Co-op City Times 4/24/21

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First Candidates’ Forum now showing on the Crawler & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/UJQzrqWyyBw

Vol. 56 No. 17

Refinancing Facts

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Linda Berk

President’s Message

2021 Board candidates express views, answer questions at first Candidates’ Forum

The 12 candidates running in this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election will participate in three official Candidates’ Forums, held virtually, leading up to this year’s voting period.

Candidates are afforded an opening and closing statements.

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

The Co-op City Times’ report this week is on the first virtual Candidates’ Forum held on April 21. The final two forums will be covered in an upcoming issue after the forums are held.

First virtual Candidates’ Forum held April 21 All 12 candidates running in this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election participated in the first of three candidates’ forums on Wednesday, April 21. For the first time, this year’s forums will be virtual using Riverbay’s Webex platform and broadcast on the Riverbay Crawler to all shareholders.

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

President

There has been some discussion of the potential refinancing deal that Riverbay Corporation has considered. Let me make sure the community understands the situation. Considering refinancing currently is not saddling the corporation with debt, but an opportunity to acquire a large sum of money at a low interest rate. The refinance deal, if we move forward, would provide $80 - $100 million at an extremely low mortgage rate that might not come around again for some time. It would give Riverbay a large sum of money towards the repair of our $250 million or more convector problem.

(Continued on page 2)

HUD-mandated Property Needs Inspections begin May 5 Shareholder cooperation necessary

Beginning on Wednesday, May 5, inspectors from Dominion Due Diligence Group will begin property-wide inspections in Co-op City, a requirement of the community’s current HUD-insured mortgage with Wells Fargo.

Inspectors will require access to at least 10% of each apartment-type in Coop City (chevron, triple-core, tower, and bedroom size). Each Dominion inspector will be accompanied by a Riverbay staff member and the inspection should take approximately five minutes. The inspector will mainly examine the ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlets throughout the apartment, smoke detectors, electrical panels and the general condition of the apartment and balcony. In some cases, the inspector may need to take photos. Proper identification will be worn and all Covid-related health guidance will be adhered to, including the wearing of face masks and social distancing, for the safety of all parties.

In addition to residential units, the common areas of buildings, mechanical rooms, roofs, grounds, commercial spaces and garages will also be inspected.

These Property Needs Assessments – or Capital Needs Assessments as they are also known – are mandated every 10 years for all HUD-insured loans such as Co-op City’s current mortgage with Wells Fargo. This year’s inspection is being done in year 9 as part of Wells Fargo/Riverbay’s exploration of a possible refinancing, and will allow Riverbay and its lender to assess what needs to be repaired, when the repairs are needed, and estimated cost of those repairs to ensure proper financial planning.

The cooperation of shareholders is needed to complete this mandatory inspection.

—Riverbay Management

2021 Riverbay Board of Directors’ Election Ballots to be mailed Monday, April 26 Voting period May 3 – May 21, 2021

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Shareholders will begin receiving their orange colored election ballot envelopes later next week from YesElections, powered by Election-America, Riverbay’s election contractor, to participate in the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election.

Shareholders can vote in one of two ways – by completing and mailing back their ballot to YesElections in the stamped, addressed envelope included

$1.25

(Continued on page 4)

DOE’s “Summer Rising” offers free summer program for public school students

(Continued on page 9)

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

This academic year could not have been more far from normal for New York City’s public school students.

However, the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) is hoping to help fill in potential learning gaps the city’s public school students have incurred with a free, educational and entertaining summer program.

(Continued on page 19)

March for Peace held in Co-op City ahead of George Floyd verdict

A collaboration between the Clergy of the 45th Precinct, led by the clergy council president, Rev. Dr. Deborah Jenkins, and the Bronx Clergy Task Force, led by Bishop Angelo Rosario, resulted in a March for Peace last weekend from the Section (Continued on page 4)

Douglas Elliman data breach does not affect Co-op City shareholders

Earlier this week, Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer informed the Riverbay Board of Directors that the IT data breach that occurred at Douglas Elliman Property Management (DE), the managers of Co-op City, does not affect Co-op City shareholders.

Riverbay Corporation has its own IT system which is independent of and not linked to the Douglas Elliman system.

In the DE data breach, hackers were able to get into the company’s property management IT system which houses personal data for the residents and employees in a number of New York buildings in DE’s property management portfolio. According to reports, the breached information may have included names, dates of birth, mailing addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and financial information.

Douglas Elliman’s brokerage and new development marketing businesses were not affected by the hack as they each use separate IT systems.

The matter is being investigated by the FBI.

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President’s Report

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

Notice that I keep saying, “if possible,” and “potential refinancing,” terms that are not definitive. That is because there are two factors that must be in place for Riverbay to even consider refinancing. One is that HUD waives several requirements that would make the deal prohibitive. These are waivers we had for our previous mortgage, and we would expect to receive them again. The second factor is the interest rate. We would not refinance a loan at a higher interest rate. So, IF, the interest rate remains low; IF HUD provides the waivers, Riverbay would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity to get close to $100 million without coming to shareholders for the money; a refinance would not impact our carrying charges.

Every shareholder wants to fix our convector problem, here is a potential solution. It is worth investigating!

Back log of restoration in occupied apartments Over the past year, Riverbay has been impacted by the pandemic in many ways.

One of the most impactful ways on shareholders has been the backlog of appointments for restoration of occupied apartments. For several months, our staff was unable to enter shareholder apartments due to COVID-19. For every passing day of these limitations, our appointment log got longer and longer. It is a problem for us, as most things in our world from new cars, new appliances, and construction of new homes. There is a shortage of materials and workers, combined with a backlog of appointments. I believe our biggest mistake was in not letting shareholders know up front we have this problem. If you knew, you might not be so shocked when you get a long wait for an appointment.

While we realize this is a worldwide problem, it does not mean we cannot try to mitigate the issue here at Co-op City. Management has made efforts, by adding painters and plasters to the Restoration department for occupied apartments. However, that is still not enough. While we have been able to cut the wait time significantly, there is still a very long and frustrating wait period! Riverbay is also facing an issue that is currently nationwide – a lack of available manpower. The shortage, as reported in the news lately, comes from some people not ready to work in strangers’ apartments and the stimulus unemployment compensation that has kept many people out of the workforce.

Management has been given the directive to continue to pursue additional staff to help work on the backlog. They have Board support to be more aggressive and creative in finding the necessary manpower. Stay tuned, we will do a better job of keeping the community informed.

Safety Co-op City remains one of the safest communities in the Bronx because of our dedicated CCPD force and their professional working relationship with the local 45th Precinct. CCPD is a 24/7 operation. Staffing includes a detectives unit, an emergency services unit as well as plainclothes officers who are dispatched on every shift and work outdoors to help keep a watchful eye on our community. You may not see them but they are out there, as evidenced by our low crime stats and the swiftness with which troubling conditions are handled.

As we continue to have the safest community in the Bronx, we will always be prepared to make appropriate adjustments. We have also had increased tour visibility from the 45th Precinct, a result of years of efforts.

Engagement encouraged I will always try to bring shareholders into the fold. I encourage shareholder engagement and provide the transparency for you to understand the big issues. I believe strongly in communication; it is critical that shareholders know what is going on. Two weeks ago, the budget summary proposal was published in the paper with the line-by-line items for each department. Up until the pandemic, we have mailed our auditor’s report directly to your home instead of printing it in the paper which can be difficult to read. The thought is that as a shareholder, you should have your financial report to read over with whomever you trust to explain the report to you, if necessary.

Last week, I shared with you the projects completed, under progress, projected and areas where Management has been able to improve efficiencies and thus cost savings.

While the list is comprehensive, long, and significant, there is still a lot of work to do.

There continues to be challenges that we must resolve, or all the good work that has been done will feel like nothing. As shareholders, we should all expect the best; unfortunately, we will not find perfection here, but you will find an incredibly beautiful community with a concerned Board and staff. I encourage shareholders once again to get involved. Attend your building association meeting, or join a Board committee, read the Co-op City Times and be a part of the solutions we need to continue the improvements here at Co-op City. All hands on deck!

I appreciate your time and attention and look forward to everyone stepping up where you can.

Please contact me at Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY or Lberk@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Rivers Run Community Garden Earth Day Posters

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African-American Association Wholistic Health Fair

The African-American Association of Co-op City held their 17th Annual Wholistic Health and Wellness fair last Sunday, April 18.

For a recap of the event, please see the African-American Association’s article on page 18.

Photos courtesy Michelle Marbury

Last Sunday, April 18, Rivers Run Community Garden invited residents to a poster-making day in preparation for their upcoming Earth Day celebrations. With a theme of “Speak Out Loud on Earth Day,” Co-op City families with something to say created meaningful posters which will be exhibited during a Community Parade on April 24.

Photos by Gail Sharbaan

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March

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

2 Greenway to Section 5 to demonstrate a show of community strength and resolve of faith-leaders to come together for prayer, peace and unity.

The group was joined by Bronx District Attorney A. Darcel Clarke, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, Councilman Kevin Riley and former Councilman Andy King and his youth organization, Y.E.P.; Pastor Sam Colon of Circle of Christ Church, Pastor Sheldon Williams of Co-op City Baptist Church and Bishop Nancy Rosario of Church of God’s Children; NYPD, elected officials from throughout the Bronx as well as members of community organizations. Initially gathered on the stage on the Section 2 greenway, the group marched peacefully to the Section 5 greenway. Their primary objective was to let the community know, ahead of the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, that the faith-community is and will be available as resources to them both now and later. “It is the visible faith that people respond to and that which is closed off,” said Pastor Jenkins. “I believe we shared this message effectively.”

Bishops Nancy and Angelo Rosario of the Bronx Clergy Task Force and Church of God’s Children in Co-op City said once they got the call from DA Clark to galvanize local stakeholders and houses of worship to promote peace and harmony no matter which way the verdict turned out, they immediately reached out to the 45th Pct. and Pastor Jenkins at the Clergy Council. “It was a call to action from our DA to bring together faith leaders, local businesses, law enforcement and community residents to get ahead of efforts to maintain peace and prevent violence and to let people know we were there for them if they needed us or a safe sanctuary to decompress. We all came together and thank God it came out way it did and no one was placed in harm’s way, not residents or the law enforcement officers who serve our communities.”

Ballots

with their ballot, or they can cast their vote electronically from their computer, smart phone, tablet or iPad beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 3. Voting will continue until 8:59 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, when voting will end. Those voting online will need the security PIN and Code included in their ballot envelope to log into the YesElections voting portal. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by May 21, 2021 to count in the election.

Election ballots should not be returned to Riverbay Corporation or delivered or given to a Riverbay staff member.

There will be one vote per residential unit which must be cast by a resident shareholder of record as of March 30, 2021. Only one vote per unit will be counted.

Should more than one ballot be cast per residential unit, only the earliest dated mail-in ballot or the first electronically recorded ballot will be counted, according to the election rules. All other ballots cast for that specific unit will be disregarded.

Following the close of the election at 8:59 p.m. on Friday, May 21, if the quorum of 4,998 votes is achieved to certify the election, the election will end and the 2021 Election Committee will review and certify the election results in a virtual meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. on Webex. The public posting of the official election results will take place by 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 27. The deadline to file challenges to the election is Friday, May 28, and the newly elected Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 9.

However, if the quorum is not met at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 21, when voting ends, the election will resume at 9:01 p.m. that same evening, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021. On May 9 at 7 p.m., the committee will once again meet virtually to review and certify the results.

In this extended scenario, the public posting of the official results will be done by 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10. Friday,

(Continued from page 1)

June 11, at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file election challenges, and the newly elected Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 16, and begin serving their three-year terms.

