Co-op City Times 5/2/20

Co-op City is family #WeAreAllInThisTogether

Vol. 55 No. 18

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Riverbay Power Plant delivers reliable services to Co-op City residents

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Riverbay’s Power Plant keeps Co-op City lit amid the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering reliable heat, hot water, and electricity to residents, as well as responding to emergencies.

According to Anthony Ligato, senior director, Utility Assets, at the Power Plant: “The power plant operations and maintenance staff continue to respond to emergencies to deliver the essential service needs at Riverbay. Everyone at the Power Plant understands the importance of delivering reliable heat, hot water, and electricity.”

Power Plant staff are responding to all power plant-related emergencies and continue to maintain all domestic and dual temp pumps for heat and hot water.

Along with those duties, staff are correcting pumps and drain failures that cause overflows in buildings, changing water pumps, and responding to emergency repair leaks.

Mr. Ligato told the Co-op City Times this week, “There have been very many impressive responses to emergencies during this COVID-19 event.”

Most recently, a large high-temperature hot water leak occurred at the Cooper Place Townhouses area on April 24. The leak was discovered late last Friday afternoon,

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2019 Income Affidavits due on July 31, 2020 Step-by-step instruction guide on pages 4-5

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Power Plant personnel dug down more than 9 feet to locate the leak in the Section 2 underground high temp hot water pipe and shored the area before proceeding to make the extensive repairs last weekend.

Shareholders are reminded that the 2019 Income Affidavits are due on Friday, July 31, 2020, not April 30, 2020, the original due date printed on the forms prior to announcements of two extensions so far issued by the state supervisory agency, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), because of COVID-19.

The new date has been announced in the Co-op City Times since it was issued well over a month ago as well as on the Riverbay Crawler – channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Altice Optimum.

It was preceded by an earlier extension to May 30, 2020 which was first announced by HCR and then later pushed to July because of recommended guidance issued by health and government officials.

Also published on a consistent, weekly basis on page 6 of the Co-op City Times is information about the income affidavit process and how to return the completed form to the Riverbay Finance Department: by mail to Riverbay Finance Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; or placed in a sealed envelope, addressed to the (Continued on page 2)

Photo courtesy of Power Plant.

(Continued on page 2)

How students can stay empowered at home

Black Forum’s “Grab and Go” Pantry

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Remote learning has become the norm for most students, but that reality can still feel overwhelming for those students who are used to having more control over their learning experience. Fortunately, there are resources available for every student from pre-k to the student in college needing access to a certain textbook. Below is a streamlined list of resources anyone can take advantage of depending on student level.

For college students * National Associate of Independent Colleges and Universities Website: NAICU.com NAICU’s website offers resources for those in college or who have recently graduated and want to learn more about how the CARES Act stimulus package may affect (Continued on page 9)

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On Wed., April 29, Black Forum opened its food pantry for a “grab and go” distribution for the community. Although the pantry is officially closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the help of Riverbay’s Community Relations department, both were able to organize a oneday “grab and go” pantry, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Members of Black Forum, as well as Riverbay staff, gave bags of fresh fruit, produce, canned goods, and other pantry staples to residents who stopped by.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

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Power Plant

a time when gathering a response team for an emergency is most challenging.

Mr. Ligato said: “The leak was in the most difficult spot to repair, and it was large enough to jeopardize the hot water service to a large part of Section 2. Within a few hours, the Riverbay team from the Power Plant, construction, executive management, and support vendors were able to devise a plan to address the situation starting at 6:00 a.m. Saturday.”

Staff successfully repaired the leak and restored hot water service on Sunday morning.

Similarly, another leak was discovered in Section 5 on Sunday, April 26, disrupting the high-temperature hot water system, leaving residents without hot water service, although, as was the case also in Section 2, cold water and heat were available. Power Plant and other support staff worked diligently to finish repairs by the next day.

Mr. Ligato said: “Among those situations, we’re completing the essential work at the Power Plant to maintain reliable and safe operations. Cleaning and servicing the main cooling tower to ensure clean and reliable service in compliance with New York City regulatory requirements.”

During the coronavirus lockdown, the department continues to be proactive by installing new and essential power plant equipment to ensure reliable operations.

Mr. Ligato said they are “doing necessary and required annual maintenance to ensure safe and environmentally responsive operations.”

As far as his staff, Mr. Ligato said, “They have indeed been impressive by observing all the social distancing guidelines, working in smaller designated groups and going to alternate split shifts to reduce the potential for exposure of COVID-19. The team has indeed gone above and beyond.”

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

Happy 30th Anniversary, Mabel!

Dear Mabel, I would like to express my love and appreciation to you, my beautiful wife, on our 30th anniversary.

We had planned to spend our 30th anniversary in Spain but life had different plans for us.

We spent our anniversary in Co-op City and instead of watching the sunrise on the beach, we watched it from our window.

Being home and spending time with you for such an extended amount of time has made me realize why I married you. Time has not changed your sweet demeanor, kind personality or your beauty.

One life, one love.

—Raymond Tirado

So proud of you, Yvonne!

Congratulations to our daughter, Yvonne Hartridge. After losing her senior softball season and graduation from University of Maine at Presque Isle, Yvonne received emailed notification that she is the winner of the 2019-2020 Outstanding Exercise Science Major Award. We are so proud of you, Yvonne, and wish you the very best as you complete this phase of your studies.

Your loving parents, —Ron and Patricia Hartridge

Stay tuned in!

While the Governor’s Stay at Home order remains in effect, Riverbay Corporation is communicating with residents not only through the Co-op City Times, but also on the Riverbay Crawler (channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Optimum) and through Phone Tree notifications. Be sure to tune in and stay engaged. Not signed up for Phone Tree? See page 22 for the application.

WE ARE OPEN! We support the community during these times and are still open in the event anyone has issues or emergencies.

Power Plant staff address essential maintenance work at the Power Plant during the COVID-19 Stay at Home period and handle emergencies such as 1ast weekend’s underground pipe leaks in Sections 2 & 5.

Photos courtesy of Power Plant and Mary Pearson

Income Affidavits

Finance Department and deposited in the carrying charge box in one of the three community centers, Bartow, Einstein or Dreiser. Only the original and yellow copy of the forms should be returned to the Finance department. Shareholders retain the pink copy for their records.

Carrying charge boxes remain open throughout the month for shareholders to be able to leave their monthly maintenance payments and other material for Riverbay departments since the administration offices are closed to foot traffic because of coronavirus and social distance guidance.

This week, the Finance department is going even further to assist shareholders who need help completing the Income Affidavit forms on their own since Riverbay will, most likely, not be able to present the usual in-person assistance to shareholders that it has in the past. Of note too is the fact that HCR has waived the requirement for the Income Affidavit form to be notarized this year, although it must be signed by the shareholder.

(Continued from page 1)

To provide additional support, the Finance department has prepared a step-by-step guide, published on pages 4 and 5 of this issue of the Co-op City Times, to provide guidance to shareholders who need help filling out the form. Finance and the Co-op City Times are also collaborating on a video presentation of the guide which will be shown on the Riverbay Crawler and soon posted on the corporation’s website, coopcitynyc.com, for shareholders to access. Until the video project is completed, however, visitors to the website will be able to find the printed version of the instructions to filling out the 2019 Income Affidavit on the “Shareholders” page under “Resources,” and in this issue of the Co-op City Times, also available online at issuu.com/cctimes.

If, after going through the guide, shareholders still have questions about any of their answers, they may contact the Riverbay Finance department at (718) 3203300, select option #4, or send an email to RiverbayFinance@riverbaycorp.com. (See pages 4, 5 and 6 for more.)

• Following all CDC guidelines • All patients are brought in right away

• Please make sure to come in only at your - no waiting time in the waiting area

appointment time

• All staff is wearing PPE • All rooms fully sanitized after each patient, including waiting area.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C

4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY EAST

www.footanklerestore.com

(718) 671-2233

DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted.

1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others.

HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Thank you, Riverbay essential workers – Executive Management, Finance, CCPD, Risk Management, Internal Audit, Co-op City Times, Procurement Warehouse

Among the Riverbay administrative offices that continue to work on a remote/staggered schedule, in compliance with the governor’s Stay at Home order and social distance guidance, are Riverbay executive management; finance; safety; internal audit; information technology; human resources; office services; procurement, which also includes warehouse staff charged with receiving essential safety supplies; Co-op City Times; community relations; parking and leasing; risk management; and Public Safety. There are also many operations departments that continue to operate although with limited staff and on staggered schedules. Shareholders are urged to read the Co-op City Times, delivered on Saturdays in building lobbies and to the townhouses, and also available online at issuu.com/cctimes; tune in to the Riverbay Crawler regularly and sign up for Phone Tree notifications (see page 22) to stay abreast of important information and alerts being disseminated during this period of staying home as we work together to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Riverbay Crawler is on channel 12 for those on the master antenna and channel 591 for Optimum subscribers.

Photos by Rozaan Boone and courtesy Procurement Department

WE’RE OPEN! We will remain open until 7/15/2020.

2089 Bartow Avenue Bronx, NY 10475

347-947-4455 Coronavirus Tax Update IRS Filing Deadline EXTENDED until 7/15/20

• Call for an appointment.

We are only seeing 3 people per day.

If you can’t come in, we offer: • Drop-off • Mail-in: 2089 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475 • Email: gsansone1@optimum.net • Fax: 561-431-0830

NOTARY PUBLIC

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Riverbay Finance Department Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

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INCOME AFFIDAVITS DEADLINE EXTENDED In response to concerns raised regarding the income affidavit requirement and the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), HCR has extended the deadline for the income affidavit process to July 31, 2020. This year’s income affidavits do NOT need to be notarized. Signed affidavits without notary acknowledgement are acceptable.

See page 6 for complete information.

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Annual Income Affidavits Notice

BY AVERIL JAMES-BONNETTE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The annual income affidavit process for Co-op City residents is currently underway.

