Co-op City Times 05/11/2024

2024

2024 Riverbay Board of Directors Election Supplement, pgs 23-32

Riverbay Board of Directors Election Supplement, pgs 23-32

First 2024 Candidates’ Forum to be Held in Dreiser Auditorium,

Saturday, May 18

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The frst Candidates’ Forum of the 2024 Riverbay Board Election will take place on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium.

Shareholders who would like to submit questions for the candidates have three options to do so:

1. The form, printed on page 6 of this issue, can be cut out, flled in, placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to your respective CSO before the close of business on Tuesday, May 14.

2. You may email the 2024 Election Committee at Riverbay2024Election@ riverbaycorp.com

(Those utilizing options 1 & 2 above must include their full name, building # and apartment, and the question to be asked.)

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

The 2024 Election Committee, chaired by Board Directors Anika Green-Watson and Claudia Sampson, encourages shareholders to submit questions for the May 18th forum.

“Greetings, neighbors! The Riverbay Board Election season is upon us and with the start of campaigning underway, the Committee has been hard at work,” said Director Green-Watson.

(Continued on page 4)

Electrical Fire in Building 3B

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

An electrical fre broke out in an apartment in Building 3B on Saturday, May 4, causing extensive damage to apartments, hallways and two elevators. Two individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Firefghters arrived on the scene at approximately 11:41 p.m. and were able to get the fre under control by 12:30 p.m. According to Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto, smoke from the fre, which started in an apartment on the sixth foor, traveled all the way up to the 24th foor.

Two elevators also sustained water damage during the fre; it was deemed unsafe to recall the elevators at the time. According to Mr. Barzelatto, one elevator has already been repaired while the other elevator was destroyed and will need to be replaced.

The apartment where the fre originated took the brunt of the damage with the hallway, stairway and multiple surrounding apartments being impacted by smoke and water damage.

(Continued on page 9)

$51M Allocated in NYS Budget for Co-op City

Funds Earmarked for Capital Projects; $1M for Operations

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and other local and state elected offcials announced the allocation in the New York State budget of $51M for Coop City, the bulk of it for capital projects and $1M for operations.

At a press conference held in Co-op City’s Dreiser Auditorium on Thursday, May 9, Assemblyman Benedetto was joined by NY State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey and NYC Councilman Kevin Riley to deliver the news to the Riverbay Board, Management and shareholders.

Of the $51M set aside for Co-op City, $50M will be earmarked for “capital expenses” and the remaining $1 million will be used for “operating expenses,” according to the state offcials.

Assemblyman Benedetto kicked off the May 9th press conference by acknowledging that the funding would not be possible without a concerted team effort from various levels of the NYS government, particularly from Assembly Speaker Heastie.

“There is one main person that we have to thank – that Co-op City has to say – Mr. Speaker, you have given us a great lifeline here in this New York State

(Continued on page 9)

Open Board Meeting Tuesday, May 21, Dreiser Auditorium

The Riverbay Board of Directors will conduct its business meeting in open session on Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium and shareholders are invited to attend and to address the Board during the Gallery Session.

From 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Riverbay department heads will be available to meet with shareholders who would like to discuss pertinent matters.

The Gallery Session will be followed by the Board meeting.

This meeting will be broadcast live on the Riverbay Crawler, channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum). See Agenda on page 11.

2024

Riverbay Board Election: How to Submit a Question for Candidates’ Forum #1

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

1. The form, printed on page 6 of this issue, can be cut out, completed, placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to your respective CSO before the close of business on Tuesday, May 14.

(Continued on page 10)

Interview with Sean Mehta, Riverbay’s IT Director – See page 3

State Funding Will Help Ensure Affordability of Our Homes

Dear fellow shareholders, Greetings to you and your family. Hope everyone is doing well.

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, our electeds held a press conference in Dreiser Auditorium B to announce the allocation of $51M to the Riverbay Corporation, a Mitchell-Lama cooperative for fscal year 2024-2025 for capital projects for our development. The $50M was allocated to capital projects with an additional $1 million to operating expenses. We cannot thank the very people who made it happen enough – New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Councilmember Kevin Riley. We also thank the young men and women who work for the elected offcials

Sonia Feliciano

President’s Report

(Continued on page 2) Scan QR code to read the Co-op City Times

Photo by Brandon Ortiz

Senator Jamaal Bailey, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto display check for $51M that has been allocated for Co-op City in the NYS Fiscal 2024/25 budget.

Photo by Brandon Ortiz

and who hear our concerns daily; the Executive Management team of the Riverbay Board; the many employees who keep our homes safe, clean, and maintained; our Board of Directors; and guests comprised of our building presidents and community-based organizations. There are so many facets of running a development of this size. We are not perfect but we all strive every day to ensure Co-op City will always be the best place to live. As the largest residential development in the world, we are honored that we continue to remain affordable. This money will help us to continue the work started, to be started, and need to be started to ensure that our homes are safe and secure.

As I stated in a few reports, we are getting new elevators for the eight garages. This is a $16-million project that we contracted with Champion Elevator Company. Why do we need elevators? They are over 50 years old, and they break down often. A minimum of $10,000 is needed to repair them and sometimes more. The need for new elevators is not a want, but a need. The Board supports the efforts of our management company to get this done with expediency and at cost.

The $621.5 million loan that we refnance back in 2021 at a low interest afforded us the ability to take $124.5 million for capital projects. These capital projects did not all come from Riverbay, but a HUD property assessment of what is needed to secure the loan with Wells Fargo. This property assessment laid out what is required by order of priority for the development. The money is in a reserve fund that can only be used for capital improvements and approved by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development).

In 2019, the Riverbay Board voted on the renovation of the Dreiser Auditorium. The cost was to be $5.6 million for the renovation, with other costs added for architects and engineers, asbestos abatement, an HVAC system, and a roof terrace bringing up the cost of the contract. When renovating a structure that for many years was neglected, looking like a dump, and now can be used as a showpiece for concerts, events, and meetings, it shows our efforts to improve our development. Cost overruns did occur as the scope of the design changes were made. We can be proud of an auditorium, and over time, we will be able to recover the monies spent through revenue we will have from the rental of the auditorium.

The work proposed for Local Law 11, securing all of our buildings’ façades met with the approval of the Department of Buildings when the project was completed. Overall, the project cost $77 million, [engineering fees, sidewalk sheds (an absolute mandatory requirement) needed to ensure the safety of our residents] and façade repairs cost more than we had expected. The money has been paid and the buildings are certifed as safe by the DOB. We will be entering into another cycle of Local Law 11 for Section 5 in a few years. The expectation is that the work that was done previously will carry into the next phase with minimal work to be done. The premise of Local Law 11 is to protect the public from potentially falling debris. We must inspect and maintain our building to avoid any conditions deemed as dangerous.

Dogs

A reminder to please curb your dog. Be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog. The Riverbay Fund has put in a grant request for a Dog Run Park and another grant to provide educational services for dog owners. If we are fortunate to get this grant, we will use the money to build a dog-run park that will allow dogs to run and play in an area suitable for them. I believe our residents will embrace this idea.

No Smoking Ban

By a resolution, the development has a no-smoking ban for all public spaces which includes stairwells. The community is concerned that second hand smoke is permeating through our vents causing our nonsmokers distress. In the United States, we have 1 in 5 deaths that occur because of smoking or breathing smoke. It is a preventable disease causing a disability that reduces your life span by 10

years. Therefore, I urge you to vote in the upcoming election either yes or no to the referendum that will be put forth during the election process. We are asking you to make a choice.

If you have any concerns, you can reach me as follows: S. Feliciano, c/o Liaisons offce @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; email: Sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com

Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Please stay well and be safe

Shareholders First – We Matter.

Estimados accionistas,

***

Saludos a usted y a su familia. Espero que todo el mundo esté bien.

El jueves 9 de mayo de 2024, nuestros elegidos celebraron una conferencia de prensa en la sala B de Dreiser para anunciar la asignación de 51M de dólares a la Riverbay Corporation, una cooperativa de Mitchell-Lama para el año fscal 2024-2025 para proyectos de capital para nuestro desarrollo. Los 50M fueron asignados a Proyectos de Capital con 1 millón adicional para gastos operativos. No podemos agradecer lo sufciente a las personas que lo hicieron posible, el Presidente de la Asamblea del Estado de Nueva York, Carl Heastie, el Asambleísta Michael Benedetto, el Senador Estatal Jamaal Bailey y el Concejal Kevin Riley. También damos las gracias a los hombres y mujeres jóvenes que trabajan para los funcionarios electos y que escuchan nuestras preocupaciones a diario, el equipo de gestión ejecutiva de la Junta Riverbay, los muchos empleados que mantienen nuestros hogares seguros, limpios y mantenidos, nuestro Consejo de Administración, y los invitados compuesto por nuestros Presidentes de Edifcio y organizaciones de base comunitaria. Hay tantas facetas de la gestión de un desarrollo de este tamaño. No somos perfectos, pero todos nos esforzamos cada día por garantizar que Co-op City sea siempre el mejor lugar para vivir. Como mayor urbanización residencial del mundo, nos honra seguir siendo asequibles. Este dinero nos ayudará a continuar el trabajo empezado, por empezar, y que es necesario empezar para garantizar que nuestros hogares sean seguros y protegidos. Como ya dije en algunos informes, vamos a adquirir nuevos ascensores para los ocho garajes. Se trata de un proyecto de 16 millones de dólares que hemos contratado con la empresa Champion Elevator. ¿Por qué necesitamos ascensores? Tienen más de 50 años y se averían a menudo. Se necesita un mínimo de 10.000 dólares para repararlos y a veces más. La necesidad de nuevos ascensores no es un deseo, sino una necesidad. La Junta apoya los esfuerzos de nuestra empresa de gestión para que esto se haga con prontitud y a buen precio.

El préstamo de 621.5 millones de dólares que refnanciamos en 2021 a un interés bajo nos permitió tomar 124.5 millones para proyectos de capital. Estos proyectos de capital no provienen todos de Riverbay, pero una evaluación de la propiedad HUD de lo que se necesitava para garantizar el préstamo con Wells Fargo. Esta evaluación de la propiedad establece lo que se requiere por orden de prioridad para el desarrollo. El dinero está en un fondo de reserva que sólo puede ser utilizado para mejoras de capital y aprobado por el HUD (Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano).

En 2019, la Junta de Riverbay votó la renovación del Auditorio Dreiser. El coste de la renovación iba a ser de 5.6 millones, con otros costes añadidos para arquitectos e ingenieros, eliminación de amianto, un sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado, y una terraza en la azotea que aumentaban el costo de el contrato. Renovar una estructura que durante muchos años ha estado abandonada con aspecto de vertedero y que ahora puede utilizarse como escaparate para conciertos, actos y reuniones demuestra nuestros esfuerzos por mejorar nuestro desarrollo. Se produjeron sobrecostes al modifcarse el alcance del diseño. Podemos estar orgullosos de un auditorio y con el tiempo podremos recuperar el dinero gastado gracias a los ingresos que obtendremos del alquiler del auditorio.

Las obras propuestas para la Ley Local 11, que aseguran toda la fachada de nuestros edifcios, obtu-

vieron la aprobación del Departamento de Edifcios cuando se completó el proyecto. En total, el proyecto costó 77 millones, (los honorarios de ingeniería, los cobertizos de las aceras (un requisito obligatorio absoluto) necesarios para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros residentes) y las reparaciones de las fachadas costaron más de lo que esperábamos. El dinero se ha pagado y los edifcios están certifcados como seguros por el DOB. Vamos a entrar en otro ciclo de la Ley Local 11 para la Sección 5 en unos pocos años. La expectativa es que el trabajo que se hizo anteriormente se llevará a la siguiente fase con un mínimo de trabajo por hacer. La premisa de la Ley Local 11 es proteger al público de posibles caídas de escombros. Debemos inspeccionar y mantener nuestro edifcio para evitar cualquier condición considerada como peligrosa.

Perros

Le recordamos que por favor ponga freno a su perro. Sea un dueño responsable y limpie lo que ensucie su perro. El Fondo Riverbay ha presentado una solicitud de subvención para un parque para perros y otra subvención para proporcionar servicios educativos a los propietarios de perros. Si tenemos la suerte de conseguir esta subvención, utilizaremos el dinero para construir un parque canino que permita a los perros correr y jugar en una zona adecuada para ellos. Creo que nuestros residentes aceptarán esta idea.

Prohibición de fumar

Mediante una resolución, la urbanización prohíbe fumar en todos los espacios públicos, incluidas las escaleras. A la comunidad le preocupa que el humo de segunda mano se fltre a través de los conductos de ventilación y cause molestias a los no fumadores. En Estados Unidos, una de cada cinco muertes se produce por fumar o respirar humo. Es una enfermedad prevenible que causa una discapacidad que reduce la esperanza de vida en 10 años. Por lo tanto, les insto a votar en las próximas elecciones sí o no al referéndum que se presentará durante el proceso electoral. Le pedimos que tome una decisión. Si tiene alguna inquietud, puede comunicarse conmigo de la siguiente manera: S. Feliciano, c/o Liaisons offce @ 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; correo electrónico: Sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com

Gracias por el privilegio de servirle. Por favor, manténganse bien y salvo.

Somos accionistas primero: Nosotros importamos.

Co-op City Times

COMBING

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

Health Fair

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

Shred Fest

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

Next CB #10 Public

Hearing/Board Meeting

CB #10 will hold a public hearing and full Board meeting in Room 31 of the Bartow Center at 2049 Bartow Avenue on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend. For more information, please contact CB #10 at (718) 892-1161.

Interview with IT Director, Sean Mehta

BY DANIELLE CRUZ AND BRANDON ORTIZ

Since starting at Riverbay in January, IT Director Sean Mehta has worked with his department to update the corporation’s systems, improve customer service and address Wi-Fi connection issues throughout the Riverbay campus. The Co-op City Times sat down with Mr. Mehta this week to learn more about the IT department’s upcoming projects, their goals for Riverbay and what those changes mean for shareholders. When did you first start working at Riverbay?

January 22 of this year.

Where were you employed prior to joining Riverbay and what was your position?

So, I was a Director/Chief Technology Officer (CTO). I come from finance; I worked in New York City for a financial company. So that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 15 to 20 years.

How has your experience been so far since joining Riverbay?

