Co-op City Times 5/04/2024

Board Election Candidates’ Forum

#1 to be Held in Dreiser Auditorium, Saturday, May 18

This Year’s Quorum is 5,035 Certified Ballots

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Shareholders will get a chance to meet the twelve certified candidates running in the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election when the first of three official Candidates’ Forum is held on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium.

The second forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in Room 45 of the Einstein Center, and the third forum on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in Room 31 of Bartow Center.

The 2024 Election Committee encourages shareholders to attend the forums in-person to hear from the candidates seeking their votes. The Dreiser and Bartow forums will also be broadcast live on the Riverbay Crawler and the May 22nd Einstein forum will be recorded for playback on the Crawler. All three forums will be rebroadcast on the Crawler during the election period.

The Riverbay Crawler can be accessed on channel 12 for subscribers to the Master Antenna (MATV) and on channel 591 for subscribers of Altice/Optimum.

There are three options for shareholders to submit questions to be asked of the candidates at the May 18th forum.

1. The form, printed on page 4 of this issue, can be cut out, completed, placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to your respective CSO before the close of business on Tuesday, May 14.

2. You may email the 2024 Election Committee at Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com (Shareholders utilizing options 1 & 2 above must include their full

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CCPD on Package Deliveries

CCPD advises shareholders ordering online packages to strongly consider using alternate delivery locations supplied by online services.

Direct delivery to lockers, hubs, and secure alternate delivery locations will decrease inconvenience, reduce crimes of opportunity and provide a reliable method of securing items delivered.

NYC Officially Implements Climate Budgeting

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City officially implemented climate budgeting after the announcement of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on April 24.

Climate budgeting is a process designed to incorporate the city’s climate related goals with key investments and management of city resources. In other words, climate budgeting will require the city’s annual budget creation process to include climate change solutions and goals. A climate budgeting report will also be published along with future city budgets.

As explained by the Mayor’s office, climate budgeting requires the city to consider how “actions and spending today contribute to meeting longer-term climate targets and needs.” This process will be overseen by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ).

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2024 Certified Candidates Riverbay Board of Directors’ Election

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Voting period begins on Monday, May 20, and ends at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Friday, June 14, 2024.

Electronic ballots must be transmitted and received by YesElections by 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

USDA Revamps School Nutrition Standards

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

School meals will be more nutritious in the coming years after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new set of nutrition standards on April 24.

Under the new standards, meals will be required to fall under strict sugar and sodium limitations, in addition to other requirements. While the new regulations technically come into effect on July 1 of this year, parents can expect the new nutritional standards to begin rolling out during the 2025-26 school year, with full implementation expected by 2027, according to the USDA.

The key changes to the nutritional standards revolve around added sugars, milk, sodium, accommodating alternative diets such as vegetarianism and supporting local farms.

Added Sugars: Added sugars are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “sugars that are added during the processing of foods (such as sucrose or dextrose), foods packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. They do not include naturally occurring sugars that are found in milk, fruits and vegetables.” There are no added sugar limits currently in place, but the USDA’s new

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standards will require that cereal, milk and yogurt have strict added sugar caps. Breakfast cereals can have a maximum of six grams of added sugar per dry ounce. Yogurt can have a maximum of two grams of added sugar per ounce. Flavored milk can only have a maximum of 10 grams of added sugar per eight fluid ounces or only 15 grams of added sugars per 12 fluid ounces for flavored milks targeted for middle and high school students. These three added sugar limits on cereal, yogurt and milk are expected to begin implementation starting July 1 of 2025. By July 1 of 2027, the USDA will require that added sugars account for no more than 10% of the total caloric intake in weekly school lunch and breakfast programs.

Sodium: National school lunch programs will fully implement a 15% reduction on weekly sodium limits beginning July 1, 2027. For K-5 lunch programs, the weekly sodium limit will be reduced from 1110 mg to 935 mg. Grades 6-8 will have their weekly lunch sodium limit reduced from 1225 mg to 1035 mg. Grades 9-12 will reduce their weekly lunch sodium limit from 1280 mg to 1080 mg. As for national school breakfast programs, the USDA will implement a 10% decrease in weekly sodium limits also by July 1, 2027. K-5 breakfast programs will trim their weekly sodium limit from 540 mg to 485 mg. Grades 6-8 will reduce their weekly breakfast sodium limit from 600 mg to 535 mg. Lastly, grades 9-12 will lower their weekly breakfast sodium limit from 640 mg to 570 mg.

Whole Grains: There will be no changes to the current whole grain standards in place. Schools are still required to serve whole-grain rich products that are no less than 50% whole grains.

Supporting Alternative Diets: For national breakfast programs, the new

BBB Scam Alert

Facebook Phishing Scam Scares Page

Owners Into Sharing Their Password

The latest social media scam is yet another phishing scheme designed to scare Facebook users into sharing their login credentials. Here’s how you can spot the scam and protect your account from hackers.

How This Scam Works

You receive an email that appears to come from Facebook and says something like this: “Recently, we discovered a breach of our Facebook Community Standards on your page. Your page has been disabled for violating Facebook Terms. If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can request a review and file an appeal at the link below.” The message may also state that if you don’t act in the next 24 hours, Facebook will delete your account permanently.

The email includes a link that appears to lead to Facebook.com. Because you want to keep your account, you may think about clicking, however, you must stay calm and take a closer look. On closer inspection, you’ll likely find signs of a scam. These include typos, email sender addresses that aren’t related to Facebook, and, if you hover over the link in the email (without clicking on it), you will discover that it doesn’t point to Facebook’s website.

Another version of this Facebook phishing scam targets Facebook business pages with a threat to deactivate the account due to a Terms of Service or Community Standard violation. The message appears to come from Meta Business Support and requires the administrator to confirm the account by clicking a link, or it will be permanently deleted.

If you click the link, you’ll likely be taken to an official-looking page and prompted to complete a form to appeal the policy violation. You’ll be asked for your login email, phone number, name, and other details. The page will ask you to confirm your password when you hit submit. If you do, scammers will have all the information they need to hack your account. How to Avoid Similar Scams

• Don’t panic. Always read suspicious emails carefully, looking for signs of a scam, before you act. Remember that scammers love to target social media accounts, so fake alerts aren’t uncommon.

• Verify the claims. Log into your Facebook account directly to verify there is a problem before deciding how to proceed.

• Always log into your account directly. Even if you think an alert is authentic, use your social media app to log in or enter the URL in the browser bar by typing it, not by clicking on a link sent to you.

• Guard your login credentials carefully. Never enter your login information on a third-party website or a page other than the official Facebook website. Never send your login information to someone via email or Facebook Messenger. If you entered your login credentials into a fake form, change your password immediately. For More Information

If you spot a social media scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker as well. Your reports help us build community awareness about common scam tactics.

rule “removes the requirement for schools to offer 1.0 ounce equivalent of grains each day at breakfast. Schools may offer grains, meats/meat alternates, or a combination of both to meet the minimum ounce equivalent in this combined meal component requirement,” as explained by the USDA. Nuts and seeds will be allowed to count as a “meat/meat alternative” option for all school meals. Schools can also continue serving beans, peas and lentils at school lunches as a “meat/meat alternative” option.

Supporting Local Farms: Procuring locally grown produce and meats will be much more feasible for school food programs as the new USDA rules allow schools to request “locally grown,” “locally raised,” or “locally caught” when buying food for school meals. In a similar effort to support American agriculture, the new USDA rules will require schools to limit “the percentage of non-domestic grown and produced foods they can purchase,” beginning in 2025.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the significance of the new nutritional standards during the USDA’s announcement on April 24.

“Like teachers, classrooms, books, and computers, nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, and when we raise the bar for school meals, it empowers our kids to achieve greater success inside and outside of the classroom. Expanding on this major milestone, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to partner with schools, districts, states, and industry to build on the extraordinary progress made to strengthen school meals,” Secretary Vilsack said.

Overall, the new nutritional standards build on the momentum of President Joe Biden’s strategy to end hunger in America and reduce the number of diet-related diseases, such as Diabetes 2, by 2030.

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Co-op City Times

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Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...

Annual Co-op City Community Fair

The annual Co-op City Community Fair will be held on Saturday, June 1, noon to 7 p.m. on teh greenway at 100 Bellamy Loop. There will be vendors, entertainment, food and much more. Come enjoy this family-oriented community event. For vendor information, contact the Riverbay Community Relations department at community@riverbaycorp.com

Food Distribution

The next food distribution will take place on Wednesday, May 8, at noon in the Dreiser Center by the hardware store. Food is provided by Agatha House Foundation. First come, first served, until food supply is depleted. Bring your own cart and shopping bags.

Senior Food Distribution

Senior Box distribution sponsored by Riverbay Corporation will be held on Thursday, May 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Dreiser Center by the hardware store.

Health Fair

Riverbay Corporation and JASA will present a Health Fair on Wednesday, May 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Dreiser Auditoriums A, B & C. Stay tuned for more details.

Shred Fest

AARP, Council Member Kevin Riley and Riverbay Corporation are co-sponsoring Shred Fest on Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or until the truck is full. There will be two locations: 120 Erskine Place and 140 Benchley Place.

Avoiding Scams

If it sounds too good to be true, if you are being pressured to make an immediate decision, or if you were contacted unexpectedly, STOP – hang up the phone or walk away. Immediately speak to someone you trust – a friend, family member, neighbor or even CCPD. Call (718) 671-3050 or send an email to info@ccpd.us.

The climate budgeting report spotlighted several key findings:

• Current actions and regulations put in place are projected to have New York City “on track” to reach emissions targets by 2030 “with additional effort” needed to ultimately reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Local Law 97, which requires buildings to comply with new emissions standards, has been “the most impactful action the city is taking,” in terms of reducing citywide emissions.

• The city government is projected to “meet and exceed” Local Law 97 targets by 2030 with an ultimate goal of using 100% renewable energy in the future.

• In order for the city to reach its broader climate change targets, a “transition to a 100 percent clean electric grid and away from gas-powered vehicles, is key to achieving longterm goals.”

Climate budgeting will provide guardrails to ensure the city stays on track to reach net-zero emissions. New York City also joins London, Oslo and Mumbai as major cities that have integrated climate budgeting into their overall budgeting process.

Equally important, the city is working to improve air quality, flood resiliency and heat resiliency. A recent report published by the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander found that the city was unprepared for severe flash flooding, pointing to the city’s mismanaged efforts and overmatched stormwater drainage systems following Tropical Storm Ophelia in September of 2023. Flooding caused by the storm resulted in the MTA shutting down several subway lines, the closure of the FDR Drive in lower Manhattan and other major roadway closures.

Before Tropical Storm Ophelia, New Yorkers were subject to extremely poor air quality caused by wildfires in nearby Quebec, Canada during June of 2023. Forbes reported that same June how the intensity of wildfires, while not directly correlated to climate change, were impacted by droughts and heatwaves that are intensified by climate change. Canada’s Natural Resources agency warned in 2022 that the size of their wildfires could double by 2100 due to climate change.

Mayor Adams explained the importance of climate budgeting and why the initiative was needed now in the climate budgeting report.

“Big problems require big solutions, and few problems are as massive as climate change,” Mayor Adams said. “It affects nearly every aspect of our lives, from where we live, to what we eat, to how we stay safe and healthy in our homes and on our streets in the face of extreme weather. And we know that climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities.”

The mayor went on to say: “From this day on, decision-makers will have the tools to evaluate the impact of city projects and programs on achieving the city’s climate related goals. By weighing these impacts—both positive and negative—in the critical early stages of the budgeting process, we will know how each dollar the city spends affects citywide sustainability and resiliency. This initiative provides data that guide us towards investments that will improve the health and quality of life of New Yorkers by reducing emissions, enhancing air quality, and increasing heat and flood resiliency while, at the same time, elevating environmental justice for communities of color.”

To begin implementing climate budgeting, OMB overhauled their budgeting process by including what the Mayor’s office described as “new management practices.” As part of the FY 25 NYC Budget, OMB produced the first forecast for the city that projects future citywide emissions up to 2050. The report also offered an assessment of the city’s plan to reach net-zero emissions and efforts to strengthen flood and heat resiliency.

Many of the strategies and guidance that the city will utilize in climate budgeting are inspired by the United Nations-led International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). According to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans have “undoubtedly led to the warming of the globe, causing substantial damage and increasingly irreversible losses across various ecosystems.”

Since preindustrial times, the global temperature has risen 1.1%, according to the climate budgeting report published alongside the FY 25 budget. The IPCC has warned that if

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global temperatures increase past 1.5% of preindustrial averages, Earth would be subject to “more frequent and severe drought, heatwaves, and rainfall.”

Locally, data provided in this year’s climate budgeting report also underlined the need to properly prepare New York City for rising sea levels. Projections in the report found that sea levels around New York City will increase by a foot in the 2030’s and potentially more than three feet by the 2080’s, which would exacerbate flooding across the city.

In terms of ongoing climate initiatives, the climate budgeting report outlined the following key investments:

• $5.8 billion for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at city-run facilities.

• $2.9 billion to strengthen the city’s coastal flooding resiliency.

• $923 million to fund projects that improve the city’s inland flooding resiliency by introducing green infrastructure citywide.

• $292 million for transitioning city vehicles, trucks, school buses and ferries to electric alternatives.

• $139 million for “tree canopy preservation and expansion.”

Both the OMB and MOCEJ will continue closely monitoring the city’s climate change-related initiatives going forward, and assessing the effectiveness of those projects to ensure the optimal use of funding.

Press 1 if you have a Public Safety emergency

Press 2 to schedule Maintenance, Restoration & Inspections

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To repeat these options press 0. Stay on the line to speak to an Operator.

These are other numbers that may be of use for shareholders:

(Master Antenna) - Ext: 3529

Laundry - (800) 734-8851

- (718) 617-3500

name, building # and apartment, and the question to be asked.)

3. You may also complete the form electronically at https://forms. offce.com/r/CSwDH3EBNA, or use https://tinyurl.com/ycy7e4rd or scan the QR code at right.

The 2024 Election Committee is co-chaired by Board Director Anika Green-Watson and Director Claudia Sampson. The other members of the Committee are shareholders Diane Alleyne, LaVonne Barksdale, Jewel Crawford-Duncan, Dorothy Davis and Debra Jones.

The Committee advises shareholders that there is no guarantee that a specifc question will be used or asked in the exact way that it is written as the Committee reserves the right to combine similar questions for effciency.

The certifed candidates competing for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors this election cycle are Jacqueline Smith, Mary Pearson, Aaron Carnegie, Shanauzelda Montgomery, Bernard Cylich, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Corazon Fernandez, Sheila Richburg, Kyshawn White, Kevin Foggie, Leah Graham and Andrea Leslie.

Starting this week, each certifed candidate is allowed 1/2 page of space in three consecutive Election Supplements in the Co-op City Times to publish a candidate’s statement and a free ¼ page election ad outlining their qualifcations for a position on the Riverbay Board of Directors and their views on issues facing the community. (See pages 23-32.) The second election supplement will be published in the Saturday, May 11, 2024 issue of the newspaper and the third supplement on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

The three election supplements will then be reprinted in the Saturday, May 25th, June 1st and June 8th Co-op City Times, according to the 2024 Election Schedule.

The Co-op City Times is delivered to the newspaper bins in the lobbies of the high-rise buildings on Saturday mornings, to every townhouse unit, and the three community centers. The newspaper can also be read online at issuu.com/cctimes, on the Home page of the Riverbay website at coopcity.com, and on X, @coopcitytimes. You can also use your phone camera to scan the QR code affxed to the newspaper bins in your lobby or on the front page of the Co-op City Times.

“The 2024 Riverbay Election season is now in full swing!” exclaimed Election Committee cochair Sampson. “The 12 candidates vying for the six seats on the Board have been developing their strategies and submitting their campaign materials for both print and online messaging. We’re also putting together a series of engaging candidates’ forums at Dreiser, Einstein and Bartow. We encourage all shareholders and residents to attend these important events to learn frst-hand about the candidates so that you can be better informed about their positions and qualifcations. Be sure to let your neighbors know about the voting that starts Monday, May 20th!”