Following the review of the vote count, the Election Committee will certify to the Board of Directors that a quorum was 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 top five candidates who have been elected to serve three-year terms on the Board, as well as the order of all other candidates who ran in the Board election.

This year, shareholders are voting for five of the twelve candidates running in the Board election – 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.

The order in which the candidates’ names will appear on the ballot was determined by lottery at the Candidates’ Meeting held on Friday, April 9, 2021.

This week, the first of three official virtual Candidates’ Forums was held on Wednesday, April 21, and is being broadcast on the Riverbay Crawler (see report on page 1 of this issue). It is also available on the Co-op City YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/UJQzrqWyyBw. The remaining forums will be held on Saturday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 5, both at 7:30 p.m. The forums will be broadcast live on the Crawler and rebroadcast in the days following the forums so shareholders who missed the live showing will be able to catch up and hopefully see and hear from their favorite candidates before casting their ballot.

They will also be posted to the corporation’s YouTube channel.

The final of three consecutive election supplements is published on pages 25-35 of this issue of the Co-op City Times outlining the candidates’ views on issues relevant to the community and their service on the Board of Directors.

On Tuesday, April 21, a Minneapolis jury found Chauvin guilty of all three charges against him – second degree unintentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.

Bystanders’ videotaped evidence in which Officer Chauvin was shown kneeling on George Floyd’s neck and back for more 9 minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd was handcuffed and lying on the street played a significant role in Mr. Chauvin’s conviction and sparked public outcry across the nation from all sectors of society for justice for Mr. Floyd, and police and criminal justice reforms. Mr. Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced in eight weeks.

The other three officers who were on the scene are charged with aiding and abetting Mr. Chauvin. They have pleaded not guilty and will be tried jointly this summer.

Photos courtesy of Andy King

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

TUNE IN LIVE SATURDAY, MAY 1, AT 7:30 P.M.

RIVERBAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Co-op City Times

2021 ELECTION SECOND VIRTUAL CANDIDATES’ FORUM

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE INVITED!

Junior Associate Editor

Forum will be broadcast on Channel 12 (MATV) and Channel 591 (Cablevision) and will be available for viewing in the ensuing days.

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland 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 24, 2021

CCPD alerts residents of the April 2021 scam of the month – Identity Theft due to the extended tax deadline

Public Safety Report

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, state and federal tax deadlines are now May 15, 2021. Some people may have already filed their taxes before the normal deadline of April 15, 2021. Those who have just filed their taxes may be waiting for their refund. Others may be waiting for other funds such as unemployment or stimulus package funds. Persons with evil intentions view large numbers of people waiting for payments as an opportunity.

Smart cooperators who read this column are always onestep ahead of scammers.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety receives updates from various agencies regarding trends in scams. Scam artists are a very clever group of people. They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims. Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim.

The deadline to file taxes is now Saturday, May 15, 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Some people may have already filed their taxes and are anxiously awaiting their tax refund check or direct deposit. Along with the extension of the tax deadline, the due date for the Riverbay Corporation Income Affidavit is now May 31, 2021. Notarization of the Income Affidavit is not required this year. Coop City Department of Public Safety offers useful precautions residents should take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Unscrupulous criminals have even found a way to use Americans’ eagerness to receive their tax refund as a means to attempt identity theft. The following information will help to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft in all situations.

New credit cards arriving is another potential source of Identity Theft. When you receive a new credit card, call the number on the sticker as soon as possible.

Never give any information out to anybody contacting you and requesting it. Call the number on the back of your credit card if you have an issue with a credit card that you have already activated. The same precaution applies to emails that appear to come from your bank. Sometimes the address can be off by one letter and direct you to a fake website hosted by scammers. Scammers are hoping you have just received a new card and are eager to activate it. By being alert, you can avoid being a victim of this scam.

Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, date of birth or Social Security number. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know or have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Be also leery of fake websites offering to give you something for nothing. Always be sure to enter a website address directly into your website; never click on a link from an email or text. One letter off can take you to a fake website.

Some people may read about these scams and wonder how anyone could possibly fall for them. Scam artists are very persistent; they blanket a large number of potential victims until they find their prey. The internet has made it extremely easy for scam artists to target millions of potential victims with a single touch of a button. Telephone or regular mail scam artists work a little harder but do eventually find their victim. Bold scammers have approached their potential victim in person at their door or in a public place.

Scammers will sometimes notice a series of telephone numbers in which a large group of older persons reside and send out multiple calls until they catch a victim. Scammers may target groups in a geographical population once they find a demographic that fits their scam. Caller identification can also be manipulated to seem like the caller is local or from a valid entity. Let’s show scammers that 718 area code with 379, 320, 671 and 862 exchanges will not fall for their scams.

We are Co-op City Smart.

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

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

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

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

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

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-671-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

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Public Safety Blotter 04/04/21 – 04/10/21

04/11/21 – Address withheld, Assault Weapon CCPD units responded to a report that a male was assaulted with a weapon.

Upon arrival, officers learned that an unknown male used a bottle to assault another male causing injury. The matter is under investigation.

04/12/21 – 120 Casals Place Fire FDNY responded to an apartment on the 20th floor. The Fire Department investigators believe a heat lamp being used within the apartment ignited the fire. One person inside the apartment suffered minor injuries.

04/15/21 – 99 Earhart Lane, Arrest Driving While Intoxicated CCPD officer on patrol observed a motorist drive over a chain link barrier fence, getting it caught on their car, then driving around the garage, damaging the concrete floor. The motorist then drove outside the garage, dislodged and left the chain barrier in the middle of the street. The items were retrieved. The officers were able to locate the driver and after conducting an investigation, placed him under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The male was subsequently tested by the NYPD I.D.T.U. officers and determined to be intoxicated. The male was arrested and charged accordingly.

The mere mention of fraud somehow makes potential victims more likely to believe the scam artist. It is not impossible that a bank could call you in the event of fraud but a legitimate bank employee would not ask you for your account number, Personal Identification Number or other personal data. If you receive a request like this, call your financial institution using a telephone number that you are sure belongs to your bank or inquire in person. Banks and other financial institutions are happy if their customers do not readily give out their banking information.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for reporting internet crimes.

Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

If your plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Nobody wants to be pulled over at a DWI checkpoint if they have been drinking. Even if you are only “buzzed,” it can result in severe consequences. Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce Drunk Driving deaths and injuries. We hear about these incidents in the news and feel like it can never happen to us but that is not a mindset. Never operate a motor

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

(Continued on page 39)

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.

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Bernard My condolences to cooperators and staffers who have lost a relative or a friend to COVID-19.

And I hope all eligible cooperators and Riverbay staff have received a vaccine against this tragic virus.

In spite of spikes in infections and fatalities occurring in certain sections of our country, we are, fortunately, beginning to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. President Biden believes that, by autumn, the United States will be fully vaccinated. And according to most economists, our nation will enjoy a robust economic recovery, with full employment by the end of this year, maybe even sooner. No small credit must go to the unemployment and income relief programs instituted by both Congress and the New York State legislature.

Devil’s in the detail It is in this fiscal environment that the Board of Directors met its requirement to review, amend, and adopt Management’s draft of a two-year budget before it submits it to New York State Housing and Community Renewal, our oversight agency, for their approval.

The two-year draft budget that Riverbay Management prepares must be balanced—it must incorporate anticipated income and expenses, including losses.

Eighty-three percent of our forecasted total income for 2021-22, $241,950,100, is expected to be derived from our carrying charges. The remaining 17% is mostly from garage fees, surcharges, equity investments, laundries, commercial and office rents, late fees, electric power rebates, and sales.

Forth-one percent of our total expenses are nondiscretionary— Riverbay has little, if any, control over them — including shelter rent, commercial and water/sewer taxes, insurance, utilities, and mortgage debt service (including essential capital projects).

Fifty-nine percent of our total expenses are discretionary – Riverbay has some control of them— and include the provision of services to keep our homes safe, healthful, and comfortable. This portion of our budget mainly covers payroll, technical services, and material expenses.

The pandemic has made it especially challenging for Management to draft the budget, and for the Riverbay Board to review, amend, and adopt it before submitting it to HCR. In addition to taking a terrible toll on cooperators and staff, the pandemic has necessitated a number of health and safety measures that have impacted the budget in several key ways: * Ending the lobby attendants program forced the termination of 60 employees. * Suspending restoration and selling of apartments for several months. * Capital projects were paused for several months. * Waiving all late fees and stopping all evictions. * On the flip side, some 400 families, economic victims of COVID, defaulted on their carrying charges. * Purchasing personal protection equipment, a health and safety requirement, proved costly.

While halting our capital projects reduced some of Riverbay’s bills, COVID took a toll on our bottom line. For example, we lost $1.5 million in carrying-charge fees and late fees, and hundreds of thousands of dollars from delayed apartment sales.

Was Co-op given any financial relief?

Some questions: * During the height of the pandemic, did the city, state, or federal government offer relief to Riverbay’s tax bills? * Did Wells Fargo forgive Riverbay from servicing our debt? * Did Con Edison or oil and gas companies offer any discount?

No, no, no.

And what about our insurance companies? Instead of increasing our premiums this year by double digits, they offered, as a favor, an increase of “only” 8%.

When did any of us get an 8% salary increase? And we were told that this offer was the best insurance deal available. (Riverbay must go self-insurance.)

In spite of COVID-19, Management’s initial budget called for zero increase this year and a 3.5% increase in year two.

On what basis did Riverbay determine these carrying charge calculations? Especially when Management projected an operational surplus of a whopping $59.2 million?

Promises of better days Cylich, First Vice President

Capital Projects dominate our budgets The cost of essential capital projects has been dominating our budgets for decades. The total estimated cost of capital projects for this two-year period is $74.5 million. When Riverbay dips into our reserve account of $7.8 million, the total available cash for capital projects is $67.0 million. However, Riverbay will still be short $3.3 million, an amount that could come only from our carrying charges. We don’t have a sugar daddy/mommy.

In its initial draft, Management included income from a proposed increase of equity investment by $1,000 per room. This additional projected income enabled them to propose a reduced increase to 3.5% in the second year and no increase in the first year.

However, the Board amended the increases in equity investment for new cooperators as well as for those applying for internal transfers by another $1,000 per room, to a total of $7,500 per room. (I voted against the measure.) Because of the increased fees for garage space as well as for storage rooms, which have not kept up with carrying charge increases, and because the increases were moved forward from June 2022 to

January 2022, the Board was able to reduce the proposed year-two increase to 2%.

Of course, if it were not for costly essential projects Management is required to undertake, we would not need any carrying charge increase in 2022. Indeed, on the contrary, every family could receive an unheardof, substantial rebate. We could dream. These essential projects include the balcony and facade repairs mandated by New York City Local Law 11; replacing faulty elevator motors; renovation of front lobby doors to be ADA-compliant; and repairing concrete spalling in garage ceilings.

And when Riverbay completes these capital projects, there is a long list of additional costly essential projects, sitting on the drawing board, that have been kicked down the road to future budgets. One such undertaking is to correct construction-related problems with our townhouses. Another that comes to mind is the estimated $250 million for replacement of the leaky, inefficient convector system.

One thing for sure is that as long as we live here, there will never be a dull moment.

Forum

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

9

the Board’s fiduciary duties to its shareholders, nothing in my training suggests that The forum’s moderator, Board Director Francine Reva Jones, chair of the 2021 taking on a project of that scope in a pandemic year is a good idea.”

Election Committee, read the election rules in her opening remarks, stressing that Aminah Lucio supports a waterfront park if it’s what the community wants. She no personal attacks or abusive behavior would be tolerated either by or towards the said: “The waterfront park would be a beautiful addition to the community, however, candidates. Before opening statements, Director Jones introduced the members of we need to represent what is doable. What does the community want? It’s based on the 2021 Election Committee, co-chair Michelle Marbury, election counsel Jeffrey what the community wants and if it’s financially doable.”