The Income Affidavit and related instructions were mailed last week to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2020, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program).

In response to certain concerns raised regarding the income affidavit requirement and the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), HCR has extended the deadline for the income affidavit process to July 31, 2020. This year’s income affidavits do NOT need to be notarized. Signed affidavits without notary acknowledgement are acceptable. New surcharges will be imposed effective Oct. 01, 2020 based upon data taken from your 2019 Income Affidavit form. Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submit their 2019 Income Affidavit in a timely manner.

If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2019 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by July 31, 2020. Please estimate your income and identify as “Estimated Income.” File an amended affidavit once you have filed your tax return or you will be subject to the maximum 50% surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbay must be notified in writing with a copy of the extension form.

In cases where there are two shareholders of an apartment and if one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submit documentation to Riverbay Corporation as to where the vacating shareholder currently resides. Acceptable documentation could be: (1) driver’s license with current address, (2) copy of the apartment lease, (3) utility bill with current address. If this documentation is not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the income affidavit will be returned as incomplete and a 50% surcharge will be assessed each month until the documentation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for all surcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for surcharges already assessed.

Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of your basic carrying charges. You would then be required to pay the 50% surcharge for each month, through the end of the month you finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed as a result of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis. The instructions being mailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letter and worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determining whether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge.

Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully.

As required by State law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the state for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

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

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

to make sure that the data provided come from their NY State tax return.

This year, there will be no all-day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit forms.

In addition, because of the coronavirus outbreak, shareholders will be required to drop off their completed income affidavits and insurance declarations in the carrying charge boxes. Please put in an envelope and clearly mark ‘2019 INCOME AFFIDAVIT’ on the outside of the envelope.

Income affidavits can also be submitted by mail to the following address: RIVERBAY CORPORATION, FINANCE DEPARTMENT - ATTENTION: 2019 INCOME AFFIDAVIT, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from the Riverbay Risk Management department regarding the submission of co-op insurance declaration page or certified letter from your insurance broker or company showing that you have the required insurance coverage on your apartment.

Please note that the insurance documentation must be submitted along with your annual income affidavit by no later than July 31, 2020 to avoid the assessment of $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3388.

The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors.

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

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

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

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

May 31, 2023

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

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

CCPD provides information on avoiding unwanted telemarketing calls

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Many people worldwide may be spending more time at home or working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being home to receive more telemarketing calls may be an unwanted combination of these two factors. Telemarketers and scammers may be finding themselves with more time on their hands and might also be more desperate. This week’s article will provide information about avoiding scams and unwanted telemarketing calls. Recognizing an unsolicited phone call is the important step towards minimizing its impact on your life. Always remember to never give out information on a telephone call you did not make.

Telemarketers and scammers have found a way to make their number appear differently on your caller identification. They can change the area code, the first three numbers of your exchange or even the entire number. It is even possible to receive a call with your own telephone number appearing on the caller identification. In some cases, Co-op City residents have received calls that say Riverbay Corporation in the caller identification. Do not let this fool you. If someone from Riverbay Corporation is calling you, they will identify themselves. If Riverbay Corporation is leaving an automated message it will identify itself. Riverbay Corporation will not ask you for personal, sensitive information over the telephone. There have been reports that Social Security Administration, Chase Manhattan Bank, Internal Revenue Service have appeared on people’s caller identification. Do not let this fool you.

The coronavirus pandemic has unleashed a new series of “Phishing” scams.

Telephone scammers will send out a message regarding your cancelled vacation plans. This message may go out as a telephone call, an email or even a text. If you didn’t recently cancel a vacation, you might just ignore the message but if you did cancel a vacation you need your heightened internal “Scam Detector” to take notice. Do not answer any questions, take a number to call back and compare it to the legitimate provider. Many people have cancelled travel plans so the odds of catching an unsuspecting victim is increased. My savvy readers will be the exception to this group.

Telemarketers may be just as annoying but hopefully not as dangerous. Telemarketers are attempting to solicit you to purchase some types of goods and services that you did not seek out. If you can identify the call as a telemarketer of a service you are not interested in, it’s easiest not to answer the call. Telemarketers are a very insistent group. They will say, “Why aren’t you interested in this wonderful service my company wishes to sell to you?” If I didn’t call a company, I am not interested in their service. Altering the number which appears on the caller identification may make me believe the call is an important call from a local friend, a school or a business I associate with. It is best to terminate these calls as soon as possible.

It is a good idea to sign up your landline telephones and cellular phones for the Do Not Call Registry. The Do Not Call Registry allows you to register your landline and cell phone number in one central database to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers not exempt from the DNC Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. The DNC Registry will not stop all telemarketers from calling you.

Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors are exempt. Companies with which you have an existing business relationship may still call you (unless you ask them to place your number on their own donot-call list).

The New York State Do Not Call Law has been in effect since 2001. This law makes provisions for consumers to place their home landline and personal mobile telephone numbers on one central national registry. This registry reduces the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive. The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection enforces the New York State Do Not Call Law. In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the National Do Not Call Program and Registry.

You can register your phone number online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you register by phone, you must call from the phone number you wish to register. Once registered, your telephone number remains on the DNC Registry, without expiration, unless the phone number is permanently disconnected and reassigned to a new consumer or you choose to remove it. You can go on the website to see if your phone number is registered.

If your number is not registered, you can register it in the same place.

If you receive an unwanted telemarketing call after your number has been on the DNC Registry for more than 31 days, you can file a Do Not Call complaint

Public Safety Report

If you witness anyone tagging or spraying graffiti on Co-op City property, notify Public Safety immediately at (718) 671-3050. If your cell phone is handy, snap a photo and send it to Public Safety.

Alert: Graffiti vandalism

Public Safety Blotter April 19, 2020 – April 25, 2020

4240 Hutchinson Ave. CCPD officers responded to the roof of this location where they found a male sleeping. He was issued a Criminal Court Summons and released.

April 23, 2020 – Baychester and Donizetti An SUV was found with all four tires removed. This matter is still under investigation.

April 25, 2020 – 120 Co-op City Blvd.

A male acting irrational was restrained and detained by CCPD officers. An ambulance was called and the male was taken to a local area hospital for psychiatric evaluation. online at the Registry’s website, www.donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-3821222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you received a “robocall” that used a recorded message instead of a live person, you can file a complaint whether or not your number is on the Registry.

You may also file a complaint with FCC for unwanted fax, telemarketing, and telephone service and billing issues. The Division of Consumer Protection routinely reviews the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Database for Do Not Call complaints filed

by New York residents. The FTC also reviews complaints filed nationwide to determine whether a pattern or practice of violations of the National Do Not Call Registry is occurring. By filing a complaint, you can help the Division track down and identify violators of the Do Not Call law and take legal action against the businesses making those unwanted, unsolicited and often annoying telemarketing phone calls.

Registering your phone number on the DNC Registry is only the first step towards bringing these calls to an end. The next step is to file a complaint for every unwanted call. The Division uses the consumer complaints to take enforcement action against the violators who can be fined for each illegal call. The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), TTY: 1-866-653-4261. You can watch a video on “How to File a Complaint” on the FTC’s website here to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Gather as much information as possible to file a complaint. You will need to indicate whether the phone was a cell phone or a landline. If the receiving number was a cell phone, you will need to specify if you were in the State of New York when you received the call and the time of the actual call. Identify the individual and/or company whose products or services were being advertised or sold, and any phone numbers included in the call.

When filing a complaint, you will need to describe the call. For example, did the caller hang up right after you answered? Was it a person or was it a prerecording? What type of product or service were they trying to sell ? What information did the representative want? Include the representative’s demeanor or attitude, make a note if they used abusive language. Include the following in the comments section: did you tell them to stop calling? If yes, when? (Date and time).

Did they call you again after? If yes, when (Date and time). Keep track of any callers you have told not to call who continue to call you, include the total number of calls received and the related phone numbers. Note what happened if you attempted to return calls at numbers left on messages. Also make a note of whether or not any phone number or prompt number allowed you to “opt-out” of future calls.

Did you have an Existing Business Relationship (EBR) with the caller? (Specifically, did you or anyone else in your household make any purchases of property, goods or services from the company that called, or made any inquiry or filed an application with the company prior to receiving the call). If a company is selling something, it needs your written permission to call you with a robocall. And if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry, you shouldn’t get live sales calls (Continued on page 22)

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

Please check back again next week.

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

NYS on PAUSE

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

The State motto during the coronavirus is still: Stay Home. Stop the Spread. Stay Safe. But the “Stay Home” part is set to start gradually changing in mid-May. Governor Cuomo has been presenting daily televised updates on the state of our state’s health since March 2, the day after the first person tested positive in NYC. To put that in context, the total coronavirus positives in the country on March 1 was 89. By now, that number has undoubtedly passed a million and the state’s positives account for close to a third of that.

That first gubernatorial update downplayed the severity of the looming pandemic and played up the state’s ability to respond. But by the next day, the first hospitalized “50-year old lawyer from Westchester” case hit the news and changed the tone a bit.

By March 4 the spread to the son, wife, and next door neighbor of the Westchester man led to the closing and cleaning of the first NY school. That day, all CUNY and SUNY (City/State University of New York) students and teachers studying or teaching abroad in China, Italy, Japan, Iran, and South Korea were brought home and quarantined, “out of an abundance of caution,” said the Governor. “It’s important that facts outweigh fear, and … there is no reason for undue anxiety and the general risk remains low in New York.”

Calming words. Swift action. Country–wide cases: 160.

March 5 cases in all of NYS totaled 22, eight of which led back to Westchester. Governor Cuomo addressed peoples’ growing fear with the clearest facts available because he believed, he said, the level of fear and anxiety people have been experiencing is undue and caused by one of two reasons: that the information they’re getting is either suspect or confusing. National cases: 229.

March 6 NYS cases tallied 33. The nation’s number was 333. That day the Governor announced the task force and said, “I’m not urging calm. I’m urging

reality. I’m urging a factual response as opposed to an emotional response.” Later that day, the NY number rose to 44 – 13% of the total cases in the country.