This year, 5,035 certifed ballots are needed for a quorum to validate the Board election.

Shareholders of record as of April 1, 2024 are voting to fll six seats on the Riverbay Board. There will be one ballot per residential unit.

Riverbay’s independent election vendor, YesElections, will begin mailing ballots to Co-op City household on or around May 20. This year’s ballot will be once again be enclosed in a green envelope and shareholders are asked to pay attention to their mail and secure their ballots when they arrive.

The 2024 Riverbay Board Election ballot will include a referendum question for an indoor smoking ban of tobacco and cannabis products in Co-op City. In order for this measure to be implemented,

a majority of shareholders will have to approve it by indicating their choice on the election ballot.

The voting period this year will begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 20, and end at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Shareholders can utilize one of two available options to vote. Ballots can either be completed and returned by mail to the election vendor in the postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope provided with their ballot, or by completing their ballot electronically at the YesElections online portal following the instructions included in the ballot envelope. Ballots cannot be returned to Riverbay or given to any Riverbay employee.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 14, 2024, and electronic ballots must be transmitted and received no later than 9 p.m. on June 14, 2024 to be counted in the election. The election process is monitored by the 2024 Election Committee to ensure all candidates and their supporters abide by the Election Rules and Regulations and that the process is fair to all candidates. The 2024 Election Rules and Regulations are printed in each election supplement. The Election Committee advises candidates to contact the Committee for clarifcation of any rule should the need arise. The Committee can be reached by emailed at Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com

2024 Riverbay Board Election –– Submit a Question for Candidates’ Forum #1

Forum #1 for the 2024 Riverbay Corporation Board of Directors will be held on Saturday, May 18th, at 3PM in the Dreiser Community Center Auditorium.

The Forum will be in-person and will be broadcast live on the crawler and rebroadcast after the live event.

If you would like to ask the candidates a question at the forum, you must submit it in advance either by using this form and taking it to your CSO offce in-person by close of business on Tuesday, May 14. You may also submit your question electronically. Scan the QR code to the right. Please see information in this issue. There will not be an option to ask your question at the live event.

note that similar questions may be combined. There is no guarantee that your exact question will be asked or that your question will be selected for this forum.

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Co-op City Creatives: Grandpa Doc

Howard Bloom, 69, is a Co-op City shareholder in Section 5 who felt that his life was full of experiences worth learning from. He decided to write his frst book during the COVID quarantine, and published “Gifts from Grandpa” in 2021 under the pen name “Grandpa Doc.” In 564 pages, Bloom provides a unique glossary of words, ideas, and expressions, but one of the most prominent topics is education.

He attended dental school after graduating from Bronx Science high school and NYU, and retired from dentistry in 2016 after decades in the career. He was never considered a good writer. In fact, he distinctly remembers a teacher calling his work “garbage.” In the book, Grandpa Doc plays the role of a supportive instructor who guides his readers through life’s lessons and reminds them to learn from their mistakes.

The topics that he discusses vary widely, but he introduces every subject with the intent to analyze its defnition. He breaks down each idea in a way which makes it digestible for all audiences, yet still fairly complex. His points of discussion include short essays on topics like love, and integrity to poetic entries like, “I pray because.”

“Education” is possibly the most signifcant entry in the book because he believes that it may illuminate purpose in life, if properly explored. Bloom maintains that pre-k to post PhD schooling alone is suffcient to become a “B student” or “B worker,” and says that people must learn from diverse sources in order to excel. Understanding topics which he feels are missing from common education – like the Bible, street smarts, biographies, and different languages, including ASL and Morse code – makes life-long learners more expressive.

“Empires, dictators, and tyrants are dependent upon an uneducated populace,” said Bloom.

In the essay “Silence is complicity,” he describes indifference as the opposite of an articulate education. To him, ignorance of a stranger’s oppression directly impacts everyone because people’s struggles are linked. He pleads with his reader to advocate for people regardless of race, class, or social standing, “As Christians, we must be at the beck and call of those who are hungry, those who are thirsty, the tired and ill, the broken and lonely,” he says.

In an essay toward the end of the book titled, “Right to smarts,” Bloom argues that education should no longer be a privilege for the rich. He says that all states should offer 2-4 year degrees, and learn from the CUNY and SUNY systems. He emphasizes that knowledge can never be taken away from someone, and allows people to rebuild anything that is destroyed. Knowledge is one of many complex topics which Bloom explores in his book. Grandpa Doc’s “Gifts from Grandpa” is available at Barnes & Noble. ***

With thousands of residents from all across the globe, Co-op City is home to artists of all kinds. Shareholders have written books, performed poetry, directed flms, created murals, and they all deserve a spotlight. The column, “Co-op City Creatives,” serves not only to highlight the art of shareholders from Sections 1-5, but to also take a deep dive on what makes that artist unique. If you consider yourself an artist, regardless of age, medium, or education, send your work to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com with the subject “Co-op Creatives” and include your phone number so you’ll have the chance to be interviewed and your work displayed in the Co-op City Times.

Happy 100th Birthday to Olive Glasgow, from the Building 15A Association

Mrs. Olive Glasgow is a May baby, and this May she is 100 years young. Not only is she an original resident of Building 15A, but when her two sons, Gregory and Paul, were young, she was active in YAC. She was also one of the founding mothers of the 1977/1978 Building 15A Association. She began the lobby decorating, was part of the lobby patrol (when it existed), volunteered taking blood pressure after she retired, until a short time ago was foor captain, and started the Red Hats of Co-op City. These were some of the activities she participated in over 55 years.

Her neighbors and friends, not only in Building 15A, but community-wide, celebrate her and her many accomplishments throughout these many years. She is a bit slower, but her mind is full speed ahead.

We all wish Olive Glasgow a very happy birthday and many happy, healthy future birthdays. She has been, and will be for many years, a pleasure to know.

––Dorothea Castle

Olive Glasgow

Important Notice to clubs, and religious and community organizations

The articles of recognized organizations are published weekly at no cost to your organization, but at a considerable cost to Riverbay, in order to inform your members and the community at-large about your organization’s programs, services and events, not as editorial space for personal comment, opinions, or to make political endorsements or critical comment during the Board election.

There is limited space in the paper each week as well as limited resources and funds, but every effort is made to accommodate the many certified clubs, religious institutions, and other community organizations that submit articles for publication.

To better accommodate everyone, weekly submissions to the Co-op City Times MUST NOT exceed 500 words. Articles that do not conform will be edited for content and space availability. At the same time, articles that significantly stray from their purpose of informing the community of the respective organization’s programs, services and events will also be edited or omitted altogether.

Remember also that the deadline for submission of articles from clubs, religious institutions, community

Rest in Peace, Josephine Betancourt

Josephine Betancourt

Josephine Betancourt passed away on April 27, 2024 at 10:42 a.m. She left behind her husband of 60 years, Ray; her daughter; two grandsons; seven sisters and three brothers. Three sisters and one brother have passed on. She will be missed by her family and friends. The viewing was held at Farenga Bros. Funeral Home, Wed., May 1.

––Ray Betancourt

organizations and building associations is 3 p.m. each Monday. Articles that are received after this deadline will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as space allows.

The deadline for Directors’ viewpoints is 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Submissions must be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp. com or hand-delivered to Room 21 in the Bartow Center.

Remember to pick up the Co-op City Times on Saturday morning from the newspaper bin in your building lobby and read it for important news affecting your homes and community. When removing newspapers from the bins, please take from the top of the bin and leave the rest of the newspapers neatly stacked in the bin. Pulling a newspaper from the middle or bottom of the stack results in an untidy mess.

You may also read and follow the Co-op City Times online at http:// issuu/com/cctimes, or by scanning the QR Code here to be connected.

Correction

In the April 27, 2024 issue of the Co-op City Times, the “Earth Day Parade and Celebration” photos were taken by Aidan Grant, not Gail Sharbaan. In addition, the Earth Day procession was led by the American Legion Post 1871 in Co-op City as well as Mother Earth, portrayed by Gail Sharbaan. We apologize for the omissions.

CCTimes Non-Delivery Number

If the Co-op City Times is not delivered: Call 407-666-8317 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Share Your Comments & Suggestions with Riverbay

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

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

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell Media Assistant

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

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

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

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

Public Safety Report

Ensuring Wellness and Safety in Co-op City

In the bustling landscape of urban living, where the rhythms of city life intersect with the aspirations of community, ensuring the wellness and safety of residents becomes a paramount concern. Co-op City stands as a testament to the power of collective action and community spirit. With over 15,000 apartments and a population exceeding 50,000 residents, Co-op City is not just a neighborhood; it’s a vibrant microcosm of city life, teeming with diversity, culture, and opportunity.

Before delving into the nuances of wellness and safety, it’s essential to grasp the unique fabric of Co-op City. Built in the 1960s in response to the growing demand for affordable housing, Co-op City represents a pioneering experiment in cooperative living. Governed by its own set of bylaws and managed by the Riverbay Corporation, the cooperative prides itself on fostering a sense of community, where residents play an active role in decision-making and collective governance.

At the heart of Co-op City’s safety strategy lies the dedicated efforts of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. Comprising a team of trained professionals, the department works tirelessly to maintain order, respond to emergencies,

and ensure the well-being of residents. Led by Chief Joseph Riley, a seasoned law enforcement veteran, the department operates 24/7, patrolling the cooperative’s streets, monitoring security cameras, and liaising with local law enforcement agencies to address emerging threats.

In a community as vast and diverse as Co-op City, safety isn’t just a matter of chance; it’s a collective responsibility. Here are some tips and best practices for residents to enhance their safety and well-being:

Keep abreast of the latest news, alerts, and updates from the Co-op City Department of Public Safety.

While Co-op City boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to other parts of the city, vigilance remains key. Be aware of your surroundings, report any suspicious activity promptly, and look out for your neighbors. Get to know your neighbors and develop a sense of camaraderie within your building or section. Establishing strong community bonds not only deters crime but also creates a support network in times of need.

Beyond physical safety, Co-op City places a premium on holistic wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for promoting wellness among residents:

Public Safety Blotter

April 21 – April 27, 2024

April 21, 2024

140 Einstein Loop – A Public Safety Officer issued a Community Complaint for loud and unreasonable music within an apartment.

140 DeKruif Place – A Public Safety Officer issued a Community Complaint for loud and unreasonable music within an apartment.

Adler Place Townhouses – A Public Safety Officer issued a Community Complaint for loud and unreasonable noise disturbing neighbors.

140 Alcott Place – Public Safety received a report of a larceny from an apartment.

140 Asch Loop – Public Safety Officers responded to conduct a wellness check. FDNY forced entry into the apartment and cooperator was found within unresponsive and declared deceased.

April 23

120 Elgar Place – A cooperator reported a package missing from the lobby.

140 Casals Place – A group of teens were observed damaging an apartment door.

4160 Hutchinson River Parkway – A Public Safety Officer issued a Community Complaint for an unauthorized dog within an apartment.

120 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported a package missing from the lobby.

April 24

140 Darrow Place – A Public Safety Officer issued a Community Complaint for loud and unreasonable music emanating from an apartment.

140 Benchley Place – FDNY responded for a reported fire within the kitchen. Investigation indicated food ignited while on a stove.

Take advantage of Co-op City’s recreational facilities, including parks and playgrounds. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of basketball, or a yoga class, staying active is essential for maintaining good physical health. Make informed food choices and prioritize nutri-

120 Asch Loop – A Public Safety Officer responded for a wellness check. Upon entry into the apartment, a cooperator was found deceased.

120 Aldrich Street – Public Safety officer units responded for a man with a machete. Search of the area produced negative results.

April 25

120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported a package missing from the lobby.

April 26

100 Carver Loop – A cooperator reported a package missing from in front of their apartment door.

2067 Bartow Ave. – The Branch Manager of Amalgamated Bank in the Bartow Mall reported finding a skimming device attached to one of the bank’s ATM machines. The investigation is continuing.

140 Casals Place – A cooperator reported a missing package from the lobby.

April 27

120 Donizetti Place – Three youths were found to be loitering within the stairwell. Public Safety Officers issued three Community Complaints.

100 Co-op City Blvd. – FDNY responded for the odor of gas.

99 Bellamy Loop – A cooperator reported their vehicle was removed by unknown individuals.

tious, balanced meals. Explore the local farmers’ markets and grocery stores for fresh and seasonal produce, as well as other healthy nutritional options.

Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises. Find activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading, gardening, or spending time with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re struggling with mental health issues or emotional distress. Cultivate meaningful connections with friends, family, and neighbors. Engage in social activities, join clubs or groups that align with your interests, and participate in community events to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In the tapestry of urban life, Co-op City stands as a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together in pursuit of common goals. From ensuring safety and security to promoting wellness and resilience, the cooperative embodies the principles of collective action, mutual support, and shared responsibility. As residents continue to navigate the complexities of city living, remember that our strength lies not just in the bricks and mortar that surround us but in the bonds of community that unite us. Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Co-op City for generations to come.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For informaton on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both partes.

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

www.Indeed.com https://indeedhi.re/ 3SgTKEr

For employment opportunites, please visit these following sites:

www.Glassdoor.com https://bit.ly/3SgI9Go

www.ZipRecruiter.com https://bit.ly/3Se8bdw

Candidates may review full positon descriptons and apply at any site Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporaton.

Director’s Viewpoint Daryl Johnson

Board Meeting Review, 4/24/2024

We had a board meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. So, let’s review a few matters that were discussed during this meeting.

Bad Resolutions

Hot weather is just around the corner. And, lots of our cooperators will look forward to using their convectors to cool off. On the other hand, lots of our cooperators have unfortunately discovered that their convectors can flood out their entire apartment. And, in some cases, some of those convector leaks were so bad that the water went into the hallway and into other apartments. So, it’s understandable that Riverbay wants to find a solution to these horrible leaks.

However, everyone needs to understand what’s going to happen to our power plant, our entire convector system, and renewable energy sources for our community. So, let’s review some of the new changes in NYS in regard to these matters.

In 2023, our governor issued a mandate to the NY Power Authority. And, she told them that they had to close all of their fossil-fuel power plants in seven years. Now, please keep in mind that these power plants generate almost half of the electricity that we use in NYS. Therefore, the NY Power Authority must develop new energy sources to comply with her demands.

Lots of people love to cook their food on gas stoves. But, can you believe that in 2026, gas for stoves might be banned in new buildings in NYS that are seven stories or less, and in 2029 for larger buildings?

New cars? By 2035, did you know that all new cars that are to be sold in NYS must be all electric? Rough, right? Yes! But, this next point is going to really shock a lot of businesses and homeowners.

The governor wants to stop the sale “of new oil or gas heating equipment — boilers, stoves, dryers and hot water heaters — in existing residential buildings by 2030, and by 2035 in existing commercial buildings.”

Now, as cited above, NYS is forcing the NY Power Authority to close all of their power plants in the next seven years. Then, there are published reports that NYS is going to completely ban the use of natural gas at some point. So, if true, we would have to find another fuel source, such as hydrogen, solar, wind, or geothermal. But, none of these options would be affordable without hundreds of millions of dollars in governmental assistance.

Regardless, can you believe that Riverbay is currently looking for new convectors to replace our current models? In fact, a vote was taken during this board meeting about placing new convectors in the E-line apartments in building 14. Then, amazingly, the majority of the board members voted yes to let Riverbay go forward with this concept.

Bottom line: It will probably cost somewhere around a billion dollars to establish a new convector system here. Then, what is Riverbay going to do if a ban against using natural gas in buildings is issued throughout NYS? Anyway, in my opinion, a far better solution is to seek funding for a new solar panel system and an electrical heating/cooling system that does not leak.

Power Plant Property Insurance Resolution

Our board meeting was deliberately held on April 24, 2024 because the insurance for our power plant was scheduled to expire on April 30, 2024. One broker was supposed to get $91,000. And, another broker was supposed to receive $89,290. So, did the board have a chance to seek another insurance policy if they did not like this arrangement? No! Therefore, Riverbay could only guarantee that these commissions would be paid out.

