by DOB since the project began in January 2019.

Second, probably the most disruptive of our capital projects to your daily routine is the Local Law 11 façade improvement work. Every five years, property owners of buildings with more than six stories are required to have a licensed engineer or architect complete an inspection of their buildings’ facades and balconies. Any repairs or improvements noted in the report must be done within a limited period of time or we are subject to hefty fines. We are currently in Cycle 8 of LL 11 and began this process in 2017 when the inspection report for Section 5 was filed. The due date for completing and filing the report is determined by the tax block number for the property. Work on half of the 10 buildings has been completed and the remaining five will be completed this year.

The report for Sections 1-4 was filed in 2019. We started work last year on Buildings 9-14 that will be completed this summer. We are in the pre-work phase for Buildings 20-25 and work will begin once all safety bridging and fencing has been installed and approved by DOB. Work for the remaining buildings in this section will be bid out this year and brought to the Board for its approval. It will start next year and be completed by the end of 2023.

We have received questions about the need for the extensive sidewalk bridging and fencing that is installed during this work. This is required by City law and enforced by DOB. In general, a distance half the height of the building to the nearest curb line needs to be protected with a safety measure (bridge or controlled access zone with fencing). So, for instance, if a building is right up against a street, only the sidewalk would need to be covered to the curb of the street. On the other side of the building, we need to close off the area that is equal to half the height of the building if anyone from the public can freely walk there. For instance, our tower buildings are approximately 350 feet tall. Therefore, fencing must be placed 175 feet out from the building or a sidewalk bridge must be erected over a publicly accessible walkway. A lengthy site safety plan for each building must be

filed with and approved by DOB and all safety protection installed before the contractor will be issued permits to start the work.

Also, if you have a balcony, DOB requires that access to it be closed during the work.

Third, we have also began the next phase of replacing building entrances and lobby window glass in the Tower buildings. Last year, we completed the Chevron buildings. The new entrance doors are handicapped accessible and the lobby windows are double pane, thermal insulated replacing the original single pane windows.

Also during the work, we are replacing the intercom panel in the vestibule and replacing the intercom units in each apartment. The work in each lobby takes up to three weeks. After the Tower buildings are completed, we will then move to the Triple Core buildings. The entire project will be completed by the end of 2022.

Fourth, we began extensive concrete repairs to Garage 2. This is the first of our garage preventive maintenance program. We are planning to do similar work to one garage at least every two years. This will address needed structural repairs and spread the cost over several budgets. Garage 8 will be the next structure to be improved, probably starting in 2022.

Fifth, one of the new projects we will bring to the Board this year is façade and roof repairs to the townhouse clusters. As I stated earlier, we are required by law to do periodic inspections of our buildings over six stories tall. That does not apply to the townhouses, but they also need repairs to fix cracked and spalling façades and foundations. We are also going to incorporate a repair on a sample of units to see if it will remedy a recurring problem causing deterioration to some of the unit entrance ways. We hope to recommend a contractor for the Board’s approval in the next few months and start work later this year. The project is scheduled to take three years and we would try to begin work on two to three clusters per year.

Sixth, we will begin a program of upgrading the pump rooms in each building. This work is necessary to ensure safe, uninterrupted delivery of water and heating/cooling to the buildings. We are repairing all deteriorated pump support bases, replacing aged pumps or rebuilding them when feasible, improving drainage and lighting in the rooms and replacing damaged pipe insulation. This program will take three years to complete.

Finally, as part of our enhanced safety programs, we will be continuing our sidewalk preventive maintenance program to replace cracked, raised and otherwise deteriorated sections of our walkways to prevent trips and falls. The Board has budgeted $300,000 per year for this program.

These capital projects are not inexpensive, however, from the first CP we created in 2016, we have tried to triage the work so the most critically needed projects were tackled first and the remaining necessary work would be done over several budgets in an attempt to limit the size of carrying charge and fee increases. It would be easy for me to tell the Board and the community that everything is fine and no work is needed so you would have zero increases every year, but that would be professional malpractice. All of the current and future projects are necessary for maintaining Co-op City as a safe, attractive and viable community.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

LOOKING TO PLAN

5

To begin, we are saddened to report on the loss of the YOUR NEXT mothers of two members, Mr. Anthony Cox and Ms. Ellie GETAWAY, REUNION, Acker (long-time member). We are truly sorry for your GRADUATION, loss. We offer you and your family our deepest condolences.

ANNIVERSARY OR...

May their souls R.I.P. May our prayers ease you through this difficult time. Blessings.

AS YOU DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE CROWDS, In addition, we are saddened WHILE ENJOYING ALL THE AMENITIES, TOO! to report the passing of Ms. Mary Ponton, a member of our Anthony Cox THEN LOOK NO FURTHER! newsletter committee.

WE'VE GOT A SELECTION OF VILLAS JUST FOR YOU! Our Zoom meeting on April 7 was so uplifting. Personally, I loved it. Our guest speakers ‘Stepped It Up.’ One of our Queens recited a poem entitled, “America, I CALL POOCHIE @: don’t understand.” The words were so profound and in646.484.9206 sightful. You could only reflect on what in this world is poochiespicks.com so valued by many. And in the words of the author, “Why in the land of the free we see more chains on our feet?”

COME TRAVEL Ms. Mary Ponton She said, “So I’ll continue to get down on my knees and WITH POOCHIE! pray, God save America; I don’t understand her ways.”

We then heard from our next “Queen” who shared her life experience during her working years, how she had to uphold her profession with respect and integrity regardless of what she felt or thought, she maintained her profession to very high standards in order to service others.

Lastly, yours truly spoke. Who am I? A “Queen” with many gifts and talents. A passion for community and service in and out of the church. In short, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Thank you, ladies, you are a blessing. Taking this further The application deadline is April 30 and for those who have been to our meetings, it’s not difficult to share. We share what’s in our hearts. Come on! I’m waiting on your participation. Let’s talk about

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND it; contact 718-708-6489. You can all do it! Waiting!

Our “Queens” The Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship appliUpcoming: Mother’s Day Spectacular, May 1. Alternate date: May 8 (Greenway) cations are available online at 1-3:30 p.m. Let’s step it up! Fashionistas, this is an All-White event. Dress to impress. Program: MC, award, kevinshawjrfoundation.org.

Retirettes Rose Ceremony, 50/50, birthday celebration, talents. Of course, pics, pics, pics. Step out...tell others.

The scholarship is named in June: Fathers’ Day Flavor, June 12; alternate date: June 19 (Greenway) memory of Kevin T. Shaw Jr., Outings: We will continue to use our van. Contact Dorothy Byrd. a Co-op City resident whose Praise report: It was reported by Lillian Odom, treasurer, that many have been paying dues. Awesome! Contact life was cut short in 2015.

Kevin was known and recJoanne Harris to pay dues; check your email for info. Membership cards will be mailed out ASAP. Thank you. ognized as a passionate young Prayer request: For those who have had losses in their families. man who valued “education, Outreach: Call our beloved Josephine Flowers. Give her a shout. hard work, and perseverance.”

Stay in the loop...Be active and proactive. Our community is on the rise and we need to support each other Kevin’s mother, Sakeena and all the organizations that serve us. It’s about community. We all play a part. Blessings, brethren. Be safe.

Shaw, said of her son: “Kevin Give honor and praise to Almighty God for great things He has done and is doing; only ... because He is God. Kevin Shaw Jr. would be honored to know —Gladys Baez he’s helping others through scholarship because it is something that speaks to his character. He was 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors Election a person who was dedicated to helping others and who valued education.”

First virtual Candidates’ Forum to be held Wed., April 21.

The annual scholarship gives high school seniors Stay tuned to the Crawler for broadcast information. monetary awards to assist with financing their college education. This year, six scholarships are available for students who meet the requirements listed on the Kevinshawjrfoundation.org website. According to the site, “The scholarship recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates exemplary leadership and academic success.”

Students will need to meet the following criteria to apply: • Attend a high school in New York City and be 2089 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 (Next to Sangria Café) a person of the African Diaspora, Latino/a, or Latinx background • Demonstrate financial need • Current high school student graduating in Spring We at ATC, while practicing strict social distancing, of 2021 or recipient of a GED and continually disinfecting our work areas, encour• Cumulative average at least 80%, or an average GED score of 3000 age clients to consider having their taxes prepared in • Accepted as a full-time and first-time matrica “no touch” environment. We can offer this by using ulating freshman in Fall semester 2021 at an acregular mail, email, or texts whenever possible. credited college or university to pursue a Baccalaureate or Associate degree when the award is preWe Offer: Email, Mail, Fax & Text Picture sented.

Interested candidates have until April 30 to subText: 631-871-1487; 914-648-1422 mit applications for the scholarships. “The Kevin Limited to 3 pictures or less.

Shaw Jr. Foundation provides scholars with financial New clients only. resources to attend some of the finest Colleges and Incl. Federal, State and City.

Call: 347-947-4455 Universities,” according to the Foundation’s website.

Three source documents: Call for a FREE pre-paid mail envelope.

In the last five years since the scholarship foundation W-2, 1099R, or SSA 1099. was established in Kevin’s memory, it has awarded Mail: 2089 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 close to two dozen scholarships to qualified students, Additional documents, credits Drop-off/Walk-in Appointment and all eligible high school seniors are encouraged & schedules slightly higher. to apply. For an application, additional information Email: alan.stentiford61@gmail.com OFFER INCLUDES FREE EFILE, on requirements and eligibility, please visit Kevingsansone1@optimum.net shawjrfoundation.org or email questions to KevinCOPIES, REPRESENTATION shawjrfoundation@gmail.com.

AND YEAR-ROUND SERVICE. Fax: 561-431-0830

Annual Kevin Shaw Jr. Scholarship Foundation accepting applications

It’s Tax Time Again!

We Offer An Introductory Rate of

$99!

6

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Amended Second Reading – Resolution #21-08 (Reprint of Resolution 21-08 to correct a mistake in the vote tally as published in the Saturday, April 10, 2021 issue of the Co-op City Times.)

SUBMITTED BY: Mary Pearson SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 5, 2021

WHEREAS, Management has prepared the proposed budget for fiscal 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 for Riverbay Corporation based on maintaining the current level of services for shareholders; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget also includes funding for the Five Year Capital Plan which will provide necessary infrastructure repairs to Co-op City; and WHEREAS, the proposed budget requires a 2.0% (two percent) increase in carrying charges effective January 1, 2022 in order to maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2023 all subject to review, analysis and discussion with the HCR; and WHEREAS, for the month ended February 2021, the average carrying charges per room per month is $233.35 and this amount includes utilities. This amount became effective January 1, 2021 based on authorization by the HCR in 2019; and WHEREAS, the 2.0% carrying charge increase effective January 1st, 2022 will raise the current average carrying charges from $233.35 per room per month to $238.02 per room per month; This increase will enable Riverbay Corporation to meet its obligations; and WHEREAS, the Parking rates were last increased in August 2017, effective April 1, 2021 the Parking rates will be increased 10% to enable Riverbay Corporation to fund its Capital Projects costs; and WHEREAS, the Hall Closet rates were last increased in August 2008, and effective April 1, 2021 the Hall Closet rates will be increased 40% to enable Riverbay Corporation to fund its Capital Projects costs; and WHEREAS, the Basement Storage rates are to be increased by 25% effective April 1, 2021 to enable Riverbay Corporation to fund its Capital Projects costs; and WHEREAS, the current equity rate is $5,500.00 per room which was established in September 2019; in order to fund the Capital Project costs as listed in the proposed budget the equity shall be increased by $2,000.00 per room, to $7,500.00 per room with all additional funds generated from this $2,000.00 per room increase to be utilized on Capital

Shareholders, be on the look-out for your 2021 Riverbay Board of Elections voting ballots which will be mailed to you by Election-America on Monday, April 26, 2021!

Project costs; and NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE, RESOLVED: that the proposed Riverbay Corporation Budget for the fiscal years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 is approved and Management and the Board President are authorized to process the necessary application with the NYS HCR for the above stated carrying charge increase. Upon the NYS HCR’s review and approval, Management is authorized to implement the carrying charge increase that the Commissioner of the HCR authorizes.

And that the $2,000.00 per room increase in equity, the Parking rate increase, the Hall Closet rate increase, and the Basement Storage rate increase all as stated above are approved and Management and the Board President are authorized to submit these increase requests to the NYS HCR, and upon their approval that the equity increase shall take place the first of the month following their approval, and all the other rate increases shall be effective April 1, 2021.

YES: Berk, Cylich, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Rosario, Sampson NO: Feliciano, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders ABSENT: Johnson PASSED

“SAFE RIVERBAY” April Report Safely disposing of home-generated used sharps Sharps not disposed of safely are a health hazard The best way to protect Riverbay staff, garbage handlers and sewage treatment workers against disease or injury and avoid attracting drug abusers looking for syringes to reuse is to follow the following guidelines for containment and disposal of used sharps.

