Co-op City Times 05/20/2023

Deadline

to Return 2023 Riverbay Board Election Ballots Approaches

2,759 Ballots Still Needed for Quorum

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The deadline for Co-op City shareholders to return their 2023 Riverbay Board of Directors election ballot is next Friday, May 26, 2023, and as of press time yesterday, approximately 45% of the required 5,002 ballots had been cast in this year’s election.

YesElections, Riverbay’s independent election vendor, reported yesterday that 2,243 ballots had so far been received and counted. According to the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, one-third of shareholders must vote in order to achieve a quorum and validate the annual Board election. This year’s quorum is 5,002.

Shareholders who have not received a green election ballot envelope or who require a replacement ballot, should immediately contact YesElections by calling (855) 940-2801 or sending an email to help+riverbay@yeselections.com.

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Congratulations on your Retirement, Mr. Klehammer

BY ROZAAN BOONE

On Thursday, May 18, members of the Riverbay Board of Directors, executive management, department heads and staff, attended a luncheon in the Bartow Center to bid farewell and convey best wishes to Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s Executive General Manager for the last seven years, on the occasion

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BSA Public Hearing on May 22 for 500 Baychester Avenue

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Developers of 500 Baychester Ave. will seek an appeal to a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) ruling during a BSA public hearing scheduled for early next week.

The hybrid public hearing will be held on Monday, May 22, at 10 a.m. and will be live streamed online at nyc.gov/bsa or on the BSA YouTube channel. Participants who wished to give testimony on the LED advertising structure at 500 Baychester Ave. had until Friday, May 19, 2023 to register.

Co-op City shareholders are encouraged to attend the May 22 hearing, and may do so either via Zoom or in-person, although, due to space constraints, the public is encouraged to tune in to the meeting virtually.

The following is the Zoom information to log in to the meeting as outlined on the BSA website:

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Third Candidates’ Forum, May 3, Bartow Community Center

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Forum of the 2023 Riverbay Board of Directors election held on Wednesday, May

Q: What have you done individually to enhance the quality of life for us here in Co-op City? (Asked by Florence Williams, Building 10C.)

Sonia Feliciano: With the quality of life, what we have done, individually, things we would like to see especially in our next budget which is next year, is community policing. We used to have community policing where you had an We don’t have that because we just don’t have the personnel but that has been a goal of mine for the last couple of years. I think it is going to come to fruition

okay, and not hiding in some place, we need to see them in the street. And, that’s something that I’ve been working on and also the Board. I think the Board agrees that, collectively, we should be doing that for our community.

Leah Graham: When I was a Board director, as I mentioned in my opening, I think I did a lot of things to improve quality of life. One of the things I did was when we had to embrace the dog policy here, I worked really closely with a lot of the cooperators here to create a committee so that we could discuss what we a building president, I held CPR training for my building association through the FDNY program. I also, we had a pilot program in our building because we didn’t have the lobby attendants and so we had a monitor in our lobby and that monitor was a four-pane so the shareholders could see in the lobby, in the basement, the back door, we had that pilot and that was one of the things that I was happy about initiating but, if elected, one of the things I would work towards is I would advocate for proper treatment of Riverbay employees. I think it is important to provide employees with respect and providing them with the adequate training. Also providing the department directors and supervisors with constructive feedback. I think those things trickle down into the quality of this corporation.

Angelo Rosario: Quality of life in our community starts with each and every things I have for many years been trying to bring in

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FRAUD ALERT: Co-op City Community Fair Vendor Registration

Please be aware that someone has been selling discounted vendor spots and tickets to the Co-op City Community Fair scheduled for Saturday, June 3, on the Section 1 Greenway. This is a free event and tickets are not required. In addition, no discounts are available for vendor registration and vendor spots can only be purchased at https://coopfair-6-2023. eventbrite.com, or by scanning the QR code here:

If you did not purchase a vendor spot at the above link, you may have been scammed. For more information, please email community@riverbaycorp.com or contact the Riverbay Community Relations department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3532. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Klehammer ––––– (Continued from page 1)

of his retirement.

Mistress of Ceremony, Michelle Sajous, director of the Riverbay Community Relations department, spoke about her working relationship with Mr. Klehammer. “This is bittersweet. I’ve grown to actually like this gentleman beside me. He’s

going to miss you, and to have Noel [Ellison] here with you, you guys really led to the heights and they almost got there, but you have done a lot of us, a lot for this community, a lot for this corporation, and we are truly, truly, at least me, going to miss you.”

Ms. Sajous then introduced Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano who presented Mr. Klehammer with a plaque on behalf of the Riverbay Corporation Board of Directors, staff and shareholders. In her remarks, she said that Mr. Klehammer has “a rare combination of fairness, understanding and vision” and went on to thank him for the work he accomplished during his tenure as executive general manager. “There’s a whole host of things that we count on having a leader who has been able to move this community along. So certainly we want to thank you, we want to thank you on your journey as you go on to do other things,” she said.

The inscription on the plaque presented to Mr. Klehammer read: “Seven years of excellence presented to Bob Klehammer, Executive General Manager of the Riverbay Corporation, 2016-2023. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of the Riverbay Corporation, we thank you for your dedication, commitment, guidance and leadership to the success of the corporation. As you retire, be proud of your accomplishments and the difference you have made within the community. Congratulations.”

Addressing the audience, Mr. Klehammer said: “This has truly been rewarding, frustrating; it’s been an interesting seven years… There are some things here

the old construction trailers. It was a hot summer night and the meeting ended up going until 1 in the morning,” he said. “I remember that night. I drove in to the parking lot by the old construction trailers and there was this massive thing there and it’s in white shrink wrap. Any of you go by a marina in the winter, that’s how they do boats, and I’m driving and I’m thinking to myself, why does somebody have their boat parked behind the construction trailers? Well, it was boiler #2 … so that was my introduction to Co-op City and at that meeting –Cleve Taylor was the president – and he started checking off all of the stalled capital projects.”

Among the stalled projects Mr. Klehammer noted was the Cooper Place townhouse underground leak. “I remember driving around the community early once and going down Co-op City Boulevard and … all of a sudden, there’s steam rising out of the ground to my right, so we were able to get that done and many

cost a lot of money but I think we’ve improved the infrastructure, and at least done. This place will never be a completed masterpiece. I mean, you’re coming up on 55 years old, things need to get done.”

Mr. Klehammer said that over the last month, he and Riverbay’s new Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton have had many conversations discussing upcoming challenges that the corporation and community will face. “I just hope that the Board and Management continue on this path that we started of you, convectors, how to navigate these new green times that you’re entering,

Addressing the staff, Mr. Klehammer said: “I want to say thank you to all the staff members who are in this room. We did a lot of good things together. Besides the capital projects, there are things that the residents, the Board doesn’t even between the department heads that was sort of non-existent when I got here, has improved light years. We’re more nimble, we just get stuff done. There’s always room for improvement but I am proud of what we have achieved together. People say, ‘you did a good job’ – I could not have done it without the staff. From the highest to the lowest, you’re only as good as your staff and I hope that progress continues.”

Mr. Klehammer than turned his attention to the Board. He said: “Thank you for your support over the years. I know we’ve had our disagreements but we’ve had more agreements than disagreements, and we’ve been able to move the community along, so good luck to you … because you do have some challenging here, they’re knowledgeable, they’re dedicated … How many of your staff have been here 20 years, 30 years, 40 years. That’s dedication, and they truly love this community, so please support your staff. …

“Thank you for the last seven years. As I said, it’s been fun, it’s been frustrating, it’s been rewarding, it’s been interesting. We’ve had a few laughs, we’ve had a lot of successes; yes, we’ve had some failures, but we’ve recovered from them and we’ve moved on and I think Co-op City is a great place to live, will continue to be a great place to live, and I am happy that at least for seven years of your history, you allowed me the honor of serving you and the community. Best wishes, God speed.”

Co-op City Times

COMBING

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

Zumbathon Change of Venue

The American Cancer Society’s Pink Zumbathon & Resource Fair, happening tomorrow, May 20, has been changed to Dreiser Auditorium A due to rain in the forecast. The event is scheduled from 1-3 p.m., and is co-sponsored by Riverbay Corporation, Council member Kevin Riley, Girl Scout Troop 1200, Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assembly member Michael Benedetto.

Issuu Mobile App No Longer Available

The Issuu mobile app (on both iOS and Android) has been permanently retired.

Readers can continue to electronically access the Co-op City Times publications, stacks, and more by logging in to issuu. com/cctimes from your desktop or mobile browser or by scanning the QR code here.

Candidates’ Forums Broadcast Schedule

Shareholders, tune in to the Riverbay Crawler at 10 a.m., 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily to view Candidates’ Forums #2 of the 2023 Riverbay Board election. The Crawler is accessible on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice). The broadcast of forums

1 & 2 are also on the Riverbay YouTube channel, https://bit. ly/3h6CrF7, or scan the QR code here to be connected.

Coffee With Mike

Assemblyman Mike Benedetto will host another Coffee with Mike on Sat., May 27, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at 133 Einstein Loop. All are invited to attend and share your comments with the assemblyman.

Senior Food Boxes

Food Bank for NYC food box distribution will take place on Thursday, June 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Dreiser Center. You must be 60+; bring ID & proof of address.

Shareholders who have questions about the ballot are asked to contact YesElections by phone or email using the information above.

Eligible shareholders of record as of March 22, 2023 are

The 2023 certified candidates are Leah Graham, Leslie. There is one vote per residential unit by a shareholder of record.

process will not move forward until the error is corrected. be mailed in the postage paid, pre-addressed envelope provided with the ballot, in which case the envelope must be postmarked by May 26, 2023 to be counted in the election. Or, shareholders may choose to vote electronically using an iPad, computer or smartphone. To do so, type “riverbayvotes.com” into the address bar on your browser, the onscreen instructions. Electronic ballots must be received by YesElections by 8:59 p.m. on Friday, May 26. Election ballots cannot be returned to Riverbay

of ballots needed for the 2023 quorum have been posted in the community, including in residential buildings, and replacement ballot is also available in community postings

Three consecutive election supplements introducing the candidates and their views were published in the Co-op City Times republished for those who missed the initial printing on (See pages 25-32 in this issue.)

In addition to the physical newspaper, which is delivered to building lobbies and community centers on Saturdays, the Co-op City Times can also be read online at issuu.com/ cctimes. Issuu.com has retired its mobile app so those who would like to read the newspaper online must log in from their web browser by typing in https://issuu.com/cctimes.

be used to connect with the newspaper on the issuu.com platform.

2nd Front Page

challenges to the election results in this scenario will be

Director Lynette Wright. Shareholders Kenneth Graham and

“The world and politicians have been paying attention to this unique community,” noted Mr. Graham. “The demographic has changed, and we are not voting. Have you wondered why other communities around us are thriving candidate. That may never happen. Please vote!”

Ms. John added: “To my fellow shareholders, I know you care about voting because you›re reading this and I thank you. It s true that a single vote can change the course of any election or it can even change history! Let s try to make a quorum on time of Directors Election.”

Dial-in: 646-558-8656 (New York)

888-475-4499 (toll-free)

Zoom Webinar ID: 885 4625 9530

Passcode: 314189

For those who wish to attend the May 22 public hearing district.

to secure permits that would allow the developers to put two LED panels on their 60-foot tall structure. The LED panels would be used for advertising purposes.

shareholders expressed vehement opposition to the signs argued that the LED panels were too bright and disruptive to sleep, especially for those in buildings that face the signs. Shareholders with children were also concerned that the LED signs advertised alcoholic products in such a close proximity to Education Park.

unsuccessful in their initial attempt because the surface area of their sign exceeded the legal limits of such a structure near an arterial highway.

In other words, the surface area of their sign had to be the signs had to be less than 322 square feet. The developers originally tried to claim that their structure should “be

YouTube channel, . Stay tuned for ,

forum will be added to the YouTube playlist where viewers will then be able to watch all three forums at their leisure. If the required number of shareholders vote by May 26,

challenges to the election results is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 2.

required number of ballots, 5,002, not be received by 8:59 p.m. on May 26, the voting period will be extended from or until the quorum is realized. The election results will

BSA –––––– (Continued from page 1)

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Saturday, June 17:

Sunday, June 18:

Monday, June 19:

Tuesday, June 20:

Wednesday, June 21:

Thursday, June 22:

Friday, June 23:

Happy 99th Birthday, Ms. Olive Glasgow

It was with great joy and pride that the Graceful Ladies of Co-op City (a chapter of the Red Hat Society) was able to surprisingly recognize Olive Glasgow on her 99th birthday on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Olive created and established Red Hat Chapter #70037 in 2006. She reigned as the Queen Mother from 20062012.

The chapter humbly thank the family for sharing Emeritus Olive Glasgow with them on her actual birthday before they elegantly whisked her off to a family celebration.

Lovingly submitted, —Queen Mother Diane Windley

Let us know…

email: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

MetroCard Bus

and third Thursday of the month. The bus only makes one stop in Co-op City: between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. by Bartow Mall on Co-op City Boulevard.

Some services offered by the bus are:

• Help with reduced-fare applications

• Transfer MetroCard balances (both full fare and reduced-fare)

• Exchange a damaged reduced-fare MetroCard for a temporary replacement

• Report a lost/stolen reduced-fare MetroCard

• Help with any MetroCard-related issues

For more MetroCard information, please visit the MTA’s website: new.mta.info/fares.

If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please

– • Letters to the Editor • –

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, verify the authenticity of the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Proper Use of Laundry Machines

How many of us think we know how to properly use our laundry machines? Well, that may seem like a simple question, but the answer is quite complicated.

I spoke to Tony, an employee of Coinmach who services/ repairs the machines in Section Five. We had an impromptu informative question and answer session on Wednesday morning in the Building 26 laundry room.

Have you put in the recommended soap measurement cycle? That is due to prior users overfilling the soap

overload the machines with clothing. The tumbler has to overwork.

We complain about the machines being out of order; many of the issues are due to how we wash our clothes. The electronic design of these machines requires the user

It would be helpful for all of us to ask questions from the professionals who service the equipment – they can provide the key to keeping the machines in good working order. I learned more than I expected, so have an open mind and pay attention to how our neighbors are using the machines.

Co-op City Times

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Co-op City Times

The deadline for submission of editorial content to the Co-op City Times is by 3 p.m. Articles received after this deadline are considered on a allows.