But, this same nonsense occurred with a property insurance policy that was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2024. If you remember, we had a tremendous board meeting in Dreiser on March 20, 2024 to discuss our 8.1 percent carrying charge increase. So, Riverbay could have presented that property insurance

Co-op City Safety News Alert

Avoiding Dryer Fire

Clothes dryer don’ts

• Don’t overload the dryer.

• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.

• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturer’s instructions state “dry away from heat.”

• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturer’s instructions allow).

• Don’t dry items that have come in contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.

policy at this meeting.

But, what did Riverbay do? Well, they deliberately decided to call a board meeting, via computer, on March 26, 2024 to vote on this insurance policy. So, it was very clear that Riverbay only wanted this meeting to occur just days before the expiration of this policy. Therefore, our board would have to approve this policy. Moreover, Riverbay knew that a $393,000 commission would have to be paid out.

Bottom line: From my perspective, this is just another terrible way that business is being conducted here.

Pick Up After Your Dog

Except for Co-op City Boulevard, Co-op City is beautiful. Our buildings are reasonably clean. And, we have malls that look good. However, some areas of our community are looking bad because some cooperators are not cleaning up after their dog. And, unfortunately, lots of people are complaining about this problem.

So, please keep in mind that our Public Safety officers and NYC can issue huge fines to dog owners that are not cleaning up after their dog. Thank you. Close

In my opinion, there is no way that we can continue to conduct business in this way.

Thank you.

Contact Information

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

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

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

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

Good day, shareholders.

Building 33 Association

The upcoming editions of the Co-op City Times will feature all the shareholders of Co-op City who are running for the position of Board of Directors. We’d like you to read the articles on each shareholder running so you can make an informed decision and vote. If a representative from every apartment in Section 5 votes, we will not have a repeat debacle of last year! Please vote! Even if you feel it doesn’t matter, vote anyway! Remember to read the paper and spread the word to your neighbors and friends to vote!

Have you ever been afraid to go into your kitchen? A shareholder may have seen three roaches during the 17 years they lived in their apartment. Suddenly, the family is noticing more. Riverbay exterminators have visited twice, the cabinets have been cleaned and decluttered, and yet another pest appears after a week or two. If you see one cockroach in your apartment, call the exterminator immediately to address the issue promptly! We will contact the Extermination department to inquire about the chemicals they are using. In a development of this scale, cockroaches may be visible, so we need a potent chemical to eliminate them ef-

fectively. There are certain things you cannot cut corners on. We cannot and should not have to live with cockroaches. If they are in your house, make that phone call. Keep the counters in your house free of food that they will eat, and water that they need to drink, and ensure the compactor room on your floor is kept clean. If you have trash bags full of recyclables, take the bags to the basement. And please don’t leave any food in the compactor rooms.

Should anyone have to tell you this? Co-op City wasn’t always like this, and we need to restore it to its former beauty. Wake up, people.

Another angel has gained her wings. Long-time resident and Building 33 Association vice president, Maude Rhodes-Mason, passed away on April 20, 2024. The lobby and benches in front of the building will never be the same without the ladies. We understand that it’s a part of life, but we miss them just the same. To the Rhodes-Mason family, you are all in our prayers. The Building 33 Association will miss Maude, and we’re sure you will too. She was a phenomenal woman.

Enjoy your week and Cinco de Mayo.

––Andrea D. Mayo

Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations in Co-op City

May Monthly Meeting – The Coalition’s monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9, at noon. The meeting will be held by Zoom as usual and we extend invitation to all the standard organizations in Co-op City to join other coalition member organizations in the meeting. We will be looking into the activities of the Coalition for the second part of the year since the Coalition will be out in the summer until September.

New Deadline for Bus trip – Several people who planned to attend the bus trip complained that the deadline for advance payment should be extended. To this, President Toba agreed that the organizing committee will consider the plea and seek new dates that will not create so much problem from getting hotel accommodation in place. The new dates are as stated below:

The rates for occupancy: Single ($415); Double ($325); Triple ($305); Quad ($280). Advanced payment of $50 by April 26, with full payment made on or before May 12, either by Zelle, cash or check to the coalition. For more details, call President Toba at 347-327-6288.

The Coalition had embarked upon a fundraising event to celebrate Juneteenth in Washington, DC this year. The only event sponsored by the Coalition is the Kwanzaa Celebration in the month of December. The event is free to the public even though the Coalition was spending a lot of money every year to host the event. Thus, he emphasized that the Coalition should consider the idea of celebrating Juneteenth as a fundraising activity. By popular demand, the Coalition will be organizing an overnight bus trip to Washington, DC, as a fundraising project. So, President Toba will be setting up a committee to oversee the planning of the trip.

Trip to the National Museum of African American History – The bus trip will be from Saturday, June 22, to Sunday, June 23. The trip will start from Co-op City at 8 a.m. on Saturday and return from Washington, DC by Sunday at 5 p.m. The trip will include 1st Class full-service hotels (1-night), round trip transportation, allyou-can-eat dinner & breakfast, premium open bar, DJ dance party, comedy show, Maryland Live Casino/Arundel Mills Mall, National Museum of African American History & Culture Pass, etc.

Coalition Name Change – President Toba suggested the idea of a name change for the Coalition, to eliminate the words “African American” for inclusivity. He stated that if we revamp the name of the Coalition, this will give room for more Co-op City organizations to become members. We would need to file an official name change with the IRS and NYS Charities Bureau. This agenda item was tabled for more member organizations to deliberate on it. It will be one of the major issues to deal with in the monthly meeting in May. To this, we encourage all member organizations’ representatives to make it a duty and attend the next meeting.

Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba

Building 20 Association

Greetings, this is a continuation of the April 18, Building 20 Association meeting with guest speaker, Director Monique Coleman, a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors and Insurance Committee Chairperson. She responded to questions regarding Riverbay insurance.

Riverbay Board Director, Monique Coleman, addresses Building 20 Association residents at the April 18th meeting regarding the high cost of property insurance for Riverbay Corporation.

A budget is a projection of what you think you will be spending next year. Then the property insurance people come in and say that your property is undervalued. There was a collapse in Florida, and they did not have enough money to rebuild. A bridge collapsed in Baltimore, and it cost twice as much to get anything through. So, you are undervalued by 40%, and your rates are going up by 40%. This is not something that we can forecast. But outside forces had this effect on our budget. Director Coleman reminded the residents of what happened during Covid-19 with the supply chain, when it was hard to get certain products and the prices of everything went up. We all personally experienced inflation in a dramatic way. Our community is experiencing inflation too. There are things that are out of Riverbay’s control, like the price of natural gas, which we use to run the Riverbay Power Plant, as well as health insurance and utilities. Riverbay thought that our budget would go up 2% and that is what we would need for carrying charges. However, inflation went through the roof. A lot of our bills that we had under control went up in the two years since Riverbay filed the budget with the NY Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), and DHCR said that we need an 8% increase because our bills are higher than our budget and we need more money. We have to pay our bills. If we do not pay our bills, we lose our property, just like anybody else.

The difference in the cost of insurance between last year and this year was 10.75%. The year before, it was 80% more. In 2021, it was $1.5M. Now, it is over $8M. That is not something we could have forecasted or predicted.

To be continued.

Next meeting: May 16

––Francine Jones

Photo by Sylvia Lewis

Unprecedented Representation by Our Elected Representatives

Subsequent to Management, the Board of Directors, and shareholders learning of Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR’s) order to increase Co-op City’s shareholder’s carrying charges from the Riverbay Board’s proposed 2.1% increase to 8.1% (February 22, 2024), State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and NYC Councilman Kevin Riley sent out a joint letter to HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskaus in opposition to the ordered increase (March 7, 2024) that was to go into effect on April 1st.

The Board held a Town Hall/Open Meeting on March 20th to give shareholders an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about the ordered increase. You may recall that after a suggestion was made to call the offices of State Senator Bailey and Assemblyman Benedetto urging them to become involved, I stood before those in attendance to affirm that as the chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, I had been in communication with Assemblyman Benedetto, and assured the assembled audience that our elected representatives were, in fact, attempting to work with HCR to alter the outcome of the ordered 8.1% increase.

Two days after I made that statement during the Town Hall Meeting, Assemblyman Benedetto affirmed that an agreement had been reached with HCR, freezing the ordered increase from April 1st to July 1st. Freezing the increase for 90-days would allow time for our NY State Legislators to introduce, and possibly pass legislation that would provide aid in funding capital projects for Co-op City (and other Mitchell-Lamas), thus, giving the Board and Management an opportunity to reforecast our budget, and possibly convince HCR that it would be possible to lower the increase to a more manageable percent.

On April 23rd, Assemblyman Benedetto let it be known that the NY State Budget Legislation, which had just been approved and signed by Governor Hochul, included $50-million for capital projects, and $1-million can be added to our operating budget.

While State Senator Bailey and Assemblyman Benedetto deserve all of the accolades that they no doubt deserve, I would be terribly remiss if I did not point out that even their best efforts would have been in vain if our Assembly Speaker, Hon. Carl Heastie, and NY State Senate Majority Leader, Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, were not willing to

come to the aid of the selected Mitchell-Lama developments.

I would like to say it again – next month on a date in May, will begin the 47th year that my family has lived in Co-op City. I cannot remember receiving this level of advocacy from the combined efforts of our elected NYC & NY State elected representatives before now. We’ve had some excellent individual effort by many, including our former NY State Assemblyman, who later became our U.S. Congressman, Eliot Engel, but what has happened here and now for Co-op City is huge!

Our Insurance Conundrum

I know that much has been written on the subject of Riverbay Corp.’s upward and seemly out of control property insurance costs. The rising cost of property insurance has been problematic for some time, especially for affordable housing entities. Back in 2022, post COVID-19, the New York State of Dept. Financial Services (DFS) published a report in coordination with HCR, looking to:

(a) analyze any factors that have increased liability, fire and casualty insurance costs for such housing developments and analyze any factors that have limited insurers from offering liability, fire and casualty coverage for affordable housing projects; and

(b) identify the potential impact, over the next ten years, of the cost of liability, fire and casualty insurance and the unavailability of liability, fire and casualty insurance coverage for affordable housing development.

Included in the report is a section which identifies how insurers use underwriting principles to determine the issuance or renewal of an insurance policy. The report outlines several categories by which the property or properties are rated. Reports lists the following:

• Construction (e.g., frame, joisted masonry, noncombustible, fire resistive)

• Age and condition of building (e.g., maintenance and

• Material of building (e.g., concrete, brick, wood)

• Occupancy (e.g., retail, manufacturing, office, habitational)

• Number of units (e.g., single-family, multi-family)

• Protection class (e.g., fire alarm, water supply, communication system)

• Territory or location (e.g., flood zone, building codes, high crime area)

• Adjacent exposure data (e.g., exposed walls, hazards, construction)

Given the parameters listed above, combined with Co-op City’s anemic property loss claims, our insurance rates should be lower. Add to the fact that are buildings are rated as Class I – fireproof structures, we’re only 50-years old, we have no hazardous commercial retail establishments, and shareholders are mandated to have their individual apartment insurance coverages. Territory, location, and adjacent exposures are not applicable here.

In my opinion, insurance companies, like any other, is a business looking to make every dollar they can, especially when they know you need their business.

One other important factor – the same year, 2022, the Insurance Information Institute, showed that the entire N.E. coast’s 11 states, from Maine to Maryland, posted property/casualty insurance claims totaling just under $105-billion. In the same year, three states – Texas, Florida and California’s property/casualty insurance claims totaling just over $182-billion.

Insurance cost needs to be regulated by regional claims, not just blanket responsibility for an entire nation.

In my next director’s viewpoint, I would like to go a little further into the recently passed NY State Budget, as well as share with cooperators my understanding and opinion regarding the Mayor’s “City of Yes,” and how passage of that program might not ultimately be in Co-op City’s best interest.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint, and as always, I can be reached at: rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Be well and remain safe!

Building 25 Association

Greetings, Building 25 shareholders. Welcome to our new shareholders, and happy birthday to everyone who will celebrate their birthday during the month of May.

On April 22, Chief Joseph Riley, CCPD, and Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay Safety director, held a seminar on “Earthquake Preparedness” in the Bartow Community Center. The presentation and discussions were easy to follow, and the printed instructions were helpful and appreciated. Thanks to both of you for the information and safety tips.

On April 26, the Association held a social gathering in our meeting room. The attendees watched a movie and enjoyed light refreshments. Thanks for your participation, loyalty and support in our Building 25 Association activities.

Building 25 Association will hold its next meeting, including election of officers, on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m., in the meeting room under the portico. Building 25 shareholders who have paid the Building Association dues, $5 a year, per family, and have attended at least half of the Association’s scheduled monthly meetings, are eligible to run for office: president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary and corresponding secretary. If anyone is interested in running for office, please let us know. You may contact our building association at bldg25association@gmail.com. Our Association’s suggestion box is in our laundry room.

Reminder

ShreddingEvent – Saturday, May 18, Section 1 Greenway (near 140 Benchley Place), from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Three shopping bags/boxes of paper only. No paper clips or binder clips.

Sick and Shut-ins: We wish you comfort and brighter days ahead.

Condolences: To all our friends and neighbors who are grieving the loss of a loved one, may happy memories bring you comfort during difficult moments.

Have a safe week everyone!

––Evelyn Herbert

Building 22A&22B Association

Dear cooperators, the attendance at our last meeting was very enthusiastic. Everyone gave ideas to invite speakers to answer our questions and resolve our issues. We brainstormed on how to encourage our neighbors to assist in keeping our buildings functioning properly. Our next meeting will be May 20, in the Association Room on the “A” side.

Mother’s Day is on May 12. Happy Mother’s Day to all.

We still need candidates for the board, give your information to Ms. Gladys Polite, Apt. 15J on the “B” side.

The weather is changing, meaning time for outdoor activities. Be careful and enjoy yourself.

Candidates for the 2024 Riverbay Board Election are in the Co-op City Times and other activities, so please read.

Compactor Room & Laundry Room Etiquette: Continue to be a good neighbor and follow instructions.

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

Blessings to everyone. Thank you.

––Betty Leak

Broun Place Townhouse Association

How lucky we have been with the weather this past week. We in Broun Place know just looking out our windows, spring has sprung. The patios of cooperators caring for their gardens are impressive.

The Jewish holiday of Passover began April 22 and continues until April 30. The escape of the Jewish people following persecution and the significance of the Seder components teaches us much about Jewish culture. Earth Day on April 22 reminds us of our responsibilities to save the planet. Everyone, enjoy the celebration of Passover and Earth Day.

Soon, the campaigns to encourage voting for directors on the Board will start. Please vote this year. We do not want another calamity like last year. The Co-op City Times has all the information on the candidates and will be publishing the individual candidate’s statements this week. Please study them and vote.

The Child Safety Fair aimed to engage and provide valuable education to our community about children’s safety and wellness. Many agencies provided interactive learning activities for all children in attendance. There was also food, entertainment and music. Everyone was invited to join us on this fun-packed day! Remember, it was a free event.

Regarding scammers, the caller says, “This is Margaret, I’m calling from the National Debt Relief Program.” There is no such program and if there were, they would not call you. They make it sound real, but it is a scam.

For your information, gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and investment. In Co-op City, that would mean changing the whole process, taking us out of the middle-income, Mitchell-Lama model, state-operated and guided. That is not happening.

Thank you to the Power Plant of Riverbay Corporation that fixed our disruption in hot water. It came with an emergency shutdown. Because we are a Mitchell-Lama housing development, we got it repaired immediately. Be glad you are living here, and this is not a NYCHA development.

Regarding dogs, steady barking and aggressive behavior is not allowed. Dog owners are required to pick-up after their dog. The CCPD phone number is 1-718671-3050. Having a dog or cat is a responsibility.

We will be having a meeting soon; a flyer will be distributed. We are looking forward to that. Let me know who you would like to invite.

