Co-op City Times 5/8/2021

Vote in the 2021 Riverbay Board Election for a chance to win $200!

Return your ballot by mail or online by Friday, May 21

Vol. 56 No. 19

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Carrying charges, waterfront, community engagement, cable & more top concerns in final Candidates’ Forums The second and final forums for Riverbay Board candidates took place virtually last Saturday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 5, respectively, via Riverbay’s WebEx platform and were broadcasted live over the corporation’s in-house tv channel and Facebook Live to all shareholders.

Shareholders presented their questions and concerns to the candidates that ranged from repairs, income affidavits to accessing private information, and more.

Riverbay Board Director Francine Reva Jones, chair of the 2021 Election Committee, moderated the forum with the help of her co-chair, Michelle Marbury, and Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss. Director Jones first reminded everyone of the 2021 election forum rules. Like the previous forum, held on April 28, shareholders submitted their questions via email for the candidates to answer after their opening statements.

The following is an overview of the questions, comments, and concerns the candidates made at the second and third forums. (Election candidate Alixan Ducreay

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

$1.25

See President’s Report, pg. 2 Notice to All Shareholders Dated: Saturday, May 8, 2021

Congressman Bowman requests $300B+ in Federal funding to meet needs of NY-16 constituents

(Continued on page 5)

Co-op City Waterfront Access Park among community projects in forefront

Rep. Jamaal Bowman announced last week that he has requested more than $300 billion in federal funding from the House Appropriations Committee for FY22, concluding a months-long outreach and engagement process where his office engaged over 200 local governments, nonprofits, community leaders, and small businesses to advocate for more federal funding going directly to NY-16, which includes Co-op City.

Among the Co-op City representatives who Congressman Bowman and his aides met with were executive officers of the Riverbay Fund, Board of Directors and executive management team, including Riverbay Fund President and Board Director Claudia Sampson, Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, Co-op City Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, General Manager Noel Ellison, Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss, Architect John Imbiano and Ms. Nicole Fields of Level Fields Consulting, who drafted the Riverbay Fund proposal submitted to Congressman (Continued on page 4)

Upcoming CB #10 meetings regarding 801 Co-op City Blvd.

New York City increases indoor capacity limits again New York City is slowly catching up with the rest of the state after Governor Cuomo’s announcement earlier this week that the indoor capacity limit of certain venues in the city would be increased.

Beginning yesterday, May 7, restaurants and indoor dining venues in the city will now be allowed to have up to 75% capacity. Hair salons, barber shops and other personal care service venues will be expanding

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

(Continued on page 6)

Bronx Community Board #10 urges shareholders to attend the upcoming virtual Housing and Zoning Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m., and virtual public hearing on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., as a reduction in public parking along Co-op City Blvd. is on the table for discussion.

CB 10’s Housing & Zoning Committee meeting, will be held on Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. To join the meeting on Cisco Webex, use meeting link: https://nyccb.webex.com/nyccb/j.php?MTID=m6b274 52488e393c9224a15c92453ed98, and Meeting Access Key: 1730637689. To dial-in to the meeting, call (646) 992-2010, Meeting Password: housezone2021.

The CB 10 virtual public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m. To attend, shareholders should use meeting link: https://nyccb.webex.com/nyccb/j.php?MTID=m6b27452488e393c9 224a15c92453ed98, Meeting Access Key: 1730637689. To dial-In: (646) 992-2010, and Meeting Password: housezone2021 Shareholders who cannot attend either meeting can send their opinions via email to Mr. Cruz at bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

2021 Riverbay Board Election voting period ends Friday, May 21 Cast ballots electronically or return by mail

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The voting period of the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election is underway and will end on Friday, May 21, 2021 – the deadline for all ballots to be returned to Riverbay’s independent election contractor, YesElections.

YesElections began mailing ballots to Co-op City households on Monday, April 26, and voting began at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 3. Board election ballots must be returned directly to YesElections either electronically or by mail in the stamped, addressed return envelope provided with the ballot.

Electronic voting can be done on a computer, iPad or smart phone. Shareholders who vote online will need the PIN and CODE specific to their residential unit and provided in their ballot letter. The “url” provided by YesElections in the ballot letter must also be used to access the voting portal. Some shareholders, eager to cast their ballot, did so as soon as ballots arrived (Continued on page 9)

2

Here is why I support Team Progress Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Aminah Lucio, Kevin Lambright, Isabel Fletcher, Monique Coleman, and Sheila Richburg

Facts matter I am no different than every other Board director, I love this community. I will not imply that others do not care, we all do. However, it is a matter of what we will do and say to defend a position that disturbs me immensely. Everyone who has read my reports over the years know that there are two issues I stand on. One is “Facts,” facts seriously matter. And my encouragement for shareholder engagement. I encourage you to read the CC Times, attend a building association meeting, join a Riverbay Board committee or a community organization. Your voice is important and needs to be heard.

For you to have a relevant impact on this community, it is important that you are armed with the facts. The Board is exposed to so much more information than the average shareholder, and we get a clearer view of the issues, obstacles, and benefits of decisions. I strongly believe it is our responsibility to present the facts and details to the community. It is our responsibility to educate our shareholders, not placate them. We should not be telling shareholders what they want to hear. We should be telling them what they need to hear, and that does not mean our opinions. Our shareholders should be allowed to make their own opinions based on the facts.

Capital projects not paid for Let me clarify a few facts that have been co-mingled. Yes, Riverbay did receive a mortgage in 2012 for $621 million. The largest loan ever made to a housing community and the largest private loan ever back by HUD. This was a big deal and with it came requirements from HUD and Wells Fargo. Most of the mortgage went to pay off the “pay day”-like loan we had with New York Community Bank. HUD and Wells Fargo identified capital improvements required and allocated money from the mortgage to pay for these projects. As every Board director knows, their set-aside numbers were not close to what it would cost to complete the required projects. However, we did complete most and needed to supplement the set-aside monies.

From the mortgage, there was $63.8 million funded for Capital Projects. This was broken down as follows: $20.8 --- Non-critical repairs 2.3 --- Critical repairs 2.3 --- Overcollateralization (10% contingency) $25.4 --- Subtotal 38.4 --- Reserve for Replacement $63.8 --- Total amount funded from mortgage for Capital Projects And here is what we have spent thus far (from Nov. 2012 to April 2021): $17.7 --- Non-critical repairs 2.3 --- Critical repairs 1.7 --- Overcollateralization (10% contingency) $21.7 --- Subtotal 101.9 --- Reserve for Replacement $123.6 --- Total amount spent on Capital Projects So if we spent $123.6 million, and $63.8 million was funded in the mortgage, Riverbay Corp. funded the difference of $59.8 million from its own monies.

And the $123.6 million is what has been spent (paid) through last month, and the next two years’ budget projects another $74.5 million needed to continue Capital Projects.

Nothing to fear here!

I realize fear is a great motivator and it gets people to move. However, there is very little shareholders need to fear at Co-op City. We are financially sound.

We are safe! We have a beautiful campus! And we are not oblivious to the issues that need addressing, we are implementing change continuously to fix our problems. While we have accomplished a great deal in the past five years (listed below) we have several initiatives to address our most visible issue of maintenance and restoration. Unfortunately, these are not quick fixes with many moving integrated parts.

Here are completed projects: 1. Boiler #2 Installation and Commissioning 2. Dreiser and Bartow Mall upgrades 3. Emergency Façade Work – Bldgs. 10, 20 & 26 4. Bellamy Loop Basketball Court Refurbishment 5. Cooper Townhouse HTHW major leak

Linda Berk

President’s Message

President

other projects that have cost us money due to their decisions.

Meanwhile, our power plant is earning over $5 million a year on the Con Edison stand-by program, we saved $3 million by being proactive with our Local Law 11 program, keeping sheds from our buildings for 2 years. I could list many other improvements in efficiency, like the operating budget surplus, that makes it reasonable to look at Douglas Elliman’s request for an increase of $50,000. I should also mention that every other management company that bid on our contract between 2015 & 2016 bid anywhere from $1.5 - $1.7 million. The Douglas Elliman VP who headed up their bid process said it was not about the money for them, they make their money in real estate. He believed he could improve the conditions at Co-op City and wanted the opportunity to show what they could do.

We are financially sound Riverbay Corporation has been as sound as ever financially in the past five years. We have not only taken care of our needed capital projects, we have done so without going to anyone for money. While the pandemic has been a setback for some of our shareholders, I am happy to say that Riverbay continues to receive 97% of carrying charges on time! I am also proud to say that the board has continued to consider the circumstances of our shareholders by delaying the 2019 carry charge increase until January 2021. By eliminating late fees, legal fees and allowing partial payment for a year during the pandemic, we did not worry about loss of income from these fees, we were more concerned about our neighbors and their ability to make appropriate adjustments to their budgets. There is no doom and gloom around here! Our glass is more than half full as opposed to half empty.

6. New entrances for 20 Chevron building lobbies 7. Removal of steel and concrete T-beams from garage roofs, repair of roof decking and installation of enhanced lighting 8. Installation of fire alarm system at Bartow Mall 9. Installation of new garage access control system 10. Replacement of leaking porticos in Bldgs.

6, 18, 23, 25 11. Replacement of domestic water mains in Bldgs.

3, 4, 10, 16, 21, 26, 28, 31 12. Emergency Repair work to all buildings in Sections 1-4 to remove unsafe façade 13. Replaced rusted and corroded stairs and doors in buildings and commercial centers 14. Replaced entrance doors at garage stairwells with clear vision panel doors for improved safety 15. Replaced windows in all stairwell doors with clear vision panels for improved safety 16. Installation of new HVAC unit for Einstein Mall 17. Dreiser Auditorium Renovation and total rehabilitation of four public bathrooms 18. Installation of Copper/Silver Ionization units (Continued on next page) protecting all apartments from legionella bacteria Following We are financially All CDC Guidelines sound with an operating budget surplus. This surplus enables us to keep The Premier Foot And Ankle Practice In Co-op City carrying charges to a minimum while we accom••• NOW OPEN AT TWO LOCATIONS! ••• plish the goals we set in SECTION 2 SECTION 5 our five year plan a few BUILDING 13 BUILDING 29C years ago. As our Executive General Manager has 100 CASALS PLACE 4240 HUTCH. RIVER PKWY E. said, you are feeling your www.footanklerestore.com way in the dark when you do not establish goals and plans. I am not sure how OPEN MON. THRU SAT. – Available Evenings and Weekends many of you do not make plans in your personal life DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR or household. But I am DR. JAMES MILIDANTRI sure you have found that ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED plans make for a more efficient and successful improvement of your life.

Management contract About Management, let me clarify another fact. SERVICES PROVIDED ON-SITE: Hi-Tech Douglas Elliman was LASER for Pain, • Fully Digital X-Rays signed to a management Inflammation, • Hi-Tech Ultrasound agreement in 2016. Their Fungal Nails, • Full Range of Vascular Testing Warts agreement was an annual • Caring and Supportive Doctors fee of $550,000. Prior to and Staff Who Listen to Your Concerns Douglas Elliman, we paid • Highly Rated Neighborhood Foot and Ankle Care MSI $1.5 million a year for over ten years, roughly HEEL AND ARCH PAIN CENTER. $10.500 million over time.

COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT CARE MANAGEMENT. To date Douglas Elliman has been paid $2.750 milHOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT. lion, less than what MSI Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted: 1199, Aetna, GHI, Blue Shield, received for 2 years. MSI Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others. left us with $10 million worth of problems with Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance. our power plant, $40 million in a needed elevator modernization due to them putting in elevator machines too small for our elevators, and there were

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

President’s Report

We are safe!

As a community, we are very safe. That is not to say that every now and then we do not experience some of the “real world” crime that spills into our community as it does in any community in New York City. However, as the president of the corporation, I am not focused on perceived safety. It is the Board’s responsibility to make sure policy provides you with real safety. Every indicator demonstrates that we are a safe community.

I do not believe we do much of anything the way we did twenty years ago. So, if public safety does not look like it did in 2000 or earlier, ask yourself, are you safer now? Chief Riley explained to the Board that he keeps the CCPD officers moving around the community and makes sure they cover certain areas.

(Continued from page 2)

For example, our officers perform over 2,000 sweeps a month where NYPD will not do one! We have lowered all levels of crime. Chief Riley is open to attending building association meetings to share with you his philosophy of community policing, please take him up on the offer to stay informed. Again, it is important that we, as an oversight entity, realize that we must keep the community safe. Where shareholders have a misconception or perception of not feeling safe, we should educate them about the steps taken to make sure they are safe. They will not know about a lot of efforts if we do not share information with them. One thing shareholders should know, we spend $13 million a year on public safety. We have 9-12 officers on a shift to cover 335 acres of property including 65 lobbies, buildings with staircases and elevators, three shopping centers and eight garages.