Buss, and committee members Sandy Krasnove, Denise Gerrald, John Gale, Joyce Leslie Peterson, a co-founder of Co-op City Rivers Run Community Garden, said: Wilson and Marita Taylor.

The candidates then presented their opening statements in the order in which “If you want to come down and get a little waterfront view, you can all come down to Rivers Run Community Garden. You are all welcomed to view the water and sit their names will appear on the ballot, which was determined by a random drawing at the April 9th Candidates’ Meeting — Monique Coleman, Sheila Richburg, in the gazebo until the time comes when we have the funds to do a waterfront.”

The committee asked the candidates three more questions submitted by shareAlixan Ducreay, Leah Richardson, Akeisha Neely, Isabel Fletcher, Regina Hamilholders: Should Riverbay be more proactive in enforcing rules, and each candidate’s ton, Kevin Lambright, Daryl Johnson, Anika Green-Watson, Aminah Lucio and thoughts on the decision to remove lobby attendants from buildings.

Leslie Peterson.

All candidates agreed that Riverbay should be proactive in enforcing the rules, The following is a synopsis of their comments made at the first forum. with some suggesting that Riverbay should do so leniently. In contrast, others First, all candidates were asked what they thought the second most significant indicated that residents should undergo another orientation to be reminded of rules problem in Co-op City is, the first one being convectors.

Candidates’ response included cable service, maintenance, restoration services, and regulations.

Lobby attendants are all missed among the candidates, but the majority understood CCPD, and overall service and systematic issues. the rationale of them not returning, whether due to the pandemic or overall costs to Ms. Monique Coleman responded saying: “I think we need to look long and the corporation. hard at our relationship with our cable TV provider…” adding that she remembers In their closing statements, the candidates gave compelling reasons why they when her cable company was Community Home Entertainment and her bill was should be elected or re-elected to the Riverbay Board. They stressed the impor$40 for cable TV. “Now, my cable costs are comparable to making a car payment tance of addressing the community’s needs for better customer service and more – we need to consider other alternatives and let Optimum know that their days efficient service delivery to shareholders, community finances and spending, are numbered.” maintaining affordability, keeping carrying charges down, and professionalism Sheila Richburg addressed maintenance and the quality of service. She said: of Riverbay staff.

“There has been continued concerns regarding maintenance and the quality of Shareholders can view the entire broadcast of the April 21st Candidates’ service we receive as shareholders. It is my opinion that these current shortfalls Forum daily on the Riverbay Crawler (Channel 591 on Optimum and Channel can improve and as a Board member, I would advocate for expanding the delivery 12 on MATV). It is also on the official Co-op City YouTube channel: of these services.” https://youtu.be/UJQzrqWyyBw. Improvement of restoration services is on Leah Richardson’s list. She said: The Election Committee encourages shareholders to email relevant questions “For us to continue to be financially secure, we need to get these apartments restored for the candidates to answer at the upcoming forums to promptly. It is also important that our current shareholders are not subjected to the Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com. sloppy work that is done by unskilled workers when they call for services.”

Akeisha Neely believes CCPD should be more visible on the grounds of CoThe second forum will be held on Saturday, May 1, and the final, on Wednesday, op City. She said: “We need to build a better relationship with CCPD. I think May 5. Both will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Crawler. we need to hold CCPD accountable, walking around and having visibility in the community. We need to have better communication with CCPD and hold them accountable for securing our grounds.”

Kevin Lambright confirmed that the current Board is already working on issues regarding restoration but wants to take care of the Call Center. He said: “We should be able to make a phone call when we have a problem and get someone there who will show up – that works when you put systems in place. I would like to work on putting proper systems in place so that we can have a better quality of life in everything we do in Co-op City because we pay for it.”

Daryl Johnson’s most significant issue is finances and how shareholders’ money is being spent. He said: “We spend a lot of money on capital projects, on our apartments – on average, we spend $20K to restore apartment. We’re spending a lot of money and going into debt again to pay for capital projects.

It would be best if you had good Board directors that’s going to guide this community to do the right things with our finances.”

Before the forum, shareholders were encouraged to send in their questions directed to candidates. The first shareholder question of the evening was regarding Riverbay’s budget priorities. Mr. Buss asked the question submitted by the shareholder, “Do you believe that Riverbay’s capital budget should include money for a waterfront park?”

Alixan Ducreay does not support including a waterfront park in the capital project budget. He said: “I do not believe that an investment from capital funds should be used in a waterfront project. I’m not adverse to some of the great ideas that are being put forward, but I believe as long as we still have problems with repairs and maintaining the buildings themselves, I think our monies are better spent elsewhere on capital projects and maintaining the buildings.”

Isabel Fletcher is in favor of the waterfront park. She said: “One reason why I support the waterfront is that we have many families that travel to the other boroughs and go to visit other waterfronts. I think it’ll be a good thing for families to get out of their homes here – the serenity is beautiful for someone being able to get out.”

Before deciding on whether she fully supports the idea of a waterfront park in Co-op City, Regina Hamilton said she would like more research to be done. Her response: “Although I think having a waterfront is a beautiful idea, I think it would require more investigation because we would have to find out if it’s going to be primarily for Co-op City residents or public use. Then you must think about safety measures; is it going to be CCPD or NYPD? I’m not necessarily for using capital funds to get that going without knowing who it’s for.”

In her response, Anika Green-Watson touched on a survey that previously went out to shareholders to poll community interest in a waterfront park in Co-op City.

According to Ms. Green-Watson, in a survey where 28.9% of residents in the community voted – which would not be a sufficient vote for this election to move forward, and of that 28.9%, 86% expressed some interest – she said: “Do we call that a compelling reason with clear community interest? I don’t think so…When I think of

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Mary

Refinancing: Our Executive General Manager came up with a refinancing plan along with our mortgage lender, Wells Fargo. We’d refinance what’s left of our huge loan, plus take an extra $100 million loan on top, at a .3% lower rate. We’ve whittled down the old loan from 2012 by about $95 million so we’d basically be going back to square one, minus a pre-payment penalty on the old loan. The new rate would be 2.1% instead of the old rate of $2.4% and though that’s only a .3% difference, when you’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars, every tenth of a point counts.

He presented this plan to the Board on 9-30-20. But why take the extra loan? Because we’d wind up with about $80 million to stash away for our enormous convector issue.

Our elected officials held a press conference in which they seemed to take credit for this gift to our community. But it’s not a gift. It’s a refinancing, and a bigger debt. But it might not end up being any of that.

There are many factors to refinancing the largest co-op on the planet besides saying ooo let’s do it. We’d have saved a bucket of money in interest over the next umpteen years and that would have been great, but the biggest benefit (I do see it as a benefit), is that we would have been further locked into additional years of privatization impossibility. That makes me happy.

I cannot abide by anyone wanting to make a profit by cashing out of Co-op City after saving money like a bandit every month for 10, 30, 50 years. However, that ocean liner has sailed… maybe.

Our top equity now (though it will go up in January) is about $35,000 (rounding down slightly) going up to about $50,000 (rounding up slightly). I contest that our carrying charges are at least $500 to $1,000 or more a month below anywhere else you could possible live, anywhere else as close to the greatest city in the world, in any place half as nice as our place. If you don’t agree with my numbers, you haven’t been reading the classifieds (which actually no longer exist, but you get the point).

A measly monthly $500 “rent” savings equals an eightish year equity payoff. Once that equity is a paid-off mem-

Let’s talk numbers

Pearson, Secretary

ory, you’ve still got the greatest deal in the city. And that’s if you’re only paying 500 bucks, not a 1,000 bucks, below the average market rate apartment.

If we continually refinance (preferably at lower interest rates) and put the savings into inevitably arising repair issues at inevitably rising costs, Co-op City will never be “paid off.” And that’s a good thing: It’ll keep our Co-op City homes out of the hands of speculators. We’ll take those refinancing savings and periodic and reasonable carrying charge increases and use the money to keep Co-op City clean, green, safe and affordable for future generations.

The problem is, interest rates have already started to rise. If this refinancing plan had moved along when first proposed, at the end of September 2020, well, that would have been one thing. But a six and a half months’ later action with rising interest rates?

But I do not know what maneuvering wizardry the powers-that-be have up their sleeves. After all, the government has given out a ton of interest free loans throughout the pandemic, so fingers crossed! We might still be able to bank away a down payment for the solution to our heating/cooling convector problem which has a price tag of upward of $400 million. But if we could refinance the old loan – plus that new $80 million loan – interest free? If our electeds want to put a bow on top of that as a gift, kisses for everyone!

Juggling the numbers. Seems we can’t stop talking/writing about the budget. That includes me. Some worry about those among us who are financially struggling due to the disruption of the past year. They say “no” to any increases. I’ve been told that more than 400 (420? 480?) out of our 15,372 apartments, or approximately 3%, are behind in their carrying charges. That’s a big increase in the number from pre-Covid days but still a low percentage. For the occupants of the other 97% of units, we’re not struggling financially nearly as much. Between

those individuals receiving stimulus checks #1, #2, and #3 of $1200, $600, and $1400; those of us receiving uninterrupted Social Security and/or pension checks; those essential workers who never stopped working; others who started working from home; and those on unemployment (with a bonus) – these have not been financially straining times.

Surely some are hurting. Surely the more fortunate of us can come up with a scheme to help out our neighbors till they’re back up and running. I’m all for that.

But scrimping on maintenance and capital projects just won’t do, in my opinion.

During the budget process, the Board and Management were able to lower the proposed April carrying charge increase from 3.5%, to a 2% January increase. (SCRIE and DRIE shareholders are, by definition, exempt from the increase by being Senior Citizen or Disabled Rent Increase Exemption qualified.)

In the process, there was one added cost that I’ll get into next time along with parking and storage rate increase details. But the thorniest issue – earmarking the back-burnered Waterfront Park project back up to 2021 from a 2023 starting date seems to have been resolved by the President’s Message in the April 10 edition of the Co-op City Times. The consensus now seems to be: keep the park renovation down to $2 million rather than the heftier $10.2 million. And that’s fine by me.

P.S. Today, my new purple balloon and I will be at Dreiser Center from about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. passing out mask-frames.

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

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

NYPD cameras installed in Co-op City Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto held a press conference on Thursday to announce the recent installation of the ARGUS Crime Cameras in Co-op City, which he secured a grant for. He was joined by State Senator Jamaal Bailey and residents as he made the announcement.

The cameras will be monitored by the NYPD. Photo courtesy of the Office of Michael Benedetto

$10,000 or $50,000? – Student borrowers hope for clarity soon

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

As the US continues to climb out from under the grasp of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans still face financial insecurity caused by overwhelming debt.

President Biden’s “Great American Rescue Plan” detailed many aspects of the country’s pandemic response, but one demographic not directly addressed in that plan was the nation’s roughly 42.9 million federal student borrowers.

During his first few days in office, President Biden signed an executive order extending the pause on federal student loan payments and interest until September of this year. Additionally, President Biden’s administration reversed a prior policy that will result in the cancellation of approximately $1 billion in student debt for 73,000 borrowers who were defrauded by their colleges.

However, lawmakers are still pushing the President for a broader and more encompassing federal student loan relief.

More specifically, some lawmakers are asking the President to cancel up to as much as $50,000 for each individual borrower. As many as 36 million Americans would have their entire debts erased if the president signed off on the plan to forgive $50,000 of debt for each borrower, according to federal data released by the U.S. Department of Education.

“America is facing a student loan time bomb that, when it explodes, could throw millions of families over a financial cliff,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said at her first hearing as chair of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Policy. “The average borrower will have to start paying nearly $400 a month to the government instead of spending that money out in the economy.”