The articles of recognized organizations are published at no cost to your organization each week, in order

Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times

In an effort to better accommodate all the organizations, groups and religious institutions that submit articles for inclusion in the Co-op City Times, weekly submissions

Submission may be sent to cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com; faxed to (718) 3202595 or hand delivered to Rm. 21 in the Bartow Center. Thank you for your cooperation.

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

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

Co-op City Times

Co-op City Times

LETTERS TO

We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Co-op City Times

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which ity and residency of the writer can be Thank you for your cooperation.

CCPD takes a stand against online predators

Public Safety Report

If part of your family shopping includes a laptop or desktop computer, or a hand held device or cell phone capable of accessing the Internet, this article is required reading. Kids as young as two years old are fluent in the use of an iPad for a variety of tasks and learning opportunities. Regardless of how you feel about technology, it is here to stay and becoming more sophisticated every year. All of this technology presents a world of opportunity as well as some new risks. Just compare the size, features and capabilities of today’s Internet capable cell phones to those of just a few years ago. By being aware of these risks and taking steps to protect your child, the Internet can open up a world of possibilities.

Popular social networking sites such as Facebook, TikTok and Twitter offer teens aged 13 and over the opportunity to communicate with friends and family. Teens and young adults can exchange photographs and messages via these platforms. Unfortunately, these and other social networking sites have become a popular tool among sex offenders looking for young victims. By simply joining a social networking site, often with false information, sexual predators have access to the profiles of numerous potential victims.

During the teenage and preteen years, it is not uncommon for young adults to gain curiosity. It is normal for adolescents to have a desire to communicate with others in the same age group regarding these matters. Sexual predators can pretend to be a similar age and establish communication with adolescents via social networking sites and chat rooms. In many cases, the desired end result of the sexual predator is to establish an in-person meeting with the child. The results of this type of meeting can have catastrophic results. Sting operations have caught 40 something year old men pretending to be 15-year-old boys on

Public Safety Blotter

May 7 – May 13, 2023

May 07 120 Co-op City Blvd.

A cooperator reported returning to her parked vehicle and observing both of the vehicle’s license plates removed by an unknown individual without permission.

100 DeKruif Place

A cooperator reported leaving her shopping bag with various items inside in the lobby. Upon her return, the shopping bag and its contents were missing.

131 Einstein Loop

While on routine patrol, Public Safety officers encountered a dispute between a deli worker and an unknown individual over food and a soda. The dispute was resolved with no further action required.

99 Donizetti Place

A cooperator reported returning to his parked vehicle and observing that his front license plate had been removed.

May 08

111 Dreiser Loop

CCPD reported three males forcing their way into the Food Universe Supermarket by smashing a panel on the front door. The suspects removed various food items along with a box of pennies valued at $25.00. The suspects fled in a SUV. The store manager was notified and responded along with NYPD Evidence Collection team to collect forensic evidence. CCPD Detectives, along with the NYPD, are investigating.

100 Aldrich Street

A female cooperator reported a suspect, who the cooperator knows and who was previously arrested by CCPD, struck her with closed fists causing a physical injury and fleeing the scene. A canvas was conducted by CCPD with negative results. NYPD was notified along with EMS with the cooperator refusing medical aid. The investigation is continuing.

the Internet. They work slowly and patiently, knowing just what to say to net their victim.

In a survey conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, it was revealed that a large number of teens are using technology to send or post provocative pictures to others. The survey revealed that one in five teen girls have electronically sent or posted inappropriate images of themselves online. These images, initially meant to be private, have often been widely disseminated. Many teens admit that they have sent these images to persons they only know online.

It is very important that parents speak to their kids about what they are doing while online as well as in real life. Make sure your kids fully understand that messages or pictures they send over the Internet or their cell phones are not truly private or anonymous. Let your children know the consequences and embarrassment of having these images end up in the wrong hands. A good rule of thumb, do not text any pictures you wouldn’t want your principal to see. Possession or transmission of certain types of images can be against the law, up to a felony, in some cases.

Parents should always know who their kids are communicating with in real life, on the phone and online. Restrict hours of usage for cell phones, computers and other electronic devices. Monitor your child’s activity on social networking websites. Consider having the account stopped if your child will not share their password with you. Encourage your child to be safety savvy and honest with you if they have any problems.

Parents need to be aware of these dangers and discuss the dangers and how to avoid them with their children. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1 (800) 873-5678, www.missingkids.com, has set up the website, www. netsmartz.org, with information for kids and parents alike. Cartoon characters navigate even the youngest kids through Internet dangers. It is never too early to start discussing the risks and results of “Stranger Danger” in various formats with your children.

120 Asch Loop

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of his apartment door without his permission.

May 09

120 Erskine Place

CCPD responded to a call of an elderly male cooperator in distress. Upon investigation, the elderly male was unable to answer simple questions. EMS was notified and transported the elderly male to Jacobi Hospital for medical evaluation.

May 10

100 Aldrich Street

CCPD responded to the 22nd floor stairway “A” for persons loitering. Upon arrival, CCPD observed two male juveniles, one being a cooperator and one female juvenile, on the stairway with no legitimate reason to be there. All three suspects were charged with Trespass. Juvenile reports were prepared for all three suspects and they were released to their parents.

100 Casals Place

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package left in the lobby was removed by an unknown person without her permission.

140 Edman Place

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered packed removed from in front of her residence.

May 13

120 Dreiser Loop

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from her mailbox by an unknown individual without her permission.

99 Bellamy Loop

CCPD responded to the roof of Garage 6 for persons loitering. Upon arrival, CCPD observed unaccompanied juveniles on the roof with one of the minors throwing a piece of wood from the roof to the ground. Two Community Complaints were issued to the parent of the minor throwing the wood.

It is important to monitor your child’s use of the Internet at all times. Be sure your child is aware of the dangers of social networking sites and explain the need for parental involvement in setting up restrictions for access. View the safety tips on the website itself and report inappropriate behavior directly to the website. Restrict your child’s access on social networking sites to people your child knows personally. Parents can block questionable individuals from contacting their children by viewing their child’s profile. Children should be discouraged from posting personal information and contacting people who they meet online without parental approval.

Children and adults need to be careful not to send any information out which can be found to be offensive or taken out of context. Inappropriate communication can result in disciplinary action at school or criminal charges such as Harassment, Aggravated Harassment or Stalking being charged.

Parents need to monitor their children’s Internet activity. Placing the computer that your child uses in a family room will make it easier to monitor their online

(Continued on page 39)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES,

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

We

We’ve Got to More Than Just Survive; We Must Thrive

Are All Responsible

Shareholders, residents, neighbors and friends, take responsibility for this royal oasis we all call home. That means the little things like saying “hello” to your neighbor, who may have needed that greeting in ways that you could never understand. Things like using the trash receptacles on our property, and if there aren’t enough, then report it to your Building Maintenance Supervisor until there are enough of whatever, is needed. Things like picking up after your “service dog” so that shareholders who may take issue with animals or have allergies, etc. are not inconvenienced. These are the things that make a responsible resident and friend. This is what we all signed up for when we accepted the contract, the role, and the privilege of calling ourselves cooperator and shareholder of the Riverbay Corporation, aka Co-op City.

Farewell, Robert Klehammer

Bob Klehammer came to us seven years ago. In that time, we have seen vital improvements to our capital projects. Our elevators, lobbies, Power Plant, to name just a few. He saw us through a pandemic and kept this corporation running with limited employees to run the corporation. He saw us through the floods of Hurricane Ida, and countless other potentially dangerous occurrences, some you are aware of and some that you will probably never hear about. That is the mark of a good leader and we thank you, Bob, for a job well done and wish you well in your retirement.

5002 ~ 5002 ~ 5002 ~ 1736!?

5,002 votes needed and we are just at a paltry

1,736 at the time of this writing. I am at a quandary as to what to do, to enlighten you as to the power of your vote, and the power of our strength, community united. Exercising your vote in a timely manner is that power!

Okay, so I must repeat

The Riverbay Board of Directors of Co-op City is not the life’s blood of Co-op City; you are. Cooperators view the Board as an entity that directs the shareholders, when, in fact, it is the other way around. While “we,” the shareholders, are supposed to have the final say in most decisions made in this community, we cannot all be in charge simultaneously. So we elect a Board of Directors to represent the voice of the people, (i.e., the community, the shareholders, the cooperators…). Each of us has some issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Members of the Board must remember that their personal agendas, while relevant, must only factor in as a part of the best decision for the community at large.

Your Duty and Responsibility

Your job as a shareholder is to vote in the annual Board Elections. Most complaints come from cooperators who don’t participate in the community and who form their opinions from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communications and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings which leaves you and this community on the short end of the stick. It is not enough to come out once a year and vote for someone whose name is familiar to you. What does matter is involvement byyou Your involvement and mine is not only necessary, it is imperative. I am one person, humbled to represent you in the Board Room; I have stepped up, now it is your turn. After reading this article, make darn sure that 10 others have read it as well.

Times are a changing

We have a new Executive General Manager. I have met with Marvin Walton and, let me tell you, he is armed with the education and know-how. He is excited to take on the challenges of our needs.

He “sees” as I see, what our weaknesses are, also our strengths and is ready to transition this community into the mecca that it should already be. I am so proud that the VOTE amongst the current Board was unanimous to bring Marvin in, and shareholders, he is “all in” when it comes to this oasis we call home. So what are we going to show him?

Looking ahead with fresh eyes

Residents, partners, shareholders of Co-op City’s Riverbay Corporation, let’s show Marvin what we know; that we all can and must do better, when we are united… Let’s show him that we know each day is another chance for us to step-up our individual games, and get it right… Let’s vow tolook at this

community with fresh eyes, expecting the best for it, so that he will be happy to give us his best. Let’s say, “OK, I will join this club, I will be an active member of my building association, I will encourage another. I will take part in the fix, because my community needs it, my community deserves it, and I want all who are engaged in this corporation called Riverbay/Co-op City to give it their all.” The time is now, shareholder. The time is now, Co-op City community. You will see Marvin out on the campus, amongst the people. Expect the best from him, but don’t forget to give your best. Let’s get it done!

“Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals “A FORCE FOR GOOD…”

Water Leak Sensors

In an effort to mitigate expenditures for the corporation due to convector clogs, Riverbay Corporation encourages shareholders to learn about “water leak sensors.” Although Riverbay does not endorse any on the market which can be found by conducting an online search and perusing consumer reports.

These devices are easy to install, utilize wireless technology and may be paired with your smart phone to send a text and email alert when a convector clog occurs in your apartment.

The device can assist in:

Preventing personal property damage from

Air conditioning season is around the corner. Some shareholders encounter convector leaks due to condensate or dirt and/or debris build up in the convector trays, which result in blockage and cause

of proper steps and procedure below to keep your convectors clean and free of debris and objects.

Steps To Maintain The Convectors

1. Remove convector cover.

2. Remove all and any debris (pennies, pencils, plants, etc.)

3. Clean inside drip pan (make sure it is clear of

4. Pour hot water down drip pan, use a bottle or cup (if clogged, call Maintenance.)

5. Insulation on convector cover should be washed with simply green or mild dishwashing liquid with a soft brush or sponge.

tom). If damaged, you may purchase from your pro-

Leak Detection Education

placement and cosmetic repairs

Preventing the loss of time in order to stay home for scheduled repairs

Preventing force entries (drill outs) from management when residents are not home when a leak occurs.

It is important for shareholders to understand that although this is an individual cost that they are incurring, the overall cost to the community as a whole is expected to be less. For example, the estimated cost of damages due to convector related issues in this community is $7.5 million a year. This expenditure

is shared among the community through the corporation’s operational cost. This cost has a direct impact on carrying charge increases impacting our shareholders.

Riverbay has heard several testimonials from shareholders who have already invested in this product who report that “water leak sensors” they installed under their convectors have successfully pre-

As of May 20, 2023, Riverbay will provide a outlining how these devices function and could ben-

—Riverbay Management

Proper Convector Maintenance

To view a video demonstration on how to service your convector, type the following address in to your browser: https://youtu.be/bqlHqooJ8KI

Riverbay offers assistance to senior and disabled shareholders to clear the convectors for the upcoming AC season. For an appointment, please contact

a Phone Tree update form. Shareholders are encouraged to complete both forms as they will assist the corporation in contacting you in case of an emergency and to prevent forced entries. Once completed, return the forms to your assigned CSO department.

4:00 p.m.

7. If your drip pan is metal and rusted, you may contact Maintenance to have them replaced with a plastic drip pan.

please contact Maintenance.

9. Please refrain from blocking the convectors with furniture, plants, curtains, drapes, etc., either on or in front of the convector as this will create mold.

CSO Department located in each Community Center or via email to:

CSO1@riverbaycorp.com

CSO2@riverbaycorp.com

CSO3@riverbaycorp.com

Riverbay Management

Beware of Scams and Schemes and

Some thieves have stepped up their game to commit extreme phone scams and fraudulent computer hacking schemes. Therefore, we must work together to stop this nonsense in our community.

A Horror Story

Just a few weeks ago, a mother in Arizona sent her 15-year-old daughter away to train for a ski race. Then, one day, the mother answered a call as she stepped out of her car. The mother then heard a lot of screaming and crying: “Mom, I messed up.” So, the mother replied: “What did you do? What happened?”

The mother then said that she heard a man’s voice say: “Lay down, put your head back.” Continuing, the man said: “Listen here. I have your daughter. You call the police, you call anybody, I’m gonna pop her something so full of drugs. I’m gonna have my way with her then drop her off in Mexico. And, you’re never going to see her again.”

nearby dance studio to seek help. The mother then said that the man initially demanded $1 million for the ransom. Then, he lowered the ransom price to $50,000. Now, STOP! I want you to please slow down and think about what you would have done at this point. Ready?

Well, the mother called 911. Then, after listening to everything, a dispatcher recognized that the call from the alleged kidnapper was a hoax. Then, a little while later, the shocked daughter called her mother. Thereafter, the daughter wondered what was going on because she was in bed. So, the daughter was not in any trouble. Therefore, what actually happened? Well, it was an imposter scam.

program, the thief could have previously cloned the daughter’s voice. Then, he probably was able to manipulate the daughter’s voice so that the mother would actually think that she was talking to her daughter.