Great, learning new things at Riverbay and getting up to speed on many projects.

What are some of your short-term goals as IT Director?

Improve Customer Service, improve un-dated infra and improve relationships within departments.

Can you expand on what that means?

Basically, we have a lot of systems that are old or outdated. One of my responsibilities is to pretty much get everything to the present. That includes our servers, our network equipment, our computers, things that are prehistoric. I’m trying to pretty much get them up to the latest and greatest.

Does that process also include updating the Wi-Fi signal and strength across the Riverbay campus?

So, that’s a project that I’m going to be working on hopefully next year or probably starting at the end of this year.

We’re having very premature discussions on getting

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

This year’s Co-op City Little League parade was a big success for all involved. While the parade has typically been held during the Rivers Run Community Garden’s annual Earth Day celebration, they decided to hold their event independently on Saturday, May 4. Players, volunteers, and coaches assembled at 10 a.m. on Bartow Avenue and Co-op City Boulevard.

“This was a day to celebrate the kids, so why not have their own individual parade, to make them feel special and to honor our players,” said League President Alex Ruiz. Joined by the Street Beat Brass Band, American Legion Post 1871 led the procession of kids and adults to the field. Mr. Ruiz emphasized the importance of honoring the Color Guard and the veterans who sacrificed their time and energy. After the National Anthem, Congressman Jamaal Bowman threw the opening pitch, and helped kick off the baseball season.

Local officials supporting the event included Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. They also gave special thanks to the NYPD, FDNY, and CCPD.

2nd Front Page

2024 Election Committee Notice to Buildings Associations, Certified Clubs & Organizations

The 2024 Riverbay Board Election Committee reminds building associations and certified community clubs and organizations that the election Rules and Regulations prohibit the use of their Riverbay-provided facilities for election-related and/or campaign-related activities in the ongoing Riverbay Board of Directors election.

The Election Committee has scheduled three official Candidates’ Forums to be held on Saturday, May 18 (Dreiser Auditorium); Wednesday, May 22 (Einstein, Rm. 45) and Wednesday, May 29 (Bartow, Rm. 31).

Building Associations and certified clubs and organizations may not use their meeting rooms or other gathering spaces provided by Riverbay Corporation to host candidates’ meetings or forums, or for campaign-related activities, programs and/or fundraisers.

Election Rule E (3) states: “No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one time, or for campaign rallies or activities, except as provided herein…”

Failure to adhere to the election rules can result in loss of your Riverbay-provided privileges and/or possible penalties.

Should you need clarification on the Election Rules and Regulations, you may contact the 2024 Election Committee at Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com

Wi-Fi installed throughout the whole campus, but we want to do it for the whole entire company.

What projects are you hoping to complete by the end of the year?

Disaster recovery, in case of a national emergency like flooding, fire or a cyber-attack.

We’re doing a desktop refresh project for all the directors down. We’re going to be updating some of our outdated servers and infrastructure, our video cameras and security equipment. So, there’s a list of items that I’m working on currently.

(Continued on page 13)

City Little League Parade

In preparation for the event, volunteers, who included members from the El Regreso rehab center, spent long hours shifting through and laying down 130 tons of clay around the field. Mr. Ruiz said he finished work on the field at 1 a.m. on the morning of the celebration and returned at 6 a.m.

“Twenty-four hours before the parade, I wasn’t even sure if we were gonna play,” Mr. Ruiz said.

Volunteers helped with re-doing the pitcher’s mound and playing surface and laid down grass in the field. The league is now looking to fix the fence on the right field and trim the surrounding trees. They also called on volunteers to help pick up litter, rake leaves, paint benches and tend to the garden.

Mr. Ruiz said that the team’s main priorities are enrollment and community involvement. They currently have 80 players and he expects that number to grow to 200. Registration is now open for boys and girls as young as four who want to participate in the spring, summer, and fall baseball seasons.

Mr. Ruiz emphasized the need for more Co-op City shareholders to volunteer and interact with the Little League. The community’s engagement, he said, is what made the parade a success and it is what will help them succeed in the future.

“We have to embrace what we do with our kids, that’s where their interest comes from,” said Mr. Ruiz.

Photos courtesy of CCLL

Sean Mehta

She went on to inform shareholders that with the frst Candidates’ Forum scheduled for next Saturday, May 18, “This will be your opportunity to meet the candidates who are running for one of six open seats on the Board. Shareholders have been invited to submit questions to the candidates to be used in the forums. To date, the Committee has only received three questions for Forum #1. The success of the forum is dependent on shareholders’ engagement in the process. Please submit questions for the candidates before Tuesday, May 14th, and attend the forum on Saturday, if your schedule permits.”

The certifed candidates running in this year’s Board of Directors election are Jacqueline Smith, Mary Pearson, Aaron Carnegie, Shanauzelda Montgomery, Bernard Cylich, Ezekiel Springer, Jr., Corazon Fernandez, Sheila Richburg, Kyshawn White, Kevin Foggie, Leah Graham and Andrea Leslie.

Starting last Saturday, May 4, 2024, three consecutive election supplements are being published in the Co-op City Times to familiarize shareholders with the candidates and their platforms. The second election supplement is published on pages 23-32 in this issue. The third and fnal election supplement will be in the Saturday, May 18, 2024 issue of the newspaper. The three election supplements will then be republished in the Saturday, May 25, June 1 and June 8, 2024 Co-op City Times.

The Co-op City Times is delivered to building lobbies and each townhouse unit on Saturday morning as well as to the three community centers. The newspaper can also be read online at https://issuu.com/cctimes, on the Home page of the Co-op City website at https://coopcity.com, and on X, @coopcitytimes.

Shareholders should also check the Crawler regularly for election-related notices and information. The Crawler is available on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum).

The second offcial Candidates’ Forum of the 2024 Board Election cycle will take place on Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in Room 45 of the Einstein Center, and the third forum on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in Room 31 of Bartow Center. In addition to attending all of the forums in-person, the May 18 and May 29th forums will be live streamed on the Riverbay Crawler for those who wish to view the presentations from their homes. All three forums will be rebroadcast on the Crawler in the days following each event.

This year, 5,035 certifed ballots are needed for a quorum to validate the Board election. The 2024 election ballot includes a referendum question for an indoor smoking ban of tobacco and cannabis products in Co-op City. In order for this measure to be implemented, a majority of shareholders must approve it by indicating their choice on the ballot.

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

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

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

To cast their vote, shareholders can either return the completed ballot in the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope provided with their ballot, or vote online at the YesElections portal following the instructions included in the ballot envelope. Ballots cannot be returned to Riverbay or given to any Riverbay employee.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 14, 2024, and electronic ballots must be transmitted and received no later than 9 p.m. on June 14, 2024 to be counted in the election.

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

The election process is monitored by the 2024 Election Committee, composed of Directors Green-Watson and Sampson and shareholders Diane Alleyne, LaVonne Barksdale, Jewel Crawford-Duncan, Dorothy Davis and Debra Jones, to ensure all candidates and their supporters abide by the Election Rules and Regulations and the process is fair to all candidates

This week, the Committee reminds candidates and their supporters as well as building associations and other certifed community-based organizations to read and adhere to the election rules and regulations to avoid disqualifcation and/or fnes.

Election Rule E (3) states: “No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one time, or for campaign rallies or activities, …”

Election Rule D (2b) on standards of campaign conduct states that candidates shall “remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, social media platform (eg. Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) or similar electronic forum, under the candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive, or constitutes a personal attack on another candidate.”

Rule D (2b) also stipulated that “Candidates shall, if requested by the

Deepest Condolences

Marcia Clarke, a long-time cooperator of Building 13, passed on Friday, April 26, 2024. Marcia was a child care provider to hundreds of babies and children in Co-op City in the 1980’s and 1990’s. She is remembered by friends and neighbors as a kind, giving and loving person. She was also an excellent cook and baker and taught the children in her care how to speak Spanish, her native language. Services are being held today, Saturday, May 11, at Granby’s Funeral Home in the Bronx from 4-6:30 p.m. View

ing is from 4-5 p.m. Please keep the Clarke family in your thoughts and hearts during this diffcult time.

—Marlene Smith

Committee, disassociate themselves from, and request that any third-party or third-party website, account on a social media platform, or similar electronic forum, cease and desist from the publication of any emails, materials or posting relating to the election or any candidate for election, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive or constitutes a personal attack on a candidate.”

Rule 2c states: “Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee.”

The 2024 Election Rules and Regulations are printed in each election supplement. The Election Committee advises candidates and their supporters that the best way to contact the Election Committee for clarifcation on any rule, or about campaign activities, is by email to Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com

“This email is for inquiries specifc to the election,” said Director Green-Watson. “All general Board inquiries should still be routed through their usual channels.”

JUNE 25

TH

DEAR CO-OP CITY, VOTE

FOR OUR CHILDREN

Bronx children deserve fully-funded schools and youth programming run by the Bronx, for the Bronx.

My name is Jonathan Soto, and I am a Puerto Rican interfaith leader, movement organizer, and public school parent running to be your New York State Assemblymember in District 82. We are forging a movement to build the Bronx that we so richly deserve.

Growing up, I moved between New York and Puerto Rico, raised by working-class parents who worked as many as four jobs at a time to make ends meet. Their sacrifce inspired me to dedicate my life to uplifing my community.

For too long, the Bronx has been le f last, but I believe “The Last Shall Become The First.” We’ve done so much without the resources we deserve. When we send our Bronx movement to Albany, The Bronx Shall Lead The Way:

FOR OUR HOMES

We deserve the freedom to live safely in our homes without fear of being priced out. The 8.1% carrying charge increase is an existential threat to cooperators.

I will fght to make sure Co-op City stays an oasis of afordability by developing sustainable funding solutions that protect residents’ economic well-being and ensuring infrastructure is kept safe, up-to-date, and working.

Why should living in the Bronx mean my daughter or any of our children have to go to schools without basic resources? I will fght so that we don’t have to settle for a status quo that keeps defunding vital institutions like Truman High School.

FOR OUR FUTURE

We need to protect the planet our children will inherit. As Borough Director for the Bronx Long Term Recovery Group, I worked alongside faith leaders to help the Bronx recover from Superstorm Sandy and I helped launch the campaign to pass the Build Public Renewables Act, which will help slash energy bills and create a new era of green union jobs.

In the Bronx, we know leadership comes from bringing people together to build from the ground up. Whether leading eforts to aid Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria or working alongside Alexandria OcasioCortez to bring free tutoring to thousands of kids—I’ve spent my life in the service to communities like ours.

When we send our Bronx movement to Albany, we’ll change New York. I am honored to have the opportunity to earn your vote on June 25th.

Important

Notice to clubs, and religious and community organizations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Co-op City Times

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell Media Assistant

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

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confdential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

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

Public Safety Report

The Vital Role of Community Vigilance in Co-op City

propriate authorities, individuals play a vital role in upholding community standards and preserving the quality of life in Coop City.

action for residents to actively participate in maintaining

The slogan “see something, say something” has become a cornerstone of community safety initiatives across the globe. Its essence lies in empowering individuals to report suspicious activities or behaviors they witness, with the aim of preventing potential crimes or hazards. In Co-op City, this principle holds immense significance, as it serves as a collective call to action for residents to actively participate in maintaining the safety and well-being of their community. Reporting suspected crimes is not merely a civic duty; it is a fundamental responsibility that each member of the community bears. In Co-op City, where safety and security are paramount, timely reporting of suspicious activities can be the difference between preventing a crime and allowing it to escalate. By reporting such incidents to the CCPD, residents contribute to the overall safety net of the community, ensuring that Co-op City remains a secure and peaceful place to live.

Beyond criminal activities, reporting quality of life issues is equally crucial for fostering a harmonious living environment. Whether it’s noise disturbances, littering, loitering or vandalism, these issues can significantly impact the overall well-being of residents. By promptly reporting such matters to the ap-

Public Safety Blotter

April 28 – May 4, 2024

April 28, 2024

120 Bellamy Loop – A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door without her permission.

100 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle and observing thatan unknown individual had slashed her tires. NYPD was notified of the incident.

April 29, 2024

120 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area without her permission.

120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of his apartment door without his permission.

120 Darrow Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door without her permission.

2047 Bartow Avenue – Public Safety Officers responded to an irate person who refused to stop yelling and causing a public disturbance. The non-resident was issued a Criminal Court Summons for Disorderly Conduct.

120 Erskine Place – A shareholder was issued a total of four Community Complaints for letting her two unauthorized dogs roam the hallways, engage in excessive barking, and letting the dogs urinate in the hallway.

April 30, 2024

120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area without her permission.

100 Donizetti Place – A cooperator was issued a Community Complaint for Abuse of Premise after he left food unattended burning on the stove, causing FDNY to perform a forced entry to gain access to the apartment.

May 01, 2024

120 Elgar Place – A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area without her permission.

120 Elgar Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door without her permission by two unknown individuals who were captured on a neighbor’s Ring camera. The investigation is ongoing.

May 02, 2024

120 Casals Place – A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby without her permission.

2049 Asch Loop – A non-resident reported that while in the library, an unknown individual removed her cell phone from the charging port without her permission and exited the library.

May 04, 2024

900 Baychester Avenue –CCPD responded to a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, a canvass of the surrounding area was conducted in coordination with the NYPD. No injuries or damage to Riverbay property is reported. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

600 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported returning to his parked vehicle and observing that the vehicle was removed from the parking space by an unknown individual without his permission. The cooperator notified NYPD.

170 Dreiser Loop – Public Safety Officers responded to a confirmed fire inside of an apartment that sustained extensive damage. Additionally, fire and water-related damage affected the hallway, an elevator, and the adjacent stairwell. Multiple apartments were forced open by the NYFD during fire suppression operations. The fire was extinguished by FDNY however multiple apartments in the building sustained water damage. CCPD assisted in directing cooperators to the Dreiser Community Center until the apartments not involved could be reoccupied. A shareholder and two children were removed to Jacobi Hospital for medical treatment. The New York City Fire Department Fire Marshall Division is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

At the heart of Co-op City’s safety infrastructure lies the CCPD, a dedicated team of professionals committed to safeguarding the community. Through proactive patrols, emergency response services, and community outreach programs, CCPD plays a central role in maintaining law and order within Co-op City. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on the support and cooperation of residents, who serve as the eyes and ears of the community. Despite the importance of reporting suspicious activities, many individuals may hesitate to come forward due to various barriers. These barriers may include fear of retaliation, concerns about confidentiality, or uncertainty about the seriousness of the situation. To address these challenges, it is essential to cultivate a culture of trust and transparency within the community, where residents feel empowered and supported in reporting their observations without fear of repercussion.