We can have more officers at a cost, multi-million-dollar cost. Since I am not a professional police officer, I will not tell Chief Riley how to do his job. But I Dear valued patients, friends and neighbors, will expect him to keep our community safe. That is my benchmark, the reality I hope this letter finds of our safety.

My time is up you and your families As this Board election well. It’s been a long, process comes to an end, it will be my time to move tough year for all of us. aside and let new shareSo many challenges, holders take the reins. I have spent seven years on losses and changes. I the Board of Directors and personally have been almost five years as the president. I have done what unable to return to I can do and am proud of work for over a year as the work of the Board since joining it in 2014. We per my doctors’ orders. have made many strides This has been due to the and accomplished much.

More in five years than in pandemic. Having received my vaccinathe previous 20! I have not tions, I am now able to return to that which I been a Board director who echoes “no carrying charge love and have been doing for over 45 years; increase.” That was a fatal tending to the foot care needs of you and flaw of the past as indicated by the record followyour family. ing seven (7) years of no increases, and, the next I am looking forward to seeing you at my several years where we had office at 100 De Kruif Pl. Bldg 8. Tel: 718-671increases of 4.5% to as much as 9.5% in one year!

7226.

As you can see in the chart below, we have not had carrying charge increases Best, every year since 2015. Just like a single-family home or your apartment, you Lewis Wolstein, DPM must keep your property up, a little at a time. You

Open Letter to the Co-op City Community

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are not immune to rising cost for materials, fuel, or labor, neither is Riverbay Corporation. In the past 20 years alone, our water & sewer bill increased by 263%, insurance by 139%, and payroll plus burden by 106%.

During this same period, our revenue only increased with carrying charges by 85% and garage fee increases by 97%. So, if revenues are below 100% in increases and essential expenses are up well over 100%, the math speaks to the challenges of keeping Co-op City affordable. We have been able to maintain our property, beautify the grounds and increase its value by having minimal increases since 2014 (except for the lawsuit settlement to raise $6.5 million). I am proud of my role on the Board for the past seven years. My mother always said, leave something better than you found it. I can honestly say, I have done my duty.

1996 0 1997 0 1998 0 1999 0 2000 0 2001 0 2002 0 3/03 5.0% 2/04 4.5% 3/04 5.0% 4/05 4.5% 4/06 4.0% 4/07 1.5% 9/07 5.8% 2/09 6.0% 2/10 5.0% 10/11 3.0% 10/12 3.0% 10/13 1.0% 6/15 4.5% 8/17 1.9% 8/18 1.9% 1/21 1.9% Because I have invested so much of myself in this Board (as many others have), it is important to me where it goes from here. I want to see Board directors who are cool, calm, compassionate and ready to work.

I want to see Board directors who are not afraid to make tough decisions or tell shareholders difficult information. I want to see Board directors who, like me, do not want to see carrying charge increases, but who also know that a balanced approach to protecting and maintaining our property is critical in the long run. I want Board directors who will leave my family an affordable, safe, and beautiful property. I want to see Board directors who are innovative and forward thinking, thinking outside of the box for solutions. I want Board directors who will not rely on the rhetoric of the past or make the mistakes of our past. We must grow, excel, move further into the 21st century while all the time keeping Co-op City affordable!

For all these reasons, I fully and wholeheartedly endorse: Kevin Lambright for re-election, Sheila Richburg, Monique Coleman, Isabel Fletcher, and Aminah Lucio.

Team Progress – The best deal in town!

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Federal Funding

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

(Continued from page 1)

Bowman’s office.

The requests Rep. Bowman submitted included increased funding for childcare, community development, public schools, firefighters, Medicare, medical research, refugee resettlement, and environmental remediation.

“As a new congressional office, it’s been a wonderful experience for us to engage and collaborate with hundreds of our constituents throughout this appropriations process so far,” Rep. Bowman said. “Our mission is to do everything we can to serve the people of NY-16 and to bring the extensive resources of the federal government home to our district, and I’m looking forward to working with the Appropriations Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to bring as many of these proposals to fruition as possible. Thank you so much to all of the members of our community who have shared their needs and priorities.”

For the first time this year, members of Congress had the opportunity to submit ten Community Project Funding requests to provide direct support to nonprofits and local entities in the district. Included among Congressman Bowman’s list of top ten projects is Co-op City’s “Improving Access to Green Space and Promoting Waterfront Resilience in America’s Largest Affordable Housing Development (Co-op City, NY).”

Congressman Bowman is requesting $500,000 which would be used to “begin the restoration and revitalization process for a currently polluted, unused strip of waterfront land in Co-op City, which is the largest affordable housing community and the largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in the nation.” The description further states that the project will provide new green space in an area with few public parks and promote environmental resilience in the process. “The project requester (Riverbay Fund) recently conducted a resident survey that showed overwhelming interest in developing land into a park to promote community and environmental resilience. They seek this funding for the community planning and design phase of this process,” Congressman Bowman’s funding proposal to the House Appropriations Committee states. “Studies show that most public urban green spaces are not distributed equally and fairly, and stratified based on race and income levels.

However, studies also show that natural green spaces are associated with enhanced health and well-being. This project addresses environmental justice issues by providing free, accessible, clean, open spaces for the poorest borough in New York City.”

The Appropriations Committee will vet each project for feasibility and, if successful, include grants for these initiatives in the FY22 bill. These Commu-

nity Project Funding requests reflect the health, education, workforce development, community development, and housing needs of NY-16 residents across the Congressman’s district, his office said.

The Appropriations Committee will meet over the next several months to determine which requests ultimately will receive funding.

Throughout the appropriations season, Rep. Bowman and his congressional office prioritized transparency and collaboration, ensuring that his requests reflected the voices and needs of NY-16 constituents, including by hosting a town hall to discuss the appropriations process with more than 130 participants.

Riverbay Fund president, Claudia Sampson, said: “Co-op City’s residents have been waiting for over 50 years to be able to not only see their desire for waterfront access come to pass, but to also know that we have a committed partner such as Congressman Bowman, who’s helping us sustain our community’s viability. The experience of collaborating with Congressman Bowman’s team as well as the Riverbay Corporation, our partner on this project, proves that working with others gets you further than working alone.”

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Forums

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

did not attend either of the final forums and has since informed the Election Committee of his decision to withdraw from the race citing personal reasons.)

Forum #2, held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 All candidates shared the same sentiments regarding being proactive in dealing with dog owners and following the community’s dog policy – encouraging shareholders to speak up and report violations to Public Safety, who can then enforce rules.

When it comes to bringing more cable companies and high-speed internet services to Co-op City, candidates agreed on the need to explore other companies, finding better rates and possible streaming services. Responses also included the importance of having experienced IT professionals involved in reviewing contracts and participating in the proposal process.

Candidates would like CCPD to be more visible throughout the community and utilize them to their full potential, as well as adding the full complement of 120 officers the corporation has budgeted for – rather than the current 85 on the roster.

Candidates also encouraged shareholders to invite Public Safety Chief Joseph Riley to building forums to answer questions as he’s done on many occasions.

Additionally, an Election Committee question regarding community engagement was the last of the evening. Candidates acknowledged the lack of attention from residents throughout the community. For all candidates, improving communication is the answer to getting residents more engaged – and through various lines of communications, including the Co-op City Times newspaper, website, social media, and other digital resources.

Forum #3, May 5, 2021 Monique Coleman, a member of her building association, expressed that prices on everything go up over time. When it comes to increases in carrying charges, “The point is, everything goes up,” she said. And, even though some people are going through a difficult period and may be struggling, Ms. Coleman said, “we still have to keep the wheels on the bus, pay for salaries and materials. If we accept modest increases now, we can keep things in check and not have to pay tremendous increases over time.”

Ms. Coleman agrees with the need for board of directors training and said she would participate. She has quality of life concerns that touch close to home as she too at one time was a mom raising her children in Co-op City. She said, “We should have a dedicated senior center and offer services for the youth. I know at some point in our history we were promised funds from City Council, and I want to see if we can resurrect that project and get the city to commit to giving us back those funds to have a center for our youth and seniors.”

Additionally, Ms. Coleman supports new initiatives and progressive ideas in Co-op City. Wanting to dig deeper into the cable problem, she feels Co-op City should use its buying power to have more choices and lower-cost options.

Sheila Richburg says, “Riverbay is a business. Managing a cost-effective budget is very important,” when it comes to increases in carrying charges, noting recent small 1.9% increases.

According to Ms. Richburg, Riverbay board training is essential as a member.

She supports team building and noted that education, communication training, and board development are all critical.

Ms. Richburg said that maintenance and service calls are continuing concerns of the community but can be improved. She said, “These are critical quality of life issues that we haven’t been able to resolve effectively yet.” Her resolution to the problem is to expand and digitize systems to make them more efficient, and add accountability especially when there is a no-show.

Finding that community involvement is a must, Ms. Richburg is a member of her building association. She also considers having electric car charging stations and the waterfront park as new, progressive initiatives beneficial to Co-op City shareholders.

Leah Richardson doesn’t think carrying charges are needed while shareholders just spent an entire year in a pandemic and many are still struggling. She said: “I don’t believe we should have carrying charge increases especially during a pandemic.

An increase of any will be detrimental to shareholders’ quality of life.” She resolves to delay non-essential capital construction.

As a former building president and current Board director, Ms. Richardson said she approves of training for the board, but from prior experiences, suggests that someone from the outside should moderate the exercises.

For Ms. Richardson, customer service is one quality of life issue that impacts shareholders negatively. She said: “Customer service is essential to a healthy community. The need for excellent service is vital. Although we’ve worked hard to make changes, we still have work to do.”

In terms of new ideas for the neighborhood, Ms. Richardson wants to research the use of solar panels to save energy.

Ms. Akeisha Neely says since Co-op City is a 50-year-old community, there are capital projects that are needed to address the aging infrastructure. However, she said: “I think we should take a closer look at budget and allocations to see if an increase in charges is necessary. We can have a charge increase, but we have to check those lines on the budget to see if we can stick to the bare bones of what we need, to create a better infrastructure for Co-op City.”

In her professional career, Ms. Neely has learned that training is paramount in any given position. She believes that training should be hands-on, continue at all stages of the board director onboarding process, but not at the cooperators’ expense.

Loitering in front of the buildings and how maintenance schedules jobs are on

5

her list of shareholder concerns. She said her plans for resolving the problems are: “I would look into how scheduling is done to see if there are ways to fix those issues.”

She also commended CCPD for being more present as of recently.

Ms. Neely is a member of her building association and favors adopting green energy initiatives for the development. She also would like to develop an intergenerational mentorship program to bring residents of all ages together.

Isabel Fletcher said, “Costs of materials are going to continue to go up and we don’t want cheap materials – we want things to last longer,” when asked why maintenance fees increase. She also mentioned the importance of taking care of the development and not using cheap materials.

Ms. Fletcher agrees about training for board members, especially for those who are new to the position. When asked to identify a quality-of-life issue that impacts shareholders negatively, Ms. Fletcher responded saying, “There’s so many things we can bring up.” Ultimately for her, convectors are a significant issue.

While Ms. Fletcher is not a member of her building association due to conflicting priorities as a mom, she said, “When there’s a need in the community, we [my family] help.”

For Ms. Fletcher, the waterfront park is an initiative she stands behind because it will beautify the community and enrich residents. She also supports there being a dog park so that “everyone can get to use the grounds without having to worry about dogs; therefore, uniting the community.”

Regina Hamilton is against carrying charge increases. She said, “as far as the budget is concerned, we need to take a stronger look at spending.” She suggests looking for ways the corporation can be more cost-effective to pay for repairs. She said, “You have to know where your money is being spent.”

For Ms. Hamilton, board training is necessary, should be ongoing, and not at the cooperators’ expense. When it comes to issues that negatively impact shareholders, she said, “I believe that quality of life issues are shareholder specific. We need to open up the dialogue between staff and residents.” Believing there’s a lack of communication, she said, “We need to push for personal accountability and personal responsibility to address quality of life issues in Co-op City.”

Although Ms. Hamilton supports new progressive, innovative ideas that would benefit shareholders, she believes the board should “focus on what we have and make it better and stronger before moving forward.” Ms. Hamilton is a member of her building association.