Containment • Contain the sharps safely in your own home: • Use a puncture-proof plastic container with a tight-fitting screw top. A plastic soda bottle or bleach bottle is good. Don’t use glass because it can break. Coffee cans are not recommended because the plastic lids come off too easily.

• Label the container clearly. Write “Contains Sharps” with a waterproof marker directly on the container or on masking tape affixed to the container.

• Once you have used a syringe or lancet, immediately put it into your container. Secure with the cover. Don’t clip, bend or recap the needles because you could injure yourself.

• Keep the container away from children.

• When the container is full, screw on the cap tightly. Seal it with heavy-duty tape to be extra safe.

Disposal There are different options for getting rid of the container of sharps. Some cities and towns have more options than others.

Here are the best bets for safety, health and protection of the environment: • Call your doctor, pharmacy, or clinic and ask if they accept properly-contained sharps for disposal. Effective July 1, 1995, hospitals and nursing homes were required to accept properly-contained home medical waste for disposal.

• Ask your diabetes educator or local American Diabetes Association chapter about sharps disposal programs.

• Call your local health department and ask for the health educator. Ask about special household medical waste disposal programs.

• Call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and ask for a list of licensed medical waste transporters who provide collection service to your area.

• New York State law allows disposal of household sharps, along with household trash. Local laws, however, may prohibit this. Consult your local department of public works for information about laws that apply in your area.

• Do not put Sharps containers out with the recyclable plastics.

• Sharps are not recyclable.

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 347-697-6381 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

7

CCPD urges cooperators to wear and properly dispose of masks for Earth Day

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

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, Riverbay Corporation put in effect a new policy regarding the wearing of masks. Non-compliant shareholders who fail or refuse to properly wear masks or face coverings are subject to a $50.00 Community Complaint violation. These fines double for repeat violations. This new Community Complaint received approval from the New York State DHCR (Division of Homes and Community Renewal) due to mandates in effect within New York State.

On Thursday, April 22, 2021, we celebrate Earth Day for the 51st time since Earth Day began in 1970. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is “Restore our Earth.” Earth Day has been set aside as a day when we focus on what we can do to keep our planet clean and green. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges residents to remember to wear their masks every day and properly dispose of their masks when done with them. Used masks and gloves should not litter our Co-op City landscape. Apply Earth Day principles every day to keep our community and the planet beautiful and healthy.

Various activities usually take place during Earth Week focused on conservation and cleaning up the planet. This year many in person activities have shifted to virtual events. It is still important for everyone to do their part to reduce litter and conserve resources. Always look for a garbage can to throw away litter. Garbage thrown on the ground can find its way into the storm drains and eventually into the waterways.

Items that are not biodegradable post a serious hazard to marine life.

Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators, and laundry rooms. The high volume of persons passing through these locations make it a very important requirement to wear a mask. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members. Be sure to instruct all family members and guests of the mask-wearing requirement in Co-op City common areas. This includes work persons and delivery persons.

Cooperators should never confront other cooperators who are not wearing a mask. Mask wearing is a very sensitive issue to many residents. All age groups have a valid concern over their neighbors taking every possible precaution to reduce transmission of Covid-19. We must all be especially mindful that Co-op City has a substantial senior community that is particularly susceptible to the virus.

Even those who may not be required to wear a mask must remain sensitive to the perception and level of concern this presents to other cooperators. Public Safety frequently responds to complaints and concerns from cooperators on both sides of the mask wearing conundrum. Please wear a mask when entering or remaining in any public space. It is still a mandatory requirement to wear a mask while in

Public Safety Report

Exclusive vaccine registration hotline for Co-op City shareholders extended indefinitely

Co-op City Management, NYC Department of Health (DOH) and NYC Vaccine Command Center are continuing their collaboration to serve the residents of Co-op City and ensure that every shareholder who wants a COVID-19 vaccine does not have to travel outside of the community to be vaccinated.

Recently, Management successfully secured approval from the DOH to train Riverbay staff members to register vaccine appointments, and an exclusive hotline, manned by Riverbay personnel, has been set up for eligible Co-op City residents to call 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.

Since that time, the registration service has been extended indefinitely. Currently in New York, individuals 16 years and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, although the Dreiser site was only offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until it was paused earlier this week. Since then, the site is dispensing the Moderna vaccine.

Eligible Co-op City residents18 years and older who 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, classified as building service workers, are also now eligible to receive the vaccine and are encouraged to contact the hotline to schedule their appointment at the Dreiser Auditorium where the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being administered.

Last month, the city also rolled out its Homebound Vaccination program in Co-op City. The service is now available city-wide. Co-op City shareholders who are homebound can register their interest in getting the vaccine 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.

Public Safety Blotter 04/04/21 – 04/10/21 April 04, 2021 2053 Bartow Avenue CCPD officers responded to the front of this location where a dispute between a Lyft driver and its passengers occurred. The passengers wanted to make use of the front seat to accommodate all in the party. However, an officer explained to them that as per TLC regulations in response to the Covid crisis, passengers were not permitted to use the front seat. This explanation appeased the passengers, and they exited the car to await a more accommodating vehicle.

2055 Bartow Avenue CCPD responded to this location and filed a report for a larceny of store merchandise. Apparently as many as five teens entered the store and removed merchandise without permission or authority. The incident is under investigation.

April 05, 2021 – 2053 Bartow Avenue A female purchasing cigarettes became belligerent when asked for ID (as required by law to purchase cigarettes). The female proceeded to cause minor damage within the location and then fled the area.

April 08, 2021 A passenger vehicle making a right turn onto Darrow Place struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital by EMS. public space on the grounds of Co-op City.

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 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the New York City Department of Health for recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

The good news about wearing masks is that masks have also been effective in preventing the spread of flu and other illnesses. The CDC reports record low Influenza positivity rates. The combination of more people getting flu shots and wearing masks may also be responsible for this decrease of incidence of flu infection. Even though it is late in the season, get your flu shot if you have not already done so. Speak to your doctor in regard to vaccinations you should receive.

Wearing a mask or face covering prevents Covid-19 and other types of germs from spreading from one person to another. There is even a recommendation that people wear two masks in certain situations. By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of exposure to flu and other illnesses. The Department of Public Safety offers these tips to keep you safe during the cold and flu season. We have come so far and with the proper actions, we can minimize (Continued on page 39)

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 / April 17, 2021

8 Director’s Viewpoint – Rod

At a Board business meeting weeks ago, we listened to a proposal for Riverbay Corp. to consider a Wells Fargo offer to take out a second HUD backed financial loan. The offer was made because it is clear that the Board, and our shareholders, have acted responsibly in accepting prior increases to our carrying charges to meet Co-op City’s responsibilities, as well as meeting our unforeseen, but absolutely necessary capital construction expenditure obligations.

The interest rates at that specific time (and continues to be now) were on par with the historically low rates that Wells Fargo gave us back in 2012. Now, thanks in part to the advocacy of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Jamaal Bowman, both of whom came here last week to announce that they had sent a letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge to “clear a path” to move the loan’s processing along.

A substantial capital construction loan now would positively impact our financial ability to move forward and take care of the items that are absolutely essential, and some which may be non-essential.

We can agree to disagree on what is and isn’t essential, however, with the probability of a Wells Fargo/HUD refinance approval in Co-op City’s near future, it would now seem that an increase in our carrying charges, garage and storage fees, should not be imposed upon shareholders during a pandemic, and that a 2% increase now– should not be an option.

Riverbay Corp.’s financial situation is projected to be a surplus for 2 years, before we begin to run into a capital construction spending deficit. Successful refinancing would remove that burden from shareholders, and then the Board can work diligently with our Management team to plan with financial certainty and confidence as to how we manage our capital expenditures going forward.

Annual Shareholders’ Meeting Every year, Riverbay Corp. holds a shareholders meeting which has been set forth to elect 5 (sometimes 6) Riverbay Board directors. Initially, voting for Board directors was done by paper ballots which were deposited in a box that was positioned in our buildings’ lobbies, and then at the time designated by the election committee, those boxes were picked up by Coop City’s security officers, sealed at the site, and then brought to Bartow Center’s room 31 for count by cooperator volunteers.

There were irregularities, but ultimately, none proved substantial enough to change the outcome of an election.

Then the corporation moved to the older “pull lever” machines in our buildings, which I happen to think were much better system of getting shareholders to vote for their candidates of choice. The cost of renting those machine from the NYC Board of Elections proved to be too costly, so the Board voted to abandon that process.

The current voting process takes advantage of today’s digital capabilities, with optional mail-in ballots for those who prefer do handle their voting “the old fashion way.” Whatever works best for the shareholder is great, just as long as you vote!

Work to Do Along with the importance of the corporation’s budget, comes the issues that cooperators feel are most important because that particular item greatly impacts their quality of life. There is not one of us who has not, in one way or another, been impacted by the manner in which we navigate through our Maintenance Dept.

In my opinion, making adjustments to our Maintenance Dept. that is designed to answer calls immediately, respond to emergency issues immediately, make and keep appointments for work to be done

Never out of options

Saunders, Second Vice President

within our apartments satisfactorily, has to be a top priority for the Board and Management.

In my building, cooperators have not been dissatisfied with the washers and dryer that were installed under the last contract. In my building, the washing machines breakdown often, and the dryers make you pay more money than before to get your clothes dry.

The Board needs to determine whether that is a building issue, or spread throughout the community.

Need to monitor decisions being made in and around our community In the past couple of years, Co-op City residents have been asked to step up and advocate for and against actions that affect our everyday quality of life.

While the majority of our cooperators were not supportive of the proposed animal shelter being built here, the show of support was impressive. The impressive turnout that cooperators gave the MTA meeting in support for our bus routes was nothing short

of fantastic.

Whether it has been about signage, a zoning change, or the proposed exit from the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway onto Bartow Avenue, Co-op City residents have rallied together, requested, and received the support of our elected representatives, and have been pretty successful having decisions made that enhance, rather than endanger, our quality of life here. As former MTA President Andy Byford once explained to an audience, Co-op City is an anomaly, and no one can compare their needs with ours.

To ensure that we continue along that well-traveled path, Co-op City residents have to remain vigilant, and ready to advocate for what is in our best interests. In doing so, we will continue to be the biggest, yet best, community in this country.

Please continue to be safe, remember to vote, and thank you for reading my viewpoint.

I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

State tests are optional for Grades 3-8 this year

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

For the more than 1.1 million public school students in New York City, this time of the academic year usually means state exams.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state exams had to be cancelled last year, but this time around the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is giving parents the option to sign their child up for an exam if they wish to do so.

Tests will be administered on site at school buildings and students must come in-person if they wish to take the exam. Parents should have already been contacted by their school inquiring about their potential interest in having their child participate in this year’s state exams.

However, parents of students who are in fully remote learning this school year should contact their child’s school if they want their child to take this year’s state exams, because fully remote students are not expected to take the state exams this year but still have the option to do so.

Fully remote students will not have to sign the mandatory COVID-19 testing form in order to take a state exam but will need to fill out a DOE health screening form to enter their respective school building.

The DOE health screening form can be found online at healthscreening.schools.nyc.

No exams will be administered remotely so all students intending on taking an exam must show up in-person at their school.

In a normal setting, both the ELA and mathematics examinations are two-day events but only the first portion, the multiple choice, will be administered this year, according to the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) website. NYCDOE also highlights that the science exams for grades 4 through 8 will consist of only questions that are multiple choice or require a short-written answer.

Parents should also be aware that any student who chooses to not participate in the 2021 NYS ELA, math or science exams will not be penalized in any way, according to the NYCDOE. NYS ELA exams are scheduled to take place during the window of April 19 through April 29. NYS mathematics exams are scheduled to happen during the window of May 3 through May 14. Lastly, NYS science exams are currently scheduled to take place starting June 7 and continue through June 11.

Parents who decided to have their child participate in a state exam this year will be contacted by their child’s school with the specific time and date of the exam. All schools will continue adhering to COVID19 health and safety protocols during the exam windows.

Schools will also try their best to accommodate parents who happen to change their decision after the testing window has started.

Parents hoping to have more clarity on how this year’s state exams could count toward their child’s future admission chances into the city school programs that screen applicants, will have to wait as the NYCDOE says 2022-2023 admission information is “forthcoming.” Although, changes to the admissions process were made for the 2021-2022 cycle to accommodate last year’s lack of testing, which could mean the process is not entirely an unchangeable one.

Additional information on the testing process for this year can be found online at schools.nyc.gov/ learning/testing/student-participation-guide.

New York City Speed Limit The speed limit in New York City is

25 MPH unless otherwise posted.

—Riverbay Safety Department

9

Happy Birthday, Alyssa Alyssa Carter - We experience many joys as we go thru life, but none can be more rewarding than contributing to the growth and maturing of a grandchild. Alyssa has given us many joyous moments to reflect on over the last 17 years. We pray that she will continue to excel both spiritually and academically as she continues her journey.