We send condolences, love and support to dear friends, the John Zacchio family and the Ken Ludmer family, whose father, and husband died April 16, and April 19, respectively. Remember, “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself,” and “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” both attributed to Ronald Reagan. Then there is this to consider: “In the end, whatever remains of one’s life – family, friends, those are going to be the things for which you’re remembered.” –Dan Rather, CBS news anchor

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 21 Association

Greetings, cooperators.

Thank you, cooperators, who attended the meeting on April 25! Building 21’s section “C” dominated the attendance creating standing room only after the first 15 minutes of the meeting. It is not a competition, but go C-Section! We had a great turnout! Something tells me they triggered the A and B sections. We may need to move this to an auditorium. We will see.

Our next Building 21 Association meeting is Thursday, May 23! We are having a live and in-person meeting in our gathering room in the back of the Building 21B lobby. It will begin at 7 p.m. sharp! We would like at least one member from every family to come and represent. We will have a guest speaker, so please arrive on time. A reminder that this is your community. We must stay informed and engaged!

We are seeking 11 volunteers to help us with spring cleaning our gathering room. Only the actual volunteers will be privy to the rewards that await them. Email us your name and contact number to be placed on the list for Saturday, May 11. You must be 16 and older. Only the first 11 volunteers will be chosen and two alternates.

Your Building Association is where you can start to be engaged in your community. Please remember to submit your Income Affidavit to Riverbay Corporation by April 30. You can now submit your Income Affidavit to Riverbay online. For details, see the Co-op City Times Riverbay Board Elections are coming up. Please make your vote count by voting on time! We need floor captains on every floor, please volunteer to be a floor captain on your floor. Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. You can place dues and or suggestions in our lockbox, located in the laundry room (next to the television). Our yearly dues are $10. Our regular monthly meeting is every fourth Thursday of each month. You may contact us at our email: 21association@gmail.com. May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe.

––Jarasia Wilson

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. The weather has been a little favorable; beautiful trees and flowers are blooming.

Grounds Upkeep – Sharing the upkeep of our grounds by our groundskeeper, the grounds team replaced a destroyed dogwood tree with a new one. This free tree giveaway was arranged by Senator Jamaal Bailey by the NY Restoration Project and the Bissell Garden.

Building 27 Association – We appreciate your support of the fundraising event/movie/notary last Saturday, May 27. We trust all did enjoy. We look forward to seeing you at our General meeting this month of May. Fliers will be posted to inform the shareholders of the date. When you attend, you may also pay the dues of $5 as a member of the Building 27 Association if you have not paid yet. Again, the dues support the Association in printing fliers, refreshments, etc. If you have any ideas or comments, this is the time to voice it at the Association meetings. Raffle and late refreshments served.

Package Delivery – Packages are being left in the lobby rather than at the apartment door. I am not sure which delivery company was used.

2024 Board of Directors Election – To new cooperators, we are required to vote each year for a Board of Directors. We encourage you to keep abreast by reading the Co-op City Times, to attend all three forums to meet the certified candidates, to hear their views, what they represent on the behalf of the interest of all shareholders. The dates and time will be listed in the Co-op City Times, so please keep yourselves posted. Voting is from Monday, May 20, to June 14. Shareholders, let us meet the required 5,035 plus certified ballots to meet the quorum on the first count; if you agree, then vote.

Emergency Resolution #24-26 – Please take note, this resolution will be on the ballot for your vote. The resolution is regarding whether Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments within the Riverbay campus. Please place your vote. The ballots will be arriving in green envelopes, voting online is the way to go if it is available to you.

Notice – Last wash is at 9 p.m., meaning do not wash anything after 9 p.m. as the doors of the laundry room will be locked at 10 p.m. daily.

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card; she is excellent in sharing good will. Also, notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become deceased or transferred to a nursing home.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” –Margaret J. Wheatley

––H. Overman

Stay Vigilant

Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

National Council of Negro Women

Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Our 50th annual BHRP Program will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 12 to 4 p.m., at Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY. Reservations are $125 per person. The theme of this year’s program is “Looking Back, Moving Forward.” At this program each year, all 18 of the NCNW sections from New York State gather to honor outstanding women in our communities, welcome new Life Members, Legacy Life Members and Achievers, all to raise funds for the maintenance of our national headquarters that is located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. This program that is presented by sections all over the United States is named after our Founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and our National President for forty years, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. This year, our keynote speaker will be our newly installed National President & CEO, Shavon Arline-Bradley MPH, M.Div.

NCNW Co-op City Section – Members, please year in which we have our chapter meeting on the third Sunday of the month, in deference to Mothers’ Day. We are in the midst of nominating and so please adjust your calendars, so you won’t miss this important May meeting. Details will follow.

Harambee Committee – The Harambee Committee is moving forward with plans and enthusiasm for our upcoming Harambee Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course. This year’s theme is “Freedom! To Live! To Serve! To

Thrive!”

This year’s honorees will be Councilman Kevin Riley, Dawna Michelle Fields, Lynda Wright and Christopher Robinson.

Tickets are now on sale for $125 each and can be purchased through Eventbrite, https://www. eventbrite.com/e/harambee-celebration-tickets-853970367357, or by making your check payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mailing to NCNW Co-op City Section, 3300 Connor Street, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

We are actively accepting journal ads and donations. If you are interested in purchasing a journal ad, please email: coopcityncnwharambee@gmail. com to receive more information on how to submit your request.

We are also looking for vendors for this event. If you know any vendors, please provide the contact information to our fundraising committee by email to ncnwcoopcityfr@gmail.com

Any questions, comments, or concerns, please email the Harambee Committee chairs, Akeisha Neely and Lisa Wade-Stewart at: coopcityncnwharambee@gmail.com

Health Committee – We are inviting all our members and friends to join our section for our weekly GirlTrek Sisterhood Saturday Walks in the Greenway. We meet at 9 a.m. each Saturday in front of the Dreiser Loop Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop. We are walking together for a shared mission of health, unity and Black girl power. Call Farah at 917-806-2534 or email ncnwcoopcityhealth@gmail.com for more information.

—Joyce Howard

Section Five Association

Please stay vigilant; there are new variants. The viruses are still around. Spring is in the air, trees and wearing their masks, that is a good thing.

Resolution #24-26 – This resolution will include a vote for a total ban of indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments. Resolution #24-26 is on the ballot and shareholders must vote for it to become a policy of this corporation. Make sure your family and friends are aware to place their vote. Each year, we must vote for a Board of Directors; this is a mandate of the NYS Homes setting policies in the best interest of the corporation. We, as shareholders, need to make it known to the candidates, we thank them for volunteering their time.

Voting to elect Board of Directors – to new shareholders, we vote each year for the Board of Directors. Ballots will be coming in green envelopes and it will indicate how many candidates to vote for. Voting at 3 p.m., second forum at 7 p.m. in Einstein Center, Room 45, and the third forum at 7 p.m. in Bartow Center, Room 31. All three election forums will be broadcasted on the Crawler.

Energetic leaders of Bldg. 26 shared with us their show up and show out Co-op City. Shareholders may the Board of Directors. Their bid is to engage all shareholders to be proactive in their community. They also shared drafts of the Riverbay Corporation, draft of youth civic engagement and a copy of the Riverbay Call Center prompts. They also discussed issues and problems that could encourage shareholders to vote; provided questions shareholders can ask at the forums. Kudos to the future leaders of tomorrow of this great community. This is their home and they saw the need and are rising to the occasion. God bless us all with wisdom to do what is needed in this wonderful community.

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, gave information regarding 501c, OMNY Card will be in affect very soon, and we will look into other options; SCRIE/DRIE, she is able to offer assistance and that all shareholders are eligible for the STAR Program, but you must register. We offer condolences to all who lost a loved one. We wish all the best of good health. Happy Birthday wishes.

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, at Section5association10@ gmail.com, or 914-709-5395.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. –Henry Ford H. Overman

Building 13 Association

We welcome Spring and we welcome all newcomers to our Building 13 family.

This affordable housing complex has always been about creating a thriving community where familiesfordability, we build stronger, healthier, and more resilient neighborhoods for all. To maximize thisable for all, participate in events, remember to vote and respect our surroundings and neighbors. Whether done on the paper form or electronically, should have been completed and returned by April 30.

AARP Shredder Trucks will be in Co-op City on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the trucks are City. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a truck near the Section 3 Greenway near 140 Benchley Place and on the Section 5 Greenway near 120 Erskine Place. Limit three bags, remove all metal clips. SFD is scheduled for June 22 from 12-5 p.m. in the Carver Loop area of Section 2 and open to all who wish to participate. Fifty beginning at noon. We will be collecting for shirts beginning the week of June 22, so keep your eye on the bulletin board for dates and times. Youth: $16.50; Adults to XL: $18; Adults 2X: $20.50; 3X: $21.50 and, if available, 4X: $22.50.

Orders can also be placed on Wednesdays with beginning April 10 from 5-7 p.m., April 17 from 3-5 p.m., April 24 from 5-7 p.m. and May 1 from 3-5 p.m. There are no shirts available for sale on the day of the event so place your order by Saturday, May 4.

Last week and this week, there were conversations held regarding the Cannabis Dispensary scheduled to be located at the former Chase Bank on Peartree and Co-op City Blvd. In the Cannabis guidelines, there are distance requirements mentioned for houses of worship and for schools, but none indicated or mentioned for the close proximity to residential buildings of which across the street from the intended site are, at a minimum, over 1,000 units collectively in the three Tower buildings – problematic. On the call previously scheduled, I do not want to forget to thank the CommandDeputy Inspector Johnny A. Orellana of the 45th Precinct, for voicing his concern for the placement of this shop at the currently proposed loassisting in making these meetings happen.

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” –Lyndon B. Johnson

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

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

––Leslie Peterson

Emergency Food Pantry

Black Forum

Located at 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court), the pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least four to six clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Religious affiliation is not necessary to receive food. When visiting the pantry, visitors must wear masks. Anyone who does not wear a mask may not be served by the staff at their discretion. This protects both the workers and guests.

New Client Registration & Recertification for Returning Guests

Registration and re-certification has been extended through May 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identification is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identification, and Access-ARide identification are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertification, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identification. Household members need to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in-person at the office. Those liv-

ing in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location on Thursdays. Upcoming Trips (Fundraising)

Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Atlantic City Casino, NJ, $55; Rebate: $10. Seats are still available. Shop name brand outlet stores, gamble or do both in Atlantic City.

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Resort Casino in CT: $225. First payment ($75) was due by March 15; second payment ($75) is due by May 24; third payment ($75) is due by June 28. Those who missed the first payment can make it up with the second payment. The Nordic is a popular hangout with an endless supply of lobster, crab, prime rib, filet mignon, shrimp, salads, veggies, and much, much more; Foxwoods is home to six casinos, boasting 250 gaming tables and 5,500 slot machines. It is one of the ten largest casinos in the world and has Tanger Outlet shops on-site.

Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen with MGM Casino: $120. First payment ($60) is due by September 6; second payment ($60) is due by October 4. We are accepting payments for trips now. Nonrefundable payments will only be accepted in the following forms: cash, personal checks, and only postal money orders. Please call 917-209-5334 to book trips and arrange payment drop-offs.

Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

––D. Illis

Stay Vigilant

Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

Building 1A&1B Association

Good day, Building 1A and 1B Association. Today is the first Saturday of the month of May and Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day.

The next Building 1 Association meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m., in the Building Association Room, Building 1B rear area. President Yvette Livingston-Brown and Vice President Ronald Stewart are requesting all shareholders to be in attendance.

Also, on behalf of the entire executive team, they would like to thank all the shareholders who attend and participate in the monthly Building 1 Association meetings in-person.

Dues: Shareholders, please be advised yearly dues will be collected in a couple of weeks for 2025.

Congratulations: To all 2024 pre-K to college graduates, much success on your continued educational journey.

Congratulations: To all who have received an employment promotion in 2024.

As we continue to journey into the year of 2024, shareholders are needed on the following committees:

• Decorating Committee – Please join and express your creative ideas. All ages are welcome.

• Fundraising Committee – Assistance is needed and your ideas are welcomed.

Floor captains are needed.

2024 Plans: Fish fry, paint and sip, cake sale, family fun date.

Tip of the Week: Keep your eyes open, because cars are being broken into and packages are being stolen.

Etiquette: Do not throw trash on the elevator floor. There is a garbage can in the lobby.

Safety Tip of the Week: Do not open the lobby door for strangers. See Something, Say Something.

Thank you,

––Desiree Scurry

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

F.A.S.T. Signs to Save a Life

A stroke is near the top of the list of medical emergencies. Time is of the acronym put into action can save a life.

African-American Association of Co-op City

Calling all Parents of Children in 4th Grade to 8th Grade Saturday, May 18, is our 11th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee. Come and experience friendly competition and the very gifted youth of Co-op City. Time: 1 p.m. sharp in the Dreiser Center, Room 4. Registration is required by 12 p.m. Door prizes for the

call Ms. Francine Reva Jones at 718-671-5957 or email franreva@aol.com.

Save the New Date: The next AAACC “Open Mic” event is Saturday, June 22, at 4 p.m. Can you sing? Are you funny? Are you a dancer, a poet, novelist, or maybe you are a painter? Or are you a Jack-of-All these trades? This platform (this mic) is for you! Come, hone your talents and have some fun. Adults only please and language must be kept respectable. This open mic is a fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. to support the African-American Association of Co-op City.

AAACC Meetings & Events

May 18, 2024: Co-op City Spelling Bee, 12-5 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 4

symptoms started. Acting quickly can make a difference. Other signs of stroke include a sudden bad headache, feeling dizzy, or trouble managing stress, and not smoking or drinking too much. These things can

Support and Information Zoom meeting. This meeting is designed to provide

—Diane Cooper

May 19: General Meeting, 3 p.m. via Zoom

June 22: Open Mic/Juneteenth Celebration, 4-8 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15

June 30: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15

Our Gift to You – The African-American Association is offering a gift to -

“our push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting and pushing each other must unite in our communities through our organizations. These are important and pivotal years. Our gift to each member is a complimentary four-night

an impact of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map! Join the AAACC – $25/year single membership and $35/year for a family/ household. Zelle us your payment using our email address.er@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095. The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes –Evening Line Dance Classes – Contact Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073

Yoga & Pilates Classes – Contact Meena Sharpe-Hicks at 917-863-1507

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – Contact Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714. Be the change you want, for more in 2024.

––Michelle Marbury

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends.

Our Game Day is scheduled for today, May 4, at 5 p.m. We are excited to have Mitzi join us again! Please join us for Pokeno, Scrabble, card games, etc.

Our monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in our Building 9 Association Room, located in the rear lobby of Building 9B. The May meeting is our volunteer recognition event as well. Please join us to recognize our Building 9 “Diamonds” who make our meetings, collections, and social events successful.

During our April 25 meeting, we discussed our building association bylaws. Copies will be made by Charisse Clark for Evelyn Mavins, Building 9 Association secretary, to make available to members who expressed interest in receiving a copy (one copy per household). Also, we discussed conducting a Bake Sale in June. It was subsequently

plan and publicize the event for June. We will revisit the Bake Sale event in September.

The 2024 Section 2 Summer Fun Day event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 12-6 p.m. Summer Fun Day t-shirts orders are currently being

Complaints about barking dogs coming from neighboring apartments are increasing. Please try to limit barking during early morning and late night hours. If barking or other pet-related issues become bothersome to neighbors, please contact CCPD to report your complaint.

Instances of wrong-way driving in our garage are increasing. Please do not drive against directional signs. It is dangerous and unnecessary.

The Rivers Run Community Garden is open for the season. The garden is open on weekends from 12-5 p.m. The weekday schedule will be posted on the garden’s gate.

Riverbay Board Director election season is gearing up. Please learn about the candidates and their agenda. Read their Co-op City Times articles beginning May 4. The candidates’ forums are scheduled to begin May 18. Attend the forums. Please participate in the voting process.

June 25 is Primary Day in our district. Early voting begins on June 15. Please vote.

“A goal without a plan is just wishful thinking.”