At a March 7 briefing, 76 cases and the closing of some nursing homes to visitors was announced. Price gougers were warned and hawkers selling stolen products on eBay and Facebook were shamed. The voluntary self-quarantined were scolded for breaking restrictions. Mr. Cuomo addressed the slowness of CDC testing (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), saying, “It’s one thing that you don’t do anything to help us, but at least don’t handcuff us.”

At a second briefing that same day, the Governor said, “The best way to calm anxieties is to demonstrate absolute government competence,” and declared a state of emergency.

On March 8, NYS residents were advised to avoid densely populated spaces, elbow bump their greetings, and let packed trains and buses go by. Wait for the next one. Positive NYS cases: 105. “The fear is just unwarranted.”

Monday, March 9 brought us 100,000 gallons of NYS Clean hand sanitizer and 142 statewide positive cases, 20% of the national 702.

The next day, it was decided to cordon off and disinfect the New Rochelle coronavirus-infected hot spot on the coming Thursday with the help of the National Guard and a Health Department command center. Of the state’s 173 positive cases, 108 were within that one-mile radius.

As of March 11, only 5000 tests for the virus had been administered throughout the entire country (216 positive in NYS and a 1,265national positive total).

The Governor pushed in-state testing into high gear.

Plans for city and state university students to continue their studies remotely were set in place. Employers were advised to stagger workers’ hours or have workers telecommute where possible to reduce density on the sidewalks of New York.

Between March 12 and March 22, gubernatorial mandated drive-through testing, cancelled gatherings, shuttered schools, and closed non-essential businesses, signaled an impending shutdown. Keeping

six feet of physical separation was required, Matilda’s Law — aimed at protecting seniors and other vulnerable persons – was revealed, and NYS was officially put on PAUSE: Policies that Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone.

This mandate “is the most drastic action we can take,” the governor announced. He also called for a 90-day moratorium on any residential or commercial eviction, saying “I know that we’re going to put people out of work with what I did, I want to make sure I don’t put them out of their house.”

On March 20, the day NYS on PAUSE was announced, NYS had 7102 known positive cases, 38% of the US total of 18,860. The day after its enactment on March 23, NYS coronavirus cases soared to 20,875, 48% of the 43,151 total US cases.

As the non-essentials paused, the essentials charged on. Temporary hospitals sprang up, health worker volunteers poured into the city, ventilators and other personal protective equipment (PPE) were at times fought over or donated, flags began flying at halfmast for grief and buildings were lit blue for hope, masks became universally worn and widely sewn, and antibody testing began to help determine if there were an immunity correlation.

May 15 is the designated date of the beginning of the end of NYS on PAUSE. Most rate of transmission (R/T) metrics – total number of hospitalizations, ICU patients, patients on ventilators (plus diagnostic testing positives and antibody testing positives that determine the current and past infection rate per capita) are leveling off or descending. These are all good signs.

Still, day by day the number of infected New Yorkers continues to rise as testing continues. And deaths of our fellow New Yorkers increase by the hundreds daily. End the Pause? Not so fast. * All quotes and numbers come from one of two sources, NYS Department of Health (https:// health.ny.gov/press/releases/2020/index.htm) or an April 1 MSNBC graphic titled Coronavirus Cases in the United States: March.

I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

MTA service updates plus other happenings around New York

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Mask distribution in Bartow Mall

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MTA alters late night service of subways The MTA will suspend all subway service from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. daily to allow for time to disinfect the cars, stations and equipment beginning on Wednesday, May 6. However, bus service is still in effect 24/7 under the Essential Service Plan. For workers who need transportation during that time, the MTA is planning to use their new Essential Connector service, which they will release further details on before Wednesday. Essential Connector riders will be allowed two trips per night on for-hire-vehicles and must show proof of essential travel with appropriate credentials. For riders who do not have a smartphone, they will be able to request a ride through a dedicated number. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles will also be available, according to the press release on the MTA website.

City workers to hand out face masks across the 5 boroughs Beginning today, the city will send out over 1,000 workers to hand out masks at parks, patrol public spaces and enforce social distances mandates. 275,000 masks are expected to be distributed by the workers. The workers, who are from the FDNY, Sanitation, Environmental Protection and Parks Departments, the city sheriff and the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, will also have the power to issue fines for violations of social distancing rules. New Yorkers are expected to have a face covering when they go out in the public.

NYC turns to military for help with frontline mental health stress aid Mayor de Blasio announced this past week a new plan to help health care workers cope with the physical and mental stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. By enlisting the help of the US Defense Department, the plan is to have military trauma specialists assess the entire system as it stands now. Subsequently, after the assessments are done, the specialists will then help implement new programs like a 24/7 behavioral hotline for NYC Health and hospitals. Additionally, the specialists will also train over 1000 NYC Health and hospital health personnel in combat stress management.

Antibody tests being offered at CityMD and across NYC Not to be confused with a COVID-19 diagnosis test, COVID-19 Antibody tests are being rolled out across the city at walk-in health care clinics and primary care offices. These tests offer another piece to the overall puzzle of understanding how this coronavirus truly affects the body. Essentially, this antibody test can identify whether someone has recovered from COVID-19.

This information is especially important when considering many people who have experienced mild to no symptoms at all may be unsure if they had the coronavirus in the first place.

It is very important to note that the test is meant for people who either had a positive test for COVID-19 and have recovered, or who think they were exposed to COVID-19 and no longer have symptoms. CityMD notes on their website that people should “wait two to four weeks after the end of symptoms to get the antibody test.” Patients recovering from COVID-19 should also consider asking their primary care physician if an antibody test makes the most sense for their situation.

Most insurance providers cover the cost of the antibody test.

By BRANDON ORTIZ

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Bronx Councilman Andy King distributed over 1,000 face masks to residents in Co-op City on Mon., April 27, in the Bartow Mall. People formed a long line along Dollar Tree and nearby stores going way beyond Dunkin Donuts to receive free protective face masks, essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both politicians gave masks to everyone who attended, enough for themselves and each member of their household.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Education their federal student loan. The frequently asked questions tab in the resource menu has information for students interested in learning more in-depth about how the CARES Act will impact their future. Information is updated daily.

• Class Central Website: classcentral.com While normally a great tool to find online courses offered by colleges, Class Central now offers over 400 free currently active online courses from all eight of the Ivy League colleges. Many of these courses offer a certificate of completion as well. The subjects covered in the courses offered range from business, humanities, health and medicine to computer science and programming.

• UPenn Libraries Website: guides.library.upenn.edu/c.php?g=1013289 This URL, while unavoidably a little long, is the most direct route to access the University of Pennsylvania’s comprehensive list of links to free ebooks, textbooks and scholarly journal articles that are available to students. The list is updated daily.

For all students • Adobe Website: adobe.com

(Continued from page 1)

Schools that use any of the various Adobe apps included in Creative Cloud (ie: Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) for classes, are able to have at-home access for their students too. If your respective school has registered, by now any student who would otherwise normally only have lab access to Creative Cloud will now be able to access it on their personal computer.

• Charter Communications Phone Number: 1-844-488-8395 It’s not too late to take advantage of Charter’s offer for free Spectrum broadband and Wi-fi access for 60 days for households with K-12 and/or college students.

Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

For younger students • Child Mind Institute Website: childmind.org The Child Mind Institute offers free telehealth evaluations and treatments for children with ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders and learning disorders. Parents simply need to request an appointment online or by calling 212-3083118. The website also includes various resources for helping parents support their children during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

• National Association for Gifted Children Website: nagc.org/prek-12-enrichment-educationalresources The National Association for Gifted Children has compiled a collection of resources for parents who are looking to keep their children intellectually stimulated.

The resources are even broken down by each discipline, which makes navigating through all of the links easier.

• Scholastic Website: scholastic.com/learnathome Scholastic is offering free day-by-day projects and learning games for students in pre-K through grade 9.

According to the website, Scholastic describes these resources as “20 days’ worth of active learning journeys designed to reinforce and sustain educational opportunities.”

• Amazon Website: amazonfutureengineer.com/free-courses Amazon is offering free computer science courses for students in grades 2 through 12. All levels of computer science knowledge is accommodated with courses in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels offered.

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Calm Down Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson The entire world is filled with bad news at this moment. Regardless, we can’t watch that news all day long and then do something terrible to ourselves over here.

Be Careful Unfortunately, some more people in our community have allowed themselves to get overwhelmed by this coronavirus crises. Thereafter, they decided to commit suicide. Then, in a bizarre case, a non-resident male followed someone into building 13 (across from the Pear Tree mall) on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at approximately 8:40 p.m., and committed suicide on our property. So, the NYPD and our Public Safety force had to deal with this devastating case. Then, several people told me about other suicide cases in this community.

As of last Saturday, April 25, 2020, we had 964,273 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States, according to the CDC. Then, we had 54,428 people that died from this horrible coronavirus outbreak.

However, we had 119,787 that recovered from this nightmare.

So, what are we going to focus our attention on?

Are we going to watch the news 24/7 and let some of the worst stories ever fill our minds? Are we going to let these news stories negatively affect our overall outlook on life? Are we going to watch so much television and listen to so many bad news stories that we’re going to walk around in a depressed state?

To make matters worse, are we going to wonder about our own life?

Now, do you see how a person can get caught up in the coronavirus news cycle? Can you see how staying home all day long and watching these stories on television on a 24/7 basis can negatively affect a person? If yes, then we need to make some big changes in how we’re dealing with this coronavirus nightmare.

The biggest thing is stop watching all of these news stories all day long. Then, please think about checking out something positive that can benefit you and other people.

Bottom line: Life is what you make it. Therefore, we cannot allow negative news stories to fill our minds on a constant basis. Plus, we need to make sure that we do things to enjoy our life. For instance, some people get very bored when they’re home alone. Why? A home should be a place that you enjoy. So, fix up your apartment and make it into an enjoyable place.