So, how could this thief get a copy of the daughter’s

voice? Well, the Federal Trade Commission previously issued a warning that thieves can go online to a social media site. Then, in less than one minute, they can obtain a sampling of someone’s voice if the victim said a few things on a social media site. But, law

above-cited case.

Regardless, the 15-year-old daughter is on several social media sites. And, the mother is very sure that voice on that call sounded exactly like her daughter. cial intelligence programs to handle their calls, their chat box, and to assist their customers in a lot of different ways. On the other hand, thieves are also using Therefore, please call 911 immediately if you receive a threatening call and someone is asking for money.

Stolen Email Addresses

Thieves are also using a variety of methods to gain access to computers and email addresses. Thereafter, they’re taking over the entire access process to some computers and some email addresses. Earlier this year, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies seized the computer servers to a group that allegedly stole more than $100 million by taking over the computer systems of a lot of organizations.

Some thieves have also used phishing schemes, malware, and other tactics to completely take over some email addresses. Thereafter, they have posed as the actual person that owns that email account. And, from that point, they’ve managed to send bogus messages to everyone on that contact list. Additionally, in some cases, they have managed to convince some people to send money to them.

However, as a family community, we need to work together to make sure that no one falls for these bogus emails. For instance, times are so bad right now that we need to consider that we’re going to encounter a fake email before we go on our email account. Thereafter, we have to exercise restraint before we

open an email. Then, we need to think in a prudent way if we do open an email. Example, has a family member, a friend, an associate, a neighbor, a community leader, or anyone else ever sent a message to you asking for money, a gift card, a money transfer, or anything else? If the answer is no, then do you think that the message that you’re reading could be false? Absolutely! Think, why are they asking you for money? Unsure? Pick up your telephone and have a stern conversation with them. No nonsense!!!

Bottom line: I live by this expression: “It’s not what they do. It’s what I [or you] do.” So, thieves may have taken over a lot of email addresses. Thereafter, they may have caused a lot of people to send money to them. But, we must be strong and resist the urge to even acknowledge the foolishness in their messages. Money requests? Gift cards? Bogus money transfers? No!!! As a strong community, we are going to reject this foolishness!!!

Close

Today’s viewpoint was supposed to help some of their neighbors. However, we had a very bad problem with a malicious hacker. So, I had to address this problem.

Thank you.

Updated 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. However, please understand that email accounts can get hacked. So, please do not respond to any email, with my name on it, that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you.

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

Forum ––––––

(Continued from page 1)

and I have brought them in is health fairs, health fairs for our seniors, our children, we’ve done many health fairs here in Co-op City. In fact, today I was speaking to Co-op City for our seniors and for our children. I look at seniors and children because then that balances out the rest of the community. And, those health fairs are free where we could sit with the doctors, they examine us, they tell us what is going on and they send us out to a specialist. So there are 34 doctors that we are going to be bringing in to be able to help our community, create programs that family, with job fairs, how do we help them, how do we keep this community working and keep our families working because if we do not have those programs, what happens is that whatever you get in, you have to be able to help your children, to help somebody else, so creating these programs in our community, it helps the extended community and our family so that we could keep each other happy and content. So that’s what we do.

Shana Montgomery: The biggest thing that I can say I’ve done so far is running for this Board of Directors so I can help institute change and make things better for our cooperators. I am also an educator of 22 years, I’ve tutored in the neighborhood, I’ve watched kids, I’ve supported local businesses and I think that’s really important to support our local businesses in the community. Just speaking to senior citizens and asking them their opinions, and if they need anything, is everything ok, is there someone that’s with you in your apartment, are you doing alright, advocating for the cleanliness of my building as well as other buildings, calling CSO to complain, letting the Board know as well that we need Co-op City Police Department visible in the neighborhood. There’s a reason why they were taken away, it was because of budget. Now we’re hearing that we’re trying

We don’t have the bicycle riding CCPD anymore and that was a big plus for us. Monitoring the parking lots, that was a big plus for us. When I would come home late or my daughter would come home late, just seeing someone visible in the booth and seeing someone visible rolling around…made a big difference for my safety as well as the safety of senior citizens.

Bernard Cylich: Ever since we moved in and ever since all of you moved in, one of the troubling issues in this community that has been unsolved has been the

and saw a Philadelphia house, it’s a condo of 751 units. They had a dual system convector system that we have and they solved it but we invited the engineers who did that work there to come to Co-op City and they gave us a price, $250M. That was just, we couldn’t even touch it. Well, I haven’t stopped investigating. Finally, it came up to the Construction Committee, I am chairman of it, and we brought it to the attention of Management, water senor automatic shut-off valve, that may solve the problem. Right now, they are planning to institute a pilot program of 25

Claudia Sampson: I chair the Safety and Quality of Life Committee here and we had started in the beginning with 17 members and it’s whittled down to possibly 10 but we also partner with our CCPD team headed by Chief Joe Riley and his team. They all attend our meetings and we work to do things to make sure that you have a safe community. We invited the NYC Sheriff to attend our meeting to talk about the weed truck. The fact of the matter is, he explained to us why this problem persists. We also talked about the scooters being left on the sidewalk and I’ve asked that we get a response from the city because they launched this pilot program and dropped the ball and that’s why those scooters are sitting on the sidewalk and I just asked the Chief tonight where does things stand because we need to get an answer. Those scooters should not be blocking people’s passage and creating a hazard. With regards to safety in the garage, I personally asked to not have a lobby attendant, but we have cameras looking at you every single day. Andrea Leslie: Before I go, if my time will run out, I ask that you vote for myself, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson, Bernie Cylich, Bishop Rosario and Sonia Feliciano. I have done a number of things and we’ve brought here, as part of the Disability Committee, the Abilities Fair with vendors coming here to provide information as to services that they might provide for persons who are disabled in the community. We’ve had the Autism Fun Days for other disabled, for families with disabled persons in there. One of the major things that I am doing currently is I work for the city, I’ve been a 30-plus year employee for the city, and I work along with Riverbay CSO department to help shareholders that are here in crisis, helping them with eviction issues that they’re dealing with and other personal things that are going on, especially with seniors. It’s not only the seniors, but particularly seniors and disabled shareholders, and every day, I make a difference with those persons here and therefore the quality of life here in Co-op City. A number of other things that we’ve done, it’s numerous, we’ve also had before …

Q: If there’s a community event, Riverbay will announce on Phone Tree however the announcement may come on the same day of the event or after 5 p.m. Some of us use paratransit and cannot make reservations after 5 p.m. Also, the Co-op City Times is not accessible for all shareholders who are differently abled so we may miss out on events when they are printed. How

will you make sure that there is equitable access to all shareholders? (Asked by Dana Avant, Building 20B.)

Leah Graham: As a Board director, we have a very big responsibility and that responsibility is overseeing the managing agent. The managing agent that we select and hire has a responsibility over the 27 departments within this corporation and so for me, I would be communicating with the managing agent through the Board; we would need to have a conversation with the person that we pay to take care of this property. It would be their responsibility to be in touch with all of the needs and quality issues within this community to ensure that all cooperators, no matter your disability, are able to attend and have some form of access to our community program and that would require testing of the system, making sure that they work, making sure that they continue to communicate out to the community and to shareholders all the different programs that they are establishing. For me, I believe and in evaluating based on success, and if the managing agent cannot help this corporation succeed, then that would be a real big concern for me so I would be holding the managing agent accountable for those things.

Andrea Leslie: I’ve been trying to address that issue. We do have a RUOk program and I haven’t taken a look at it totally to determine how that might be able to assist and one of the things that we need to try to change is how far in advance of an event that we notify shareholders when there is something. I have the same issue, I work, I’m a working Board member, and I’m at work, I have a meeting and I get a Phone Tree call that we have a meeting this evening and I can’t reschedule, so that happens to persons who are not disabled. So, we have to be more mindful about how far in advance we give those notices. I have, happen to have a, my mom has a neighbor who has a sight impairment, and just in conversations with him, talking about how he might be able to get things addressed, for him, he says he gets his notices because he has assistance, someone reads them, but an email to those persons here might be able to help them because then you will have, your email is allowed to speak, so if we try to create a separate list for persons who are disabled, if they give us that information, then we might be able to assist them in that way.

Shana Montgomery: We can’t be the problem and the solution. I think we can’t continuously say, ‘Oh we’re looking at that, we’re going to do that.’ These have been concerns of shareholders for years. We can’t just, during an election, say, ‘Oh now is the time for us to really get serious about making changes, or get serious about the issues.’ We can’t keep doing that. We have to come up with viable solutions. If you say it’s 15 Board members, then everybody need to put their heads together and make changes. There is so much technology out there, you know, for the impaired, for the legally blind, there’s so much technology out there and if we’re going to invest in anything, we need to invest in our people, whole bunch of other things. So, we’re saying that our seniors are not given the why is it that our seniors are not getting the information that they need in a timely fashion instead of saying, ‘Well, what we’re going to do eventually is, you know, we are looking at this, we are looking at this system, we are looking at that system.’ It’s not acceptable for years and years and years, that the same problems keep coming up. We have to do something about it. When the problem comes up, let’s of coming up with excuses, ok now it’s election time, now let’s get busy with it.

Claudia Sampson: I would like to mention the fact that we have an IT Committee where I’m pretty sure…the IT Committee has the responsibility to address issues such as the fact that this particular issue which I’m not saying that our Board is looking into it, I don’t think that was the answer. The reason that a lot of people here are struggling to get information is two-fold: A lot of times, we don’t have email addresses listed. Sometimes, we don’t have cell phones listed. I believe when we send out our carrying charge statements, we should include in is impossible to reach people when we don’t have information to contact them. There are apps that we will be able to install if we get the funding to do that so I’m not here to smooth and schmooze and sell anybody any snake oil about what the Board does. Trust me, we do get the job done. We work hard, we are a volunteer resident Board and the management company does not live here. We live here and it is our responsibility to set policy and make sure the managing agent overseeing their departments are taking care of this. I don’t think all of the departments are involved here but we have CSO and we have a lot of work to do.

Sonia Feliciano: Co-op City Times is one of the avenues that we use for information. Unfortunately, I feel that a lot of residents don’t read it the way they should…. We need to hold Management accountable. But I personally am not a robot. I will tell Management; Management has to be told. Basically what it is, they have to set the pace when we ask to improve on the policy so it’s bringing to them the needs of the community and giving them certain amount of time to come back to us to say this is how we are going to manage it. I agree with you 100% that there should be other methods to provide information to our shareholders. One of them we have the co-op issuu if you read the paper online, we have social media, we have the Crawler. We have other avenues we can use for our shareholders but you’re absolutely right that we need to continue to hold Management accountable to you in order to make sure your quality of life is not interrupted and you have a better way of communicating and they should have a better way of listening.

(Continued on page 12)

Bernard Cylich: The Board sets policy. We met numerous times when I was president, we had this management meeting with

Co-op City Times / May 20, 2023

them and at times we did raise the question of communication, that’s key. You know, I tell them all the time, we can win the battle but will lose the war by, we

Angelo Rosario:

Q: Please let me know what you know about the disparity in Section 5 bus you improve bus service into Section 5?

Shana Montgomery:

Andrea Leslie: need to be accountable to us because they made a lot of decisions in reference

Sonia Feliciano:

Angelo Rosario:

Claudia Sampson:

Leah Graham: I remember there was a time where we had an ombudsman

Leah Graham:

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Forum –––––– (Continued from page 12)

Shana Montgomery:

Angelo Rosario:

Q: Cleaning up after your dog outside or in the elevator. How will you address this?

Andrea Leslie:

Sonia Feliciano:

Bernard Cylich:

Bernard Cylich:

Angelo Rosario:

Andrea Leslie:

Claudia Sampson:

Claudia Sampson:

Sonia Feliciano:

(Continued on page 14)

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meeting of the mind but I would think that the ones that respect the rules will be there and the ones that don’t will not so what can we do? Hit them with

where there is more dog waste, and go after those shareholders who are violating the rules and that’s what we have to do, keep hitting them in the pocket to be able to help them understand that this is our community and while we accept that we have dogs here, they also have to accept that there are shareholders that don’t have dogs and we have to live cohesively together and I don’t think that that’s happening so we have to be more respectful of each other. Thank you. Please re-elect the Impact Team, Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie and Sonia Feliciano

Leah Graham: Dogs are trainable but to answer the question that the person asked is, and this is what I share with my building association, is that if you see dog poop in your elevator, look at the time, look at the elevator and when you call Public Safety, they can look at the tape and issue a Community Complaint but you have to provide them with a date, the time and which elevator. And then, they are able to identify who, which cooperator dog did that. We have had success in the past where they were able to identify and issue complaints…. What I was happy about is a shareholder had provided me with an article that I had came up with back in 2016 called, “Ruff Ruff.” And this is where we were trying to establish a relationship with dog owners so they would understand their roles and responsibilities here in the community, and perhaps having, issuing annual or quarterly newsletters so they would know what their responsibilities are, and it was kind of cool because it provided them with things, places they could go to get their dog trained, and it was just very useful information.

Shana Montgomery: This is a tough one because Covid hit all of us really hard and we don’t know the mental capacity of a lot of shareholders right now and sometimes the only form of companionship that they have is an animal, that tough one because people who do not have the pets, you know, they don’t really understand and those who have the pets, they are not being as responsible as they could be. And I think I said this at the last forum, maybe we can utilize Dreiser Loop space to have maybe a pet expo, a dog expo where we are inviting vendors in to … show the latest products and experts, dog experts that show what happens when you leave feces around and how dangerous it can be for the environment, how toxic it is for the environment as well as if a senior citizen is walking, or someone not even a senior, and just trips on that. So I think we have to work with our animal owners in the community and not try to penalize people because I’m a strong believer of the mental capacity of this country as a whole is just not where it should be. I lost my mom to Covid; my mom was a dog lover. I’m not a dog person but I do understand. I think we all have to work together collaboratively and I think a dog expo would bring in pet shops and different experts to just help them out, not bring animals into Dreiser Loop, but just their owners.

(Asked by Junius Williams, Building 21B, for new .)