––Linda Collins

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. Jesus said “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” –Matthew 18:20

In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday Jesus’ encounter with Mary Magdalene reveals the personal nature of his appearances, demonstrating his desire to meet us individually. The appearance to the two disciples highlights the transformative power of recognizing Jesus in our daily lives. The disciples initially did not recognize Jesus, showing how we might overlook his presence in ordinary circumstances. Jesus’ appearance after his resurrection but also molded our mission as believers. By recognizing Jesus in our personal and communal lives and responding to the Great Commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” –Mark 16:15. We participate in the profound work of spreading the Gospel, motivated by his miraculous love. Let us, therefore, go forth with courage and joy, embracing our call to share the good news of Jesus Christ in every encounter.

The Fifth Sunday after Easter, May 5th, 2024 11 a.m., Communion Service. Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Bible Lessons:

Acts 2:22-25, 30-32

Mark 16:9-15

Prayer: Lord Christ, whose wondrous triumph Thy faithful people year by year do celebrate, we pray Thee that as the years roll on we also may triumph over sin, and, following Thy glorious example, may rise unto the fullness of our spiritual heritage, O Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

Rev. Dorian Miceli

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

Raising Godly Children

We are cautioned in the scriptures that the direction in which we lead our children determines the course of their lives. Raising children is not for the cowardly. Parents and relatives must not take lightly the admonitions of God to raise the children entrusted to us well.

Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

We must love God with our entire being and intentionally teach our children to do the same. God’s principles decreed in the Bible are the standard of life and we must imprint them on our children. Their minds must be fed Scripture to protect against society’s evils.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and gates.”

We are to be childlike, not childish. When jockeying for position as some do in the church Jesus cautioned the disciples that the greatest is the child. In innocence, in trusting, in loving those who nurtheir caretakers.

Matthew 18:1-5 “The disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’”

If you love your child, honor them by bringing them to church. Don’t send them, come with them. Let them see that it is important for you also. Discipline them in God’s things. Don’t let society bend them against God but while they are still pliable bend them towards Him.

Proverbs 13:24, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves them carefully disciplines them.”

Schedule -– 147 Dreiser Loop 1st Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service, 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:309 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

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

Blessings in Christ ––Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality for all during the course of 20th Century American History. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the Lifeblood of the organization. We meet the fourth (4th) Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances.

NAACP Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. NAACP Co-op City Branch Youth and Economic Development Committees hosted Parents and Youth Intro to Financial Literacy, (pictured left) a joint educational literacy event led by Coach G (Gary Javier, Financial Advisor at Clarity Resources). Coach G shared expertise on managing finances through the lens of the acronym L.I.F.E. L.I.F.E stands for Liabilities, Income, Financial assets, and Expenses. Each component of this acronym played a pivotal role in the two-hour discussion with the youth. Throughout the event, the youth were engaged in discussions and participated in real-life examples and enthusiasm for managing their finances responsibly. The committees will continue to partner on the financial literacy series. Thanks to committee chairs Anika, Tremaine, Coach G and all participants, guests and member support. Well done!

Your Right to Vote: The NAACP remains committed to fighting back at the local, state, and national level while utilizing a combined effort of litigation and mobilization to ensure every Black American can cast their ballot in November! We are currently litigating seven other voting rights cases across the nation while working to educate, engage and mobilize millions of Black voters throughout the 2024 election cycle.

2nd NYS Conference Quarterly Meeting: Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hosted by Mid-Manhattan Branches.

NAACP 115th National Convention: July 13

Rivers Run Community Garden

We are still undergoing garden renovations and volunteers are needed. Please join us if you can. There is something magical in hands dirty and happy hearts.

Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, construction, and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Event Dates (All are welcome):

• Today – Members Meeting at 1 p.m.

• May 8 – Agatha House Food Giveaway, 12 p.m.

• May 12 – Nurturer’s Day Paint and Rejoice event.

• June 4 – 3rd Graders of PS 153 visit.

• Workdays are scheduled according to the weather. If it is nice, come on out!

Beginning May 1, 2024, Rivers Run is open:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays – 4 p.m. to Dusk

• Wednesdays & Fridays – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Saturdays & Sundays – 12 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982, or me at 718-671-3801. Mailing address for dues (checks only): 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475

—Gail Sharbaan

-July 17, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit: naacp.org/convention.

African American Day Parade: Sunday, September 15. More information forthcoming.

NAACP 88th New York State Conference Annual Convention: October 11-13. More information forthcoming.

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

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. April is our spring membership campaign. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult $30, & Youth $10, or Silver Life $750. Make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Coop City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message call the office phone at: 718-320-3210 oremail: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

Brenda Brown

RIMISAC

FAMILY HEALTH & PHYSICAL THERAPY

Care (PCP) • Need a new PCP?

• Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• Annual Physicals

• Wellness Visits

GYN

• Pap Smear / Screening

• Annual Wellness

• Female Doctor Physical Therapy

• One on One Care

• Manual / Hands on

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Chronic Pain

• Age related issues

• Stroke

•CHICKEN LEGS: $6

•CHICKEN WINGS: $12

•TURKEY WINGS SMALL: $21

•SPARE RIBS: $12

•PORK CHOPS: $12

•BEEF STEW: $24

•CHOP MEAT: $15

5LB DEALS!

•PEPPER STEAK: $40

•TRIPE HONEYCOMB: $25

•BEEF STEW: $40

•COW FEET: $15

•PORK CUTLETS: $30

•TURKEY WINGS SM.: $30

•OXTAIL: $50

•GOAT MEAT: $20

•GROUND CHUCK: $25

•GROUND SIRLOIN: $35

•CHICKEN THIGHS

SKINLESS BONELESS: $20

•PORK CHOPS BONE IN OR BONELESS: $20

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

General Membership Meeting – Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the Building 10 Association Room, located in the rear of Building 10B. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Joshua Blake, director of Janitorial Services for the Riverbay Corporation. All questions must be submitted by 7 p.m. on the date of the meeting. Paper and pens will be available. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served.

Summer Fun Day – Save the date: Summer Fun Day will be held on June 22 from 12-5 p.m. Location: intersection of Casals Place and Carver Loop. The frst 50 children will receive a free t-shirt beginning at 12 p.m. Sorry, parents, you cannot stand in line for them. Rain date is June 23. More details to follow.

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of Building 10 Association dues for 2024 began on March 1.

Building Association dues are $10 per apartment. We are still collecting building association dues. You can bring your dues to the Building 10 Association meeting or give to any executive board member. Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, such as fyers, meeting and party supplies and refreshments.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311.

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

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

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!

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

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

Have a wonderful week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Co-op City Toastmasters

Toastmasters Members on the Move

Top: Speechcrafter Coordinator Kathy Blount with Speechcrafters Eunice Crevas and Andrea Haye holding their certificates. Bottom: Speechcraft class.

Taylor Swift has Swifties and Toastmasters has Speechcrafters. The Co-op City Toastmasters Club recently hosted two, but separate, 4-week Speechcraft Workshops to introduce the community to Toastmasters. The purpose of Speechcraft is for participants who are non-members and wish to learn more about Toastmasters to experience how the program works. Toastmasters promotes and encourages individuals to speak without fear in front of small or large groups of people. During the speechcraft workshop, participants prepared effective speeches in a limited timeframe in contrast to speeches prepared during a regular Toastmasters meeting. It so happened that the attendees became Toastmaster members prior to the completion of the program except for two.

Toastmasters is a hands-on program that provides the “how-to” and practical experience in public speaking and communication. The beauty of Toastmasters is that it is cost effective, safe and a supportive atmosphere of camaraderie dedicated to each individual’s personal and professional development. There are seasoned mentors standing by to support these new members’ growth. Not only do you get to enhance your communication skills, but you could step into practicing leadership roles by becoming part of an executive team. The number one fear for over 40% of the population is glossophobia, the fear of public speaking. The Co-op City Toastmasters Club is the place to be. Congratulations to Speechcrafters Anette White, Eunice Cuevas, Andrea Haye, Gloriana Wilson and Nikeea Thomas.

CCTM Meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. The 1st of the month is on Zoom at 7:15 p.m. Meeting ID: 955 852 7325, Passcode: x4by9C. The third of the month is a hybrid meeting where we meet in person and on Zoom at 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. #5, Bx., N.Y.

Our Bronx Advanced Toastmasters Club (BAS) meets hybrid on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the same location and on Zoom at 884 7472 3518, passcode: 622869. BAS next meeting will be held on Tues., May 14, at 7 p.m. where they will have a guest speaker, Jacqueline McFarland. All are invited to attend.

Saturday, May 18th, District 46 Spring Conference – 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Speech contests, keynotes, workshops, food, fun. Please contact lauretta.jaysura.tm@ gmail.com for more information.

––Kathy Blount

Building 10 Assoc. Game Night, April 27

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

JASA FREE Tax Preparation 2024 – Income Limit: Single: $32,000; w/dependents: $60,000. 2049 Bartow Ave., back of JASA NORC Offce. Mon., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Must bring Social Security Card. Tax help will be available until May 20. Call 718-320-2066 for appointments.

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

Bartow OAC Trips – Stew Leonard’s: 5/8; BJ’S/ Shoprite: 5/23; Trader Joes: 5/29; Costco: 5/31. All of the above trips are $6. Walmart: 5/28, $12.

FREE: Bartow OAC Presents Older American Day Celebration – Wed., May 22, 12-2:30 p.m.

“Gala Gals & Women Pearls” w/Dazee Windley & Friends – Fri., May 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission, $7. Tickets on sale at the Bartow Center only. NORC Annual Health & Wellness Fair – Wed.,

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

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

Walk w/Odessa 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

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

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

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Dominoes w/José 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in the back of the JASA NORC Office Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

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

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

Word Games

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

Bingo on Saturdays

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

May 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium, 2nd foor. Sign-up for lunch in the Dreiser OAC, 718-320-1345.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., May 29. Call JASA NORC for an appointment, 718-3202066.

Bartow OAC trip – “Motown Show,” Windows on the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma, June 26, $150. Dreiser OAC Spirit of NY “White Party” Cruise – July 17. Tickets are $126. Payments can be made in three installments in Room 7.

Einstein OAC Holiday Hill Senior Day – Aug. 20, 8 a.m. Tickets $124. New pay arrangements: 1st payment, $62, due May 7; 2nd payment, $62, due June 7. Payments for trips accepted on Mon. & Fri., 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Einstein OAC.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s caregiving representative will be in the Bartow main offce every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For Alz-

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi

9 a.m.-10 a.m.

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

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

Ageless Facials & Self Care

1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Appointment only.

Never Too Old to Learn Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

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

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

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

Walk Club, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

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

Appointments only

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chit Chat, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

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

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

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

Let’s Get It on Zumba 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

heimer and Dementia consultation/ health care proxy & power of attorney consultation & other services.

Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC offce. Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Notary – JASA NORC Offce, Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for appointments. Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

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

Notary, Einstein OAC – Schedule appointments in Room 48, Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-6715161.

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

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

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

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

Seder Celebration 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Auditorium C

Walmart, 9-10 a.m.

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m. Staying Active & Independent for Life w/Gail, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Art w/Lovie – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Twice a month) Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 347-893-2966. Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300. Passcode: Dreiser23

Trip to a Live Taping of Kelly & Mark! 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Game Time - Jenga, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Aud. A

Crafts w/Ines & Julesa, 1:15-3 p.m. Su Casa Arts Program w/Gina, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Notary w/Emilia, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Drama Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Self Defense w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 (Twice a month)

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

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

Research Presentation on Dental Access for Older Adults w/ Alyanna Prasad, 12:45-1:45 p.m. Spanish Class w/Angelica, 1-2 p.m. (Twice a month)

SAIL - Staying Active and Independent for Life w/Gail, 1-2 p.m. Rm. 2

Game Time - Checkers 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Current Events 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Mother’s Day Celebration Auditorium, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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

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

LUNCH: KOSHER: S esame Orange Chicken, Vegetable LoMein, Prince Edward Blend Vegetables

NON KOSHER: Spanish Style Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Braised Collard Greens

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Roasted Turkey Breast, Baked Sweet Potato, Mixed Vegetables NON KOSHER: Caribbean Style BBQ Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef of Pot Roast w/ Roasted Potatoes & Tossed Salad w/Dressing, Orange NON KOSHER: Spanish Style Roast Pork, w/Black Beans, Rice, Braised Collard Greens, Banana

LUNCH: KOSHER: Chick Pea Curry Medley, Pearled Barley, Tossed Salad w/Dressing NON KOSHER: Chick Pea & Vegetables, Curry with Quinoa, Steamed Broccoli

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Chickpea Curry Medley w/ Pearled Barley & Cole Slaw, Banana NON KOSHER: Curried Chicken Legs, w/ Penne Pasta, Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: Breaded Fish Filet, Baked Potato, Carrot Salad. NON KOSHER: Fish w/ Mushrooms, Peppers, Tomatoes, Coconut Rice, Pigeon Peas, Normandy Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Breaded Fish Filet w/Baked Potato, Israel Salad, Apple NON KOSHER: Egg Salad w/Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera, Asian Style Cucumber Salad, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters, Potato Blintzes, Cole Slaw NON KOSHER: Curried Chicken Legs, Penne, Baby Carrots & Parsley

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: BBQ Chicken Legs w/Brown Rice, Steamed Carrots, Pears. NON KOSHER: Fish w/Mushrooms, Peppers and Tomatoes, w/ Coconut Rice and Pigeon Peas, Normandy Blend Vegetables, Banana

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until fnished: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Roasted Turkey Breast w/ Baked Sweet Potato, Steamed Mixed Vegetables, Apple NON KOSHER: Chickpea & Vegetable Curry w/Quinoa, Steamed Broccoli, Apple

Greetings, retirees and friends.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Welcome to the month of May, the gateway to summer. It is time to enjoy

Atlantic City Overnight Trip – Seats are still available for Tropicana Casino/Hotel, May 29-30. One night hotel stay and tribute to the “Jersey Boys and Girls” show; $295pp/double, $345pp/single; $15 bonus slot play & $25 food voucher. Payments are due now, ASAP. Bus pick-up at 9 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop-offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop.

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

Ace in the Hole – Wednesday, August 21. Lunch and a tribute show to Luther Vandross, Barry White, Isaac Hayes, and Teddy Pendergrass. A $50 deposit to reserve your seat or full payment of $140 is due now. Bus pick-up at 9:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop. Please contact Serita at (347)564-5722 for information regarding all trips.

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

With a sad heart we announce the passing of Josephine Betancourt, wife of Ray Betancourt. She was a faithful member for many years. We will miss her dearly.

Sight and Sound Daniel – Bethlehem, PA., Tue., May 7. Balcony (2-3 steps). Seats available, $195. Einstein Loop, 8:30 a.m.; Asch Loop, 9 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 9:15 a.m. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors, or Zelle to 347847-1941; CashApp to $StephenCarlSr. Covid vaccination required. Golden Corral before show.

Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration – Sat., May 11, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, 1-4 p.m., $40. Live Country Music by “Midnight Rodeo,” buffet, cocktail, vendors. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Discount Ticket Sale – Tue., May 14, Rm. 39, 135 Einstein Loop, 1 p.m.2 p.m. for The Motown Story, Sat., June 8, 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Price: $60, VIP $75 + tax. Motown impersonators, buffet included. 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

Bally’s Casino, A.C. – Thu., May 16; $65, $25 slot play. Call/text: 646579-1701.

Indoor Picnic – Fri., May 24, 1 p.m. in our club room 39. Members only. Bring covered-dish or $15 at door. Free for May birthday members.

Barbados Tour – Fri., May 31-Wed., June 5; $1,002.50pp double; $1,650 single. Call: 646-579-1701.

VillaRoma Resort – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Tue., June 11. Wait list. $125; $50 deposit. Balance: Mon., May 20.

Tribute to Whitney Houston – Tropicana Casino, A.C., Thu., June 27. Wait list. $150; $25 slot play; $20 food voucher. Deposit: $50. Balance: Wed., June 5.

LegoLand – Sat., June 29, Goshen, NY; $130 adults; $125pp 2 or more children. Call: 646-579-1701.