(Continued on next page)

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Forums

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

get considered, it is really finding a way to engage residents Kevin Lambright is looking forward to the future at Coon an ongoing basis. We lose so much through the lack of op City. With that said, he noted that everything goes up – engagement and we really need to find a thoughtful way to contractors, materials, prices. He said: “The last thing I want engage our population. I would like to see more of the comto do is go into deeper debt, we have to keep moving up. I munity engaged in issues that impact all of us.” don’t have any problem with increases so we’re not living Ms. Green-Watson is the founder and president of Cooper on the edge. It’s not that we want to raise carrying charges.

Place Townhouse Association. She’s also interested in green It’s the fact that we have to be responsible.” solutions and having the Bingo Hall as a youth center as a Mr. Lambright says “Yes” to board training and supports new initiative. training being offsite due to distractions while being in rooms Aminah Lucio says it’s vital for residents to be good in community centers. He said, “When we went away for shepherds of resources. She asked: “How do we cover inboard training, everyone was engaged and there were no distractions. It’s worth it if we’re going to run your corporation.” surance that’s going up 139%? How do we cover expenses that continue to go up?” She suggested that a balanced apWhile on the board, Mr. Lambright had the chance to see how operations/things work and examine problems upfront. proach be taken in terms of increasing carrying charges. She said, “We cannot not consider increases in carrying charges.”

He assured shareholders that they would start to see some Ms. Lucio firmly believes in education, empowerment, significant changes because systems are being put in place. and advocacy, along with the Riverbay board partaking in Mr. Lambright is president of the Building 21 Association and, along with other like-minded shareholders in his section, annual training. According to her, it’s essential to have a respectful exchange of ideas, and every day, members should started the Section 4 Partnership in Co-op City. He said a be learning something new. free-rent program would benefit shareholders.

Customer service with regards to maintenance is an issue Daryl Johnson says annual increases are being used to that Ms. Lucio says negatively impacts shareholders, along pay for capital projects. He said: “How can we continue to with loitering and loud music playing in front of the buildings. get increases to pay for capital projects? That’s where we Furthermore, she is a member of her building association. have a problem.” He also went on to express his concern She said, “I go wherever I’m needed.” with the extensive costs to restore apartments. He said, “We When it comes to new, progressive ideas, Ms. Lucio suphave to make some changes here and that’s why you need ports the idea of having a summer youth program/recruitment good board members who know what they’re doing.” to employ youth in the community. She’s also passionate Mr. Johnson doesn’t support going away for board training about starting a Girl Trek program in Co-op City and resurat the expense of shareholders. He asked, “Why would we recting Bike Co-op City. want to justify that practice?” He suggested having board Leslie Peterson shared as a previous board member, that training virtually and that there is no reason to go away and when the board looks at the budget, they look at it as a fivespend money on those trips. He said, “Board members should be educated, but I will never go on a trip at your expense.” year plan. She said, “1.1% of the 2% carrying charge increase is going towards the waterfront park. We have the money to Noise complaints and maintenance repairs are issues sharetake care of our operating expenses.” She also shared that anyholders frequently contact Mr. Johnson about. He mentioned thing outside of the operating budget is additional. She said, that drastic improvements when it comes to noise complaints are needed, and supports giving community complaints. As “It’s not about the spending per room, but if it is necessary or not. At this time, it is not necessary to push a waterfront park.” far as maintenance is concerned, he wants to hold maintenance Ms. Peterson attended board training in the past and supaccountable. He recommends the department confirm appointments, so residents know assignments will be fulfilled. ported it. She is also a member of her building association and played an essential role in Building 13 becoming “the One initiative Mr. Johnson does not support is the waonly 501c3 association in Co-op City.” terfront park that he says will cost $10M. The same goes For her, the repair process in Co-op City is a quality-offor apartment move-outs. He said, “Apartments can be vacant life issue that impacts shareholders negatively. She said, “We for a year. We pay about $20k to repair an apartment.” He have to correct service response to our shareholders.” recommends an initiative that addresses the above issues Shareholders are encouraged to place their votes for 2021 and to stop all the waste when it comes to spending on apartments. Mr. Johnson is a member of his building association. Board of Directors’ candidates by mail or online, following the directions received in their ballot envelopes. Mail-in balAnika Green-Watson understands that costs can’t be frozen forever, and carrying charge increases are necessary. However, lots must be postmarked by May 21.

The Candidates’ Forums are being rebroadcast on the Rivershe said: “The board shouldn’t solely rely on the ability to impose bay Crawler, channel 12 on MATV, and channel 591 on Opticarrying charge increases as a way to manage a budget. Whether mum. They are also available for viewing on Facebook Live at it translates to a $1 or a $100 increase, we can’t take for granted Co-op City – Riverbay Corporation, and on the corporation’s that we know the impact to shareholders at this time.”

Ms. Green-Watson agrees to trainings to learn about the YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. All three election corporation’s operations to gain specific insight into practices supplements can be reviewed in the April 10th, April 17th and at Riverbay. When it comes to quality-of-life issues, Ms. April 24th issues of the Co-op City Times at issuu.com/cctimes.

Green-Watson chose something that usually isn’t considered. Election information is also available on the Co-op City website, She said: “We have a bigger quality of life issue that doesn’t coopcitynyc.com, on the Shareholders page under “Resources.”

Openings

(Continued from page 5)

(Continued from page 1)

not provide an explicit outline for what a fully reopened to 75% capacity starting yesterday as well.

New York City might look like in terms of the exact capacities New York City gyms and fitness centers were included in for certain venues but remained optimistic about the city’s the Governor’s announcement too, as those venues will be progress toward a full reopening. expanding their capacity limits to 50% starting on May 15.

“The mission is to get this city fully reopened. Our health This latest expansion of capacity marks the first time care team worked to determine what was the date that we since the complete shutdown last March that many indoor could do it the right way. They believe in July 1. I believe venues in New York City will be able to accommodate at in July 1,” Mayor de Blasio said during an appearance on least 50% occupancy.

CNN’s New Day. “We’re on track to get 5 million New “After a long and incredibly difficult fight, New York State Yorkers vaccinated by July 1. It’s the right moment to make is winning the war against COVID-19, and that means it’s this move. And I’m convinced this is the right day for the time to loosen some restrictions put in place to protect the reopening of New York City.” public health and help our local businesses,” Governor Mayor de Blasio also acknowledged that the city’s Cuomo said to the press during his announcement. “There’s no doubt that restaurants have been among the pandemic’s reopening would remain contingent on the latest virus data hardest hit businesses, and New York City’s thriving and information on virus variants, but he felt confident in restaurant industry has found it challenging to keep staff the effectiveness of vaccinations so far. and maintain profits. We’re easing restrictions on restaurants, “Will we keep monitoring constantly for any changes or personal care services and gyms to put more money in the adjustments? Yes. That’s the nature of making decisions pockets of small business owners and working people in based on the data and the science,” de Blasio went on to say.

New York City, which was hit so hard by the pandemic but, “But I will tell you, we used to ask would the variants win I have no doubt, will come back stronger than ever.” the race or would the vaccinations win the race? The Governor Cuomo’s announcement came just a few days vaccinations are winning this race, going away right now, after many New Yorkers learned when they can potentially and that’s what gives us confidence that we’ll be ready for expect the city to be fully reopened.

July 1.”

Mayor de Blasio announced last week that he and his According to the latest data recorded by New York City, staff determined that July 1 will be the current target date currently over 6.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the city will officially reopen on. Notably, the Mayor did have been administered.

Co-op City Times

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

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

CCPD Scam of the Month –– Mother’s Day Phishing Scams

Public Safety Report

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

This Sunday, May 9, we celebrate Mother’s Day. We would like to take this opportunity to wish a happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety conducts research in order to provide cooperators with the most up to date information on current scams. There are numerous agencies that track and report trends in scams. The fact that scammers would target Mother’s Day is proof that nothing is sacred in the world of scammers. Wanting to buy the perfect gift for mom may leave some people at risk of becoming a scam victim. Scam artists are a very clever group of people.

They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims.

Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams especially internet scams increase every year. This year in particular, people are spending more time at home. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim. The high volume of gift shopping results in an increase in potential scam victims. Unfortunately, it is also a special day for cybercriminals.

A vigilant cooperator took time out to notify Public Safety of a scam she was able to avert. Current scams include text messages and emails regarding products the scammers want you to believe you may have ordered. They attempt to get you to click on a link. These links can take you to sites that can contain malware, spyware or attempt to get you to enter your personal information. Please be alert to communications you receive and ensure they are from legitimate sources before clicking on them. Also use caution with anything you click on when surfing the web or when on social media sites.

Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, date of birth or Social Security numbers. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know and have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Also, be leery of fake flower or chocolate websites. Always be sure to enter a website directly into your browser; never click on a link from an email. Sometimes one letter off can take you to a fake website. This is true every day, not just Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day creates a frenzy of shoppers wanting to buy that perfect gift for that special Mom or loved caregiver. Sometimes shoppers become so engrossed in the desire to get a real bargain that they fail to have their guard up and can fall victim to a shopping scam. Always remember, the deal that seems too good to be true may not be what it seems. Fake websites may offer counterfeit merchandise or even no merchandise at all. The Mother’s Day gift buying frenzy puts shoppers in a mindset where they do not see the potential for fraud. Wanting to surprise that special someone with something special can result in shoppers not seeing potential fraud.

Cybercriminals know this and create phishing emails containing popular Mother’s Day gifts such as flowers, chocolates and jewelry. By clicking on links, unsuspecting shoppers may be handing over personal information, triggering a malware download onto their device, or opening a compromised attachment leading to a ransomware infection.

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

7

Public Safety Blotter 04/25/21 – 05/01/21

100 Co-op City Blvd. – 04/29/21 CCPD officers along with the Emergency Services Unit responded to this location for a two-car collision. Officers arrived on scene and discovered that the occupants of one vehicle hit another and then abandoned their vehicle fleeing into Bay Plaza on foot. The vehicle had also hit a tree and a lamp post.

There were no reported injuries.

620 Baychester Avenue – 04/29/21 Numerous FDNY vehicles responded to the report of a fire at this location.

It was determined that a pump motor had burned out. Power Plant personnel were on scene to make the required repairs.

140 Benchley Place – 05/01/21 One male was taken into custody and issued a summons for disorderly conduct. He was issued a Criminal Court Summons and released.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or oag.state.ny.us and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877382-4357 or ftc.gov. The Federal Bureau of Investigations has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for reporting internet crimes. Their website is ic3.gov.

Schools are open; drive carefully. Never pass a stopped school bus with a stop sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading.

Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Motor vehicle operators must be extra vigilant. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must be courteous to pedestrians. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

If your Mother’s Day plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce drunk driving deaths and injuries. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Even fruity little drinks can contain a large amount of alcohol. It is best to make plans in advance not to drive.

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

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

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

(Continued on page 15)

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

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

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com

Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site.

Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Bernard

I was somewhat baffled by the headline of a director’s viewpoint in last week’s edition: “People Over Property.” In my opinion, the writer misleadingly juxtaposed our people and our property. Actually, the condition of our property is integral to the very health and well-being of our cooperators. To emphasize the distinction the director sets up, the director focuses on the recently approved two-year budget. In particular, the director rails against the 2% carrying charge increase in the second year, conveniently ignoring the ZERO increase in the first year, which the director implies is to pay for our “property” rather than our “people.”

I argue that the director again disregards Management’s justification for that increase. In fact, the 2% increase in the second year will bring less revenue as would have been generated if Management had proposed a 1% increase for each of the two years. (I am not certain whether the writer would have been able to criticize such a proposal.)

How does Management justify imposing the 2% increase in the second year? The only answer the writer gives is to imply that the budget should be focused on “people” more than on “property.”

Let me examine whether the author’s implication and, in a sense, the author’s accusation – that the budget favors property over people – is actually correct. Just to remind readers that the “property” the writer refers to is our property, which, as Co-op City cooperators, we all own in common. As Management explains, our community’s income (83% of it is generated from our carrying charges) is more than enough to operate Coop City. It is those nasty, expensive capital projects for our “property” (these projects budgeted to cost $74 million) that, even after deducting $67 million from our surplus (cost of operation minus income), leave our budget short by $6.7 million. Without a sugar daddy or mommy, Management recommended long-overdue catch-up increases for garage and storage-room fees, increases in equity investments and a ZERO increase in our carrying charges the first year and a 2% increase in the second year to generate sufficient revenue to cover the shortfall.

Devil is in the details What, specifically, are those nasty capital projects that Management budgeted to cost $74 million that necessitated the Board to choose “property over people?”

Are any of them frivolous or cosmetic pipe dreams that should have been deleted? The author did not indicate. However, the author insists that somehow the Board is wrong by not placing people above property.

Is that true?

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details.

Let me ask the questions of you – the readers.

Perhaps the Board should have insisted on cutting back millions for Local Law 11 work that is mandated by the City of New York? That work is, in fact, intended to protect the lives of the people in Co-op City.