Ultimately, the act of reporting suspected crimes and quality of life issues is not just about fulfilling a civic duty—it’s about taking ownership of one’s community and actively contributing to its well-being. When residents actively participate in reporting, they become partners in the larger effort to create a safer, more vibrant Co-op City. Through their collective vigilance and cooperation, residents can help build a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.

In conclusion, the mantra, “See Something, Say Something,” embodies a collective commitment to community safety and vigilance. However, it’s essential to accompany this commitment with an understanding that reporting suspicions, even if they turn out to be nothing, is not only acceptable but encouraged. By trusting our instincts, gathering information, and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can work together to create a safer, more resilient community where everyone feels empowered to speak up. Remember, it’s okay to report, even if it turns out to be nothing—because when it comes to safety, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of community vigilance and responsibility. Together, let us continue to work hand in hand together and build a safer, more prosperous Co-op City for generations to come. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

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

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

There are no contract opportunites to list this week. Please check back.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunites, please visit these following sites:

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

www.ZipRecruiter.com

https://bit.ly/3Se8bdw

Candidates may review full positon descriptons and apply at any site Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporaton.

Director’s Viewpoint Daryl Johnson

Information From Our March 2024 Management Report

Our board receives a monthly management report that can contain over 60 pages of information about our community. So, let’s review a few details within this report from March 2024.

level and disrupt their neighbors inside or outside of an apartment? No!

with your neighbors. A better approach, if necessary, is to call CCPD at 718-671-3050.

mation about our community. So, let’s review a

AOC Acquires $1.5 Million For a Youth Enrichment Hub

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently announced that the Riverbay Fund is going to receive $1.5 million. This money, according to her statement, will be appropriated to transform the former bingo hall into an enrichment hub for education, recreation, culture, arts, and wellness services targeting children, adolescents and young adults in the Northeast Bronx. Furthermore, she stated that this enrichment hub will serve as a center for performing arts, wellness programming and educational programming, including STEM, financial literacy, and college and career preparation.

Bottom line: I want to thank Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for obtaining money for our community. The former bingo hall looks small. However, can you believe that the former bingo hall has over 10,000 square feet of space? So, this space is very large when you step inside.

Currently, the former bingo hall is vacant. Furthermore, we don’t have a group that is willing to set up the types of programs that she has indicated. And, based on our previous construction projects, I would like to see her set up an oversight committee to handle the $1.5 million allotment of money to the Riverbay Fund.

Phone Calls To Public Safety

Our Public Safety department received 1,208 calls for a variety of issues during the month of March. One main issue was that some cooperators were making too much noise in their apartment. So, our Public Safety department received 234 calls about noise issues.

Can someone start banging on things throughout the night? No! But, there have been a lot of complaints about this issue. So, please ask yourself if you would want someone to cause so much noise that they awaken everyone in your apartment. Can someone blast their music at an unreasonably high

Our Co-op City Police Department, CCPD, issued 12 community complaints to cooperators that were making an excessive amount of noise in their apartment. So, I want to encourage everyone to please be considerate of your neighbors. And, do not make a lot of noise in your apartment.

Also, some people used to park their vehicles near Co-op City and other areas throughout the Bronx. Then, they would blast their music all night long during the weekends. So, lots of complaints were made about this issue. Thereafter, NYPD officers issued summonses, confiscated all of their music equipment, and posted their confiscated music equipment on Facebook to send a powerful message to everyone.

Another issue in our community involves people parking their vehicles wherever they want. And, they might not know that our CCPD officers can write parking summonses. But, our officers issued 86 parking summonses during the month of March.

We have a big problem with some students and other individuals hanging out in the stairwells. Thereafter, they might make some very poor decisions to smoke a variety of products, make a lot of noise, and even engage in other matters. However, they might not know that a call may have been placed to our CCPD. Thereafter, our officers will take care of business when they arrive at that stairwell.

Calls involving disputes are also being made to CCPD. And, unfortunately, some of these calls involve neighbors acting out with other neighbors. Can a neighbor bang on your door and threaten you? No! Can they wait for you in a stairwell as you’re arriving home? No! Can they threaten or assault you? No!

Look, you must call our CCPD on anyone that engages in this type of insane behavior. Thereafter, our officers must make decisions on these matters. Then, is it possible that an arrest can be made? Yes! Is it possible that Riverbay might decide to proceed with an eviction in Housing Court? Yes!

So, I want to encourage everyone to not fight

For up-to-date communication from Riverbay Corporation, read the Co-op City Times, delivered to your building lobby and the community centers on Saturdays; tune in to the Crawler on your home TVs and lobby monitors; and register for Phone Tree notifications.

Then, can you believe that some of these calls involve family members acting out in terrible ways with each other? Yes, it’s true. And, in some of these cases, a lack of love and respect is the cause of these problems. But, family members should do everything possible to show that they love, respect, and care for each other.

Regardless, some family members might want to express their violent behaviors. Thereafter, some people might get to a breaking point and follow that famous expression: “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love is no longer being served.”

Close

We can do better. So, let’s not make a lot of noise in our apartments. Let’s move away from violent encounters with our neighbors. Problems? Again, please call Public Safety. Family problems? Yes, there might be problems. However, let’s do our best to be peaceable with our family members. Thank you.

Contact Information

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

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

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

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

“Extensive damage in the hallway. Serious soot damage. All of the cable tv wires are melted, some of the light fxtures are melted. The apartment is a total loss,” said Mr. Barzelatto.

Shareholders on the sixth foor were also left without cable and internet service after the heat from the fre melted the wires located in the hallway. The fre also caused damage to one line of the building’s master antenna connection. Rick Schmidt, Riverbay’s Technical Director, said that Altice has already been notifed about the damage and are working on getting service back to the shareholders impacted.

While the estimated cost of the damage is still unknown, Riverbay has already started cleanup efforts in the areas heavily impacted by fre, soot and water damage.

Shareholders are encouraged to go over the fre safety proce-

budget…Let me make it clear to everybody here and let it be resound throughout the land that there is one person who is responsible for this, one person who listened to the elected offcials here in Co-op City, myself and my wonderful colleague Jamaal Bailey, that Co-op City needed help and he (Speaker Heastie) rose to the occasion and gave that help,” Assemblyman Benedetto said.

State Assembly Speaker Heastie spoke after Assemblyman Benedetto and touched on why Co-op City is a special place to him.

“Even though I don’t represent Co-op City, I consider myself step-Co-op City because I remember I graduated from Truman High School and so Co-op City is absolutely near and dear to my heart…Co-op City, to me, is still one of the jewels. It’s like a hidden jewel that not a lot of people understand and really appreciate the people of Co-op City, the engagement of the people of Co-op City and why Co-op City needs to always be looked out for and protected,” Speaker Heastie said.

State Senator Jamaal Bailey followed Speaker Heastie and underlined the importance of investing in the Co-op City community.

“I really just want to make sure that we understand what we have in (this) community. It’s more than just being an elected offcial. It is having an actual investment in the community that you represent…When you have a truly equilateral triangle of leadership, all equal sides, all equally caring about the community, this is the kind of output that you get…I want to make sure I give a shout-out to my leader as well, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who also helped us get this done. Leader Stewart-Cousins also has Bronx roots as well, so she understood the need for this record investment,” Senator Bailey said.

Councilman Kevin Riley then echoed the importance of a team effort from elected offcials and supporting affordable housing communities such as Co-op City.

“It’s extremely important that all levels of government understand why Co-op City is an important community, not only to the Bronx, but to the state of New York. Within Co-op City, you have a city within itself. You have a vibrant community that’s helping to raise young people, a vibrant community that connects with each other. We want the community to continue to thrive and help grow the next generation,” Council Member Riley said.

Assemblyman Benedetto then spoke again to offcially announce the $51 million in funding.

“This, proudly, is the most fscally responsible Mitchell-Lama complex in the entire city and state of New York,” said the assemblyman. “And for that, we have the Management and the Board of Directors to thank … I want to announce that we are defnitely

dures provided to them by Riverbay. Mr. Barzelatto also said that he will be scheduling fre prevention seminars in the next few weeks.

In addition, the Riverbay Safety Department reminds shareholders that smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fre deaths and injuries. Fire spreads fast, working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Smoke alarms, which are installed by Riverbay, should not be removed or tampered with. If your alarm is beeping or non-operational, please contact the Riverbay call center at 718-320-3300.

All apartment doors should also have the FDNY-mandated refective sticker. These stickers must be on the bottom of the frame on the hinge side of the apartment door, no more than 1 foot from the foor. These refective stickers are critical in helping frefghters locate your apartment in the event of a fre. Please contact the call center at (718) 320-3300 if you fnd the sticker missing or damaged.

giving the people of Co-op City $51 million … $50 million dollars for capital funding, (which) has to be used (for) capital funding; $1 million for operational costs.”

Benedetto then went on to list potential ways Riverbay could consider using for the money.

“For years, people have said we would like a teen center here in Co-op City and build that teen center in the old movie theater, the Bingo Hall. It costs about $15 million (for) their plans. You’ve got the money for it now,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “There are people who say maybe we should do a park here in Co-op City. It’s going to cost $10 million. You’ve got the money if you want to do that. There are new laws coming down about the conversion to electric stoves and so on. It’s going to cost a ton to convert. You’ve got the money for that if you want to do it. Or, if the Board of Directors wishes, they can use some of this money for capital funding that they were planning to use next year, save some money that way …”

Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano then expressed her gratitude for the $51 million in state funds.

“As owners, we have a vested interest in our community with a focus on keeping our community strong. It is no wonder that we have a large waiting list. We are a NORC,” said Board President Feliciano. “We have schooling options. We have parks, programs and events. We have the Riverbay Fund, and we have our legislative offcials who help sponsor a lot of these programs. We have community organizations that we hold dear (and) participate in. We have wonderful walking paths, and we’re getting a Metro-North (station) in the very near future, and so much more. Co-op City is what dreams are made of and so it is incumbent upon us to ensure we keep this dream alive.

“Our work is not done, and with the help of our legislative offcials, we were able to secure $51 million – so again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart – of which, $50 million will be given to us for capital projects,” she continued. “This will alleviate the burden we currently have to secure projects that were addressed in our Dominion report to ensure that our community does not fall into any disrepair. Our goal, and our vision, is to remain affordable, stable, because the destiny of our homes is all of us, so we have to protect it.”

Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin Walton delivered remarks after Board President Fe-

liciano and also expressed his appreciation for the funding and its potential impact on the community.

“We have to sustain this important affordable housing here in the northeast Bronx, and this is one of the, to me, the gratitude that’s going to help sustain it,” said Executive General Manager Walton. “This asset (Co-op City) is valued at over six-plus billion dollars. And shame on us if we do not keep it going for generations to come. So I say thank you, thank you, thank you again for making this happen. This is truly exemplifying that true constituency work that you are required to do because you’re voted in.”

Lastly, Linda Collins, president of Cooperators United, closed out the event by talking about how the funding will help keep Co-op City affordable, which, in turn, helps quality of life.

“When someone comes along and says we’ve had a conversation about this, we’re going to help you, we’re going to help you make this a little more livable,” said Ms. Collins. “If we can’t pay our bills here – that’s what people don’t get – we own this, but if we don’t pay our bills, we don’t have anywhere to live. So, every time the bill gets paid, every time they give us money, whether it’s capital funds, any kind of, in the case of a bill, it makes it affordable for us and it makes our quality of life better.”

The $51M in funding will be coming from the Enacted State Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the $237 billion State Fiscal Year Budget on April 22.

“Co-op City represents the future of affordable housing across New York,” said Speaker Heastie. “This development doesn’t just lower the barriers to housing, it provides residents access to community centers, senior services, public libraries and public transportation within walking distance of their front doors. I’m honored we were able to reserve the funding needed to ensure Co-op City keeps providing for our communities in need as we work to extend housing access to all.”

Assemblyman Benedetto added: “For almost six decades now, Co-op City has provided our community members with affordable and accessible housing. I want to thank Speaker Heastie and my colleagues in the Assembly Majority for their continued support of this incredible development and I hope we can continue to build many more like it across the state.”

Photos courtesy of Riverbay Safety and Technical departments

State Funding ––––– (Continued from page 1)

Riverbay Exec. General Manager Marvin Walton Photos by Brandon Ortiz

Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano

Director

’s Viewpoint Lynette Wright

The Fiscal Responsibility of Carrying Charge Increases

Good day, Co-op City, I have been fairly quiet regarding the budget as there were many changes occurring at the same time. Between NYS Home and Community Renewal’s feedback on the submitted budget, the negotiations from our elected officials to intervene, to the recent award of $51 million from the New York State, any statement I would have made would have been premature. However, after several conversations with shareholders, including comments made during the March 20th Town Hall, I wanted to clarify my opinion of everything that has occurred thus far.

The first is the increase in general. As I have consistently stated in any conversation on the budget, increases are necessary to maintain quality. The question at hand is whether they are justified as needed for essential services. I do not believe in spending or increasing money for recreational or non-essential purposes. All increases should be validated to be beneficial to the corporation, provide or enhance essential services, and that all other means of reduction have been explored. As previously stated, I did not feel that all avenues of reduction had been explored at the time. The ultimate decision was that an increase was dire, and that a lack of one would compromise services and/or put our mortgage at risk of default due to lack of payment. Increases are never made without intense discussion and consideration of who this will impact.

Secondly is the potential for “cuts.” Like maintenance increases (revenue), “cuts” (savings) are also necessary in some situations. These can be in the form of enhancing inefficiency and therefore increasing value to the organization. Although there has been commentary of personnel/staff cuts, to which I’m not opposed, similarly, they need to be validated. The question becomes, “What services are we willing to lose as a result of not having staff?” I believe that the better solution isn’t a staff reduction, but review of work efficiency and opti-

mization. Do current staff duties and our workflow add value to the corporation? And if so, how is that quantified? Multiple times during the past two years, I have asked for success metrics, e.g. evaluation to determine that qualitative (quality-based) and quantitative (number-based) goals are met. My responsibility as a board member isn’t to get involved in the day-to-day; that is Executive General Manager Marvin Walton’s job. Though, as board members, we can look at the bigger picture of overall corporation-wide functioning. The evaluation performed on the Turn Key program is an example of this. The program is consistently reviewed for where there are inefficiencies (like quality of work and speed at which work is completed). I would like to see that more in-house programs have the same level of evaluation and scrutiny and believe that Mr. Walton will push for more of this. I hope that the Board will as well.