“Student debt also makes racial disparities in America even worse. Compared to white students, Black and Hispanic students are forced to borrow more money to go to school, borrow more money while they are in school, and have a harder time paying off their loans after graduation,” Senator Warren went on to say. “Twenty years after taking out their student loan, the median white borrowers owe about 6% of their original amount. They’re still paying it off, but they’re almost there. The end is in sight.

But, after 20 years, the median Black borrower still owes 95% of the original amount they borrowed. Their path seems to stretch on forever.”

Where does the situation stand as of now? Earlier this month, President Biden requested his Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, to prepare a report on the extent of the President’s legal authority to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt for the millions of federal student borrowers. Currently, the president is awaiting the findings of the report.

As for the President’s exact timeline, White House chief of staff, Ron Klain, told Politico earlier this month that the President expects to have the report “in the next few weeks.”

“The President has and continues to support canceling $10,000 of federal student loan debt per person as a response to the Covid crisis,” White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said at a press briefing in February.

However, since Psaki’s comments, President Biden has appeared to loosen his stance as was shown by the request to his Education Secretary for a further analysis of a President’s authority to cancel federal student loan debt.

Depending on the U.S. Department of Education’s findings, the President may be able to sign an executive order that would cancel a certain amount of student debt per person. If the President is told that he does not have the collective power to cancel a massive amount of student loan debt, then Congress would potentially have to pass legislation.

Meanwhile, the looming dark cloud of student loan debt continues to grow larger as currently the United States’ total student loan debt is at $1.71 trillion, according to educationdata.org. The 42.9 million Americans with federal student loan debt each owe an average of $36,406 for their federal loans educationdata.org also found.

People First Democratic Club

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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.

Our mistreatment was just not right, and I was tired of it. –Rosa Parks —Al Quattlebaum

Co-op City Tennis Club

NYJTL offers free community tennis program for Spring 2021 through the Co-op City Tennis Club. This program is funded by City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and City Council Member Kevin Riley. Ms. Lorraine Alexander is the director of the Co-op City Tennis program which will open on April 26, 2021.

The program will meet at Donizetti Place, Bronx, NY on Monday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., and on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registration is online only for your selected site, and is ongoing for all children ages 5-18 at any time during the season. No one is turned away or put on a waiting list.

After registering, come to the site and talk to the site director about the site’s schedule for instruction. Attendance also is optional.

Racquets and equipment are provided during tennis lessons. Tournaments and events are planned for all ages during the season.

Specific daily schedules based on age and ability are established at each site; the site director will provide specifics upon registration.

For more information and a complete list of NYJTL Community Tennis Programs, visit www.nyjtl.org, email tc@nyjtl.org, or call 347-417-8125.

—Lorraine Alexander

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

R.O.D.L. was on the road again. We had a great time of fellowship, fun, laughter and, of course, shopping. Notice the smiles.

We slipped off those masks just for the pic.

Anyone interested in future outings, you know who to contact – Queen Dorothy Byrd. Remember, first come, first served.

Dues: You are all so amazing! So many have been responding. Interested? Contact Joanne Harris. You will receive your membership card ASAP. Again, thank you so much for your generosity.

Good and welfare: We’ve been informed of deaths, members who are ill or not well. We care and want to know. Please, contact Josephine Flowers, 718-3200539, Dorothy, or me. We can all be reached. Let’s make a difference.

Praise Report: Lois Scott, the president, sends greetings and thanks to all who reached out to her. She expressed her appreciation for your thoughtfulness. Your extension of love was moving and uplifting to her. Thank you.

Upcoming events: Are you ready, R.O.D.L. “QUEENS?” Mother’s Day Spectacular is around the corner and I can’t wait. Date: May 1, alternate date: May 8.

Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: Greenway (where we had our previous outdoor event, behind Bldgs. 7 and 8). Program: Master of ceremony, Jay McKenzie; Awards, Talents, Retirettes Rose Ceremony, Birthday Celebration, 50/50, and a Crowning Ceremony. Looking forward to celebrating with all of you. Tell others. Excited!

Let us pray: Our Father who is in heaven, Holy is Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom, honor and all the glory. Amen and Amen. Matt. 6:9-13 —Gladys Baez

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

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Board Elections and Holistic Health Awareness Month

Director’s Viewpoint – Andrea Dear cooperators, There are 12 candidates competing for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors and for your vote. The first of three Candidates’ Forums took place on Wednesday, April 21, and will rebroadcast on the Riverbay public access channel 12 for (MATV) and channel 591 (Optimum). Please get to know them. They have also written statements for the Co-op City Times this week and for two previous editions. Check them out!

Two additional forums are scheduled for Saturday, May 1, and the third and final forum on Wednesday, May 5. The time for all of the forums is 7:30 p.m. They will be live broadcasts and will be rebroadcast on Riverbay’s public access channels, as stated above.

Please show your participation in the governance of your community and vote for up to five (5) of these candidates. The voting begins on May 3rd and ends on May 21st. Your vote is needed. This election needs at least 4,998 shareholders to vote in order to have our election certified. This number represents one-third of the shareholders eligible to vote as of March 30, 2021.

Your ballot will arrive in the mail next week in a bright orange envelope. When you receive it, please vote for up to five candidates who you think would best represent our community. Vote ASAP. You may mail your ballot or, if you choose to vote online, you may do so beginning May 3rd. If the quorum of 4,998 is not reached, the election will be extended. We will not need an extension if all eligible shareholders vote in a timely manner. Please be a participating shareholder and vote.

Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair The 17th Annual Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair was held on April 18th. It was a virtual event that began with the African American National Anthem, “Lift EveryVoice and Sing” while showing a yoga Sun

Leslie

Salutation, an exercise that affects the whole body.

Then came the Libation presented by Elder Francine Reva Jones who gave homage to the great Imhotep as well as our great, great grandparents who survived the Middle Passage; to our historians Dr. John Henrick Clarke, Dr. Ben-Jochannan, Dr. Asa Hilliard III, and others who kept “our stories” alive by writing books so that we would not forget our history; to our healers, Dr. Lliala Afrika, Dr. Sebi, Dick Gregory who practiced and promoted the African wholistic healing skills; to remember our African symbols, one of which is Sankofa, meaning to go back to retrieve the healing knowledge of our ancestors.

This was followed by an introduction of Michelle Marbury, the Mistress of Ceremonies and African-American Association president, a Riverbay Board director, president of the Section 4 Partnership and vice president of the Building 21 Association. She was amazing.

One of the newest entrepreneurs in Co-op City is Ms. Bridget Bonaparte, a shareholder and owner of the Green Earth Apothecary at 153 Dreiser Loop. She studied under many renowned wholistic healers and is following in their footsteps. Sister Bridget described many of the products that she carries and welcomed everyone to visit her store and try her products.

Sister NfrKaRaa is a shareholder who also trained with many renowned wholistic healers. She discussed the Chakras, which refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.

Dr. James McIntosh, MD, who specializes in Psychiatry, is the co-chair of the Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP) and the host of “Mind Field” at WBAI 99.5 FM Radio. Dr. McIntosh discussed issues concerning our youth and

Make a plan & vote in the 2021 Board of Directors election, May 3-21, 2021.

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 Coop City and ensure that every shareholder who wants a COVID-19 vaccine does not have to travel outside of the community to be vaccinated.

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 by the CDC and FDA. 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 encouraged to contact the hotline to schedule their appointment at the Dreiser Auditorium.

Last month, the city rolled out its Homebound Vaccination program in Co-op City. The service is now available city-wide. Co-op City shareholders who are 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.

the trauma that they see or experience and with the many pressures of today’s society. The youth are exposed to so much violence and racism that many become desensitized to it. We need more teachers of color which would help in making children of color feel safe and hopeful. It would also help by exposing them to activities like art, music, coding, chess, etc.

Also participating was Sister Xonia Wilson who discussed and demonstrated the benefits of belly dancing. Brother Keith Logan and his associates discussed his new business called Quality of Life Juices that will open soon in the Einstein Mall. The Rivers Run Community Garden was shown and the many healthy herbs and vegetables that cooperators grow there. There were also special comments by Professor James Small and Queen Afua.

The event ended on a high note with the former First Lady Michelle Obama and friends demonstrating her exercise called, “Let’s Move.” In addition, there was fun with games & prizes.

The African-American Association presented eight (8) prizes to the guests who could answer some fairly easy questions, and the winners will pick up their prizes at the Green Earth Apothecary in the Dreiser Mall.

Please help to make April “Wholistic Health Awareness Month” so that we can free ourselves of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and cancer. We should be drinking plenty of water. We should explore the benefits of a plant-based diet.

We should develop a healthy and strong immune system.

As an African-American Association member, I invite you to join us at our next meeting on May 16th at 3:00 p.m., so that together, we can improve our health and the health of our community.

Your health is your wealth! Please protect it!

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

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

National Council of Negro Women

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Co-op City Toastmasters Club receives proclamation!

Sisters Magazine Co-op City’s Toastmasters Club celThe national publication of NCNW, Sisters Magazine, in the most recent issue, ebrated its 20th year on April 15. The Vol. VII, included an article in the NCNW State & Section News about Co-op Toastmaster for the evening was twice City Section. We are quite thrilled that our national magazine was impressed distinguished Toastmaster, Lauretta Jayenough with our community efforts to publish it. The activity that was described sura. It was a well-attended meeting with in the article was our January 30 Zoom webinar regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, over fifty participants, including first “Covid-19 Facts, Fears, Fictions & Myths; a Coronavirus Immunization Community president, Charisse Ingraham, and other Conversation!” At that program, dynamic guest speakers Tamara K. Marshall, past presidents. It was a delight to see MD and Natalia Cineas, DNP discussed Covid-19 immunizations, effectiveness everyone on the Zoom call. There were and side effects and answered many questions to help the public make informed little to no kerfuffles and an enjoyable decisions concerning the vaccine. The article also acknowledged that Co-op City time was had by all. For openers, Pres. section, in 2021, is celebrating our 50th Anniversary. Our first meeting was on Marietta Phonenix presented a 20-yr.

February 14, 1971 at Community Protestant Church. Roberta Boozé and Olive synopsis of the club’s history.

Glasgow are our two surviving pioneers.

To mark this momentous occasion, Bethune-Height Recognition Program Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera Because of the Covid-19 coronavirus, the BHRP Program will be a virtual propresented the club with a proclamation gram on May 15, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. At our 46th annual awards program, we will on behalf of the NYC City Council. He be honoring La-Trina Robinson-Webster, distinguished educator from the NYC also honored the club’s charter members and past presidents with citations. Some school system, Nydia D. Southerland, outstanding youth leader and Sara E. Dennis, of the residential committee members also honored included Toastmasters Bill Bute, New York State honoree and affiliate. The contribution is $100 per person. Please Joyce Wright, Kathy Blount, and founding members Debra Jones and Dianne Jones. send your check or money order payable to “NCNW Co-op City Section” to Treasurer Andrea Haye presented new member certificates to newest members Jason NCNW Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

Henry, Pier Moore, Migdalia Paredes and Samantha D. Garriques-Ahmeed.

Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityGuest speaker for the meeting was Toastmaster Cynthia Rivera. Cynthia is one Bethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: of the club’s newest members, working in the educational program called Pathways. www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

Cynthia’s speech was entitled, “My Cuban Affair.” She regaled us with highlights —Joyce Howard of a recent family trip to Cuba, demonstrating the progress she has made as a Toastmaster. Another guest and friend, Gen. Manager, Riverbay Corp., Mr. Noel Ellison, spoke eloquently about “Family and community,” additionally gracing us with a poem by the poet Nikki Giovanni.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration briefly highlighted the fact that, to date, Coop City Toastmasters Club has served the community – holding over 500 meetings Medicaid myth and facts and, without fail, held two competitive speech contests every year. Moreover, club There are so many miscommunications about Medicaid. You members have achieved in excess of 140 Toastmasters Int’l. speaking awards. tend to look at your neighbor, friend and other family members and count yourself We encourage members of the Co-op City community to join us at our next out without taking into consideration that each person’s family dynamics are meeting on April 29, 2021 for our Speak Out! Our Zoom link is prominently disdifferent. Here are a few of the conversations taking place: You cannot get Medicaid played on our website, https//3824.toastmastersclub.org. You can also access our if you own a home, co-op, or condominium. You cannot get Medicaid because Zoom meeting, 732 9368 0288, Passcode: 1pZLum. See you at our next meeting. your income is too much. If you apply for Medicaid, you must show 5 years of ––Marietta C. Phoenix your bank statements. Medicaid will take your Social Security, pension check, and other income.

Did you know there are two types of Medicaid: Community Medicaid and Nursing Home Medicaid? Most caregivers apply for Community Medicaid, which Hello, neighbors, hope all is well. Please continue to wear your mask, sanitize, provides in-home or community services that enable seniors and people with disand social distance. Please follow the CDC guidelines for the sake of us all. Spring abilities to live independently rather than in institutions. Community Medicaid is in the air and things are getting a little brighter. Happy to see the children outside through Managed Long Term Care programs (MLTC) provides long-term care for activities at P.S. 160; they need to play and do what children do. services, home health aide services, supplies, equipment, transportation, adult day Co-op vaccine site – After one has taken the vaccine, we are advised to continue programs and respite care. In addition, they cover copayments for medications, to maintain physical distancing, wear a face mask, and practice good hand hygiene. doctors’ visits, preventative services, and treatments. Each state sets the standards These precautions remain critical in stopping the spread of COVID-19 even after of what their Medicaid will offer. For example, New York State Medicaid rules, one has been vaccinated. Stay alert to who are next in line to take the vaccine. If regulations and eligibility status are different from New Jersey, Connecticut, or one is not sure, please call 718-879-5950, or set up an appointment. One may also Boston. schedule an appointment with Montefiore vaccine hotline at 844-444-2819, Mon.Have you been told that you must spend down (become poverty-stricken), or Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. pay a Medicaid surplus (excess income) to be eligible for Medicaid? Some people Lobby bins – If you find the Co-op City Times newspaper not placed in the who have Medicaid have a surplus because their Social Security payments, a proper manner, backwards, upside-down, etc., please report it to the Co-op City pension or other monthly income is over the Medicaid income guideline. Under Times. the NYS law, if you have surplus income, you are required to give that money to Building Works – Information from CB 10# was received because interest Medicaid or use it to pay for medical expenses. However, if you are 65 years or was expressed in apprenticeship. Building Works is a pre-apprenticeship training older with a disability, there is a safe and legal alternative that allows you to keep that prepares individuals in union carpentry; training sessions start April 26 and your surplus. end May 28, 2021. There is no fee to attend Building Works, no paid training.

Enrollment into a Supplemental Pool Trust will allow you to use your surplus Stipends are not available. To learn more, visit the Carpenters Training Center money for a variety of items such as housing expenses, utilities, cable, groceries, website nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org. In addition, questions can be emailed to clothing, and personal travel and much more. At this present time, Community buildingworks395@gmail.com/. Do not telephone.

Medicaid is only requiring the most recent bank statement. However, the Medicaid Capital budget – We have a choice to express how our money is spent. Write guidelines continues to change. As of July 1, 2021 the look-back will be 7 months to the Board of Directors and let them know how you feel. and increases monthly with a goal of 2½ years by 2023. It is essential that you Board of Directors election – May 1, and Wednesday, May 5th forums are plan, look ahead, and attempt to foresee all the possible issues that may take place held at 7:30 p.m. via Cisco WebEx, and broadcast on Channel 12 MATV, and in the future. Your loved one may be independent today but, what about a year Channel 591. Questions and comments to be emailed to Riverbay2021Election or two years from today? No one can predict the future, but you can take time out @riverbaycorp.com, 24 to 48 hours before the forum. The questions may be today to get your affairs in order. You should also seek the advice of an elder law directed at a candidate of your choice or to all 12 candidates. The candidates attorney for legal guidance. are running to protect and keep Co-op City affordable.

COME is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. Condolences to our Co-op 718-379-3159 or info@comeoutreach.org.

City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Contact ––Diane Cooper Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, someone deceased or in a nursing home. Pray for the world and the blessings over the vaccines, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful.

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

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Building 27 Association

Get Vaccinated. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

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Black Forum

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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 now. We hope to see their return sometime this year. Those needing 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

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 organized by residents and certified by Riverbay Corporation. 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

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family.

In sympathy, we share notice of the death of Mrs. Mildred Brager, mother of Steven Brager, Building 9A. Mrs. Brager passed away on April 5. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved son, Steven, her friends and her neighbors. She will be missed.

Wear a mask always, wash your hands often, social distance whenever practicable. At the time of this writing, the J&J vaccine continues to be ‘paused’ and under CDC review. Pfizer and Moderna have Sunday’s Prayer Vigil - been substituted at vaccination sites that previously offered the J&J vaccine.

Section 2 Greenway This past Thursday was Earth Day. Water is a precious natural resource; protect it, conserve it. Today is the Rivers Run Community Garden Earth Day parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the Section 1 greenway. Come out and march along with “Mother Earth” to the Little League field and to the garden. There will be a free food giveaway and you can take a tour of the garden or play garden Bingo. See you there.

It is Riverbay Board election season. Know the candidates, know the issues.

Watch the televised Candidates’ Forums. Vote.

New York City primary elections will be held June 22. Councilman Kevin Riley, along with Section 2 and others, will sponsor a Ranked Choice Voting workshop on May 3 at 7 p.m. To join via Zoom, please use this registration link: TINYURL.COM/RCVNYC-MAY3.

Last Sunday, a prayer for peace vigil was held by the Bronx Clergy Task Force on the Section 2 Greenway. I was especially impressed by words of wisdom from Bishop Nancy Rosario. She said, be observant, listen, and use discernment before you react emotionally, speak or cast judgement in any given situation or circumstance. Indeed, words to live by.

In light of recent apartment fires, Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto recommends that we not overload electrical outlets, purchase an ABC-rated fire extinguisher and remember the fire safety acronym P.A.S.S.: Pull, Aim Squeeze, Sweep!

Pull the plug on the extinguisher, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, use sweeping motions. Dial 9-1-1 first!

Call CCPD to report unsecured lobby doors observed after normal business hours.

801 Co-op City Boulevard Please email Matthew Cruz at Community Board 10 (Bx10@cb.nyc.gov) to register your opinion to any reduction in parking spaces by the developers at this site. Any variance in parking development will have a negative impact on the already challenging parking availability for shareholders and our visitors, the Pinnacle Rehab/NF staff who currently park at that site, and local traffic patterns from I-95N to Co-op City Boulevard and Dreiser Loop. The Board of Standards and Appeals will schedule a virtual hearing on this matter in May. Please submit your opposition emails to the Community Board before then and join the hearing. BS&A hearing date to be announced as soon as it is published.

“Poverty is what happens when people give up caring for one another.”

Good health to you.

––Linda Collins

Cooperators are not tenants! You have an obligation to vote in the Riverbay Board Election! Your vote is your voice! 4,998 votes are required for the 2021 Board election quorum. Cast your ballot: May 3-May 21, 2021. See pages 26-31 for information on the candidates!

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Broun Place Townhouse Association

It is truly the end of April and May is upon us once again. Construction scaffolding in Section 4 has definitely made it important to be careful and remember where you can and can’t walk. Next, it is very important to read and understand what is going on with the different vaccines. Johnson and Johnson (J & J) is temporarily not going to be available. Currently, there have been six reports out of millions of a serious problem. The Moderna and Pfizer are available and important to get.

Recently, the Co-op City Times has been publishing registration forms for R.U.O.K. and other emergency contact programs. It is very important for you to register with these programs especially if you are living alone and have a chronic condition. Information is stored confidentially, but available in an emergency.

We have commenced the current election period for 2021. Voting for the Riverbay Board of Directors is your cooperator obligation. Study the candidates. Don’t brush the process aside. You need to vote to assure meeting the ballot requirement. Send questions to: Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com, 24-48 hours before the forum.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is the process we will use this year in the June primary elections. Thanks to Community Affairs director, Ms. Michelle Sajous, and Ms. Leandra Peters, building chair people participated in a seminar about RCV. Broun Place chairperson, Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, attended.

Thanks to Co-op City’s African American Association for setting up a Health Fair: “National Wholistic Health Awareness Month.” They presented their 17th Annual Wholistic Health & Wellness Fair, Sunday, April 18. The Zoom included: Dr. James McIntosh from Cemotap; Nfr KaRaa, therapist; Bridget Bonaparte of Green Earth Apothecary; Xonia Wilson, belly dancer; Gail Sharbaan from Rivers Run Community Garden; Keith Logan from Quality of Life Juices, and others. Our health is our wealth!

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/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page.

See the TV crawler for more. Thank you to the Co-op City Times for keeping cooperators fully informed on all that is going on. Read the 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.

Are you missing supermarket weekly inserts? The contractor did not have permission to distribute in Coop 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

NAACP

AARP Chapter #4997

From President Mickens: We are now approaching the last week of April and we have seen many changes in our live; some good and some bad. On the good side, we are seeing more vaccinations of Covid19 with increased availability for all age ranges. We see more of our residents accepting the vaccine and renewing their faith in our future. Riverbay continues to provide us with extended appointment availability and access, and we are thankful for their continued support. We continue to make positive strides. Remember to continue washing your hands, wear a mask and maintain social distancing to keep all safe.

We are preparing for two very important election dates.

First, the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election to be held in May 2021. The candidates should be presenting their views and reasons for voting for them as a team or individual candidate. We are all shareholders, not renters, and our vote matters. Please watch the virtual forums to hear and make educated decisions for your vote. We will have only three virtual meetings before the ballots are cast; pay attention – this concerns our community.

We also have a mayoral vote coming in June 2021.

This year, we are using a new process for electing a new Mayor, as well as other elected officials. The new procedure is called Ranked Choice Voting (RCT). Instruction on Ranked Choice Voting is being conducted by different organizations for our guidance and education. Please check with NCNW, City Council Member Kevin C. Riley, and our own Co-op City Times for days and times for virtual sessions to educate yourself.

Our national AARP group as well as Chapter #4997, are very concerned with the continued gun violence around the country. We need to contact our elected officials and make them aware that real gun control changes are necessary – now! Just as the elected officials came forward to assist us with fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, they need to step up to the plate again and make our community, state and country safer. AARP does not only focus on health issues but also on the safety of our members. Remain focused and educated in all the areas that concern us as a community, state and country.

Please continue to send in applications for new/renewal memberships to Ms. Stella Baker, 120 Casals Place, 24L, Bronx, NY 10475. The membership fee is $15.00 and make checks payable to AARP Chapter #4997, include your national ID number, telephone number, and e-mail address. Our Good and Welfare contact, Mrs. Francis Wilson, and her family are experiencing the passing of her niece and all our prayers go out to them. She would also like to send blessings and good wishes to all the sick and shut-ins, including me, for a speedy recovery. Please continue to contact Mrs. Wilson, 718-671-5493, with any updates – happy or sad. President Mickens can be reached at 718-3793742 with any requests for information on community and AARP issues. Be safe, healthy and informed.

––Ann Purnell

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.