Or what about saving millions of dollars by dropping the replacement of faulty elevator motors — a project intended, once again, to protect the lives of cooperators, staff and visitors?

Or should we save millions by stopping the replacement of long-overdue lobby entrance doors? The lobbydoor construction plans are in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would ease the burden parents and caregivers face in pushing carriages and strollers through those impossible front doors. And help seniors maneuvering walkers or canes through those doors, and lend a hand to anyone struggling to push shopping carts through those doors.

Or how about cutting millions by skipping the repair of the spalling concrete in garage ceilings?

I could go on.

The writer didn’t say.

A baffling headline

Cylich, First Vice President

Cooperators-first budget Yes, there is a $2 million item that the author may consider frivolous – the Riverfront park. I don’t consider that proposed Riverfront frivolous at all. That park will enhance the lives of our people and even the value of our property. As an aside, we might even receive federal funds to offset that cost.

No, the adopted budget is a COOPERATORSFIRST fiscal plan, meant to protect and enhance, at

minimum cost, the lives of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Co-op City.

In the upcoming Board election, I support candidates who rise above political demagoguery and can make hard decisions to protect and enhance our lives while keeping Co-op City the best deal in town.

Please consider reelecting Kevin Lambright, and electing Sheila Richburg, Aminah Lucio, Monique Coleman, and Isabel Fletcher.

Election

last week. Those ballots will count towards the election.

Electronic voting ends at 8:59 p.m. on Friday, May 21.

Mailed ballot envelopes must be postmarked by May 21, 2021.

Anyone who has not received a ballot should contact YesElections at 866-877-3125, or by emailing help+riverbay@yeselections.com. Those with questions regarding voting in the Board election should also contact YesElections by calling or emailing.

This year, because of health concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, voting kiosks are not available in the community centers. In addition, ballots cannot be dropped off at Riverbay offices or given to Riverbay staff. All ballots must be returned directly to YesElections.

Shareholders are voting for five Board directors this year as the terms of Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, and Directors Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright, Leslie Peterson and Leah Richardson, are expiring. Ms. Berk is not seeking re-election; the other directors are.

On April 6, the 2021 Election Committee, chaired

by Board Director Francine Reva Jones and co-chaired

by Director Michelle Marbury, certified the candidacy of eight additional shareholders. One of those candidates, Mr. Alixan Ducreay, notified the Election Committee this week that he is withdrawing from the contest, citing personal reasons.

The remaining seven certified candidates seeking shareholders’ support this election cycle, along with the incumbent directors seeking re-election, are: Monique Coleman, Sheila Richburg, Leah Richardson, Akeisha Neely, Isabel Fletcher, Regina Hamilton, Kevin Lambright, Daryl Johnson, Anika Green-Watson, Aminah Lucio and Leslie Peterson.

Shareholders of record as of March 30, 2021 are eligible to vote in this year’s Board election. Only one vote may be cast per residential unit by a shareholder of record.

Election Rule F (7) states: “In the event that more than one ballot is received for a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the first electronically recorded ballot, shall be counted. All other ballots received from said unit shall be disregarded, but preserved until five (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed.”

On Wednesday, May 5, the final of three official Candidates’ Forum was held virtually on Cisco Webex and broadcast on the Riverbay Crawler (channel 12 on

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

MATV and channel 591 on Optimum) and Facebook Live. All three forums (April 21, May 1 & May 5) will be rebroadcast on the Crawler and are also available for viewing on Facebook at Co-op City – Riverbay Corporation, and on the corporation’s YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. In addition, the three election supplements published in the April 10, 17 & 24th issues of the Co-op City Times are available online at issuu.com/cctimes for shareholders’ perusal. Election information is also available on the Shareholders page on the website, coopcitynyc.com, under “Resources.”

To enhance voter participation, the 2021 Election Committee is offering a $200 voting incentive to each of 12 voters whose names will be randomly drawn in an electronic raffle. On May 24, two names will be pulled from each of six sections of the community, broken down as follows: Section 1 will be composed of Building 1-8 Section 2 – Buildings 9-14 Section 3 – Buildings 15-19, plus Adler, Asch, Broun, Cooper, Debs & DeFoe Place townhouses Section 4 – Buildings 20-25 Section 5A – Buildings 26-28, plus Earhart Lane townhouses Section 5B – Buildings 29-35 Once the names are chosen, the Election Committee will ascertain that the shareholder voted, and if so, they will receive the prize. In all, $2,400 will be shared equally by the 12 winners. Winners will be notified by the Elec-

Libraries are central to a strong comeback for New York, especially after a devastating year. At The New York Public Library, we lift up our communities with a wide array of services, including free and open access to books, one-on-one career counseling and resilience training, and COVID-19 vaccine information, plus resources for educators and families including multilingual storytimes and personalized homework help. We're here to support all New Yorkers through our vast online

9 tion Committee on May 25, and prizes will be distributed on Wednesday, June 9, when the swearing in of the elected Board members is held.

This year, 4,998 votes are needed to make the quorum and validate the election.

If the required number of shareholders vote by May 21, the Election Committee will review and certify the results on Wednesday, May 26, in a virtual Webex meeting to be held at 7 p.m. The deadline to file electronic challenges to the election results is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 28. The new Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 9, and begin serving their three-year terms.

According to the 2021 Election schedule, should the required number of votes not be received by 9 p.m. on May 21, the voting period will be extended from 9:01 p.m. on May 21, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 4, or until the quorum is realized. The election results will then be reviewed and certified by the Election Committee on Wednesday, June 9. Friday, June 11, at 5 p.m. will be the deadline to file electronic challenges to the election results, and the newly elected Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 16.

Directors Jones and Marbury are the chair and cochair, respectively, of the 2021 Election Committee, and they are supported in their mission by shareholders John Gale, Denise Gerrald, Sandy Krasnove, Marita Taylor and Joyce Wilson who have volunteered to help supervise this year’s Board election.

resources and as we gradually and safely reinstitute onsite services while working toward a full reopening in 2021.

As City leaders finalize the budget for the year ahead, we know they have tough choices to make. Libraries are a lifeline for New Yorkers and play a critical role in helping New York reopen. Take 30 seconds to remind City leaders that funding libraries is key to helping NYC come back strong. Visit nypl.org.

On May 10, the City Council will meet to discuss funding for NYC's libraries. We have less than one week to show City leaders how important libraries are to our communities. Sign Letter at nypl.org TODAY!

10

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Rod

This coming Tuesday night, May 11th, Community Board #10 will be hosting a Housing and Zoning WebEx meeting to discuss a proposal to erect a new 6story Professional Medical Office located at 801 Coop City Boulevard, directly across from the (easterly most) intersection of Co-op City Blvd. & Dreiser Loop.

Cooperators may be more familiar with the site as being the lot with the sizable black sign with the large yellow lettering, identifying the “Pinnacle Dialysis Center” as being located further into the property.

The proposed new structure, as required under the NYC Zoning Resolution, must provide off-street accessory parking for 324 spaces. The plans and applications that are currently on file with the NYC Dept. of Buildings indicate that the new building is currently designed to provide for only 273 parking spaces.

Not providing the required number of off-street parking spaces is contrary to the NYC Zoning Resolution’s section ZR 36-21. In order to successfully override the zoning resolution, plans and applications have been filed with the NYC Board of Standards & Appeals (BS&A), who can grant them under Special Permit – ZR 73-44, the rights to – “permit the reduction of required accessory off-street parking spaces for an ambulatory diagnostic, or treatment facility (Use Group 4) (PRC-B1 Parking Category) contrary to ZR 36-21 in a C4-1 zoning district.”

The Riverbay Board of Directors and Management have been provided with the pertinent documentation that is before the BS&A, and will have become familiar with the owners of the Professional Medical Office Building’s narrative to reduce the number of required parking spaces. We will be able to determine whether or not the documentation provided truly depicts our actual traffic patterns, as well as the existing available parking spaces along Co-op City Blvd., from Baychester Avenue down to Peartree Avenue, along both the north and south sides of the street. After all, who knows our community better than our residents here, who face the reality of navigating the parking experiences on any section of Co-op City Blvd., day in and day out. I know that cooperators living on Dreiser Loop and Debs Place can easily attest to the fact.

We must determine whether the proposal to add more vehicular traffic along that stretch of Co-op City Blvd. will add to the problems caused by the fact that Garage #2 is at full capacity, and that the removal of more than 15 former parking spaces from along Coop City Blvd. caused by the creation of two bus stops for the Q50 bus, dating back to 2012/13, thus eliminating parking spaces needed by our residents.

Building a professional medical office building in Co-op City is a welcome addition to the community.

The Board and Management will be taking a good look to ascertain whether or not shifting their responsibility to provide the required off-street parking of more motor vehicles onto our streets is in our best interest, and not because the professional medical office building owners wish to save monies in building costs.

In the final analysis, we’ll have to evaluate what’s best for those resident cooperators who are already stressed with having to find a parking space near home every day.

We need to form an Ad-Hoc Cable Committee – Now Back in my October 10, 2020 director’s viewpoint, I informed cooperators that I had written a memorandum to my fellow Board directors (Sept. 15, 2020), addressing the future of our cable TV entertainment system, and how we should immediately begin to plot a course that takes Co-op City away from the possibility from ever being associated with a contract like the one that we are currently bound to, lasting a total of 17 years.

As an update, I followed up with a viewpoint in the January 16, 2021 edition of our Co-op City Times detailing how Verizon, the most asked about alternative cable service by residents here in Co-op City, had agreed through litigation with Mayor de Blasio’s administration, to begin wiring some 500,000 more apartments throughout the City. I am personally aware that Verizon inquired about the possibility regarding their

Land use & Cable TV

Saunders, Second Vice President

consideration of wiring our community, however, I am unaware as to whether or not there has been any movement or commitment to do so at this time.

Once again, I wanted to remind cooperators and Board members that our current cable service contract ends in January of 2024. My memorandum to the Board, and my outreach to the community, was to remind you that the sooner we begin to conceptualize what we believe will be best for our community, the better prepared we’ll be in 2024 to offer Co-op City alternatives that cover as many of the variables that exist, or may exist some 30 months from right now.

Consider what’s best, then please do what’s best I want to remind everyone to continue to stay safe, with all that entails. I would also like for all to please

consider getting yourself vaccinated if you have not already taken the opportunity to do so. In my family, there are those who feel that they want to wait a while longer to see how those who have received their vaccinations are faring. Fair enough, however, more than half of the adults in the United States have received vaccinations. There doesn’t seem to be a major medical issue as a result of being vaccinated, but there are potential problems in not being vaccinated.

The choice is yours right now, but please be respectful of science because the COVID-19 virus has been completely disrespectful of the entire human race.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint, and please continue to be well, and stay safe.

I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

New CDC study confirms COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

A recent real-world CDC study on the effectiveness of the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine found the two to be 90% effective against preventing COVID-19 infections.

The study wanted to determine if the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were capable of preventing COVID-19 infections.

In total, 3,950 participants were studied during a 13-week period.

Results from the study found that two weeks after an individual received their second dose of the vaccine their possible risk of COVID-19 infection dropped by 90%. Additionally, the CDC found that those who received only one dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine had their possible risk of a COVID-19 infection drop by approximately 80%.

As a refresher, the CDC says that each dose of the vaccine takes about two weeks in order for the body to create the necessary antibodies that help protect against infection. Individuals who are two weeks removed from their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are considered partially-vaccinated, and those who are two weeks removed from their second dose are seen as fully-vaccinated.

Notably, the findings from this latest CDC study can confirm the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines’ efficacy against infections that do not result in symptoms, which was previously undiscovered data.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was not included in this particular study, but during clinical trials, the CDC found that it was 66.3% effective against preventing COVID-19 infections. When compared to the data on one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is only one dose, is comparable.

“This study shows that our national vaccination efforts are working.

The authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provided early, substantial real-world protection against infection for our nation’s health care personnel, first responders, and other frontline essential workers,” CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, said in a CDC press release. “These findings should offer hope to the millions of Americans receiving COVID-19 vaccines each day and to those who will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated in the weeks ahead. The authorized vaccines are the key tool that will help bring an end to this devastating pandemic.”

Vaccinated individuals looking to travel in the coming months will still need to wear their masks on all trains, buses and planes until at least the fall, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which extended its mask mandate until September 13.

The mask mandate requires all individuals over the age of two to wear a mask properly while riding any form of public transportation and while waiting in any transportation hub or station.

Any first-time offenders of the mandate will receive a $250 fine, which then increases to up to $1,500 for repeat violators of the rule.