The third topic is some of the opinions that I have heard about the increase(s). I know there are large concerns into when will this stop. My response is that it won’t. There will, more than likely, be times that there is room to breathe, e.g. times that we don’t pass an increase during our two-year budget cycles. Nonetheless, increases, and I cannot emphasize this enough, do not recede; they maintain. I have also heard several calls for doing a freeze on increases for an undetermined amount of time. This thought process is, in my opinion, not only absurd and illogical, but also fiscally irresponsible. Since 2012, the goal of the Federal Reserve and most international central banks is to have a national inflation rate of 2% annually. We aren’t exempt from outside pricing as we do not make products; we purchase them at competitive market values. Freezing maintenance would compromise our ability to pay our debts, which includes, but is not limited to, our 30-year mortgage from Wells Fargo, payroll, payroll burden, physical supplies, vendor contracts for services performed, last year’s

MTA Expands NYC Fair Fares to OMNY with Pilot Program

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Participants of the MTA’s Fair Fares program will soon be able to use an OMNY card to pay for the subway, bus or Access-A-Ride paratransit service after the MTA announced a new pilot program on May 1.

Fifty Fair Fares users will participate in the 90-day pilot program, as reported by the MTA, during which the MTA will collect feedback on the participant’s experience and analyze the effectiveness of the pilot program. The pilot program is a collaborative effort between the MTA and the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS).

Equally important, the MTA said it will use the feedback and data from the pilot program to “finalize a plan for the full transition to OMNY across all Fair Fares customers at a later date.”

Fair Fares is a program designed to help New Yorkers who fall under certain income eligibility requirements with paying for the subway, bus or Access-A-Ride paratransit service. Eligible New Yorkers receive a 50% discount on their subway, bus or Access-A-Ride fare.

Logistically, the MTA provided pilot program participants with a specialized OMNY card that had the Fair Fares discount already included in it. Participants then use and refill the OMNY card similarly to a MetroCard and have the discount automatically applied when they tap their OMNY card to pay for a fare.

As for the Fair Fares eligibility requirements, the maximum annual income for a single person to qualify for the program is $18,072, as outlined by the city government. For a household with more than one person, the annual income limit increases by $6456 for each additional person, meaning a household with four people has a maximum annual income limit of $37,440.

323,880 New Yorkers are currently enrolled in the Fair Fares program, according to the MTA. Individuals interested in applying for the program or seeking additional information can call 311, go online to nyc. gov/site/fairfares/index.page or visit one of the Fair Fares offices across the city. The Bronx office is located at 888 Garrison Avenue, 3rd floor.

During the announcement on May 1, NYC Transit President Richard Davey called the expansion of Fair Fares with OMNY a potential “game-changer” and one that could help grow the number of New Yorkers enrolled in Fair Fares “substantially.”

DSS Commissioner Molly Wascow Park then highlighted the importance of equitable public transit access for low-income New Yorkers. “New York City’s public transit system is one of our city’s greatest resources, and it is critical that every New Yorker is able to afford to utilize it without sacrificing elsewhere,” she said.

In an effort to bring OMNY cards to more New Yorkers, the MTA began a different pilot program in October of 2023 with the implementation of OMNY vending machines in subway stations. On April 29, the MTA announced the end of the pilot program and the installation of 39 machines in subway stations across the city. The Bronx has two machines; one at 161 St.-Yankee Stadium and one at Fordham Road. There are also machines at Times Square, Union Square, 86 street (Lexington Avenue) and Penn Station, to name a few.

The MTA plans on installing OMNY vending machines in all remaining 433 subway stations in the coming years. MetroCard users will soon have no choice but to switch over to OMNY as the MTA is preparing “to retire MetroCard,” which the agency detailed on April 29.

NYC water bill with a 5% interest rate, and this year’s water bill, which is also at a 5% interest rate. The water bill is the pinnacle of why we cannot short a budget. There is a saying that being poor is expensive and the water bill shows that. Because we couldn’t afford to pay on time, Management needed to negotiate another means of payment. This meant paying close to $1 million more in interest over a 12-month period. Because money was overspent elsewhere on things like overtime, ADA compliant doors (a $9 million project that cost $13 million total) and Local Law 11 façade work (a $35 million project which final cost was $77 million), that positioned us to be in a deficit. The financial aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical wars pushed an already fragile budget off a cliff. Again, increases are needed, even if it is to soften the blow of unpredictable economic crises.

The 2% that was passed would have in no manner been sufficient for us to be fiscally sound; HCR’s proposed 8%, in my opinion, is abusive. The risk of shareholders suffering financial straits isn’t worth the substantial increase the corporation might need. Essentially, the increase works if people can pay it. Although elected officials are still working with HCR, I hope that we can come to agreement between what is on paper versus what is realistically feasible. We cannot return to the years of no maintenance increases, resulting in neglected infrastructure (both because that would be dangerous and because the Department of Buildings would fine us). We need to ensure that we can comply with legislative mandates, pay our staff and contractors, and afford our taxes while maintaining and optimizing services.

I would like to have a pragmatic approach to our finances that includes result-driven evaluations of what works and what doesn’t and consistent budget reviews to catch saving opportunities and overspending earlier in time. Next week, I will continue with commentary on the $51 million award.

2. You may email the 2024 Election Committee at Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com.

(Shareholders utilizing options 1 & 2 must include their full name, building # and apartment, and the question to be asked.)

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

African-American Association of Co-op City

Calling all Parents of Children 4th Grade to 8th Grade

Saturday, May 18, is our 11th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee. Come and experience friendly competition and the very gifted youth of Co-op City; 1 p.m. sharp in the Dreiser Center, Room 4. Registration is required by 12 p.m. Door prizes for the first to arrive on time and other surprises will be shared. To register your child, call Ms. Francine Reva Jones at 718-671-5957 or email franreva@aol.com

Save the new date: The next AAACC “Open Mic” event is Saturday, June 22, at 4 p.m. Can you sing? Are you funny? Are you a dancer; a poet, novelist, maybe you are a painter? Or maybe you are a Jack-of-All of these trades? This platform and this mic are for you! Come, hone your talents and have some fun. Adults only please and language must be kept respectable. This open mic is a fundraiser, from 4-8 p.m. to support the African-American Association of Coop City. Come to the Dreiser Community Center, Room 15, 2nd floor. We will remind you again with lobby flyers. Until then, mark your calendar and save the new date: June 22 at 4 p.m.!

AAACC Meetings & Events

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

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

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

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

Our Gift to You– The African-American Association is offering a gift to each member. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of “our push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting and pushing each other into a bright, productive and prosperous future. In the spirit of Dr. King, we must unite in our communities through our organizations. These are important and pivotal years. Our gift to each member is a complimentary four-night hotel stay or cruise. Hopefully, you will be stimulated, refreshed and renewed enough that you will join us and enjoy your vacation on us. Make an impact just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Join the AAACC– $25/year single membership and $35/year for family/ households.Zelle us your payment using our email address.Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095. Mailing Address:the African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes – Contact Xonia Wilson at: 646-301-9438

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

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

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – Contact Joyce Smith at: 718-320-0714.

Be the change you want, for more in 2024.

––Michelle Marbury

Board Meeting Agenda –––

(Continued from page 1)

Building 21 Association

Our next building meeting is Thursday, May 23! We are having a live and in-person meeting in our gathering room in the back of Building 21B Lobby. It will begin at 7 p.m. sharp!

We would like at least one member from every family to come and represent. We will have a guest speaker so please arrive on time.

A reminder that this is your community. We must stay informed and engaged!

We are seeking 11 volunteers to help us with spring cleaning our gathering room. Only the actual volunteers will be privy to the rewards that await them. Email us your name and contact number to be placed on the list for Saturday, May 25. You must be 16 and older. Only the first 11 volunteers will be chosen and two alternates.

Your Building Association is where you can start to be engaged in

your community.

Riverbay Board Election is coming up. Please make your vote count by voting on time!

We need floor captains on every floor, please volunteer to be a floor captain on your floor.

Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. You can place dues and or suggestions in our lockbox located in the laundry room (next to the television). Our yearly dues is $10.

Our regular monthly meeting is every fourth Thursday of each month. You may contact us at our email us at 21association@gmail.com.

Happy Mother’s Day! Congratulations to all who are graduating this year!

May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe.

––Jarasia Wilson

Building 29 Association

Here are a few items from our Association:

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last month’s meeting, but was told that Mr. Sal Morello (a Co-op City resident and assistant to Senator Jamaal Bailey) gave an excellent presentation. Much ground was covered, but most importantly, Bailey’s office is here for all of Co-op City, and will try to assist cooperators in whatever way possible.

A few items for the future:

June 29 is the Section 5 “Fun Day,” sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, and should be a terrific day for all ages.

Our wonderful Association 29 t-shirts are now available to order in a variety of colors. We will have order forms at our next meeting, so bring a check and support your building organization!

Julesa Grimes, an experienced and much admired case worker, will be our next speaker. To note, she will have some especially valuable information for seniors.

Our next Book Club meeting on May 17 will be on “The Great Divide”

(about the Panama Canal), and should be extremely interesting. It will be on Zoom, and all are welcome.

A request to cooperators, please inform us if someone is ill, has a birthday, etc. We want to reach out to cooperators on special (or sad) occasions, but must have the information to do so.

Also, put some thought into running for our Building 29 Association board. It is not a lot of work, and you will be making an important contribution to your community!

Finally, everyone must make the effort to vote for our Co-op City Board of Directors this year! If you do not want to vote, for goodness sake, just return the slip indicating that you do not want to vote, that is all! By not doing this incredibly simple thing, you are contributing to increased costs for Co-op City, which we ultimately end up paying for! Just do it! And if you do intend to vote, you can vote for just one person. You do not have to vote for six people. Do spread the word about voting.

Stay well and safe.

––Katharine Wood

Coyote Sighting in Section 5

On May 4, shareholders in Section 5 notified Public Safety about a coyote running in the streets near the water’s edge and in the vicinity of Erskine Place. Shareholders are advised to stay vigilant and to call Public Safety if they spot the coyote. Do not attempt to approach, confront or capture the animal.

Coyotes generally shy away from human contact and will leave an area once they realize they are near humans. However, a coyote that appears sick and/or aggressive or has bitten a person should be reported to Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 and 9-1-1 immediately.

Photo by Cassie Watson via Facebook

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section – Members, please remember there will be no membership meeting tomorrow! In the month of May, our section meeting is held on the third Sunday, May 19, this year in deference to Mothers’ Day. We are in the midst of nominating and voting for some of our offcers during this period so please adjust your calendars. Details will follow.

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

This year’s honorees will be Councilman Kevin Riley, Dawna Michelle Fields, Lynda Wright, Christopher Robinson and our very own NCNW Youth Section members!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media – Remember, you can fnd us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail. com.

––Joyce Howard

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Broun Place Townhouse Association wishes a happy Mother’s Day to all celebrating and appreciating the special touch and care given to us by our mothers and those nurturing fgures in our lives. Be kind and appreciative as you go forward every day. Broun Place gardens are really lovely, thanks to our cooperators and grounds crew.

Healing wishes to all who are recovering and healing after illness or surgery. It does get better and does take time. The Covid-19 that I was diagnosed with in March left me with low stamina and a raspy voice. I have not fully recovered. Neighbors, just beware and be ready.

Riverbay Board of Directors campaign time has begun, so be prepared to follow and study candidates. We can do better than last year’s showing. The Co-op City Times has all the information on the candidates and will be publishing the individual statements weekly. Please study the material as it appears in the Co-op City Times and vote.

Regarding scammers, the caller says, “We are calling to help you with your energy bill.” But we do not have energy bills. Please remember that. Do not continue the call. They make it sound real, but it is a phony and a fraud.

Speaking of money, last week’s bank notice box did not say cards from this Amalgamated branch would be cancelled, but they told me a blanket cancellation is in place for this branch. If they were used about April 26, the bank cancelled cards without notifcation of customers. I was trying to do a transaction and it was rejected. Upon calling the bank, I learned of the blanket cancellation.

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

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

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

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

Remember: “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself,” and “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” both attributed to Ronald Reagan. Then there is this to consider: “In the end, whatever remains of one’s life – family, friends, those are going to be the things for which you’re remembered,” –Dan Rather, CBS news anchor ––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Section Five Association

Please stay vigilant. The viruses are still around. Spring is in the air, trees and fowers are blooming all over the place. Still be careful and wear your mask, if needed. People are still wearing their masks, that is a good thing.

Happy Mother’s Day – To all mothers, enjoy. We hope your celebration will be all you want it to be now and always, happy and blessed.

Good News – AARP Councilman Kevin Riley and Riverbay are sponsoring a shredder truck at two locations: 120 Erskine Place in Section 5 and 140 Benchley Place over off of Co-op City Blvd. on May 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck is full. A great idea, now there is no need to travel to other sections.

Resolution #24-26 – This resolution will include a vote on whether Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential buildings on the Riverbay campus. Resolution #2426 is on the ballot and shareholders must vote for it to become a policy of this Corporation. Make sure your family and friends are aware to place their vote. The ballots are coming in a green envelope any day now. Each year, we must vote for a Board of Directors; this is a mandate of the NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The Board of Directors has fduciary responsibilities of governing and setting policies in the best interest of the corporation. We as shareholders need to make it known to the candidates, we thank them for volunteering their time.

Voting to Elect Board of Directors – To new shareholders, we vote each year for the Board of Directors. Ballots will be coming in green envelopes and it will indicate how many candidates to vote for. Voting begins Monday, May 20, to Friday, June 14. Try to attend all three forums. The frst forum will be at the Dreiser Auditorium on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m.; the second forum in Einstein Center, Room 45, at 7 p.m. and the third forum at Bartow Center, Room 31, at 7 p.m. All three election forums will be broadcasted on the Crawler.