Leah Graham: The managing agent, I have to go back to that. It is the managing agent’s responsibility, right? So Board directors, we don’t get involved in dayto-day. I don’t want to get involved in day-to-day, right. If I hire someone to do something, my expectation is that they do that and one of the things that Board that you identify that they have not reaped success for this corporation, they would do something different. I think that it’s important that we have ongoing budget balance sheets, listening to the managing agent explaining how they plan to, with the 27 departments, control spending. There should be budget caps, right, because otherwise we cannot move forward. We have these carrying charges that come in, they need to be paying attention to that, they need to be reporting to us and every month we need to be looking at it. We should not be looking at the budget, I don’t know, when it’s time for an increase. I don’t think that the managing agent should keep things secretive from the Board. We also have an Audit Committee that we should be getting reports and providing some information in terms of how

Shana Montgomery:

in. And to my knowledge most of the shareholders’ common charges is what’s keeping the day-to-day, what’s paying, you know, what we’re paying to pay the bills. We just really need to look at the budget, we need to look at the 27 departments. We’re not a Fortune 500 company so we can’t pay salaries as if we’re paying CEO’s. We just cannot. We have to look at our hiring practices, we have to look at those 27 departments, how many people are in those 27 departments, and can we possibly merge some of those departments together and cut some expenses? I think departments also need to have a salary cap or a can’t just spend money willy nilly and expect to come in on time on budget so we really need, and those who are responsible for keeping track of that, maybe be need to have somebody to keep track of what they’re doing to make sure that they’re working the books the way they should and the books should balance out

the way that they should. I know we’re probably spending an enormous amount and everything else, bonuses, I don’t know, what have you. But we really need to take a look at that. We need to look at what’s going out, what we’re spending

(Asked by Richard Velez, Debs Place Townhouses.)

Bicycles, we’ve been using bicycles all the time, it’s not recent, except that they motorize some of them and put batteries on them. We’ve raised it with Public Safety and they’re aggressively pursuing some of these bicyclists, deliverers, that’s who they are. And, they located the owners, who are bikes away. So Public Safety is aggressively watching them but, of course, they can’t be all over the place and certainly we don’t appreciate the vendors, restaurant owners, sending those bikes speeding through our greenways.

To echo what you’ve just said Bernie, the problem is that a lot of these delivery men, I guess they are on a time clock and they’re trying to get across but that’s no reason for them to put us in their crosshairs because sometimes they come close to interacting, knocking people down, that’s the nice way of saying knocking people over. I’ve had to really yell at a few of them but they just don’t hear. we control this and I think they have to wear the jackets with the name of the owners of the, whether it’s the restaurant, and we also have, they have to have a sign so we has been following up. The problem is that these scooters, like motorcycles, people use them almost like weapons. They really don’t understand how dangerous they are and they speed at very high rates. Same thing with the garages. I’ve come to almost crashing into people coming out the ramps. People are just not paying attention, they on these people who are violating our rules.

Having CCPD being more aggressive in reference to when they see these violations of vendors coming to the community and we should also be trying to develop a different relationship with some of the vendors that our shareholders order food from or anything else and make them aware of our concerns. We continue to develop that relationship that may change how their delivery people come to our community so that’s what I think would make a bigger difference, that understanding that we want to utilize or support their business but they have to be aware of our concerns so that we can change the relationship with them and us and therefore change their behavior when they come into our community. I think that’s one of the things that we probably need to do more than anything else. I ask that you vote for myself, Andrea Leslie, Claudia Sampson, Bernie Cylich, Bishop Rosario, and Sonia Feliciano, the Impact Team, to move the progress that we’ve, improve the progress and continue the progress that we’ve already made.

Leah Graham: I think also that it’s really building relationship with the commercial businesses in our community and pretty much regularly and having a way to, I think as someone mentioned, being able to identify the delivery people that are moving around the corporation, around the community and having to increase our relationships with these commercial vendors in our community and pretty much just holding them accountable as much as possible. I think once you explain what the process is, I don’t think the delivery people are mean people, they are here trying to make a living and it’s just really a matter of them understanding what the rules are and just staying on top of what those rules and procedures are and just reinforcing it over and over again until things just start to improve.

Angelo Rosario: I just think that it’s important for CCPD to be able to help but that is not the main responsibility but as we just know that the people that are working here, the storekeepers, wherever the … is coming from, we need to probably send them a letter explaining to them we have a lot of seniors here and we have a lot of children here and that we don’t need them riding through our community and if they are caught riding through our community, not only are they going to get a ticket, but also the person that is riding the bike is going to also get a ticket because it’s very dangerous for seniors. I’m a senior, I don’t look it … but the important thing is that I don’t move as fast as I used to before. And my grandchildren come to see me and they come out of the townhouse and they come through there very, very quick so I think that we have to work with businesses that are here that are using those bikes and let them know what is their responsibility and that we need to be able to work together to keep our community safe. So, you know, I think that we could do that and make it better because they are trying to make a living. I remember when I used to do delivery on bikes, can’t do that no more, but I think together we can make a difference.

Shana Montgomery: This is tough because as everyone is saying, they are going to help everyone involved. I believe there was a law on the books for illegal motorbikes and they started burning them and putting them somewhere and maybe we could just revisit and ask NYPD because our CCPD is already strained to the max because, you know, the budget has

(Continued on page 15)

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been cut for services from CCPD but I think we should possibly get NYPD involved and ask them what were the laws that had you guys confiscating motorcycles and illegal motorcycles that were riding through the community just racing. Now it’s a different story if they are delivering food and they want to be there on time cause they need to get a tip but I think, like it’s already been to the person on that motorcycle or on that scooter and ask them who are you delivering from and then just speak to the business and say, ‘Listen, this young man or young woman came to the community and they were speeding, we have a lot of seniors here, you have to really tell them to be more careful when they are running around because now we’re not going to support your business and

Sonia Feliciano: I think that as a lot of the, what was said here in terms of relationship building, we need to build a relationship with our delivery establishments especially those that are very local because one thing I would say, that we do a lot of take out in Co-op City, a lot of take out, my building probably is number 1. And one of the things that Chief Riley has done is reach out to the establishments, build that relationship in order to get an understanding that this is our community and you just can’t run through here. Also in the evenings, the young men and women who do someone is coming, not racing ahead and trying to run somebody down. So we’ve violating the rules. Please elect Team Impact, Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie and me, Sonia Feliciano.

Q: Climate change is worsened by the energy burned in manufacturing. Recycling means less energy that is burned. For example, aluminum cans can be recycled, aluminium scraps use 95% less energy ... Is Riverbay doing anything to increase the amount of recycling that it is doing? (Asked by Zoe Halton of Building 6, for incumbents only.)

Bernard Cylich: Riverbay is constantly collecting metals and so forth and they are selling it, they are selling paper and now there’s, and we do get an income from that. However, recycling is nothing that, is what cooperators need to do, make sure that they bring all the recycled papers and cans and so forth and put it in the compactor room. But in regard to conservation of energy, we’re looking to, we met recently with Ocasio-Cortez’s aide in regard to energy and to get some funding from the federal government to enhance our energy, conservation of energy. One of the things we are exploring is placing solar panels on our garages to get some income from that. We are also looking into geothermal system trying to see if we can get energy from a different kind of a source rather than just burning gas and oil in our generating plant so there is movement by Management and the Board energy and heat and hot water to our co-op.

Angelo Rosario: be able to do recycle since the law came in. We got different bins that we have outside and we sometimes catch people going through our garbage because they want to take out of cans and they want to take out our bottles and this goes to Peartree where we have the recycling center there. And that helps us to be able to recycle the way the city wants and the state wants and not the way the people want because a lot of the people do not want to follow the instructions to recycle so continuously we have to continue to educate and there’s a law that’s called the law of repetition that we must continue to repeat the same thing over and over and over again in order for us to bring them to an understanding. I think my wife does that good all the time. She repeats to me this or that and it works, it really works, you know, but we need to be able to save more by recycling. It helps our community, it strengthens our community and gives us an ability to sell some of the stuff that is there so that we get some of the income back because we don’t get any other income unless it’s from our carrying charges. If everything goes up, we lose everything that we have so I think that recycling is very important to be able to talk to the community.

Andrea Leslie: Recycling is something that I have been talking to Management about because it is a source of income and any source of income that we have, I just think that we should be trying more to increase it so we can get more income because, to me, even though what makes a difference for us is millions, but I think dollars and cents will get to millions if we keep working at it. We need to have more of an education program in reference to the shareholders because I know for myself and going to the compactor room and someone just dumps everything into a bag and more than likely the porter is not going to separate your garbage corporation so we have to be mindful and create more of an education program to make shareholders aware cause I don’t think they think that we make an income from that so if they are aware of that, they may make more of an attempt to recycle. So that, I think, that would affect our community, the environment and the shareholders on the whole.

Sonia Feliciano: One of the things we need to do better is educate our community regarding recycling. The recycling is done at Peartree but we could best utilize those employees to do other things if we were more diligent in separating our garbage. Before I moved to Co-op City, I lived in a private house and when do’s and don’t’s. Then I was required to go to the township and sit with them to

understand you can’t have a dirty car, you can’t have this, you can’t have that; they were very restrictive, and they gave you a can to put all your recyclables in there. We need to do better as a community. We have a lot of things posted in the compactor room. We’re working together, putting information in the CCTimes, continuously repeating it, putting it on the Crawler, those are things we need to do to educate our community. And by the way, we used to get income from recyclables; we don’t anymore because we used to sell our garbage to China. China doesn’t want our garbage anymore so as we continue to do, continue to build upon that, I think we will be a better community if we did the right thing by working together. You know, you do your share, I do my share … an effort to help our community because these are our homes.

Claudia Sampson: The question was how do we do a better job with recycling. I don’t know how many times I go in and I have to sweep up or have to clean up. But I think that we are getting better at it. Some buildings do better, some need to understand that this recycling is important for our planet. I see the other a product that they are now using in Africa. They have turned it into an economic engine in their community. We have to start thinking how we can use some of the

Q: Participation of shareholders is key to the success of Co-op City. Please give examples of what you have done, or plan to do, to increase shareholder engagement. (Asked by Linda Brown, Building 34.)

Sonia Feliciano: One of the things I advocate for is joining your building association. Sadly enough, there are a lot of buildings that don’t get that up at the door, saying who we are. We are a building association, this is what we do, come join us. A lot of the times, it does happen. We also have the ability for shareholders to be able to get their information through the Sales or CSO where we can invite them to come to one of our meetings. So it has to start there; one of the more important things. We, as Board directors, also chair committees. Join a committee. We have, I think, 20-30 committees that we can participate in, and all it takes is an hour of your time, 2 hours of your time, once a month. And you’d be surprised the ideas that come out of those committees that we get together because it’s not about the 15 of us. It’s about the 50,000 or so of us in this community, and we have to work together, united, to be able to come out with ideas to be a better, better community.

Shana Montgomery: We have an amazing center at Dreiser Loop that we paid so much money for, I believe $6M, and it’s just sitting there a lot of the time. I think bringing concerts there, having Bingo Night there, having a community Game Night, having a QR code that’s put in the building that says, ‘It’s Game participate. I think we’re not utilizing our community centers the way that we can it for a discounted rate and it could just be concerts or just the community and then other people can rent it out for concerts and things like that, but we have such beautiful community rooms in Dreiser Loop and I just don’t think they’re being utilized the way that they should be to bring the community together. Half the community probably have no idea that the center has been renovated to the extent that it’s been renovated and it looks amazing so I think Game Nights. One of the things I love about Co-op City is we always had activities, Halloween activities, Christmas activities. I think since pandemic, we haven’t had a lot of that. I think we need to bring that back, bring the, when we used to have in the middle of the greenway where all the vendors come and they have food and everything, we September, let’s bring that back to July, July 4.

Claudia Sampson:

on September 3 was because the date was not available to us, because other year on July 3. We also did the fair in June last year and there will be a June 3rd Community Fair. Bartow, Dreiser, Einstein, there is a lot of space, I agree, and we utilize it well. In fact, we had Game Night last Friday in our community room, in our association room. We are doing a lot. You may not know this, but we have 32, 42, sorry, community based organizations. I have the list to prove it. What I see as my role is to bring all of those community based organization in a town hall to talk, to talk to each other, to get to know more about each other, to help each other because that is what my role is here. And Michelle Sajous has done a phenomenal job doing her concerts in the summer, so stay tuned, you will have your Tunes on Tuesdays and Wicked Wednesdays, so we are busy. We are planning and we will be executing.

Angelo Rosario: I think we always do better together if we all work together, we will be able to create a venue that’s going to be able to helps us all. And for some reason or the other, I was up with a couple of doctors in Dreiser today and all the community centers were full. I went into every one of them, you had seniors in some doing exercise, you had meetings in

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Mission Statement

NAACP

May Membership Meeting Zoom

May Mother’s Day Membership Campaign

ers brought us into this world. Churches that bring in ten memberships will rethe work. “Thank you.” –Membership Chair Brenda Brown.

NAACP Youth and College Scholarship Opportunities: Our scholarships range in award amount, academic interests, and age. Whether you are a grad-

eligibility criteria and

Medgar Evans College CHAMPSS/Cultivating Holistic Academic Mindsets to Promote Student Success

Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP.

––Brenda Brown

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section –Zoom link.

Our section would also like to thank the Co-op City Washington, D.C. Tour –

lege and career readiness, contact ––Joyce Howard

Track Club is truly blessed! On May 7, we competed in the 48th Colgate Women’s Games Finals at Icahn Stadium. The Colgate Women’s Games

L-R: Lori Melton, NCNW 1st VP; IS 180 teacher, Ms. Williams; Astere Yemmer, NCNW IT chair; and Mr. Williams, Principal

Truman HS teacher Mr. Stewart (L) & Hon. Patsy Goldbourne

Velocity Track Club athletes enjoying a well deserved celebration.

Forum –––––– (Continued from page 15)

one of them, you had seniors in some doing exercise, you had meetings in the other one, you had food in the other one, and I haven’t gone upstairs in a while. they have meetings that are coming up that they are renting for so we’re trying to bring that together. But the only way that we could always do things better is by working together. If we all work together, we will be able to bring the joy that we really want. We have a tremendous community, I’m in love with Co-op City, that’s why I’m still here, if not, I’ll be gone to Florida with all the other seniors. But the truth is that I love Co-op City, and my children they tell me, ‘Pop, get out, come on.’ But Co-op City to me, I’ve been here 40 years, and I love it, I love our community, I love our people, I love the way we interact even though sometimes people get mad at each other but that’s a good thing because it makes us think. So, I think that if we come together and work together, we will be able to create the changes that we want to see, all together. Not only the Board, we’re only 15 … people, we need the rest, ok, we need you beautiful people.