Virginia Beach – July 9-12. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Building 6 Association

Saturday, neighbors. I hope when you

This past week was a busy one with the association room being renovated with new LED light-

vits. I’d like to give a ginormous thank you to Mr. Tremaine O’Garro (pictured below) for servicing over 66 Co-op City residents with free notary services in the front lobby. It’s all about community.

gestures bring you priceless measures, just boomerang kindness not because, just because.

We have some really great events coming up so stay tuned weekly for more information from the association board. Tuesday, May 21, we have our monthly association meeting. The special guest speaker will be New York City Councilman Kevin C. Riley, Dreiser, Room 1, 7-9 p.m. If you have any questions you want to pose, please send in advance to President Lassiter, 347-366-7690, so ev-

at (201) 310-2972.

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

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

Happy Birthday – We wish all May celebrants an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

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

Good and Welfare – Please keep all of those who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 6716403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Thank you to everyone who attended our May 1, general membership meeting. Your continued support of our organization is appreciated. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. This will be our last meeting prior to our summer break. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Wind Creek Casino – Thu., July 18; $65, $25 slot play.

Resorts Casino AC – Thu., Aug. 8; $65, $10 slot play.

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT., Tue., Aug. 20. Wait list; $130; $50 deposit. Balance: Wed., July 17. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Sat., Aug. 31–Sat., Sept. 7. Call: 646-5791701.

Resorts Casino A.C. – Thu., Sep. 10; $65, $10 slot play.

Latin Day at Brownstone – Thu., Sep. 26; $145; $50 deposit. Balance: Wed., Aug. 28.

Las Vegas – Fri., Oct. 11-15. Call: 646-579-1701.

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

Notary – Yvonne Menefee. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Call: 718-379-9613.

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

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

Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate in May: Jacqueline RoyTwiggs, Dorothy Drayton, Emma Rumph, Linda Singleton, Bernice DeCarmo, Sonia Dixon, Edna Senior-Williams, Mary Pilla, Becky Reyes, Doris Bailey, Juliana Wattley-Epps, Jerry Ortiz, Geneva Lindsey, Carmen Crespo and Hattie Overman. Birthday cake at picnic, May 24.

Mary Pilla sends her love. Call her, (718) 753-1816.

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

Good health to all.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

eryone gets a chance to share their thoughts fairly. For all complaints, or to issue a compliment, please contact Ms. Centeno, 917-417-5709, as she is the chair of the grievance committee.

Building 6, we are always looking for volunteers for the youth buildings & grounds committee. We only have two more general association meetings before the summer break. If you, the shareholders, want a special guest speaker I implore you to suggest some. We are all shareholders who want to live amongst one another in harmony. This is our home, let’s act like so.

Voting starts for the Riverbay Board of Directors on 5/20-6/14. I highly suggest we all do our due diligence on vetting these candidates as best we can.

Until next time, I continue to pray for safety over all. God speed.

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

Lauren K. Lassiter

Goose Island Seniors

Happy

2024 Riverbay Board Election 2024 Riverbay Board Election

2024 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Wednesday, April 17

Monday, April 22

Saturday, May 4

Saturday, May 11

Saturday, May 18

Saturday, May 18

Monday, May 20

Wednesday, May 22

Saturday, May 25

Wednesday, May 29

Saturday, June 1

Saturday, June 8

Friday, June 14

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 20

Friday, June 21

Wednesday, June 26

2024 Board Election Schedule

Certification Date for Candidates

Candidates’ Orientation Meeting, Bartow, 8 p.m. (Virtual)

Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

First Election Forum, 3 p.m., In-person & broadcast live from Dreiser Audit.

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting begins

Second Election Forum, 7:00 p.m., Einstein Center, Rm. 45, In-person & recorded for rebroadcast on the Crawler

Re-publication of first Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Third Election Forum, 7:00 p.m., In-Person & Broadcast live, Bartow, Rm. 31

Re-publication of second Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Re-publication of third Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Election Period ends at 9 p.m. (If no quorum, see Extended Voting period)

Election Committee Public Meeting to Certify and Announce Final Count of Ballots (In-person & Live Broadcast, 7 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center)

Public & Electronic posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Deadline to file electronic Challenges (5 p.m.)

Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidates’ Statements appear on pages 24-29

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

BALLOTING

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot

Monday, May 20 –Friday, June 14, 2024.

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

To ensure the integrity of the election, ALL mail-in ballots must be returned DIRECTLY to YesElections in the stamped, pre-addressed envelope provided with your ballot. Under no circumstance should your election ballot be mailed back or delivered to Riverbay Corporation, or enclosed with your carrying charge payment. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Friday, June 14, 2024 Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 20, and ending at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024. Please follow the directions included with your ballot to cast your vote online.

Election Committee Notice – Ask the Candidates

There will be three official Candidates’ Forums in the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election. The Election Committee is accepting questions from shareholders to be asked at the forums. If you would like to ask a question at the May 18th forum, you may submit it by email to Riverbay2024Election@Riverbaycorp.com, or fill out an election question form at https://tinyurl.com/ycy7e4rd and either submit it electronically

Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

or print and submit it to CSO by the close of business on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The submission must include your name and building, along with the question and which candidate/s the question is directed to.

The three Candidates’ Forums will take place on: Sat., May 18, 3 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium; Wed., May 22, 7:30 p.m., Einstein, Rm. 45; and Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center.

Extended Voting Schedule

Friday, June 14, 1024 Continue election (as of 9:01 p.m.)

Friday, June 28, 2024 Election period ends at 9 p.m.

Monday, July 8, 2024 Election Committee Review and Certify Final Count of Ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.)

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 Public and Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Wed., July 10, 2024 Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election, 5 p.m.

Wed., July 17, 2024 Swearing in of Elected Board Members, Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 28, 2024 Continue election (as of 9:01 p.m.)

Friday, July 12, 2024 Election period ends at 9 p.m.

Wed., July 17, 2024 Election Committee Review and Certify Final Count of Ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.)

Thurs., July 18, 2024 Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Friday, July 19, 2024 Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election, 5 p.m.

Wed., July 24, 2024 Swearing in of Elected Board Members, Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.

Jacqueline Smith

I remember it like it was yesterday, a wide eye little girl who touched down from the South Bronx. The year was 1971 and the surrounding area called Section 5 had a lot of empty lots with some completed co-op apartments. My new playground was a huge mound of dirt, milk machines in the building basements and a grocery store inside Garage 7. Right in front of my eyes, a neighborhood was developing. What memories!

With that vision in my head, a deep love for Co-op City; I’m ready to serve. My name is Jacqueline Smith, I am running as a candidate for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors.

Through the years, I have served on several Riverbay committees and always felt a sense of community pride. During my committee experience, I had the opportunity to observe cooperators come together to formulate solutions to situations that, left unchallenged, would severely devastate our community. Through unity, being stronger together, those committees yielded fruitful, successful results. Wow, what Riverbay used to be doesn’t have to be a memory!

Vote for my team, Community First Team.

Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery & Kyshawn White.

Unifed we are Stronger Together when we put Community First!

My Goals As A Riverbay Board Director

Reinstated Co-op City’s Community Relations Committee

Implement CCPD Community Policing

Enhanced Dog Policy

Accomplishments

Legislative Committee – Improved dialogue with elected offcials

MTA Ad-Hoc Committee – Fighting for Co-op City bus routes

Best & Brightest Committee – Saluting Co-op City students’ academic excellence

2017 Co-op City Election Committee

NYC Union Delegate

Finance Chairperson for – Non-for-Proft

Co-op City Toastmasters International

National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Section

MSW, Fordham School of Social Work

Hunter Graduate School of Social Work - Management Development Program

Bellevue Hospital Center – Certifed: Think Trauma Trainer

Mary Pearson

Hi neighbor. I’m Mary Pearson. Musician. Writer. Activist.

I’ve lived in beautiful Section 5 since August 1994.

Here’s some of what I’ve done in those 30 years.

I brought the kids my Christmas play, produced some concerts, and then after September 11th – lots more, mostly free.

I’ve marched with the community to protect Women’s rights, voting rights, Black rights. And I created and I administer Indivisible Coop City on Facebook.

I’ve been a Riverbay Board director on and off since 2018 for about 4 1/2 years altogether and I’ve written hundreds of viewpoints and articles.

I fought the Monopole, protected our post offce, gave away a thousand mask frames so we could breathe a little easier during the pandemic, and spent 13 months getting the Section 5 express bus stop back where it belongs.

Got the hedge by the Bartow Administration Offces trimmed so people knew where to Early Vote. Pulled together hundreds of fyers so folks could fnd their ever-moving poll sites. Mounted Candidates’ Forums. And acquainted people with Ranked Choice Voting.

I point out trip hazards for repair and got our Bldg. 33 porters a repaved, safer pathway to the dumpster.

Along the Building 27 and 33 pathway, I got one bench raised and another installed, and got damaged stone work removed and two trees planted.

We’re still waiting for the brush to get cleared away along Section 5’s Waterside Walkway, but we’ve got the Waterview Park to enjoy while we wait.

And the big thing: rallying neighbors and pressuring our elected offcials to make the MTA and the DOT help us, not harm us with their enormous projects.

That’s what I do.

That’s what we’ll do.

Vote for the Impact Team: Andrea Leslie, Bernie Cylich, Ezekiel Springer, Sheila Richburg, Kevin Foggie, and me, Mary Pearson.

Thank you.

Jacqueline Smith

Mary Pearson

Aaron Carnegie

As a lifelong resident of Co-op City, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Riverbay Board of Directors. I believe that now, more than ever, we need fresh perspectives, transparency, and innovative ideas to ensure our community thrives.

Being born and raised in Section 5 then becoming a Building Association president, has given me a deep understanding of our community’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations.

One pressing concern that I am deeply committed to addressing is the issue of increasing carrying charges. Year after year, many of us feel the burden of rising costs, impacting our this trend.

Additionally, I strongly believe in exploring alternative sources of income for Riverbay. Diversifying our revenue streams can help alleviate the pressure through sustainable initiatives, community partnerships, or innovative projects,

Transparency is key to building trust and fostering open communication among shareholders and the board. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that important decisions are made with transparency, accountability, and input from the community. Our voices matter, and they should be heard in the decision-making process.

I understand the responsibility that comes with serving on the Board of Directors. It requires dedication, collaboration, and a genuine desire to serve with the best interests of our community. If given the opportunity, I will bring a fresh perspective, a proactive approach, and a commitment to fostering a stronger, more resilient Co-op City.

I invite you to support my candidacy and join me in shaping a brighter future for our community. Together, we can create positive change and ensure that Co-op City remains a place we are proud to call home.

Thank you for your consideration

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Dear community of shareholders,

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Riverbay Board of Directors seat. I have been a proud resident of this beautiful community for over 24 years and raised my daughter here. I previously ran for the Board during the 2023 election, but unfortunately, the extension expired and the Board voted not to grant another. This unprecedented decision left many shareholders, including myself, feeling frustrated, disenfranchised, excluded from the decision-making process, and disempowered.

During last year’s election cycle, I was an active community participant. I met with shareholders and listened to their questions, concerns, and cries of outrage regarding deteriorating building conditions, false promises, safety concerns, high maintenance increases, and a disappointing election outcome. As a candidate, I remain committed to addressing these issues and ensuring that all shareholders are adequately represented in the decision-making process.

I was motivated by the unexpected election results last year to learn more about the rules and regulations that govern our community. So, I attended several meetings and workshops to improve my skills and knowledge, essential for representing this community. With over thirty years of experience in the education and business sectors, I have specialized insight that can help the Board, particularly regarding governance.

My background in education and business has honed my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential for analyzing complex issues and making informed decisions. I have also learned the importance of collaboration and effective communication, which are vital for building consensus among board members and representing our community’s best interests. Moreover, I properly. I am committed to preserving Co-op City’s affordability, integrity, and safety. Voting for me and the “Community First” team means voting for individuals dedicated to strengthening our community.

Aaron Carnegie

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Bernard Cylich

The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx is $1,900.

Average carrying charge for one-bedroom in Co-op City, including gas, electricity, and A/C is $895.55

Over the last eight years, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) went up by 28% while Co-op City’s average carrying charges went up by 17%.

Our budget payroll was trimmed by 20%, from a staff of 1,010 to 948.

Sale of excess electricity earned Riverbay over $8 Million last year, double the previous year.

New York City Police Department rates Coop City with the lowest crime in the Bronx.

The Impact Team is dedicated to continue that trajectory.

However, the uncontrolled gouging of gas/oil prices and insurance premiums threatens our best efforts to maintain quality of life and keep our co-op affordable.

In June 2022, gas prices spiked and unleashed nationwide hyperinfation, driving our gas cost up by $18 Million, forcing the Board to implement a 7.5% carrying charge increase in January 2023.

Despite a $1 Million deductible, and losses rarely greater than our deductible, our insurance premiums have been increasing annually by double digits. In the last 4 years, our premiums rose by 400%. According to our insurance brokers, there is little hope of any future relief.

These are national problems. Co-op City alone cannot overcome the deep-pocketed fossil fuel industries prices, nor challenge the insurance companies’ premiums. As Frederick Douglas taught us, “Power will not concede without struggle.”

I have suggested we initiate a city-wide meeting with representatives of housing cooperatives, along with elected offcials, and brainstorm a united strategy and establish an organization to pursue the strategy .

Happy Passover.

Elect the Impact Team: Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Sheila Richburg, Kevin Foggie, Ezekiel Springer Jr. and myself, Bernard Cylich.

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Like living in Co-op City? I’m Ezekiel Springer Jr. I love my apartment’s views, my building’s cleanliness, the bike paths, Section 5’s Greenway, and the sense of community. To preserve this, I’m running in the 2024 Riverbay Board elections.

Since 2005, I’ve called Section 5 home. My dad and sister moved here in the 90’s. My nephew works for CCPD. Co-op City’s in my blood. Speaking of CCPD. Did you know Co-op City is one of the safest communities in NYC? I plan to keep it that way by ensuring CCPD gets the manpower and equipment they need.

As secretary, now president, of the Building 32 Association, I’ve submitted articles to CCTimes informing cooperators about events, meetings, raffes; scheduled guest speakers like Board directors, Management, Public Safety, Councilman Kevin Riley and Congressman Jamaal Bowman. I’ve scheduled holiday lobby decoration, volunteered for Fun Day, and collected Association fees. Through it all, I’ve met like-minded residents wanting their concerns heard and someone to act on them. With your vote, I can serve as a strong voice for us, the shareholders.

My top priority: Keeping Co-op City affordable. You shouldn’t have to worry if your pension or SSI check is enough. I’ll stand against privatization and HCR’s unexplained rate increases. That’s why I’ve joined forces with the Impact Team. Vote for Sheila Richburg, Kevin Foggie and me, Ezekiel Springer Jr. Also, re-elect Impact members, Mary Pearson, Andrea Leslie, and Bernard Cylich.

Tired of sitting on Co-op City’s sidelines? I’m sure you are. Then get out here and vote! Consider casting your ballot for the entire Impact Team. Together, we will halt the death knell of privatization and rate hikes pricing us out of our community.

Bernard Cylich

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Corazon Fernandez

I hope this article fnds my community in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today deeply concerned about the future of Co-op City. Specifcally, the detrimental effects of high maintenance on our moderate-middle income families. Perhaps, some at Riverbay Corporation think our maintenance is not high enough in comparison to other areas in the Bronx? For the past 1015 years, Co-op City residents have been paying more and get less. Where’s our garage attendants? Where’s the lobby attendants? Too many vital service interruptions like cooking gas cutoffs, electricity shuts downs, hot water turned offs and ongoing air conditioning troubles.

Also, why do we have to wait so long on the phone for Riverbay services and so darn long to get repairs made in our homes? Skyrocketing Co-op City maintenance hikes; we fnd ourselves in a constant struggle to make ends meet. The excessive maintenance, another one set for July 2024, means less disposable income for your other essential expenses.

The impact of high maintenance on Co-op City residents is far-reaching, deeply concerning.