Home alone or with your loved ones all day long?

Consider doing nice things with them. Can you cook or help out in the kitchen? Kids? Your kids will remember the fun that they had with you forever. So, please get out those board games and have some fun.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to please get professional help if you need it. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number is 1-800-273-8255, 1800-273-TALK. So, please call this number immediately if you need to talk to someone. And, please call our Public Safety department at 718-671-3050 or 911 if you have an emergency. I hope and pray that everyone will consider this information and make some good and positive choices about their life. Thank you.

Don’t Get Involved With Foolishness There is a tremendous amount of nonsense surrounding this coronavirus nightmare. And, some people are playing into this foolishness by going online and posting material that they know will divide up their friends, family, and everyone that they know.

However, think, this coronavirus outbreak is killing lots of people. So, should we engage folks that are deliberately posting trash to get a response? No! Leave them alone. Don’t fall into their trap of arguing and fighting with them. Don’t respond to their foolish messages. You will be better off once you start ignoring a lot of foolishness that’s not connected to you.

R.U.O.K. Program As mentioned before, over 50,000 people in the U.S. have died from this horrific coronavirus out-

break. A lot of people have died in a hospital. Then, some folks died in a nursing home and at other locations. However, some people were not seen for a while.

So, a family member, a friend, or even a work associate may have checked on them at their residence.

Thereafter, they discovered that the person was dead.

Now, to me, this is a horrible way to leave this world. Moreover, that type of death is going to shock a lot of people. So, as a community, we need to see if we can help our cooperators avoid this type of tragedy.

We have a phone system called R.U.O.K. This system will call you at a specific time on a daily basis.

Thereafter, you will be required to respond to that call.

No response? A Public Safety officer will go to your apartment to check on you. So, I want to encourage you to please sign up for this program.

Now, some people might think that responding to

a call every day is a bit much. However, we need to evaluate our own situation before making a decision.

For instance, do we have someone that checks on us on a daily basis? No? Well, then, we might have a big problem if something happens. So, please consider calling Public Safety at 718-671-3050 to sign up for this program.

Close Please remember that we care about you.

Thank you.

The administrative areas of Bartow have been shut down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

11

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Rules and Regulations of R.U.O.K. Program

I _____________________________________ (hereinafter "subscriber") have requested to participate in the “Are You Okay” program sponsored by Riverbay Corporation. I have received a copy of the directions/regulations regarding this program and I understand the information given to me. I authorize Riverbay Corporation to exercise prudent judgement in the event it becomes necessary to enter my unit (as a result of my failure to respond as directed to the reassurance call if the neighbor or family member I granted key possession permission is unavailable). I further recognize that if this occurs during non-business hours, Riverbay Corporation may have to drill out my lock to enter my unit. I understand that the drill out will be conducted at my expense. I also have been advised that if I am repeatedly responsible for non-emergency alarms I will be taken off the program. I understand that if I am taken off the program that I will be given literature regarding·programs available to me from other local vendors; at my expense.

I agree to keep information necessary for registration current. The keys are available to the person listed on the registration. This person has agreed to accept the responsibility of holding my keys. I have explained to them, in case of an alert, that they will be called and required to bring the keys and to enter my unit with someone from Riverbay Security.

It is understood and agreed that Riverbay Corporation, including its agents, principals and employees, is providing the services described herein as an accommodation to its residents and that Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals and employees make no guarantee or warranty, including any implied warranty of merchantability or·fitness that the services supplied will avert or prevent occurrences or the consequences therefrom which the service is designed to detect or avert.

Furthermore, the subscriber acknowledges that it is impractical and extremely difficult to fix any actual damages, if any, which may proximately result from a failure to perform any of the service herein, or the failure of the system to properly operate with resulting loss or injury to the subscriber because of, among other things: A. The uncertainty of the response time of any police, fire or other department should the department be dispatched to the subscriber's residence; B. The inability to ascertain what portion, if any, of any loss or injury would be proximately caused by the failure of Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals and employees to perform or the equipment to operate; C. The nature of the service being performed

by Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals· and employees.

The subscriber understands and agrees that if Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals or employees should be found liable·for loss due to a failure to perform the service provided, or a failure in the monitoring equipment in any respect whatsoever, the liability of Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals and employees shall be limited to Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) and this liability shall be exclusive; and that the provisions of this paragraph shall apply if loss or injury, irrespective of cause or origin results directly or indirectly to the subscriber, from performance or non-performance of the services provided by

Riverbay Corporation, its agents, principals and tion, its agents, principals and employees for and employees, or from negligence, active or other- against all third-party claims, lawsuits and prowise, of·Riverbay Corporation, its agents, princi- ceedings alleged to be caused by the performance pals or employees. or· non-performance of Riverbay Corporation, its Furthermore, subscriber agrees to and shall agents, principals and employees relative to the indemnify and save harmless Riverbay Corpora- services provided under this program. _____________________________________ Signed (Applicant)

______________________________________ Printed Name (Applicant)

_____________________________________ Telephone Number (Applicant)

_____________________________________ Signed (Witness)

______________________________________ Printed Name (Witness)

12

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

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

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

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

We O f f e r :

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

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes of Insu rance: • 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

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Sales Manager

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

The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! (near Eastchester Road)

New 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 Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!

13

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

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

NOW HIRING! Positions Available at The Wright Agency WE ARE HIRING FULL TIME AND PART TIME LICENSED LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS

• Salary • Very generous commission rates • Bonuses • Must have: - INTEGRITY - CHECKABLE REFERENCES - EXCELLENT PEOPLE SKILLS • Prior Allstate experience a plus but not required • Retirees welcome!

New 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.

GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT! BONUSES FOR LICENSED PRODUCERS!

Apply at: The Wright Agency (Allstate) We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road) Ca ll Us Today !

718-671-8000

14

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Not so fast, shareholders…

join you in prayer and well wishes that they remain TV to be informed. “Continue” to give your brain a healthy and whole. Those who are lonely, please know rest. Turn the channel to a good movie, preferably that you are not alone. something uplifting and funny or a good tear jerker to The “New Normal” continues to unfold let go of sadness and frustration. I “still” like a good in America and Co-op City ol’ romantic comedy, and don’t forget our great AmerConnect while distancing is the constant in our “new ican sitcoms. Laughter is “still” great medicine.

The most important thing to remember, still… normal.” Don’t fight it. Embrace what you are blessed Some reminders The most important thing to remember besides to have. If you are feeling lonely, call a friend; if you This is the time for “you” to reconnect with “you.” washing your hands and practicing social distanc- don’t have a friend, how about a neighbor? Try. Don’t What are your values, your talents? Meditate. Pracing is that our managing staff is still doing every- give up, on a community as richly blessed as we are. tice mind switching. When and if your thoughts trend thing in their power to promote health and safety for Those blessings are for you – shareholder, neighbor negative, remind yourself of better times, a joke, someeveryone. Every shareholder and resident of Co-op and cooperators. Thank goodness for social media and one you admire; like I mentioned earlier, turn the City remains their utmost concern. All of us – you, apps which allow us to connect and do things for oth- channel to something funny. Be creative with the projthe shareholder; we, your Board of Directors, and ers. We must use these tools to protect our own san- ects you’ve been neglecting at home. Use this time to purge your home of stuff you don’t need. The key the managing staff can, must and are working ity and the wellbeing and sanity of others. together during these challenging times. We all must here is to “continue” to take your mind off of the sitNot so fast, shareholders… stand together and pay attention to directives to keep The key words are “continue” and “still.” We may uation at hand on a regular basis. Practice “positive the peace and to keep us all healthy. The Board and be in our homes for a while longer. Isn’t it worth sav- thinking” and “mindfulness.” Check in on your neighthe managing staff will continue to provide unified ing your life and the lives of others? “Continue” to eat bors, especially our elders. Call them. Remember to and effectual leadership throughout this continuing healthy, get good sleep and exercise inside; because keep your distance if you must pay them a visit and being inside is “still” necessary. Why, because we are “glove-up” and put on a mask when you venture out journey. “still” in a fight against a global pandemic. There are for any reason. You can reach me by emailing: mmarIn Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause “still” many unknowns. “Continue” to practice balance bury@riverbayboard.com.

When we know our value we can demand our worth. to their memory and pray for the strength of each fam- for example; while we must watch TV to stay abreast ily as you carry on for those who remain. Those who of the “still” volatile nature of this pandemic, we must Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a FORCE have loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes, we learn do it in intervals. Make sure to take in just enough FOR GOOD…

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury

Black Forum of Co-op City

Emergency Food Pantry The Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry remains closed until further notice.

This is due to the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are resources to explore if you or someone you know needs food assistance and other benefits.

Three Free Meals Daily Free meals are now available to anyone in New York. The city has 435 sites spread out around the five boroughs where people can get breakfast, lunch and dinner all to go, free of charge. Children and families with children can pick up food between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. while adults with no kids can pick up food until 1:30 p.m. each day. To find a location near you, text “NYC food” to 877877 or visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals. No one will be turned away.

All adults and children can pick up three meals at one time. Vegetarian and halal options are available at all sites. No registration or ID required to get the meals.

Dates, locations and menus are subject to change.

Additional Food Resources Consider visiting https://maps.nyc.gov/foodhelp/#map-page or https:// www.foodbanknyc.org/get-help/ on the internet or call 3-1-1 to find soup kitchens and food pantries which may be open. The list is subject to change without notice. Call the agencies ahead to confirm their services and hours.

Visit nyc.gov/getfood for home delivery and other free food options for you or someone else who may benefit.

HRA Benefits The following information was shared with us by NYC Department of Social Services. Clients who would otherwise be required to recertify their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps or Cash Assistance (CA) cases do not need to do so at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, all clients have no need to call the department’s offices to recertify. Recertifications are postponed and clients will get a letter in the mail when it is time to recertify. Benefits will continue. New Yorkers applying for HRA benefits can do so through the ACCESS HRA website. Call 3-1-1 if the website cannot meet your needs. HRA accept applications for benefits such as SNAP and cash assistance.