Leah Graham: Community engagement, I think, could start with we have rather than having shareholders wait throughout our Board meetings and then some leave and they don’t get a chance to share some of their concerns, ideas, and solutions for the community so I think that’s one way to engage the community is just realizing that their input is important, that we should probably adopt doing just for the shareholders where we get to just listen and hear what they would like to share with us in terms of improving our community. Another thing I made a note of here is the cost of renting our rooms. We need to be mindful that these organizations, that there were some changes in the room rates and some of these organizations can’t afford those rates and I think we need to take a look at that and better identify in-kind services and what that should look like but it should be fair across the board, and we should not be paying the same as outside people coming in to use our room. I think the organization rate should be better.

Bernard Cylich: When I moved in here in 1970, there was an organization called Advisory Council. Advisory Council was established by the sponsoring board and the state actually recognized it as a tenant organization although we’re a cooperative. That Advisory Council had four representatives from each building, one from each cluster of townhouse; we had 147 members of that Advisory Council. It was a Congress, it met monthly, had dozens of committees. In fact, that Advisory Council organized a delegation to Albany lobbying in 1975, sent 50 bus loads of cooperators there and later on, were part of the strike committee and they were able to organize the 13-month strike. That committee was disbanded … when the Board was seated, the full Board…and at that point, the Advisory Council was actually liquidated. We need to reexamine it because cooperators think, what can they actually express in the governance of this co-op. Only once a year when they vote, right? Well, we need to reexamine and bring back Congress that will have 147 members too.

Andrea Leslie: I’ll repeat what a number of people have said, a number of members, candidates have said. Becoming a part of your building association, joining community organizations, that’s the basic things you should do. The

going on, what I should know, what I should do and from there, encouraged to participate more. And part of the reason that I ran to become a Board member was because I wanted to have some more say in the governance of where I live, how my life was going to be affected by all the rules, regulations and whatever else happens here in Co-op City. That’s why too, I was doing so as a working because everybody waits until they retire and have more time. It’s not that I had more time but I thought that it was important for me to spend that 2 hours, 3 hours, and no Board meeting ever lasts 2 hours; we’ve had 4 and 5 hour meetings and on a regular basis. So that, I wasn’t prepared for, but I dealt with it and so that’s one of the things that I think is more important, starting from the grassroots, building associations and organizations.

Q: Last week there was a garage that collapsed downtown. The news said that it was due to the weight of electric cars that the state is starting to require. Will you consider some solutions to avoid that problem occurring here? (Asked by Section 5 shareholder.)

Bernard Cylich: First thing we’ll do is bring it up to the Construction Committee and bring some engineers to give us some insight into why that garage collapsed and why ours will not collapse. That’s how we are going to approach it. We’re not engineers, we’re not experts but we will bring experts to tell us, to explain to us what we need to do.

Claudia Sampson: I realize that everybody is nervous just as we got nervous with, we had all kinds of questions as to are our buildings safe and so we feel the same way, we’re getting the same kind of reactions. That garage fell. It was not originally built for a garage, that building. It was created and built, rather, later. There were structural problems. We don’t know why it fell, we cannot jump to any conclusions about our garages. Our garages are sturdy, they are steel beam HUD. We had to have our garages inspected so I would say, take a deep breath,

relax. We are, as a Board, going to do as Bernie said, do what we have to do to ensure that the garages that are there will continue to stand. Trust me, they are sturdy and they are secure. Please vote for my team, Team Impact, me, Claudia Sampson, Bernard Cylich, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Sonia Feliciano and Andrea Leslie…

Angelo Rosario: I guess in the last 15 years, our garages have been inspected many times over and over to make sure that they are strong enough to withhold the changes that come. The other things is that that garage that collapsed, that was made back in the early 1950’s so it was not made with the same intent that we have today. But I was thinking the other day that they are talking about the electrical cars. I don’t know if you remember the cars, the 1940’s cars, how solid they were, how heavy they were? They were solid steel. You know, you could hit something. Today you get into a small accident, your whole car falls apart but before the cars were very strong. They were like tanks, you’re right. But we have to think about all of that and fear is a good thing that happens to all of us. If we don’t have fear, we don’t try to assess the things that we need to be able to assess to make a better decision but we should not live in fear because fear would destroy us. We have to be able to allow our contractors or our engineering department to be able to assess what is going on, so I think that we will do that and we will follow up on that every year.

Sonia Feliciano: I think it’s as, as Bishop Rosario mentioned, it’s assessing. One of the things that we have done as a management company and as a Board working, I believe, we did garage 7 and we’re working on garage 8, and we’re going through all the garages. We also have a Parking and Leasing Committee where members of that committee are the eyes and ears, so … Parking and Leasing will report out anything that they feel needs to be addressed but in terms of having any issues with our garages, I don’t think that that’s going to happen. We stay on top. Years ago, what was happening is we had to close our garages down and then build blacktop to, for our cars, on the greenway. That’s not going to happen Co-op City.

Leah Graham: I would want the managing agent to provide a schedule in terms of the frequency that they do inspect these garages. I have to tell you, I live in garage 6 and a couple of months ago, I could see the rebar. It was a concern for me and I did take pictures so I’m not certain how sturdy the garages are but I would totally be expecting the managing agent to provide a schedule in terms of the types of inspections that’s done, the frequency of them and explaining why we would see certain areas of the garage that is falling apart because that did happen and I could see that. In terms of the electric cars, I think that it would probably be safest if we did have charging stations outside of the garage and not inside of the garage especially in light of some of the things that we have been seeing with

I would say that if we start moving in that direction with having electric chargers for cars that they should not be inside, they should be outside of the garage.

Andrea Leslie: I believe what we need to pay attention to is how our garages were built and the building codes and I think the issue with that particular garage might be, the reports are not completed yet, but that building initially, was not, it wasn’t originally a garage, it was converted to a garage and on top of it, it seems as though they were storing the heaviest, larger vehicles on top. In my mind, common sense would say that if you keep doing that, it’s likely to collapse, if they were paying attention to building codes. Our garages, I think, were built and supposed to be compliant with way different building codes from the time that that building as built, that garage was built so I think that we would be abiding by others, and just because we have building codes that we have to comply with, the city, especially now, is going to make sure that everybody is in compliance with those codes, okay? There are consequences and so paying attention to that and probably creating more of a schedule in terms of repairing our garages and paying attention to how we maintain the garages cause that was the issue when we had issues with the garages before. There wasn’t a maintenance schedule, there wasn’t maintenance being done period and so that’s what we need to pay more attention to.

Q: I have heard that the Board eliminated the Summer Youth program, basketball tournaments, things of that nature, recently despite Riverbay receiving a grant from Senator Jamaal Bailey. If this is true, for current Board members, why was the summer youth program discontinued, and for non-Board members, what ideas do you have to keep summer youth occupied during the summer? (Asked by Francine Brown, Building 19.)

Andrea Leslie: To my knowledge, that wasn’t eliminated and I don’t know because some of that funding also came from Riverbay Board, Riverbay Fund for reimbursement so that’s how some of the monies that we plan to use is spent so, and from knowledge, it’s not been discontinued. We do have plans to have

Claudia Sampson: Perfect question to end on. First of all, there is no truth to that rumor. The summer basketball tournament, class, clinic, whatever you want a number of phone calls from parents who were concerned. The reason that there was discussion is that last year the corporation paid half and the Fund paid the other half and this year, the corporation is not paying a penny. The Fund has to fund this. We discussed the budget, we discussed ways

(Continued on page 18)

Forum –––––– (Continued from page 17)

that we could trim the cost of a one-week program and that’s where we are at. With regards to Congressman Bowman, there is no truth, he is not sponsoring this program. I think your information is a little bit convoluted. We do get funding once we spend the money, we submit the receipts and get reimbursed by the DYCD agency, Department of Youth and Community Development. We are three years in the red waiting to be reimbursed for all the expenses we have incurred over the years. The program is going to happen, trust me, and you will be very pleased to see the results of this endeavor and many others through the Riverbay Fund so please hold on. We’re coming.

Leah Graham: In terms of providing employment for our youth, I think that it’s important that we coordinate with the city and state and that we’re utilizing their summer youth programs for our youth in the community. I think that for transparency purposes, I think that it’s important that we explain and share how the employment selection is done. I know that there has been concerns around the community for the youth, wanting to know how that process went, how are children selected, are the same children being selected over and over again? And then, not using our funds. Technically, really going out and utilizing and meeting the deadline for the application process so that we can be part of the city Summer Youth program for our children and allow even more children to be involved. I think there was a very limited amount when we used our own funds, because we’re limited but I think if we go ahead and branch out and know the deadlines to utilize the city programs for our children, I think that that would be best. Lastly, I think that it’s important to provide some job training for our children as well in the community, partnering with some of our seniors, showing them how to do maybe some janitorial work, how to do buildings and grounds

Sonia Feliciano: As Claudia mentioned, the basketball program is still alive. It’s basically budgeting a certain amount of money, as she mentioned, that program was half paid by the corporation and half paid by the Riverbay Fund. Unfortunately, we are not using any corporation money to pay for anything. We do have to use the Riverbay Fund when we have projects or programs that need to be paid and sponsored for. So when the community comes and says I need a certain amount of money, they provide us with a proposal and we grant them the funds that we need. Also, we used to have a Summer Youth Employment program. This year, we decided to do something different. The program was going to cost us $160,000 which was something we could not afford based on our budget so what we did was we went to the Department of Community and Development under the Summer Youth Employment program so were hoping, we’re optimistic that its gonna come. We haven’t gotten any additional information but we are on track to try to get that program in here. It’s not going to cost us a dime.

Shana Montgomery: First we need to ask the youth exactly what programs they would like to see here and what their interests are because everybody is not playing basketball. We used to have a wonderful program here, a tennis program here, and when the guy, when he passed away, I don’t remember his name, forgive me, he had a wonderful tennis program, my daughter was even

Riverbay Board Election

Supplement for the 2023 Riverbay Board Election is reprinted in this week’s Co-op City Times on pages 25-32.

Please take the time to read about the candidates so you may make an informed decision when casting your ballot.

Exercise your right as a SHAREHOLDER to VOTE and elect your representatives to the Riverbay Board of Directors.

involved with that, and it was such an amazing program and he did it out of the kindness of his heart and we have the tennis courts that are right there. Again, we can use Dreiser Loop, have Game Night, have, you know, dance nights for the kids, we can also do soccer, we could team up with local businesses, like there’s a karate studio in Dreiser Loop, we could ask him about his summer youth program that he has. I think for the summer youth, I’m not sure the logistics of it, but we can easily ask the state for funding for the summer youth program because a lot of places, a lot of schools, they hire summer youth where it’s not on the back of the school to provide funding for that or to pay the youth, it’s through the government that they pay so kids can have something to do. We can also just put together, advocate for students to have somewhere to go and use those community rooms again where when it’s really hot outside, they have somewhere to go. They could have fun Game Night, they can have fun dances and we can even charter buses at some point where they can go to museums, visit museums, visit, you know, parks, and just like we do with the seniors and they go to Atlantic City. We could do things like that for the youth.

Angelo Rosario: Most of these programs, they are still alive, they are still working, the tennis, it’s still on, Mr. Alexander that passed away, his wife still runs it. They bring in a lot of coaches from the outside to be able to help but a lot of the programs that we brought it in-house to be able to bring our youth to be able to work on the grounds and work at the porters here, that program is still going on. We changed it this year to be able to save some money but what I understand is that the training that they got, like she said, it’s very important to train our young people in trades. So what was happening, those young men that were being trained here, some of them went to college, some of them didn’t go to college but when they became of age, they are working here because they those areas, our organization, 32BJ, at that time they had training so we trained them also to go to learn the trade, electricity, plastering and painting, so we were able to help them. The new program that’s coming in now it’s not going to be just for our young men and young women that are here in Co-op City because we have to take whoever they send us and have them here. The good thing is, okay, we’re not going to pay any money but I’d rather pay the money to train our young men and our young women to be able to help and take them to the next level. I’m interested in having the other ones from the Valley, from wherever they come, from Russia, but I need the ones that are here …

Bernard Cylich: Everyone covered the base and I agree with them all so I’ll pass on it.

The Q&A period was followed by Closing Statement and each candidate had up to 90 seconds to present.

The third Candidates’ Forum will be broadcast on the Riverbay Crawler starting early next week at 10 a.m., 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily. The Crawler is available on channel 12 (MATV subscribers) and channel 591 (Altice subscribers). The second forum, which was held on Saturday, April 29, in the Einstein Center, is on the corporation’s YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7.

Hello, shareholders, neighbors and friends.

Check our Association’s bulletin board in our lobby by the elevator for upcoming Building 23 Association meetings and events.

Election Time

Thank you to those shareholders who have voted. We ask that those who have not voted to please participate and send in your ballots as soon as possible. Remember, you can vote online or mail in your ballot. The voting period is from May 1 to May 26. Shareholders, we really need you to send in your ballots during the voting period. Let us not forget the reasons why voting is important. Many of us, past and present, fought for the right to vote. In my opinion, there is no reason some shareholders are unwilling to participate in electing candidates. You, the shareholders, have the choice to select the

Section 4 Partnership

S4P Mission Statement:

The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire and mobilize our community in unity to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

Riverbay Election: Vote!

We must remember that the Riverbay Board of Directors of Co-op City are not the life blood of Co-op City. You are. Too many cooperators view the Board as an entity that directs the shareholders, when in fact it is the other way around. While we in most decisions made in this community, we cannot all be in charge simultaneously. So, we elect a Board of Directors to represent the voice of the people, (i.e., the community, the shareholders, the cooperators/residents). Each of us has some issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Directors of the Riverbay Board must remember that their personal agendas, while relevant, must only factor in as a part of the best decision for the community at large. Your job as a shareholder is to vote in Board Directors who will stay true to the oaths they take. In my opinion, most complaints come from cooperators who do not participate in the community and who form their opinions from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communication and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings, which leaves you and this community on the short end of the stick. What matters is involvement by you. Your involvement is not only necessary, it is imperative. After reading this article, make sure that others have read it as well.