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

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, at Section5association10@gmail.com or 914709-5395.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” –Henry Ford

H. Overman

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry

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

New Client Registration & Recertifcation for Returning Guests

Registration and re-certifcation has been extended through May 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identifcation is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identifcation, and Access-A-Ride identifcation are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertifcation, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identifcation. Household members need to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in-person at the offce. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location on Thursdays.

Upcoming Trips (Fundraising)

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

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Resort Casino in CT ($225). First payment ($75) was due by March 15; second payment ($75) is due by May 24; third payment ($75) is due by June 28. Those who missed the frst payment can make it up with the second payment. The Nordic is a popular hangout with an endless supply of lobster, crab, prime rib, flet mignon, shrimp, salads, veggies, and much, much more. Foxwoods is home to six casinos, boasting 250 gaming tables and 5,500 slot machines. It is one of the ten largest casinos in the world and has Tanger Outlet shops on-site. Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen with MGM Casino ($120). First payment ($60) is due by September 6; second payment ($60) is due by October 4. We are accepting payments for trips now. Nonrefundable payments will only be accepted in the following forms: cash, personal checks, and only postal money orders. Please call 917-209-5334 to book trips and arrange payment drop-offs. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. ––D. Illis

(Continued from page 3)

In a previous board meeting, you talked about transitioning away from copper wire. Could you explain what that is?

The copper wire is going away because it’s very expensive to maintain. We’re moving over to fber lines which is much cheaper to maintain and much cheaper to get from a vendor. They’re trying to make copper obsolete and so we’re moving away from that.

What we’re trying to do is get disaster recovery, like I said. We’re going to upgrade 19 locations frst. So, in case there’s an emergency, those 19 locations will stand up and make sure that Riverbay is still working effectively and effciently.

Is there anything you would like to share with Shareholders?

Yes, we’re improving. We’re working on improving the help desk team, making sure that they’re responding in a timely manner. We’re revamping the ticketing system. We are obviously improving infrastructure. We’re improving the level of service; if someone calls in, how fast we can get the resolution, how fast we can fx the issue.

We’re working with new vendors and we are trying to make sure they’re doing their jobs properly. We have a lot of contracts out with Procurement, almost 26 of them. So, there’s a lot of stuff that we’ll be fxing that’s broken and just upgrading what needs to be upgraded and replace what needs replacing. So, there’s a lot of stuff that we’re actually doing at once.

We’re also installing POTS lines in the elevators. That’s a project that I’m currently working on right now. So, when elevators get stuck, you can have an emergency phone line to call out. We have another vendor engaged with the lobbies, garages and laundry rooms throughout our facility. So, if there’s an emergency, a fre, food or one of those, then they have an emergency call box to make those calls.

What’s the main priority on that list?

So, our biggest priority right now is all emergency stuff, the POTS lines, and disaster recovery.

Building 33 Association

Good day, fellow cooperators.

The Building Association wants to again stress the importance of you picking up the Co-op City Times, studying the profles of the candidates running for Board of Directors, and voting when the time comes! When you receive the envelope in the mail, fll out the form and mail it in or vote online. It does not matter if you care or not, although I do not see why you would not care because this is your community, but we need you to vote! If you need more information regarding the candidates, you should attend the Board Election Candidates’ Forum on May 18 at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center; May 22 at 7 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center, Room 45; or May 29 at 7 p.m. in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31. Let us become proactive instead of inactive. Wake up, people!

To all the mothers, the Building 33 Association wishes you a very happy Mother’s Day!

––Andrea D. Mayo

Building 25 Association

Hello, Building 25 shareholders. Best wishes to all who will be celebrating a special occasion in the coming week, especially Mother’s Day on May 12. Mother – Everyone has one or has someone who is like one to them. Happy Mother’s Day to all these loving and supportive women. You are all impressive! Enjoy your special day.

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

Reminders:

• Shredding Event – Saturday, May 18, in the Section 1 Greenway (near 140 Benchley Place), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three shopping bags/boxes of paper only. No paper clips nor binder clips.

• Election – 2024 Riverbay Board of Election begins May 20–June 14. We encourage all shareholders to participate in the election process.

Sick and Shut-ins: We hope each day becomes more manageable.

Condolences: To our fellow shareholders who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Have a spectacular week everyone! ––Evelyn Herbert

Mehta –––––

Greetings, neighbors, friends, members and most of all our potential members: Happy Spring. Spring is such a beautiful season and time to enjoy the many wonders of Mother Earth.

This is an exciting time for Toastmasters, Inc. as we prepare to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this successful public-speaking entity!! The Annual Convention being held Anaheim, CA., is approaching and several of our club members are planning to be at this once-in-a-lifetime event. CCTM has added a challenge to increase our membership at this 100-year legacy time and invite all non-members to jump-in and join our club. You only need to be 18 yrs. of age and committed to yourself.

You may want to attend the Convention as a member with benefts. This is where the life-chang-

Co-op City Toastmasters

ing, International World Champion Public Speaker 2024 will be crowned! Imagine, all International Speech Contest fnalists from 149+ countries will descend upon Anaheim in search of that prestigious honor. It is a truly exciting time and we invite new and current members to participate with us in celebration of these 100 years. We are only a phone call away to join.

In 100 years, the Toastmaster Mission remains unchanged; provide a non-judgmental atmosphere wherein anyone eighteen years or older, any creed or color may come and get help in improving their communication and/or leadership skills. Many published authors, teachers, parents, students and the like have crossed our doors and excelled. For example, at a recent meeting we heard a message from TM Andrea Haye entitled, “What Kind of Listener are You?” In her speech, she demonstrated with examples how important it is to be an “active” listener and hear the full story before speaking when engaging in conversations. Many on Zoom said that they could identify with the premise of Andrea’s speech and explained how her message would help them to be more of an “active listener” going forward. Additionally (no pass/fail), the

Greetings,

speaker was given feedback on what was done well and recommendations for going further. Andrea offered how Toastmasters has helped her confdence grow to higher heights by the experiences and feedback gleaned from speaking in meetings and other public places so much that she’s running for public offce in her local county! Congratulations, TM Andrea Haye.

All this and more of how a Toastmasters meeting can unfold and deliver to its members so many opportunities for growth.

What is your perception? Join now in this Legacy Membership Drive of 2024.

To join contact: ahaye76@gmail.com; or call K. Blount at 347-419-6719.

Meetings

CCTM at 7:30 pm

Thurs., May 16 (hybrid), Rm. 5. Election of Offcers for new 2024-2025 year

May 30, Speakathon. To be confrmed.

Thurs., June 6th (Zoom)

June 20 (Hybrid) Rm. 5 – Final meeting for 2023-2024. Sayonara to current Team. Zoom iD9558527325/x4bu9C

BAS at 7 p.m. 347-749-0623

Tues., May 14, Rm. 5

Tues., June 11. End of 2023-2024 yr.

Announcements:

• June 8– Drivers Education Session, Rm 5. To pre-register, call 917-703-0875.

• August 15 – Anaheim, CA. Annual Toastmasters International Convention

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

––L. Jaysura

Building 20 Association

During the Building 20 Association meeting on April 18, our guest speaker was Riverbay Director Monique Coleman, who heads the Insurance Committee. She responded to residents’ questions.

We need an insurance policy that would cover 65 buildings and a power plant. We must have enough insurance to cover our mortgage, but our insured values are much higher than our mortgage. All of Co-op City is never going to fall down at once so why do we need a value that covers every building when you are never going to reimburse us more than the value of our mortgage which is $621.5M. Their response is, that is just how it works. We can ask questions, argue with them and challenge them, but in the end, we still have to pay our premiums.

We have to vote for these policies. If we did not have property insurance, Wells Fargo, our bank, could call our mortgage and insist that we pay everything at once, which is $621.5M. We do not ever want to risk our fnancial standing. This is an affordable housing community. We want it for ourselves and for our heirs. We want to be able to leave this for other people to have affordable housing. So, we want to make sure that we, as owners, are taking care of our business and we are not jeopardizing our fnancial status

Director Coleman explained that we are owners and not tenants. A tenant rents and has no stake. We have a stake. You cannot sell your apartment, but you can sell your shares. The reason Co-op City was built was to add more affordable housing. And when you bought your shares in this community, you bought into the idea of affordable housing. The tradeoff with living in a community that is affordable is that, since our charter is a limited equity corporation, we understand that we can buy in at a limited equity, but that when we move out, it is also a limited equity and we get out what we put in. That is the agreement.

To be continued.

Next meeting: May 16 at 7 p.m.

––Francine Jones

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality for all during the course of 20th Century American history. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. We meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances. The NAACP offce hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Happy & Healthy Mother’s Day!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Take time to educate yourself and share information with others about mental health conditions, treatment options and available resources. This helps to promote acceptance and support of anyone with a mental illness. Resources to fnd support, get involved, advocate for change using the Mental Health Awareness Month and Resources Tool-Kit, go to: mdcpsmentalhealthservices.net and National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI.org, www.naminycmetro.org, info@naminys.org, or call 1-800-950-6264 or 212-6843264.

May General Meeting: In honor of those who gave their lives in the interest of freedom and justice for all, and in light of the work the NAACP has done over the years to also uphold the truths of this nation that “all men are created equal,” we will join the Co-op City Branch of the American Legion Post 1871 on Memorial Day in recognition of our fallen heroes. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, at the Harley J. Mosely Sr. Veterans Memorial Park.

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

NAACP 115th National Convention – July 13-July 17, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit: naacp.org/convention. African American Day Parade – Sunday, September 15. More information forthcoming.

NAACP 88th New York State Conference Annual Convention – October 11-13, 2024. More information forthcoming.

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

You can follow us on Facebook: “Co-op City NAACP.” Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fght for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult $30, Youth $10, or Silver Life $750. Make checks/money orders payable to NAACP Co-op City. Mail to NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 To leave a message, call the offce phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com.

––Brenda Brown

Building 27 Association

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

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

Happy Mother’s Day – To all mothers, we trust you will enjoy this special day and we wish you all well and that you will receive all your heart’s desires every day.

Shredder Truck – AARP Council Member Kevin Riley and Riverbay Corporation are co-sponsoring the shredder truck at two locations: May 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 120 Erskine Place in Section 5, and 140 Benchley Place on the other side of Co-op City. This is fantastic, we will not have to travel to another section. Thank you.

Many Packages – are being left in the lobby daily, rather than at the apartment door. I am not sure who the delivery company is. If packages are from USPS, they should be placed in the lobby lockers. If it is your package, take it to the local post offce in Section 5 to determine the delivery source.

2024 Board of Directors Election – To new cooperators, we are required to vote each year for a Board of Directors. We encourage you to keep abreast by reading the Co-op City Times, to attend all three forums to meet the 12 certifed candidates, to hear their views, what they represent on behalf of the interests of all shareholders. The frst forum to meet the candidates is Saturday, May 18 at 3 p.m. at Dreiser Auditorium. In the meantime, please read the candidates’ viewpoints in the weekly Co-op City Times. Voting begins Monday, May 20, to June 14. Shareholders, let us meet the required 5,035 plus certifed ballots to meet the quorum on the frst count. If you agree then vote, vote. Emergency Resolution #24-26 – Please take note, this resolution will be on the ballot for your vote. The resolution is regarding whether Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments within the Riverbay campus. Please place your vote. The ballots will be arriving in green envelopes; voting online is the way to go if it is available to you.

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

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

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

––H. Overman

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Karaoke Night – Karaoke Night will be held on Friday, May 17, in the Building 10 Association Room (located in the rear of Building 10B) from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Warm up your vocal cords and be prepared to have a great time. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of Building Association dues for 2024 began on March 1. Building Association dues are $10 per apartment. We are still collecting. You can bring your dues to the Building Association meeting or give to any executive board member. Please note, the money collected is used for association-related expenses, such as fyers, meetings and party supplies and refreshments.

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

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

Questions, Comments and Suggestions –You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notifed of all the happenings in and around Building 10. We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary! To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. Have a wonderful week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 13 Association

Reminder – Annual Affdavits: Whether done on the paper form or electronically, affdavits should have been completed and returned by April 30.

AARP Shredder Trucks – Shredder trucks will be in Co-op City on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the trucks are flled up. The trucks will be at two locations in Co-op City. From 11-2 p.m., there will be a truck on the Section 3 Greenway near 140 Benchley Place and on the Section 5 Greenway near 120 Erskine Place. Limit three bags, remove all metal clips.

Summer Fun Day: SFD is scheduled for June 22 from 12-5 p.m. in the Carver Loop area of Section 2 and open to all who wish to participate. Fifty white t-shirts will be given to the frst youth on line beginning at noon. We thank Councilman Kevin Riley and DYCD for their support in making this event happen. Appreciation also to Assemblyman Benedetto who always supports this fun-flled day as well as Bob’s Discount Furniture and McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral for their generous support uniting this community. Come and enjoy the festivities as we dance, sing play games and create lasting memories of Co-op City. Hear the beats by DJ Sid Nice, One Man Band Juan Ortego and the steel pan music of the islands. Archery is worthy of a try. See how

good you are and hit the bulls-eye. Carnival games and the obstacle course awaits your presence. Bring your food or get a taste and of course free ices to the frst 50 youth with a free raffe ticket. Save the date and join the fun.

Last week and this week, there were conversations held regarding the cannabis dispensary scheduled to be located at the former Chase Bank on Peartree and Co-op City Boulevard. Thank you to Assemblyman Benedetto and Tremaine O’Garro for making it possible for us to have a conversation with the Offce of Cannabis Management. We appreciated Mr. Chris Alexander and the team for taking the time out of their schedule to discuss the issue with us. Please continue to reach out to the organization and share your thoughts on the location of the cannabis dispensary.

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

Visit our Facebook Page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City. Our website is http://www. bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@ yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

May Monthly Meeting Canceled – The Coalition’s monthly meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, could not be held due to unforeseen circumstances. The next meeting will be held by Zoom as usual on Tuesday, June 11. The June meeting will be the last meeting by the Coalition before summer. There will be no meeting in the month of July and August. Thus, we extend invitation to all the standard organizations in Co-op City to join other Coalition member organizations in the meeting. We will be looking into the activities of the Coalition for the second part of the year, since the Coalition will be out in the summer until

Dr. Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba was honored with a Proclamation from Congressman Jamaal Bowman at the 47th Precinct Community Council Breakfast Fellowship on April 24. Members of the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., L-R: Francine Jones, Daisy Young, Coalition president Dr. Toba, and Merville Chambers.