Defensive Driving Class The April 11 and May 9 classes are canceled due to the Coronavirus. The June 20 class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., may or may not be canceled because of the current situation. Students are welcome to register for the class with the understanding that it may be cancelled. Those interested can call 718-320-8035 to leave a message.

Please leave your name and phone number. Check back to this article for updates.

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

Please stay safe.

–D. Illis

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

IMPORTANT!

For up to date communication from Riverbay Corp., read the Co-op City Times, tune in to the Riverbay Crawler on channel 12 (MATV) & channel 591 (Optimum), and register for Phone Tree notifications (see page 22).

OPEN LETTER TO THE CO-OP CITY COMMUNITY MARC A. GOODMAN ACCREDITED TAX ADVISOR AND ENROLLED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS SERVING SECTION 5, CO-OP CITY AND THE BRONX SINCE 1972

DURING THESE TRYING TIMES, THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IS MOST IMPORTANT. AS DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY. I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS WORTH THE RISK TO MY CLIENTS AND MY STAFF TO POTENTIALLY HAVE SOMEONE EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO FILE THEIR TAXES. TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO STAY AT HOME, I AM CONTINUING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY REMOTELY. I AM ACCEPTING TAX INFORMATION FROM CLIENTS BY FAX, EMAIL AND BY MAIL. TAX INFORMATION CAN BE FAXED TO ME AT 800-427-5124, EMAILED TO MARC@GOODMANTAX.COM OR MAILED TO ME AT: MARC A. GOODMAN, BOX 647, NEW CITY, NY 10956. IF YOU FAX OR EMAIL, BLOCK OUT THE FIRST FIVE NUMBERS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. BE SURE TO INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED, SO I CAN GET ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION I MAY NEED.

AFTER YOUR TAX RETURNS ARE COMPLETED, I WILL MAIL THEM BACK TO YOU WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON RETURNING THE ELECTRONIC FILING FORMS TO ME.

RECOGNIZING THAT THESE ARE VERY TRYING TIMES FOR ALL OF US, ANY FEES DUE TO ME OR TAXES DUE THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE PAID ON JULY 15, 2020, AND IF YOU NEED A BIT MORE TIME TO PAY ME, THAT’S OKAY. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. THE RETURN WILL BE FILED AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THE SIGNED ELECTRONIC FORMS, BUT ANY MONEY OWED TO THE IRS OR THE STATE WON’T BE DUE UNTIL JULY 15, 2020. IF YOU ARE DUE A REFUND FROM THE IRS, YOU SHOULD RECEIVE IT WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS IF IT IS DIRECT DEPOSITED, OR 15 BUSINESS DAYS IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE A CHECK. I HAVE BEEN SERVING THE CO-OP CITY COMMUNITY SINCE 1972 AND GIVING BACK IS IMPORTANT TO ME. I WILL NOT CHARGE MORE THAN $160 FOR ANY RETURN FILED BY CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS, PROVIDED YOU DO NOT HAVE SCHEDULES C, D OR E. ALL CREDIT FORMS, SUCH AS CHILD TAX CREDITS, EARNED INCOME CREDIT, COLLEGE TUITION CREDITS AND CHILD CARE CREDITS ARE INCLUDED IN MY FEE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 917-567-5755.

STAY SAFE AND STAY HOME, IF YOU CAN. A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

Marc A. Goodman, EA Office Phone: 718-379-5217

Neighbors, we wish you all to be safe and healthy. Please stay in. If necessary, make your plans all for one given day. Follow all instructions that are available to you. We are now required to wear a face mask/coverage, only three people on the elevator. Hang in there, this too will pass.

Medicare.gov Medicare is sharing managing stress during this crisis of the pandemic. While we stay home, don’t let fear and anxiety become overwhelming. CDC recommends: A: take breaks from watching, reading or listening to social media. B: connect with others via phone calls, texting and technology. C: Take deep breaths, exercise, and search for comedies via TV; laughter is good for the soul.

The Coronavirus testing site has been up and running. It has bright neon signs to direct those with an appointments. The state Trooper is assigned to receive the appointments. They seem to be quite organized; this is great. I did share this information, and a couple of people did make an appointment. The prayer is that every appointment test will come back negative. There are or will be walk-in sites for testing before one return to their jobs, church, etc., if someone was affected by the Coronavirus.

Neighbors Neighbors calling and checking on each other; the kids if out of school, you do not see them. We are becoming more aware of what is needed, to now wear a mask, you can use a scarf, and we are paying attention to the distancing. Our Mayor and Governor Cuomo are giving us daily briefing, trying to offer hope. I learned a lot, how about you? We thank them.

Building 27 cooperators We understand Riverbay offices and centers are closed. We have shortages of porters and we are in this together, let’s do our part in helping to keep our building clean. Be appreciative, because we do have the best porters and we wish them to be safe and healthy. The Co-op City Times are neatly stacked on the lobby floor, so take copies of the newspaper to your floor for your neighbor as a kind gesture.

Be encouraged.

—Hattie Overman

Co-op City Toastmasters

Co-op City Toastmasters (CCTM) is open for business.

Greetings, members and friends, we too are feeling the effects of this horrible pandemic called COVID-19 being unable to gather. However, Toastmasters International Clubs have been able to find a way to be separate but together: Online meetings. Yes, all over the world, clubs are meeting and continue to help those wanting to improve their public speaking and leadership skills by using online meetings.

CCTM is happy to announce we are also holding online meetings (via Zoom app) at our regular meeting times which are on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Please stay tuned. With online services, we anticipate even more meetings to be held and feel this an exciting time full of “firsts,” including the opportunity to meet other “Toasties” from around the world. It’s a “WOW” moment for us. Our next scheduled meetings are May 7 and May 21. Please make a note on your calendar as well as visit www.toastmasters46.org for more details.

CCTM is also happy to celebrate our 19th anniversary April 2020. We are thankful for the community team that back then had the insight and intelligence to see the need for a public speaking club in the Co-op City community. Toastmasters International, Inc. was the one. Thanks to our founders and all those who have maintained the mission to keep it going. Thank you, CCTM founders!

Congratulations also go out to Toastmaster Debra Jones, DTM, on her recent accomplishment of winning First Place in the Division A International Speech Contest, which was held online for the very first time, April 20. The International Speech Contest is the annual event that culminates in one winner from clubs in over 200 countries is crowned World Champion Public Speaker. The contests all begin at the local club level. With this win, Debra now advances to our District (46)-level competition where that winner advances to the next highest level on the journey to be crowned World Champion Public Speaker. An arduous task for sure and we Debra Jones support her ascension. Debra, who by the way is also a founding member, said that she is excited and has competed before, but this is the first time reaching District level in the International competition. Her speech titled, “My tribute to ‘twinness:’ Treasuring your relationships,” was a message on how important it is for everyone to cherish and nurture relationships in life. Based on a true and life-threatening event involving her twin sister, her speech had key elements of good public speaking. Namely, eye contact, content, vocal variety and humor, to name a few. Debra also credits her Toastmasters clubs with helping her to develop her speaking skills.

As CCTM moves forward during this pandemic, we hope you will join us during our online meetings until further notice. Please visit Toastmasters.org, Toastmasters46.org, or leave a message at 718-344-6719. Thank you for your support always. Be safe and be strong.

— Lauretta Jaysura

African-American Association

15

AAA meetings, gatherings and programs that it sponsors, now and until further notice, are on hold until further notice to protect us all… We will return to room 15 of the Dreiser Center every second Saturday of the month with rousing topics and inspiring special guests as soon as the worldwide pandemic has ended!

So be ready to bring a “friend and new member prospect,” to the African American Association when we reconvene. Remember: Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and only $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255, The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Black Genealogy Quote: The Griot in the family – “Into you, the lives of your Grandparents have passed; within you, their histories survive!”

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for gathering updates: Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section #5, 6 p.m. Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa Class – Saturdays,10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room #1. Call Keith ,917561-6211.

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

Healing Drum Circle – Please continue to follow this article for updates.

We leave you with this as a reminder of your strength – “Pick up the battle and make it a better world… This is your world, just where you are. It can be better and it must be better.” –Dr. Maya Angelou Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

–Michelle Marbury

Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

If you witness this behavior, please report it to CCPD.

Our Promiise to New & Curren nt Clients As We eN Navigate Coron navirus Yo our health and nd safety are Priority #1 as we all navigate the Corona viirus pandemic.

We fully understand that accidents will continue to happen; injuries i and deaths will continue tto be suf sufffered; and injurious a acts of medical malpractice w will continue to take place.

Paul F. Oliveri, i Esq. Esq E Wishing good health for you and your loved ones nes

Oliveri & Schw wartz, P..C. will continue nue to provide our clients, prospe ective clients, your friends, co-workers, relatives, family members and neighbor eighbors with accessibility to o our legal ser vicess, while taking necessar essar y precautions to o protect our clients ts and our staf stafff.

We’re here when you need us, and a can be reached ed 24/7

EFFECTIVELY Y IMMEDIATTELY Y,, WE WILL NOT RE EQUIRE NEW CLIENTS TO VISIIT OUR OFFICES All NEW matters can initially be handled ed over the phone and d online.

CALL US AT AT 212-987-110 00 or 800-427-9 9546 TEXT US ATT 929-600-4992 EMAIL US S ATT I n fo @ O l i ve r i A n d S c h wa r t z . c o m

1086662

Building 27 Association

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

16

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Working Families of Co-op City

Absentee Ballot application forms for everybody There are a couple of new developments regarding the upcoming primary election. Governor Cuomo has ordered the NYS Board of Elections to automatically mail every New Yorker a postage-paid application form to vote by absentee ballot in the June primary.

If you need a form in a language other than English (Spanish, Chinese, Korean, or Bengali), you most likely will have to download and print it out from the Board of Elections website — vote.nyc. — or call for one: 1-866VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). You’ll also need to call the BOE if you want the application sent to an alternative address within or outside of the state.