Building Associations and Committees

We must all (in every section and every building) show up for our Building Associations and committees. We may be on Zoom or Webex or other modes of video conferencing, but that is no excuse not to show up. It is even more of a reason to attend because you do not even have to leave your home. You cannot beat that commute. We all owe it to our shared community. Think about this and make a silent pledge to get involved …

Contact us by emailing: section4partnership@ gmail.com or phone: 347-915-4939.

“All of us divided by each one of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

Building 23 Association

candidates. Now is the time to do this. Also, we need

This is their personal family time dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community. Please, shareholders, let us do our part. Vote to avoid prolonging the 2023 Board Election!

Things to Know

We are working to have Zoom access for our Building 23 Association meetings. More information to follow.

Thanks to those who have volunteered to be-duction with you shortly to review the duties of a Floor captains help maintain quality of life within our building. Sign up anytime or contact the Building 23 Association message line, 929-732-4123.

Some of the responsibilities include a periodic hall plastering, painting, proper lighting, missing or broken hall tiles, missing bricks, unleveled sidewalks or laundry-room and compactor room con-cerns with the Building 23 Association president. Also, please continue to call CSO regarding concerns within your respective apartments.

Remember, our Association Room is available to use for social and educational events.

When we see something, say something. This is our community and we want to keep it safe. Happy birthday wishes to those born in May! Well wishes to the sick and shut-in. Condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

––Betty Smith

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

Run Community Garden

Important dates (all are welcome):

––Gail Sharbaan

Photos by P.M. Campbell

Photos by P.M. Campbell

Rivers

The African-American Association of

The 10th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee is today, May 20! Register your child and join the fun! Contest Rules:

1. All participating children should check-in no later than 12:00 p.m. with a completed and signed Riverbay Television Release Form, otherwise they will be unable to participate.

2. All children are to give any electronic devices to their parents until the completion of the program.

3. Once the child’s number is called, they are to come to the

4. Each child will announce their name, school, and age before the spelling or word origin. In this case, the timer will begin running after the announcer timer will start after the announcer states the word.

7. There will be a warning once the timer reaches 10 seconds, if the child has not yet begun to spell their word.

8. Once the child begins spelling the word, they cannot change the letters already given.

9. If the child spells the word correctly, they are to take the next available seat and wait for their number to be called again. If they misspell the word, they are to take a seat in the audience.

10. There should be no coaxing or participation from parents or anyone in the audience while a child is in the process of spelling.

City

11. All contestants should remain until the completion of the program, as

12. Have fun!

Thank you very much for your cooperation. Good luck to all participating children! This event is co-sponsored by the African American Association of Co-op City and the Riverbay Fund, Inc.

Join the African-American Association of Co-op City

Remember: Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call 929-4303255 The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Upcoming AAACC Meeting & Events

May 20 – Co-op City Spelling Bee, Dreiser Center (Room 4), 12 p.m.

May 21 – General Meeting via Zoom, 3 p.m.

June 10 – General Meeting via Zoom, 3 p.m.

The AAACC sponsors the following programs for your participation: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438. Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917903-7073.

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

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” w/ Joyce Smith –Joyce, 718-320-0714.

“Each one of us multiplied by all of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle Marbury

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

How many informative facts do you know about Mental Health? Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grab a pencil and paper and answer the questions below. Remember, it’s ok if you don’t get everything correct; this quiz aims not only to test your knowledge but also to help you gain more insight into Mental Health Awareness.

1. 1 in 4 adults experience a mental disorder every year. –True or False.

2. Support groups are a way for the community to help people with mental disorders and mental illness. –True or False.

3. You are less likely to drink alcohol if you are depressed. –True or False.

4. A person can only suffer from one mental health disorder at a time.–True or False.

Below are the answers to each question. Test and see how well you did. For those who answered some questions incorrectly, let’s look at a few facts surrounding Mental Health https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

Answers: 1. True 2. True 3. False 4. False

Mental health is a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It includes their self-perception, emotional control, and interpersonal interactions. everyday stresses and challenges that come with it. Mental health disorders are common and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. These disorders can range from mild, such as anxiety and depression, to severe, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The negative impacts of poor mental health and anxiety can be debilitating and negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Individuals with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trouble breathing, and sweating, which can be distressing and lead to further stress. In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health disorders can cause

or academic performance. Relationships and social interactions might suffer from poor mental health, which can cause loneliness and seclusion. These adverse effects can potentially impair general health and well-being over time. One can lessen these negative effects and increase coping skills by receiving treatment for mental health issues. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health disorder symptoms. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

With proper care and support, people with mental health disorders can manage their symptoms and live healthy, productive life. It is crucial to prioritize mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.

Please join us on Thursday, May 25, at 7 p.m. for our 45 min. Monthly Informational Session Topic: Feelings, Thoughts, and Reality, presenter Scott Bloom LCSW. Director of Special Projects and Initiatives. New York Psychotherapy Counseling (NYPCC). RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org

––Diane Cooper

Building 10 Association

New Cooperators –

Girl Scout Cookies –

Riverbay Board Election –

Section 2 Summer Fun Day –

Summer Fun Day T-Shirt –Mental Health Awareness –

Questions, Comments and Suggestions –Facebook

Happy anniversary!

Section Five Association

2023 Board of Directors Election

Assemblyman Benedetto

YouTube

The Objective of the SFA shall be:

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

Building 13

Bronx County Chorus Presents: Disney, Then and Now

Don’t be late, it’s a very important

––H. Overman

––Leslie Peterson

––Eva Lazaar

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

The Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club is hosting its Spirit of Philadelphia Bingo Cruise & Casino trip on August 22, 2023. All are cordially invited to enjoy deluxe Motor Coach transportation to Philadelphia where we will enjoy a two-hour allyou-can-eat buffet, Bingo, DJ and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship. We will also enjoy a two-hour casino stay at the Parx Casino. The donation amount is $160. The payments and deposit of $50 is due immediately. The 2nd pay-nal payment is due by June 15th. The bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. from 2085 Bartow Avenue. We will return to the same location at approximately 8:30 p.m. No children are allowed. No refunds. For tickets, please contact: James Payne, 917-992-5068; Tremaine O’Garro, 917-455-8546; Brenda Brown, 718-671-3748.

––James Payne

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We hope all is well. Good news, the emergency alert of the pandemic has been lifted. However, stay alert and careful. Wear your mask if you feel the need to. By all means, take care of yourselves.

It is with honor and respect to have our new Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin shareholders. Every shareholder who read his report should be encouraged as ever to vote. Mr. Walton is already sharing with the cooperators several items he will focus on in the coming months working along with the Board of Directors to ensure accountability on all levels of the corporation. In my opinion, this is why shareholders complained and felt their issues were not being solved. We have renewed hope, so let us vote and set the Board of Directors in place to get the issues, problems and, most of all, get the job done.

Every year, there is a Board of Directors Election. This year, shareholders of Co-op City are to vote for the candidates of their choice from the period of May 1-May 26. Now that the three Candidates’ Forums are over, we trust you were able to attend and your questions were answered. The next thing is to vote. We now can vote online and it takes lesslope. As shareholders, one is not required to vote for

Greetings, 21er’s!

The next 21 Association Meeting will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m. on May 25. Join in by going to: 21WatchParty.com on your mobile/cellular phone or your computer, laptop or tablet.

Vote in the Riverbay Board Election

This is our time to make our voices heard as shareholders. Each of us has some issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Directors of the Riverbay Board must remember that their personal agendas, while relevant, must only factor in as a part of the best decision for the community at-large. Your job as a shareholder is to vote in Board of Directors election.

It appears that most complaints come from cooperators who do not participate in the community and who form their opinions from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communication and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings, which leaves you and this community, on the short end of the stick.

What matters is involvement by you. Your involvement and mine is not only necessary, it is imperative. After reading this article, make darn sure that others have read it as well.

Always stay plugged in Find a group or organization that suits you. Join the African-American Association of Co-op City, or the Spanish American Club, or one of the numerous clubs and organizations of this community and always stay plugged in to your Building Association. Information on these groups can be found in this newspaper each week.

Floor Captains on Each Floor – In Every Buildingsigned Floor Captains. If you have not volunteered All we ask of anyone kind enough to be a Floor Captain is as follows:

1. Contact Numbers all emergency contact numbers and distribute to each neighbor

cle. No more delaying the process of the vote. We need not spend money unnecessarily.

The Animal Shelter – The site is fenced in from Bartow Ave. The building will be behind the Red posted of the design of the animal shelter.

Phone Tree Alerts – Shareholders not signed up are encouraged to sign up for the Phone Tree alerts which provide important information relating to the Co-op City community at any time. Sign up can be found on the Resources page under CSO on the

Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. We continue to offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families that who lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card; she is excellent in sharing good will. Also notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become deceased or transferred to a nursing home.

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

––H. Overman

2. Co-op City Times

3. Elevator Notices neighbors about them

4. Promote

5. Encourage Your Neighbors to •

718-320-3300

6.

If you have questions regarding the 21 Association, you have three ways of gaining information: email: 21association@gmail.com, call: 347504-1821, or attend the monthly general meetings via Zoom video conference on the fourth Thursday of every month. Everyone from all building, plan to come and join us at Building 21. Bring a friend.

“Each one of us multiplied by all of us equals a force for good.”

––Michelle

Marbury

-

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

2023 Riverbay Board Election 2023 Riverbay Board Election

2023 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

• Leah Graham

• Shanauzelda Montgomery

• Sonia Feliciano *

• Bishop Angelo Rosario *

• Bernard Cylich *

• Claudia Sampson *

• Andrea Leslie *

* Denotes Incumbent

2023 Board Election Schedule

Saturday, April 15th Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement with Candidates’ Articles and Ads

Monday, April 17th Candidates to submit 2nd Election Supplement article, paid ads, by 12:00 P.M.

Saturday, April 22nd Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement with Candidates’ 2nd statement, paid ads.

Monday, April 24th Candidates to submit 3rd Election Supplement article, paid ads, by 12 P.M.

Wednesday, April 26th First Candidates’ Forum, 7:30 P.M., In-Person & Broadcast live, Dreiser Auditorium

Thursday, April 27th Mailing of Election Ballots to shareholders

Thursday, April 29th Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

Saturday, April 29th Second Election Forum, 3 P.M., In-person & broadcast from Einstein, Room 45

Monday, May 1st Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting Begin

Wednesday, May 3rd Third Election Forum, 7:30 P.M., In-person & broadcast live from Bartow, Room 31

Saturday, May 6th Re-publication of first Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Saturday, May 13th Re-publication of second Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Saturday, May 20th Re-publication of third Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Friday, May 26th Election Period Ends 9:00 P.M. (If No Quorum, See Extended Voting Period below)

Wednesday, May 31st Election Committee Public Meeting To Certify and Announce Final Count of ballots (Live & Broadcast, 7:00 P.M.)

Thursday, June 1st Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Friday, June 2nd Deadline to file electronic Challenges (5PM)

Wednesday, June 7th Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidate statements appear on pages 26-29

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 1 –Friday, May 26, 2023.

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

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

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by May 26, 2023.

Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023 – 9 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023. 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 2023 Riverbay Board of Directors election. The Election Committee is accepting questions from shareholders to be asked of the candidates at the forums. If you would like to ask a question, you may submit it by email to Riverbay2023Election@Riverbaycorp.com, or fill out an election question form at your CSO starting Monday, April 17 – Tuesday, May 2,

(Only If Needed Due to Lack of Quorum)

Begins: Friday, May 26, at 9:01 P.M.

Ends: Friday, June 9, at 11:59 P.M.

Friday, May 26 – Continue election (as of 9:01 P.M.)

Friday, June 9 – Election period ends at 11:59 P.M.

2023. The submission must include your name and building, along with the question and which candidate/s the question is directed to (individual candidate/s or all candidates).

The three Candidates’ Forums will take place on: Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium; Saturday, April 29, 3 p.m., Rm. 45, Einstein Center; and Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center.

Extended Voting Period

Center, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 9 – Continue election (as of 9:01 P.M.)

Friday, June 23 – Election period ends at 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday, June 29 – Election Committee Review & Certify Final Count of ballots, (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Wednesday, June 14 – Election Committee Review & Certify Final Count of ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

Thursday, June 15 – Public Electronic Posting of Official Results (10 A.M.)

Friday, June 16 – Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election (5 P.M.)

Wednesday, June 21 – Swearing in of Elected Board Members (Bartow

Thursday, June 30 – Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results (10 A.M.)

Friday, July 1 – Deadline to file Challenges to Election (5 P.M.)

Wednesday, July 13 – Swearing in of Elected Board Members (Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7:00 P.M.)

2023 Election Special 2023 Election Special

Shanauzelda Montgomery

The Board of Directors should make decisions in the best interest of the cooperative, and be financially sustainable for shareholders. While many claim Co-op City is the best deal in town, recent increases of 7.5% and an additional 2.1% in 2024 push us closer to market rates in N.Y.C. Having the "best" bargain in town is meaningless if we live in deteriorating conditions and in constant fear of carrying charge increases. My neighbors' concerns and cries for change grew stronger after the 7.5% carrying charge hike. Shareholders deserve better! We deserve to know how our money is spent, and why we are priced out of our community. Cost-saving ideas should be considered before transferring increases to shareholders.

You are not asked to vote for Shana Montgomery, the "candidate." Candidates seeking reelection often tout their accomplishments and ask for your support to continue doing what has failed the community in the past. I ask you to vote for Shana Montgomery & Leah Graham, your neighbors, and fellow shareholders. In my opinion, not just during elections, but throughout the year, shareholders should be updated on day-to-day operations and major decisions. It is understandable to be

hesitant about such an impactful decision. However, there is no denying the changes in our living conditions, building cleanliness, lack of security, increased common charges, and a decline in community cohesiveness!

While the pandemic has taken precious moments from our community, in my opinion, personal gain and mismanagement of funds disguised as pandemic residue should not be accepted as justification for cutting staff and services while raising shareholder costs. Your loyalty to community wellness is more important than your loyalty to Board members who fail us. Vote for me, Shana Montgomery, and Leah Graham. Fairness, Action, Transparency, Experience – The F.A.T.E. of this community is in your hands. We are Stronger Together!