September. Deadline for Bus Trip Extended – Several people who planned to attend the bus trip complained that the deadline for advance payment should be extended. To this, President Toba agreed that the organizing committee will consider the plea and seek new dates that will not create a problem for those getting hotel accommodations in place. The new dates are as stated below: The rates for occupancy this year: single ($415); double ($325); triple ($305); quad ($280). Payment for the bus trip must be made by May 24, either by Zelle, cash or check to the Coalition. For more details, call President Toba at 347-327-6288 or Daisy Young at 917-292-7010. This Washington, DC trip is the Coalition’s only fundraising event to celebrate Juneteenth. President Toba stated that so far, the only event sponsored by the Coalition is the Kwanzaa Celebration in the month of December. The event is free to the public even though the Coalition was spending a lot of money every year to host the event. This event was always made free to the community at the expense of the Coalition.

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

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

—Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba

Empowering Democracy and Community Spirit

In the heart of Co-op City, Building 26 is abuzz with activity and enthusiasm, marking a pivotal moment in community engagement and democratic participation. At the forefront of this movement is the “Show Up and Show Out Voting Initiative,” igniting a sense of empowerment and camaraderie among shareholders as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

A recent meeting held on April 30 served as a catalyst for change, bringing together directors from various departments alongside shareholders. Departing from the traditional format, the meeting fostered an interactive environment where each department had its own table (pictured) allowing shareholders to engage directly with directors, ask questions, and share feedback. The result was a dynamic exchange of ideas and a sense of

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. We remain thankful, grateful and blessed. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers.

As you know by now, there was a fre in Building 3 last Saturday night. There was substantial damage to the apartment where the fre originated as well as neighboring apartments. With this in mind, Riverbay prohibits in-unit washers and dryers. Please ensure that clothes irons, curling irons, range tops, and candles are unplugged or turned off when not in use.

Please check everything twice before you leave your apartment or you go to bed.

Wanda Randall and I attended the 45th Pct. Council meeting on May 2. Among other things, we advocated for the removal of the obsolete “NYPD No Parking” sign in front of Garage 2.

Also, the 45th Pct. D.I. Orellana provided an update on the two ‘shots fred’ incidents in Section 2 last month. No victims. No suspects. Shell casings found only. Please help us to acquire the resources our community deserves by calling 311 to report quality of life complaints. Stay alert. If you see something, say something.

We had such a lively group at our Game Night.

‘Mitzi’ was in rare form. She ran that Pokeno table like she was Diamond Lil’ on a Riverboat. Thank you, Mitzi, for donating the Pokeno game and turntable. Thank you, Denita, for allowing us to use your card table. I thank our Game Night social event participants: Linda Collins, Evelyn Mavins, Wanda Randall, Janet Yarrell, Linda Holley, Ida ‘Mitzi’ Cleare, Shirley McCann, Marva Malone, Matse Jenkins, Barbara Small, Ellen Wilkins, Yvonne Scott, Denita Cox, Brenda Bailey, Barbara Nesby and Lexa Mingo. ‘Mitzi’ reigned over the Pokeno table. Shirley McCann was the big winner of the night. Barbara Small was relentless at the Scrabble table, the card players had great fun and the Dominoes players were a little more subdued than usual.

Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. May 16 is also our volunteer recognition event. Calling all Building 9 Diamonds (volunteers) to attend. Please join us in celebrating the wonderful and dedicated neighbors who do the most to ensure that you are hosted, educated, engaged and informed. They decorate our lobbies, set up our meeting room, collect membership dues and staff holiday funds, donate and distribute Halloween candy, etc.

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

––Linda Collins

Building 26 Association

satisfaction among attendees.

Central to the initiative’s mission is the desire to encourage informed voting and boost morale within the community. With several primary elections approaching, both new and familiar faces are stepping forward as candidates, refecting a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. The initiative aims to empower residents to educate themselves, ask tough questions, and make informed decisions that will shape the future of Co-op City.

The energy and enthusiasm of the “Show Up and Show Out Voting Initiative” run deep, extending beyond the confnes of traditional meetings to social media platforms like Facebook. Here, shareholders actively engage in discussions, ask probing questions, and express their support for the initiative’s mission. It’s a testament to the community’s spirit and commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and participation.

The initiative is gearing up for its fagship event:

the “Show up and Show Out Summer Jam” on June 8. Set against the backdrop of Earhart Lane Walkway in Section 5, between Buildings 26 and 27, this event promises to be a celebration of community spirit and democratic engagement. Shareholders are encouraged to participate in activities and join in the festivities as they come together to make their voices heard.

It’s a testament to the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that every resident can participate and contribute to the collective dialogue. As the momentum of the “Show Up and Show Out Voting Initiative” continues to build, it serves as a shining example of the power of community engagement and democratic participation. By coming together, asking tough questions, and actively participating in the electoral process, residents of Co-op City are not just shaping the future of their community—they’re reaffrming the strength and vitality of democracy itself.

—Tanya Cruz-Cooke

Happy Saturday, neighbors.

I hope when you read this, it fnds you in great standing.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, I want to spread a prayer for all mothers: Heavenly Father, I lift up to you today my mother and all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selfessness Mary showed Jesus. Help my mother and all mothers feel our gratitude and truly know their impact.

Neighbors, get activated for this year’s Riverbay Board of Directors election and the NYS primary, both in June. Vote! Your vote speaks your choice, so vote.

Last Saturday night, Bldg. 3B had a fre. Please have two fre extinguishers (grease/electrical) in

Building 6 Association

your home. Safety is key to everyone’s overall health.

The improper disposal of garbage on foors 5 &16 is attracting roaches. Please rinse out drink containers, fold up food containers, place into bags and take down to the basement ash cart room. If your home or foor has an issue, contact the Extermination Dept. as it’s a free service. We should live in a clean, healthy environment, so clean up after yourselves.

I want to thank Gabby, our neighbor, for donating her notary services to some neighbors who needed legal documents notarized.

When you see something, say something; we all need to be aware of our surroundings. Check in on elderly, sick, and shut-in neighbors, and single mothers with minor children; it takes a village.

The Social Committee, inspired by Bldg. 12 Association’s senior health walk and youth dance classes, is working on bringing fun activities for all

ages to Bldg. 6.

Saturday, 5/18, Bldg. 2 Association is letting us piggyback off their fresh produce distribution until we secure our 501c3. The event is from 11 a.m.3 p.m. Bring carts and shopping bags. Thank you, President Quattlebaum, for the generosity.

Upcoming

May 18: Calling parents, guardians, grandparents, young adults, children, teens, and neighbors with great ideas. We will have our frst Youth Committee meeting Saturday, May 18. Location and time TBA. This will be a space to brainstorm and plan great events for the youth in Building 6. Please contact the treasurer, Charity, at 646-309-4932 if you have any questions.

May 21: Our next general Building Association meeting will be Tuesday, May 21, 7-9 p.m. in Dreiser, Rm. #1. NYC Councilmember for District 12, Kevin Riley, will also be joining us. Please come out. If you have questions, please submit them to President Lassiter, 347-366-7690, so everyone has a chance to be heard.

Needed

We are looking for a secretary to join our Building 6 Association e-board! If you are interested and available, we are looking for a neighbor who is organized, has great communication skills, is able to transcribe meeting minutes and has great energy. You are exactly what we need! Please send an email to bldng6assoc@gmail.com and come out to our next Association meeting. A special election will take place in the upcoming weeks.

‘Til then, I pray safety over all.

––Lauren K. Lassiter

American Legion Post 1871

Co-op City Little League Opening Day! Co-op City Little League has been serving the youth of the Bronx since 1969. Our Post, chartered in 1970, has been a long-standing supporter of this organization. This program, a win-win for the Legion as well as the organizers, strengthens the shared goals to teach our youth the importance of sportsmanship, good health, and active citizenship.

In support of these goals, on Saturday, May 4, we provided Color Guard duties during the opening day ceremony at the Co-op City Little League Field. Pictured above, L-R: Joan Davis (Post 1871), Austin (Post 253), Dominick Fighera (Post 19), and Antonio Codrington (Post 1871).

May Birthdays!

The following are Legionnaires who celebrate May birthdays: Antonio E Codrington (Vietnam, US Army); Julius C Harrison Jr., Please Buddy Check, (Persian Gulf, US Navy); Mark R Scheer (Persian Gulf, US Army). Let’s also send longevity greetings to our own Auxiliary Seargeant-at-Arms, Olive Glasgow. On May 6, Olive celebrated her 100th birthday. Please reach out and let her know that this signifcant milestone has not gone unnoticed!

Save The Date – May!

• Memorial Day Flagging: Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Woodlawn Cemetery, 3800 Jerome Ave., Bronx

• 45th Precinct Community Council Breakfast: May 23, from 8:30-11 a.m., at Maritime College

• Co-op City Memorial Day Event: Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m., at Harley J. Mosely Park. Contact Us

American Legion Post 1871, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 320-8165; email: post1871@oponline.net; website: https: www.legion.org

Antonio Codrington

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

JASA Free Tax Preparation 2024 – Income Limit, Single: $32,000; w/dependents: $60,000. 2049 Bartow Ave., back of the JASA NORC Offce. Mondays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Must bring Social Security card. Tax help will be available until May 20. Call 718320-2066 for appointments.

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

Bartow OAC Trips – BJ’s/ShopRite: 5/23; Trader Joe’s: 5/29; Costco: 5/31. All of the above trips are $6. Walmart: 5/28, $12.

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

NORC Annual Health & Wellness Fair – Wed., May 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium, 2nd foor. Sign-up for lunch in the Dreiser OAC, 718-320-1345.

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

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

Walk w/Odessa

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

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

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

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

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

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

Wed., May 15

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

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

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

Dominoes w/José 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Word Games

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

Bingo on Saturdays

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

Common Pantry – Tues., May 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. New applicants, contact JGrimes@JASA.org or call 929-399-1371 on Tues. & Thurs.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., May 29. Call JASA NORC for appointment, 718-320-2066.

SUCASA Creative Writing w/Americo – Final show Wed., June 12, 12–-2 p.m. Pick up a free ticket at Bartow Center only, Room 31. Limited seats. Bartow OAC Trip – Motown Show, Windows on the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma, June 26; $150. Dreiser OAC – Spirit of NY “White Party” Cruise. July 17. Tickets are $126. Payments can be made in three installments in Rm. 7.

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

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s caregiv-

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi

9 a.m.-10 a.m.

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

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

Ageless Facials & Self Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appointments only

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Get It on Zumba 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

ing rep. will be in the Bartow main offce every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer & Dementia consultation/health care proxy & power of attorney consultation & other services.

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

Notary – JASA NORC Offce, Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for appointments

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

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

Notary, Einstein OAC – Schedule appointments, in Rm. 48, Thurs 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-671-5161

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

LUNCH

& DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

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

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

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

Walmart, 9-10 a.m.

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

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

Trip to a Live Taping of Kelly & Mark! 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Game Time - Jenga, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Aud. A Crafts w/Ines & Julesa, 1:15-3 p.m.

Su Casa Arts Program w/Gina, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Notary w/Emilia, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Drama Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Self Defense w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 (Twice a month)

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

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

Research Presentation on Dental Access for Older Adults w/ Alyanna Prasad, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Spanish Class w/Angelica, 1-2 p.m. (Twice a month)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUNCH: KOSHER: Garlic Beef Meatballs, Pasta, Tossed Salad w/Dressing

NON KOSHER: Spanish Style Beef Stew. Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon, Cous Cous, Steamed Yellow Squash NON KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans, Braised Collard Greens

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlet w/Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potato, Cucumber Dill, Orange. NON-KOSHER: Spanish Style Beef Stew w/Homemade Mashed Potato, Steamed Broccoli, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: Lentil and Bean Chili, Brown Rice, Capri Blend Vegetables NON KOSHER: Buffalo Chick Pea Power Grain Bowl, Pasta, Steamed Carrots

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Lentils and Beans Chili w/ Brown Rice, Capri Blend Vegetables, Apple. NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken w/Rice & Beans, Braised Collard Greens, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Cucumber Dill Salad. NON KOSHER: Spanish Style Baked Chicken, Italian Blend Vegetables, Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Pot Roast w/Garlic Mashed Potato, Italian Cut Green Beans, Banana. NON-KOSHER: Buffalo Chick Pea Power Grain Bowl w/Steamed Carrots, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: Italian Roast Chicken, Sweet Noodle Kugel, Spiced Mixed Vegetables. NON KOSHER: Baked Fish w/Black Bean Sauce, Pasta, Normandy Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Italian Roast Chicken w/Sweet Noodle Kugel, Spiced Mixed Vegetables, Peach, 10 Grab and Go. NON-KOSHER: Stewed Codfsh (Bacalao Fresco Guisado) w/Sautéed Spinach, Yuca w/Onions, Banana

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

KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon w/Cous Cous, Steamed Yellow Squash, Pear NON-KOSHER: Grilled Caribbean Chicken Breast w/Quinoa, Cabbage & Carrot Slaw

Greetings, retirees and friends, Happy Mother’s Day to all the fabulous mothers (living and deceased), grandmothers, godmothers, aunties, and mother-like-fgures. We are grateful to you for all that you have done for your families. May God bless you with the sweetest Mother’s Day celebration.

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

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

Ace in the Hole– Wednesday, August 21.

Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration – Today, Sat., May 11, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, 1-4 p.m., $40. Live country music, buffet, cocktail, vendors. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

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

Bally’s Casino A.C. – Thu., May 16; Price: $65, $25 slot play. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Resort World Casino – Tue., May 21, Monticello, NY. Price: $65, $25 slot play. Wait list. Bus: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:45 a.m.; Dreiser Loop, 9 a.m.

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

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

Villa Roma Resort – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Tue., June 11. Wait list. Price: $125. Down payment $50. Balance due by Mon., May 20. Tribute to Whitney Houston – Tropicana Casino, A.C., Thu., June 27. Wait list. Price: $150, bonus: $25 slot play and $20 food voucher. Deposit $50. Balance due Wed., June 5.