While filling out the application form, in Box #1, where it reads: “I am requesting in good faith, an absentee ballot due to (check one reason), checkoff “temporary illness or physical disability” as the purpose for the request. Mail the completed form back to: Bronx County Board of Elections, 1780 Grand Concourse-5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10457 to get your absentee ballot. There should be a return envelope enclosed.

Primary Election Day is on, but it’s still unclear if Early Voting will take place this year, and if so, for what duration. Regardless, party affiliated or not, we’ll all get the absentee ballot application form since the absentee ballot definition of “illness” now includes the risk of contracting coronavirus.

Only registered NYS Democrats will be able to vote in the Democratic primary, though, as usual.

To recap: Look for your application form, fill it in, and mail your completed form to the Board of Elections in the enclosed SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope). Do it in time for them to mail you an absentee ballot for you to fill out and mail back to them within the time parameters. In other words: get a move on.

And the Other Development?

The Democratic presidential primary in NYS has been cancelled. The June 23 election is a primary for State Senate, State Assembly and US Congress only, not for the party’s presidential nominee. Bernie Sander’s name has been removed from the ballot in the name of controlling the spread of coronavirus. Once it became clear that former Vice President Joe Biden would be the Democratic presidential nominee, candidate Sanders suspended his campaign. Still, Sanders planned to remain on the ballot to gather up as many delegates as he could before the pre-convention process ended. (Convention? Who knows if that’s even going to happen.)

Anyway, Senator Bernie Sanders was still in it even though he’s officially out of it because he wanted to keep as much bargaining power/influence as possible to push his more progressive ideas up to the very end. But in light of the expanded absentee ballot decisions undertaken to avoid spreading the virus, the NYS Board of Election made its decision to cancel the primary.

But, as Errol Lewis of NY1 says, “We’ll probably end up in court,’ anyway.

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

—Mary Pearson

17

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Building 25 Association

National Council of Negro Women

Prayer Line – Our chaplain, Rev. Beverly Spruill, has been leading us in prayer and song on our prayer line via conference call. This prayer line is open to all as we lift up in prayer our members, families and friends, as well as first responders and all essential medical personnel who play a crucial role in providing the services that we need in these extraordinary times. Our next prayer call will be today, Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. The call-in number is (712) 770-5577 and the access code is 594379#. Once the prayer has begun please mute your phone and refrain from announcing your name that you are on the call.

NCNW Section Elections – Our National Executive Committee agreed that the pandemic sweeping our country made it necessary to permit a different schedule for the election of officers in the community-based sections. Our National Bylaws instruct that these elections must take place in May, but an exception is being made this year. In view of the necessity for social distancing, the National Executive Committee voted to permit the use of mail and/or online systems for section elections and to extend the time frame for completion of elections to June 22, 2020. The slate of nominees for the offices for Co-op City Section will be announced to members on Monday, May 11, via conference call.

Membership Meeting – In May, our membership meeting is not on the second Sunday, (Mothers’ Day) but on the third Sunday. This year, our meeting will be on Sunday, May 17, but it will be a conference call meeting.

Pandemic Journal – Akeisha Neely, a working mom during a stay at home order, shares with us how she is coping with this new order of things. She said: “Being a parent and working at home during these uncertain times can be both difficult and rewarding at the same time. You have to manage between emails, calls, helping with schoolwork and checking on elders in the family and neighbors who live alone. The news of losing those you care about and monitoring how your children are handling this “new normal” can wreak havoc on your mental health. No, I haven’t picked up a new hobby or read any great books. I’m wiped out and I’m okay with admitting that. Each day I take a few moments to write down what I am grateful for in my journal, create an activity with my girls Salutations, Building 9 family. I trust you are well. I miss you all. For now, it to make lasting memories or simply just finding a way to pay it forward without is best that we remain separated, so that we can be better together later. making a grand gesture. I say it’s okay to not be okay, but to understand where Sadly, Wanda Randall, our executive board vice president, lost her sister-inyou are at the moment, and tackle those feelings one at a time. We will get through law, Patricia Hazel DaCruz, two weeks ago. Our deepest sympathy and conthis!!” dolences to Wanda, Maurice and the entire DaCruz family.

Grandparents’ Day Cruise – Our New York Harbor cruise scheduled for SatWe lost one of our long-time shareholders and building association presidents urday, September 12, to celebrate Grandparents’ Day has been canceled due to last week. Patty Ciporallo passed away hours after her husband passed away at the coronavirus pandemic. We are looking forward to a special celebration for Jacobi Hospital. She will be missed. Condolences to the family of Mr. & Mrs. grandparents next year.

Ciporallo of Building 26.

—Joyce Howard In light of our present circumstances, if you are not feeling well, tell a family member or friend, and call 9-1-1 (if you live alone, unlock your apartment door so emergency services can gain access to you). Pray for one another.

To our members and friends, please know that you are thought of warmly Our daily 7 p.m. show of appreciation for all “front line and essential workers and wished brighter days. With all of our prayers, we will survive. Please stay continues to be my favorite time of day.

Please wear your masks and observe social distancing guidelines. Eat well, home. Call, e-mail, or go on Facebook with family and friends to keep in touch.

Heartfelt condolences to Queenie May on the loss of her mother-in-law, stay hydrated, exercise if/when you can, sleep well, take breaks from cable news, Lucy May; to Ronald Waller on the loss of his brother; and to the family of stay in touch with positive people and think positive thoughts.

Enid King (long-time member of RDL).

I continue to miss our association meetings and social gatherings (and chats Get-well wishes to Dorothy Cates, and to George and Gail Crouch. in the lobby) and I enjoy fond memories of spending time with our friends and Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereaveneighbors. I miss you all. Take care and keep an eye or ear on one another. ments.

Our shared hardships will shape our community values. It will teach and/or reinFYI: Our monthly membership meeting scheduled for the first Wednesday force thrift, resilience, patience and deferred gratification. The lessons learned must not be wasted. Let us commit to a future worthy of our tribulation, loss and sacrifice. of each month is cancelled until further notice.

REMINDER: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster.

“One day, we will tell our story of how we have overcome what we are going If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, send through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.” —Unknown Godspeed. us a note – Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 19, Bronx, NY –Linda Collins 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Also include an email address. We are planning to “keep in touch” before and/or after our monthly meeting.

Reminder: DO NOT SEND CHECKS for the below trip or theater event until further notice.

Travel Events: (price includes Coach bus located on Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block) • July 1 – July 3 (Wed.-Fri.), Dover Downs Casino; Price: $380/double; • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • FREE CONSULTATION $470/single; $100 deposit due ASAP; Double: $140, due April 6; $140, due • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS May 4; Single: $185, due April 6; $185, due May 4. Contact: Serita Grayson, • IMMEDIATE FILING 347-564-5722/Barbara Williams, 718-320-0500.

Theatre Committee: (price includes van transportation from Dreiser Loop, “COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE in front of Rehab Center) • Sept. 10 (Thurs.), “9 to 5,” Westchester Broadway Theater. Showtime: AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE” 11:00 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit, $40, due to hold your seat. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 71- 671-4949.

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY Attention! The Retirees need experienced part-time, freelance drivers with 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road a CDL license with passenger endorsement with at least 3 years experience Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip.

This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

—Delores Debnam

Special thank you to all who participate in clapping for our first responders by standing on their terraces, in and around the community, at 7:00 p.m. every evening; what a mighty thunderous sound we make.

We continue to salute all 2020 graduating children of Building 25, parents submit your children name(s) through our general email address building25ca@gmail.com, so that they too may be honored in our Co-op City Times article.

Home schooling can be difficult for some to get their children to concentrate during these times, parents remember keep it fun, light and reward them, but make sure that your child is learning something each and every day to minimize them falling behind in their school work. For example: pick out a word of the day each morning and ask your child to spell it, ask for synonyms and antonyms, define it, make a sentence and the origin of the word. If your child likes math, google some math problems for his/her age group, talk to them about current events or history for that matter but keep them engaged.

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

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month generally from September through June, however because of COVID-19, our meetings have been postponed until further notice. Please keep an eye out for updated postings outside your elevators. In the meanwhile, you can log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treasurer, has also postponed the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice.

Remember the following: “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” (Nelson Mandela) —Wanda Bailey

Building 9 Association

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

18

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

AARP Chapter #4997

A friendly reminder: Please stay home unless absolutely necessary to go outdoors (i.e. to a doctor’s appointment, or replenish your food suppy). Wash your hands often, cover your face when going outside, and keep hydrated. Be in contact with family members via telephone, email or Facebook ONLY. NO FRIENDLY VISITS. We’re looking forward to seeing all of you.

Good & Welfare Heartfelt condolences to Queenie May on the loss of her mother-in-law, Lucy May. Get-well wishes to Dorothy Cates.

Please contact our Good and Welfare Coordinator Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Reminder: Our Monthly Membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is CANCELLED until further notice.

FYI: Do not send money for the below trips due to the center closures. Check this article for any cancellations/changes to these travel events.

2020 Tour Plans July 16 – 19, 2020: Ocean City, Maryland, 4 days-3 nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster Restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino; $789/person, double; $1,064/single. Contact Judith, 718- 379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962 December 29 – January 2, 2021…New Year’s Parade Extravaganza (California), 5 days-4 nights; $2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 nonrefundable deposit due when signing up. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit.

Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of your check/money order. Room 0 (Dreiser Community Center) is open Monday or Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off (in an envelope w/Group/Trip Leader Name). They may be mailed to the Group/Trip Leader.

—Delores Debnam

Goose Island Seniors

To all my Goose Island family and friends, I miss you. Please stay safe until we meet again.

Due to the Coronavirus, the Senior Citizens’ Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. is closed until further notice.