We love you. Happy birthday!

–Grandpa Ted, Grandma Dot, Mom, Dad, Amanda, Aaliyah, Jay, Uncle Jermaine

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

10 Director’s Viewpoint – Mary

Pearson, Secretary

Marching orders I got my marching orders again this week from our Section 5 line dance maven. Last time, I was directed to investigate everything there was to know about the new anti-Covid vaccine.

It was 1/1/21 and it was all still brand new. Legitimate concerns as well as wild conspiracy theories were everywhere. She wanted to know if the governor and mayor had taken the vaccine, what exactly was in the vaccine (Gates’ microchips?!), what were the side effects, will they tell you which vaccine you’re getting, how soon will you need a follow-up shot, will you still need to wear a mask afterward?

That was on January first. I answered every question I could and later wrote all about it in the 1/9/21 edition of the Co-op City Times.

Almost three and a half months later, we still don’t know the answer to the mask-wearing dilemma or the necessity of booster shots and their scheduling. But I did find the origin of the Gates’ chip source.

Gates had suggested putting microchips on the vials of vaccine for tracking purposes since the contents were, and still are, so precious. So those theft preventative speculative chips became, in the minds of the exaggerators and political manipulators, nanotechnology from the realm of science fiction. I told her then and I repeat it now: examine the source.

But even the best and most trustworthy of sources still don’t have all the answers, especially now that the coronavirus mutations – or variants – account for more and more of the new infections. Until conclusively directed otherwise, as burdensome as it is, we must continue to wear a mask indoors when with others, in all enclosed spaces – like the elevators and laundry rooms – even when alone, as well as while outdoors in crowded situations.

Since that’s our reality, the least we can do is try to make mask-wearing as comfortable as possible.

Hence my obsession with mask frames.

Today, I, my all-but-deflated purple balloon, and my frames, will be at Bartow Center from about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last Saturday, Einstein was my maskframe demonstration and distribution target after two Saturdays of passing the little wonders out at Dreiser.

But this time, I had company.

As I said, I got my marching orders from our Section 5 line dance maven once again this week. Madam X (actually her last name contains an X) had an idea inspired by two factors: 1.) indoor line dancing being banned for a year, and 2.) the summer 2019, 50th Anniversary Pioneers’ social.

The anniversary event included a tent and dance floor for a line dance presentation. Let’s replicate that here in Section 5, she said, but make it a permanent structure with a roof. A gazebo, I asked? No… a pavilion! Oh, how the community’s line dancers, jump-ropers, and generic gatherers would love a fair-weather installation like that. But where we gonna put it? A bit of scouring Google maps landed the imagined pavilion in a spot behind tower Bldg. 35 smack dab next to the area’s Big Tot Lot (currently behind bars – behind fencing, actually, due to mandatory Local Law 11 safety regulations. But more on that later).

So, Madam X wrote me this on Thursday, April 8.

Just three days earlier, on Monday, April 5, word had come from the office of Congressman Bowman regarding a last-minute Community Projects Funding opportunity. What a coincidence! Good news travels fast and I was instructed to get a move on to see if we could get a piece of that funding. Seems, earlier that day, a little birdie had told Mm. X that the Riverbay Fund would be holding an emergency meeting the following Monday, April 12, to select a project for submission.

That inspired me to dust off a plan of my own that

I’d repeatedly written about in these pages.

Section 5 has a brilliant natural waterfront with a grand view of Goose Island. That view can be immensely enjoyed … in the winter… while walking. That’s because when winter ends, the wild brush maniacally grows and blocks the view. And “while walking” because there is nary a water-facing bench along the path by the water’s edge. Why, oh, why, I’ve bemoaned year after year, can’t we give ourselves a quickety-quickety shoe-string budget of a water view while everyone’s waiting for the Co-op City Blvd. Waterside Park to be completed? All we’d need to do is clear the brush, extend the pathway, plant a few more trees, place some benches, and replace the dilapidated chain link fence with a spiffy wrought iron one. And there we’d have it: a three season, spring through fall, Section 5 oasis.

Plans were drawn, maps were manipulated, flyers, a poster, and petitions were produced. And that’s how I ended up having mask-frame-distributing company last Saturday. We gave out about 150 mask-frames and

collected more than a hundred signatures from people who agreed that it would be so nice to have a place to sit and look at the water (or the mud, depending on the tide) and to dance the afternoons away in Section 5. Fingers crossed! But if not through “gov’mint” funding, it’s something to aim for down the road, because the people have spoken!

And boy did they do some spoken-ing last Saturday.

The maybe new BxM7 bus stop. A BxM7 bus stop sign popped up a couple of weeks ago directly across the street from where – up until last November – the old one used to be. The curb has not yet been painted yellow, but tickets are already being maddeningly handed out like hot cakes. That was one issue I got an earful of.

Fencing issue: New fences around Buildings 28, 29, 32, 34 and 35 are blocking old paths. The fencing is necessary. Please let me know specifically where better signage could be of use.

You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211. or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

BBB Scam Alert

Vaccine Passports are coming.

Scams too!

Vaccine passports – digital records of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status – are on their way. This is likely to be a QR code on your phone, which you scan to enter a flight or event. As with any major new initiative, scammers always find ways to take advantage of the confusion and anxiety surrounding the change. Be on the lookout for vaccine passport cons.

Tips to avoid a vaccine passport scam The companies developing the passport apps hope the technology will allow industries – such as travel and events – to return to normal, while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

However, scams are very likely to pop up as the apps roll out.

Here's what to watch out for: • Be skeptical of any vaccine passport app the claims to be from the U.S. federal government. Right now, the U.S. federal government has no plans to create a national vaccine passport. Email, calls, text messages that claim the government is requiring such a passport are likely scams.

• Flying or attending an event? Check with the company directly. You may need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccine to attend an event or board a flight. As with all things related to COVID-19, policies are frequently changing. Be sure to check with your airline, sports team, event venue, etc. beforehand to get the latest details.

• Don’t buy fraudulent vaccine cards. Don’t support scammers and undermine the vaccine effort by buying a black market vaccine card. Misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated means you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19.

• Research carefully. If you receive an invitation to download a COVID-19 vaccine passport app, be sure to do your research before entering your personal information. Scammers are very creative, so be skeptical of anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true.

Double check any information against official news sources and company websites.

• Guard your government-issued numbers. Never offer your Medicare ID number, Social Security number, health plan information, or banking information to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don't post your vaccine card on social media.

• Think the link may be real? Double check the URL. Scammers often buy official-looking URL domains to use in their cons. Be careful to ensure that the link destination is really what it claims to be. If the message claims to be from the government, make sure the URL ends in .gov (for the United States) or .ca (for Canada). When in doubt, perform a separate internet search for the website or call the source directly.

For more information The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has identified many ways in which scammers are cashing in the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about fake vaccine surveys, vaccine scams, contract tracing cons, and government agency imposters.

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Anonymous calls to Public Safety

Periodically, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, it has been reported to Management 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 taking place and in most cases who the individuals involved are, as well.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

—Riverbay Management

11

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

12

17th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair is tomorrow

Director’s Viewpoint – Cheryl

Dear cooperators, The 17th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair, sponsored by the African-American Association, will take place tomorrow, Sunday, April 18, at 3:00 p.m. We look forward to spearheading a movement to make the month of April, National Wholistic Health & Wellness Month.

Join us on the Zoom Meeting ID: 874 4629 8868; Passcode: 239356. The NY Dial-in number is 646-5588656.

The Fair will feature Dr. James McIntosh, MD, a Psychiatry Specialist; co-Founder and co-Chairman of the Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP); and host of “Mind Field,” a radio show on WBAI 99.5 FM. We will also feature Co-op City’s own Sister NfrKaRaa, who is educated in hypnotherapy, play therapy, polarity and pranic healing (forms of energy work); aromatherapy, EFT (tapping), NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming), working with crystals and sound. She has trained with many renowned wholistic experts.

Other Co-op City health enthusiasts joining us are: Sister Bridget Bonaparte, business owner of Green Earth Apothecary in the Dreiser Mall, will discuss the benefits of organic products. Sister Xonia Wilson will discuss and demonstrate the benefits of belly dancing; Sister Gail Sharbaan will tell you of the delicious vegetables and herbs grown at Rivers Run Community Garden; and Brother Keith Logan, business owner of Quality of Life Juices, will talk about the grand opening of his store in the Einstein Mall.

The Fair will include important messages, demonstrations, testimonials and several quizzes and prizes.

Your health is your wealth! Protect it! Should you have any questions or concerns, please call 718-671-5957.

We will give homage to Imhotep, the world’s first doctor, because he was a genius. In ancient Kemet (now called Egypt), Imhotep was the Chancellor to the Pharaoh Djoser (2630-2611 bce) of the Third Dynasty, the architect of Djoser’s Step Pyramid, and high priest of the Sun God Ra. It is amazing that this edifice still stands. He was worshipped as the god of medicine and healing. Please learn more about him so that you may teach your children and grandchildren of his contributions to humanity.

Together, we can make the month of April “National Wholistic Health & Wellness Month.” We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

Riverbay Board Elections Your participation in the Board elections is very important. In order for the election to be valid, a quorum of 4,998 shareholders must vote. This represents one-third of the shareholders eligible to vote as of March 30, 2021.

There are 12 candidates competing for a seat on the Board and for your vote. Don’t let them down. Please get to know them. The candidates are permitted to write three different statements for each of three editions in this newspaper. Their statements appear in today’s edition and will appear in next Saturday’s edition.

You can also get to know the candidates at the can-

When driving in the Parking Garages, please follow all posted signs and speed limits, and stay aware of your surroundings.

AVOID ACCIDENTS!

Jenkins

didates’ forums. The first one will be held on Wednesday, April 21; the second one on Saturday, May 1; and the third and final forum on Wednesday, May 5. The time of all of the forums is 7:30 p.m. The forums will be rebroadcast on Riverbay’s public access channels and WebEx account.

Please show your support and vote for up to 5 of these candidates. The voting begins on May 3rd and ends on May 21st. Your vote is needed. When you receive your ballot at the end of this month, please vote for up to five (5) candidates that you think would best represent the community. Vote and mail your ballot ASAP. If you choose to vote online, you may do so. If we do not receive a quorum, the election will be ex-

tended. We would not need an extension if all eligible shareholders would vote in a timely manner. Please do your part.

Sympathies It is regrettable that two of our young, gifted African Americans have passed away. Midwin Charles, Esq., an attorney and CNN and MSNBC legal analyst, was only 47 years old when she died on April 6, 2021. Earl Simmons a/k/a DMX, a rapper, songwriter and actor, died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 50 years old. My condolences are extended to their families and friends.

Please stay safe and well. Covid-19 is still with us.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at cjenkins@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

13

Broun Place Townhouse Association

April weather is exhibiting the usual spring phenomena – heavy wind and rain to beautiful sunshine. One afternoon, strong wind under Building 23’s portico caught someone and blew him into a small tree. Then a woman, two youngsters, a dog, plus shopping cart in tow, came from the same portico. They too were taken and flew across the path. Thankfully, a group further on the path came to their aide. It was a relief to see children’s hands held and all walking across safely.

Thank you, Mr. Bob Klehammer, GM, for the Management Report update on the repair work connected to the February 26, 2021 fire that resulted in the power outage and extensive use of exterior generators. Hopefully, the project will be accomplished, and repair work completed as projected in April.

Thank you to Community Affairs director, Ms. Michelle Sajous, and Ms. Leandra Alexander-Peters, for setting up the seminar on Ranked Choice Voting.

The Grounds Department replaced and repaired wooden fence stakes around bushes and pedestrian walkways. Thank you very much for getting this important landscape feature readied for spring. A broken bench was noticed on the path to DeKruif Place and a photo sent to Grounds director, Mr. Michael Ambo, who promptly responded. It was scheduled for next day repair. Thank you for the reply and the action taken.

Goose Island

2022, 50th Anniversary plans – Monday, June 6, 2022. Phase 1: Dear members and friends, we are going to a restaurant in City Island for dining and dancing. (restaurant and price to be announced).

Trip to Villa Roma – Thursday, June 9, 2022. Phase 2: Doo-Wop show, luncheon and a day of fun all for $92. A choice of entrées – roast loin of pork, chicken parmigiana over linguine or Flounder Francese, all served with chef’s choice starch and vegetables. A $20 refundable deposit, your choice of entrée and bus seat selection is required when signing up for trip. Must show proof of vaccination.

For reservation, call: 347-847-1941.

COVID vaccine – For homebound vaccinations, call 877-VAX-4NYC (877829-4692) or register online at forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound. People 16 years and older may dial 311 or go to Dreiser Auditorium Vaccine site, 2nd floor, to sign up for appointment.