Lego Land Theme Park – Sat., June 29, Goshen, NY. Price: $130 adults, $125pp 2 or more children. Call: 646-579-1701.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

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

Entertainment Committee – Our annual June luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the beautiful Marina del Rey. Tickets are $110 (includes transportation on a frst paid, frst seated basis). Daisy will be in Rm. 19 on Tuesdays and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Questions can be addressed to Daisy at (718) 671-6122 or (917) 292-7010, and Jay at (201) 3102972.

Scholarship Committee – Scholarship applications are available in Rm. 19. The deadline for the submission of completed scholarship applications to the Scholarship Committee is May 24, 2024. Contact JoAnn at (718)710-9082 with questions.

Membership Committee – Annual member-

Goose Island Seniors

Virginia Beach Getaway – Tue., July 9 – Fri., July 12. Call: 646-579-1701.

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

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

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT. Tue., Aug. 20. Wait list. Price: $130; $50 deposit. Balance due Wed., July 17. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Sat., Aug. 31–Sat., Sept. 7. Call: 646-579-1701.

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

Latin Day at Brownstone – Thu., Sep. 26. Price: $145; $50 dep. Balance due Wed., Aug. 28. Las Vegas – Fri., Oct. 11–15. Call: 646-5791701.

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

Notary – Yvonne Menefee. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Call: 718379-9613.

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

Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing. Happy Birthday to members who celebrate in May: Jacqueline Roy-Twiggs, Dorothy Drayton, Emma Rumph, Linda Singleton, Bernice DeCar-

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

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

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

General Information

The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground foor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone # 718-379-6920. Offce hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the offce before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the offce, 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 10:00 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 11, at 8:55 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, May 17, at 7:48 p.m.

Good and Welfare: We sell tree certifcates, in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. If you want to buy a tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the Synagogue.

To all Members: Happy Birthday to Karla Klaus and all members who will be celebrating their birthday in May. Please send me your names and I will add them it 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

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

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

Condolences – We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Carl Tyler who recently passed away and we continue to pray for others who have recently experienced a loss.

Good and Welfare – Please keep Ida Stewart and others who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium C. This will be our last meeting prior to our summer break. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

mo, Sonia Dixon, Edna Senior-Williams, Mary Pilla, Becky Reyes, Doris Bailey, Juliana Wattley-Epps, Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz, Geneva Lindsey, Carmen Crespo and Hattie Overman. Birthday cake celebration at picnic party on May 24th. Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love. Call her at (718) 753-1816. Our Club: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, Section 5 Community Center, (718) 379-9613; Stephen’s cell (347) 847-1941. Our email address: goose.island@optonline.net. $StephenCarlSr.

Good health to all. Stephen Roberts, Sr.

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

177 Dreiser Loop, second foor, Room 2.

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

Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we offer special prayers for God’s blessings upon all mothers: “Father of life, fold in the everlasting arms of thy love all mothers. Increase, we pray, their cheerful steadfastness, their unselfsh strength; and, at the close of their day, may they fnd rest and peace with faith undimmed and unafraid. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

This Sunday, we also commemorate the Ascension. On this day Jesus ascended from the earth to heaven. Jesus’ ascension marks not only an end but also a beginning: it invites Christians to embrace their call to witness, fortifed by the promise of the Holy Spirit’s power. Through Jesus’ fnal blessing and ascension, we are reminded that God’s favor rests upon us, empowering and guiding us to fulfll our God-given missions on earth. Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” Acts 1:8

Ascension Sunday, May 12th, 2024

• 11 a.m., Communion Service.

• Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Bible Lessons:

• Acts 1:5-8

• Luke 24:49-53

Prayer: O GOD, the King of glory, we pray Thee that, as thine alone-born Son our dear Lord Christ hath ascended into the heavens, we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

—Rev. Dorian Miceli

2024 Riverbay Board Election 2024 Riverbay Board Election

2024 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Wednesday, April 17

Monday, April 22

Saturday, May 4

Saturday, May 11

Saturday, May 18

Saturday, May 18

Monday, May 20

Wednesday, May 22

Saturday, May 25

Wednesday, May 29

Saturday, June 1

Saturday, June 8

Friday, June 14

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 20

Friday, June 21

Wednesday, June 26

2024 Board Election Schedule

Certification Date for Candidates

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

Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

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

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidates’ Statements appear on pages 24-29

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

BALLOTING

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot

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

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

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

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Friday, June 14, 2024 Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 20, and ending at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024. Please follow the directions included with your ballot to cast your vote online.

Election Committee Notice – Ask the Candidates

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

Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

or print and submit it to CSO by the close of business on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The submission must include your name, building, apartment number and the question to be asked.

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

Extended Voting Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andrea Leslie

Dear fellow shareholders: I ask for your vote in the upcoming Board of Directors election. I am running for re-election to the Board because I want to continue the progress we have made in modernizing our aging infrastructure, in improving our quality of life, and in making our corporation fnancially sound.

For more than thirty years I’ve been a New York City employee. Daily making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers who may need assistance in dealing with various government agencies, or who are seeking appropriate help for a family member in distress. The people I assist are sometimes my Co-op City neighbors.

My role as a member of the Board of Directors gives me the opportunity to assist fellow shareholders who may, for instance, face eviction. In fact, I’ve become a liaison/ambassador for Co-op City, helping shareholders to remain in the community they love. I also work to bring much-needed funds to Riverbay Corporation. If re-elected, I will continue this partnership, which has been benefcial for both Riverbay and its residents.

I believe that “Team work makes the dream work.” Therefore, I will continue to be a team player in community efforts to promote our activism. For decades, the spirit of activism has motivated shareholders to express their views to our representatives on the City Council and in Albany. It is what enables our community to receive our fair share of public funds and services.

I commit to working with the Board and Management to maintain a fscally responsible budget.

I pledge to continue to keep Co-op City the best deal in town.

I ask that you vote to re-elect Bernard Cylich, Mary Pearson, and myself, Andrea Leslie, and to elect Sheila Richburg, Ezekiel Springer Jr., and Kevin Foggie, all on the Impact Team.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Good day, shareholders and friends, With the ongoing carrying charge increases and the recent 8.1%, it’s time for a change in the boardroom. The Community First team and I have the experience to help bring about much needed quality of life improvements within every Section of Co-op City.

Last year, the board voted not to extend our election a second time. Even though we have extended elections for the last 5 years, what changed? Five of the Board directors who voted were candidates in that election and therefore, remained seated.

Does 94% of those who voted, not matter? Some of these directors are running again. How does that make you feel? Our carrying charges paid for that election. Despite the cost and the election at 94% quorum with less than 300 votes left, they did not extend our election a second time.

Let’s make our vote count; vote Community First, and here’s why:

As a team, we are committed to representing cooperators by addressing your needs as you have expressed them. We realize the ongoing carrying charge increases have negatively affected many in our community, especially those on a fxed income; particularly those who do not meet SCRIE requirements. This is why we need to vote.

Our community is a $200 million corporation that deserves Board directors like Community First, who understand budgeting, fnance, management and contracts. The days of electing people with only passion do not pay the bills and will not control ongoing increases, but experience does.

By electing Community First, you will get a team who is eager to collaborate with other hard-working directors to ensure our community and corporation thrives.

There are six available seats, and by electing the four of us, we will serve this community with integrity and transparency. This year let’s aim to meet quorum.

Respectfully.

Andrea Leslie

Leah Graham

Leah Graham

Kevin Foggie

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

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

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

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

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

In the evolving landscape of the Co-op City community, the Community First Team stands frm in our belief that adapting policies to meet the changing needs of our residents is paramount. We are dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of cooperators not just during election season, but consistently throughout our tenure.

Our agenda encompasses several crucial areas of focus:

First, we prioritize the stabilization and pause of future increases in carrying charges. We pledge to ensure responsible governance practices, which includes protecting against future carrying charge increases that unfairly burden fxed-income seniors and cooperators.

Secondly, we are committed to the upgrade and repair of convector systems and the proper maintenance of residential units. We understand the signifcance of ensuring that all residential units receive the necessary upkeep and repairs to maintain the high living standards within our community. Addressing issues with convector systems is essential for the comfort and safety of our residents. We are unwavering in our dedication to implementing necessary upgrades and repairs to enhance living conditions.

Thirdly, we support public safety initiatives. We believe that strengthening community-public safety efforts is vital to foster trust and collaboration between Co-op City Public Safety and cooperators.

Lastly, we advocate for the reinstatement of the Community Relations committee. Reinstating this committee will facilitate constructive dialogue and engagement, promoting inclusivity and responsiveness to the diverse needs of our community.

In conclusion, our platform is centered on policy reform aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of Co-op City. We are committed to fscal responsibility, accountability to shareholders, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

We urge you to support the Community First Team, comprising of Kyshawn White, Leah Graham, Jacqueline Smith, and Shanauzelda Montgomery, as we tirelessly strive to serve the best interests of Co-op City.

Kevin Foggie

Kyshawn White

Kyshawn White

Sheila Richburg

Greetings to my fellow shareholders of our beloved Co-op City community. I am honored to request your vote to serve as Riverbay Board director. Having lived here in the Bronx for many years and raised fve wonderful children within this community, I understand intimately the importance of effcacious budgeting.

I will commit to ensuring and overstand that responsible fnancial management directly impacts us all. As shareholders, we reasonably expect to be able to afford our monthly bills, maintain daily comforts and have effcient governance/management to ensure the longterm viability of our community.

I commit to uphold the fduciary duty as director of approving a fscally sound budget utilizing any cost saving opportunities available. Effciency is one of the answers to keeping carrying charge increases as low as possible.

I pledge to work collectively in committee to explore innovative solutions and research alternate sources of revenue to address our needs without sacrifcing the quality of life that we cherish. My goal would be to provide effective oversight to maintain the delicate balance between affordability and the fnancial health of Co-op City.

If given the opportunity, I will work to maintain customer service satisfaction. I resolve to maintain a transparent, innovative and effcient service delivery model utilizing available technology.

This digital technology should work in tandem to manage and track service statistics. Having a transparent shared digital management system will afford accountability, track delays and offer follow-up data.

In conclusion, I humbly ask for your vote during this election. Your vote is key to choosing the candidate/s who will ensure successful oversight of our cooperative.

Please vote for me, Sheila Richburg, to serve as your Riverbay Board director, member of the Impact Team.

Other team members are Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer, Jr. and Kevin Foggie.

Thank you.

Jacqueline Smith

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” (MLK, from his 1963 book, Strength to Love). Hello, my name is Jacqueline Smith, and I am running for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors. I am running with three exceptional individuals who are transparent, outstanding, dedicated candidates. The Community First Team shares the same hope that many Co-op shareholders possess.

A yearning for a new approach, consisting of professional oversight, grounded in skilled overseeing. An undertaking comprising of a bright, thriving future advanced by board transparency, contract compliance, a CCPD Community Policing Policy, a welcome orientation for new shareholders and a 21st Century restoration fair for long time cooperators. No, to not respecting your vote! Yes, to Shareholders having a say in their community via vote participation. MLK said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” (I have a dream, 1963). This is your moment! Brave wins!

As a trusted servant for the shareholders, I had the opportunity to serve on the Legislative Committee, MTA Ad-Hoc Committee, and the Best & Brightest Committee which saluted Co-op City students’ academic excellence. It was quite heartwarming to see dedicated neighbors work side by side on these committees. Their success was a declaration that with transparent leadership along with engaged cooperators anything can be achieved. The Community First Team, if given your vote, will stay the course and commit to a more “Proactive Approach over a Reactive Response. To accomplish these ideals and goals, we need your support, and your vote! What Riverbay used to be doesn’t have to be a memory! Please elect Jacqueline Smith, Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery and Kyshawn White.

Sheila Richburg

Jacqueline Smith

Mary Pearson

Dear neighbors, I was reading my T-shirt the other day – my angry, long-sleeved black Protest T-shirt. (It’s still too chilly for the short-sleeved purple one.)

Aside from sleeve length and color, the shirts are identical. (And very wordy. Just like me.)

I’d planned a long day of complaining about Project X and the Metro-North Railroad vs Coop City so I was wearing my pro-justice tee

I had designed and printed up the shirts around 2015, around the time Bernie Sanders started his presidential run. The Senator’s message has always been – Government should work for all of us not just the wealthy few.

My T-shirts agree, and say so in 224 words, listing 99 causes of the 99% in white print on a dark background.

Since the whole list can’t ft in this piece, I’ll summarize.

It starts with the fve justices: Racial, Social, Criminal, Economic, Environmental. Next comes every kind of human rights – individually listed. That’s followed by lists of things to fght for or against; groups to stand with or oppose. All stuff that needs to be protected or abolished.

Most of these endeavors remain works-in-progress. But in the decade since, a few (a very few) have either come to be or have measurably moved toward justice in our (arguably) moral universe.

Ten years ago, I highlighted some of those T-shirt goals with permanent red marker. (Black Lives Matter. Peace. Affordable Housing.) I’ve been busy wishing and working to make them so ever since.

The frst Candidates’ Forum is a week from today in Dreiser at 3:00 p.m. Come and hear about these right-here-at-home issues and more from the Impact Team: Andrea Leslie, Bernie Cylich, Zeke Springer Jr., Sheila Richburg, and Kevin Foggie and me.

And come read my T-shirt!

Thanks and sweet wishes,

Mary Pearson

718-219-2211

Aaron Carnegie

As a candidate for Riverbay Board director, I am passionate about addressing multifaceted issues crucial to our community’s well-being.

In addition to enhancing quality of life and security, I plan to prioritize fnancial stability through saving money and exploring alternative income sources.

One of my key initiatives is prudent fnancial management. By conducting thorough cost analyses, negotiating favorable contracts, and implementing effcient budgeting strategies, we can save money without compromising on essential services or amenities. This approach ensures that our resources are utilized wisely, benefting all residents and maintaining a sustainable fnancial trajectory for our community.

I will advocate for exploring alternative sources of income to supplement our revenue streams. This could involve advocating for lowering the price for certain unused or underutilized community spaces for events or rentals, initiating community-driven fundraising campaigns for specifc projects, or exploring grants and partnerships with external organizations. Diversifying our income sources not only provides fnancial stability but also opens up opportunities for investment in long-term community development projects.

My experience in management, coupled with a deep understanding of community dynamics, positions me as a capable and strategic leader for the Riverbay Board Director role. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that shareholders’ input is central to our fnancial and operational strategies.