Bishop Angelo Rosario

I am on the same team that has the same goals and more for the past three years. This is a blessed community with an array of elements.

Our Board of Directors, Maintenance and Construction departments have connected with the Legal Department to reduce the lawsuits that have been plaguing our community. Most sidewalks and construction work that were needed in our basements and around the community have been resolved.

As we know, all construction and maintenance material have increased in price and labor. With additional building codes on the rise, we are mandated to make infrastructure safety repairs, which causes the Board to have to incorporate these expenses into the budget. I believe that as a community, together, we can minimize the struggles that this large housing co-op faces.

We have invested in time, in finances, in commitment, to be able to keep up with the demands that are required for constant improvement.

As you know (maybe some do not) this is an enormous MitchellLama co-op of 65 buildings, 15,372 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom apartments, seven clusters of

one- and three-bedroom townhomes, eight garages, three community centers with storefronts and community rooms, and 320 acres of grounds that is our responsibility to maintain – cut and maintain grass areas, trees, spring planting, snow removal, equipment maintenance; monitoring our Power Plant that provides heat and air conditioning; Public Safety Department and EMS a phone call away. Many organizations are here for the benefit of the shareholders.

As the Team of Impact, we will continue this collaborative and supervisory effort in identifying other battles together with the Legal department and other departments. Vote for me, Bishop Angelo Rosario; Sonia Feliciano, Claudia Sampson, Bernie Cylich and Andrea Leslie.

Bishop Angelo Rosario

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Sonia Feliciano

Dear fellow shareholders, Being a Board Director is an awesome responsibility. We are responsible for the fiduciary duty to manage with due care, loyalty, and obedience, the corporation’s affairs. Working closely with Management is an absolute necessity. The Board is responsible for setting the policy. It is the Management’s responsibility to carry out the day-to-day operations with transparency. Being on the Board is not glamour, it is hard work and for me a job I have taken seriously for the number of months I have been President. I am present each day, days or night. I am a driven Servant Leader with a desire to continue to serve my community seeking your vote for Team Impact.

Accomplishments:

Searching for the best Executive General Manager to lead us in the next 5 years and beyond.

Driving alternative cable choices for the community.

Having a dialogue with our elected officials in helping us build a Youth Center for our community.

Charging stations in all garages for our community by year-end.

Improved service delivery throughout Call Center.

Things to work on:

Community Policing – increased

foot patrols.

Seeking insurance costs reduction thru a legislative effort.

Working with our legislators and our Legislative Committee for renewable energy sources that will increase energy efficiency.

Finding other sources of income.

Consolidate departments into a single business operation for greater efficiencies.

Every year, we do not reach a quorum when we vote. This year will be different as I remain confident that you will vote and make an informed choice. Voting is our responsibility, our right, therefore, I ask that you vote for Team Impact during these elections. Please re-elect me, Sonia Feliciano; Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Bernard Cylich and Andrea Leslie.

Shareholders First – We Matter!

Dear shareholders and friends, I had the pleasure of meeting many of you during our April 22nd Earth Day celebration. Many expressed the need to control Co-op City’s budget and minimize the number of huge carrying charge increases. But we need your help; on May 1st, please vote for me, Leah Graham and Shana Montgomery. The fate of Co-op City is in your hands.

On Jan. 1, 2023, we received a 7.5% carrying charge increase.

If you elect Shana and I, we will work hard get a handle on carrying charge increases, advocate for routine budget reviews and establish respect and fairness throughout the corporation.

We are proactive leaders who will evaluate the new managing agent based on success with a focus on process improvements & controlled spending.

Shana and I also, learned our cooperation has little to no cash. It seems Co-op City is literally living pay-check-to-pay-check. What would

we do if a boiler was to break or some other significant infrastructure issue occurred?

Voting for the same directors over and over again and expecting different results should be a thing of the past. Not voting at all is even worse.

On May 1st, show how dissatisfied you are and vote Leah Graham and Shana Montgomery. A new managing agent + new directors = improved results.

Fairness, Action, Transparency, Experience. The F.A.T.E. of Co-op City is in your hands! We are Stronger Together!

Sonia Feliciano

Leah Graham

Leah Graham

Andrea Leslie

Our previous managing agent disbanded our Internal Audit department in 2008. For seven years, Riverbay Corporation was without an Internal Audit department. That department serves as the essential eyes and ears for the Board of Directors. It was reestablished after the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing members assumed leader-ship of the Riverbay Board. The Internal Audit department was pivotal in establishing the Whistleblower Program that offers anonymous reporting of corruption, waste, and fraud within our corporation.

In addition to the Internal Audit department, there are multiple levels of oversight of our corporation: HUD the guarantor of our $621.5M, 35 year low fixed interest mortgage; Wells Fargo, the lender; and, as a MitchellLama development, New York State Housing and Community Renewal, the oversight agency of Riverbay Corp. And, of course, the 15-member Riverbay Board of Directors.

Gone are the days when a former director on Riverbay payroll would perform work on a management agent’s other properties, as did a Risk Manager. He, as well as the management agent, were both suspended by our leadership.

I believe the multi-level of oversight

in place at Riverbay Corporation provides assurance that our corporation is well protected from corruption.

I am proud to be part of a Board that has made scores of accomplishments, made many sound decisions, enhanced our quality of life, kept our carrying charges below market rate, and is addressing restoration of our infrastructure.

I pledge to keep the well-being of our community forefront in my deliberations and actions while working together as a team player with the Board of Directors.

Your participation in the governance of our community is vital to the future of our co-op. Re-elect the Impact Team: Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Claudia Sampson, and myself, Andrea Leslie.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Bernard Cylich

Since assuming seats on the Board of Directors, members of the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing have exposed – and challenged – scores of costly, questionable practices and actions by Board officers as well as by Management.

In June 2007, Board Treasurer Cleve Taylor, CTSAH member, suspended payments to Colortech Painting, asserting they overcharged Riverbay. Marion Scott Inc., (MSI) General Manager, Vernon Cooper, and Finance Director Peter Merola acknowledged that Colortech had over-billed Riverbay close to a $1M. However, the then-Board president had unilaterally signed the inflated payment to the contractor.

Also in 2007, Taylor alerted federal investigators to a bribery and kickback scheme by a former Riverbay president, Iris Baez, who later pleaded guilty and was jailed.

And in June 2014, when CTSAH members assumed leadership of the Board, they faced a $60M lawsuit because MSI had violated the Fair Labor Standard Acts. We settled the suit at $6.5M but had to impose a 4.5% carrying charge increase to fund the settlement.

Later, we discovered, for ten years, Riverbay Risk Manager had approved

$80M in insurance contracts while bypassing the Board for its review and approval. We stopped that.

In November 2014, we learned that the Risk Manager, at the direction of MSI, performed work, while on Riverbay payroll, for multiple MSI properties. We ended such illegal practices and suspended both the Risk Manager and MSI.

To our dismay, in early 2015, we found out that 160 elevators approved by the Board and installed by 2007 had faulty motors that had to be replaced at a cost of $40M.

In spite of these and many more costly, inappropriate decisions, which we since corrected, Co-op City remains the best deal in town.

Re-elect the Impact Team – Sonia Feliciano, Claudia Sampson, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Andrea Leslie, and myself, Bernard Cylich.

Bernard Cylich

Andrea Leslie

Claudia Sampson

I’m passionate identifying opportunities to improve lives. I pledge to keep our homes affordable and safe. I believe in not only doing what’s right, but also doing things right. I’m proud of these accomplishments:

Applied, as Fund President, for and received, with the support of Congressman Jamaal Bowman, a $500,000 Community Project Funding Grant (CPF) in ‘FY 22 from the House Appropriations Committee to plan and design the restoration and revitalization of an unused strip of waterfront land for use by the community;

Sponsored a resolution to install EV charging stations in our garages to generate revenue;

Spearheaded along with Sonia Feliciano a SCRIE information session that attracted 300+ attendees;

Sourced and facilitated the hiring of the new Executive General Manager;

Recommended Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training for all directors, managers, and senior staff;

Authored a $1,500,000 CPF Grant proposal to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ Office with supporting letters from community based organizations, Riverbay

Corporation, and Council member Kevin Riley’s Office to build a Northeast Bronx Youth Center on Bartow Avenue. We’re 1 among 15 entities that made it into the short list of proposals sponsored by Congresswoman AOC.

Assembled a team to work with Fund and the Corporation to submit a Cap Grant proposal for $17,500,000 to build the NE Bronx Youth Center on the site of the former Bingo Hall. We need to raise 50% of this money.

In order to complete these projects, implement operational efficiencies and standardize policies & procedures, we need you to re-elect Sonia Feliciano, Bishop Angelo Rosario, Andre Leslie, and Bernie Cylich and me, Claudia Sampson, to continue the momentum. Re-elect Team Impact!

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

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

Adopted March 8, 2023

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 1, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, (hereafter “Election Day”). If an official mail-in ballot is received before May 1, 2023 it shall not be disqualified 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 1, 2023, at 7:30 PM.

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

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

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

(b) The Chairperson shall recommend to the President the appointment of such additional residents as the Chair deems prudent for membership on the Election Committee. All members shall be

resident shareholders, appointed by the President and approved by the Board.

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

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

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

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

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

5. There will be one vote per occupied unit by residents who were shareholders of record on March 22, 2023. 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 AM on Monday, May 1, 2023 and conclude at 9:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023, unless extended

in accordance with these Rules. If an official mailin ballot issued by Riverbay is received before 6:00 AM on Monday, May 1, 2023 it shall not be disqualified 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 certificate, occupancy agreement and the current Occupants Annual Affidavit of Family Income. Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Director.

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

3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certified or on the date votes are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on any of those days, the candidate will be disqualified. In addition, all candidates must remain current throughout the election period 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 certification of candidates and weekly thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any.

(Continued on page 30)

Claudia Sampson

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 29)

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

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their financial obligations to the Corporation,

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

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

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

• are otherwise in compliance with the requirements and qualifications 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 Riverbay2023Election@riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on March 24, 2023. 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 2023 Election Committee. On the following business day, the financial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated.

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

(c) In addition to the Statement of 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 Friday, March 31, 2023. Notice of the Committee’s certification will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

2. The Committee shall hold a virtual briefing on the Rules for all candidates or their designees on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 8:00 PM.

3. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at the Candidates’ Forums. The drawing for order of speakers will also determine the relative position of each candidate’s name on a ballot. Candidate names on the ballot will automatically rotate. The name of each candidate on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known.

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

1. Except as provided in Rule E (3), no audio and/ or video equipment, other than personal electronic devices, may be used 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 Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. This specifically includes, but is not

limited to, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, garages, vehicles, commercial stores located on Riverbay property, and common areas. Candidates and their supporters are prohibited from posting campaign material on New York City property if said posting violates any City, State or Federal law.

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

(b) Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, or similar electronic forum, under the Candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, 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, Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, 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 office box of the person or organization who issued such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM, 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, including electronic forms such as social media and e-mail.

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

7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riverbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election.

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 occurring 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. One forum shall take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Dreiser Auditorium. The second forum shall take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Einstein Auditorium. The third forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM 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. The transmission by Riverbay of any statement made by any person at the forum shall not be an endorsement of any such comment or statement by Riverbay and Riverbay shall not be responsible for, nor shall it indemnify, any person or candidate who makes any false or defamatory statement.

(b) All certified candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee. If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson with the reason for non-participation, the Chairperson may 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 of three (3) or more people 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, April 15, 2023 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

(Continued on page 31)

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 30)

reserves the right to delete any material which in its exclusive opinion contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact.

(a) In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a ¼-page campaign ad by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, April 15, 2023 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 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 on-line, 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 April 27, 2023 to each residential unit occupied by one or more eligible residential shareholders of record at the address set forth for said shareholder(s) of record on Riverbay’s books and records as of March 22, 2023.

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 May 26, 2023. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no later than 9:00 PM on May 26, 2023.

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 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 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 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, certify the final count of the election ballots. The meeting shall also be broadcast on Riverbay’s public access channel as well as made available on Riverbay’s YouTube page.

12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total

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

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

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

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

13. Unless an extended schedule is in effect, the Election Committee shall cause the official Certification of the Election to be publicly posted by 10:00 AM on June 1, 2023, or if the Certification has not yet been completed, as soon thereafter as possible after the conclusion of the Election Certification Meeting. Posting may be by electronic means.

14. If a quorum is not reached, the Committee may recommend that the voting period be extended for an additional fourteen (14) 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, (Continued on page 32)

2023 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, with written explanation, to review the Committee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee.

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 of the challenge, by an email addressed to Riverbay2023Election@riverbaycorp.com..

2. The challenge must be in writing. Such written challenge must specifically set forth the reason and the factual basis for the challenge. Any challenge by the Committee shall be on written electronic notice to the candidate, or candidates impacted by the challenge, delivered to the candidate(s) by email 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 Riverbay2023election@riverbaycorp.com no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023. The written challenge shall state the factual or legal basis for the challenge. Failure to file a timely electronic challenge by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023, shall preclude consideration of the challenge by the Committee. In the event a quorum was not obtained by the May 26, 2023 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 PM 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, setting forth the charges and facts upon which the challenge is based. Such affidavits and supporting documents shall also be delivered by the challenging party, to the opposing party’s e-mail address, at least one day before the scheduled hearing.

9. At the 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. 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 hearing and may be subject to examination by the Committee or the challenged candidate(s).

12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident participant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

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

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

15. If a candidate who is disqualified received one of the highest vote counts, 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 warranted. 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 8, 2023

Building 1A & 1B Association

The Association looks forward to seeing you at the next general meeting which will be held on June 21 at 7:00 p.m.

further information posted on the board near the elevator in the lobby. Please

Collection of Dues Extended: The shareholder’s aAssociation has extended the collection of the $10 annual dues. All residents of Buildings 1A and 1B are shareholder members of the Association. The dues are $10 per apartment. The dues will be collected until the next shareholder meeting on June 21 at 7 p.m. The dues will be used for the necessary operating funds and for activities.

Suggestions: Please bring your written suggestions to the next General Meeting. Please place your written suggestion into the suggestion box, which will be located inside of the shareholder Association Room.

Volunteers are still needed:raising and for the Decoration Committee.

Remember to Vote: All shareholders, please remember to vote during the Riverbay Board Election. The election period began May 1 and will continue through May 26.