There are no activities, trips, Bingo, Pokeno, Karaoke, Mahjong, etc. Do as the medical experts say: Stay home as much as possible. If you must go out, please cover your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf or anything that can do the job and wear disposable gloves, whether you have the virus or not. Stay at lease six-feet away from others. To contact me, do not call the office, you may contact me by text or call (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” April 23, 2020 was postponed until it is safe to go.

The Sight and Sound Theatre sent an e-mail stating the show was cancelled. We have a credit to use when the office re-opens and it is safe to go. When they open, we can reschedule a later date for “Queen Esther.” Those who paid will automatically be on the list to go.

Cruise to Bahamas July 27 is cancelled. For more information, please

call Yonna at (656) 579-1701 or Stephen at (347) 8471941.

To all members Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of May: Jesse Seise, Edith Gitelson, Dorothy Drayton, Linda Singleton, Bernice DeCarmo, Edna Senior Williams, Mary Pilla, Gerald “Jerry-Robert” Ortiz, Karla Klaus, Josephine Betacourt, Vivian Melendez-Vasquez, Geneva Lindsey, Lonia Strong-Davenport and Clotilda Hartfield.

Sick and Shut-In Mary Pilla is at the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center, phone number 914-534-5474. With a sad heart we announce the passing of Allan Usher (Cowboy), Regina Usher’s husband. Our condolences to the family. He will be missed.

These are unusual times. All our lives are disrupted.

Let’s pray this will end soon. On behalf of my officers and me, try to stay safe.

Good health to all.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Building 22A&B Association

The news about the Covid virus is looking better, Building B is getting their elevators back, hallelujah! but please remember that socially distancing yourself Thanks for your patience. is still working. Keep checking the Co-op City Times I’m still calling to get new laundry cards in the and your daily news media for additional information. machine, keep checking.

Wear your mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.

Happy birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved The association wants to thank our Maintenance ones. Get well to all the sick and shut ins. personnel for their wonderful job and you, our neighIf you see something, say something. Thank you. bors, for aiding them by keeping the recycling easier.

—Betty Leak

Scheduling Activities Calendar All activities have been canceled until further notice due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis.

Please follow all the recommended, necessary protective measures to help prevent the spread of this virus.

All NYPL locations will be closed until further notice. During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please make sure to check out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

All JASA trips and activities are suspended until further notice.

Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center (718) 671-5161 For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corp.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.

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

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

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

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

• Payments will be received in one business day.

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

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

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

• Secure and easy payment system.

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

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

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

19

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

American Legion Post #1871

I want to first appreciate the family that God has gifted me with, the veterans’ family and individuals that I have come to know in the community. I appreciate your support and your prayer, especially when it was most needed.

Immediately after schools were shut down, I started experiencing some untoward situations to my health which turned out to be the symptoms of COVID-19. I immediately went on self-isolation, following my knowledge and understanding of the disease.

After taking all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures, I am glad to say that I came out of it successful after a month of self-isolation. I finally got an appointment to be tested early this month through the state-established testing center in Co-op City.

In this crisis, Post 1871 has lost few of its members and member families to COVID-19. As we commiserate with them as a family, my prayer is that God will continue to protect us as we journey through this period.

I express my appreciation for the concern of the Legion family and a team of committed, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication on the board had been beyond the call of duty, as they continue to engage a majority of our members through chats and phone calls.

We want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working round the clock across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities; the essential workers who will keep our country going through this; friends and family and often strangers who continue to show the spirit of Americanism with such warm wishes and generous spirit.

Please, let’s be calm, measured and diligent – be meticulous in our personal and environmental hygiene, especially with washing of hands and our closest proximity. Let’s continue to stay at home to stay healthy and maintain our social distancing. Let’s listen to good advice and latest update from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media that fill the universe.

—Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Please maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Hi, neighbors. Hope this finds you practicing social distancing and covering up your nose and mouth. This week on the bright side, our community’s tulips, daffodils and other spring blooms are sprouting in lovely colors all around. Thank you to the crew headed up by Michael Ambo for doing what they can to keep the grounds looking like spring. Many thanks to Michelle Sajous, Leandra Peters and their team for thinking of unique ways of bringing folks together and occupied, i.e. Thursday video showings of past concerts.

Also, thank you to the staff at the Co-op City Times for continuing to bring us news, developing important informational articles and publishing great photos.

Boy, do we need you now. Finally, compliments to Rivers Run Club on the gardening of their property. One can see the beautiful results of their efforts.

Very sadly, it is with great sorrow we send condolences to the Cipolaro family and friends, who are left to mourn Mr. and Mrs. Cipolaro. Mrs. Patty Cipolaro is a long-time community leader in Section 5 and Building 26 chairperson. Patty could be seen at almost every Building and Grounds meeting. Who could forget her discussing garage parking issues and bringing up the climbing squirrels at recent meetings? She participated in many other organizations.

Positive diagnosis? Then it is your responsibility to, without hesitation, contact Mr. Anthony Barzelatto, director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety department, so that Riverbay can take quick necessary measures to sanitize and quarantine the central location.

The photos in the Co-op City Times of discarded gloves and masks on sidewalks and parking areas shows dangerous and disgusting examples of lazy citizens. We have many street cans placed to collect litter. Use them for these items.

Clap hands for caregivers is working, keep it up. Every evening at 7 p.m. come out and cheer our essential workers. We show our appreciation this way. Please keep your participation up. It feels good to give to acknowledge them.

Cooperators, continue practicing social distancing and keep busy at home. Personal distance walking and bike riding are awesome things to do. Develop projects, keep pantry inventory and play board games. Put something between you and the remote. Confine yourselves, stop the spread of the Coronavirus. It is disturbing, groups are still congregating as normal, smoking and drinking around the Greenway.

Report them!

Don’t leave stuff you think is recyclable on the concrete at the dumpster pad.

Place in the appropriate bin. Thank you to the Board directors for continuing to help and support our huge population, normally we would be in the heat of the next election.

Thank you to the unnamed workers who are sewing masks and gowns and have reinvented themselves by creating to fill in where these masks are most needed.

Most important, and always, remember keep dancing and happier days are ahead.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

NAACP, Branch #2210

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, shelter at home and community health preventative recommendations, the branch office closed on March 13 and all branch activities have been suspended until further notice. The National and NYS Conference offices will remain closed until May 15 and will continue to follow direction of NY Governor and Mayor.

Heartfelt condolences to all whom have suffered loss of family, friends and neighbors. Let’s keep each other in prayer. What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this together. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing, kindness and compassion and stay home!

The NAACP and BET have partnered to present a 4 part series titled Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series which explores the COVID-19 Pandemic impact on communities of color, focusing on the health, emotional, trauma, economic toll, congressional response and how activists can apply pressure to ensure legislation is equitable. Join us; for information, visit NAACP.ORG. Also view the website to read the NAACP statements on the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act and the Increase Emergency Relief Funding for Transit Workers.

Healthcare is a Human Rights issue! Co-op City needs an urgent care walkin site or mobile testing van that provides rapid testing for the Coronavirus.

Census 2020: While at home, we encourage you to “BE COUNTED.” Fill out the Census form using your Census ID number previously mailed, and visit: my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. It only takes a few minutes and is vital for the well-being of our Co-op City community. Federal dollars affect programmatic activities for seniors, transportation, schools, health, hospitals, housing, infrastructure, economic reliefs, extended unemployment w/bonus and most recently the stimulus plan package.

2020 Political Calendar: Presidential Primary on April 28 is postponed and rescheduled to June 23. Primary early voting is June 13 – June 21. For more information, email: elections.ny.gov/NYBOE/law/2020politicalcalendar.Rev. If interested in poll worker position, call 718-299-9017, Bronx Board of Elections, 1780 Grand Concourse, 5th Fl., Bronx, NY 10457. Remember: Politics control policies, votes represents dollars; that’s why it’s important to vote.

2020 Branch Election Process & Calendar: Elected Officer and Executive Committee Members At-Large positions include: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Members At Large; Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer. Elected officers serve a term of 2-years, effective January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022.

Candidates for these positions must be dues paying members in good standing

by May 1, 2020 and remain current.

August – Membership meets to determine date, time, location(s), paper type ballot, and number of persons on Nominating Committee for election.

September – Membership meets to select Nominating Committee.

October – Membership meets to select Election Supervisory Committee.

November – Election Membership Dues: Annual membership dues are Adult, $30, and Youth, $10; checks/money orders made payable to: NAACP #2210 can be mailed to: N.A.A.C.P, Co-op City Station, 75-3111, Bronx, NY, 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution is any amount it is most appreciative. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

—Brenda Brown Hammering after 6 p.m., vacuuming after 9 p.m., music or TVs played very loudly at any hour, doors slamming constantly at all hours... these are just a few examples of what can disturb the peace of fellow cooperators. Noise complaints may lead to a fine.

Please, let’s work together to make Co-op City a peaceful community.

—CSO Department

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO • FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

• COMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION

• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT

• EYEGLASSES

• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

• CONTACT LENSES

High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.”

Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.

12 0 A L C O T T P L AC E

( B l d g . 17 • S e c t . 3 ) • C o - o p C i t y

7 18 - 3 7 9 - 8 0 2 9

Medicare and many insurances accepted.

DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

20

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family continue to pray for Co-op City, NYC, the United States and the world at this time of crisis. Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID19), the Co-op City Baptist Church will be conducting Sunday School, worship services, prayer services and Bible study classes via conference call line or video conference using Zoom until further notice.

Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 is 962 343 0102, Password 788175 Call-in number: (646) 568-7788 Conference ID 962 343 0102# Password 788175# Our Weekly Schedule • 9:00 a.m., Sunday Adult Sunday School - Con-

Co-op City Baptist Church

ference call line 563-999-2090, pin #660065 • 11:00 a.m., Sunday Worship Service Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 is 962 343 0102, Password 788175 Call in number: (646) 568-7788 Conference ID 962 343 0102# Password 788175# • 1:00 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 is 962 343 0102, Password 788175 Call in number: (646) 568-7788 Conference ID 962 343 0102# Password 788175# Please use the conference call line, 563-999-2090, pin #660065, for schedule items following:

Open Door Ministries

Traditional Synagogue

Due to the current Coronavirus crisis, services are canceled until further notice.