Airlines have even created no-fly lists for travelers who refuse to wear their masks, which effectively bans those individuals from flying.

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

11

12

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint – Mary Let’s talk Board elections. Did you vote yet? Got your ballot?

There’s just one vote per household, you knew that, right? Have you decided if you’re voting online or by mail?

And did you know you have to get your paper ballot postmarked by Friday, May 21st? (But don’t fret if you dropped your ballot in the mail and it arrived before the official start date of Monday, May 3rd. It still counts.)

Did you know you can choose from zero to five candidates? We need you to help get us to the minimum number of ballots needed to make the election legitimate aka to reach a quorum. That number’s just shy of 5,000 – one vote from one third of the units.

That’s why we ask that even if you don’t want to vote, for whatever reason you have to not want to vote, do drop that ballot in the mail anyway. Just remember to fill in the bubble certifying you’re a shareholder and authorized to vote. But if you do choose to vote, make sure to vote for no more than five (5) candidates.

As I write this, there is still one last candidates’ forum to catch. As you read this, all the forums have taken place and all the candidates’ ads and articles have been printed. If you’ve missed any of it or want to run through it all one more time before you vote, there’s still time. All the articles, if you haven’t already clipped them out for posterity, can be found online at issuu.com/cctimes and the forums are finally rotating on our closed circuit TV channels, aka the crawler, which can be found on channel 591 (for Optimum cable customers) or on the main antenna, Channel 12.

I get to make endorsements. I’m making my endorsement choices after watching and listening to just the two forums. If my endorsements are going to influence anyone, I’ve got to make ‘em before the whole thing’s over and done.

Having served on the Board with each of the current Board members for one, two, or all three years by now, I can say, even if it’s not always been a pleasure, and even if at times I see eye-to-eye with none of my counterparts, I immensely respect each director’s dedication to doing what is best for the community.

The eight other contenders in varying degree all seem worthy of our votes. Their desire to devote their time for the betterment of Co-op City is more admirable than even they know at this point.

But we can only use five winners; we can only elect five candidates, and I am not allowed to endorse any more than five.

Once I was reminded of that, The Lovin’ Spoonful tune, “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” started playing on an endless loop in my head. That John Sebastian just won’t shut up!

But since I don’t have the luxury of endorsing more than five candidates, I’ve decided to endorse the reelection of Leah Richardson.

I also endorse Aminah Lucio because she ran in 2017 and I don’t want her talents to slip through our fingers once again. A school psychologist turned administrator and education advocate will be an invaluable asset to our community and most especially for our children.

Finally, I endorse Anika Green-Watson because she does her homework, she quotes Kwanzaa principles (and to me, Co-op City is the brick and mortar embodiment of Kwanzaa principles), and her ideas

Vote for five in the 2021 Board of Directors election for a chance to win $200!

Candidates and compliments Pearson, Secretary

are reality based. She’s also a lawyer. Would we actually not landslide Anika’s expertise (and pro bono advice!) onto the next Board?

So, there it is. Since I can’t choose more than five, my agonized decision leaves me choosing to endorse just three candidates. Please consider them when you make your choices.

I had much more to yak about today, but I’ve run into the deadline. At some point, I do want to discuss more about: • The Section 5 Waterside Walkway resolution. (It’s come to my attention some in Section 5 don’t want the improvement. Now’s the time for comments on this First Reading Resolution. No hurry, though. Nothing gets done without community input and the project couldn’t get underway till 2022 at the earliest.)

• Why the parking and storage increases are fair and reasonable. (Raising these fees lowers the overall carrying charge increase. Co-operators don’t pay

for each other’s extras. Why should we?)

• Why I caved on the abundant Section 5 fencing issue aka: Don’t Fence Me In. Oh, all right. (The delay of a redo would push us past an HCR deadline.)

• The chopped trees at Earhart. (Their stumps have already been removed to make room for more beautiful flora – before I could even complain about the chopping.)

• And about how breathtakingly beautiful we are this spring.

More next time, or the time after that, or…

P.S. Today, my purple balloon, my batch of maskframes, and I will NOT be anywhere to be found.

There’s a grandkid’s birthday that needs celebrating, so instead, I’ll be at Einstein Center tomorrow, Sunday, May 9, from about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. See you there or tell your friends and neighbors to come get theirs!

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

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

13

14

Building 8 Association

Happy Mother’s Day weekend, Co-op City!

Honor: We would like to thank all our essentials workers in Co-op City for a job well done. Looking forward to Co-op City celebrating our heroes one day.

We would like to thank Ernie Alvarez for assisting us in cleaning up the association room due to smoke damage. We would like to thank Michael McDavid and Ruben Telemaco for volunteering to collect membership dues.

Remember: Building 8 is on Facebook! The page name is Building 8 members. You do not have to be a member to join.

Please continue to wear your mask in the lobby, elevator, and laundry room.

––Azzie Mitchell

Building 22A & 22B Association

May is here, the trees and plants are beautiful. We are on the road to recovery. The CDC has stated if you have been vaccinated, you don’t have to wear mask outdoors, but you must wear them in Co-op City buildings.

Vaccine: Continue to get and have your family get their shot also. This is the only way to stop COVID19.

Election: Information about the candidates is printed and slipped under your doors. The ballots are in the mail, please vote! You could win one of 12 voting incentives offered, each worth $200.

Lobby doors: The (B) side handicap button is now repaired.

2020 Income Affidavits: Mail or drop it in the rent boxes in all three sections. May 31, 2021 is the new date, no notary required.

Laundry room etiquette: Thank you for helping to keep the laundry room clean and removing your clothes on time.

Compactor room: Keep up the good work! Take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc., to the basement.

Our prayers to all who lost loved ones, check on the elderly, the sick and shut-ins. Happy birthday to all. If you see something, say something.

Thank you.

––Betty Leak

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators. wash your hands and social distance. Several vaccines New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. are available. We can beat this virus…together.

Riverbay Board Election – The Riverbay Board Questions, comments and suggestions – You can election has begun. The orange envelopes are in the contact the Building 10 Association via email at Buildmail. You can vote by mail or online by May 21, ing10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, 2021. Please vote so that we will have a quorum on “Building 10 “ABC” Association.” Like our page and get May 21, 2021. If you did not receive a ballot, please notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. call YesElections at 866-877-3125 for a replacement.

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of If a quorum is not reached, the voting will be extended Ms. Louise Mitchell who was a long-time cooperator and the money comes out of our pocket because, we of Building 10B. Ms. Mitchell will be missed. are Riverbay. Make your vote count.

We would like to wish all May “babies” an inCartons: Please take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc. credibly happy birthday. to the basement and place them in the appropriate area.

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy If You See Something, Say Something – For emer- recovery. gencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give 3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call our deepest condolences.

311.

Have a great week.

Covid-19 – Covid-19 is still spreading. Wear a mask, ––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

15

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

American Legion of Co-op City

Earth Day Parade – Post 1871, ably represented by Commander Toba (pictured), led various communitybased organizations in a parade to celebrate Earth Day in Co-op City on Saturday, April 24, organized by the Rivers Run Community Garden, Riverbay Corporation, the Co-op City Little League, among several others.

American Legion Auxiliary – On Saturday, April 11, Gertie Brown, secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, reported that the Co-op City Unit participated in the first District Spring Conference via Zoom at 1 p.m. At the conference, each unit made a presentation of their known updates on the interested projects done in 2020. The Unit had planned to engage in other community activities.

Veteran Memorial Day – American Legion of Coop City will observe this year’s Memorial Day event on Sunday, May 30, at the Veteran Memorial Park on Bartow opposite McDonald’s. The time is 3 p.m. prompt, and we enjoin the community to come out and celebrate with the veterans in honor of those who gave all to the service of the nation. There will be light refreshments immediately after the ceremony at the courtyard behind rm. 31. Everything is outdoors due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are asking if anyone knows any veteran who passed on since 2019 until now, you can submit their names to Vice Commander Thomas Norman or Post Adjutant Codrington by calling 718-320-8165 or send an email to Post1871@optonline.net.

103rd Department Convention – After a brief discussion with Department Commander Mike McDermott in Albany and several department leadership personnel, it was decided that in order for the American Legion Department of New York to get back to some degree of the regular order of business, there will be a convention this year. Although it will be restricted to 100 Legionnaires in attendance at the convention sessions, the department felt that the show will go on and it is slated for July 29 - 31, 2021 in Albany, New York. Details of who qualifies to attend will be made known later.

What You Should Know VA opens vaccines to all veterans, spouses and caregivers at all facilities – As the Department of Veterans Affairs reaches a milestone of fully vaccinating more than 2 million people against the coronavirus, Secretary Denis McDonough announced that vaccines are now being made fully available to all veterans, spouses and caregivers at all VA medical facilities nationwide.

VA plans to extend to 2021 deadline for Gulf War illnesses – Federal policy provides that certain Gulf War veteran disabilities, including illnesses, may be considered service-connected on a presumptive basis, and therefore qualify those veterans for benefits, if their claims meet certain conditions. The deadline has been pushed back in recent years. In 2016, the deadline was pushed back to the end of 2021, the fifth time it had been extended. Now, VA officials say they’re working on another extension.

Office Operations – We are now open for business since Saturday, May 1, 2021. During this period, COVID-19 indoor rules will still be strictly enforced.

––Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba

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

Public Safety

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(Cont’d from p. 7)

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our website.

Observant cooperators are a valuable tool in helping to fight crime in the community. Wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all of my readers who have a roll in the nurturing of a child.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment. Beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021 noncompliant shareholders who fail or refuse to wear masks or face coverings over their nose and mouth are subject to a $50.00 Community Complaint violation. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

16

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

17

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Velocity Track Club New York

The blessings continue for Ve l o c i t y Track Club! On Sunday, May 2, we traveled to Paterson, New Jersey to compete in the Trans East Invitational. There were approximately 25 teams from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in attendance, with approximately 600 athletes competing. It cost us $734 to compete in this meet, but it was worth it. Great competition and a chance for our athletes to compete against different athletes. Velocity Track Club athletes and coaches The following events were proudly displaying the Girls Team Trophy. contested: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3000 meters. 4x100, 4x400 meter relay. Shot put, turbo javelin and long jump. Plus, they had races for the 5 and 6 year-old children. Medals were awarded to the top six athletes in their event and age division. Team trophies were awarded to the teams with the most points.

Velocity had 36 athletes compete and 30 out of the 36 athletes earned a medal, with some earning three medals. To put the icing on the cake, we were blessed with the Girls Team Trophy. It was a proud moment for Velocity when we were awarded the team trophy.

The following athletes earned medals: Karly Jackson (2 medals), Savannah Blake, Cameron Joseph (3 medals), Madison Scott (2 medals), Brianna Burrell (3 medals), Drea Santiago (2 medals), Hannah Deflorimonte (3 medals), Kaylin Strachn, Khloe Gethers (2 medals), Ryann Joseph, Savannah Minter (3 medals), Shyenne Blake (2 medals), Candice Palmer, Dakota Hickman (2 medals), Kenese Irish-Bramble ( 3 medals) Rakae Thomas (3 medals), Royana Murray, Sania Grant, Saniah Caldwell (3 medals), Talia Dixon (3 medals), Adonijah Washington (2 medals), Kenia Irish-Bramble (2 medals), Olyvia Burrell (2 medals), Saagi Hemmings (2 medals), Tiarra Jackson (3 medals), Bryce Hickman (3 Gold medals), Romel Barrett, Pierce Parker and Sachin Ramharak! More important than the medals to the coaches, we had many personal records broken! Congratulations to all athletes who competed; you are all winners!

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support our youth so they can continue to do great things!

For additional information, please go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email me at WATCLT@AOL.COM. Thank you. ––Coach Winston Dinkins

19

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021 Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

Youth Committee Zoom meeting, Saturday, May 22 at 7 p.m. Elements & Effective Practice in Mentoring and Mentoring for College & Career Readiness with Mentor NYC. Contact: amg2109@gmail.com.

Economic Development Committee – Marijuana Law & Economic Benefits, May 23 at 3 p.m.; Zoom information: TBA. Health Committee – COVID & Health-related issues: Diabetes, Heart, Stress & Fear. TBA Go to NAACP.ORG to follow-up on: • NAACP launches campaign calling for termination of Windsor police chief and officer.

• Accountability and Justice – A Virtual Town Hall Series.

• NAACP & Planned Parenthood pen letter supporting D.C. Statehood.

• Georgia’s suppressive voting laws will not silence

NAACP

our voices • Justice department will investigate Louisville police department in aftermath of Breonna Taylor shooting.

• FDA plan to ban sale of menthol, flavored cigars and E-Cigarettes.

• Andrew Brown Jr.’s shooting exposes “enduring flaws” in policing.