Safety tip of the week: If you are expecting a delivery and will not be at home, kindly ask your neighbor to pick the package up for you.

Stay safe.

––Desiree Scurry

Emergency Food Pantry (Free)

date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least black shopping bags because black ink can transfer to the food, posing a health hazard. We require masks and physical distancing.

Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-

check back to see when we will resume accepting new guests and recertifying former guests.

Grocery Bags

Black Forum has used orange bags to pack monthly packages for distribution. The cost of the bags has tripled, so the pantry will pack the canned goods are a must on your visit. We will return any bags not used. Please note that we reserve the right to not provide certain items if we believe cross contamination may occur. This is for your safety. Please help us by bringing enough bags.

Defensive Driving Class

Black Forum is not sponsoring in-person defensive driving classes at this time, but an online version of the course is available at the Empire Safety Council website: empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” to receive a discount.

Email: Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. ––D. Illis

When driving in garages, follow all posted directional signs and speed limits. Stay aware of your surroundings. Watch out for pedestrians.

Wishing all neighbors born in May a happy birthday. For those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon and for our neighbors who continue to lose loved ones, our heartfelt prayers go out to you.

Our Building Association meeting was held on May 16. In the future, look out for detailed information posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail. com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

We will close with the following: “Never cut a tree down in the wintertime, never make a negative decision in the low time, never make your most important decision when you are in your worst moods. Wait, be patient, the storm will pass, the spring will come.” –Robert

J. Schuller

––Wanda Bailey

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Good day, neighbors. We hope your Mother’s Day was glorious, I know mine was. Announcing a couple of birthdays for May. On May 21, our youngest, and former cooperator, Miki Kindaichi, celebrates her birthday; and on May 17, our

Please attend! We have invited our new Executive General Manager, Mr. Marvin meeting since 2018. Our elections will be on the Agenda. Thank you, Building

businesses to investigate.

Our Riverbay Board of Directors’ election is coming up. Voting is your responsibility as a Co-op City resident. Mail it in or vote online, read the statements from the candidates, make your decision. If you do not vote, you cannot blame anyone for what happens.

New event programs are coming and new interesting musical and theatrical events as well. Read the Co-op City Times for community information. Thank you to the editor for publishing the details from the Candidates’ Forum. I was able to catch-up on the details of the meeting. It is being shown on our master antenna stations.

A permanent Grounds man has not been assigned yet in Broun Place, howtilled and fertilizer added.

We hope you have cut out the copy of “Succession Rights” information or studied it.

By the way, Broun Place Townhouse Association committee is looking for Broun Place residents wanting to serve on our executive board. The secretary’s position and member-at-large are open. Share your news with us.

Thank you to Senator Jamaal Bailey for giving us a great Mother’s Day Party

Regarding recycling gently used articles, place in the front or rear of Garage 6 in the blue and pink bins. The dumpster pad bins are used as follows: the white bin is for paper, green and blue are for all other house garbage. Mattresses are required to be covered. Use pedestrian bins for masks, it is so important not to litter. Do not leave bags of clothes on dumpster pads or next to recycling bins. Please do not litter.

Seniors, register with the Riverbay “RUOK,” emergency contact program. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic sickness. Seniors, get involved with JASA.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Black Forum

Co-op City Times / May 20, 2023

Newsong Church

A Church Alive Is Worth the Drive! Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe Sunday Worship Experience

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Liberal Catholic Church International

177 Dreiser Loop, Room 2-

Newsong Deaf Church 11 a.m. Sunday Mornings

Prayer:

––Rev. Dorian Miceli

Kidsong

Newsong Church Youth

Discounted Parking Available: What are you waiting for? There is a God in

Contact Us: CenFacebookTwitter YouTube

––Rev. Mike Tolone

Traditional Synagogue

General Information

The synagogue has a Facebook

Sabbath ends Candle lighting Good and Welfare

To All Members

Karla Klaus, who will be celebrating their birthday

Fun and Games

––Bruce Gitelson

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Upcoming Events

The (ECW) Episcopal Church Women are having the following Fundraising Events: Winery bus trip to Pindar Vineyards and Tanger Outlets

Grace and peace! Merville Chambers

distribution is scheduled for Tues., May 23, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Bartow Center, Room 31.

– 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 2.

Tues., 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Swing: May 23. Salsa Class: May 30, June 6, 13, 27.

– Baychester Library. Thurs., 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. May 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22.

– Talleres de Alimentacion, June 5. Make Healthy Eating Part of your Lifestyle, Junio 5. Convierta la alimentation saludable en parte integrante de su vida.

Tues., June 20.

Deluxe Motor Coach transportation. Spectacular show: “Magic Moments,” family-style luncheon. $125.

Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, second Wed. of every month in rear of JASA Main

Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.-

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.-

Tues., 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.; Weds. and Thurs., 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. : Thurs., 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., 718-320-2066. Appointment only. – Thurs., 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID:

862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Mon.,12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Bartow Center, Room 31. Wed. and Fri., 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Dreiser Center.

Every second and fourth Wed., 1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m., and Thurs., 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Room 31. No appointment needed. – 718-671-5161

Wed., 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.) braids, haircuts, shapeups, twists, ponytails, curls and more. Facials and manicure (Mon., 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.) Tues., 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Thurs., 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., please call 718-671-5161.

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice. Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. only

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

a.m. Zoom only for now, 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173

855423

only:

#: 347-893-2966, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554.

Virtual, 1-3 p.m. In-person, Every 1st & 3rd Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. In-person, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Greetings, retirees and friends. ones doing well. Trip Committee

Co-op City Times / May 20, 2023

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Entertainment Committee

Goose Island Seniors

Atlantic City Bus Trip – Date change to

Resorts Casino

Maryland-Washington Crabfeast Trip

Nordic Lodge, Foxwoods Casino and Tanger Outlets

Caesar’s Casino

Membership

Happy Birthday

Condolences

ones. Good and Welfare

General Meeting

––Georgianna Rodriguez

AARP Chapter #4997

Greetings and good wishes to all the new Co-op City Times

The Spinners Zelle

Notary Bingo Game Day

To all members: Sick and Shut-in:

Zelle goose.island@ optonline.net.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Our Motto: “We Are Here To Serve – Not to be Served.”

––Ann Purnell

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

147 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 (lower level). Come As You Are

We want to inform the Riverbay community that our beloved Founding and Senior Pastor of Circle of Christ Church, Rev. Elisamuel Colón, went home with the Lord on April 25, 2023. We pay tribute to his 18 years of dedication to preaching the gospel, counseling, and his love for all the leaders, staff, congregation, and residents of the Riverbay community. He will always be remembered; the Lord received him with, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).

Registration and screening are no longer required to enter the sanctuary. The days of services will remain the same.

Tuesday: Bible Study on YouTube Live, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Thursday: Non-perishable foods distributed to the community: 12-2 p.m. Prayer Group from 10-11:30 a.m. & Prayer Group/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: In-person Spanish Bible Study Class from 12-2 p.m. Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday:

Women’s Fellowship, every second Sat. of the month, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

Young Adults, every third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship, every fourth Sat. of the month

Couples Fellowship, dates will be announced during services

Sunday Services: Spanish, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; English Service, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Servicios en Español

Servicios: en persona, en YouTube y Facebook Live.

Servicios dominicales: Español, 9-11 a.m. & Servicio en Inglés, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Martes: Estudio Bíblico en YouTube Live, 7-8:30 p.m.

Jueves: Grupo de oración de 10-11:30 a.m. y Grupo de oracion de 6:30-8 p.m.

Viernes: Estudio Bíblico en Español (en persona), 12-2 p.m.

Operation Grace Youth Service, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (en persona)

Cada primer sábado del mes: F.A.I.T.H. Alcance para las personas sin hogar.

Cada segundo sábado del mes: Ministerio de mujeres, 12-3 p.m. (en persona)

Cada tercer sábado del mes: Adultos jóvenes, 12-3 p.m. (en persona)

TGIF! (Thank God It’s Friday! Hosted by the Children’s Church Ministry)

Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) FOR KIDS: Every other Friday of the month beginning March 31, 2023, from 3:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Ages 5-12 years old.

Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

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: 718-6718746 and pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2023 is: (Luke 10:27) “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”

Sunday service will be at 11 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. on the Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388.

May 14 Worship Service: “A Mother of Great Faith”

Scripture: (Matthew 15:21-27) “Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fail from their masters’ table.”

Save the dates:

May 21 – Women’s Day at the 11 a.m. service with speaker Minister Dianne Thomas. The theme is “Women Abounding in God’s Love” (Colossians 3:14).

To demonstrate our oneness in Christ, women are kindly requested to wear white. All are invited to join us.

July 15 – Annual Church Picnic at Glen Island Park. All invited.

August 10 – “Moses” at the Sight and Sound Theatre. Lunch at Golden Corral prior to the 3 p.m. show. Adults: $190. Youth: $150. Deposit $30 to reserve your seat. No refunds. Final payment is due July 15.

Note:

Contact: Sadie James, 917-667-4229, or Hermena Smith, 718-708-5035, or email: info@churchnewvisionbx.org.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

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 in-person at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level). Masks are required. The 11:00 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at us04web. zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: 646-568-7788 or Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

The Church Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone to call into the Sunday Worship service or Wednesday Bible class using Zoom through your computer or dialing in using the Zoom information shown above.

The Pastor’s Aide Ministry will be celebrating their 44th anniversary on May 21 during the 11 a.m. service. The guest speaker will be Rev. Sharon Reese, Associate Minister, St. Paul Baptist Church, New York, N.Y. All are welcome to join us.

On May 28, during the 11:00 a.m. service, we will have a Memorial Tribute to our veterans. Everyone is invited to attend this Celebratory Service.

Young Teens Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., call-in number: 701-8025240, Access Code: 2528913. Teens Class is held at 9:30 a.m. Call-in number: 702-843-2644, Access Code: 2676710. Juniors Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., call-in number: 737-774-8306, Access Code: Juniors.

Mid-Week Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Prayer Warriors Prayer service is held on Thursdays at noon. Prayer Service is also held on Fridays at 10 a.m.

Friday Evening Prayer service is held at 7:30 p.m. Please note Friday evening

All Prayer Services are available on the Free Call Conference.com Line dial-in number shown above.

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

Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Please continue to mask-up, practice social distancing and stay safe!

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

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

––Hattie L. Lucas

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

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and Visit Us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered 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). You’re always welcome.

“And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11).

This text is part of a larger piece of Scripture in which Jesus prays for his disciples and asks God to be with them at the time of his death and resurrection. The Gospel of John is the only one who gives us a glimpse of what is going on within Jesus and his disciples on the eve of his arrest. Jesus is concerned for his disciples. And as a rule of thumb, every time that we see a reference in the Scripture to the disciples, it is also a reference to us. Jesus’ concern is that, even though he is returning to the Father, his disciples (and by extension, us) remain in the world. But what Jesus means with “the world?”

The world is an important category on the Gospel of John. It is the place where the redemptive action of Jesus occurs. It is also an opposing force to the message of hope of the Kingdom of God. So, we are in the world every time we are in a situation where hopelessness, defeat, and sorrow try to take the best of us. The world, as Jesus understands it, is a force that is fragmenting, dividing, and separating us, leading us to be isolated and vulnerable.

However, despite “the world” being a force that opposes the Gospel, it is not an object of despise from Jesus. Instead, “the world” is the main reason for Jesus’ ministry: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

Come and Receive a Blessing:

First Sunday of the month – Bilingual Service, 10 a.m-12 p.m. All are invited to have Communion.

Other Sundays – English Service, 10 a.m.; Spanish Service, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745) – Estudio Bíblico en Español, 12:00 p.m.; English Bible Study: 6:00 p.m.

Thursday – Bilingual Prayer Service in person, 9:30 a.m.

Thursday – Food Pantry, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming Events – SAVE THE DATES. All are welcome!

International Fashion Show, Poetry Reading & Reception, May 20, 4-4:45 p.m.

Paint & Sip (Non-alcoholic). Suggested donation is $10. Limited space.

Memorial Day BBQ, Baptism Celebration & Farewell to Pastor Sanchez and his family – May 29. Free event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

––Rev. Arnaldo Sanchez-Orta

CLASSIFIEDS

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38)

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Public Safety –––

(Cont’d from p. 7) activity. Be aware if your child suddenly shuts the computer off or reduces the screen when you enter the room. Set your telephone up to block restricted numbers. Monitor the numbers called by your child’s cell phone. Be alert to any unexpected packages that could be gifts sent by a potential sexual predator.

If you suspect that your child is receiving pornographic materials or being sexually exploited, it can be reported by submitting an online form to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tip Line at www.cybertipline. com. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, www. fbi.gov, has fostered relationships with some companies which operate social networking sites to aid law enforcement in the detection of online sexual predators. With the help of parents, a safer online environment can be created.

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

Matthew Miller Comes Up Big at the 2023 Return of the Classical Warriors

Last Saturday, May 13, Co-op City’s Matthew Miller of Martial Way Kung-fu Training Center in Dreiser Loop competed at Harlem’s 2023 Return of the Classical Warriors. With over 100 particiBelt Forms division against older, seasoned Black Belt masters and others, then went on to be the runner-up in the Grand Championship Forms division, losing by a half of a percentage in scoring.

Matthew also took first place in the Black Belt Weapons division and went on to win the Grand Championship, beating out older adult Black Belt senior masters.

However, in the adult Sparring division, Matthew lost his match in a very close and controversial decision and placed third.

All in all, Matthew, who hadn’t been classes at his university, didn’t have a bad day and fared much better than all the other competitors in terms of awards and titles in their divisions. Matthew continues to shine for our Co-op City community.

––Michael Miller

New York State Education Department

IMPORTANT MESSAGE Help Protect New York’s

Waters

DON’T FLUSH Unwanted Household Medications or Pour Them Down the Drain

Return to collection sites. or Mail back using a pre-addressed envelope from your pharmacist. or Toss in the garbage after mixing with something undesirable such as co ee grounds or dirt.

For full instructions or a map of collection sites, visit: www.dontflushyourdrugs.net

Matthew Miller (R) with his karate teacher Hanshi David Thomas.

Officer Green, Detective Johnson and Sgt. Gregory of CCPD had an amazing day at the JASA Health Fair, Wednesday, May 17, in the Dreiser Center.