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

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:00 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 8:46 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, May 8, 2020 7:40 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. 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 members who will celebrate their birthday in May. For those members celebrating their birthday or anniversary in May, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub.

Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated.

Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

—Bruce Gitelson

Noon – Thursday, Prayer Warriors Noon – Friday, Noon Day Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. – Friday, Evening Prayer Service Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. Please stay safe.

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

“Comforted not Comfortable” Full sermon at Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

Comfort - restore a sense of well-being.

Comfortable - providing physical ease and relaxation.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are troubled, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

There is comfort to be received even in the midst of uncomfortable circumstances. The God of all comfort can sustain and strengthen us while we await a full recovery from this world. We must be careful not to get too comfortable here and I believe the Lord allows adversity so we can long for the better place He is preparing for us. We shouldn’t be satisfied here.

Luke 16:19 “There was a certain rich man,” Jesus said, “who was splendidly clothed and lived each day in mirth and luxury. 20 One day Lazarus, a dis-

eased beggar, was laid at his door. 21 As he lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 Finally the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham in the place of the righteous dead. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went into hell. There, in torment, he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham. 24 ‘Father Abraham,’ he shouted, ‘have some pity! Send Lazarus over here if only to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in these flames.’ 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted and you are in anguish.’

Romans 8:17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.

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

Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

Family Owned and Operated

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment.

Personalized & Professional Care • 54 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

Recommendations during the COVID-19 Pandemic

718-231-7647

1) Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.

2) Wear gloves and face covering when outside of the house.

3) Maintain social distancing of 6ft from other people, if possible.

Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Services are on hold in the sanctuary until further notice.

Please feel free to call 718-324-0334 for more information on the dates and time of meetings on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays to get call-in number and access code.

Focus: God is touched by the problems and difficulties of His people, and He will rescue them from oppression.

Exodus 6, 6 -7 Wherefore, say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements.

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

While leading bleating sheep along the backside of the desert, and after arriving at Mount Horeb, Moses witnessed an amazing sight, a burning bush that was not burned by fire. A voice addressed Moses from the bush commanding to remove his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. There God revealed himself to Moses and gave him the command to go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go. The Hebrew children had been reduced to slavery in a foreign nation; the pathetic cry of the Hebrews had not gone unnoticed. A loving compassionate God delivered them by raising up a miracle man, Moses. God providentially rescued Moses from certain death as an infant, allowed him to be raised in the Egyptian’s palace, received proper nursing care and later received very good education. However, Moses had to leave Egypt and spend several years in the wilderness caring for his father-in-law’s sheep. Then God called him and prepared him with a miraculous ministry, (Exodus 6:13, 30). And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out the land of Egypt.

Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

God sent Moses to Pharaoh to secure the release of the Israelite slaves. Obstinately refusing to comply with Moses’ request, Pharaoh saw his kingdom ruined around him by God’s judgments. After the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrews to leave. However, he pursued them, and his army was destroyed in the red sea. Today God still hears our cry for help, and He knows our emotional and physical pain. He will hear our prayers and deliver us. Therefore, let us continue to put our trust in God for complete deliverance from this deadly COVID-19. We are praying for all those who have been affected and lost family members during this crisis.

–Rev. R. Sibblies

Community Protestant Church

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Our regular church schedule has been canceled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via call conference at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284 followed by the # sign.

Sunday school is now in session via call conference at the above number every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Sunday worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. via call conference. Everyone is invited to call in and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Noon day prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m., you are cordially invited to call in for noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony.

Bible study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Please join us via the call conference number above.

A Prayer of Consolation (Author Unknown) There is never a day so dreary, but God can make it bright, And unto the soul that trust Him, He giveth songs in the night There is never a path so hidden, but God can lead the way, If we seek for the Spirit’s guidance and patiently wait and pray.

There is never a life so darkened, so hopeless and unblessed, But may be filled with the light of God and enter His promised rest.

There is never a sin or sorrow, there is never a care or loss, But that we may bring to Jesus and leave at the foot of the cross.

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

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation pray blessings and peace for Co-op City community at-large.

Heavenly Father, we, your blessed and highly favored children, come to you with praise and thanksgiving through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. We ask you to forgive us from all of our sins, known and unknown, and create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. Lord, we ask you to give us total deliverance from all sickness, diseases, viruses, and pain. May you release your healing virtue into our bodies and allow us to walk in divine health. We pray and plead the blood of Jesus over ourselves, our families, our homes, schools, communities, workplaces and our government.

We are looking up and holding on to the spirit of faith. We know the answer is Jesus and we shall overcome in that matchless name of Jesus the Christ. We thank you for your mercy and your grace as we praise you for your blessings and ask that you prosper us and dispatch angels to watch over us. These and all things we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Welcome to the Church of the New Vision. All are invited to join our: • Sunday worship service, 11:00 a.m. which can be viewed on YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge.

• Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m., via telephone conference line by calling 1646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please MUTE your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Ro.12:3; 10:9, 17; 5:1-2; Eph. 3:8; 2 Co. 4:8, 18; Lk. 17:5, 18:1; Heb.4:2, 11:1; 2 Ch. 20:20; Hab. 2:4).

Song of the Week: We Come This Far by Faith.

Announcement: Pre-Mother’s Day Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” trip scheduled Thursday, May 7, 2020 has been CANCELED. Received email canceling all shows through April 30 and our governor extended shelter at home through May 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Payments will be refunded once all paperwork is received and the church reopens. In the meantime, those who made payments, please provide your name, address, phone number to: cnvsm115@gmail.com or call 718-671-3748 or 917-587-5057. The Niagara Falls, Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 has not been canceled. Remember, we will follow the governor’s travel directions. Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10.

Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

—Brenda Brown

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Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

Public Safety

from companies you haven’t done business with before. Those calls are illegal.

If someone is already breaking the law calling you, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s a company you don’t want to do business with.

Please be aware that the FTC Do Not Call Registry is for residential phone numbers only. If your phone number is advertised in any way as a business number, through the web, business cards, or any written material, it cannot be registered on the Do Not Call Registry, and those complaints cannot be utilized.

If you have questions or complaints regarding the Do Not Call Registry, please contact the FTC by email at dncconsumerinquiry2@ftc.gov, or by mail at: National Do Not Call Registry, Attn: DNC Program Manager, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580 If, despite your precautions, 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 1-877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle.

Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

If your plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Having a few cocktails is fun but getting stopped at a DWI checkpoint can take the fun away really quick.

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 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.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

(Continued from page 7)

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

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

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

Mail to:

or place in an envelope labeled “Phone Tree Update” and drop in the carrying charge slot at the Bartow Administration office.

23

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

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

Breathe Easy

SERVICES - SERVICES - SERVICES APPLIANCE REPAIR

The MetroCard bus will not be running until further notice. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SPACE FOR RENT

St. Paul’s Episcopal/Anglican Church on 489 St. Paul’s Place off Washington Ave., Bronx.

1. Church Worship Center on first level that can seat over 300 worshipers available for rent on Sundays after 2:30 p.m. and other weekdays can be arranged.

2. Worship center on lower level that seats over 100 people also available for rent.

If interested in renting any of the spaces, call or text Father Horton Scott on 914-384-2929 for an appointment.

5/16

MetroCard Bus/MTA Info

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

• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

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

EMERGENCY SERVICE

www.co-opsales.info

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE! LOCKSMITH

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 Fully Insured

Licensed and Bonded

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5/30

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job! 10/3

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

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

7/25

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

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

5/30

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates! Ads start at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

5/2

CLEANING SERVICES

• Basic Cleaning $96 • Deep Cleaning $138 • Non-Medical Senior Care $90 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.78% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 5/30 (718) 320-5112

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

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CLEANING SERVICE - WINDOWS

SPOONER

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

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

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

DOMESTIC SERVICE

NEW STYLE BLINDS

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Proper disposal of used gloves

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

JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

8/22

CLASSIFIEDS

Open • The Station Master's Office at Grand Central Terminal • The OMNY customer service center will be operating at reduced hours. Starting at 5 p.m.

Friday, March 20, the service center will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Due to the state's reduction in workforce amid the pandemic, there may be delays in response to FOIL requests.

• We’re not currently processing online applications for our Paratransit Access-a-Ride service.

Call 877-337-2017 and we’ll handle requests on a case-by-case basis.

Phone Scams – Personal & banking information

Shareholders are reminded they should not divulge personal identification or banking information to anyone they do not know.

Scammers use technology to make their phone calls appear as though they are coming from legitimate government agencies, utilities and places of business including Riverbay Corporation and the 45th Precinct.

Please do not respond or give your personal information. Hang up and use the phone number or email you have on file for your personal banking institutions or other contacts to verify whether the call was legitimate or not. As we’ve reported previously, most reputable businesses will not contact you by phone to request information, pressure you into making on-the-spot decisions or to inform you about service changes. Remember, be smart, be safe. Hang up and contact the authorities!

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

Closed • MTA Customer Service Center in Lower Manhattan • MTA Metro-North Customer Service Center in Grand Central Terminal.

• MTA lost and found offices • MTA MetroCard Mobile Sales Bus and Vans

Throwing used gloves or masks on the ground is unsanitary and creates a health hazard.

Please dispose of these items and all trash in the proper receptacles located throughout the community.

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

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight garages.

If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City’s property, please call Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material.

All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter.

Thank you for your cooperation.

24

Co-op City Times / May 2, 2020

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

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

Follow Us! @coop.sales

1-800-479-2667 • www.co-opsales.info

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

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

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

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

Update Your Bathroom For Less!

WE OFFER: • SHOWER DOORS • TUB ENCLOSURES

• LIGHT FIXTURES

• FLOORING (TILES, WOOD LAMINATE)

• CARPET CLEANING

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

Lifetime Waterproof Kitchen Flooring $1200

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

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