Club reopening – I still haven’t heard anything from Riverbay on an opening date. When we are given permission to reopen, all members are to be vaccinated.

CDC has new guidelines for fully vaccinated people. We must wear masks and follow social distancing in public but if everyone in a room is vaccinated, masks and distancing is optional.

Tax preparation – Dial 311 for Senior Free Tax Preparation or keep checking Co-op City Times. Anyone with more information, please contact me.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of April: Guinette Romaine, Wendy Berch, Alphonso Gonzales, Ione Foote and Myrta Willems.

Sick and Shut-in – Edna Trujillo had a stroke. She is going through rehab.

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, in 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.

LAW OFFICE OF

ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS

Christopher W. Edwards, P.C. • Auto Accidents • Slip & Fall • School and Playground • Death Cases • Fire & Explosions • Nursing Home Injuries • Scaffold Accidents

• Stairs & Elevator • Spinal & Brain Injuries • Construction Accidents • Birth Injuries • Medical Malpractice • Dog Bites • False Arrest

FREE CONSULTATION AT HOME OR HOSPITAL NO RECOVERY - NO FEE!!!!

3049 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469

(718) 671-4910

A question to the Board of Directors’ virtual forum is being submitted regarding the possibility of dedicating the new auditorium to Mrs. Martha Howell, former director of the Northeast Bronx Cultural Center. It is hoped that the Riverbay Board of Directors would support this motion. Prayers and condolences to Ms. Howell’s family and friends.

The Co-op City vaccine site is up and running now. Get it now, age is no longer a stipulation. The vaccine does not change DNA or harm you. For more information on vaccines, visit: nyc.gov/covidvaccine, or call 3-1-1. The following is the help site for all your questions on COVID-19: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/gettested/covid-19-testing.page. See the TV crawler for more. Thank you to the Coop City Times for keeping cooperators fully informed on all that is going on. Read your weekly Co-op City Times, it contains interesting and important news of our Co-op City community. It makes for a great and diverse community newspaper.

Use the CDC-recommended guideline weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a clean face mask, (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep at least six feet between you and others, finally, wash hands frequently. Don’t take the mask off to speak. The Governor has increased the business hours and occupancy allowed for indoor dining.

Are you missing supermarket weekly inserts? The contractor did not have permission to distribute in Co-op City. Refer the local market manager to the Co-op City Times for advertising information.

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

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

14

Building 22A & 22B Association

April showers bring May flowers. The trees and plants are showing the beauty of nature.

Vaccine: Remember to get your shots to stay healthy. Co-op City sites are still open. To make an appointment, call 718-879-5950. Continue to wear your masks, sanitize and social distance.

Election: Candidates are printed in the Co-op City Times.

Lobby doors: The (B) side of our building is still having difficulty with the handicap button; it was reported again and should be fixed this week.

2020 income affidavits: Affidavits are in the mail. Date has been extended to May 31, 2021. No notary required.

Laundry room etiquette: Please continue to remove your clothes on time.

Compactor room: Keep the room clean, take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc., to basement.

Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Check on the elderly, the sick and shutins. Happy birthday to all. If you see something, say something.

Thank you.

—Betty Leak

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. I hope everyone is enjoying their week.

Last Friday, the association held a special virtual meeting to educate our members about the importance of being prepared for an emergency. This event was in response to the blackout that affected Section One of Co-op City in late February. This was such an important event that the association extended an invitation to our neighboring cooperators in Buildings 17 and 18 to join us at our meeting so they can benefit from the information, in addition to our members. For those who attended our event, I want to thank you for doing so.

I also want to thank the following individuals who were gracious enough to serve as panelists for our event and willing to answer cooperators’ questions: Anthony Barzelatto, director of Riverbay’s Department of Safety; Khalil Abdul-Wahhab, division chief of the New York City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Bronx Division-4; and Lt. Joseph Delligatti of the Fire Department of the City of New York’s (FDNY) Fire Safety Education division. Mr. Barzelatto spoke about some of the policies that Riverbay has in place to deal with emergencies. One example is an emergency response guide that all Riverbay departments have on hand. Mr. Barzelatto also stated that Riverbay has a scheduled roundtable discussion on Friday, April 16, to discuss about the aftermath of February’s blackout and steps that Riverbay can take to better respond to similar emergencies. Mr. Abdul-Wahhab educated our cooperators about CERT, which consists of volunteers who undergo a training program that provides basic response skills needed for fire safety, light search and rescue, community disaster support, disaster medical operations, and traffic control. One thing that Mr. Abdul-Wahhab spoke about was the importance of having an emergency go-bag, which should contain important items such as your ID card, flashlight, whistle, and water. Lt. Delligati spoke about fire safety tips such as having a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the home and changing your fire extinguisher every 10 years.

I want to address an incident involving an internet troll being disruptive during the last part of our meeting. I believe the person who identified herself as “Marisol” (this may be a fake name) may not be from our building and probably joined the meeting for the sole purpose of being a troublemaker. The association does not condone the vulgar language that she used in the chat and we apologize to anyone who may have been offended by it.

The association has a limited supply of printed state tax forms available: NYC210 and IT-201. If anyone needs a copy, please contact me either at leontulton@yahoo.com or 917-442-9526.

Our next committee and general meetings are Tuesday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, May 7, at 7 p.m., respectively. Both meetings are virtual and the Zoom log-in information will be posted in the lobby later this month.

I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming meetings.

Be well and continue to stay safe.

—Leon Tulton

CSO Contact Numbers Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, room 6, at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts.

CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and follow the prompts.

Section 4 Partnership The next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership of Coop City, Sunday, May 2, at 3 p.m. No-one will “unite” our community but “us”… Help us reap the benefits of a united community and tackle what’s important to you. Join us, get involved. If you live in Section 4 and you’d like to attend our virtual meeting, email or phone us (below). Let’s show up! Let’s get it done!

Please Support…Please Support…Please Support…

Support the Partnership Fundraiser. Pick-up a t-shirt for 10 bucks. Call us or email us to get yours! T-shirts are $10 and all sizes are available while supplies last. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Or phone: 347-915-4939.

“Your” individual building associations Each Co-op City Board Committee is chaired and co-chaired by a Riverbay Board member. Each building can and should be represented in these committees.

When you “show up” in person or by Zoom or Web-ex, this will give you information to take back to your respective building association. Each building association should be represented in your respective “Section’s Association,” if one has been certified by Riverbay. For example, the Section 5 Association is comprised of all of buildings and their associations in Section 5, and the same for the Section 2 Association and so on. You then share the information you retrieve from the committee meetings with your neighbors and fellow shareholders at your building association meeting. This is how shareholders and residents should receive information about the community, besides reading the Co-op City Times, hint-hint. At the next committee meeting, you bring your feedback and hopefully you will have answers and positive responses to your needs. But “The Building Associations,” each one in each building is where it begins. Do you see how this works? It really is up to us to make this community work. Together, is the only way…

Every Floor of every building should have assigned floor captains…Thanks to the cooperators of Building 21 who have stepped up to the plate and volunteered to be floor captain for their floor. You know who you are, and we truly appreciate you.

All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a floor captain is as follows: 1. Contact numbers, for your floor only: List all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor 2. Co-op City Times: Place them at each apartment door (delivered on Saturdays) 3. Elevator notices: Read them and talk to your neighbors about them 4. Promote: Meetings, clubs and gatherings 5. Encourage your neighbors to: VOTE – VOTE – VOTE! IN THE RIVERBAY ELECTION Make calls to the Riverbay offices: Security 718-671-3050; CSO offices 718-320-3300 Each one of us divided by ALL of us equals a force for good…

—Michelle Marbury

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Did you know driving distracted is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions? Pay attention to the road and your surroundings. Keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe. Stay focused. Stay safe.

Mattress and box spring disposal – NYC law states you must seal any mattress or box spring in a plastic bag before you put it out for disposal. You can purchase mattress or box spring plastic bag from department stores, home improvement stores, and moving supply centers.

Riverbay Board Election – The Riverbay Board election is scheduled to take place beginning May 3 to May 21, 2021. Please vote so that we will have a quorum on May 21, 2021. If a quorum is not reached, the voting will be extended and the money comes out of our pocket because we are Riverbay. Make your vote count.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Police at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call 3-1-1.

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

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

We would like to wish all April “babies,” an incredibly happy birthday.

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

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

Have a great week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, hope all is well. Please continue to wear your mask, sanitize, and social distance. We will be fined $50.00 if one fails to wear a mask if you are on the premises of Co-op City. Please follow the CDC guidelines for the sake of us all. Staying prayerful and keeping hope alive. I was happy to see the children outside for activities at P.S. 160. They need to play and do what children do.

The Pigeons It appears the pigeons are back, they have returned to landing on the terraces.

Co-op Vaccine Site After one has taken the vaccines, we are advised to continue to maintain physical distancing, wear a face mask, and practice good hand hygiene. These precautions remain critical in stopping the spread of COVID-19 even after one has been vaccinated. Stay alert to who are next in line to take the vaccine. If one is not sure, please call 718-879-5950, or set up an appointment. Other alternative: one may schedule an appointment with Montefiore vaccine hotline at 844-444-2819, Mon.Fri., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Building Works Information from CB#10 was received because interests were expressed in apprenticeship. Building Works, a pre-apprenticeship training that prepares individuals in union carpentry training sessions, start April 26 and ends May 28, 2021. There is no fee to attend BuildingWorks, no paid training. Stipends are not available. To learn more, visit the Carpenters Training Center website, www.nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org.

In addition, questions can be emailed to buildingworks395@gmail.com/ Do not telephone.

Board of Directors Election Three virtual forums scheduled for Wednesday, April 21; Saturday, May 1; and Wednesday, May 5, all three forums are held at 7:30 p.m. via Cisco WebEx, and broadcast on Channel 12 MATV, and Channel 591. Questions and comments to be emailed to Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com, 24 to 48 hours before the forum. The questions may be directed at a candidate of your choice or to all 12 candidates. The candidates are running, to protect and keep Co-op City affordable for their children, and children’s children.

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, and for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful.

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

—H. Overman

15

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 11 a.m-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 to 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.

Defensive Driving Class Defensive Driving classes sponsored by Black Forum are not scheduled at this time. We hope to see their return sometime this year. Those who need to take the class should consider taking an online version of the course. Visit the Empire Safety Council website at https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code ‘WRIGHT’ to receive a discount.

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

Please stay safe.

—D. Illis

16

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, N.Y. 19475.

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. 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

Building 13 Association

April showers bring May flowers so come and rejoice on Earth Day: Celebrate on April 24, 2021 as the Rivers Run Community Garden and the Coop City Little League, supported by the Riverbay Community Relations Department, have the annual Earth Day Parade. There will be games, prizes, arts and crafts and food giveaways. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The theme for Earth Day 2021 is “Restore Our Earth,” which focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. See the flyer located in the lobby bulletin board.

Annual Affidavit: The date to submit your annual Occupant’s Affidavit of Household Income has been revised to May 31, 2021 per HCR. Your affidavit won’t reflect that date so please remember this im-

portant change. In addition, similar to last year, no notary is required this year.

Summer Youth Employment Program – The SYEP is back and currently accepting applications for ages 14-21. The deadline to submit an application is April 23, 2021. To submit an application, go to application.nycsyep.com. See the lobby bulletin board for more information.

“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 e-mail us at building13assoc@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.

—Wendell Mattison

Rivers Run Community Garden

Celebrate Earth Day with Parade Activities and Family Fun in Co-op City 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 (rain date: May 1) 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.

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 kickoff 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.

Rivers Run Community Garden (RRCG) is a waterfront garden designed, built, and maintained by volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds, and accommodates a wide variety of needs and abilities, including children, elderly and those with limited mobility. RRCG, a not-for-profit organization, has partnered with Bronx Green Up, Riverbay Corporation, and the neighboring schools and daycare centers to provide a casual, communityoriented learning and growing environment.

The Co-op City Little League, founded in 1969, and located in the Bronx Co-op City area, is a nonprofit organization operated solely by dedicated volunteers. For fifty years, it has provided the local community youth ages 4 through 16 with an organized baseball program. The league’s mission is to provide a safe baseball playing environment for the area boys, girls, and teens and to help develop their skills. Its focus is to endorse teamwork and promote community pride.

—Gail Sharbaan

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

17

NAACP

Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson releases the following statement on the passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings: “We are saddened by the loss of Congressman Alcee Hastings. His tremendous crusade against racial injustice as a civil rights lawyer and member of the U.S. House of Representatives is etched into the fabric of our history. As a friend of the NAACP and fierce public servant, his absence will be felt in the halls of Congress and throughout Florida’s 20th district. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family and loved ones during this time.”