By electing me as your Riverbay Board director, you are not only supporting initiatives to elevate quality of life and enhance security but also endorsing a proactive approach to fnancial stability and growth. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous community for generations to come. Thank you for considering me for this important role and remember your vote matters, don’t waste it.

Mary Pearson

Aaron Carnegie

Greetings, community of shareholders.

Social unrest and uncertainty have led to challenging living conditions for many individuals; our community is no exception. We are experiencing increased food and living expenses, as well as elevated crime rates. If elected, my priority would be maintaining affordability and safety for our community without compromising our way of life.

During these challenging times, we must be proactive and implement policies that safeguard our community from criminal activities. These policies should include the continued use of advanced surveillance technology in and around Co-op City. In addition, strict access control to our buildings, laundry facilities, and garages should be implemented. We must bring back lobby and garage attendance and allow CCPD to collaborate and train attendants to ensure safety. Furthermore, we must restore CCPD to its full capacity, including bicycle and garage patrols, and increase visibility in our neighborhood.

It is no longer acceptable to claim that Co-op City is the most affordable housing option in the city to justify increases. As shareholders, we pay community expenses, not rent. However, yearly maintenance increases have made it diffcult to afford living here. Therefore, we need to reduce maintenance costs and ensure Co-op City remains affordable.

We must implement accountability-driven and transparent budget review processes to ensure Co-op City funds are spent responsibly. Furthermore, steps should be taken to ensure Co-op City remains fnancially stable and sustainable.

The previously estimated maintenance increase of 2.1% was deemed insuffcient by HCR. Instead, shareholders are now required to pay an increase of 8.1%, which is a signifcant deviation from the initial projection. This is unjust to shareholders, particularly those with low and fxed incomes who rely on Co-op City’s affordability. Our goal is to reduce maintenance expenses by enhancing operations and promoting fnancial responsibility. Please vote for Shanauzelda Montgomery and the Community First Team!

In early 1900, Jewish socialist labor leaders, immigrants from Russia, organized young female garment workers, who labored long hours under sweetshop conditions. The women waged ferce battles against heartless bosses; were attacked by company goons, and cops, and often were jailed. They won union recognition, decent wages and working conditions. However, after work they returned to slums.

Labor leaders acknowledged they could not win affordable decent housing at the bargaining table. Instead, they sponsored cooperative housing, free from landlords, would be built not as commodity but as housing. In 1926, a broad coalition of labor leaders successfully lobbied Albany for the adoption of the frst housing tax relief. Subsequently, the frst cooperative was built in the Northwest Bronx, sponsored by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, overseen by Abraham Kazan.

For the next 40 years, Kazan organized coalitions, lobbied Albany for more cooperative housing legislation. In 1955, the Mitchell-Lama bill was adopted, resulting in the building of 105,000 apartments in the state – 15,000 in Co-op City. The program offered cheap land, 35-year fxed, low-interest loans, low property taxes; income limitations to purchasers, equity cap on resale, initiated SCRIE and DRIE programs; it retained a transparent, non-discriminatory waiting list (it’s why M-L housing are the largest middle income integrated cooperative housing in our nation).

Co-op City, with 35 hi-risers, seven townhouse closures, on 320 acres, 80% open space; 15,000+ light, airy apartments with parquet foors, and A/C; 8 garages, 3 shopping centers, a theater, schools, a power plant, a library — was the fruition of Kazan’s vision. It’s a beacon to our nation as the largest affordable, integrated cooperative.

Elect the Impact Team to keep Co-op City the best deal in town.

Vote for Sheila Richburg, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer, Jr., Kevin Foggie, and myself, Bernard Cylich.

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Bernard Cylich

Bernard Cylich

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Hi, I’m Ezekiel Springer Jr. And when I walk the Section Five Greenway, I’m heartened to see so many of my fellow shareholders enjoying the sun, fresh air, and the exercise.

Lately, my walks have become fraught with concerns about carrying charge increases and violent crimes committed in our community. I’d like to return to a time when these concerns held little space in my mind on my walks. To make that happen, I’ve decided to get off my couch and make an impact on our community as a candidate for the Riverbay Board.

They say Co-op City is the best deal in town. They also say Co-op City has some of the lowest crime rates in the Bronx. Okay. I love a good deal and safe streets. That’s why I’ve made these my top priorities.

If elected, I plan to keep Co-op City affordable. That means no privatization and holding the Board and HCR accountable when it comes to rate increases without a legitimate explanation.

If elected, I plan to keep Co-op City safe. I will support CCPD with solutions on increasing visibility and lobbying for more manpower and equipment. I pledge to work closely with representatives from the 45th Precinct on increased presence and how best to continue their partnership with CCPD.

If elected, I promise to make a positive impact on Co-op City. That’s why I’ve joined forces with the Impact Team. Please elect to the Riverbay Board the entire Impact Team: Sheila Richburg, Kevin Foggie, Mary Pearson, Andrea Leslie, Bernard Cylich, and me, Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Tired of sitting on the sidelines? Then come out and vote for us! Don’t let security fears and carrying charge hikes price us out of our community.

I’m a proud mom of three beautiful children. Living in Co-op City for 19 years, mostly in Section 5, now in Building 5. I’m a supervisor at the United States Post Offce. Fun fact, I use to be a mail carrier in Co-op City, I know Coop City well. I enjoy biking, I’d bike all over Co-op City. So, when the City of New York created the Hutchinson River Greenway Bike path in Section Five, I was initially happy because it made it easier to ride my bike to the beach. However, with growing micro mobility (eBikes, etc.) I have concerns. Security and quality of life lapses being at the top of my list.

I think the Board of Directors and outside management team must be held accountable. Our community is littered with eBikes, they’re thrown around everywhere like garbage. Theft: (2) Porch/Door pirates growing theft of our delivered packages with no end in sight. Brazen thieves fnd Co-op City residents an easy mark. Delivery companies did their job delivering our packages, now Co-op City security need to do theirs. Securing every building from thieves, assaulters or vandalism must become our priority once again. It’s too easy to gain access to our buildings and property. Mice and Roaches: (3) Vermin problem diminishes our Co-op City community experience. Sending an exterminator to our homes to play whack-a-mole with rats and roaches is ridiculous and fnancially stupid. We are making exterminators rich! Where’s the Board of Directors and their management plan to eradicate the problem? Not treat it! I hate mice and roaches. I’m a clean freak yet all buildings are fghting a losing battle. If elected, I have a plan to eliminate if not rigorously mitigate this health and sanitary issue. Fellow residents, don’t tolerate this! Elect: Corazon Fernandez.

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Corazon Fernandez

Corazon Fernandez

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE RIVERBAY CORPORATION’S 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

A. GENERAL RULES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

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

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

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

Adopted March 26th, 2024

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

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

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

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their fnancial obligations to the Corporation,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

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

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

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

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

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

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

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

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

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

(

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 30)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

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

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

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

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

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

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

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 26th, 2024

Co-op City Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

This week’s events: Wednesday Bible Study class at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. by Zoom. Prayer Warriors prayer service on Thursday at 12 p.m.; Friday midmorning prayer service at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday evening prayer services are all on the church conference call line.

The Pastor’s Aide Ministry will be celebrating their 45th anniversary on Sunday, May 19, at the 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher will be Rev. Stephanie Coleman, Assistant Pastor, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Everyone is invited to this joyous occasion.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway Ministry’s food distribution will be on Friday, May 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

We will have a memorial tribute to our Veterans on Sunday, May 26, during the 11 a.m. service. Everyone is invited to share in this special event.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in “Co Op CBC;” this app is open to all.

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

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

Marilyn C. Williams

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

God appoints you, disappoints you then reappoints you.

God anoints his servants only to violently test them before they are placed in positions of service.

Joseph - Genesis 37:9 “Joseph had another dream, and he told his brothers. Listen, he said, I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”

God gave Joseph a vision of the future and then fulflled it 13 years later.

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Joseph dreamed, was tested, then exalted.

David - 1 Samuel 16:13 “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”

David was anointed as a young man and was crowned many years later.

2 Samuel 5:4 “David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.”

David was anointed, chased, then crowned.

Paul - Acts 9:15-16 “The Lord said to Ananias, Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.

Galatians 1:18 “After three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him for ffteen days.”

Galatians 2:1 “After fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas.”

Paul was fervent, humbled, and then made an apostle.

Hebrews 12:2 “fxing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorned its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus endured suffering and rejection but fulflled God’s mandates and was welcomed to glory.

Schedule –– 147 Dreiser Loop

First Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service, 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Friday: Youth service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

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

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

—Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

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

In-person worship service for the seventh Sunday of Easter, also Mother’s Day, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, May 12, at 9 a.m., as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Sunday School has offcially opened. Please be sure to bring your children and grandchildren. This is very, very important!

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

Upcoming Event:

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

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our members, families and friends who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones. May you all fnd comfort and peace in your time of bereavement.

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

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

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

Grace and Peace!

—Merville Chambers

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

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

Sunday service at 11 a.m. All are welcomed.

Masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study is from 7-8 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone.

May 5 Worship Service Theme: “One Eye on the Enemy, One Eye on the Wall ”

Scriptures: (Nehemiah 4:8-17 NLT) “They all made plans to come and fght against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. Then the people of Judah began to complain, ‘The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.’ Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, ‘Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work. The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, ‘They will come from all directions and attack us!’ So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas, I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.”

Save the Dates:

The community is always welcomed to attend all activities of the church. Saturday, May 18 – You are invited to join the Women’s “ Put on the Full Armor of God” program at noon. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and a light lunch. For further information, kindly contact Sis. L. Scott at 718-671-2623. Sunday, May 19 – Women’s Day program continues at the 11 a.m. service. Rev. Audrey Jones from Friendly Baptist Church will be the speaker of the hour. The theme is “Women Equipped for Victory” (2 Corinthians 2:14). To demonstrate our oneness in Christ, women are kindly asked to wear white. Wednesday, August 14 – “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. (Full bus) We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all. Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station Bronx, NY 10475.

Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

Co-op City United Methodist Church/ IEMU

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds

Come and Visit us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-flled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. Services are held in-person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745) or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). –Pastor David Jolly

“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” –Romans 3:24 NLT

As Mother’s Day approaches, we usually focus on all that is great about motherhood and exalt attributes such as her sacrifcial love, nurturing nature, integrity, and spirituality, amongst others. However, we tend to forget that mothers also face daily challenges. We are bombarded with choices for ourselves, our children, our families, our homes and our careers. The truth is, no matter what we choose, there will be times when we succeed and other times when we fail.

For times when we fail, we fnd in scripture, examples of women who understood the challenges of motherhood. For instance, Eve lost a child at the hands of another; Jochebed had to give her son Moses up; Mary saw her son get crucifed; Rebekah struggled with favoritism between Jacob and Essau; to name a few. These stories remind us that a mother’s worth is not based on having a perfect life, but on facing challenges with hope and grace. Our greatest assurance is that God is at work redeeming us and our loved ones when we

Sola Scriptura

City

make mistakes. His grace gives us hope, strength and wisdom to persevere. Unfortunately, grace is a gift most of us do not know how to receive because our earthly life consumes us and makes us believe that we must earn everything. Also, we tend to live life on our strength and judge ourselves severely. So, as we approach Mother’s Day, if you are discouraged, feeling overwhelmed, sad, or wondering what is next, draw near God with confdence to receive the best gift of all, God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Remember that He promised that in our weakness, His grace is more than enough for all our needs.

May all women who take on the role of a mother, be blessed abundantly on Mother’s Day and beyond.

Come and receive a blessing. All are welcome!

Tuesday: Daniel’s Book Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Español at 12:15 p.m.

English at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10 a.m. Join us to pray for personal revival, revival for our church and our community.

Food Pantry: 11a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, May 12 – Bilingual Mother’s Day Service at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 18 – “Cowboy/Cowgirl Hoedown” fundraising event from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Monday, May 27 – Memorial Day Picnic from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

––Graciela Abadia

Newsong Church

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” –2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

During the time of the Reformation, it was believed that certain traditions and things that church leaders said were equal to Holy Scripture. As you can imagine this created many problems. Whenever a leader of the church had a new “revelation” from God, that revelation was followed, even if it disagreed with scripture. This practice still leads to all kinds of religious beliefs that are not found in the Word of God but are treated as though they are from God.

Sola Scriptura is Latin for “Scripture Alone.” It’s the belief that the Bible and only the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. In other words, the Bible alone has the fnal say when it comes to our faith and how we live it out. We

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle, located at 100 Co-op City Boulevard, invites everyone to join in services on the following days.

Sunday School classes at 10:30 a.m., worship service is from 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Friday evening worship service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

All night services will be held on Zoom. To call, 646 931 3860. ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#.

Happy Mother’s Day greetings to all mothers.

Focus Thought: The Power of Unity (Genesis 11: 1-6)

“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto the heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they all have one language and this they began to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagine to do.”

(study Genesis11: 9)

“When we all pull together”

There is something spiritually nourishing about unity. Working together with godly unity produces a keen sense of satisfaction. We can accomplish so much more through the synergy of cooperative unity that we could ever hope to achieve alone. The power of unity is incredible, but the lesson to be learned from our study today is that unity can achieve great evil or great good. It is insuffcient only to possess unity; we must have godly unity – joined together with who are liked minded to do the holy will of God. Like Babel, ungodly unity always produces disharmony and confusion. Godly unity, on the other hand, produces harmony. Like the unison of harmonic voices in a choir or the harmonized instruments in a symphony.

“United In Purpose”

Although pride is the wrong motivator, it does motivate. Over the centuries, evil people have been able to accomplish much only because their common pride united them in evil purpose. It seems that God would thwart all the evil purposes of mankind, but there are some fundamental principles involved that cause God to restrain Himself from prematurely intercepting evil. Just as the law of gravity works for both the godly and the godless, principles of industry work for anyone regardless of their purpose.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

live in a time where people flter the Bible through their experiences. Sola Scriptura means that we take our experiences, our traditions, our reasoning, and we flter them through the Bible.

About us: Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, fnd freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference in this world! No matter what you’ve been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out, we’re located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience: Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church! Our worship experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Newsong Deaf Church (Room 35): Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong (Room 49): We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Against The Flow: ATF is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At ATF, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. ATF meets every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Room 42.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and fnd hope. Come and fnd healing. Come and fnd freedom. Contact Us

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42; Phone: 917-342 2559

Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; Instagram: @newsongchurch bx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC

—Pastor Mike Tolone

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