Council member Kevin C. Riley is offering ranked choice voting empowerment training – Join Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Co-op City NAACP, Spanish American Community Club of Co-op City, Rivers Run Community Garden, Building 13 Association, Inc., Section 2 of Co-op City, Cooperators United and Ranked Choice Voting NYC to learn about RCV and how to properly cast your ballot on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. To join via Zoom, please use the registration link: tinyurl.com/rcvnyc-may3. Then, test your knowledge with a game of Jeopardy! If you have a problem registering, let us know.

General member Zoom meeting – Sunday, April 25, at 3:00 p.m. Meeting ID: 840-9556-3503, Passcode: 381589; Dial-in: 646-558-8656. Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson releases the following statement on the reckless killing of Daunte Wright: “Daunte Wright was shot and killed yesterday, just north of where George Floyd was suffocated less than a year ago. Both were fathers, both were Black men, both died at the hands of police. Whether it be carelessness and negligence, or a blatant modern-day lynching, the results is the same. Another Black man has died at the hands of police.”

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.

Twenty20 In Black – A visual time capsule of the Black experience through one of the most challenging years of our time. To order your copy and for additional information, go to NAACP.ORG • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • FREE CONSULTATION The Bishop William H. Graves Memorial Membership Campaign ends May • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS 31, 2021. The unit and membership community goal are to get 100 memberships.

• IMMEDIATE FILING Thank you in advance for your help. As a reminder, the 50/50 membership campaign ends September. To pay a new, renewal, upgrade, or gift memberships send your “COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE $30 adult or $10 youth 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, AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE” 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 633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road —Brenda Brown Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

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

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DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Today: Come and rejoice on Earth Day: Celebrate on April 24, 2021 as the Rivers Run Community Garden and the Co-op City Little League, supported by the Riverbay Community Relations department, have the annual Earth Day Parade. Our Grand Marshall is the honorable, Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison. 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.

Council Member Kevin C. Riley is offering Ranked Choice Voting Empowerment Training.

“Grand Openings” and “The Champ” Well…We hope you didn’t miss the 17th Annual Holistic Health and Wellness Fair last Sunday. Another home-run for the AAACC. Quality of Life Juices new business owners, Shavon & Keith Logan, along with presenter Lenny Jones, introduced us to the coming of fresh juicing in Section 5. Their grand opening is May 8th. Big thanks to Heavyweight Boxing Champion Roy Jones Jr. (pictured above) for stopping by to highlight the benefits of juicing and wish us all wellness! Special guests included Bridget Bonaparte, owner of Green Earth Apothecary, another exciting new business to Co-op City. The Green Earth Apothecary is located at 153 Dreiser Loop. Currently open for business, a grand opening is to be announced for early May. Contact Bridget at: 646-765-2113.

Wholistic Health and Wellness Fair re-cap!

We focused together on being healthy. We exam-

Building 13 Association

Join Council Member Kevin Riley, Co-op City NAACP, Spanish American Community Club of Coop City, Rivers Run Community Garden, Building 13 Association, Inc.; Section 2 of Co-op City, Cooperators United, and Ranked Choice Voting NYC, to learn about RCV and how to properly cast your ballot, Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. To participate, please type in the search area the following registration link: TINYURL.COM/RCVNYC-MAY3.

You will then be prompted to register and you will receive an email with sign-on information.

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 important change. In addition, like 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 apply is April 23, 2021.

To apply, 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 email us at building13assoc@yahoo. com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Wendell Mattison

ined a whole body approach to healthcare and modalities to improve health and wellness through the body mind and soul. Bravo to Ms. Francine Reva Jones for putting together a fantastic program.

We got some exercise with Belly Dance instructor Xonia Wilson. We were enlightened by Queen Afua, an initiate of the Shrine of Ptah and Chief Priestess of Purification and, Dr. James McIntosh, co-chair CEMOTAP (Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People) and host of Mind Field at WBAI 99.5 FM Radio.

We gave away great prizes including an Oster toaster oven won by Nfa KaRaa (pictured above picking up her prize at Green Earth Apothecary. See page 3 for more pictures of the event).

Sister Nfr KaRaa gave a wonderfully informed talk on “Activating the Chakras.” She is trained in Hypnotherapy, Polarity and Pranic healing, and Aromatherapy, Neurolinguistics Programming and more. She is also a

member of the African Holistic Health Chapter of NY and a shareholder of Co-op City’s Section 5.

Join the AAACC today…

We had a great time. Hope you will join us for our next event as a member. This is your invitation to join us. Be the vision you want your people, your children, your world to see. Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929430-3255. The African American Association of Coop 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 Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

African-American Association

Building 25 Association

Suggestions in earlier articles was to introduce yourself and children to new things, explore science, nature, and other expects of life. How many of you ever heard of a Tapir animal? Would you believe that April 27 is deemed World Tapir Day? You may ask, why? Who cares? Well, those are the responses one would give when you don’t know or unfamiliar with the purpose of an existence. Tapirs fall into the endangered species category. According to the San Diego Zoo, a Tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal (eat plants). Tapirs get their name from the indigenous Brazilian language; it means thick, referring to the animal’s hide. Tapir’s habitat is the jungle, forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeastern Asia. They are called gardeners of the forest. They consume a vast variety of plants, seeds, and fruits, then disperse the seeds through their feces. This not only improves forest health overall, but it also spreads the seeds of certain slow-growing trees with very dense wood, a key to wildlife in shaping and maintaining the biological ecosystem of tropical forests providing themselves and other wildlife with an ongoing supply of food and shelter. Every year on April 27, Tapir lovers across the world unite to raise awareness of these living fossils, animals with ancient ancestors, whose population is endangered and going extinct due to human activity.

While COVID-19 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 childrens’ 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

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

has not given the official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 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: “No matter how few possessions you own or how little money you have, loving wildlife and nature will make you rich beyond measure.” ––Paul Oxton ––Wanda Bailey

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DOE

The program, called “Summer Rising,” will be available to all students, including those with disabilities, in K-8 as well as high school. Summer Rising will fully integrate DOE academics with the Department of Youth & Community Development’s (DYCD) school-based enrichment programming to bring students an educational and memorable experience.

More specifically, the K-8 program aims to “provide a bridge to next school year and allow students to reconnect with one another and with their schools” as well as “address unfinished learning,” according to the NYCDOE website. Some activities for the K-8 program include field trips to parks, pools, arts and outdoor recreation.

The Summer Rising program for high school students is an opportunity for them to make up any previously failed courses, complete courses in progress and participate in academic acceleration, according to the NYCDOE website. Each city public high school is expected to design programs that fit the needs of their respective school communities based on student feedback, which means some programs may be inperson or remote depending on the specific needs of the demographic.

Starting on Monday, April 26, parents of students in K-8 can begin signing up online at discoverdycd.dycdconnect.nyc/home. Parents looking for more general information about the Summer Rising program can visit online at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/ summer.

Parents of high school students can expect their child’s respective school to reach out in the coming weeks to gauge their potential interest in signing up their child

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Annual Kevin Shaw Jr. Scholarship

19

for the Summer Rising program.

Foundation accepting applications Students enrolled in 12-month IEPs can expect to be contacted about particiThe application deadline is April 30 pating in their IEP-recommended programs as well as their learning preferences. BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND Notably, all New York City residents The Kevin Shaw Jr. Memorial Scholarship applications are eligible for Summer Rising programs, are available online at kevinshawjrfoundation.org. The scholwhich means even if a child does not attend arship is named in memory of Kevin T. Shaw Jr., a Co-op a DOE school, they can still apply to a City resident whose life was cut short in 2015. program in their neighborhood.

Kevin was known and recognized as a passionate young For students attending an in-person man who valued “education, hard work, and perseverance.” program, breakfast, lunch and a snack will Kevin’s mother, Sakeena Shaw, said of her son: “Kevin be provided for them. would be honored to know he’s helping others through scholParents should also know that the arship because it is something that speaks to his character.

NYCDOE summer programming will He was a person who was dedicated to helping others and follow all state health and safety guideKevin Shaw Jr. who valued education.” lines, which includes social distancing The annual scholarship gives high school seniors monetary awards to assist and mask wearing. Additionally, all with financing their college education.

This year, six scholarships are available Summer Rising in-person programs for students who meet the requirements listed on the Kevinshawjrfoundation.org will have access to testing, nursing supwebsite. According to the site, “The scholarship recognizes a graduating senior port and a telehealth call center. who demonstrates exemplary leadership and academic success.”

Below is the current schedule for the Students will need to meet the following criteria to apply: different grades in Summer Rising: • Attend a high school in New York City and be a person of the African Diaspora, Grades K-5 July 6 to August 20 (except July 20), Latino/a, or Latinx background Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Demonstrate financial need Grades 6-8 • Current high school student graduating in Spring of 2021 or recipient of a July 6 to August 12 (except July 20), GED Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• Cumulative average at least 80%, or an average GED score of 3000 Grades 9-12 • Accepted as a full-time and first-time matriculating freshman in Fall semester July 6 to August 13 (except July 20) 2021 at an accredited college or university to pursue a Baccalaureate or Associate Schools will program students for degree when the award is presented. courses and activities within Monday to Interested candidates have until April 30 to submit applications for the scholarships.

Friday during hours throughout the day “The Kevin Shaw Jr. Foundation provides scholars with financial resources to attend to accommodate their students’ schedules some of the finest Colleges and Universities,” according to the Foundation’s website.

Students with 12-month IEPs (D75 and In the last five years since the scholarship foundation was established in Kevin’s ESY) memory, it has awarded close to two dozen scholarships to qualified students, and July 2 to August 13 (except July 5 and all eligible high school seniors are encouraged to apply. For an application, additional July 20), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. –2:30 information on requirements and eligibility, please visit Kevinshawjrfoundation.org p.m. or 8:10 a.m. –2:40 p.m. for students or email questions to Kevinshawjrfoundation@gmail.com. with 12-month IEPs. (Continued from page 1)

20

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Dreiser (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 30

Thu., April 29

Wed., April 28

Mon., Apr. 26

Einstein (718) 671-5161

Tues., April 27

Bartow (929) 399-1394

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. month, 1 - 2 p.m. Call: 929Health and Wellness, How to make Floral Arrange299-1045, 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 https://zoom.us/j/2959552471 Computer learning w/Ralph, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 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

Club reopening Riverbay has given us permission to reopen our clubroom on May 1. Before we open, we must have a serious discussion with the members this Tuesday, April 27, at 7 p.m. Emails have been sent to members online.

Members with none, call 301-715-8592 and enter meeting ID number 362 972 4711#, no passcode necessary.

2022 50th Anniversary plans Monday, June 6, 2022, next year. 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, next year. Phase 2: DooWop show, luncheon, and a day of fun, all for $92. A choice of entrées includes roast loin of pork, chicken parmigiana over linguine or Flounder Francese, all served with chef’s choice starch and vegetables. A $20

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

Goose Island Seniors

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: 347847-1941. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors.

COVID Vaccine For homebound vaccinations, call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) or register online at forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/homebound. People 18 years and older may dial 3-1-1 or (877) 829-4692 or visit http://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to schedule first Moderna vaccine appointment.

Free Tax Preparation Information from Mary Pearson, call (718) 8811180, Neighborhood Housing Services, 1451 East Gunhill Road at Adee Ave., first floor. You may also dial 3-1-1 or keep checking the Co-op City Times. Anyone with more information, please contact me.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members

Upcoming Events

23

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., starting Mar. 11-May 27, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE NOT PLANT BASED CLASSES. Meeting ID: 9102152-1179, 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 p.m.

- 2 p.m. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95595038251.

Meeting ID: 955 9503 8251, Passcode: 762941, Dialin: 929-205-6099.