Petition Uniformed Police Reform – an end to the horrors of police brutality and a criminal justice system that fails to properly hold law enforcement officials accountable is long overdue. Join our call to end qualified immunity and collect data on police encounters that will provide transparency and safety for our communities.

The NAACP announced the 2nd annual ACT-SO Sustainable Building Competition during the NAACP 112th Annual National Convention, hosted by the NAACP Centering Equity in the Sustainable Sector (CESBS) Initiative and ACT-SO. Sustainable building regenerates advances, and sustains the social, cultural, economic, and environmental health of place and community. Given how buildings influence our lives, communities, ecosystems, and the climate, the NAACP sees sustainable buildings as a human and civil rights issue.

Ten new members of Congress seek to join federal lawsuit to hold Trump and Giuliani responsible for inciting Capitol Riot – Lawsuit filed by Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson accusing Donald J. Trump, Rudy Giuliani, the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers of conspiring to incite a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, with the goal of preventing Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election. The lawsuit, initially filed in February, alleges that by preventing Congress from carrying out its official duties, Trump, Giuliani and the hate groups directly violated the 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act. For additional information, go to NAACP.ORG. The Bishop William H. Graves Memorial Membership Campaign ends May 31, 2021. The unit and community goal is to get 100 memberships. Thank you in advance for your help. To pay a new, renewal, upgrade or gift membership, send your Adult, $30, or Youth, $10, check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. We appreciate your continued support and if you would like to make a financial contribution in any amount, we thank you in advance for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

—Brenda Brown

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

18

Building 25 Association

April showers bring May flowers. Last week provided some much-needed rain for our trees, plants and flowers to start blooming; it appears that they bloomed overnight. As we muddle through April to May’s unpredictable changing weather, don’t forget to stop for a second to admire all the greenery that has sprung up around us, especially the cherry blossom trees. Their entire blooming period only lasts about 14 days, including the days leading up to peak bloom.

While COVID-19 outbreak-social distancing remains in effect, we are not allowed to collect names in the lobby as we did in previous years for our graduating children of Building 25, so a few months ago, we posted an article asking parents to start providing your children name(s) via the general email address, building25ca@gmail.com, to be entered in the Co-op City Times in honor of their graduation year 2021.

We wish all neighbors born in April 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: “The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” –Harriet Ann Jacobs —Wanda Bailey

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Medicare, did you know?

Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program that primarily covers people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities, kidney failure, or if you are under 65 and require dialysis or are a kidney transplant patient. People younger than 65 diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) also qualify the first month after they receive disability benefits.

Original Medicare consist of Parts A and B. Part A: Covers inpatient care in a hospital and skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice. Part A does not cover the costs of treatments you receive while in the hospital. Part B: Covers treatment you receive while in the hospital, doctor visits and medically necessary services, supplies, test and preventative services.

Part C: Also, called Medicare Advantage, a form of private insurance. Enrollment in Part C is voluntary. These plans are sold through insurance firms that have contracted with the federal government. All Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B, but other benefits vary from plan to plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also bundle coverage beyond what original Medicare plans cover and may include vision, hearing and dental coverage. Part D: Covers the cost of prescription drugs and is provided through private insurers. People who enroll in Part D pay a monthly premium. It covers the prescription drugs you buy at your local or mail order pharmacy. Most states have more than two dozen private insurers to choose from for Part D coverage.

Medicare only covers 80% of the benefits. This leaves the insured person to pay the remaining 20% out of pocket. For example, a person hospitalized for a week and their hospital bill balance is $100,000. Medicare will cover 80% or $80,000 and the remaining $20,000 out of pocket cost the insurer is expected to pay. MediGap is an additional coverage option to original Medicare. Adding a Medigap plan covers the remaining 20 percent, eliminating coinsurance or copayments as well as some additional out-of-pocket costs. Private insurance companies sell these policies. You cannot have Medigap coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. Do your research and ask questions regarding supplemental coverage that will work best for you.

Please join us for our monthly 45-minute informational session. The next three sessions (April, May, and June) will be held on Tuesday. Our upcoming session will take place on April 20, 2021. Topics: MD and lab technology visits in the comfort of your home. Learn more about Medicare Advantage and Managed Health Programs. Please RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org. COME is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, 718-379-3159, or info@comeoutreach.org.

—Diane Cooper

Please be considerate and respectful of all members of our diverse community.

People First Democratic Club

Co-op City: “Let’s have a conversation” The month of April is full of health observances. Co-op City, we’re a diverse community in the North Bronx and every day we interact with people from various backgrounds. Each one of us can make a difference in the lives of those who need mental health support. The amount of mass incidents of violence is far too typical, and we need to do more as a community and nation to address the underlying causes. At any time, the element of violence can become a factor in our community. It’s time to press our elected officials to address the broken mental health system.

Shootings and gun arrests across the five boroughs remain at a record high, according to the latest NYPD crime statistics. Mayor Bill de Blasio launched in February 2021 a Mental Health Crisis Unit department within police precincts throughout the city. For the first time in the city’s history, health responders will be the default responders for a person in crisis, making sure those struggling with mental illness receive the help they need, to reduce the increase of calls to police to respond to mental health issues in precincts.

People First Democratic Club has joined the fight not only in our community, we have also joined with others city-wide. We need you to join this fight. It is time to stop the violence.

Today, April 17, at 10 a.m., People First Democratic Club will be holding Rank-Choice Voting webinar, “Know Before You Vote.” If you would like more information, you can email us at peope1stdc@gmail.com, or you can leave a message at 718-971-1325.

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 $35 for individuals and $30 for a family. You must be registered or plan to register as a Democrat and be at least 16 years old.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” –Aristotle —Al Quattlebaum

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

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

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Co-op City Little League

Season 2021 Opening Day Play Ball! The Co-op City Little League Season 2021 Opening Day for the T-ball and Farm teams is scheduled for April 24, at the LL fields. Prior to the games, and in conjunction with Riverbay Corporation and River Runs Community Garden, there will be a parade and celebration. Meet-up will be at the Section 3 Greenway Stage at 9:45 a.m. Leading the parade is Grand Marshall Noel Ellison, Riverbay Corporation general manager.

Minor team’s start-up date is still in the planning.

This Season, in keeping with Covid-19 guidelines, all players, board members, coaches, parents, and spectators will be required to wear a mask and adhere to the safe distance requirement. All playing equipment will be disinfected with wipes and then sprayed down with Lysol. Hand sanitizer will be provided at stations set up around the park. During this baseball season, chewing gum or spitting (seeds) in the dugouts is prohibited. No handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or any other personal contact with players. Also, at the end of the game, players and coaches will tip their hats at the other team.

The Parks Dept.-CCLL fields Irrigation System Capital Project has been completed. Funding was provided by a Mayoral and City Council grant. In addition to the installation of sprinklers at both fields, the dugouts have been outfitted with new thermoplastic benches (no splinters), cemented ground (reduce water build-up), and water fountains with enhanced bottle filling.

Kudos to Monica Vazquez, CCLL Season 2021 Board president (pictured), for her relentless efforts in keeping the league afloat. Despite the pandemic, she has worked tirelessly in reaching out to the community for players’ registration and sponsorship. Monica’s constant use of the social media including Facebook and the CCLL website helps to provide information on the league’s activities.

Last year when the Spring season had to be postponed, Monica, then the vice president, made available to the Tball and Farms divisions, a Summer/Fall program which consisted of clinics and baseball games. At the conclusion, she provided all players with an end of season treat and a participating certificate.

The league is appreciative to have Monica as the new president.

For further information on the Co-op City Little League, check Facebook or visit the website at www.coopcitylittleleague.com. Email messages may be delivered to coopcityll@yahoo.com.

A reminder be safe, stay healthy, and together we can! —Hector Ayala

19

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family. We are not yet out of the woods with the Novel Coronavirus/variants. Please continue to wear a mask always, wash your hands often, social distance whenever possible. Get vaccinated if you can. New York City has expanded its “walk-up vaccination” pilot for New Yorkers over the age of 75 at its cityrun sites. Site specific information can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder. Co-op City is designated to be one of those sites.

Please continue to adhere to laundry room and elevator occupancy guidelines.

Dispose of all used masks and gloves in the proper receptacles, not on the grounds, lobbies or elevators.

April is designated National Fair Housing Month. Mitchell-Lama housing has been a successful conduit to affordable fair housing. With that in mind, our U.S. Senators Jamaal Bowman and Charles Schumer are to be commended for their advocacy on behalf of the Co-op City community to obtain approval from HUD in support of refinancing our current Wells Fargo loan for a new loan with lower interest rates. Even after refinancing fees are applied, it has been suggested that projects such as our ‘aged, problematic and costly convectors’ can finally be addressed in a more consistent and professional manner. Over time, the annualized savings on flooring replacement, flood mitigation efforts, convector parts replacement, labor costs, etc., would pay for any investment in overhauling the current convector system.

801 Co-op City Boulevard Community Board 10 is asking for the input of the Co-op City community to address a request by the developers for a parking variance at this site. The developer seeks approval from the Board of Standards & Appeals to reduce the number of parking spaces sited in the original application. The owners nor the developers have bothered to seek our community’s input. (Reminiscent of the 7-11 owner/developer with the monopoles). The I-95N exit at Connor Street will be impacted; traffic signals (especially, ‘Stop’ signage, leading from I-95N to Dreiser Loop will be impacted, the Rehab/Nursing Facility Vacant lot at 801 next to that lot will lose the approximate 30 spaces currently used by their own staff at the present time. This will impact Co-op City Boulevard the already limited street parking in the area of Co-op City Boulevard, Dreiser Loop and Carver Loop. Please email Matthew Cruz, district manager, CB10, to register your opposition to any reduction in the number of parking spaces developed at that site. Send your emails to: bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

There will be a virtual hearing scheduled by the New York City Board of Standards & Appeals on this subject. I will provide that information as soon as it is posted on their website. Please try to log in. Community interest is paramount in such matters.

“Poverty is what happens when people stop caring about one another.”

Good health to you.

—Linda Collins

20

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

21

Cohen’s Gentle Dental 100 Alcott Place 718-585-4400 Bronx, NY 10475 COME IN AND EXPERIENCE NATURAL TOOTH RESTORATION & VENEERS PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. WE SPEAK ENGLISH AND

$100

Check-up • X Rays • Cleaning

New Patient Special! expires 6/2021

SAME DAY DENTURES reGularlY $1800

NOW

$1500

expires 6/2021

SINGLE IMPLANTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

Additional Locations:

2169 White plains road, Bronx, nY 10462 718-597-6314

VALPLAST FLEXIBLE PARTIALS reGularlY $2000

NOW

$1800

expires 6/2021

$999

DENTAL CROWNS

WITH THIS AD COHEN’S GENTLE DENTAL WHY PAY $1500 ELSEWHERE? No More Slipping, Sliding, Dentures That Don’t Fit!

4 implants overdenture at aFFordaBle priCes!

1 east Fordham road, Bronx, nY 10468 718-365-0990

183 West 231 street, Bronx, nY 10463 718-543-1123

Celebrate Eid at Home to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 • Keep your gathering small and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with household members only.

• If gathering in a group, wear a snug fitting face covering to protect the elderly and vulnerable.

• Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, including which groups are currently eligible to receive one.

Eid Mubarak!

For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.

If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book your appointment by calling 877-829-4692 (877-VAX-4NYC) or visiting nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

22

GOT FOOT PAIN?

Following All CDC Guidelines

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER

EYE DOCTORS

The Premier Foot And Ankle Practice In Co-op City!

SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 2nd Location 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY EAST in Section 2 www.footanklerestore.com Coming Soon!

718-671-2233

NOW OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY Available Evenings and Weekends

DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR DR. JAMES MILIDANTRI ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED

Hi-Tech • Fully Digital X-Rays LASER for Pain, • Hi-Tech Ultrasound Inflammation, Fungal Nails, • Full Range of Vascular Testing Warts • Caring and Supportive Doctors and Staff Who Listen to Your Concerns • Highly Rated Neighborhood Foot and Ankle Care

SERVICES PROVIDED ON-SITE:

HEEL AND ARCH PAIN CENTER. COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT CARE MANAGEMENT. HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT. Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted: 1199, Aetna, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others.

BECAUSE YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST!

Under the Direction of

Dr. Gary Fishman Dr. Simon Wu

and

N EYE EMERGENCIES! Get seen and treated by an Ophthalmologist same day, without the long wait of an ER! DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR: N Cataracts N Glaucoma N Dry Eyes N Diabetic Eye Disease

M U LT I F O C A L A N D A S T I G M AT I S M C AT A R A C T L E N S E S

LA S ER C ATA R AC T SU R G ERY

COMPLETE EYE EXAM N

The Latest Technology for Diagnosis and Treatment for Adults and Children.

N

Get a Second Opinion Of Your Eye Condition.

ALL INSURANCE P LANS ACCEPTED Including UNITED, HEALTHFIRST,

MEDICARE, MEDICAID

CONV ENI ENT HOUR S: Mond ay t o Frid ay: 9 a .m. - 5 :00 p.m. , Sa tur day: 8 a.m. - 1 p .m.

S ame Day A ppoi ntme nts Ava ila ble! Ha bla mos E spañ ol.

Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance.

2100 Bartow Ave, Suite 216C, Bronx NY 10475

www.visionny.net

7 1 8 - 8 6 2 - EYES ( 3 9 3 7 )

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

No Activities

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

Fri., April 23

Thu., April 22

Wed., April 21

Mon., Apr. 19

Einstein

Tues., April 20

Bartow

Body in Motion (exercise class) 11 a.m. -12 p.m. (via Zoom or phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

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 “Creative Hour with Sister Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Health and Wellness, How to make Floral Arrange- month, 1 - 2 p.m. Call: 929299-1045, Code: 1386 10 a.m. -11 a.m., via Zoom ments. or phone Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m.

Meeting code: 915 3777 w/Ms. Margaret Kempe and stuZumba with Ola 954. Email Ann for Zoom dents (Pay it Forward Engineers) 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., via Zoom or link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, phone different games each week incl.

Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 Bereavement Group, 1st & Meeting w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - to register & receive Zoom info.

3rd Wednesdays of the 2 p.m. month 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 https://zoom.us/j/2959552471 Computer learning w/Ralph, p.m.

To register, please call the JASA Wed., 11 a.m. -12 p.m. To regisoffice w/your name, email ad- ter, call JASA w/name, email & phone. Zoom meeting: Must call or email to regis- dress & phone number. https://zoom.us/j/93681329040; ter: 929-399-1387 Meeting ID: 2959552471 Dial in: 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: Passcode: 259554 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554 Dial in: 1-929-205-6609 Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Health and Wellness 10 a.m.

- 11 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 Arthritis Exercise Class Smartphone/Tablet Class w/Damion every Thurs., 1 w/Ralph, 1 - 2 p.m. Call Main Office, 718-320-2066, 2 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: to register. Please give your 986 0021 6442, Passcode: telephone # & email address 573762

Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and phone)

Stretch and Tone w/Ola, 1 2 p.m. (via Zoom or phone).

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691 Passcode: 849150 Mobile: 929-205-6099

No Activities

From President Mickens Welcome to another new week with more interesting improvements and opportunities. We continue as a community, state and country to move towards a return to our old normalcy. Sporting events are in full swing and fans are loving it! Schools, businesses, restaurants, and visitation with relatives is more open and available than ever. The COVID-19 vaccinations are increasing with unprecedented numbers and success. We would like to thank Riverbay Management for continuing to keep our telephone hotline available to community residents. Springtime is upon us, but we must remain diligent in our efforts to be safe, healthy and informed since COVID-19 and the variants that follow are still alive and strong. Social distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask are the safest rules to follow. Do your due diligence in de-

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

Zoom Meeting: https:// zoom.us/j/94868805136 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Passcode: 770292

Concerts in Motion, 1:00 2:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/82906881632.

Dial in by phone: 646-558-8656 Meeting ID: 829 0688 1632

AARP Chapter #4997

ciding to have a vaccine or not. It is a personal choice and yours to make without judgement from anyone else.

For members of AARP, there is another title that comes along, whether you realize it or not. That is the title of caregiver. We do this automatically for family, friends and neighbors and it can be a daunting task. We are working with another group in Co-op City, Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment program, that has been in existence for over 14 years. I am mentioning this group because their CEO and founder, Mrs. Diane Cooper, also partners with AARP and has information that would benefit our members as well as families. Being a caregiver has many levels of involvement and C.O.M.E. has many answers and solutions. Mrs. Cooper has an article in the Co-op City Times each week, and it is invaluable.

23

Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – April - June

JASA Bartow Senior Center 12-weeks Cooking Classes – Every Thurs., Mar. 11 - May 27, 4-5 p.m.

Please Note: These are not plant-based classes. Meeting ID number: 910 2152 1179. Dial-in: 646-876-9923 w/meeting ID 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 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/98404647097.

Dial-in number: 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 number: 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 number: 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 number: 929-2056099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

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 digital print them by using your handheld devices. Zoom: https:// zoom.us/j/94802959309. Meeting ID: 948 0295 9309, Passcode: 337875, Dial-in number: 929- 205-6099.

Aerobics class with Adira Polite – Fri., 11 a.m. 12 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/98682358691. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150.

Zumba Classes on Sat.’s – 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92928109097. Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sun., 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/j/98867100439; Dialin number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

JASA activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-320-2066 and give us your email address.

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.

We held our second general membership meeting on April 12, 2021 by Zoom and it was a pleasure to see more and more of our members and neighbors.

We have a bit of sad news from our Good and Welfare contact, Mrs. Frances Wilson. Our long-time member, Mrs. Mary Ponton, recently passed away. We extend our condolences to her family and friends and thank them for allowing us to have such a wonderful relationship with Mrs. Ponton. Continued improvement and healing to Ms. Doris Rowe and Ms. Josephine Flowers, who have been under the weather and are on the road to recovery.

Continue to contact Mrs. Wilson, 718-671-5493, with health information on members and family, and contact Ms. Mickens, 718-379-3742, for issues concerning AARP. —Ann Purnell

24

Church of the New Vision

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

The Church of the New Vision and its Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings as we share the Gospels’ message of the Love of God on YouTube, just type in “Kenneth Hodge.”

Our Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7 p.m. on our Conference Line Number: (646) 769-9909, Access Code: 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

As we celebrate Jesus Christ, the very demonstration of God’s love towards humanity (John 3:16), let’s continue to be thankful and grateful. Let us remain as the Body of Christ remains steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: 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.

Sunday, April 11, Worship Service theme: “We Owe God Everything.”

Scripture: Roman’s 1:14-17: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.”

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

Community Protestant Church

Open Door Ministries “Purpose”

(Full sermon at opendoorminsitries.net)

Why are we alive and what is the purpose of our lives? In the beginning, the Bible says that God created humans. Male and female, he created them according to Genesis 2. He brought order out of chaos when he first created and we are part of that order in service to Him. Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

We were created to beautify and maintain God’s creation in fellowship with the creatures that are alive. Cultivating and tending the garden was a part of the mandate and walking and talking with God in partnership with Him provided greater understanding of Himself.

We are called to give the Gospel – 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will be rewarded according to their labor. 9 We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We are called to comfort – 2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of compassion and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. We are called to Praise God – 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

We are called to serve each other – Romans 12:5 In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917-334-4407 Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

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) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign.

For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday worship service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call Line above.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC … On Wednesdays at 12 p.m., you are cordially Used gloves and masks must be disposed of properly in trash receptacles and invited to call in for an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony. not thrown on the ground or on floors in residential buildings. This behavior Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. is irresponsible and unsanitary and presents a health hazard to others.

Community Protestant celebrates its 52nd Anniversary!

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 18, at 11 a.m., we will pause to thank God for 52 years of Christian service to our members and the wider community. The service will be broadcast via Zoom and telephone conference call. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Pastor Owens’ topic for his message last Sunday was “Some Things You Must Do.” His scriptural text Family Owned and Operated came from 2 Corinthians 5:10. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may • Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling on premises receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” He stated • Out of town services • Ample Parking that if you want to make heaven your eternal home on premises A dignified funeral every family can afford. there are some things that you must do: 1) be born again.

• Cremations • Casket Showroom 2) Place your whole trust and confidence in God. 3) All areas are handicapped accessible on premises Love one another even as God loves you. 4) Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 5) Hunger and thirst Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and after righteousness. 6) Acknowledge His accomplishmemorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment. ment at Calvary. … 9) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, Personalized & Professional Care • 55 Years Serving Our Community and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. 10) Forgive those who offend us or do us wrong.

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America 11) Set a Christ-like example. Don’t allow anything or anybody to stand in your way. Only what you do for Christ will last and be counted in the end.

Reminder: COVID-19 vaccine is now available in our community. Be safe, practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

Serving all Call Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church cultures 24 family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and LIVE STREAMING WORLDWIDE. & faiths Hours bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net among all nations.

4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. —Evan G. Mitchell

PPE trash is still a problem

718-231-7647 Fax: 718-231-7665

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H 25

2021 Riverbay Board Election 2021 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

Monique Coleman Sheila Richburg Alixan Ducreay Leah Richardson * Akeisha Neely Isabel Fletcher Regina Hamilton Kevin Lambright * Daryl Johnson * Anika Green-Watson Aminah Lucio Leslie Peterson * *Denotes incumbents

Saturday, April 10, 2021

2021 Board Election Schedule

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Publication of certified candidates’ names, statements, ads, First Election Edition of Co-op City Times Second Election Edition of Co-op City Times

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

First Virtual Forum, 7:00 P.M.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Begin mailing of Election Ballots

Saturday, April 24, 2021 Saturday, May 1, 2021 Monday, May 3, 2021

Third Election Edition of Co-op City Times Second Virtual Forum, 7:00 P.M.

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting Begin

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Third Virtual Forum, 7:00 P.M.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Election Committee Virtual Meeting/Review, Certify and final count of ballots (WebEx, 7:00 P.M.)

Friday, May 21, 2021

Thursday, May 27, 2021 Friday, May 28, 2021

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Election Period Ends (If No Quorum is reached, See Extended Voting Period below)

Public Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Deadline to file electronic Challenges (5 P.M.)

Swearing in of Elected Board Members

Candidate statements appear on pages 26-31 • Candidates’ order determined by lottery.

NOTE: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE CANDIDATES AND NOT THOSE OF RIVERBAY CORPORATION.

BALLOTING

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot Monday, May 3 – Wednesday, May 21, 2021.

To ensure the integrity of the election, ALL mail-in ballots must be returned DIRECTLY to Election-America in the stamped, addressed envelope provided with your ballot. Under no circumstance should your election ballot be mailed back or delivered to Riverbay Corporation, or enclosed with your carrying charge payment.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by May 21, 2021.

Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2021.

Please follow the directions included with your ballot to cast your vote online.

Election Committee Notice – Ask the Candidates

The 2021 Riverbay Election Forums will be virtual. The Election Committee is accepting questions that will be read at the forums for the candidates to answer. If you would like to ask a question, the question should be emailed to the Election Committee at least 24-48 hours prior to the forum and should contain your name and the best contact information where you can be reached. The email address is: Riverbay2021Elec-

tion@riverbaycorp. com. The question should be directed to one or more of the candidates by name(s), or directed to all of the candidates.

The three virtual Candidates’ Forums are scheduled to take place on: Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. Log- in information will be forthcoming.

Extended Voting Period (Only If Needed Due To Lack Of Quorum) Begins: Friday, May 21, at 9:01 P.M. Ends: Friday, June 4, at 11:59 P.M.

Count of ballots (Bartow, rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.) Thursday, June 10 – Public Electronic Posting of Official Results (10 A.M.) Friday, June 11 – Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to ElecFriday, May 21 – Continue election (as of 9:01 P.M.) tion (5 P.M.) Friday, June 4 – Election period ends at 11:59 P.M. Wednesday, June 16 – Swearing in of Elected Board Members Wednesday, June 9 – Election Committee Review & Certify Final (Bartow Center, rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.) H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

26 H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Monique Coleman Springtime in Co-op City is one of my favorite seasons. Our greenway delights with cherry blossoms, and new growth. Our beautiful landscape is the result of intentional decisions by our current Board. Our Board has done a great job of policy making and conducting the business of Co-op City. Thanks to them, Co-op City is a clean, safe, affordable, thriving community.

Co-op City elections occur during this season of new beginnings. Team Progress is a strong team with a broad spectrum of professional and life experiences. I have more than twenty years of insurance expertise. Our premiums increased by 8.74% this year and now represent 7% of our budget. The approved budget included a minimal increase and surplus, but rising premiums are not sustainable. My intention is to pursue initiatives that enhance our health, including financial fitness, which is critical to our health. I applaud the hard work of our Board but look forward to a rigorous review and search for lower cost alternatives.

I remember when cable television cost $40/month with Community Home Entertainment. Why now, is the monthly cost of cable and internet comparable to making a car payment? We must seek lower cost alternatives.

NYS DOT should be building speed bumps and providing expanded transportation options for shareholders, i.e., shuttle service to the Soundview Ferry.

Why serve commercial interests over shareholders by building a northbound exit ramp off the Hutchinson River Parkway into Section 5. A ramp will disrupt access in and out of Section 5 and will flood our neighborhood with mall traffic.

Say no to the ramp!

Safety and financial fitness are social determinants of health and we cannot rest on our laurels. Affordable housing is our right and mission. Team Progress is ready for new beginnings and ready to mind your business. Please vote for TEAM PROGRESS and I.