Residents shouldn’t have to be living in constant fear and anxiety of unchecked maintenance increases. I believe, we can stop this trend with a new Riverbay Board of Directors. It’s high time we recognize we have a choice to relentless increases and diminished services. Vote! Vote for: Corazon Fernandez.

Take action to slow down these runaway maintenance increases. Vote, for a new direction, new leadership, new ideas. Vote for a new Co-op City Board that values and respects its elderly population, working families and young adults looking to be part of a renewed Co-op City living in affordability, security, and peace of mind.

Fill out your ballot May 20th! Vote for: Corazon Fernandez

Greetings to you with a deep sense of commitment to our Co-op City community. I humbly seek your support and vote to become Riverbay Board director. I come to you with a strong track record of leadership here in Coop City. I serve as the president of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Co-op City Section, and as your Riverbay Fund director. I bring forth my 12-year history of dedication and experience to the values that bind us as a community.

Throughout my tenure, I have prioritized organizational values that promote community service, education and empowerment. These values are not just words but principles that guide every decision and action I take. I frmly believe that in order to thrive collectively, we must ensure that every individual is valued, heard and included. I also serve as a proud member of the AA Association, membership director of the CTSAH and member of my Building Association, keeping my fnger on the pulse of our community.

Public safety is a fundamental right for every resident here in Co-op City. As someone deeply invested in community well-being, if elected I will advocate for enhanced public safety collaborations to meet our vital safety needs. Furthermore, my commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. I subscribe to open communication and accountability as the cornerstones of effective governance. If elected, I will ensure that decisions are made with the utmost transparency and that the voices of our community are heard and incorporated into the decision-making process.

I will ask the hard questions, advocate to maintain affordable housing and collectively work to foster improved quality of service for cooperators.

Please vote for me, Sheila Richburg, to serve as Riverbay Board director along with the Impact Team:

Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer and Kevin Foggie.

Thank you.

Sheila Richburg

Corazon Fernandez

Sheila Richburg

Kyshawn White

In the dynamic landscape of the Co-op City community, adapting policies to meet evolving needs is paramount. Central to this initiative is the exploration of revenue streams where cooperators are not burdened, along with bolstering support for community policing.

I advocate for a strategic exploration of revenue streams that is not dependent on increases in carrying charges but created through private and public partnerships, is imperative for sustainable community development. By diversifying income sources, our community can mitigate fnancial risks and fund essential services without burdening shareholders. This endeavor aligns with the overarching goal of responsible management, ensuring fscal prudence while enhancing quality of life.

Central to the ethos of responsible governance is the commitment to ongoing budget reviews and transparency. Regular assessments enable prudent fnancial management and foster trust among shareholders, ensuring alignment with community priorities.

In tandem with fnancial initiatives, supporting Public Safety initiatives fosters trust and collaboration between Co-op City Public Safety and residents. Strengthening community public safety efforts not only enhances safety but also cultivates a sense of belonging and ownership among cooperators. By investing in proactive measures, Co-op City can preemptively address emerging threats and safeguard residents’ well-being.

Additionally, I want to underscore the need for robust oversight to enhance accountability and transparency. Managing Agent oversight ensures that decisions are made judiciously, refecting the collective interests of shareholders while upholding ethical standards.

Lastly, reinstating the Community Relations Committee facilitates constructive dialogue and engagement, promoting inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs.

In conclusion, the proposal advocating for an abstract irregular shape in policy reform embodies a multifaceted approach towards community enhancement. By prioritizing inclusivity, fscal responsibility, accountability, and safety, communities can thrive and evolve in line with changing dynamics and aspirations.

Kevin Foggie

Dear members,

I am honored to present myself as a candidate for Board of Directors. With over fve decades of residency within this community, I share a deep understanding of the needs, the challenges and desires we face for the optimal quality of life that we expect as shareholders. My commitment is clear: to be an advocate for the shareholders, demanding accountability and ensuring responsibility of the Management and its employees, who are fnancially compensated for their duties.

I frmly believe in the power of unity paralleled with transparent communication. If I am elected, I pledge to ensure that your voices are heard and that the decisions made by the Board truly refect the needs of our community, apart from any personal agendas. I am confdent that together, we can do better and will accomplish the objectives that we set.

My name is Kevin Foggie, and I have resided here in Co-op City since 1971. I have attended the schools here in Co-op City, and together with my wife, we have nurtured three beautiful children, each of them currently making their positive contribution to society.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of serving you on the Board of Directors.

Elect the Impact Team: Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Sheila Richburg and myself, Kevin Foggie.

Kyshawn White

Kevin Foggie

Leah Graham

Dear cooperators and friends,

I am Leah Graham, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Riverbay Board of Directors election. Having been a resident of Co-op City for 24 years and actively serving as a building president, I am deeply connected to our community’s needs.

As a former Riverbay Board director with six years of experience, I understand the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. I am with the Community First Team and if elected, I will ensure that your voices are heard and valued.

During my previous tenure, I facilitated initiatives such as televising board meetings and transitioning high-interest-only mortgage loans to low-interest fxed-rate loans, contributing to Co-op City’s fscal stability.

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Leadership and over 20 years’ experience as a Program Analyst, I bring a wealth of knowledge in management, accounting, budgeting, and project management. My certifcations in property management, and contracts management and as an instructor will add value in the Board room.

If elected, my priorities include ongoing budget reviews, spending controls, improved security measures, Board accountability, boosting voter turnout, and evaluating the quality of our managing agent’s services and communication with shareholders.

I am deeply committed to serving our community and bringing about positive change. Your trust and support mean everything to me, and I am eager to work collaboratively to make Co-op City an even better place for us all.

Make your vote count. Starting May 20th, elect me and my Community First team. We will always respect your vote and serve this community with integrity and transparency.

Thank you for considering me as your candidate. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference in our community.

Andrea Leslie

As an elected Riverbay Board director, I am proud of major accomplishments made during the past few years that have improved the quality of life for cooperators: Installed E-Z pass like entry and exit to our 8 garages; installed 65 ADA compliant hi-rise front lobby door entrances; replaced 160 faulty elevators with state-of-the-art ones.

In addition, our staff has constructed a Section 5 Hutchinson Riverfront park allowing cooperators to enjoy a close-up view of the river and beyond.

These projects as well as the fve year of required facade work on all our 35 hi-rise buildings were fnanced not from any Federal, State nor New York City monies but from Riverbay funds – 97% provided by cooperators’ carrying charges.

Our power plant that provides us with heat, hot water and A/C also generates suffcient electricity for all our needs and excess power which earned Riverbay $8 million last year.

Despite these major expenses, including maintaining our increasing operating costs, our carrying charges increases have been below the Consumer Price Index during this period.

In comparison to private median monthly rental cost of a one-bedroom in the Bronx of $1,900, the current average carrying charge, before the imposed increase by our state supervising agency, HCR, is $895 for a one-bedroom including gas, electricity, and A/C.

That is why I claim that we are the best deal in town with a waiting list of over 6,000.

If re-elected, I commit to work to continue these positive trajectories.

I ask that you vote for the Impact Team.

Re-elect Bernard Cylich, Mary Pearson, and myself, Andrea Leslie, and elect Sheila Richburg, Ezekiel Springer Jr., and Kevin Foggie – the Impact Team. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Leah Graham

Andrea Leslie

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE RIVERBAY CORPORATION’S 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

A. GENERAL RULES

1. The Election Committee of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter, the “Election Committee” or “Committee”) shall be established during the month of January of each calendar year, or as soon thereafter as feasible.

2. The election of Directors of Riverbay Corporation will commence on Monday, May 20th, at 6:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, 2024 (hereafter “Election Day”). If an offcial mail in ballot is received before May 20th, 2024 it shall not be disqualifed based on timeliness and, if otherwise valid, shall be counted. The Election Committee reserves the right to extend voting hours. The Annual Shareholders Meeting will occur virtually and if possible, in person, on Monday, May 20th, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

3. The election will be for at least fve residents to serve on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation, and as many as may be needed to fll any expired terms.

4. The election shall be supervised by the Election Committee.

(a) The Chairperson(s) of the Committee, (hereinafter “Chairperson/s”) shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter “Board”), who is not a candidate in the election. The Chairperson/s shall be appointed by the President of the Board (the “President”), and approved by the Board.

(b) The Chairperson/s shall recommend to the President the appointment of such additional residents as the Chair/s deem prudent for membership on the Election Committee.

All members shall be resident shareholders, appointed by the President and approved by the Board.

(c) The Committee shall be assisted by Riverbay’s General Counsel.

(d) No member of the Committee or their immediate family shall in any way engage in any campaigning either for or against a candidate or slate of candidates. Committee members shall, to the extent reasonably possible, refrain from publicly commenting upon any issue in the campaign and shall not engage in any activity that may create the appearance of partiality.

The Chairperson/s of the Committee shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period commencing one week prior to the Date of Certifcation and continuing through the date of the election, including any extended period.

(e) A member of the Committee who violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4)(d) or whose family member violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4)(d) shall immediately be removed from the Committee.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting a member of the Committee or a member of his/her immediate family from voting.

5. There will be one vote per occupied unit by residents who were shareholders of record on April 1st, 2024 Quorum shall be determined based upon one share per occupied unit and not based upon a percentage of dwelling units.

6. Voting, by mail or electronically, shall be deemed to be “in-person” and will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th, 2024 and conclude at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, 2024, unless extended in accordance with these Rules. If an offcial mail-in ballot issued by Riverbay is received before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th, 2024 it shall not be disqualifed based on timeliness and shall be counted if otherwise valid.

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate’s stock certifcate, occupancy agreement, and the current Occupants Annual Affdavit of Family Income.

Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of offce in order to serve as a Director.

2. No more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may be a candidate for the Board; and no more

Adopted March 26th, 2024

than one resident shareholder from a single unit may concurrently serve as a Director.

3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certifed or on the date votes are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on any of those days, the candidate will be disqualifed. In addition, all candidates must remain current throughout the election period for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to Riverbay until the candidate is sworn in if elected. A candidate shall not be indebted to Riverbay for purposes of this rule if their monthly carrying charges and maintenance are fully paid by the 10th day of the month in which it is due. At the close of business one day prior to the certifcation of candidates and weekly thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any.

4. Prospective candidates may, after signing the required authorizations for background checks and upon verifcation that they are current on their indebtedness to Riverbay, be certifed as candidates for election to the Board if they:

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their fnancial obligations to the Corporation,

• do not hold a political party position or public offce subject to the New York State Election Law,

• have not been convicted of a crime against the Corporation,

• have not been removed from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, or from employment with the Corporation for cause; and

• are otherwise in compliance with the requirements and qualifcations of the Corporation’s by-laws, governing documents and their occupancy agreement.

(a) Prospective candidates shall sign and complete a Statement of Intent in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and submit the executed Statement of Intent to the Election Committee by email, addressed to Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024. In the event that the prospective candidate lacks access to email, then the prospective candidate shall return the completed Statement of Intent to the Public Safety Department, attention Riverbay 2024 Election Committee. On the following business day, the fnancial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated.

(b) A candidate who is current on a written arrearage agreement shall be considered current on charges to Riverbay if such candidate is not otherwise indebted to Riverbay.

(c) In addition to the Statement of Intent, prospective candidates must also execute and return with the Statement a document acknowledging the candidate’s receipt of the Rules, the candidate’s agreement to abide by the Rules, and an authorization to perform a background check of the candidate by the Riverbay Legal Department.

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

1. The Committee will verify a prospective candidate’s eligibility as valid or reject them as invalid by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. Notice of the Committee’s certifcation will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.

2. The Committee shall hold a virtual briefng on the Rules for all candidates or their designees on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

3. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at each candidates’ forum. Candidate names on the ballot will automatically rotate. The name of each candidate on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and

signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known.

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

1. Except as provided in Rule E (3), no audio and/ or video equipment, other than personal electronic devices, may be used at Election Forums, outdoors in Co-op City, or in building lobbies, elevators, or common areas, by candidates or by those campaigning for candidates in connection with the election.

2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Coop City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. This specifcally includes, but is not limited to, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, garages, vehicles, commercial stores located on Riverbay property, and common areas.

(a) Residents, employees, candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted non-electronic campaign material, as a service to Co-op City, and the Committee will cause a notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times

(b) Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, social media platform (eg. Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) or similar electronic forum, under the Candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive, or constitutes a personal attack on another candidate. Examples of a personal attack include, but are not limited to, comments upon a candidate’s physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, gender, race, mental state, mental capacity, or false assertions of criminal acts. In addition, Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, disassociate themselves from, and request that any third-party or third-party website, account on a social media platform, or similar electronic forum, cease and desist from the publication of any emails, materials or posting relating to the election or any candidate for election, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive or constitutes a personal attack on a candidate.

(

c) Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee.

(d) Candidates and/or their supporters shall not use robo-calling or similar systems to contact shareholders for campaigning or election related purposes.

3. Except for the material prepared and published by Riverbay as described herein, all campaign material used, posted, transmitted or distributed by or for a candidate must include the name, address, or post offce box of the person or organization who issued such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and campaign handouts are permitted.

5. The unauthorized use of the Riverbay logo in any form is prohibited for use in or on campaign materials.

6. No member of the Election Committee, the Board, or any of Riverbay’s employees, management staff, or contractors, can participate in, or receive any prize(s) or award approved by the Board during the election period for the purpose of increasing shareholder participation in the election.

7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riv- (Continued on page 31)

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 30)

erbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election.

8. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board. Directors of a corporation act in a fduciary capacity with respect to the corporation and are required to place the corporation’s interest above their personal interests.

Accepting campaign contributions from parties who contract with the corporation creates at least an appearance of a confict of interest and, in most circumstances, an actual confict as well. Any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from Riverbay, including but not limited to the managing agent, or any vendor, union, commercial tenant, professional or contractor, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, will be disqualifed.

9. No campaigning shall commence until after prospective candidates have been certifed. This includes, but is not limited to distribution of campaign materials, canvassing, public meetings, etc. Any campaigning occuring prior to certifcation will lead to disqualifcation from the election.

E. USE OF CO-OP CITY FACILITIES FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

1. There shall be three offcial candidates’ forums conducted in person, if possible, and virtually. The frst forum shall take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. The second forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Einstein Auditorium. The third forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Room 31 at Bartow.

(a) The Committee shall televise the forums over Riverbay’s public access channel and re-broadcast them on the web throughout the election period using Riverbay’s Webex account. The transmission by Riverbay of any statement made by any person at the forum shall not be an endorsement of any such comment or statement by Riverbay and Riverbay shall not be responsible for, nor shall it indemnify, any person or candidate who makes any false or defamatory statement.

(b) All certifed candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee. If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson(s) with the reason for nonparticipation, the Chairperson(s), with the permission of the candidate, may take such reasonable accommodations as may be required to enable the candidate to participate, or alternatively announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience.

(c) The Committee shall establish rules and procedures for the civil conduct of all forums, including the establishment of time limits for questions and answers, the limiting of participation, the editing of statements, and the muting, either visual or auditory, or both, of individuals, including candidates, who, in the opinion of the Chairperson, are disruptive to the orderly conduct of the virtual forum or who engage in personal or malicious attacks, or who make defamatory statements.

2. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the election is prohibited.

3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one

time, or for campaign rallies or activities, except as provided herein.

4. At no cost, Riverbay will publish pictures of each candidate and up to three (3) different narrative statements or articles by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, May 4th, 2024 issue. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates’ articles will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right to delete any material which in its exclusive opinion contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact.

(a) In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a ¼ page campaign ad by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, May 4th, 2024 issue. The same ad will be used in each of the issues and will appear opposite each candidate’s article for that week. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All ad copy will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right not to publish, or to delete any material, which in its opinion constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact.

(b) Starting on the day candidates are certifed and continuing during the period of the campaign, board members who are not running for election shall be free to write Viewpoints of a “non-political” nature, except that a board member may endorse candidates in one viewpoint only. It shall not be deemed to be “political” for a non-candidate Board member to describe the activities and achievements of the Board as a whole, including the activities of any incumbent candidates. In the event Board members wish to publish a joint Viewpoint, they may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board.