Every Tues. Yoga classes with Adira Polite – 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. https://zoom.us/ Dial-in: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Every Wed. – Arthritis Exercise/Dance Class w/ Damion, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom meeting, https:// zoom.us/j/96708931492, Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099.

Every Wed. Tai Chi classes w/Adira Polite – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/ Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Meditation Class – GPC (Grandparents), 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Third Thurs. of every month, https:// bit.ly/35VESDV. Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

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 meeting, https:// zoom.us/j/94802959309, Meeting ID: 948 0295 9309, Passcode: 337875, Dial-in: 929 205 6099.

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

Zumba Classes on Saturdays – 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977; Dial-in: 929-205-6099.

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

Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/ Dial-in: 929-2056099, 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.

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 some time in May. 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.

24

Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Open Door Ministries

“Breathe Life into what is Dead “

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

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 p.m.

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

(Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

We can become stale and dry, tired in ministry. Your work should be done as if the Lord were present. If people are drawn to you, it’s because they see something worth following, listen carefully and lead well.

2 Kings 4:9 The Shunammite woman said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”

The Shunammite woman felt drawn to Elisha. She pressured him to accept comfort from her. Blessing him returned a blessing to her. In giving to him, she was also receiving.

2 Kings 4:14 “What can be done for her?” Elisha asked. Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So, he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”

We should abound in good deeds. Our aim is to bless those God has put in our charge, not seek to be blessed. The blessing is already included in the care that is provided for others.

2 Kings 4:18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!” His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died.

We should be able to call out to God whenever we are in pain. The child cried, “My head, my head;” to his father, we should cry “My heart, my heart” to our Father Lord God. 2 Kings 4:33 He went in, shut the door, and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

He literally poured himself into the child as we must pour ourselves into ministries.

You begin to live when you begin to give. When we are timid or double-minded about God’s things we never experience the full blessing prepared for us.

Your present testing – your present suffering leads to future blessing – The Shunammite woman received great blessings from the king because of the prophet’s ministry. 2 Kings 8:1-6 Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917-334-4407 Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

Faith @ Work Christian Church

120 DeKruif Place (street level); telephone: (347) 202-7006; email: fatwcc@aol.com www.faithatworkchurch.org.

We have not returned to public worship yet, but we are available to support the community.

Weekly Worship Experiences: Wednesday Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday morning Worship at 9:30 a.m.

Church Motto: “We are Christ-centered, family- focused with power and authority.”

Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys, and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us! We honor tradition but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in love, through teaching and preaching the word of God from the bible.

May 23 is Pentacost Sunday. Bless the most-high for the gift of the Holy Spirit!

Faith Summer Camp: We will take limited registration for our summer camp which will run from July 5 through August 13. The hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our theme this summer is ‘Art-ful Soul!’ After COVID19, we all need a little healing, and our children are no exception. We are gearing up for fun, fun, fun! Ages 6-13 welcome. We will follow all required protocols for NYS/CDC. If interested, send an email to fatwcc@aol.com.

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

—Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins 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 invited to call in for an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

CPC’s 52nd anniversary service has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 2, 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.

In his message last Sunday, Pastor Owens spoke of the lame beggar at the Temple Gate Beautiful who was healed by Peter and John and took his scriptural text from Acts 3:6. “Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have given I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

His topic was “Faith Makes A Difference.” He said that every Christian ought to have a prayer partner – someone who will pray with you in special situations.

As Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.” For the beggar, it was faith put into action and faith made the difference between beg-

Community Protestant Church ging and praising. Faith is the answer if you are troubled in mind; burdened with sorrow, crippled or lame because of some sin. It is no secret what God can do.

What he has done for others, he’ll do for you. It is faith that has kept us on this journey this past year. Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ makes the difference in one’s life.

Reminder: COVID-19 vaccine is now available

in our community. Be safe, practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations.

––Evan G. Mitchell

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H H H 2021

Election Special

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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2021 Election Special H H H

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2021 Riverbay Board Election 2021 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

Saturday, April 10, 2021

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 *

2021 Board Election Schedule

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Saturday, April 24, 2021 Monday, April 26, 2021 Saturday, May 1, 2021

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

Third Election Edition of Co-op City Times Begin mailing of Election Ballots

Second Virtual Forum, 7:00 P.M.

Monday, May 3, 2021

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting Begin

Friday, May 21, 2021

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

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Friday, May 28, 2021

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

*Denotes incumbents

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

Third Virtual Forum, 7:00 P.M.

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

2021 Election Special

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2021 Election Special

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26

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2021 Election Special

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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2021 Election Special

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Leslie Peterson

Boards have to plan and prioritize based on expected cost increases like utilities and payroll, along with infrastructure and maintenance. These are the mechanics of running a complex. Soon you will be hearing about a $100 million dollar loan. We do not know if it will materialize nor any details.

It is important to look at what is considered high priority items included in the budget. These are items mandated when the 2012 loan was signed. We are approaching completion of some of those items. Capital projects and construction not critical for us to function should be put on hold at this time and costs associated with them eliminated from the current budget and moved to a future budget.

There was a time we knew who our CCPD officers were and their names. That is called “community policing.” Shareholder concerns may be alleviated regarding safety if our CCPD (a 24-hour service) were more visible throughout the community. Although a concern of shareholders, and mentioned at various meetings, it has not been addressed.

An ongoing concern for decades is the lack of a facility for our youth. A memorandum and promise to this community entered into by the City may yet again be lost. To combat this issue, we should continue requesting the agreement be upheld by the City.

I have managed the largest NYCHA development in the Bronx and understand the complexities involved. I have a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Urban Affairs, and was RAM and NAHRO certified. Upon receiving your ballot, vote by mail or vote online from 6:00 a.m., May 3, 20219:00 p.m., May 21, 2021.

Vote and Re-elect Leslie Peterson and Leah Richardson and Elect Akeisha Neely and Anika Green-Watson.

Actively involved and “STRONGER TOGETHER.”

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Aminah Lucio

Education, Empowerment and Advocacy I believe in education and empowerment which lead to strong advocacy. I love my neighborhood and my community and, although, we have made great strides, there is still room to grow.

We need to digitize all Riverbay operations. At present, we are told to call two days from the time an inspector visits our apartment to set up the next appointment in a multi-phase work order. Digitizing will allow the record to reflect the numerous calls and appointments made and allow all departments to access information in real time. Often times, we are asked, “Do you remember with whom you spoke? When did you call? When was the work completed?” It’s frustrating and archaic.

Over the years, the customer service has gotten better. However, there is still room to grow. As part of digitizing Co-op City, we should be given emails of all department heads and all staff members, so there is an email thread which memorializes outreach and conversations. This makes follow-up much easier and there is no loss in overall communication between departments. Which would mean no missing a day of work waiting for a service that does not arrive.

We can also benefit from more transparency in how decisions are reached. I would like to know the committees chaired by Riverbay directors, along with responsibilities of each department. Many shareholders are unaware of the hard work of committee chairs and this would hopefully increase community participation.

We also need to broadcast all Board meetings. Discussions at Board meetings would give shareholders an inside look into the complexities and advances of our community. This would allow for increased community involvement and progress. A vote for TEAM PROGRESS is a vote for education, empowerment and advocacy. It’s a vote for a better tomorrow!

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Kevin Lambright

How many of you would be ok with me telling you everything that you wanted to hear because it makes you feel good? If I told you that I had the easy solution to fix any problem you name? If I told you there would never be another maintenance increase on my watch. We can just cut some services and we can all live lavishly. If I told you that no one in your household would ever get sick and that you are all going to heaven no matter what you do. Would you call me your friend? Would you say that you like me because I agree with everything you say and desire? Would that make you say, “Hey we like that candidate.

That candidate gives us what we want. That candidate tells it like it is. That candidate is the best thing for our community.”

Well let me apologize in advance. Because that fantasy will force us into bankruptcy and slum-like living conditions. It would make me irresponsible and you foolish. I would never attempt to manipulate you in order for you to vote for me.

I would rather plan with you. Create opportunities to build this community without living on the edge not knowing if we can or cannot afford a tragic emergency. I would not only promise to enforce rules that keep our community clean and safe but create resources that empower us. I would take advantage of our buying power in the marketplace. I would seek and gather resources that speak directly to our needs. I can’t live in a fantasy, foolish world that sounds good.

Neither should you. I want to work to make it good. But I cannot do it alone. No one can. But together, we can and we will. Let’s vote TEAM PROGRESS!

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Regina Hamilton By now, a lot of you have seen me around the neighborhood with my tricked out shopping cart introducing myself to you, the residents of Co-op City. It has been an interesting journey. Although I have great family and friends helping with my campaign, it has been important to me to do the legwork. Getting out and talking with the residents myself to see what your perspective is as it relates to our community has been intriguing. I have gotten different responses, most were positive and some were negative. I cannot make personal promises to right any and all wrongs here in Co-op City. However, I have the energy and tenacity to keep up with the pulse of the community with continual engagement and introduce innovative ways to commission others to take part in the progress of our beautiful neighborhood.

The job of a Board director is to offer guidance and oversight to the property manager, encourage shareholder involvement and preserve affordable housing while maintaining high-quality standards. In order to do this, it will take competent minds to come together to represent you.

In the past two articles, I have listed my qualifications and if I have had the pleasure of meeting you personally, I hope that you could sense the passion I have in preserving our residence. I am driven by the fact that we must create a legacy here for our children and our childrens’ children. I also realize that what we do now will impact the future of the Riverbay Corporation.

I urge you to vote responsibly and consider REGINA HAMILTON for your choice on the Board. See you out there!

*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!!!

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Daryl Johnson

Daryl Johnson

Last week, information was published in the Co-op City Times about our capital projects. These articles touched on repairing almost every aspect of our community.

Expensive? Absolutely! So, let’s put some anticipated costs on some of these capital projects so that you will know what’s going on here.

We’re going to spend about $40 million on refurbishing our elevators. And, yes, the elevators do look really nice. However, we hope that they will last for a very long time.

Now, what about all of that fencing all around Co-op City? Well, that fencing is supposed to protect people while the balconies and the building façades are being repaired. So, the estimated price for this tremendous project alone is going to be over $62 million.

Do you see the main entrances of some of the buildings that are all boarded up with wood? Well, new lobby doors are being installed at a cost of around $9.5 million. Also, each apartment in our buildings is going to get a new intercom system. Now, we can talk about the costs for the 65 new lobbies, the newly proposed park on Co-op City Boulevard, and other matters. However, the main thing to keep in mind is that Riverbay is going to probably spend around $200 million for all of the proposed capital projects.

Back in 2012, we took out a refinance loan for $621.5 million. Included within this loan was money for some of our capital projects. Then, our carrying charges were raised several times since 2012 to partly pay for capital projects. And, now, Riverbay wants to now refinance this loan and pull out about $90-100 million— for capital projects. Lots of money, right? Absolutely. So, please make sure that you elect really good candidates to oversee everything that’s going on here.

2021 Election Special

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.

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Anika Green-Watson

This election cycle, we can take lessons of the past year with us – just because things have been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean they have to stay that way forever. A little over a year ago, no one imagined that companies across the world would allow employees to work from home full-time, that children would receive their school lessons remotely, that any portion of healthcare would be free to all, or that the U.S. government would send direct payments to its citizens to ease economic burdens.

The reason no one imagined it is that we had been told it couldn’t be done for so long! Dealing with a crisis, unlike anything in modern memory, required us to collectively use our imaginations to forge a path forward.

Unit upgrades and Restoration services What we know now is that we can channel the same community-focused thinking to achieve benefits for the collective and that we can start in our own neighborhood. Our infrastructure is 50+ years old. We continue to patch it up year after year, which, in turn, puts pressure on our maintenance hotlines. Imagine an agile approach where we seek to develop solutions to resolve the underlying issue? When a process doesn’t work as designed, it isn’t a criticism of the current process owners; instead, it is an opportunity to make corrections to remedy the problem. If elected, I will advocate to improve maintenance and restoration services, including unit upgrades.