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Sheila Richburg Service & Shareholders

The advantage of being a cooperator is that we are afforded the benefits of ownership. Our primary obligation should be the concern for this community. Cooperatives have the honor to operate with the well-being of the entire community in mind. Its purpose is to meet the shareholder’s needs and provide necessary quality of life customer service.

We own and invest in our cooperatives because we trust that doing so is in our best interest. The entity of a co-op reflects the actions taken by its members who have ownership and control.

Co-op City has made improvements in the quality of services and benefits to this community by using an updated phone system.

I believe collectively we can continue to do more to enhance services and quality of life with the integration of advanced technology. The delivery of services can be expedited and streamlined to ultimately be cost effective. Factors for continued success in any cooperative would include a focus on providing efficient and cost effective delivery of services to keep the overall budget lower. Shareholders would benefit from having multiple points of access – digital, telephonic, and alternate platforms to report their concerns for service: repairs, observations, complaints, feedback and monitoring completion.

Co-op City shareholders have the true spirit of self-determination by exhibiting a willingness to solve problems. We are dynamic, flexible, and willing to adopt new, improved systems and projects very quickly. As a consequence of this pervasive energy, there can be continued improvements, increased satisfaction, and the economical delivery of services.

If given the opportunity to become a Riverbay Board member, I would welcome all recommendations and observations to improve delivery of services in our community.

Vote for TEAM PROGRESS…Re-elect Kevin Lambright, and elect Monique Coleman, Aminah Lucio, Isabel Fletcher and myself, Sheila Richburg.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H 27

Alixan Ducreay

I have lived in this community since 2006, and my family and I are vested in this community, in its ethos, its values, and its possibilities. Co-op City continues to serve as a model community for working people. I want to preserve what works and work to bring about what is left undone.

As a Caribbean immigrant, I have a common background and shared aspirations with our diverse community, one that is truly representative of America at its best.

I’m committed to preserving Co-op City as a model community for living and raising a family.

I worked for 10 years in the financial industry as a banker, before serving as a religious and community leader, organizing and leading churches in the Bronx, Brooklyn and in New Jersey. I will bring my background in finance to ensure more openness, disclosure, and financial education for cooperators as a key to increasing cooperator involvement.

I’m an alumnus of Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts, and in NYC, I graduated at the top of my class at Bronx Community College, and matriculating at City College. I contributed to my schools as newspaper editor, student government leader, and as a college aide and tutor in the Social Sciences.

I want to bring my training and experience to bear on solving problems. I am a leader with a clear vision and a track record of achieving results, bringing diverse communities together around shared goals and objectives. I am driven by results. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work to make Co-op City better and brighter. I am driven by my personal motto that leaders succeed when the people we serve are empowered to do what we do better than the best we have done.

I am ready!

Elect Alixan Ducreay to the Riverbay Board of Directors

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Leah Richardson

Why should you vote to re-elect Leah Richardson for the Riverbay Board of Directors? I, Leah Richardson, bring a common-sense approach to problem-solving. I follow a set of values that have helped me succeed in whatever I do. I will serve the members with transparency, accountability, and integrity. Vote for a person with experience and a person who will listen and voice the concerns of every shareholder, a person who will put in 110% while serving as your Board director. I have been an active volunteer in our community, serving on five Board committees. Chairperson for: Parking and Leasing, Information Technology, Community Relations, and Election committees; co-chair Audit committee). STRONGER TOGETHER! Community concerns Carrying Charges As a Board director, my fiduciary responsibility is to the shareholders. I voted no to resolution 21-08 (Budget). Increasing carrying charges during this time presents a hardship and financial strain to our shareholders, who are already struggling to make ends meet. One of the projects presented in this year’s budget is the Waterfront Park.

The project will cost $10.2 million over five years. Although I support the Waterfront Park, I feel that during these difficult times we should have postponed it.

Convectors In my opinion, Management should hire a consultant to do a pre-preliminary survey, study, and analysis of the Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning (HVAC) system, which may result in these possible recommendations: * Remove and replace all coils. * Replace the existing condensation lines. (plastic) * Remove the existing (HVAC) system and replace it with the independent unit.

I am asking for your vote, for we are all in this together.

When you receive your ballot, please vote by mail or online from May 3-21, 2021, Re-elect Leah Richardson and Leslie Peterson, and elect Anika Green-Watson and Akeisha Neely.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

28 H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Akeisha Neely Please allow me to reintroduce myself; my name is Akeisha Neely. My parents moved to Co-op City when I was in elementary school. I am a product of Co-op City schools, even receiving my Bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle.

I have been an employee of the City of New York for 22 years, working with agencies such as the Police Department, Administration for Children’s Services, and the Department of Correction. Each assignment allowed access to sensitive documents, requiring the highest level of confidentially.

Many of you may know me as “Miss Keisha,” leading community girl scout troops for the last six years. I am currently the Second Vice President and Youth Committee chair of the Co-op City section of the National Council of Negro Women. I am also a member of the Co-op Democratic Club, and the Co-op City Branch of the NAACP. I also volunteer with the Building 10 Association and the Riverbay Fund at various youth events.

I attribute my gift of gab and political insight to my father. My dad was part of a group I dubbed the “Bench Politicians,” a group of residents from our building who would congregate at the nearest bench for hours discussing everything from politics to elevator upgrades. They would often talk about how proud they were to be cooperators and had high hopes that the next generation would continue to move the community in the right direction while keeping it affordable.

My fellow cooperators, you have been a part of the village that spent years molding me into the person I am today. Your vote will place me in a position to showcase all that you have created.

Vote to elect Anika Green-Watson and Akeisha Neely, and to re-elect Leah Richardson and Leslie Peterson. We are STRONGER TOGETHER!

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Isabel Fletcher

Over the years, my family and I have been enjoying the steady improvements in the delivery of services and upgrades – EZ Pass-like entrance to garages, ongoing installation of new lobby doors and new, beautiful elevators; and improvement in responses to calls for Maintenance work. A mother of five children, I am not overly concerned about their safety when they leave the house to visit friends or spend some time on our greenways. And yet our monthly apartment fees remain quite affordable – and can’t be beat.

However, one issue troubles my family and I, as it must many of you, the issue with our convectors – and we have five.

As we approach summer with its hot weather, I am concerned whether we will get flooded from one of our convector leaks. Don’t get me wrong, I love our A/C system.

It makes our living here quite comfortable. In fact, I don’t know how we would survive without it. And it is one of the reasons we enjoy living here.

But if one of our convectors floods as it has in the past and we fail to call Maintenance in time – who have been quite prompt, efficient and resolved the leak – it could become a major problem and costly for our co-op.

I understand this has been an enduring problem before we even moved in here.

But I pledge when elected to the Board to give my utmost attention, together with my team, to finding a solution to this ongoing problem.

Please vote to reelect Kevin Lambright, elect Sheila Richburg, Monique Coleman, Aminah Lucio and myself, Isabel Fletcher. Vote TEAM PROGRESS.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Regina Hamilton Greetings, fellow cooperators! The election is well underway and I am very excited. More of you have been seeing me in and around the neighborhood getting your feedback as to “What is important to you in Co-op City.” So many have voiced how they feel about our beloved nation and our wonderful community.

Yes, there is work to do here, but I am optimistic that things can shift for the better by stressing personal responsibility and electing a Board with a sense of duty to keep Co-op City the place you want to reside for many years to come. This can be achieved by having Board members, like me, who will serve with integrity, honesty and enthusiasm. I am not afraid of change. It is insane to keep doing the same things and expect different results.

The Riverbay Board deserves someone who can exemplify our best interest, and motivated enough to inquire, interpret and transfer information to the shareholders in a transparent, concise and professional manner. I am willing to expand my knowledge to help in this effort and humble enough to learn what I do not know.

My educational background also supports my place on the Riverbay Board of Directors. I attended Florida A&M University majoring in Business Economics, 1987-1991. In addition, over the last 30 years, I have enrolled in several analytical, organizational and leadership courses. I was briefly a member of the well-esteemed Co-op City Toastmasters, and continuously read various books and publications, because the learning never ends.

I look forward to your continued support, and ultimately, your vote!

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H 29

*ELECT*

Regina Hamilton Riverbay Board Director 2021

* Resident 26 years * Community Minded * Voice of the People *Independent Candidate *Enthusiastic, Energetic, Exceptional

A VOTE FOR ME IS A VOTE FOR YOU!!!

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Kevin Lambright

I want to take this opportunity to share with you a vision that I would love for us to partake in. We have been hearing about monies being directed in the direction of our community. It sounds good as it always does.

Hopefully, this time we actually get it.

I want to discuss how the money is channeled and how it can stay in our community. It is way past due that we use grants and unspoken funds that exist to develop and train the people of Co-op City. The Capital Projects that you hear about are not being serviced by skilled residents. We have young people who would be willing to learn the skills needed to service our community. Given the opportunity, our very own residents can service this community if properly trained.

How does that happen? First, you have to have like-minded people on the Board who have the desire. Next, you hire people to go after those multi millions of dollars in grants sitting there waiting to be claimed. Next, you direct your management company to comply with an intern program for every department in Riverbay.

Then you hire trained, certified personnel to teach various trades that we now contract and outsource for. That will then give us options. We can either hire them or contract them as independent contractors. It’s not far-fetched, my people. Team Progress understands this is a strong possibility. Help us explore our options. Tell us if that is something you agree with. If you have better suggestions, we want to hear them. Let’s make these decisions together and then move rapidly to make our decisions reality. Remember the federal, state and city governments have grant money waiting for the right people to ask for it. TEAM PROGRESS is ready!

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

30 H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Daryl Johnson Your role as shareholders in this election is to choose good board candidates that are going to represent you and the best interests of Co-op City in a proper manner.

For instance, Mitchell-Lama housing developments are supposed to stay affordable.

So, do you think that Co-op City is going to remain affordable? Well, let’s look at some issues that’s affecting us.

Back in 2012, Riverbay took out a 2.4 percent, 35-year, $621.5 million loan to supposedly refinance our mortgage and to pay for capital projects. In fact, last week’s edition of the Co-op City Times quoted from a letter from two legislators that stated that this loan “provided $60 million for immediate capital repairs and projected $150 million in savings in interest payments over the course of the loan.”

However, can you now believe that Riverbay wants to refinance this incredibly good loan? That’s right. In fact, those same elected officials continued: Should Co-op City refinance at current interest rates, it would provide between $90$100M for immediate capital repairs and savings of $800,000 in mortgage payments annually.

Capital repairs? Again? What about the $621.5 million loan? Why are we going to take on an additional $90-$100 million of debt?

Furthermore, let’s look at the increases that we received since 2012: October 2012, 3%; October 2013, 1%; June 2015, 4.5%; August 2017, 1.9%; August 2018, 1.9%; and January 2021, 1.9%. Plus, the equity to move to Co-op City is now going to increase by $2,000. So, people will have to pay $7,500 per room to move here. How is this possible?

Now, do you think that Co-op City is going in the right direction and will remain affordable? If not, then you need to choose good candidates to stop this nonsense and to represent this community in a proper way.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Daryl Johnson

Most of us moved to Co-op City for some of the following reasons: 1. We wanted to live in a nice community. 2. We wanted to get a nice apartment at a reasonable price. 3. We wanted our monthly housing charges to be affordable. 4. We liked the idea of getting air conditioning, gas, and electricity included in our monthly housing charges.

So, for the most part, did we get what we wanted? On one hand, yes.

However, on the other hand, our carrying charges are rising on an annual basis. So, at some point, we might have to consider if we will be able to continue to live here. And, this point is sad because Co-op City is a MitchellLama development. Therefore, you would think that our carrying charges would not be increasing at such a rapid rate.

Additionally, you would hope that other cooperators here would feel the same way. If so, are they presently on the board of directors? If yes, then, are they willing to figuratively fight to keep our community affordable?

Can they work with the community, the board, and management in an effective manner? Can they help the community with their problems and concerns? Can they write strong viewpoints to help their community?

Being on the board can be challenging at times. However, you have to be strong and determined to always do the right thing. You have to listen and be patient with people. Then, you have to make good decisions that will represent the best interests of our community. Thereafter, cooperators will be able to know who they can count on to do the best job for them.

So, I want this community to review all of our candidates. Then, I want them to choose the best candidates to be on our board of directors.

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Anika Green-Watson I’ve had the benefit of seeing Co-op City through three lenses. The first lens maps back to my childhood and begins with attending M.S. 180 and moving here with my family. I recall feeling that, even in the vastness of the property, there was a sense of community that I loved. The second lens begins as a young adult when I returned after college. I had a two-hour commute into Manhattan and entertained the idea of moving to be closer to work, but I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving this community. Instead of moving my home, I moved my job! The final lens is as a parent. Although my husband and I work in a neighboring state, we have decided to raise our children here.