• GSA revives commitment to renewable energy, pledging 100% of renewable electric resources by 2025.

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

Twenty20 In Black – A visual time capsule of the

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Rivers Run Community Garden

Today, Rivers Run Community Garden will be giving away boxed food. Please stop by around noon, if you are interested.

On Sunday, we will be holding a free paint and chat social for the nurturers in our lives. Valerie Gunn will be facilitating this family-fun event. Please be prompt.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for donating the tent to the garden. It will come in handy for our events.

Upcoming Events: Today, May 8 – Food Giveaway Sunday, May 9 – Paint and Chat Social Sunday, June 20 – Paint and Chat Social Beginning May 1, Rivers Run is open: Tuesdays & Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saturdays & Sundays – 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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, building, 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.

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. Please mail your due to Gail Sharbaan,100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475.

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.

Please continue to stay safe.

––Gail Sharbaan

Black experience through one of the most challenging years of our time. To order your copy and for additional information, go to NAACP.org.

The Bishop William H. Graves Memorial Membership Campaign ends May 31, 2021. The unit and membership community goal are to get 100 memberships.

Thank you in advance for your help. As a reminder, the 50/50 membership campaign ends September. To pay a new, renewal, upgrade or gift memberships, send your adult, $30; or youth, $10, check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City, Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. We appreciate your continued support and if you would like to make a financial contribution in any amount, we thank you in advance for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

––Brenda Brown

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Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7 Stay informed!

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20

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family. Happy Mother’s Day to all who have been blessed to fulfill this great honor in any capacity.

Our building association motto continues to be, ‘Thankful, grateful, blessed, because we are.

Wear a mask when and where appropriate. Continue to wash your hands often. Social distance when necessary.

Get vaccinated if you can. The CDC has amended the mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals.

May is Minority Cancer Awareness month. Please get screened, make and keep follow-up appointments.

The Riverbay Board election voting period is scheduled to run through May 21. Colorful ballot envelopes are in the mail. You may vote via mail or online. Please vote as soon as you receive your ballot.

801 Co-op City Boulevard – The owner/developer wants to reduce parking from 538 to 278 spaces. They have agreed to a virtual presentation to CB 10 Housing & Zoning Committee with Co-op City shareholders present on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. via CISCO WEBEX. Housing and Zoning Meeting link: nyccb.webex .com/nyccb/j.php?MTID=m6b27452488e393c9224a1 5c92453ed98 Meeting Access Key: 1730637689 Meeting Dial In: (646) 992-2010 Meeting Password: housezone2021 Please attend and participate in the Community Board hearing process. Knowledge is power. As we have discussed, it continues to be our opinion that many Co-op City shareholders would be adversely affected by this request for a variance to reduce the original number of parking spaces at this site. The requested variance for the number of spaces to be developed is problematic because it appears the new number is insufficient to accommodate the anticipated number of staff and visitors at this site based on the original application specifications and the reduction in parking will negatively impact the already challenging parking conditions for staff and visitors at the nursing facility adjacent to the site. Co-op City Boulevard, Dreiser Loop, Debs Place, DeKruif Place, Carver Loop, Rombouts Avenue, Baychester Avenue, etc. will be forced to accommodate any overflow parking created by the reduced parking requested in the variance.

Thank you to those who joined the Ranked Choice Voting webinar on Monday, May 3.

Reminder – Please do not overload electrical outlets.

Purchase an A, B, C-rated fire extinguisher and remember the fire safety acronym PASS: pull, aim squeeze and sweep (pull the plug on the extinguisher, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, use sweeping motions). Please be reminded to turn your fire extinguisher upside down every three months so that the active ingredients do not settle at the bottom of the tank.

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

Good health to you, ––Linda Collins

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the telephone conference call line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9 a.m. For youth Sunday School, call (712) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign. For adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via conference call line.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC: On Wednesdays at noon, 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Tel. 718-324-0334.

You are invited to join us online in worship on the following days: Worship service Sunday at 11 a.m. Call in #: 720740-9746, Access code: 8876631.

Sunday worship service, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fasting and prayer service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Regular prayer meeting & Bible study will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Worship service and Bible study will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Happy Mother’s Day greetings to all mothers.

Wishing you all God’s richest blessing.

Focus: The fruit of the spirit. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Galatians 5:25 Galatians 5:16-23 This I say then, walk in the spirit and he shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against flesh. These are contrary

Community Protestant Church you are cordially invited to call in for an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

The observance of the 52nd Anniversary of Community Protestant last Sunday was a joyous celebration on Zoom and telephone conference call. It was noted that for 52 years, the church has stood as a beacon of prayer, hope and faith that welcomes believers in Christ of all religious affiliations. God’s grace has allowed us to stand firm and withstand the storms around us. The year 2020 proved to be a disastrous year for our church and the world as the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed and devastated the entire world. It has been over one year since we were able to worship in our Sanctuary. But the Lord has opened up the windows of heaven and poured out blessings upon us. We are able to gather around our telephones to worship and praise God at Sunday Morning Service, Sunday School and Wednesday Hour of Power. On Wednesday evening, we are able to meet through Zoom for Bible Study.

We look forward with fervent prayer to the day we will be able to worship again in our beautiful sanctuary. May God continue to bless Community Protestant Church.

For his message last Sunday, Pastor Owens chose the topic, “Consider Its Power, The Holy Spirit.” His text came from Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” He stated that for Christians, the power, wisdom, comfort, gift, ministry and touch of the Holy Spirit are necessary, essential requirements for victory over circumstances.

Reminder: The COVID-19 vaccine is now available in our community. Practice social distancing and wear masks.

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

––Evan G. Mitchell

the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

But if ye be led by the spirit, ye are not under the Law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like. Of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.

The fruit of the spirit will develop to its full in a believer’s life only with careful and diligent cultivation.

The Christian must work daily on each aspect of the fruit to see progress. One writer stated that it is significant that the works of the flesh are contrasted with the fruit of the spirit. Without cultivation and effort, the flesh just naturally produces negative traits.

As long as we allow the spirit of God to have full

control of our life, the works of the flesh will not be able to manifest itself.

Galatians 5:24 states: And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lust.

The goal of each Christian should be to develop each aspect of the fruit of the spirit to the highest possible potential in his life. A Christian should never be satisfied with his present state; he should press on to a fuller dimension. It is important that Christians maintain the fruit of the spirit. Goodness is one that speaks of basic character. Paul said, “for I know that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” Romans (7:18) Goodness must be imparted to us from the character of Christ.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

The basic character of goodness will affect one’s ethics. Keep yourselves in the love of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

For further information, call (718) 324-0334.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Open Door Ministries

“Rise Above Your Circumstances” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

When there is no one to encourage, sustain or help you, it is the time to encourage yourself, put your hope in God and set aside those individuals that would denigrate you. It is good to have someone near you but when no one is available God has promised to comfort you.

1 Samuel 30:6 David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. David had been a good leader but when a time of distress came the people blamed him for their misfortune. Rather than fight back David went to the Lord and was victorious.

2 Chronicles 31:21 In all he did in service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow his laws and commands, Hezekiah sought God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.

Being double-minded or two-souled is the character of a person that lacks grounding. They are pushed all over by any wind. Hezekiah sought God from one heart, he was faithful.

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, please hear my prayer!

Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cupbearer.

Nehemiah was a captive to King Artaxerxes yet was faithful in his service. Circumstances did not

21

affect his service, therefore, he had weight with the king. He was respected even though he was a slave.

When he saw a need he asked god to intervene and was successful.

2 Kings 5:2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

This unnamed girl who was a captive still honored and loved God. She referred Naaman to the prophet.

Instead of bewailing her fate she was faithful and led her captor to the Lord.

Genesis 39:1 Joseph was taken down to Egypt.

Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

The Lord was with Joseph in his captivity. The plan of God was working its way through Joseph’s life but his excellence in service despite his circumstances was evidence of his ability to be faithful. He did not squander his suffering but honored God in his captivity.

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917334-4407 Blessings in Christ, ––Pastor Luis Ramos

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods:

Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

22

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Shareholders have a responsibility to vote in Board elections

Director’s Viewpoint – Sonia

Feliciano, Treasurer

Dear fellow shareholder, Hope everyone is doing well.

A wonderful highlight of our community is having our own vaccination site. We hope that having our own site is an opportunity to take advantage of the close proximity of the location without the need to travel to other places to get vaccinated. It is something we fought for.

Another important highlight of our community is the upcoming Board elections.

Because of the pandemic, we postponed last year’s elections thereby adding an extra year of service. We are now going back to the process of having elections.

This process is virtual giving the shareholders an opportunity to hear from the candidates on questions shareholders have sent in and speak about on what they feel is important and necessary for our community and providing ideas on how your concerns can be resolved. You will be electing five (5) candidates for this position.

It is a position that comes with great responsibility. Board directors represent you as the shareholders of this community. There have been two live forums which can also be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.

By now, you should have received your ballot asking you to pick up to five can-

didates of your choosing. While there is no law that says you should vote, by voting, you participate in the democratic process. Board directors serve as representatives.

They are the stewards governing the community’s finances, ensuring that the community is fiscally sound and that the management company we have hired continues to operate in a manner that provides good governance through the representation of the shareholders.

As shareholders, you elect your Board. It is extremely important that you participate in these elections. The goal is to meet a quorum with one third of the shareholders voting for five candidates. We have a responsibility to vote; it is what we have fought for. Please exercise your right to vote in the Riverbay Board elections.

Please continue to wear your masks in and out of the laundry rooms, elevators and outside and keep socially distant. It is extremely important to stay safe.

If you have any issues or concerns, you can always reach out to me on 917992-7311. Please stay well and be safe.

Always remember!

We are Shareholders First – We Matter!

Greetings, neighbors!

Happy Mother’s Day – To all our phenomenal mothers and grandmothers, we wish you an incredibly happy, relaxing and pampered Mother’s Day. Building association meeting – Our first virtual building association meeting was successfully held on April 13. Information regarding the next scheduled virtual meeting will be posted in the building lobbies. We hope that you will join in.

Board of Director Election – Please take the time to complete your ballots and vote to fill the five seats on the Riverbay Board of Directors. The voting deadline is Friday, May 21. You can vote online at riverbayvotes.com with the code and PIN you received with your ballot in the mail. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than May 21.

Income Affidavits – Your 2020 Income Affidavit must be returned to Riverbay

no later than May 31, 2021. The affidavits are not required to be notarized this year. Your completed affidavit with a copy of your apartment insurance declaration should be placed in a sealed envelope addressed to the Riverbay Corporation Finance Department and marked “2020 Income Affidavit Form.” The envelope can be dropped in the Dreiser or Bartow carrying charge box.

Happy birthday to all the May birthday celebrants. Welcome to our new neighbors.

We extend our prayers and get well wishes to those recuperating from an illness.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to those who have suffered a loss.

Please continue to wear a mask on the building premises, in the elevators and laundry room and continue to take the necessary precautions so that you, your loved ones and neighbors remain healthy and safe.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

Building 2 Association

Black Forum

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

You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required. Physical distancing is a must. New registrants can receive food the same day they register.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. It is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Recertification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry must recertify.

A valid ID NYC card, a non-driver’s, or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program.

Grab-N-Go – The 920 Baychester Avenue location is conducting a “grab-ngo” on Thursday, May 13, 2021, starting at 11 a.m. Items include, but are not limited to, the following: fresh greens, meats, tuna fish, Mott’s apple sauce, rice, pasta, Del Monte pasta sauce, Campbell’s chicken noodle soup, pecans, pistachio nuts, etc. Child diapers, size 4 and 5, will also be available. The distribution will go while supplies last. Guests do not have to present a pantry card to participate in this distribution. Please, only one representative per household should attend.

Monthly food packages will not be distributed on this day. All guests must have at least 4 clean/sturdy grocery bags and a large cart. Please note that any of the items listed above could run out at any time. All guests are required to wear masks completely covering their nose and mouth, and practice physical distancing.

Defensive Driving Class – Defensive Driving classes sponsored by Black Forum will return in the fall of 2021. Those needing to take the class now should consider taking an online version of the course. Visit the Empire Safety Council website at empiresafetycouncil.com. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” to receive a discount.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum @gmail.com. Please stay safe.

––D. Illis

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Dreiser (718) 320-1345

Mon., May 10

Einstein (718) 671-5161

No Activities

Tues., May 11

Bartow (929) 399-1394

Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Mobile: +1-929-205-6099

Wed., May 12

Health and Wellness, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola 1 p.m.-2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Group, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Fri., May 14

Thu., May 13

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

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

Music Therapy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m.-12 Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 p.m. via Zoom and phone Passcode: 045708 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1-2 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 Call in number: 1-929-205-6099 “Creative Hour with Sister Weight Management Support Grace,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. How Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of month, 1-2 p.m. Call: 929-299to make Floral Arrange1045, Code: 1386 ments.

Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m.

Meeting code: 915 3777 w/Ms. Margaret Kempe and stu954. Email Ann for Zoom dents (Pay it Forward Engineers) link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, different games each week incl.

Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 Meeting w/Ralph, 1 p.m.-2 to register & receive Zoom info. p.m. https://zoom.us/j/2959552471 Computer learning w/Ralph, To register, please call the JASA Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. To regisoffice w/your name, email ad- ter, call JASA w/name, email & phone. Zoom meeting: dress & phone number. https://zoom.us/j/93681329040; Meeting ID: 2959552471 Dial in: 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: Passcode: 259554 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554 Dial in: 1-929-205-6609

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Health and Wellness 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 Smartphone/Tablet Class Arthritis Exercise Class w/Ralph, 1 - 2 p.m. Call Main Office, 718-320-2066, w/Damion every Thurs., 1-2 to register. Please give your p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 986 telephone # & email address 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762

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

Stretch and Tone w/Ola, 12 p.m. (via Zoom or phone).

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

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

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10-11 a.m. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173 Passcode: 855423

No Activities

Happy Mother’s Day to all the lovely mothers. May you have a blessed day.

It is great to be back in our club room, and wonderful seeing everyone. A big thank you to those who helped clean the room on Monday.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:15 p.m. is bingo. Admission: $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each, up to three cards. Refreshments available. Proof of vaccination and mask required. Temperature will be taken at entrance. We must be careful.

Game Day – Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $1. Play mahjong, cards, dominoes, Uno and more. Refreshments available.

Members only. Proof of vaccination required. Become a member for $20 a year.

Wind Creek – This Thursday, May 13, the people have chosen to go to Wind Creek. The bus is leaving Einstein at 8 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser

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

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

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

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

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

Goose Island Seniors

Loop at 8:20 a.m. Mask required.

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

Trip to Villa Roma – Thursday, June 9, 2022, next year. Phase 2 – Doo-Wop show, luncheon and a day of fun, all for $92. A choice of entrées includes roast loin of pork, chicken parmigiana over linguine or Flounder Francese, all served with chef’s choice starch and vegetables. A $20 refundable deposit, your choice of entrée and bus seat selection is required when signing up for trip. Must show proof of vaccination. For reservation, call 347-847-1941. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of May: Jesse Seise, Edith Gitelson, Dorothy Drayton, Linda Singleton, Bernice De Carmo, Edith Senior-Williams, Mary

Upcoming Events

23

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

JASA Bartow Senior Center 12-weeks Cooking Classes – Every Thurs., starting Mar. 11 - May 27, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Please Note: These are not plantbased classes. Meeting ID number: 910 2152 1179.

Dial in: 646-876-9923 w/meeting ID number.

Chat/Talk group w/our Social Work student, “The Bubble of Strength w/Kyra” – Mondays, 1 p.m.

- 2 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 955 9503 8251, Passcode: 762941, Dial-in: 929-205-6099.

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

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

Every Wed. Tai Chi class w/Adira Polite – 11 a.m.

- 12 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/, Dial in: 929-2056099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

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

Digital Photography Class w/Eddie – Thurs., 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Learn how to not only take pictures but how to edit, enhance and digital print them by using your hand-held devices. Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 948 0295 9309, Passcode: 337875, Dial-in: 929-205-6099.

Fri. Aerobics Class with Adira Polite – 11 a.m.

- 12 p.m. https://zoom.us/, Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150.

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

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

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

Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us; Dial-in: 929-2056099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

Memory shows how we’re connected to the whole world (Part 1) – Educational Workshop, SHOPP Caregivers Program in Partnership with the Aesthetic Realism Foundation and JASA, May 14, at 2 - 3 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8342191340; Meeting ID: 834 2191 3402, no passcode required.

Game Night Mardi Gras theme – Dress to impress; music, fun, games and prizes, May 21, 4 p.m.

- 6 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us; Meeting ID: 998 2611 2128, Passcode: 852928, Dial-in: 929-205-6099.

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

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice)

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Pilla, Gerald “Jerry-Robert” Ortiz, Karla Klaus, Josephine Betancourt, Vivian Melendez-Vazquez, Geneva Lindsey, Lonia Strong-Davenport and Clotilda Hartfield.

Sick and Shut-in – Alfonso Gonzalez had a minor surgery. He is recovering nicely. Edna Trujillo had a stroke. She is going through rehab. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center in Somers, NY. She would love to hear from you . You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, in the Section 5 Community Center; phone number: (718) 379-9613. We are open. You may call (mornings) Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (evenings) Tues. & Thurs., 1 p.m.-6 p.m. and Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. You may also call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

24

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint –Claudia

My, how quickly we forget the decisions made in our Board room.

Perhaps, we can attribute this sudden memory loss to the pandemic. But the record is there to serve as a reminder of what actions we took when we unanimously approved Resolution 20-20 at our January 29, 2019 Board Business Meeting.

Thankfully, unlike two of the current incumbents running for election to the Board, I haven’t flipped and continue to remain steadfast in my commitment in support of the waterfront park with the assistance of a reputable architectural firm Imbiano & Quigley.

I co-sponsored the resolution with a former director who resigned his seat and whose unfinished term was filled by one of the other incumbents opposed to the development of the waterfront park.

Why are three of the candidates currently running for re-election to the Board saying otherwise? Are they opposed to the waterfront park due to its estimated cost? Or is it something else?

I believe that they’re opposed to a proposal that is not only a plan that will truly increase our property value – not to mention provide an outdoor recreational space for the community – but also because it serves

Let the record show ...

Sampson

as a convenient topic of distraction for a platform that is filled with cliched slogans and unsubstantiated claims.

As President of the Riverbay Fund, I recently spearheaded, with the help of a consultant who crafted a flawless funding proposal, submission to the US House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development of a Community Project, to help develop a waterfront park from the Little League Field to the Construction Trailers. Our proposal, guided by Congressman Bowman’s Office, was retitled to differentiate it from thousands of proposals submitted “Improving Access to Green Space & Promoting Waterfront Resilience in America’s Largest Housing Development (Co-op City)” and is now in the queue among the Top 10 proposals under consideration by the House Appropriations Committee for funding.

Thanks to the collaboration between Riverbay Fund Executive Officers – myself as President, and VP Kevin Lambright as well as Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, Executive GM Bob Klehammer, GM Noel Ellison, Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous, grant writer Nicole Fields, counselors Jeff Buss and Nancy Durand, the will of the

National Council of Negro Women

Membership – NCNW Co-op City Section is celebrating our first 50 years this year! Our next membership meeting will be Sunday, May 16, 2021 (meeting is on third Sunday instead of second Sunday in deference to Mother’s Day) at 3 p.m. Our June meeting will be the last meeting as we take a summer break and resume membership meetings in September.

Ranked Choice Voting Empowerment Training – Thank you to City Councilman Kevin C. Riley who brought to us a very important understanding of the Ranked Choice Voting that we will all be using in our Primary Election on June 22, 2021 or during the early voting dates, June 12-20. Our Zoom training webinar was on April 18th and very informative. Thanks to this training, it will not be our botched ballots that are thrown in the trash!

Pre-Mother’s Day Fundraiser – Thank you to all who supported our first PreMother’s Day bingo night. We all enjoyed an evening of so much fun. Now the rest is up to you to celebrate on Sunday, the mother who means so much to you!

Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Because of the Covid-19 coronavirus, the BHRP Program will be a virtual program on May 15, 2021 at noon.

At our 46th annual awards program, we will be honoring La-Trina RobinsonWebster, distinguished educator of NYC school system; Nydia D. Southerland, outstanding youth leader and Sara E. Dennis, New York State honoree and affiliate. Raffle winners will be contacted by phone and their prizes mailed to them.

Social Media – Remember, you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

––Joyce Howard

Building 25 Association

We would like to wish every mother a Happy Mother’s Day and may tomorrow’s activity bring a smile to your face.

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

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

Latest update to resuming our building meetings due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. Be on the lookout for the telephone number and dial-in code posted near the elevators. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging on to our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with the following quote: “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” ––Unknown ––Wanda Bailey

community is being acted upon despite the naysayers opposed to the waterfront park development. Word to the wise, don’t bet against the community. We also received letters of endorsement from numerous community organizations and state/local government elected officials.

Kudos to our 2021-2024 Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee incumbent Director Kevin Lambright with two other directors, Mary Pearson and Bernie Cylich, who provided invaluable insights and honest feedback to reimagine the Riverbay Fund and help us meet the moment.

There are also four remarkably talented women running for the Board. I happen to know them each to be sincere, unapologetically committed to putting their shoulders to the grindstone and getting things done. They’re unscripted and the real deal.

So I encourage you to listen with both an open mind and heart to what they’re offering as part of the dynamic Team Progress. Vote to re-elect Kevin Lambright and elect Sheila Richburg, Monique Coleman, Aminah Lucio and Isabel Fletcher. Vote para el Equipo Progresivo! Vote for all five. Leave no one behind!

Broun Place Townhouse Association

First and most important this week is to wish all our mothers and nurturing figures a happy Mother’s Day. Sometimes recognition is forgotten so let’s take this opportunity to applaud the mothers of our community.

Are you studying the Riverbay Board of Directors candidates? Please do! Please plan to vote. That is each household cooperator’s responsibility. On my agenda this week was attending the Section 4 Partnership virtual meeting. The theme was working together, and we are happy to do that.

Tidings this week are birthday greetings to long time cooperator Thea Columbo.

And, announcing former long-time cooperator, community activist and mentor Sylvia Lask Herskowitz has passed. We send her family sincere condolences and remember Sylvia fondly.

We are in a war with COVID-19. We will win if we follow the rules. Also stop littering, especially PPE. Dispose of masks and gloves in pedestrian garbage cans.

Read to understand what is going on with the different vaccines. The Johnson and Johnson (J & J) is available again with information sheets being distributed too.

The Moderna and Pfizer are also available. Don’t be afraid of physical reactions.

They are short term.

Anyone with information about the random drive-by shots fired in Bellamy Loop on April 24 needs to speak with Public Safety.

Register with the Riverbay RUOK Emergency contact program. The Co-op City Times has been publishing registration forms. It’s very important for you to register with these programs, especially if you are older, living alone and have a chronic condition. Information is stored confidentially but available for an emergency situation.

The current election period for 2021 is happening and submission of your mailin vote is ongoing. Study the candidates. Don’t brush the process aside. You need to vote to assure meeting the quorum requirement. Watch the forum or repeat showings.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is the process we will use in this year’s June 22nd Primary elections. Broun Place chairperson, Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, attended a great seminar on RCV. For more information on vaccines, visit: nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 311. The following is the help site for all your questions on COVID-19: nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Read the Co-op City Times, it contains interesting and important news of our Co-op City community. It makes for a great and diverse community newspaper.

Use the CDC recommended guideline weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a clean face mask, (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep at least three feet between you and others, and finally, wash hands frequently. Don’t take the mask off to speak.

Are you missing supermarket weekly inserts? The contractor did not have permission to distribute in Co-op City. Refer your local market manager to the Co-op City Times for advertising information. Healing prayers and support to all those coming back from illness. Join or renew your Broun Place Association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Traditional Synagogue

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church

25

Saturday morning services will start at 10 a.m. This change was made at the request of some of our members.

The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services.

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

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

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 8, at 8:52 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, May 14, at 7:46 p.m.

Good and Welfare – We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory, of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call (347) 4495005). Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health.

If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All members – Happy Birthday to Scott Katz, Edith Gitelson and Karla Klaus and all other members who will celebrate their birthday in May. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in May, 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

“If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-1.1.

UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation. All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.). Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256, or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Remote schedule for Sundays, come and receive a blessing.

We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page: facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at coopcityumc.com.

In-person service at the church on Sunday at 11 a.m.

We will still be online: Sunday Bilingual Services via Zoom Sunday start at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish), and 7 p.m. (English), Pray and Reflection Service.

Sunday School starts at 8 a.m. (English).

Food Pantry: The food pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code, driver, non-driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Blessings, ––Marta Medina

Giving back with a cause A discussion on death and dying is usually a difficult topic to address. What’s even more difficult is the subject of body donation. It is vital for a caregiver to have that uncomfortable conversation regarding a loved one’s request regarding what they would like to take place after their death. Body donation just might be a topic of discussion. Any individual over 18 years old can donate their body before death by completing an Anatomical Gift form.