Successful management of our community starts with a Board that serves independently to do what’s in the best interest of its shareholders even when it means abandoning the status quo!

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

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Leah Richardson

I want to be clear, currently I am against the 2% carrying charge increase.

I voted no to the 2% on Resolution #20-08 We are ending our first full year of one of a hundred-year pandemic. Many cooperators have lost their jobs, been furloughed, or received shortened work hours. Many are trying to take care of less fortunate family members by assisting them with the purchase of food, helping with the payment of bills, and, in some cases known to me, contributing to the payment of shareholder’s carrying charge. There are families with single-parent heads of households who are struggling right now, and an increase of any percentage at this point would be detrimental to their quality of life. Many parents are struggling with childcare.

What happens when unemployment insurance runs out?

Being one of the largest NORC communities in NYC, many live on fixed incomes and may not be enrolled in a carrying charge subsidy program like SCRIE. Pensions may not necessarily get increased because they are generally fixed. Social Security benefit increases are very minimal, around 1%.

Now we are going to have our incomes further burdened!

Carrying charges on apt.

2% Parking Garage increases 10% Hall closets 40% Basement storage closets 20% The proposal for a Waterfront Park at the price of $10.2 million can wait for three years for a restructured loan or a proposed federal grant.

Do you believe that we need a carrying charge increase?

I say no because our families here do not need an increase at this time!

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate to improve services, and represent all members of our community.

STRONGER TOGETHER. Please vote to re-elect Leah Richardson and Leslie Peterson, Vote to elect Anika Green-Watson and Akeisha Neely.

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Sheila Richburg

As we move along steadily with the Riverbay Board election process, we are also moving into the time to switch our convector units over to air conditioning. Shareholders continue to express concern regarding ongoing quality of life issues surrounding “Convector Leaks.” If you have not been affected by faulty convector leaks, you may have a neighbor who was disturbed.

Riverbay suggests performing monthly maintenance on our convectors, but leaking still occurs even when off. If not caught early, leaks can cause damage to the cooperators’ flooring. It is in my opinion that Capital Project funding should be appropriated to upgrade our convector system, prioritizing those prone to leaks for improved quality of life during air conditioning season.

It is great that some of our elected officials have spoken out against the proposed northbound Hutchinson River Parkway exit leading onto Bartow Avenue.

I do not support having an exit into this curvy area of road, leading to and from Section 5. It is in my opinion that having an exit placed here does not serve the best interest of our shareholders or improve our quality of life. Changing this pattern will cause increased traffic on our busy Bartow street. This DOT change will ultimately cause pedestrian safety concerns, increased congestion and emergency vehicle delays. As concerned shareholders, we must continue to advocate and speak out against the proposed exit ramp.

I humbly ask that you elect me as your Riverbay Board director. I am eager to continue listening to shareholders’ concerns and represent us in a professional manner with integrity. My history of advocacy for the sick and community involvement speaks volumes about my commitment to serve and improve the quality of life in our community. Please vote for TEAM PROGRESS and myself!

We vow to stand together, United for Progress!

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Akeisha Neely

Many cooperators move to Co-op City as an affordable way to improve their quality of life. The beautiful grounds, neighbors with a sense of community, and the convenience of having most necessities within walking distance. Safety is also a key factor most consider when choosing to move to Co-op City.

When my family moved here in the late ‘80s, I would often see Co-op City Security walking the grounds. I knew the officers who patrolled my building and the surrounding area, and they knew the people on their beat. My mom would stand at the top of the stairs when I would walk a few flights down to another waiting mom when visiting friends. Fast forward to 2021; we have elderly neighbors who are afraid to leave the building after a particular hour and staircases riddled with urine or remnants of a tobacco product.

Cooperators would feel more secure walking around their neighborhood with greater CCPD visibility.

Co-op City recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. That’s 50-year-old pipes and convectors, meaning an increase in calls for repair. Shareholders have grown tired of having long hold times and temporary fixes to major repairs. The call center had reduced the wait time to speak to a representative, however, the call volume has increased due to repeat repair jobs and canceled appointments.

After my first article, shareholders approached me to express their dissatisfaction with repairs and decreased CCPD visibility. Many have lost faith, which is representative of the low voter turnout. As a newly elected Board member, I will vote on resolutions that will keep our community safe, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing indoors and outdoors. Remember, voting is the first step to change.

Elect Akeisha Neely, Anika Green-Watson, Leah Richardson, and Leslie Peterson to the Riverbay Board of Directors.

We are “STRONGER TOGETHER.”

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Isabel Fletcher We, cooperators, own in common prime real estate property along the Hutchinson River from Section Five to Connor Street. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to enjoy it. New York City has done wonders to riverfront property all along the Westside Highway, down town Brooklyn and even along sections of East River at the end of Soundview Avenue in the Bronx.

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers enjoy them every day. We too deserve such pleasures. Four years ago, the Mayor offered to build a playground on a small section of our riverfront if we surrendered that portion to the city.

Many cooperators strongly objected to surrendering any of our precious land to the city. Instead, they appealed to and obtained a pledge from Board directors that Riverbay build such a riverfront park with our own resources.

Finally, four years later, our Board, in their wisdom, is beginning to make good on their pledge. It has included in the current draft budget before the HCR for approval, funding for such a park on a small section of our riverfront property.

I am anticipating with excitement the opening of this park. It will certainly enhance our quality of life, open a vista to the largest park in the city – Pelham Bay Park – located in our own backyard. I am certain there will be playgrounds, skateboard rink, walking trails and benches. Perhaps offer some fish anglers to do some fishing.

I view this park as only an initial phase of establishing a riverfront park all along the river that borders our Co-op City including along Section 5.

As a Board member, I pledge to work aggressively ensuring Riverbay completes building such a park all along our property.

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

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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

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Monique Coleman Co-op City is situated on 320-acres, of which 80% is open space. As a longtime shareholder, I have often lamented about our proximity to the water, with zero waterfront access. Our most recent approved budget includes funding for a modest waterfront park. I love this idea and believe that developing our waterfront is an important step toward improving our health and beautifying our community. A waterfront park is a unique feature that differentiates us from other affordable housing developments. It will expand our safe outdoor spaces without breaking our budget.

We learned during the pandemic how important it is to have safe outdoor access. I fully understand that financial stability is fragile and that detailed close work is necessary to maintain it. The original budget called for a $10 million investment, however, the new budget has reduced the funding to $2 million. Community development is important, nevertheless we support the reduced investment in the waterfront park that promises to enhance our quality of life.

We all want a better life and our future cannot be left to chance. We must be purposeful in our choices and recognize that no one will save us, except ourselves.

As shareholders, we must lean on one another and know we are in this together.

Team Progress believes in shareholders and is unified in our mission to: * Protect affordable housing * Reduce the cost of cable television * Stop the NYS DOT’s Hutchinson River Parkway northbound exit ramp into Section 5. * Protect your private information and digitize all Riverbay operations. * Maintain a clean and safe community Vote for TEAM PROGRESS: Re-elect Kevin Lambright, elect Sheila Richburg, Aminah Lucio, Isabel Fletcher and Monique Coleman.

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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 HHH

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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)

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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 HHH

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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.

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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.

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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)

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2021 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

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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 HHH

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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

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NYC has resumed the in-house vaccination program for homebound New Yorkers using the Moderna vaccine.

To register your interest in getting the vaccine, visit nyc.gov/homebound or call (877) 829-4692.

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

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

Co-op City Times / April 24, 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 8:37 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, April 23, at 7:31 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) 4495005. 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

Pentecostal Tabernacle

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

Worship service online on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wed. 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.

Focus: The Effective Fruitful Christian 11 Peter 1:1-3 Simon Peter, a servant, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through-the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

Becoming a mature Christian We become a mature Christian as we develop the qualities of virtue, knowledge, Self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, These qualities will develop in our growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

In a letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul addressed the topic of spiritual growth and maturity in Christ Jesus. Ephesians (4; 11-19) And he gave some apostles, some prophets, some, evangelists, some pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and from, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that he henceforth walks, not as other gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart, Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Continual progressive spiritual growth is a normal process for all spiritually healthy Christian believers. As individuals continue to grow in Christian character, their reverence and respect for God continue to increase. This process of growing spiritually brings a believer to full maturity in Christ. God has given to His church the gift of ministry in all its aspects and dimensions to perfect this process of spiritual growth for believers. We should continue to grow spiritually as long as we live.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

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 a.m., https://us04 web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 5687788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

The Men’s and Women’s Day Service will be held on tomorrow, 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 noon. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 563-999-2090, Pin #: 660065.

Friday Noon Prayer is held at 10 a.m.

Please note time change. You can join us using the Free Conference Call.com Line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Free Conference Call.com Line shown above.

Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Sunday School for adults is held at 9

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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 Dreiser Center. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a COVID-19 Hotline which can be reached at 844-444-2819.

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe!

God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

––Hattie L. Lucas

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021 HELP WANTED

Receptionist/medical secretary full-time for Co-op City medical office. Computer skills and insurance experience necessary. Part-time medical assistant also needed.

Email resume to: Lnmnwolstein@gmail.com or fax 718-671-7708.

4/24

CLASSIFIEDS

RIVERBAY OPPORTUNITIES

CLEANING SERVICE - WINDOWS

Please see page 7 for information on how to apply for employment opportunities within Riverbay Corporation.

RECORDS WANTED

(Powered by PayLease)

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

5/29

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

Old Records Wanted.

Will Pay Top $$ for JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ, Rock & Roll, Soul Music, Latin, 50s, 60s, & 70s.

LP, 78 or 45.

Call Joe 917-952-4408

3/27

SERVICES - SERVICES - SERVICES

JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

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.

EMERGENCY SERVICE

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

8/21

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

www.co-opsales.info

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

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LOCKSMITH

Fully Insured

718.792.2655

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

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

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FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job!

CAR SERVICE

Executive Exotic Limo

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

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

SPOONER

• 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

High Quality Labor, Low Price!

NEW STYLE BLINDS

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

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

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CLEANING SERVICES

DOMESTIC SERVICE

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

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

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

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

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REUPHOLSTERY

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

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

Public Safety

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.

Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. We would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity.

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.

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 pandemic. Even those who may not be required to wear a mask must remain sensitive to (Cont’d from p. 7)

2089 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 (Next to Sangria Café)

It’s Tax Time Again!

We at ATC, while practicing strict social distancing, and continually disinfecting our work areas, encourage clients to consider having their taxes prepared in a “no touch” environment. We can offer this by using regular mail, email, or texts whenever possible.

We Offer An Introductory Rate of

We Offer: Email, Mail, Fax & Text Picture Text: 631-871-1487; 914-648-1422 Limited to 3 pictures or less.

New clients only.

Incl. Federal, State and City.

Call: 347-947-4455 Three source documents: Call for a FREE pre-paid mail envelope.

W-2, 1099R, or SSA 1099.

Mail: 2089 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 Additional documents, credits Drop-off/Walk-in Appointment & schedules slightly higher.

Email: alan.stentiford61@gmail.com OFFER INCLUDES FREE EFILE, gsansone1@optimum.net COPIES, REPRESENTATION AND YEAR-ROUND SERVICE. Fax: 561-431-0830

$99!

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 space on the grounds of Co-op City. Be Co-op City Strong and wear your mask.

Co-op Insurance

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Co-op City Times / April 24, 2021

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 L ines of Ins urance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Low Rates For T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

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

The Wright Agency

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

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION.

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

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.

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road)

718-671-8000 Call Us Today!

COVID COMPLIANT

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!