Choosing a place to live is not a decision most people take lightly. Under the right conditions, the reasons we decide to live here can also be the reasons we choose to stay. I often think of the things that have made me choose Co-op City time after time. At the top of the list is safety: as a mom, I like that I feel safe when my children and I do our evening walks on the Section 2 greenway. We must continue to make safety a priority. Next is affordability: I love that my kids get to experience multi-generation living with their grandmother and great-aunt as neighbors and I want to ensure that we continue to keep Co-op City affordable for all. This neighborhood is more than just a place to live – it is home.

A vote for A.A.L.L. is a vote to maintain and improve the place we call home.

Vote to elect Anika Green-Watson & Akeisha Neely, and to re-elect Leah Richardson & Leslie Peterson. We are STRONGER TOGETHER!

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H 31

Aminah Lucio

Maintaining and increasing our quality of life is at the forefront of my agenda. This goes beyond balancing cost of services with income received. As summer approaches, individual families are reflecting on their quality of life and how they will bring back a sense of normalcy to the lives of children and youth. Now, more than ever, a youth center with much needed youth programs should be pursued by all cooperators.

The pandemic further heighted the social and economic disparities that exist between communities around the country. Our community has basketball courts, a waterfront area for youths to play soccer and a baseball field. Prior to the pandemic, I participated in double dutch at Dreiser. Although the activities seem endless, we can do more to reach our youth and ensure that they have the needed opportunities to increase the quality of their lives.

Reestablishing the relationship with Truman High School to use the swimming pool would also allow our youth to engage in a life skill. Expanding the summer youth work program so that local businesses participate and employ our youth should also be of focus. While growing up in Co-op, we had a van that picked up Truman students after school and took them to Connecticut to work at McDonalds. Now, with the many businesses operating in Co-op, we should consider a give back of sorts. This give back would be to employ our youths for a minimum number of hours and residents should make up a percentage of the workforce. This would also assist in building financial literacy, an invaluable investment in our youth. The youth are our future. Let’s work together to form a committee that would address this need. Let’s continue to seek greater new heights together. Let’s vote for TEAM PROGRESS at the ballot box.

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Leslie Peterson Co-op City has improved the quality of life for people by offering reasonably priced housing to middle income families. As shareholders, you want to elect directors who embody a desire to maintain affordability by promoting effective policies and addressing the aging infrastructure without cutting services.

Experience has taught me truthful communication is key. It helps eliminate doubt and misinformation. It instills confidence in your Riverbay Board director. The oversight agencies for Riverbay dictate how we proceed on various matters. That does not and should not stop us from engaging in dialogue and advocating for changes shareholders would like to see implemented.

Affordability through careful planning must be considered prior to raising the carrying charge hence my no vote to the increase. According to the bylaws, Board directors should “seek the most economical operation of the development in order to obtain the lowest possible carrying charge.” Our goal should be the longterm success of Co-op City.

Decisions we make today can impact our fiscal health now and in the future.

Revenue that is lost due to vacant units would be better used to maintain or enhance the services of our community. Costs that can be reduced with some effort should be considered when reviewing the budget. We may not all agree on everything, but with logical planning, Co-op City can continue to be a great place to live.

The most important elections you can participate in are those directly affecting your community. Commit to take a few minutes of your time to participate in your future. When you receive your ballot, vote, from May 3, 2021 through May 21, 2021. Vote to re-elect Leslie Peterson and Leah Richardson, and to elect Akeisha Neely and Anika Green-Watson. We are STRONGER TOGETHER.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

32 H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

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

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

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 ac(Continued on next page)

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H 33

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)

count, 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. (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

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

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 (Continued on next page)

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

34 H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)

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.

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.

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

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, (Continued on next page)

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

H H H 2021 Election Special H H 35

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations (Continued from previous page)

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 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

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

H H H 2021 Election Special H H H

Voting period for the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election is from May 3 – May 21, 2021

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★

B e s u re t o c a s t y o u r b a l l o t to help make this year’s quo r u m f or the 2 0 2 1 R ive rb a y B o a rd o f D i re c t o r s e l e c t i o n .

4,998 votes required for the 2021 Board election quorum.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

36

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

National Council of Negro Women

Women Represent! – Women spent time with us answering Represent! chairpersons, Camille questions we had about CovidWorrell and Rev. Beverly Spruill, and 19 and the various vaccines. the Co-op City Section of NCNW, Civic Engagement and would like to thank everyone who atPublic Policy – Tomorrow, tended our program: Black Women in Sunday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m., Justice: All Rise, on Saturday, April NCNW will be co-hosting with 10. The judges presented passionate Ranked Choice Voting NYC personal messages while informing Voter Education Training by us about the legal system. Participants S.I.S. and our own City Counpresented dramatic presentations, narcil Member Kevin C. Riley, a ratives, songs and poetry, in recogniwebinar on “Ranked Choice tion of National Poetry Month. It was Voting Empowerment Trainan informative program and guests ing,” since the next time we go expressed their appreciation. to the polls to begin the process Membership – As part of our of electing a new mayor and Dr. Carol Brown, monthly membership meeting last other officers, we need to be Sunday, April 11, we were fortunate Memorial Sloan Kettering aware that voting in NYC has to have as guest speaker, Dr. Carol Brown, gychanged. In an effort to get candidates that half necological surgeon at Memorial Sloan Ketterthe electorate favors, “ranked choice voting” will ing. Dr. Brown, serving as MSK’s first Chief be used and our ballots will not look the same as Health Equity Officer, plays a critical role in in the past. Please join us tomorrow afternoon to helping MSK build a diverse and equitable clinlearn how to vote your choice. Zoom Registraical, educational and research enterprise by helption: Tinyurl.com/Rcvnyc-April18. ing to recruit, train and provide opportunities for Bethune-Height Recognition Program – research and medical trainees from underrepreBecause of the Covid-19 coronavirus, the BHRP sented groups. Dr. Brown was the first Black Program will be a virtual program on May 15 at woman to serve as the president of the Society 12:00 p.m. At our 46th annual awards program, of Gynecologic Oncology and is a member of we will be honoring La-Trina Robinson-Webits Diversity & Inclusion Committee. It was with ster, distinguished educator of NYC school sysa great deal of concern that she spoke to our tem; Nydia D. Southerland, outstanding youth group about the alarming increase in uterine canleader, and Sara E. Dennis, New York State honcer among African American women. She urged oree and affiliate. The contribution is $100 per us all, and to share with our female relatives and person. Please send your check or money order friends, how important it is to speak with our payable to “NCNW Co-op City Section” to doctors anytime we experience “unexpected” NCNW Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, vaginal bleeding. Bleeding after menopause or NY 10475. between periods is a cause of alarm. She also —Joyce Howard

African-American Association Join us today!

Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3 p.m. ... The AAACC is pleased to present the 17th Annual Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair.

Let’s focus together on being healthy. We will examine a whole body approach to healthcare and modalities to improve health and wellness through the body mind and soul. Meeting ID: 874 4629 8868, Passcode: 239356.

Special guests will include: Bridget Bonaparte, owner of the Green Earth Apothecary, new to Co-op City, located at 153 Dreiser Loop. Contact her at: 646-765-2113. Other participants in the Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair are: Queen Afua, Sister Nfr Ka Raa, Xonia Wilson, Dr. James McIntosh, Quality of Life Juices.

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 $15.00/year for a single membership and $25.00/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.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507 Bottom of Form Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

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.

General information The Traditional Synagogue 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 do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, April 17, at 8:30 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, April 23, at 7:24 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. If you want to buy a 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 all other members who will celebrate their birthday in April.

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

Fun and Games After services and kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. We wish all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788; Conference ID: 962 343 0102; Password: 788175#.

The Men’s and Women’s Day Service will be held on Sunday, April 25, at our 11 a.m. service. There will be only one service this year, no afternoon service.

The guest speaker will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT. The theme is “Men and Women Praising God With Our Whole Heart,” Psalm 138:1. All are welcome to join us for this celebratory service using the Zoom Information shown above.

Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. You can join us by Zoom Video, https://us04web.zoom.us/, 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 10:00 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 on Sundays at 9:00 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 vaccine is available for those 16 and older. Co-op City residents can call 718-879-5950, Monday to Friday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment in person at the Dreiser Center. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a Covid19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844444-2819.

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

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle

37

100 Co-op City Blvd., Bldg. 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; 718-324-0334.

Worship service online on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Worship service will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Call in #: 720-740-9746, Access code: 887 663 1.

Focus: The power of the incorruptible Word of God is able to lead souls to a new experience and the eternal life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times.1 Peter 1: 3-5 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vein conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

(1Peter 1: 18-22) A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have loved one to another.

(John 13:34-35) In St. John, chapter 13, Jesus speaks of love while experiencing betrayal which would lead him to the cross, where he suffers pain and insult from the ones he loved the most. Abandonment from his close disciples while his enemies closed in on him yet he was teaching them love and forgiveness.

One great example is 1John 3:16: Hereby perceive we the love of God because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

1John 3 1-3.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

38

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS 718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

CLEANING SERVICE - WINDOWS

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell: 1-203-482-6337

HELP WANTED

4/3 REPAIR APPLIANCE

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

1-800-479-2667 CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • RANGE HOODS We BEAT • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • SINK VANITIES • KITCHEN CABINETS • SPACE SAVERS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• MATCHING HAMPERS • COUNTERTOPS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Breathe Easy

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

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

Fully Insured

718.792.2655

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

4/24

LEGAL NOTICE 4/17 10/30

CAR SERVICE

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838

Elim in Bugsate

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

Executive Exotic Limo

(Powered by PayLease) 5/29

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Wanted: receptionist/medical secretary full-time for Co-op City Podiatry office. Computer skills and insurance experience necessary.

Part-time medical assistant also needed. Email resume to: lnmnwolstein@gmail.com or fax 718-671-7708

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

Uptown Riders LLC articles of organization filed with Department of State of New York Bronx under Section 205 on December 28th 2020. DOS shall mail a copy of process to David Deleon Harris. 140 Darrow Pl. Bronx NY 10475

LOCKSMITH

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

4/24

CLEANING SERVICES

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

4/3

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

NEW STYLE BLINDS

All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

4/24

PAINTING

SPOONER

DOMESTIC SERVICE

• Basic Cleaning $100 • Deep Cleaning $150 • Non-Medical Senior Care $90 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.88% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 7/3 (718) 320-5112

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

Call Wesley 212.996.7347

917.325.5334

4/3

REUPHOLSTERY

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

FATHER & SON

Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Tiles, Walls & Floors, Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

or

8/21

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

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

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

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

Pay your carrying charges online with ZEGO

4/24

Want to pay your carrying charges in a quick, secure and hassle free way? Just sign up with “Zego” (Powered by PayLease). Creating an online account is free and simple. Go to www.coopcitynyc.com and click on the “GoZego” link in the website footer at the bottom of the page. Once on the Zego page, click on “Resident/Homeowner login” on the top navigation bar and you will be prompted to create an account.

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

• Payments will be received in one business day.

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

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

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

• Secure and easy payment system.

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

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

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

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

PUBLIC SAFETY

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

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021 (Continued from page 7)

the future effects of Covid-19.

If you or any member of your family exhibits dry cough, fever, loss of taste or smell or have been exposed to anyone known or suspected to have Covid-19 or any other contagious illness, be sure to stay home from work or school, get plenty of bed rest and increase fluid consumption. These are very important steps in preventing the spread of illness. This gives the body the chance to rest and recover as rapidly as possible. The NYC website, www.nyc.gov, lists school closings and illness outbreaks among school populations. Be sure to notify your child’s school if your child becomes ill with Covid-19, the flu or any other contagious illness. Follow the advice of your doctor to determine when it is safe for your child to return to school with a minimum of 14 days. Check the CDC website for more information at www.cdc.gov/flu or www.cdc.gov/covid. By taking precautions, you can minimize your risk of exposure to Covid-19 and the flu virus. Your health goes hand-in-hand with your well-being and safety.

Always remember not to drive if you consume alcoholic beverages. Even one drink is too many if you are going to drive. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Some schools are open, drive safely. Never pass a stopped school bus from either direction when it has the red lights flashing or the stop sign out.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 9-1-1 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website.

Your actions can be the first step in the process of making arrests and enforcing Quality of Life Violations. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety strives to keep the crime rate low and the quality of life high. Visit CCPD on Twitter @CCPDnyc to see what is happening here in Co-op City.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

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

39

40

Co-op City Times / April 17, 2021

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes o f Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Lo w Ra te s Fo r T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Licensed Insurance Agent

PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION.

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

The Wright Agency

COVID COMPLIANT

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

718-892-7798

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

Courteous Staff!

Appointment Hours:

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

Tues. & Thurs.: 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

(near Eastchester Road)

F: 718-892-7919 FREE NOTARY Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1554 Paulding Ave., Bronx, NYALL 10462 FOR

1435 East Gun Hill Road

Open 7 Days a week CO-OP

SERVICE

Call Us Today!

CITY RESIDENTS! NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.

718-671-8000

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.