(c) Management shall not endorse any candidate or slate of candidates.

However, information of a non-political nature, for example, relating to the operation, management, fnances or maintenance of the property, or to an emergency may be published by Management during this period of time.

(d) In the event that an article appears in a print or electronic publication other than the Riverbay sponsored publication, which is currently titled the “Co-op City Times,” in which the actions of the Board as a whole, or of an individual Board member are challenged, the Board, or the individual Board member who is challenged, shall have the right to respond in the Co-op City Times to such challenge, without regard to whether the Board member is a candidate in the election and without regard to the political nature of the comment. Any such response shall be limited to the subject matter of the challenge.

(e) Similarly, a candidate who is not a Board member may respond to a challenge directed at the conduct or action(s) of that individual candidate.

5. Campaign ads other than those provided by Riverbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times, subject to Paragraph D(3), but must be paid in full by money order or certifed check at least 48 hours before the normal deadline of an issue. The Committee will review all paid campaign ads prior to publication and reserves the right to reject any copy which, in its sole judgment, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or a material misstatement of fact.

6. (a) The election of directors to the Board is a right of residents of Co-op City.

Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity that raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees’ work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that may

be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees to infuence the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be an abuse of an employee position include soliciting donations for candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position.

(b) Candidates who encourage, accept, or knowingly beneft from such prohibited participation are subject to disqualifcation by the Committee.

(c) This policy does not affect employees’ right to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities.

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

1. Voting will be by mail and by online, electronic ballots. The form and content of the ballot shall be approved by the Election Committee.

2. In accordance with Riverbay’s by-laws, only one vote per occupied residential unit, cast by a resident shareholder of record residing in said unit, shall be counted.

3. All ballots, including electronic ballots, must be cast by an eligible, residential shareholder of record, and verifed by such means as the Election Committee determines to be reasonable, in its sole discretion.

4. Any eligible, resident shareholder of record residing in an occupied unit may vote, but only one ballot may be cast by a unit, regardless of the number of shareholders of record residing within said unit.

5. Mailing, tabulation, collection, processing, initial counting and preservation of election ballots shall be conducted by an independent, third-party company, selected by the Board pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements. A copy of any such contract, as well as the name and address of any such independent third-party, shall be published in the Co-op City Times

6. One ballot will be mailed by the independent third-party on or about May 20th, 2024 to each residential unit occupied by one or more eligible residential shareholders of record at the address set forth for said shareholder(s) of record on Riverbay’s books and records as of April 1st, 2024.

7. In the event that more than one ballot is received from a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the frst electronically recorded ballot, shall be counted. All other ballots received from said unit shall be disregarded, but preserved until fve (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed.

8. Unless the voting period is extended or modifed by the Board of Directors and/or the Election Committee, any mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than June 14th, 2024. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no later than 9:00 p.m. on June 14th, 2024.

In the event that the voting period is extended or modifed by the Election Committee for purposes of obtaining a quorum, the Election Committee may count any valid ballot cast by a shareholder eligible to vote during the modifed period, electronically or by mail without regard to the postmarked date.

9. All ballots received, including disqualifed ballots, shall be preserved until the time to challenge the election has lapsed.

10. The initial count, as recorded by the third-party independent company, shall be provided to the Election Committee no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024. The initial count shall set forth the total number of ballots cast, the total number of votes received by each candidate, the total number of votes cast for each candidate by building, the number of votes disqualifed and the basis therefore, and the total number of ballots required for a quorum.

11. The Election Committee shall, in an open, public meeting to be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, certify the fnal count of the election ballots.

12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board (Continued on page 32)

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 31)

that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total number of votes disqualifed, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, and the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows:

(a) The fve candidates who have received the highest number of votes will be certifed to the Board as having been elected to full three-year terms.

(b) The candidate receiving the sixth highest vote shall be certifed as having been elected to a vacant Board seat, if any, which will have the longest unexpired term.

(c) The Committee shall continue the certifcation of candidates by certifying the candidate with the next highest vote for each vacancy by the longest unexpired terms, if necessary, until all vacant seats on the Board are flled.

13. Unless an extended schedule is in effect, the Election Committee shall cause the offcial Certifcation of the Election to be publicly posted by 10:00 a.m. on June 20th, 2024 or if the Certifcation has not yet been completed, as soon thereafter as possible after the conclusion of the Election Certifcation Meeting. Posting may be by electronic means.

14. If a quorum is not reached, the Committee may extend the voting period for two weeks at a time, up to an additional twenty eight (28) days, or implement an extended voting schedule, during which time shareholders eligible to vote in the election who received a ballot but did not cast a vote, shall be allowed to cast their ballot. If a quorum is not reached at the end of the extended voting period, the Board may, in its discretion, either extend the voting period for an additional extended voting period, schedule a new election, or cancel the election. Until such time as a quorum is obtained and a valid election conducted, existing Directors shall continue to hold their offce.

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

1. The Committee may recommend the disqualifcation of a candidate for violation of these rules, or impose an administrative charge, not to exceed $300.00 per violation, on any candidate that it determines has violated, caused or knowingly permitted others to violate these Rules. The Committee may do so on its own initiative, or upon the complaint of another candidate or resident. However, the Committee is under no obligation to initiate a proceeding under this Section, or Section H, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, believes it to be appropriate.

2. No candidate may be disqualifed for election to the Board unless the Committee has provided the candidate with notice of its intention to consider the candidate’s disqualifcation for election, and conducted a hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section H below.

3. The Committee may impose an administrative charge, without conducting a formal hearing in accordance with Section H, if the Committee has provided the candidate with notice that it may impose such a fee, the reason the Committee is considering imposing a fee, and an opportunity for the candidate to appear before the Committee to contest the imposition of an administrative fee.

4. Notifcation of the Election Committee’s decision to impose an administrative fee will be delivered both electronically and personally to the candidate at the email address and street address provided by the candidate to the Election Committee.

5. Upon delivery of the notifcation of a fne, the candidate is indebted to Riverbay and payment is due on the third business day following personal delivery of the notice. Failure to pay shall render the candidate ineligible for election.

6. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee to impose an administrative charge, and may, within three (3) days of delivery of said determination to the candidate, request a review of such determination by the Board. The Board, in its discretion, may affrm, modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, without explanation, to review the Commit-

tee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee.

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

1. Any aggrieved resident or aggrieved candidate may challenge the certifcation of a candidate for election, or the results of the election, or the election of any one candidate, based upon election irregularities or the failure of a candidate to meet required qualifcations, by notifying the Chairperson/s of the challenge, by an email addressed to Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com.

2. The challenge must be in writing. Such a written challenge must specifcally set forth the reason and the factual basis for the challenge. Any challenge by the Committee shall be on written electronic notice to the candidate, or candidates impacted by the challenge, delivered to the candidate/s by email and personally at the addresses provided by the Candidate when they are certifed.

3. A written challenge by a candidate or shareholder eligible to vote in the election must be delivered electronically to Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21st, 2024. The written challenge shall state the factual or legal basis for the challenge. Failure to fle a timely electronic challenge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21st, 2024, shall preclude consideration of the challenge by the Committee. In the event a quorum was not obtained by the June 14th, 2024 close of the Election Period, the time to fle an objection to the Election shall be extended until one (1) business day after the Election has been certifed, to 5:00 p.m. on said day.

4. Should the Committee fnd the challenge to be without merit, it may dispense with a hearing and reject the challenge in writing.

5. If, after reviewing the challenge, the Committee determines that the challenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certifcation of any candidate or candidates, or the results of the election, the Committee may hold a formal hearing, virtually or in-person at the discretion of the Committee, to review the challenge.

6. All hearings under this Section H shall be scheduled upon prior notice to the challenger and to the candidate(s) whose qualifcations, certifcations, or election are being challenged.

7. The hearing shall commence no later than fve (5) business days after the Committee’s receipt of the challenge. The Chairperson may request that a member of the Committee recuse him/herself from the hearing if such committee member has a confict of interest.

8. Upon notice of a formal hearing by the Committee, the challenger or candidate whose certifcation is being challenged may submit electronic affdavits to the Chairperson/s, setting forth the charges and facts upon which the challenge is based. Such affdavits and supporting documents shall also be delivered by the challenging party, to the opposing party’s email address, at least one day before the scheduled hearing.

9. At the hearing, either party may present live, or virtual testimony supporting the challenge, subject to cross-examination.

10. The proceedings shall be recorded; however, any person or party requesting a copy or transcript of any such recording shall be responsible for the costs of producing said recording or transcript.

11. No witness will be allowed to present testimony except under oath as administered by the Chairperson/s. No witness will be called on behalf of a challenger, unless the challenger has submitted an affdavit from the witness prior to such testimony providing the sum and substance of the witness’s testimony and served said affdavit upon the Committee and the opposing party in the manner set forth above. The challenger/s shall also be required to appear at such a hearing and may be subject to examination by the Committee or the challenged candidate/s.

12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident par-

ticipant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

13. At such a hearing, the Chairperson/s shall be the presiding offcer and shall make any ruling with respect to the procedure to be followed, or the testimony or evidence to be introduced. The Committee need not follow formal evidentiary rules applicable to the Courts of this State. In the event a member of the Committee present shall dispute any such procedural or evidentiary ruling by the Chair/s, the Chair/s may be overruled by a majority vote of those members present. After testimony by a witness for either party, the opposing party shall have the right to question the witness.

14. At the conclusion of such a hearing, the Committee may uphold or void the election results, disqualify the candidate for a violation of these Rules, apply other sanctions as s,et forth in Paragraph G (1) of these Rules, or dismiss the charges brought. In order to void any election result, or to disqualify a candidate, such violation must be deemed to be material by the Committee in light of the number of votes cast for the candidate and the number cast in the election.

15. If a candidate who is disqualifed received one of the highest vote counts, the disqualifed candidate shall be ineligible to take offce. The candidate who received the next highest count will be certifed to the Board in their place. (If more than one candidate is disqualifed, the next candidate or candidates with the highest vote will be certifed.)

16. The decision of the Committee shall be addressed to the Board, shall be in writing, shall state the basis for its recommendation, and shall constitute the Committee’s fnal certifcation of the election results, or the qualifcation of a candidate.

17. The Board, by majority vote, shall determine whether to confrm or reject the Committee’s determination. The Board shall make any such determination within ten (10) days of the date of any written recommendation of the Committee. The Board’s failure to determine the issue within ten (10) days shall, except for good cause shown, be deemed an acceptance of the Committee’s recommendation.

18. Any candidate or resident aggrieved by the Board’s fnal determination shall have the right to seek judicial review of the Board’s determination, provided that any such Court challenge must be commenced within ten (10) days of the Board’s decision, or within ten (10) days of the Board’s failure to render a decision.

19. The Committee may call for a recount of all ballots cast, if it is determined by the Committee that such an action is wairnnted. Such recount of the ballots must be completed, and the result certifed by the Committee to the Board, within four days of the date the Committee determines such recount is necessary. The results of this recount, upon certifcation by the Committee, will constitute the fnal election results.

20. The Committee may call for a new election if the Committee has determined that material irregularities cast doubt on the election results, or in the event the number of votes cast did not constitute the legally required quorum. Such a new election must take place in accordance with these rules on a date within thirty (30) days after the fnal decision on the challenge and such election held among the previously qualifed candidates.

21. By participating in the election process, candidates, prospective candidates, shareholders, and their respective agents, representatives or supporters, agree to fully comply with and be bound by these Election rules.

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 26th, 2024

Church of the New Vision

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

Noon Day Prayer Line now open:

line number: 646-769-9900; access code: 3099388# April 28 Worship Service Theme: “It’s More Up to You Than It’s Up to God.”

Scriptures: 2Kings 13:14-19 NKJV

“The righteous will live by faith.” –Romans 1:17b (NIV) gospel. it matters!

2 Kings 13:17-19) Save the Dates

Saturday, May 18 Put on the Full Armor of God”

Sunday, May 19

“Women Equipped for Victory” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Wednesday, August 14 –Final payment due May 26

––Brenda Brown

Newsong Church

About us:

on their own level! Against The Flow:

Sunday Worship Experience:

Newsong Deaf Church (Room 35): their own language! Kidsong (Room 49):

Contact Us Mailing Address 42, Phone:

Prayer Request Line: 899-7323

Website: Social Media: Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube —Pastor Mike Tolone

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

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds. Come and visit us. We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible centered

is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745), or Facebook Pastor David Jolly –1 Peter 5:7 NLT

public education aimed at reducing the stigma on mental health.

can relate to what we are going through.

Come and Receive a Blessing: All are welcome! Tuesday: Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Thursday: Food Pantry

––Graciela Abadia

Upcoming Events – Save the dates

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and The Co-op City Baptist Church family, invites you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m., in-person only and at 11 a.m., in-person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@gmail.com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch. org. Masks are required.

The 11 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom telephone conference line, (646) 568-7788; Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The church’s free conference call line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

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

This week’s events: Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. by Zoom There will be no Wednesday 5 p.m. Bible Study Class this week. Prayer War-

riors Prayer Service on Thursday at 12 p.m.; Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service are all on the Church conference call line.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway will be on Friday, May 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

The Pastor’s Aide Ministry will celebrate their 45th Anniversary on Sunday, May 19, at the 11 a.m. service. Everyone is invited to this joyous occasion.

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

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

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

––Marilyn C. Williams

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Co-op-City to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B.

The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of building 27B.

General Information

The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the-

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-3200844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! As we continue to make the necessary repairs to our space at St. Joseph’s Church, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are almost back to normal with our schedule of services and activities and look forward to an early completion of the repairs.

In-person worship service for the Sixth Sunday of Easter will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, May 5, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. and grandchildren. This is very, very important!

If you have not yet completed your pledge cards, kindly do so as soon as proposed budget, as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.

Upcoming Event

In celebration of our Patron Saint Joseph, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) invites you to a fundraising luncheon on Saturday, May 25, starting at 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. The event location is Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469. Included is an open bar, DJ with entertainment, cocktail reception and lunch. The donation is $125 for adults and $60 for children 12 and under. For tickets, you should contact Sheila, 917-693-3645; Arlene, 646-250-7011; Eileen, 718-379-8624; or Valrie, 317-200-5850. Kindly available from Valrie.

Please come and celebrate with us. We are counting on your support!

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our members, families and friends who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones.

Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Birthday Greetings: Best wishes to everyone who is celebrating a birthday this month.

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and Peace!

—Merville Chambers

come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 8:49 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:42 p.m.

Good and Welfare

only $15 per tree. If you want to buy a tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the Synagogue.

To all Members

Happy Birthday to Karla Klaus and all members who will be celebrating their birthday in April. Please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games

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

––Bruce Gitelson

Pentecostal Tabernacle

100 Co-op City Boulevard, Building 22A, Bronx, New York 10475; Tel. 718-324-0334.

Services are as follow: Sunday School begins at 10:30 a.m., worship service starts at 11:45 a.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. Prayer meeting and Bible Study will also be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Fridays: worship service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

All night services will be held on Zoom. Call 646-931-3860, ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#

Focus: Commissioning you to tell others about God:

“And he said unto them, go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” ––Mark 16:15

After Christ death and resurrection, he commissioned his disciples to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. He further stated in Mark 16:16-18, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly things, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Just as Christ had commissioned the disciples to preach the gospel many years ago, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working Mark 16:20

He requires us to do the same today.

Many people who are living in these days still have not heard of the good news of salvation. We have been passing them day by day without telling them that Jesus’ love is real, and that there is power in his name. Every one of us needs to know that there is a source of strength and healing in the Holy spirit and that we need to be endued with power so that if we drink any deadly things, it will not hurt us. We can pray and receive it if we believe with all our heart. Jesus said to the father of the sick child in St. Mark 9:23-24, “If thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord I believe; help thou, my unbelief.”

There is power in the name of Jesus; Jesus spoke these words in St. Luke 24:46-49 “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until he be endued with power from on high.”

Jesus came to this world to seek and to save that which was lost.

Rev. R. Sibbles