Did you know, the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) is the professional scientific association for faculty members, research professionals, and students in the anatomical sciences! They have a 130-year history of supporting the work of advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development. Body donation is an integral part of medical education in the United States, with almost all medical and dental schools and many other health professions or undergraduate institutions, using some form of body donation material in their teaching. The rules and regulations surrounding body donation are clear and regulated on a state-by-state basis. Medical schools have staff on-site, including licensed funeral directors, to handle the storage, identification, handling, and final disposition of remains. The use of donated bodies in biomedical science is a precious gift. AAA believes strongly in the legal and ethical use of donated bodies which helps to teach the next generation of healthcare professionals, including future

doctors, nurses, physical therapists, research scientists, and many others. The AAA promotes the donation of bodies only to accredited universities and colleges or through a State Anatomical Program.

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Anatomical Gift Program is one of the many participants in the New York City Area. Sixteen-24 months after donation, the body is cremated, and the ashes are given to a family member or placed into Cypress Hill Cemetery. In addition, each donor is recognized and acknowledged for their contribution to education and research to the school. Their name is placed on a wall in the student lecture hall of Mt Sinai. Body donation is yet another way of giving back.

If you are interested in donating your body to science, please contact your nearest medical school to inquire about policies related to body donation. Each state in the United States has different rules and regulations regarding body donation.

COME is here for you. Contact us with your questions and concerns at 718-3793159 or info@comeoutreach.org.

Please join us for our monthly 45 mins. informational session on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7 p.m. Topics: Hospice Care, presented by VNSNY. Learn more about the services hospice offer regarding chronic diseases. You can RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org to receive the link to join.

––Diane Cooper

Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

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26

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Wheelchair mobility, Spelling Bee and Board elections

Director’s Viewpoint – Andrea The Disabilities and Accommodations Committee (DAAC) held a lunch time virtual meeting last Wednesday that shared information about a new mobility service in the Bronx now available to Co-op City residents. Independent Care System (ICS) On A Roll wheelchair services is a mobility service company dedicated to keeping their clients mobile and independent. Anyone interested in this service can contact me at aleslie@riverbayboard.com. DAAC plans to host future virtual meetings to have Project Hope and Thrive make presentations on mental health. May is Mental Health month and I encourage anyone having coping issues to know that you are not alone and that

AARP

From President Mickens Welcome to spring weather and more open areas for us to enjoy in our community. I usually spend most of our time together on Covid-19 but not today.

The vaccination rates are up, hospitalizations are down; schools are open for all grades and the children look happy. Safety measures are in place that allow us to go out to events and stay past 8 p.m. And it is said that July 1, 2021 will be the full re-opening of New York City! We still need hand washing, masks and social distancing. Safety is the best way to ensure our summer is what we hope for.

Voting continues to be a major issue for AARP National and local. Certain states are trying to suppress votes of citizens. In New York, we do not have that problem. We do have a very important election for the Riverbay Board of Directors in Coop City. We are shareholders and we set the table for how our community is governed. With as many people as we have living here, there is no reason not to have a quorum on the first ballot. You have access to virtual meetings with the candidates, and Q and A sessions after to see what they are offering our community.

Information is available in the Co-op City Times and to not vote on time is not an option. Voting starts May 3, 2021 until May 21, 2021.

A second election with major influence on our city and state is the Primary Election on June 22, 2021. We will have early voting; informed virtual sessions are being done in parts of Co-op City. Ballots should already be in your home, but the process is new. This is called Ranked Choice Voting and it needs some explanation. Please follow The Coop City Times for dates and times of informational meetings that are scheduled since this is for the next Mayor of New York City and other elected officials. We can’t be unhappy with the election if we do not participate. If you have questions, you may reach out to political groups in Co-op City such as the Democratic Club, NCNW or the NAACP for advice or explanation. Voters can reach out to the League of Women Voters for help.

Our membership drive is still continuing for new/renewal members and you can mail your $15 payment to Ms. Stella Baker, 120 Casals Place, #24L, Bronx, NY 10475. Checks made payable to AARP Chapter #4997, include your National ID number, telephone number and e-mail address in the envelope. We will start having regular meetings at our site in September 2021, per Riverbay Corporation.

We will be having elections in 2022 for all elected positions. Our Good and Welfare contact, Mrs. Frances Wilson, reports we have lost a long-time member, Ms. Clara Evans. We send our condolences to her family and wishes for speedy recovery to all who are still recovering and improving.

Last message for this week: vote every time, each vote counts and is important!

––Ann Purnell

Leslie

help is available for you.

Spelling Bee The eighth annual Spelling Bee will be held May 15, 2021 (rain date: May 22, 2021) at 1:00 p.m. on Section 1 greenway stage (near 140 Benchley place).

Children in grades 4 to 8 are eligible to participate.

There will be monetary prizes for the top winners.

Come out to support and encourage our children. To register your child or volunteer for the event, call (718) 671-5957.

Continue our Advances Your bright orange envelope should have already arrived. One of the most important decisions you will make this year will be to participate in the governance

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

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

You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and peace.

––M. Chambers

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

of your community. Voting for Riverbay Board directors begins May 3rd and ends May 21st. Vote ASAP. Vote by mail or online.

The Board has made great strides and accomplished many goals, keeping Co-op City affordable, millions in energy savings, installing state-of-the-art elevators, E-Z pass garage access, state-of-the-art ADA doors, Zero equity senior downsizing, are only a few of the Board’s accomplishments. To continue the advances and stay on the course, please vote to elect Sheila Richburg, Aminah Lucio, Isabel Fletcher, Monique Coleman and re-elect Kevin Lambright. Team Progress...United for progress.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

A Mother’s Day Prayer

Loving Father, You wrap your arms around your people and show your everlasting love, in the same way a mother loves her children. We are grateful for the love you have taught us through the mothers in our lives. Our own mothers who brought us into this world, our nana’s, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters who took time for us; the mothers of friends who have welcomed us into their homes and families, and the mothers who have helped us even though they have no children of their own. Mothers are walking miracles and we honor the sacrifices they make for their children. Bless all the mothers of this world today. Bless those that fell down & got up, bless those incarcerated, bless those trying to make a way, bless those that are lost & found, and yes, bless those fathers who step in as mothers when necessary. May they know the fullness of love they have shared and be blessed every day of their lives by your Amazing Grace. Amen.

Happy Mothers’ Day! (Note: Compiled from various sources.)

––Brenda Brown

PPE trash is still a problem –– Used gloves and masks must be disposed of properly in trash receptacles and not thrown on the ground or on floors in residential buildings.

This behavior is irresponsible and unsanitary and presents a health hazard to others.

Family Owned and Operated

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• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

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A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

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

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Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

Faith @ Work Christian Church

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120 DeKruif Place (street level). We have not returned to public worship yet, but we are available to support the community. Church telephone: (347) 202-7006, email: fatwcc@aol.com www.faithatworkchurch.org.

Weekly Worship Experiences: Wednesday Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.

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

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

May 23rd is Pentecost Sunday: Bless the Most High for the gift of the Holy Spirit!

Faith Summer Camp: We will take limited registration for our summer camp which will run from July 5 through August 13. The hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our theme this summer is “Art-ful-Soul!” After COVID-19, we all need a little healing, and our children are no exception. We are gearing up for fun, fun, fun! Ages 6-13. We will follow all required protocols for NYS/CDC. If interested, send an email to fatwcc@aol.com.

Join us for our Annual Good Friday Worship Service on April 10, 2020 at 10 a.m.

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

––Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

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

On next Sunday, May 16, the Pastor’s Aide will be celebrating their 43rd Anniversary during the 11:00 a.m. service. Their theme is “Let Your Light Shine,” Matthew 5:16. The guest speaker will be Minister Algernon Quattlebaum. All are welcome to join this celebratory service using the Zoom information shown above.

Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1 p.m. You can join us by Zoom Video with link: us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at noon. You can join using the freeconferencecall.com line, 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065.

Friday Noon Prayer is held at 10 a.m. Please note time change. You can join us using the freeconferencecall.com line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the freeconferencecall.com line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Sunday School for adults is held on Sundays at 9 a.m. Use the freeconferencecall.com line shown above to join in. Sunday School for children and youth

are held as follows: Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) 802-5451, PIN/ACCESS: 2788906.

Juniors (9-11years old), 3:30 p.m., ZOOM: (516) 259-9274 (no access code required).

Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m., FCC: (701) 802- 5230, PIN/ACCESS: 3559529 The COVID-19 vaccination is now available for those 16 and older. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a COVID19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844-444-2819. You can also go to the Dreiser Community Center.

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

God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1.

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

––Hattie L. Lucas

Church of the New Vision and its Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings as we share the Gospels’ message of the love of God on YouTube. Just type in Kenneth Hodge.

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

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

Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen.

––Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge.

Sunday, May 1, Worship Service theme: “Washed In The Blood.”

Scripture: Revelation 1:3-7: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

(Rev. 1:1-2; Titus 3:5-6; Romans 5;8; Hebrew 9:22; 1 John 1:7; 1; Titus 2:1314; Cor. 11:23) A letter to my mother – All are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mothers are the precious jewels who give life to and impact the lives of countless children and adults every day.

If you wish to express your love or appreciation on this day, please contact Sisters Elzana Bartell at 718.801.7004 or L. Scott at 718.671.2623. To register for this free virtual event, RSVP no later than Wednesday, May 5, at churchnewvisionbx.org. After receipt of your registration, you will be sent a link via email and/or telephone number to join.

Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, wear a mask and stay safe!

Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Beloved, as you know, we had to cancel our event due to the weather. BUT....

We will move forward. This is the update: Mother’s Day Spectacular, May 8 (alternate date: May 15). All-white event. Place: Greenway between Buildings 7 and 8. Time: 1-3 p.m. Program: 50/50, Rose ceremony, Awards ceremony, Birthday celebration. Crowning ceremony. Looking forward to an awesome time with all of you.

Outings/ suggestions: We welcome suggestions on future trips of interest to you. Please contact Dorothy Byrd.

Good and Welfare: Josephine Flowers is the contact person.

Sympathy: It is with our deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of the former Chaplain to the Retirees of Dreiser Loop Mrs. Clara Evans, a servant of the Lord who has touched many lives and impacted many through her “Ministry of Presence.” May God bless her family during this time.

Dues: Again...as reports come in from the VP, so many of you have paid dues. We are forever grateful to all of you. You are amazing! For those interested, Joanne Harris is the contact person.

Inspiration: Don’t let anyone destroy your joy. It’s God’s Grace through faith what we believe. Our hearts are purified by ‘Faith’ believing whatever happens in the world we are saved through the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Grace too good to be true. A Grace so undeserving....

Chaplain The world didn’t give it. So... the world can’t take it Honoring Clara Evans away. Stand strong in your faith. Unmoveable, Unshakeable, Unstoppable. Pray...The Highest honor we can bestow towards our family, city, community and nation is to pray. Prayer is both a civic responsibility and a sacred privilege. The word says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

Psa. 33:12. Dwell on these things.

—Chaplain Gladys Baez

Co-op City Baptist Church

Church of the New Vision

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Baychester Library is open for Grab-and-Go service. Please make sure to check out nypl.org for more information and online resources.

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021 YARD SALE

5/15 May 15-16, 1806 Bartow Avenue 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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Pay your carrying charges online with ZEGO

5/29

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

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

• Payments will be received in one business day.

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

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

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

• Secure and easy payment system.

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

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

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

Co-op City Times weekly delivery

To help prevent transmission of COVID19 and protect both our workers and residents, the Co-op City Times is delivered to building lobbies. We ask that you keep the newspapers neat and tidy.

Delivery to townhouses continues as it has to each unit door. Please pick up your paper promptly after delivery to avoid it scattering in high winds or getting soiled in inclement weather.

If you are going to the lobby, please bring newspapers up for your neighbors, especially those who are among our vulnerable population.

Stay safe.

RIVERBAY OPPORTUNITIES

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

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

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

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

Eid Mubarak!

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

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

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

Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

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Co-op Insurance

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Co-op City Times / May 8, 2021

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

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

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

We O f f e r :

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

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Ot her Lines o f Insurance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Low Rat es F or T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Licensed Insurance Agent

The Wright Agency

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

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

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

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

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

COVID COMPLIANT

NOTARY 1435 East Gun Hill Road FREE SERVICE Mon. & Wed.: 8:45 to 6:00Beat p.m.

—a.m.We ALL Competitor Pricing!

— Call Us Today!

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

Courteous Staff!

Appointment Hours:

(near Eastchester Road)

718-671-8000

JasonLash@Co-opSales.com • Se Habla EspañolCO-OP CITY

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

RESIDENTS! Licensed & Insured Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. #1188270, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs