Co-op City Times 05/25/24

First Candidates’ Forum of 2024 Riverbay Board Election Kicks Off

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

The frst Candidates’ Forum for the 2024 Riverbay of Directors election was held on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium.

Speaking to a nearly packed room of shareholders, 11 of the 12 certifed candidates were given a chance to present an opening statement. Afterwards, Election Committee co-chairs, Anika Green-Watson and Claudia Sampson, read to the candidates six questions that had been handed in by shareholders. Each candidate was given a minute to respond.

The following is a summary:

Q. A person who sits on the Riverbay Board of Directors should be community-minded and public-spirited. How have you participated, volunteered and/or engaged in community affairs that help to maintain and improve the quality of life in Co-op City and/or the Bronx at-large?

Jacqueline Smith: I moved into Co-op City in 1971 and at the age of 16, I began my community service by being a camp counselor supervisor in Section 5, the frst time we ever had a camp for Co-op City. Then I had to go to school and I had to take out student loans and then I

Spotted Lanternfies: See pg. 3

Section 8 Wait List: See pg. 4 Amazon Lockers: See pg. 5 Board Resolutions: See pgs. 29-30

Marvin L. Walton

This Management report provides an update with the on-going progress for staffng for the Public Safety Department, Annual Income Affdavits, Local Law 11, Amazon lockers, AC/Change-Over, Fire Prevention Presentation/Training and updates for the on-going convector initiatives. Public Safety Staffng

The community was made aware that CCPD current staffng levels are 39 short of the required 93 for Peace Offcers. Based on the 19 steps required for the new recruit’s process, the earliest hiring of recruits is estimated at the end of July/beginning of August. On May 18, 2024,

Board Meeting and Gallery Session held May 21

Approximately 80 shareholders attended the May 21st Open Board meeting and Gallery Session held in the

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The Riverbay Board of Directors met in open session at the Dreiser Auditorium on Tuesday, May 21, and shareholders were able to address the

Board and Management during the Gallery Session. In addition to attending in-person, shareholders were also able to view the (Continued on page 23)

2024 Candidates’ Forum

Shareholders are invited to attend the last Candidates’ Forum

Forum #3: Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m. Bartow Center, Rm. 31

(Attend in-person & watch live on the Crawler)

To access the Riverbay Crawler, turn your TV to channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum) for the last broadcast. The May 29th forum will be rebroadcast on the Crawler in the days following the event.

Send in Questions for Final Candidates’ Forum, May 29

344 Ballots Received by Election Vendor BY ROZAAN BOONE

The 2024 Election Committee encourages shareholders to utilize one of the three available options to submit questions for the third and fnal Candidates’ Forum to be held on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Center.

In addition to attending in-person, forum #3 will be broadcast live on the Riverbay Crawler

(Continued on page 11)

Riverbay Board Election

Dreiser Auditorium.

Photo by John Alexander

Photo by John Alexander

Ask the Candidates: Forum #3

started my community service in Co-op City. I worked on my townhouse association, but I think my proudest glory was when I worked on the MTA ad hoc committee. It was the time that I got to see shareholders come together and work on a serious problem that would have devastated our community… I’ve been involved in several projects and I’m here to serve and I want to say

Now it’s great, like my colleague Leah says to me, to have passion, but passion doesn’t pay the bills. There are different subcommittees that you can join, but to want to be on the Riverbay Board of Directors, I think you need to have a little bit more skill set to move this corporation and our community into the 21st century.

Mary Pearson: I have done a lot for and with the community. I’d say it community and you know, just getting grants. And I brought Billy Taylor; I brought Deep, a big band; did a series, a season, the new season jazz series; lots and lots of concerts. I brought a play here, a children’s play that I had written. In fact, it was in 1995, so maybe some of you who are 40 years old saw it when you were a kid. I also worked on the MTA ad hoc committee, and I’ve brought to the community and to that committee ideas that were used. We’re not done yet with that though… I marched with the community for [Eric] Garner, both monopole. Now all we need to do is see it come down. I made the little Section the Metro-North, fairness, DOT, MTA.

Aaron Carnegie: I was born and raised in Co-op City. Many of you probably have seen me. I taught tennis to either your kids or your grandkids, right out here, outside Truman. As they mentioned the MTA, I was the actual chairman

done a long time ago, which is have vending machines here. We should have had it for the MetroCards, so that we didn’t have to rely, or don’t have to rely on the MetroCard bus. My goal is, now they’re switching to OMNY, so I would like to bring the OMNY vending machines here to each community center. I am working with that. I’m working with Riverbay. With that, they’ve already agreed we’re just trying to get the MTA on board… I am the building president of Building 27. I am part of the Section 5 Association. I am part of numerous community organizations here at Co-op City, NAACP. So, community service is in my blood. It has been since teaching tennis when I was, starting at about eight years old, so I do have some plans that I would like to do for Co-op City.

Shana Montgomery: I’ve served senior citizens at JASA. I’m a 24-year educator. I’ve tutored students in the community. I’ve spoken to senior citizens, which I think is a very important task. When someone is feeling lonely or out of place, I’ve sat in different areas to speak with senior citizens. I’ve advocated for children most of my career. I’ve started a youth program in my building, as well as around Co-op City. I try to advocate for us to have places that the youth can go after school, which is the most dangerous time of the day for our youth. My advocacy comes basically for children and senior citizens, because I think they’re the most vulnerable in our community. As well as people who just need someone to speak to. So in my building, there’s also senior citizens that have no one, so if I do a checkup on some senior citizens and recently we had to go a little further and I know Co-op City has something where they check on senior citizens periodically. However, a lot of seniors are not in touch with that organization or whatever Co-op City is currently doing. So I try to extend myself and speak to seniors about it and let them know that there is help. There is someone out there for you and that you can get in touch with a number and I try to advocate for them.

Bernard Cylich: In 1974, I initiated a lobby effort to go to Albany. We organized 50 bus loads of cooperators, an historic event, to try to get some charge increase. We came back empty-handed, and we initiated a rent strike. I was appointed a leader there, struck for 13 months to get some relief... We got some adjustments. Later on, in 1984, we organized a petition drive to get a satellite police station here. We collected 8,000 signatures. We picketed the police

Shareholders are encouraged to participate in the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors Election by submitting questions in advance to be asked of the candidates at the May 29th Candidates’ Forum, 7 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center. There are three options for shareholders to submit questions.

1. The form printed on page 11 of this issue can be completed, placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to your respective CSO as soon as possible and prior to the May 29 forum.

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

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

3. You may also complete the form electronically at https://tiny url.com/ycy7e4rd or scan the QR code here:

station. Unfortunately, we never won one. In 2020, 2010 rather, when the MTA cut some bus service, we organized, I organized a coalition, and we collected over 8,000 signatures demanding the restoration of those buses. However, we didn’t get one ..., but we organized a new coalition. And subsequently, we got those buses restored. In 2018, we organized a celebration. I was part of the celebration committee with Linda Berk, the president of the Board of Directors. We organized a 2018 celebration for the 50th anniversary.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: I’ve been a member of my Building 32 Association since 2018. I started off as a secretary of that organization and I’ve worked my way up as the president. And in that time, I’ve met many cooperators who have told me their concerns. We’ve reached back to CSO and Building Management and had those concerns taken care of. I made a video back in 2022 against the ramp that’s almost here now. Unfortunately, those efforts did not come to fruition, but I was out there. And also, I’m a Coalition to Save Affordable Housing member… And I’ve also advocated for our community with the coming of the Metro-North train station, so that our needs get met because when that train station comes, they’re going to do whatever they want to do, and we can’t let that happen. So, now I’m a member of the Section 5 Association, which is great. I suggest all building association presidents be a part of that.

Corazon Fernandez: It all started with, I wanna say 2010-2011 when I with the seniors here. I wanna get more familiar, but I’ve known since then that the seniors had a lot of more freedom and liberty back then when they had lobby attendants. Now, not so much, there’s no lobby attendants. The seniors are at risk, they don’t feel safe… And also, I’ve done community service for the Bronx Borough President and District 14. I’ve handed out pamphlets for [elected candidates]. I’m proactive and I wanna be more proactive with you

Sheila Richburg: I’m the president of the National Council of Negro Women. We… put on webinars, health fairs in our community. We had a health fair that had over 500 attendees in 2022. We brought 57 different vendors here to provide the community with resources. As we know, we have a lot of health issues and we need to educate ourselves so we can do better. I am also a Riverbay Fund director here in this community, where we seek and we allocate resources to continue having community events in our community, to keep up our community spirit. I have grant writing experience. I have written grants for my organization and allocated funds for us. I am a notary public. Two weeks

I am an RN. During COVID, I was able to give COVID vaccinations in this community, right in Dreiser Loop during my nine hours when I worked my day job. So I am all about service to this community. I have a master’s degree, like I said, in Nursing, and now I educate the community in diabetes education. I also

(Continued on page 17)

The May 18th Forum was moderated by the 2024 Election Committee cochairs, Director Claudia Sampson (right) and Anika Green-Watson (second from right).

Photo by John Alexander

Co-op City Times

COMBING

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

Memorial Day Ceremony

American Legion Post 1871 and the Riverbay Fund will co-sponsor a Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m., to honor US Armed Forced personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their military duties. The ceremony will be held at Co-op City’s Harley J. Mosley Sr. Veteran’s Memorial Park. Light refreshment will be served following the program.

Annual Co-op City Community Fair

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

Commander of Post 1871 Honored for Community Service

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The Riverbay Extermination Department has identified Spotted Lanternfly egg masses in and around several buildings in all five sections of Co-op City and has begun taking steps to help control infestation on the property. Beginning this June and extending to October, Riverbay’s Extermination Department is gearing up to start liquid treatment for Spotted Lanternflies. The treatment involves spraying the surfaces of buildings and other plants with Talstar, a water-based, non-odorous insecticide. Once dried, the spray is “virtually impossible” to detect where it has been applied, as explained by Talstar’s product description.

Overall, the process will be handled entirely in-house by the Extermination department, which will handle the areas under building porticos in addition to treating the community’s trees and shrubs. This work will be done on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 5-8 p.m. After application on a surface, the spray takes roughly 30 minutes to dry.

Mark Gordon, director of Riverbay’s Extermination Services, told the Co-op City Times that egg masses have been identified on several trees, buildings and surface areas across the campus.

All Riverbay offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

Emergency Maintenance will be available by calling 718-320-3300, OPTION #2

For Public Safety, call 718-671-3050

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

The Extermination department started inspections in March and so far Spotted Lanternfly egg masses have been identified on Buildings 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 A&B, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 32. While egg masses on some buildings have been treated, egg masses on others have been destroyed. The buildings with the highest concentration of Spotted Lanternfly egg masses are in Sections 1, 3 and 5.

“Spotted Lanternflies are harmless but over time, they can cause damage to agricultural crops. In addition to trees and buildings, they also lay their eggs on vehicles and outdoor furniture, so in our case here in Co-op City, shareholders who have patio furniture should be careful if moving those items indoors as they can bring Spotted Lanternflies into their homes,” Gordon said.

“Managing Spotted Lanternflies is a process. You first have to identify trees and surfaces with eggs, remove the egg masses and then implement a control plan to bring the infestation down to a manageable level where you know the Lanternflies are there but they are not as overwhelming. Treatment is done over a period of time and over different seasons since each brings their own challenges so this is not a one-shot situation,” Gordon went on to say.

2nd Front Page

Antonio Codrington, a longtime Co-op City shareholder, veteran and Commander of the American Legion Post 1871, was honored for his work in the community on Thursday, May 23, at the 45th Precinct Community Council Breakfast. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson was in attendance as Sonia Feliciano, President of the Riverbay Board of Directors and also secretary of the 45th Pct. Community Council, introduced Mr. Codrington before he was presented with his award. “He’s been a true leader for Co-op City in everything that he does,” said Board President Feliciano. In his remarks, Mr. Codrington took the opportunity to thank veterans for their service and to remind everyone about the Post 1871/Riverbay Fund’s Memorial Day Ceremony which will be held on Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m. in Harley J. Mosely Veterans Memorial Park in Co-op City. Three other Bronx community advocates were honored at the Community Council Breakfast and several officers from the 45th Precinct received awards for their heroic police work.

Program

Last year, when the infestation became noticeable, Director of the Riverbay Grounds Department Mike Ambo expressed concern for the protection of the trees on property, which include sycamore, poplar, oak, plum, willow, cherry blossom, pine, maple and a few apple trees, since Spotted Lanternflies can feed on fruit trees.

“We are definitely concerned about the trees because though they are not agricultural crops, they are still vital to the ecosystem so we do have to protect them as well as the shrubs and ornamentals around the property to ensure the vegetation remains,” Gordon said.

Gordon advised shareholders to kill any Spotted Lanternflies they encounter “on sight.”

Originating from southeast Asia, Spotted Lanternflies spread mainly through human activity from laying eggs on vehicles or materials being transported from one area to another. In the United States, Spotted Lanternflies have been detected in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West

Virginia, Virginia, Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio, according to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Spotted Lanternflies are seen in either two stages, as nymphs or adults. Nymphs are newly hatched Spotted Lanternflies that are black in color with white spots. Nymphs that are close to maturity turn red with white spots. Adult Spotted Lanternflies are usually one inch to an inch and a half in length, have gray-colored forewings with black spots and red hindwings with black spots and a white stripe near the top.

Adult lanternflies lay egg masses on anything from tree trunks to rocks, vehicles and plant material. These egg masses are smooth and brownish-gray with a shiny, waxlike coating when newly laid, or brown and scaly when old. To properly destroy egg masses, the DEC advises that these masses can be scraped into a bucket of hot soapy water or a container of hand sanitizer.

Using a straw-like proboscis, Spotted Lanternflies feed on the sap of hundreds of plants, especially trees of heaven,

(Continued on page 4)

––Danielle Cruz

Photo by Rozaan Boone

Riverbay’s Spotted Lanternfly Control

Egg mass

Adult and late nymph

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)

Wait List Opens June 8

NYCHA will begin accepting applications for the Section 8 wait list on Monday, June 3, at 12 a.m., through Sunday, June 9, at 11:59 p.m.

Eligible shareholders are encouraged to apply online at on.nyc.gov/section8-application. Paper applications will only be made available as a reasonable accommodation.

The online application may be accessed from a computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access. If you do not have internet access, you may visit a local library.

Once the application period closes, NYCHA will randomly place 200,000 applications on the wait list. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee that your application will be placed on the wait list.

To learn more about applying for the Section 8 wait list and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/ nycha/section-8/applicants.page or call NYCHA’s application hotline at (718) 218-1525.

––Danielle Cruz

Lanternflies –––––– (Continued from page 3)

grapevines, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and many others. Trees that have been infested with Spotted Lanternflies can be identified by the fermented odor emitted from open cuts on the tree trunk.

Spotted Lanternflies can have a noticeable impact on the environments they invade. “SLF (Spotted Lanternfly) feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky ‘honeydew,’ which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, negatively impacting agriculture and forest health,” as explained by the DEC.

To prevent the spread of Spotted Lanternflies, the DEC, US Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) combined efforts to locate and treat infestations and developed a plan requiring regulated materials from infected or quarantined areas to have inspection certificates issued by the impacted states. Across New York, inspections are carried out by AGM and affiliated partners to check for compliance with the regulations.

Within New York, DEC has established Protective Zones that include the Bronx and Westchester Counties where surveying, monitoring and management activities take place to locate and prevent spreading Spotted Lanternflies.

Spotted lanternflies, while annoying, are not harmful to humans or animals. Should a lanternfly happen to get indoors or inside an apartment, the insect would last “for about 48 hours,” according to Brian Eshenaur, Senior Extension Associate, NYS Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University.

AGM advises that it is not necessary for New Yorkers to report Spotted Lanternfly sightings to the agency. Instead, they can continue to step on the pests, use a hand-held vacuum or scrape egg masses off and properly dispose of them.

DEC, however, says that residents can help by snapping photos and reporting Spotted Lanternfly infestations or egg masses to spottedlanternfly@agriculture. ny.gov. Provide details such as address, landmarks and/or GPS coordinates. Alternatively, individuals can also fill out DEC’s Spotted Lanternfly form online at tinyurl.com/ydushfx4.

Rebroadcast Schedule of Forum #1, May 18

Stay tuned to the Riverbay Crawler, channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Optimum), for the rebroadcast of the May 18th Candidates’ Forum.

Rebroadcast will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. It will be repeated at 2 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.

Dear Building and Townhouse Associations,

Here is how it works:

Theme: The theme of the contest is “Red, White & Blue.”

As we gear up for our upcoming election, we are excited to infuse a spirit of community and creativity into the process. To make this election season engaging and enjoyable, we are thrilled to invite your association to participate in a Lobby Decorating Contest!

Participation: Building and Townhouse Associations are invited to decorate building lobbies and townhouse greens according to the theme using any materials or decorations they see fit.

Voting: Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite building.

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the top three buildings based on the number of votes received.

This contest isn’t about winning; it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the Board election process and display our collective creativity.

We believe that building participation will add excitement to our election season and strengthen the sense of community within Co-op City.

If your Association would like to participate, please reach out to the Election Committee at Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com for a copy of the rules. We will provide further details and guidelines to ensure a fair and enjoyable contest for all.

Let’s make this election season one to remember by adding a splash of color and creativity to our building lobbies!

Looking forward to the community’s enthusiastic participation!

Best Regards, 2024 Riverbay Board Election Committee

Amazon Locker Pilot Program Expanding to Chevron Buildings

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The Amazon locker pilot program will be expanding to additional buildings in the coming months.

This latest expansion will bring the bright blue Amazon Hub lockers to Chevron buildings. The new lockers will be located at the side of each building.

Riverbay Interim Deputy General Manager Joshua Blake worked with Amazon to organize the pilot program in an effort to address package thefts and further improve service reliability for Amazon customers in Co-op City.

As for a timeline of implementation, Blake told the Co-op City Times this week that he expects the latest rollout to be completed in the next two to three months.

Five Chevron buildings will have their lockers installed frst: 1A, 1B, 9A, 9B, 15A, 15B, 30A, 30B, 32A and 32B.

The remaining fve Chevron buildings will eventually have their lockers installed after Amazon assesses “package volume,” also according to Blake.

Amazon began the initial rollout of the locker pilot program with all 10 Triple-Core buildings in April of 2023.

Despite a small learning curve for shareholders utilizing the lockers, Blake said many have reported a quality experience so far since the pilot’s inception. He also noted that shareholders appreciate the extra level of security the lockers provide.

Shareholders planning to use the lockers may need a smartphone device with the Amazon Shopping app downloaded and Bluetooth connectivity in order to secure their package from a locker. In order to have packages delivered to an Amazon Hub locker, the shareholder must have their respective building listed as their default delivery address. Shareholders can check their default delivery address by visiting their account online at Amazon.com.

When a package arrives at an Amazon Hub locker, the recipient is then sent an email with instructions on how they can pick up their package from the locker.

Individuals who do not own a smartphone or

would prefer to opt out of having their packages sent to an Amazon Hub locker can do so by going to their account information on Amazon.com. After logging into their Amazon account, the individual can navigate to the “Your Addresses” page and tap the “Add Delivery instructions” prompt. Next, the individual would uncheck the box for the option to have the package delivered to the locker in the “Where should we leave your packages at this address?” menu.

The Amazon hub lockers will only be used to deliver Amazon orders, meaning mail from other carriers will not be placed in the Amazon lockers. Any Amazon orders that are too heavy or large to ft inside the locker will be left at the recipient’s doorstep. Amazon orders that are shipped from a third-party carrier will not be placed in the lockers.

Shareholders, if you have a graduate or a student who excelled this past school year, let us know so their accomplishments can be shared with your neighbors. Send your submissions to cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com.

Above, Amazon Hub lockers installed at Triple Core buildings. Next phase of the locker pilot is installation at the sides of the Chevron buildings in the coming months.

– • Letter to the Editor • –

kept confidential, so that the editor

You Do Not Have to Live with Roaches

To the Editor:

If roaches are in your apartment, call Riverbay’s Extermination department at 718-320-3300, then press 3 when prompted.

Roaches are leaving your apartment and going into others’! The service is free and quick. You don’t have to move anything, but cleaning up food particles on countertops, cabinets, or floors would be beneficial. Roaches can’t live longer than seven days without water and thirty days without food.

We always clean and spray our countertops and sink after we use them with ammonia or bleach. Also, during the day and especially at night, we spray a rodent repellant after use (we also spray this in our cabinets). Rodents don’t like the smell and won’t drink the water in the sink. Do your research, read customer reviews and select the product/s that work for you. Please make that phone call because your apartment is affecting everyone else.

—Andrea D. Mayo

Important Notice to clubs, and religious and community organizations

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

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

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

Remember also that the deadline for submission of articles from clubs, religious institutions, community organizations and building associations is 3 p.m. each

Monday. Articles that are received after this deadline will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as space allows.

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

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

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

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

Co-op City Times

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell Media Assistant

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

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

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

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

Co-op City Department of Public Safety

Mission Statement

The mission of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety is to enhance the quality of life within Co-op City in collaboration with the community, to enforce the law & regulations of the Riverbay Corporation, preserve the peace, protect persons and property, reduce fear.

Values

All members of the Department of Public Safety strive to accomplish our goal by applying our core values: Pride, Professionalism, and Service. We respect the individual and enforce the law and the regulations of the Riverbay Corporation impartially, always working towards the goal of making this community a safe place to live, work, and visit. We are proactive and embrace the community policing methodology as a service delivery mechanism for the entire Department.

The Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety was created to provide a safe and secure environment for the shareholders of the Co-op City community. All sworn Public Safety Officers are State Certified Peace Officers licensed by the New York City Police Department as Special Patrolman and all are licensed by the NYPD to possess and carry firearms while on duty. Co-op City Public Safety Officers have the same law enforcement powers that police officers possess when on Co-op City property. Our sworn officers are, in fact, sworn in by the New York City Police Commissioner and are regulated by the New York City Police Department while complying with applicable rules and regulations established by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice. Any arrests made or summonses issued by our members are processed in the same fashion as other law enforcement organizations in the State of New York. The Department of Public Safety routinely works in collaboration with other law enforcement organizations. Our working relationship and continued partnership with the women and men of our local police precinct, the 45th Precinct, brings the resources of both organizations to serve the Co-op City community. Public Safety supervisors have radio interoperability capability providing direct radio contact with the New York City Police Department and public safety supervisors and dispatchers monitor the New York City Police radio division that encompasses Co-op City.

The Department of Public Safety would like to remind you that if “YOU

Public

Safety Blotter

May 12 – May 18, 2024

May 12, 2024

Opposite 99 Einstein Loop –While on routine patrol, CCPD observed a vehicle with Connecticut license plates with all of the windows smashed along with other damage to the vehicle. No information was found on the vehicle and the owner was unable to be contacted.

May 13, 2024

Rear of 140 Casals Place – A non-resident juvenile reported being physically assaulted by two female juvenile suspects while waiting at the bus stop. One of the female juvenile suspects brandished a kitchen knife before fleeing the area. NYPD responded to the scene and transported the juvenile victim home after speaking to the mother.

May 14, 2024

140 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that an unknown individual kicked her apartment door causing damage to the apartment door and difficulty securing the top lock. The perpetrator then fled the area.

100 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without his permission.

May 15, 2024

100 Erdman Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without his permission.

100 Debs Place – CCPD Emergency Service Unit responded to a call of a female cooperator down

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!”

Cooperators may report quality of life issues anonymously through our website, www.ccpd.us, or in person at our headquarters. The Department of Public Safety headquarters is located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York 10475 (Bartow Mall, lower level).

The Department of Public Safety is currently funded to employ 115 sworn members.

The Department’s authorized staffing is as follows:

• One Chief

• One Captain

• Twenty-one (21) Lieutenants and Sergeants

• Ninety-three (93) sworn officers

• Twelve (12) Emergency Dispatchers

• Three (3) Administrative/Clerical staff

The Department of Public Safety currently has four main field deployable components:

1.Uniformed Patrol: Uniformed Patrol is the largest unit within the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. The patrol unit provides primary response to all calls for service on a 24-hour basis, 365 days per year. They conduct proactive building and garage checks. They visit every building and garage multiple times per day. Patrol Officers are assigned to monitor the malls, children’s play areas, and open/common areas. Every building and garage in Co-op City is visited multiple times each day by Public Safety Officers and/or supervisors. Uniformed members are primarily assigned to patrol to maximize visibility to the community. Public Safety Officers use marked patrol vehicles including sedans and SUV’s, three-wheeled marked scooters, and foot patrol. When staffing permits, bicycle deployment is also used. Public Safety Officers are always assigned in a clearly identifiable “police type” uniform. Deployment strategies are designed to cover the extremely large, park-like Co-op City campus while providing maximum visibility. Scooter Patrol increases visibility, provides officers the opportunity to cover more terrain, and affords the community reassurance as the very visible scooter vehicles traverse the community

2.Emergency Service/Rescue Unit: The Co-op City Department of Public Safety Emergency Service Unit (ESU) is trained and equipped to respond to medical, rescue, and tactical emergencies. They work each day and are State Certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

3.Detective Squad: The Detective Squad is divided into two components:

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in the apartment calling for help. After conducting a forced entry to the apartment, ESU found an elderly female on the floor with various injuries. EMS arrived on scene and transported the elderly female to Jacobi Hospital for further evaluation.

900 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission.

120 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported that an unknown individual removed several items of clothing from the washing machine in the laundry room and left the area.

May 16, 2024

900 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported that confirmed delivered packages were removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission.

May 17, 2024

140 Elgar Place – CCPD responded to a call of a person loitering on the 12th floor stairwell. Upon arrival, CCPD observed a cooperator sitting on the stairs smoking cigarettes. The cooperator was issued a Community Complaint for loitering and a Community Complaint for smoking in the building.

100 Darrow Place – A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package that was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without her permission.

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, please see below for specific directions.

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

For employment opportunities, please visit these following sites:

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

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

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Director’s Viewpoint Michelle Marbury, Assistant Treasurer

This Land is “Your” Land, This Land is “Our” Land

Avoiding all Carrying Charge Increases:

The Possibility

I was at a conference where the topic of discussion was historical properties in New York. It made me think of what I always say, “Co-op City is the best kept secret in New York.” So many people pass us by on I-95, not knowing they just passed by the largest NORC in North America which others around the world are trying to mirror.

The conversation morphed into a discussion of the 8.1% increase. It is disheartening to endure the threat of economics of today that could destroy the fabric that has always held Co-op City in a class by itself.

Former City Councilmember Andy King had a great idea and so I share it with you, the shareholders. “Co-op City shareholders, especially elder shareholders could very well be priced out of their homes. Those who offer this astronomical solution may think there is no other way or there is some other sinister plot to move hard working people and retirees from Co-op City that is not being discussed publicly.” This is why I agree and request, along with Mr. King, that Riverbay, HPD, HCR, NYC, HUD, HPF, to seek the establishment of securing Co-op City as an historical landmark

We already Hold the History of Freedom Land

Our beloved Co-op City. According to Mr.

King, Co-op City, with its landscapes, parks, buildings and structures under a Historical Landmark district and buildings entity would qualify for federal grants and protections. If all is applicable, this would alleviate the burden of so many who have called Co-op City their home for decades from being priced out. “I pray that life/light in Co-op City continues to be a beacon for hope, success, and joy for current shareholders and the generations to come,” Mr. King said.

Policy Making: Comes from Events like The Townhall Meeting

Too many shareholders expect the Board alone to run Co-op City’s Riverbay Corporation. What a loaded statement. Let’s analyze. “You” (including you + me + the Board members) are “The Riverbay Corporation.” “We” all live in this place called Coop City.

“We” together as a corporation have hired a Managing staff. The Managing staff runs the dayto-day operations of our property/campus. Anything that goes on, good or bad, is to be adhered to by the Managing staff. If certain duties are not carried out to a shareholder’s requirement and the shareholder has exhausted all departmental means put in place, then and only then should a Board director become involved, and only to address the situation through inquiries, to see that said requirements are met.

In short, if a Board director says to you, they will

take care of a certain issue or problem for “you” individually, they are speaking out of turn. Such language can be detrimental to the corporation as a whole. Each Board member is a shareholder first, just like you. The power, held by a Board member, is only in effect when utilized along with the Board as a unit (i.e., in the Board Room).

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 by you. 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.

I leave you with this:

“WE” the Board are 15, “YOU” the Corporation are 43,752. Our numbers are our strength. Kindly get involved.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Memorial Day Weekend! I can be reached at mmarbury@ riverbayboard.com

My name is Jonathan Soto, and I am running to represent you in the New York State Assembly in the Democratic Primary on June 25th.

Let me be clear: Co-op City’s priorities are my priorities, because what’s good for Co-op City is what’s good for the Bronx.

FOR OUR COOPERATORS

The 8.1% carrying charge increase is an existential threat to all cooperators.

I’m committed to being an advocate and f ghting against the insurance companies that are price gouging Mitchell Lama developments and the fossil fuel companies that are raising energy and utility costs – which are contributing factors to the 8.1% carrying charge increase.

Co-op City will remain an oasis of afordability.

FOR OUR SENIORS

Co-op seniors deserve to retire comfortably in their homes without fear of being priced out.

I will sponsor legislation in the New York State legislature to increase the income eligibility for SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption). Li f ing the household income cap for SCRIE eligibility, currently set at $50,000, will help cooperators facing carrying charge increases.

Our Seniors on fxed-income will be taken care of.

FOR OUR CHILDREN

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

Budget cuts have not only squeezed Truman High School, they have devastated public education across the Bronx. I know that every budget that defunds our children’s schools is not only a policy failure, but a moral one as well.

Our children will get the resources they need to succeed.

Questions for Forum ––––

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and rebroadcast in the days following the forum. Stay tuned to the Crawler on Saturday, May 25, at 8 p.m. for the rebroadcast of Forum #1. It will be repeated at 2 a.m.; 10 a.m and 3 p.m.

Questions can be emailed directly to the Election Committee at Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp. com in advance of the May 29th forum; the form printed on this page can be completed, cut out, place in a sealed envelope and dropped off in advance at your CSO; or flled out electronically at https://tinyurl.com/ycy7e4rd or scan the QR code at right.

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

Those emailing or dropping off their question to CSO must include their full name, building number and apartment, along with the question to be asked of the candidates.

The Election Committee reported this week that forums #1 and #2, held on Saturday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 22, respectively, were well attended and forum #2 was standing room only attendance in Einstein’s Room 45.

Voting in the Board election began on Monday, May 20, when the YesElections portal opened to shareholders of record as of April 1, 2024. As of press time on Friday, the Election Committee reported that 344 electronic ballots had been received during the frst week of voting. This year’s quorum is 5,035.

Shareholders have two options to vote in the annual Board election. Completed ballots can be returned directly to YesElections in the postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope included in the ballot envelope which began arriving in Co-op City mailboxes this week. On the other hand, voting can be done electronically using the specifc PIN and Code included on your ballot letter and following the directions included with your ballot.

Board election ballots must not be returned to Riverbay Corporation, given to a staff member or dropped in the carrying charge boxes. They must be returned only to YesElections.

The 2024 Riverbay Board Election ballot is enclosed in a green envelope.

Voting ends in four weeks at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14.

On this year’s ballot, shareholders are voting for no more than six candidates from among the twelve listed: Jacqueline Smith, Mary Pearson, Aaron Carnegie, Shanauzelda Montgomery, Bernard Cylich, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Corazon Fernandez, Sheila Richburg, Kyshawn White, Kevin Foggie, Leah Graham and Andrea Leslie.

The ballot also includes a referendum question for an indoor smoking ban of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments. Shareholders will mark either “Yes” or “No.”

There is also an option for shareholders to cast their ballot only for quorum purposes which means if they decide not to participate in the election, they can still cast their ballot to help make the quorum.

Summing up the events of the past week, 2024 Election Committee co-chair Claudia Sampson said: “Voting is not only a privilege but also an inalienable right that every shareholder should exercise. Throughout this election cycle, we’ve received over 40 questions submitted by shareholders who want their voices to be heard and respected. Given the limited time allotted to the candidates’ forums and to avoid redundancy, the EC synthesized shareholders’ questions allowing candidates to respond to the best of their abilities. The turnout at the frst two forums was great as was the response from building associations and townhouse clusters about the lobby decorating contest. Please vote online or by mail. The postage-paid green envelopes containing your ballots must be placed in the U.S. post boxes. Remember the election ends June 14!”

Last week, the Committee announced a contest for buildings and townhouse associations to decorate their lobbies and townhouse greens under the theme “Red, White & Blue” to make the election process more engaging and enjoyable, to encourage shareholders to vote in the Board election, and to make the quorum by June 14. Shareholders will then be given the chance to vote for their favorite building and prizes will be awarded to the top three buildings/townhouses.

“This contest isn’t about winning; it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the Board election process and display our collective creativity,” said Election Committee co-chair Green-Wat-

son. “We believe that building participation will add excitement to our election season and strengthen the sense of community within Co-op City.”

Building and townhouse associations that wish to enter the contest are encouraged to contact the Committee at Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com for contest rules.

Starting with this week’s issue, the frst election supplement, originally published on Saturday, May 4, is being reprinted in the newspaper of pages 3746. The second supplement will be republished next Saturday, June 1, followed by the reprint of the third supplement on Saturday, June 8.

Physical copies of the newspaper can be picked up in building lobbies and community centers on Saturday mornings, or read online at https://www. issuu.com/cctimes or on X, @coopcitytimes. The newspaper is also accessible on the Home page of the offcial Co-op City website at https://www. coopcity.com

2024 Riverbay Board Election –– Submit a Question for Candidates’ Forum #3

Forum #3 for the 2024 Riverbay Corporation Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, at 7 PM in the Bartow Community Center, Room 31.

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

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

Shareholder details

Director

’s

Viewpoint Daryl Johnson

Improvements Needed

Some of our cooperators have made a lot of complaints about noise, dogs, and a few other things. So, let’s deal with these matters.

Noise Complaints

Noise is a very big problem here in Co-op City. But, with cooperation, our community can drastically reduce the number of noise complaints that are called into our Public Safety department.

For instance, we’ve had some bad issues with some cooperators and noise complaints. Some of the complaints were about children running, playing, and making a lot of noise in their apartment. However, did those actions upset some of the neighbors below that apartment? Yes.

So, calls were made to Public Safety department. Thereafter, our officers would check out the noise complaints and make their own determinations about the matter.

Then, apparently, some of those determinations were not acceptable to some of our cooperators. And, that’s when some of our cooperators made some bad choices to deal with the neighbors above them.

Thereafter, some cooperators took matters into their own hands. And, they took objects and banged on the walls and ceiling every time that the neighbors above them made noise. So, what do you think was the condition of their walls and ceiling after they did all of that banging? Well, their walls and ceiling were severely damaged. But, did any of that damage affect the neighbors above them? No.

One solution that I have for these complaints is for our board to set up a committee to handle cooperator issues. Therefore, board directors and our cooperators can work together on this committee. Then, the overall goal of the committee would be to peacefully resolve these complaints.

Neighbors arguing and carrying on? Meetings can be set up so that neighbors can sit down in a peaceful manner and settle their differences. Good solutions can then be discussed to reduce the noise emanating from an apartment.

Can mats and sound dampening materials be installed throughout an apartment? Kids making noise in an apartment? In my opinion, our board should consider setting up programs so that kids can engage in a lot of good activities.

Look, if you go online, you’ll see that some people are posting photos that relate to their childhood. For instance, you’ll see photos of kids from the good old days playing outside and enjoying themselves. Then, they’ll have photos of what they consider is the life of kids today. And, that is a simply a kid playing on a cellphone. That’s it!

But, kids need a lot of proper love, good education, appropriate discipline, and lots of other good things in their lives. So, can we fill up our community centers and bring in several programs throughout the year for kids?

Childcare is extremely expensive for most parents. So, think about the joy and relief that we can bring to so many parents here if we could assist them and their childcare with several good programs. Thereafter, the parents can pick up their kids, go home, and get those exhausted kids ready to sleep for the rest of the night.

Noise? No, most of the noise complaints would then go away because most of the kids would be too tired to stay up.

Dogs Acting Out

Can a dog bark on a continuous basis and disturb the neighbors on several floors? No! Can a cooperator open their door and allow their dog to a roam around a hallway? No. Can a dog be allowed to viciously growl and snap at other cooperators on an elevator? Never!

Regardless, can you believe that this type of foolishness is going on in some of our buildings? Yes. Also, some cooperators are saying that some dog owners are still not cleaning up after their dog. So, our board and our Public Safety Department must crack down on these matters.

Bottom line: I love dogs. But, dog owners need to understand that they must follow our rules if they want their dog to live here. No nonsense!

It’s Graduation Time!

Shareholders, if you have a graduate or a student who excelled this past school year, let us know so their accomplishments can be shared with your neighbors.

Send your submissions to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or call us at 718-320-3300, x3375/7.

Red Lobster Expected to File For Bankruptcy

Just a few years ago, I would see lots of people waiting outside just to get into a Red Lobster restaurant. And, now, can you believe that more than 50 Red Lobster restaurants across the country have closed their doors?

According to published reports, Red Lobster wants to utilize a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing to restructure their debt that totals hundreds of millions of dollars. Furthermore, can you believe that some of these reports are partly blaming this bankruptcy filing on those all-you-can-eat shrimp deals? Anyway, let’s wait and see what happens to the Red Lobster restaurant in Bay Plaza. Close

I want to encourage everyone to please be considerate of your neighbors by not making a lot of noise in your apartment. I also want to encourage our dog owners to please follow our rules for keeping a dog here. So, please clean up after your dog. And, if needed, please get your dog trained by a professional dog trainer.

Thank you.

Contact Information

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

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

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

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

Assembly Member Benedetto 2024 Scholarship Competition for Co-op City Students

Assembly Member Michael R. Benedetto has announced the kick-off of the annual Co-op City Scholarship competition, an initiative to help students who live in Co-op City achieve their dreams of attending college.

“I don’t need to tell parents that the cost of attending college has become increasingly expensive,” said Assembly Member Benedetto who is a member of the Assembly Committee on Education and a former school teacher. “However, I do want parents to know that community scholarships like ours do exist to help offset the high expense of college and I want the youth of Co-op City to take advantage of them. Cost should not play a large role in a student’s decision to pursue higher education.”

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be Co-op City residents in their senior year of high school, currently serving or have served their community in a volunteer capacity, and have a C+ grade average or better.

Each year, the Co-op City Scholarship Fund awards scholarships of $500 each to use for school-related expenses like books or tuition. The Fund has awarded more than 35 students since its inception in 2011.

Applications for the scholarship can be picked up at the assembly member’s offices at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 12. Applications are due on Monday, June 3, 2024.

For more information, contact the assembly member’s office by calling 718-320-2220 or by email to Tremaine O’Garro at ogarrot@nyassembly.gov

Management Report

––––– (Continued from page 1) forty-seven (47) candidates were expected to attend the physical agility exam; twenty-fve (25) candidates showed up and three (3) candidates failed the test resulting in twenty-two (22) candidates moving on to the next phase in the process. The next phase will be the medical and psychological evaluation. The agility phase consists of each candidate performing their physical ability in demonstrating sit ups, push-ups, stair climbing ten (10) fights of stairs – fve (5) fights up and fve (5) fights down, dragging a 175 lbs. mannequin for approximately thirty (30) total feet and a 0.5-milerun (half a mile). All candidates were monitored and graded using the Cooper Standards (Law Enforcement physical assessment based on age and gender)

Annual Income Affdavits

The digital annual income affdavit form was launched on April 1, 2024. The Finance department is working closely with the consultants Capstone Strategy Group, and our Assistant Executive General Manager, Cary Smith III, on this project.

Shareholders are encouraged to register, complete, and submit the income affdavit form online. In addition to launching the digital income affdavit online, the Finance department sent out approximately 5,000 emails to shareholders encouraging them to use the digital platform for submission

Local Law 11

Local Law 11 requires all NYC buildings greater than six (6) stories have the facades of the buildings inspected every fve (5) years by a DOB-qualifed professional (Qualifed Exterior Wall Inspector, or QEWI), and a report fled with the DOB.

The general requirements governing façade inspections in NYC are contained in Article 302 of Title 28 of the NYC Administrative Code, entitled Maintenance of Exterior Walls. Detailed inspection and reporting requirements, as well as penalties, are delineated in 1 RCNY §103-04 Periodic Inspection of

Exterior Walls and Appurtenances (DOB Rule 103-04). The DOB adopted an amendment to DOB Rule 103-04 which became effective at the commencement of Cycle 9A on February 21, 2020.

Cycle 8 began on February 21, 2015, and closed on February 20, 2020. During inspections in years 2016 through 2018, the following were found:

Section 5

• Buildings 26, 30 & 31 were found UNSAFE and sidewalk bridging was immediately erected as required by law. Bridging remained in place until the work was completed.

• Buildings 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34 & 35 were found SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program). This required correction of all noted conditions prior to next Reporting cycle, Cycle 9A.

Sections 1 to 4

• Buildings 1 to 25 were all initially found to be in UNSAFE condition. If fled UNSAFE with NYC DOB, sidewalk bridging would have had to be installed immediately. However, the Board approved Resolution 18-51 on December 12, 2018, authorizing work called “knock off” to remove any immediate hazard such that the reports can be fled SWARMP

Cycle 9 began February 21, 2020, and closed on February 21, 2024, required that Riverbay perform all repairs to cure Cycle 8 conditions to a SAFE Status. New requirements for Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) Cycle 9 were signifcantly strengthened to include more up-close, hands-on inspections, enhanced requirements for design professionals, steeper penalties for failing to make repairs, and a mandate to display offcial façade status certifcates in building lobbies.

The table below summarizes the contracts and dates when approved by Riverbay Board to comply with Cycle 9 FISP fling deadlines:

Currently, as of today, only Building 17 remains under DOB Review. All other 34 of 35 buildings have been accepted SAFE.

Management would like to bring to the attention one fnal point on the Local Law 11 project which has been discussed in the community, which is… “how did the cost escalate from $35.0M to $77.0M for this project?” It is important to note that the LL11 work for Cycle 9 required two (2) vendors and fve (5) independent contracts. It was not one (1) contract that initiated at $35M and ended at $77.0M, it was fve (5) contracts that the Board reviewed and approved, one (1) at a time with a grand total cost of $78.1M as shown in the table presented above. The origin of the $35M fgure could not be substantiated nor verifed by Management. However, it is prudent for Management to continue to monitor spending for the Corporation and provide monthly reporting to the Board directors and the shareholders at-large.

Amazon Lockers

The next phase of the installation of Amazon lockers in the community will begin in the coming weeks. A site survey visit for the Chevron buildings will be conducted by Amazon; afterwards installation dates will be provided. Plans are to have the lockers installed underneath the porticos just as with the Triple Core buildings.

AC/Change-Over

Heat has been shut down and the Power Plant Team has begun transitioning to cooling operations this week. Although some cooling may be evident, full air conditioning will be dependent on the weather in the coming days.

Fire Prevention Presentation/Training

A Fire Prevention Presentation/Training conducted by the Safety department commenced yesterday, May 20, in Bartow, Room 31 (Repeat again on 06/05/2024), in Dreiser Auditorium (6/11/2024) and Einstein, Room 45 (06/13/2024). The presentation at these locations is scheduled to occur from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Please come and join the Safety department to gain a better understanding of “What to do in case of a fre,” as well as “How to prevent a fre.”

IMPORTANT!

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

Management Report ––––– (Continued from page 13)

(Continued on page 15)

Management

Report ––––– (Continued from page 14)

Below are the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the month of April 2024.

$3,426$3,426$3,275

Individually, departments were within the projected budget through March. Twenty (20) departments recorded favorable overall budget variances. Of the remaining fve (5) departments, two (2) recorded unfavorable budget variances above 5%. The Power Plant was over budget by 11.2% due mostly to greater than expected overtime costs. The Exterminating department was over budget by $57,000 or 9.5%.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Payroll

75% of departments recorded payroll expenses less than the forecast due to vacancies. The Public Safety Department recorded an overall positive budget variance of 9.4% due mostly to vacancies (Peace Offcers).

2. Asbestos & Flooring

Overall, the Restorations department was under budget by 10.2% due mostly to measures taken by the department to reduce asbestos and fooring costs.

Asbestos-related costs were less than anticipated by $1.7 Million resulting in a 22.1% favorable budget variance. Wood & vinyl fooring was less than anticipated by $1.6 million, also resulting in a favorable budget variance of 35.9%. During the year, the Corporation introduced foors that are more water resistant and less costly to replace when damaged by water from leaks. This measure translated into signifcant cost savings in this expense category.

3. Operating Expense

Other operating expenses were under budget. Some notable areas include:

Some of the reasons for these positive variances include:

• A warmer winter season contributed to decrease expenditure for snow removal.

• Vacancies (fewer employee uniforms) as well as a change in vendor

• More effcient operations

• More effcient vehicles

Despite the overall departmental expense favorable budget variance of 3.4%, some expense categories experienced unfavorable variances (actual greater than budget). These include:

RIVERBAY CORPORATION FISCAL YEAR 23/24 BUDGET OVERVIEW

This preliminary budget summary gives a snapshot of Riverbay Corporation’s Budget vs. Actual performance for period beginning April 01, 2023, and ending March 31, 2024.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

Overall, the grand total actual expenses of $256,743,000, which include departmental, corporate and debt service, were less than anticipated against the grand total actual income of $270,107,000 which yielded a budget surplus of $13,364,000. Similarly, the year-to-date budget for grand total expenses was $273,782,000 which was less than anticipated when compared to the year-to-date budget grand total revenue of $274,108,000 which yielded a positive variance of $326,000. Both measures were favorable results for the reporting period or the end of Fiscal Year 23/24.

INCOME

Carrying Charges

For the period ending March 31, 2024, actual carrying charges were greater than anticipated by $246,000 considering the 7.5% carrying charge increase that became effective in January of 2023.

Other income

Overall, other income was less than anticipated by 8.3% or $4.4 Million for the fnancial year. The unfavorable variance was partly due to the revenue forecast that was based on the previous year’s income from the various revenue streams. Included in the other income category is the sale of electric power. The income realized was signifcantly less than anticipated by $2.2M or a 29.8% unfavorable variance. The projected revenue was less than anticipated because market prices were lower than last year resulting in less income.

Some of the other income accounts in this category with unfavorable budget variances included: surcharges (8.41%), collection fees (56.38%), late fees (24.75%), and shopping center rentals (24.74%).

Changes in landlord/tenant regulations contributed to the unfavorable budget variance in the late fees and collection fees (legal fees) revenue stream. These fees could not be collected in L&T court making it diffcult to collect. With regards to shopping center rentals, the residual impact of the pandemic was still evident during the past year. However, with the assistance of the Legal department steps were taken to improve the commercial operations with a view to increasing income from this revenue stream.

DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING PERFORMANCE – OVERVIEW

Departmental expenditures at year-end were less than anticipated by $5.0 Million or 3.4%. Departmental expenditure includes salaries, fringe benefts and other expenses associated with the day-to-day departmental activities involved with providing direct and indirect services to the shareholders.

Supply chain challenges and increases in prices due to infation over the past year contributed to these unfavorable budget variances. Electrical supplies, doors, plumbing, and painting supplies are constantly needed for effectively servicing the needs of the shareholders. The increase in consultant fees was due to the hiring of a consultant who assisted with the operations of the IT department.

CORPORATE EXPENSES

The major expenditures included in the corporate expense category include utilities, taxes, and other items such as bad debt expense.

For the reporting period, corporate expenses were less than anticipated by 13.3% or $12.2 Million. Budget surpluses were realized for the following expenses items:

Lower gas and oil prices than previously forecasted were the main reason for the budgetary surpluses realized for these expenditure items.

Shelter Rent and Commercial Real Estate taxes were less than estimated for the year by $1 million.

Telephone expenses were over budget by 7.38% or $35,000 as well as violations by 16.68% or $17,000.

(Continued on page 16)

Management Report –––––

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do home care in this community. Some of you may recognize me as your home care nurse, because I do go door to door.

Kevin Foggie: I’ve been here for 50 years. And during that time, I’ve made a lot of connections with my neighbors. I grew up in Cooper Place, and I now live over at Alcott. And I’m a community person as it relates to people. What I offer to the community is I visit the widows, I visit the fathers, I visit those that are less fortunate and are afraid to go out, whether it’s COVID. I help by going shopping for them, I do the garbage for them. I offer my skillset with computers, free of charge, and I build and repair computers. So the chemistry that I’ve built with neighbors over the 50 years, those are the people that I’ve been actively involved with, checking on them to ensure that they are comfortable. So my contribution to the community is about reaching the people, listening to their concerns, finding out what is on their mind. My hope, since I’m learning from the ground up, because this is new for me, I need to learn the resources. I want information, I’m an information junkie. That way, when the problem arises, I can steer people to the right people, the right sources, and we can get things done.

Leah Graham: I’m with the Community First Team. I have over 10 years’ experience as an advocacy analyst and a facilitator. As an active building president, I have initiated our annual CPR classes. We also started our civic literacy series, where we have invited various elected officials to attend our meetings and explain their roles and responsibilities to the community. I have also, as a prior director for six years, I’ve chaired the Budget Committee, where I had included several individuals within our community that had CPA and budget experience, as well as those who did not, so we can have fresh eyes on our budget. I also was on a team that helped facilitate the televised Board meetings that you have in front of you now. That was another major accomplishment. I have also volunteered with JASA. I am a member of the Toastmasters Club in Co-op City, as well as the NAACP and our Democratic Club. As a building president, I’m actively involved with our monthly Buildings and Grounds meeting. And I have worked with several building presidents to get our bathrooms open for our garage members.

Andrea Leslie: I’m part of the Impact Team with Bernie Cylich, Sheila Richburg, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer Jr., and Kevin Foggie. I have been involved with this community ever since I got here. My building association, a number of organizations, community organizations, I’ve been involved from the very beginning. But, one of the major contributions to the community that I have is I’m a 30-year New York City employee, and part of my responsibility in that is receiving and helping shareholders and Bronx residents to receive grants and funds. In order for a number of people who are in whatever financial situation they are in; I help in that way. I brought money to the community to help with our clients… saving it for them to afford to continue to live in the community, getting benefits, grants, funding for that. That’s part of my contribution, I still do that. I’m one of the first Board members here who was a full-time employee, while everybody else was retired, a number of people chose to wait until they retired to be involved with the Board. I did that as a full-time employee and I still continue to do that. And I’m involved in a number of other things here in the community. I’m a member of the Coalition for Affordable Housing, African American Association, building associations.

Q. If you are elected to the Riverbay Board of Directors this year, what would you do differently from what is currently being done now to keep living here affordable and at the same time maintain the level of services people expect?

Jacqueline Smith: Number one, the main responsibility that a Board member has is fiduciary. The re-

sponsibility of a Riverbay Board member is to watch the budget. I do a lot of service. I’ve been a social worker, over 30 years. I’ve been an administrator, very good. I’ve been an administrative manager at a POD. That means I had oversight in New York City for administering the COVID vaccine. But my responsibility as a Riverbay Board member is to watch the budget. And what I would like to do, speaking with my team meetings, Leah and Shana, is that we want to bring back the Budget Compliance Committee. Every quarter, that budget is to be reviewed. Even though the projection will be handed in, let’s say one or two years in advance, it should be reviewed every three to four months. And this way, you can make adjustments. We have a very large property. We have a gorgeous property. That’s why we all moved here, put up all that equity. So we are going to see some increases. One, two percent every year is reasonable. We have to maintain our property. But when you see increases, past five percent over a three-year period, you have to ask yourself, did anyone go back and review the budget? Number two, I’d like to bring back the Community Relations Committee that I grew up with in 1971, was disbanded under a particular board. And all things related to what you would like to see go somewhere else to that fund. Board members are not responsible for…

Mary Pearson: What would I change? Well, not anything that was mentioned, because I trust Management. I’ve always trusted Management, because what other choice do we have? Are we going to go out there and take up the garbage and take care of everything that needs taking? We are a city. We say we’re 50,000… but officially, we’re about 40,000 people. No one can do a city with people questioning every move they make. We have new management. Marvin Walton came in, and every single month, he keeps up with the budget. He says, this is what we planned, and this is what we’ve spent, and we’ve come in under budget. However, unfortunately, we had a little thing called the pandemic, and we had a little thing called the Ukraine War that messed up everything. We had supply chain issues so we couldn’t get the right flooring… The price of insurance went from about $3 million to about $7 million in one year. The water bill was $17.5 million. That’s a thousand dollars an apartment. We have so many expenses that were brought on suddenly.

Aaron Carnegie: One thing I would change, that is not being done, we need to start looking for alternative sources of income. Currently, 97% of Riverbay’s income comes from our carrying charges. We have to change that number. We have to lower that number. We have the opportunity to find alternative sources, just from ideas from the community. I wanted to do a food festival in Co-op City that would have generated $40,000 a day. If we did 10 days, that’s $400,000. That’s not a lot, but it’s not a little bit of money either. That’s what we need to start doing. Currently, that’s not being done now, and it is costing us. I know everyone likes to say 8.1. It’s costing us, for the past two years, 15%. That’s a lot of money. We have got to stop just doing what we’ve normally done. There’s a saying, in order to be somewhere you’ve never been, you must do things you’ve never done. We have to change the mentality, and it starts with this election, and it starts with the changing of the guard, putting some fresh ideas and new blood on this Board of Directors.

Shana Montgomery: We need a complete overhaul of finances. We need to really see where our money is going. It’s easy to say different things are happening as to why we are receiving increases and the cost of living and everything else, but we really need to get in and see what’s happening with our finances. We really need to start looking at programs and subsidies that we can get, that we are entitled to as a cooperative from the government, things that we are overlooking. We should not continuously rely on shareholders’ funds to pay the bills. We need to make sure that we have enough reserves, where we can pay

our bills and still feel comfortable and not give the brunt of the funding from the shareholders. We need to look at government grants. We need to be proactive. We need to take a look at 27 departments that we currently have, where I believe over $100 million is being paid in salaries. We are not, I said this last year when I ran, we are not a Fortune 500 company. Why are we paying our salaries as if we are?... We can’t continuously foot the bill for what’s happening here. We need to hire people that are educated. We need to hire people that are licensed to do the work. Bernard Cylich: Yes, I agree with Mary. We have a management company, and monthly we meet with them, to review precisely what we’ve asked to review and that is the budget. Now let me just briefly tell you something where we are. As we know, 97% of our income to operate this corporation comes from carrying charges. There’s no sugar daddy, there’s no money tree and the state and federal government and the city… they’ve yet to give us any money except now they’ve adopted the bill to give us $50 million for capital projects. However, let me just point out to you that we reduced, trimmed, our payroll by $9 million. Our carrying charges have increased, yes, but less than the Consumer Price Index. But where we are, problem is that we have increases of 400% by insurance companies and I’m proposing that we initiate a city-wide meeting with all cooperatives and non-profit institutions to review and establish some kind of committee to try to see where we need to tackle the insurance business. They’re gouging us.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: What I would do differently is try and sit down with HCR and negotiate with them a metric on how to calculate our carrying charge increase. Instead, HCR came in like gate busters and just laid the smack down, 8.1… That was ridiculous. And we need legislative help to fight back and stand up for ourselves… This is something we need to take care of. We can’t let HCR push us around like that and just say, here’s 8.1%, and just take it. Sit with us. The Board came up with 2.1 and HCR came up with 8.1. The difference there is ridiculous. There were two different metrics being used. The metrics should have been brought together. Can we come with a combination? Can we meet somewhere in between?... We have to sit, negotiate, and get the politicians, some of y ‘all over here, to sit with HCR and make changes to it.

Corazon Fernandez: Although I don’t have experience like you guys, basically more outside grants, from elected officials is a start. Closer examination of our budget, we need to access corporate documents to see how building outside income can be done to generate more outside income. Basically, let’s start off with, as we all know, the rent increases. No additional rent increases, no forcing Co-op City residents to pay extra to charge electric vehicles, in which we already pay for electricity. I’ve stated before and I will state again, with the help of budgeting, try to come back with lobby attendants and our garage attendants. And with that, until I’m on the Board, until we could figure this out. That’s why I’m here, I’m a fresh face.

Sheila Richburg: I am a part of the Impact team and I would like to just say… that I went to the mayor’s forum. I don’t know if anyone else went, it was a few months ago and they gave statistics about how Co-op City is saving New York City so much money by doing a lot of things ourselves. That we save New York City $4 million because we have private garbage collection and we save $13 million because we have our own CCPD. And I’m not sure if it’s happening, but I think we should have a committee that speaks to the mayor to see if we can get credit for some of these funds that we’re putting out, because you, as a shareholder, are paying for this, and we should be able to recoup some of this money. I would like to actively use my experience to do grant writing, to seek funds from our electeds on the local, on the city, and on the federal level. One thing

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that I thought about was looking at our budget and looking at it systematically from the different departments. And I look at our CCPD and I commend our CCPD, but maybe we can do things a little dif-

Kevin Foggie: I made a statement earlier about thinking as an owner as opposed to a consumer.

The problem here is we don’t have the proper education. If all we do is think as consumers and consume, then you’re not really understanding what I mean by acting as if you’re an owner. If you own the business, you have to pay salaries, you have to pay utilities, you have to pay taxes. There’s so much involved than more than just being a consumer. If you begin to treat this as such, then you’ll begin to understand what the Board of Directors’ problems are, because we’re tied with some of the bureaucracy that comes from higher authority. So what I would like to do different is make the information more transparent. Educate you as to what it takes. For example, did you know that for every $2 million that we need, that we do not have to pay the bills, that’s a 1% increase in carrying charges? So if the government is telling us we need 8% increase, you have to understand what they’re telling us. We’re $16 million in the hole.

Leah Graham: I am with the Community First Team, and what I would do differently if I was elected, when I was the budget chair, what I would probably do differently is initiate my conversations did. The goal was for us to clearly understand what HCR is looking at when they review the budgets of all Mitchell-Lama co-ops. So we’re not surprised by an increase, that we would know what we would need to do to minimize. HCR’s job is to evaluate the different Mitchell-Lama co-ops’ budget. If wely stable, then they will have to impose to ensurecial guidelines. The second thing that I would probably do if elected is to, what I consider, removing the divide of Board directors. When we’re running, we’re in these teams, and when we’re sworn in, that should end, and that doesn’t always end. What happens is sometimes these teams stay in these cliques, and then they elect people to these executive positions, not based on their experience, but because they were on their team. We have someone who’s a banking attorney who was not a treasurer because they wasn’t on the team. So these are the kind of things, I would like to create some fairness within the community.

Andrea Leslie: Some of the things that I would like to change, not change because every time we have a meeting one of the questions that I ask of income, because I realize that the majority of the income comes from carrying charges and we can’t have a ratio of 20% other source and 80% carrying charge. That’s the basis that we have to keep reach that balance so there isn’t such a thing. I was involved when we had the original $600 million have a 2% carrying charge increase every year going forward and we were able to negotiate that as we thought we needed, responsibly, we would have an increase. So they allowed us to make that decision, so that’s what we do. If we need it, then we have it. We don’t ask for carrying charge increases just to have carrying charge increases. We do

politicians saying that we are one of the better run co-ops, Mitchell-Lama co-ops. We have Mitchell-Lama co-ops facing 40% increases. We are not

doing that. We have an aging infrastructure that we have to maintain and we have no other choice but to do that.

Q. What professional skills do you possessnancial issues we are facing? For example, our budget and convector issues.

Jacqueline Smith: I have a Master’s degree as a social worker. I have a Master’s degree from Hunter, professional development experience. I’menced administrator, which I like to tell is my best experience, because one of the things we need here at Co-op City, because the second responsibility a Board member has is to review Management. The state will not let us manage ourselves. Yes, I don’t want to be compared to other Mitchell-Lamas, I’m Co-op City. And one of the responsibilities a Board member has is to evaluate Management. So

delegate, a committee, on the Legislative Committee, I know how to evaluate people. The Riverbay Board is supposed to set policy. They’re supposed to write policy. I have 20 years as a policy writer. We have to evaluate Management. We have to ask them to set up a portal whereby shareholders can go to them with their concerns. Individual shareholders shouldn’t have to call their friend on the

should have access to Management. As a Board member, I have the responsibility to review their performance. We pay for it. So those are the skill sets that I have. And the third one is I want to bring back the Community Relations Committee. That was the committee that I grew up with, where shareholders were able to attend and give us ideas.

Mary Pearson: I’m very good with numbers. I’m on the Construction Committee. I was on the of that committee, and I was sitting there with thefore we got the last increase, $400,000 was off the table because the guys, the main guy’s commission, he said, ‘Oh, I’ll go from 10% to nine.’ But when he showed up that day, he went from 10%

It was Monique’s idea to tell him freeze it. Why should we pay you more when you are getting us a worse deal? They wanted the 10% commission on the seven million, not the three million of the year before, for instance. Okay, convectors, we are in the most exciting, actually something is going to happen positioned with convectors. Bernie and Claudia started it. Claudia started it with the little sensors, the moisture sensors. Bernie just did some research and he found an automatic turn-off valve. I met somebody at Rochdale Village who were having all their convectors changed, and I told him what we wanted. He went back to the drawing convectors. It’s so exciting.

Aaron Carnegie: My experience, I was a mandealt with maintenance issues. Just like Mary and Bernie, I am also on the Construction Committee. In terms of the convectors, yes, we have had many different iterations for convectors for Co-op. Something is coming down the pipe. I’m very happy something is coming down the pipe. Be aware, it’s not free. It’s going to cost money to get new convectors. It’s going to cost not a little bit of money for these convectors. And it’s going to take time City. Most of the apartments have a minimum of me. Those have to be replaced, pipes have to be replaced. It’s a big bill. So just be aware of that. And we are working to try to bring something exciting in terms of the thermostat, so we can control the temperature in the apartments.

Shana Montgomery: I have an Associate’s degree in Business Management. I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and I have a Master’s in Education. I worked in corporate for 15 years inager of seven staff members. I held the budget for our outside agencies and outside where we held our documents. I think the convector is a promise that other high rises, not only in this country but oththat they have that’s going on that’s successful for themselves. I think even if we get something for the convector, and this is a sore thumb for everyone and promises have been made, even if we get times how many convectors per apartment. We don’t even have, when you’re trying to get a car, they don’t even have the parts because we can’t get the parts. So imagine, even if something does work, that company has to produce that amount, mass produce that amount of equipment. So is that realistic? We have to come up with better solutions. But I am capable of being a Board member and doing what is necessary to cut our budget, looking at

we can cut expenses, as well as promote bringing expenses in, bringing some additional funds in.

Bernard Cylich: I’m part of the Impact Team with Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Sheila Richbeen a member, I’ve been the chairman of the Construction Committee, the Construction, Power Plant and Restoration Committee. And I’m a retired, 40 years, 45 years, electrician. So, one of the things that we were concerned with immediately, as we took over as chairman, is precisely thesylvania to get a look at what they did in one of same or similar problems. They replaced the entire per apartment. We got those engineers here and they looked at it and they said, “well, it’s going to cost between $250 million to $500 million.” Well, no, it was a prohibitive price. So, we let it go and upon Management hiring a consulting engineer, he said that is impossible for us to do. And now we, management is putting in a pilot program, using our, the one I found, the auto shut off valve.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: I graduated from St. -

It’s what I’m paid to do. So I can look at budgets, see what’s wrong, because that’s what I’m paid to do, to see what’s wrong, to hear what’s wrong, or to see what’s right and to hear what’s right. I’m really heartened by what I’m hearing about with the convector pilot program. It sounds like a great plan. Hopefully it works. Hopefully it comes through. As Bernie stated, to do all our convectors, that’s $1.2 billion, $1.2 billion we do not have. So according now here in Co-op testing possible new convecprogram through. I want to make sure that we pick plan to only swap out what’s in the living room, but hopefully we can get any price tag down, which is Corazon Fernandez: I work for the federal government; I’m a supervisor for it. I’m not here to be Management. I’m basically here to propose a policy and to come back to the Board with answers, basically to hear you guys out, to hear the shareholders out. And basically, if it doesn’t make sense, I vote against it. And if it’s good for Management or future ways, you know... Again, I’m Corazon Fernandez, please vote for me. But again, I’m just trying to hear you guys out. I am not Management.

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I’m a Board director. You guys come with the concerns, I give it to Management and anything that you guys need help with, I bring it to Management. And they decide on what we could do, how we you.

Sheila Richburg -

electeds. I’m also a notary public, which I mentioned. I have a Master’s degree in Nursing Eduthat can assist us with the process. And we have to sense tells us we cannot allow these convectors to

Board director, I would love to have that hands-on,lem, my problem, everyone should be able to be a Kevin Foggie bit unusual to you because as a pastor I’ve learned we’re supposed to be able to gather all together as acally visceral in nature and vitriol and intent and

it is that we should approve, those numbers are questioned. We don’t always go along with Man-

vote on something even though we need it, we’ve have to bring that understanding to the Board other

with, Management is not our enemy. Management

Q. How do you plan to oversee the property management agent Douglas Elliman?

Andrea Leslie: Well, we have regular monthly

holding them accountable.

Sheila Richburg: Yes, I agree with Mr. Foggie, our management company accountable. From what I see as well, our management company is now led by Mr. Marvin Walton. He’s new, but he appears to be diligent. But he still has to be held accountable.

Leah Graham -

and we need to have people on the Board that can help evaluate what the managing agent is doing.-

ence that can get behind the numbers and hold the managing agent that’s here, we should be holding managing agent, because I manage contractors allwith viable solutions on how things should be handled. In addition to that, I’m a policy analyst, and a Andrea Leslie: I have a Bachelor’s degree inting policy, when Management comes to us, when

us continue to do. We have to pay closer attention to the policies that we’re trying to implement and we provide is service and sometimes we have to

policies that we put in place that the shareholders are on board. And as Mr. Foggie was pointing out,

actually interact with Management to carry those things out.

Leah Graham

accountable. We have to evaluate them. I would contract and see what his deliverables are. What is

ing sessions. You have to do your due diligence to the Impact team, and that’s what has been happen-

Corazon Fernandez

you want.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr

countable. But as a Board member, we too have to

income. We don’t want them priced out. I don’t want us priced out. We have to hold the managing agent accountable.

Kevin Foggie

Marvin Walton. I have to admit that. I’ve only met him once, but I was impressed at the building association meeting that I had. And then we did communicate by email one other time. What I would

the operational side, meaning maintenance in our building and all the things that deal with the goods

to be accountability on a particular employee. I we can weed out what I call dead weight and start

complacent. And when complacency happens, you

gence and accountability. Because, as Marvin Walton said in his speech when he presented it to all the building presidents and then to an open Board meeting, we are a triangle. We are the shareholders,

we have to be accountable to each other and hold that we could use is when it comes to the budget. We have a budget versus actual spending report. how much they cost and are we spending money on Bernard Cylich: Interestingly enough is thatcal; that we have not been able to get together and

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is over. So we can’t make a judgment, the decision, what convector we’re going to purchase or what kind of a system we’re going to introduce. And of course, that’s going to be cost effective, and we’ll come back, Mike will come back to the Board, and we’ll come back to the community with our proposal.

Shana Montgomery: Community visibility, how visible is he in the community? Not only meeting with presidents of the building, but meeting with the shareholders in arenas such as this one. Annual or semi-annual reviews of his performance, other property, because I’m sure this is a multi-billion dollar business, and it would be interesting to know, what are the expectations they have for the other buildings and the managers that they put in those other buildings. So it goes beyond Walton, put him here, and they’re the one that’s also directing him as to what to do here. So the expectations

situation. As I said, not only meeting with building presidents, but meeting with shareholders. And just holding him accountable and having the shareholdshould be holding him accountable, there should be shareholders. So, there should be a drop box somewhere, or a QR code where you can phone in or Zoom in that says how he’s doing and what you think he needs to change and what needs to happen in this community because it is your community and it’s up to all of us collectively.

Aaron Carnegie: We just had Mr. Walton come in about a year ago. Starting about July, Mr. Walour community. He has been holding himself, and we have been holding him accountable already. He has gone around to each and every building association. And remember, those of you who are building presidents like I am, or even if you’re not, you have the right to ask your building president

think that he’s too high up, that he should not come to your building association meetings because he will come if you ask him to explain almost any-

puts together that budget, this Board will have a the most consequential election in recent times. We have to make sure we’re putting the right people in place, because come July, he’s going to put together his budget for us. So we can’t have the wrong people here.

Mary Pearson: We are not adversaries with our management company. We are working with them. We are not a triangle. We’re more than a triangle, and the shareholders have at least three parts of the hexagon. It’s at least three parts, Management, staff, shareholders, but not just the shareholder of

apartment system that’s from 1844. Rochdale Vilchange it, change the bylaws, because I know everybody’s for it, I know the kids are, that anyone who’s over 18 years old should have a voice in this community. If they are contributing to their apartment, to their home, they should have a voice, notner are equal shareholders. We can still only get one vote, but we still have double voice. I’m not totally left out of it. Some people are moving in.

uation process. One of the reasons I love that I’m is that we spent many nights already discussing what we’re gonna do. Hit the ground running. Because as I told you earlier, even though we’re run-

because it costs money to run on the Board, each one of us has pledged to vote individually when we get in the boardroom, based on our experience and with the grace of God lead with our integrity. Here are the things we would do. Number one, Mr. Walton has been here for a year. He should have been granted a year evaluation. I have an executive position at my job. I hire people all the time. Before they walk through the door, we have expectations already. He should have been evaluated on a sixpoint project that was in place when he was hired. Number two, we would instill semiannual evalua-

semiannually meet with the managers just to give them a check-in to let them know what the shareholders do, if they know they’re doing a good job, okay? And here’s the big one that needs to come back that was here in 1971. We’d like Mr. Walton to institute monthly meetings in each section. For instance, Section Five, once a month, the managers of each of the departments will hold the meeting in the community center. We don’t have to wait for a town hall meeting where we have a whole line of tables – every month.

Q. Do you have the right temperament to work with others to bring solutions to the community? Can you negotiate, compromise, listen well and entertain differences of opinions? What is your leadership style?

Andrea Lesli and I supervise 12 people daily on my job. We have lots of meetings, and everybody is allowed to, if we’re having information issues, share informawe’re having, discuss them, have everybody give their opinion on it and then you, of course, have to adhere to whatever policy and procedures are, but then everybody pools their resources in order

tion and from there you will be able to make your I’m open minded, I’m not stuck on being right. In order to make a decision, sometimes when you have an open forum where other people bring their ideas to the table, they’re able to kind of make sure that maybe you’re not right. So I’m open to doing that for us to work together as a team in order to make a decision, the best decision for the community.

Leah Graham: So, my leadership style is kind of twofold because I come from management and then I’m in the analyst profession and then I manage contracts, right? So, it’s kind of twofold. So when we talk about negotiation, that’s really key when

gotiate what’s the best product for the community. What works best? How do we stay safe? What’s at risk? In terms of my instructing and everyday management style, I’m really big on the Oreo method, -

specting the feedback from others. Kevin Foggie this many times just being a pastor. One of the things that I’ve learned is if you’re the smartest one need to surround yourself with people, a team, so you have those that you would help, but then you need those that you can go to for help. And when you can put yourself in a position where you recognize that you’re not a one-man show, a one-woman show, when you understand that it takes community, now you’re willing to put your personal agenda aside and see what’s best for the community.

dictatorship where I think I’m right and everything goes my way because I’m the smartest. I have all the degrees, I have all the experience, that’s only a part of the puzzle. So what I say is for compromise you’re really going to evaluate risk management and can I really afford to lose this but gain

I’m about. It’s not about me, it’s about us. And I’m willing to just simply say I made a mistake.

Sheila Richburg: I feel that I embrace and I have listening skills. I am diligent and I’m a team player. So a skill that I embrace the most is that I have emotional intelligence. When I’m in a meeting, I understand it’s not all about me and that you

hear what you want to hear. I have been a leader in the community, in most hospitals because of my style of leadership. As a nurse, the most important order to set goals, in order to try and problem solve. have been, like I said, a leader here of the National Council of Negro Women and I feel that I’ve been an effective leader because of my style. One more thing I’d like to add and I didn’t hear is that I’m very respectful. Respect goes a long way in meetings, because when you have 15 individuals in one room, there’s going to be 15 different opinions and once we listen to everyone’s opinions, guess what?

Corazon Fernandez: Being that I work for the people that I have to converse with. I have to gainnotate what they’re saying. I cannot be biased. And to lead that, to do that, you have to be with integriethical. And you also have to get to know yourself, making sure that how you are and how you portray yourself is working for everyone, because everyone has different styles. So with that, always feedback. Feedback is a big thing for me. I always need to know what is the issue? What is the problem?

Jacqueline Smith: While I appreciate the fact that Mr. Walton went around to all the buildings, speaking at association one-on-one is not an eval-

ment and you’re always close with something positive. I think that that’s key. In community engagement, listening skills is another item that’s really key because when you’re dealing with vendors and Management and cooperators, because again, I’m not pro management. I’m pro community. But it’s really key that you hear what’s being asked and you hear what’s being shared, so that we can have that conversation because if we don’t, sometimes contractors may fast talk us, right? And it’s very important for us to have tight listening skills and be able to counter-respond for what’s best for this community. So for me, I think my skills is more collaborative, engaging, being respectful, and re-

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: As building president and as other building presidents would know, you have your own executive board and you come together monthly, or you come together bimonthly. But the key is, while you’re sitting on your building’s executive board, you’re respecting each other because you’re trying to make your building a better place. It’s not about ego, ego is checked at the door. So, we try to respect each other because we want to make things right and we want to get to be self-aware as to how you’re approaching each other and your negotiations. Formerly, I used to be a lead technician and as I told you before I’m in quality control. So, my key is to listen, my key is to look and see and watch and see what’s going wrong, hear what’s going wrong and we as a lead technician, we will come together and we come together with Management and we will respect each other. We will sit and we will come with policy and

(Continued on page 21)

Forum –––– (Continued from page 20)

new situations on how we can do the job at work…

Bernard Cylich: Over 50 years living here, I was deeply involved in every major activity in this community. And I initiated many coalitions.tablished when I was in the Co-op City Council to establish a lobby group. And we succeeded in bringing 50 plus… cooperatives, demanding some

think they’re revolutionaries, and they’re going to do some crazy things. And sometimes you’re in the -

lition against bus service cuts and somebody said, well, let’s go sit down on Bartow Avenue and stop

this, my point is, yes, you have to sometimes concede until they’re proven wrong and I’m proven is all the time with coalitions so it’s not all smooth riding.

Shana Montgomery: I believe we would love to believe that there will be no harsh words, there will be no animosity and there will be no tough love or tough situations or tough conversations. And we all wanna believe that we can be the best leaders and not be biased and not lead with our heads, not with our hearts or with our hearts, not with our heads.

community, we leave anything that we have goshareholders, this is not about the Board members, -

own personal experiences and what’s going on ining a Board member is about compromising… My management style is based on my teaching style. through sixth grade and eighth grade. I’m teaching have to be a leader, you have to, you mold small minds, young minds, and you want them to have

harsh words and have an understanding.

Aaron Carnegie

ment style. Currently, I’m a building president… as president. I didn’t take it personal. Many times we have ideas that you think it will work, but other-management style is remembering that we are goneach other.

Mary Pearsonsuadable. I am not pigheaded. I always think I’m -

impatient, especially with people who are not doing their homework, who just come up with ideas because they think they’re so smart, and anything your homework. I hate to use the word research.

passionate, yes, I am incredibly passionate. It gets me in trouble…

Jacqueline Smith

people in juvenile detention. I help our children in

the people that I worked with on the charity and my greatest resource at my job is the people that I supervise. My greatest resource in Co-op City are the shareholders. It’s my job, it’s my responsibility and my job at the charity was to make sure that all decisions that I made, I invited God in and I lead with my integrity, even when I didn’t get invited to I’m saying that I’ll go on the Board, I’ll work with another Board member. I’ll compromise. Let me your way, tomorrow you vote my way. I go with the strength-based approach. However, however, I and I have to make a decision and in my spirit and

Q. Do you believe directors elected to the Board should have professional backgrounds to adequately work through the issues like those just experienced with this maintenance/carrying charge increase?

Andrea Leslie we have a resident Board and it means that every shareholder is, whatever their skill sets are, whatever their education is, is entitled to be a Board member. But we do have committees and that

those committees, ideas are brought and discussed and decided upon and those decisions, those committees then made recommendations to the Board and when they come to the Board, then the Board will be able to have conversation, discuss, reason, provide, work with Management in order to

Board, this is a resident Board and so… someone may have better communication skills even though

be on the Board and you’re gonna be a detriment bring things other than that to the Board.

Leah Graham

--

that. And that’s what we have here. Here in Co-op

and we will continue to do that because we want thinks they can come in here as a contractor and

Kevin Foggie: Credentials, is it absolutely necessary? My opinion, no. Does it help? Absolutely.dentials. But to say that it is an absolute, you just

mean that other people that do not have the credentials don’t have what those who have the creden-

I don’t have a degree in computer science, but I can hold my own against anyone that’s in comput-

going to run into a problem.

Sheila Richburg: I have to think about this would say that experience and education and back-

and I think you have the passion to listen to the shareholders, do your due diligence and vote in thecandidate, but I cannot say that someone that does not have my experience will not be just as passiondon’t think it’s mandatory, but I think, as my colCorazon Fernandez lawyers, accountants, and architects only on the

to the community. Be prepared to do the work by researching. And by researching again, listening to you, the shareholders, because you have a lot to

the decisions.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: Do you need it? It would be nice… But the key is each and every sharehold-

nothing wrong with that. Everybody here comes with certain tangibles that other people don’t have.

tion, so I can look and see and tell what’s wrong

really need in the long run.

Bernard Cylich

verse this, every cooperative has a right to serve on to the corporation… however, everyone has a stake want service, those are two things they demand,

(Continued on page 22)

livable. That’s the stake… so how can you discriminate against somebody and say, well you can’t be on the Board because you don’t have the skill set; you can’t do that, it’s illegal, it’s discriminatory. But what, once you get on the Board, we need advisors, right, we need consultants, we need professionals, we have committees, and we invite community people who have some skill set to come with the committee. We have construction workers, we have accountants, we have legal aids, people, all these folks have skills…

Shana Montgomery: I believe having skills and having an education, you know, go hand-in-hand. I do think you have to think critically, right? You have to be willing to participate. You have to be willing to make a change, willing to do something for your community. I think having a hard passion can go a long way. But as they say, there are a lot of education is important. I’m an educator. I would -

If I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t qualify to be on, to

love technology. I would love to be on the Technology Committee. I’m not in computer science. I’m in management. But I would love to be on that

background should not dictate if you should be on the Board.

Mary Pearson: I do not believe you need it. I think you need an open mind. I think you need a curious mind. I think you need to do homework and you have to show up and you have to care. I think the most important thing for being on a Board is temperament, and I am so excited to have met known Andrea Leslie had the temperament for the she does, oh, she is so wise. It really is just won-

I’ve never spent time with her. And today, things have been so revelatory. Kevin Foggie, I mean, he’s a pastor and he is bringing that… now let’s get along… I’m not a religious person, but one of my favorite people in the world is Reverend Barber, yeah. And he is very passionate, right? To love your neighbors, to want everybody to be thriving. That’s what this team is for. We are dedicated to a thriving community. I left out Zeke because not only do I like his temperament, but I like his style.

committees to becoming the Riverbay Board. We asked the state of New York to give us an opportunity to have a say in our community. They won’t allow us to manage ourselves, but we have a Board. No, you don’t need a degree, but you need a skill set. Now I have a sister who doesn’t have any degrees at all and she’s been working for 25 years

no, you don’t need a degree, but when you come on the Riverbay Board, you need to bring a skill set. Whatever that may be, you might have worked at your job for 25 years as an administrative assistant. and you’re gonna help them get organized with their administrative task. The committees were set up, the history of the committees at Co-op City was set up for that, for shareholders to get involved in any committee and bring their knowledge. This is our moment. Do we or do we not want to bring Coop City into the 21st century? Do we wanna lean

most integrity? They could have been a janitor for 25 years. They’ll know whether or not the Procurement department is buying the right materials to do

ity for children. I don’t think shareholders necessarily need to be highly educated. I do think they need to have some type of critical thinking skills and know about budgets, as Leah Graham said… need to know how to manage. We’re talking about money. We’re not talking about monopoly money. We’re talking about people’s lives. And when people’s lives are at stake, you want the best person that’s going to be able to carry that torch along to the next generation. And that torch is our community, our apartments. You don’t want someone that maybe just has a passion for being a Board member, right? But when they get in there, then they’re overwhelmed with so much that they can’t think

think you should.

Aaron Carnegie:

Committee a few years ago. I’m not a cop, I’m not in security, but I do have ideas on how to improve our security. You can be a Board member. One of owe Riverbay money. That means you know how in Finance to know how to budget money. It’s my money. I make sure the important things get paid.

Jacqueline Smith: The Riverbay Board was born out of the rent strike. We went from steering

Following the Q&A, each candidate was given an opportunity to present a closing statement.

also be available on the Riverbay YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7 Forum –––– (Continued from page 21)

Open Board –––––

(Continued from page 1)

meeting live on the Riverbay Crawler.

Approximately 80 shareholders were in attendance and about nine signed up to ask questions, ranging from safety and security, package thefts, convectors, building structures, apartment inspections, Spotted Lanternfies, dogs, and many more.

The meeting was called to order by Board President Sonia Feliciano and she went on to deliver her President’s Report to the community in which she noted the recently held press conference in Dreiser to announce the allocation of $51M for Co-op City in the state budget, due to the advocacy of State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, State Senator Jamaal Bailey and City Council Member Kevin Riley who worked with the State Legislature and the Governor’s Offce to secure the funding for the Riverbay Corporation – $50M for capital projects and $1M for operations.

“We understand that the monies are with the New York State Ways and Means Committee,” Board President Feliciano said. “Our Executive General Manager will be our intermediary for the monies that will be allocated.”

She went on to inform shareholders that the Board and Management have reached out to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) and not yet received a response about the agency’s 8.1% carrying charge increase order which becomes effective on July 1, 2024.

“There will be further communication to the community as this continues to evolve,” she said.

Board President Feliciano continued: “Mr. Benedetto, in the press conference, stated that we are one of the best run cooperatives, given that cooperatives like Amalgamated have issued a 49% increase to their shareholders, due to the fact that they’re unable to pay their bills or their mortgage. We don’t have that problem here.” She added that Barker Terrace has issued a 50% carrying charge increase and Jamie Towers was assessed 40% effective May 1. “As we look towards the future of Co-op City, we need to continue to keep our crown jewel, which is our homes,” said Board President Feliciano.

Addressing capital repairs, the Board President affrmed that monies in the reserved fund earmarked for capital projects to ensure Co-op City’s infrastructure is indeed being utilized to continue addressing the needs of the development. “We have many projects that we will be working on, and we are going to make sure that every dime is spent wisely,” she informed shareholders.

Turning attention to insurance, she reiterated that Co-op City’s rates have escalated over 400% over time. “We need to keep ourselves insured in order to protect our property,” said the Board President. “These increases are not sustainable. Therefore, we need to collectively work with our elected offcials, other Mitchell-Lama co-ops, other entities, and the Board, to come to a mindful resolution that we will not be gouged by insurance premiums.”

She went on to say that the new convectors being tested in E-line apartments in Building 14 hopefully will provide relief eventually to those who suffer leaks as the program is implemented throughout the campus.

Board President Feliciano announced that the Riverbay Fund has been allocated $53,000 in restricted funds to be used for a dog park. She said that Management has been asked to come back to the Board with specifcs and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

In addition, she said: “We have been trying to get Verizon to come to Co-op City. This is a process that’s taken more than a year because we want choice and an alternative solution, given that this is what our shareholders want. The corporation has signed a non-exclusive agreement with Verizon, but as of yet, they have not started any work until concerns with Verizon, both parties, both communication companies, can be ironed out.”

Lastly, Board President Feliciano reminded shareholders that the Riverbay Board of Directors election is in progress and encouraged everyone to vote to make this year’s quorum.

The Gallery Session followed the President’s Report. The following is a sampling of some of the questions asked by shareholders.

Novella Thomas said that the cleaners in the Dreiser Mall moved because their rent was too high and would it not have been better for Riverbay to offer a lower rent to have them stay?

Riverbay’s director of Commercial Leasing, Danielle O’Connor, responded that the information the shareholder has is incorrect although details could not be divulged. However, she added that there is a new tenant for the space and a lease is being fnalized.

Another shareholder commented that if proper inspections were being done when new shareholders move in, the recent fre that occurred in Building 3 could have been averted. The shareholder, who asked not to be identifed in the newspaper, also asked about the new convectors being tested by Management and if shareholders would be able to see what they look like.

Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton responded that those who have been following the Management Reports published monthly in the Co-op City Times are aware that the Board authorized Management to invest $65,000 to purchase 26 of the convectors that Rockdale Village is installing.

“We found out that Rockdale Village has gone through the process,” said Mr. Walton. “They spent fve to almost six years at developing a really good convector that’s ffth generation. It has all the bells and whistles that we were working towards here. So we picked one building, we reviewed our data, and we found that Building

14, the E-line, is the line here that has had the most leaks in the last three years. So we decided to pick that one line and we can only install one for them, and it depends upon the outcome…If it’s positive, then we can come back and say, ‘Hey, now let’s move throughout the community and let’s do this’.”

Mr. Walton pointed out that even though Riverbay does not have the money to replace every convector throughout the development as is the case at Rochdale, Riverbay is taking advantage of Rochdale’s Research and Development (R&D).

“Rockdale Village system is very, very similar, their environment is very similar to ours and we don’t think that it’s necessary to continue to, you know, just delay the time when we have shareholders who are suffering from leaks and now we’re entering the AC season,” said Mr. Walton. “So please stay tuned. We’ll keep you informed. Remember what I said, each time we have these meetings, read your Co-op City Times. That’s where we put the Management Reports and we keep the community abreast as to what’s happening here.”

Addressing apartment inspections, Mr. Walton reminded shareholders that their occupancy agreement prohibits washing machines in Co-op City apartments.

Mr. Walton said: “So one thing that I’m discussing with the Board and it’s a part of, you know, in the future, … had we been able to get into the apartment on a consistent basis, maybe annually, so one thing that we’re going to be looking at is doing annual apartment inspections. Now, some will like it, some will not. But we’re all about doing things that’s best for the community. And if we don’t know that there’s a washing machine or a dryer, then it’s a shame that we have to wait until something like that happens before we make that determination. So this is where the shareholders have to step up and support an initiative such as that where we can get into the apartments on an annual basis. Because once we sell the apartment and you complete your new shareholder orientation, we’re not sure what’s happening

because we’re not required to do that type of thing. So, these are the things that we’re going to be proposing to the Board and the Board will have to put the policy in place to make it happen.”

Riverbay’s Safety director, Anthony Barzelatto, who has been a frefghter in NJ for 46 years, said that this was one of the worst fres he had seen in a very long time. “The fre started because of irresponsible use of an extension cord, along with overloading an outlet,” he said. “And when you overload outlets and use extension cords in that fashion, you’re susceptible to having a fre.”

He pointed out that matters worsened when the door to the apartment was left open.

“I’ll use the analogy, it’s like you have a campfre. When you pour gas on a campfre to make the fre get bigger, it gets bigger,” said Mr. Barzelatto. “Well, when you leave the door open, you’re introducing an enormous amount of oxygen, and the fre’s going to take off.”

Mr. Barzelatto announced that he is holding a series of fre prevention seminars to educate shareholders on how to prevent fres and what to do if there is a fre in their apartment.

Bruce Gitelson asked about the status of the garage elevator modernization project, particularly in Garage 8, since both the back and front elevators have been out of service since January.

Riverbay’s Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III answered that mobilization began this week with equipment being moved into shanties in the garages. “Particularly Garage 8, …one that was out of service and we will be beginning to start to correct that. So, we are moving forward with getting the garage elevators completed this summer and it will go into next year.”

Mr. Gitelson also asked if a photo of the convector could be printed in the Co-op City Times, and he also followed-up on the Safety director’s comment about the use of extension cords.

“Co-op City was built by a crew of people who were cheating at every point in the construction,” Mr. Gitelson said. “In most bedrooms, only two of the four walls have electrical outlets. They are fed, the other two are fed, from the convector… So saying that we shouldn’t use extension cords has been a problem for us for 50some odd years. And I was just wondering … the new convectors, do they have the AC outlet on the side, on the power side of the convector, since we have not seen a picture of it or the specs?”

Toma Kastrati, assistant director of the Riverbay Maintenance department, said that with the new convectors, there will be an option to have the outlets on the side. “The test model that we get, they do not have an outlet because

(Continued on page 24)

Shareholder Bruce Gitelson asked for a status update on the garage elevator modernization program in Garage 8 and received a response from Assistant EGM Cary Smith III.

Board President Sonia Feliciano giving her President’s Report to attendees. Seated to her left is General Counsel Jeff Buss.

Open Board –––––

(Continued from page 23)

there’s not going to be anymore where there’s a switch on and off. There’s actually going to be a digital screen where you’re going to be able to program the temperature in the room. So there’s not going to be an outlet. But there is an option. We are in talks with the people who are actually building them so we are able to install those outlets if need be, but we also have to determine where we want to install those outlets – on what side, because the screen is going to be on top of the unit …”

Following-up, Mr. Gitelson asked if the option is for individual shareholders to say s/he wants the outlet or for all convectors to be built with the outlet, to which Mr. Kastrati said that is the option is going to be brought to the Board, and presumably whatever the decision is, it will apply to everyone.

Mr. Walton reiterated that the convectors have been tested at Rochdale Village. “They have been proven at Rochdale Village. So this, when you see it, we’re testing it out in Building 14 specifcally again because that’s where the majority of the leaks are happening,” he said. “And we will make a picture available to the shareholders. We’re probably another couple of weeks out from receiving them. And we’ll make sure that we put a picture of it in the Co-op City Times so everyone will see it. We will even try to run something on the Crawler so you can see the picture. And all the questions that you’ve got is going to be a working process. We’re going to make sure that when we put them in, it’s not going to cause any havoc or prevent you from doing what you normally do in your apartment so bear that piece in mind. This is a test, but we’re going to make sure that it works and fts for all of the shareholders.”

Mr. Gitelson clarifed that the convectors installed in the bedrooms are the ones that need to be equipped with the outlets, not necessarily those in the living room which has a long wall. Mr. Walton said this point will be taken into consideration.

Rev. Michael Miller talked about packages being left in the buildings that can subsequently be stolen and seniors.

“I’m very protective of my seniors at my church. I’m very protective of these seniors in Co-op City,” said Rev. Miller. “They are important to my family’s life, through their presence and everything else so I owe the community. So I want to know what is Management doing better to protect our seniors because every time I turn around, … I see seniors, I see young people in the elevators, they are all in their phones, they don’t know how to defend themselves … I’m not concerned about myself, but I’m concerned about safety. And so our seniors need to feel that they are safe here in this community, so I want to know what is being done to better serve this community …”

Captain Frank Torres of CCPD said that Offcers have been working to identify the package thieves and making sure to get the word out to cooperators to use other delivery methods such as delivery lockers, delivery to local stores involved in the delivery program or to have a neighbor receive packages on your behalf if the shareholder will not be home to receive them.

“It’s very hard to prosecute someone who is stealing packages by tearing up the box, putting the goods in the bag, and walking in the street,” said Capt. Torres. “It’s petty larceny but it’s not sticking in the courts. We can do what we can to try to prevent it and get them to know that we’re putting the pressure on. That’s what we’re doing right now, putting the word out there in the community.”

Concerning seniors, Capt. Torres said CCPD has to continue being proactive and increase patrol. He said that the department is in the process of recruiting for a new class of offcers which will help bolster efforts.

Mr. Walton offered: “One thing I’d like to add for the shareholders is, in case you didn’t know, and … this is where the community comes in, we want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, because we put three pictures in the paper, and we were able to identify two of the package thieves, and they were arrested, so you did what we’ve been asking. When you see something, say something. You see something, do something.”

Mr. Walton went on to state that Riverbay is also working on other plans although where the delivery companies leave packages is beyond Management’s control.

“There’s not much we can do there, and I totally agree with the Captain,” said Mr. Walton. “We are expanding on the Amazon lockers. So I’m going to have Mr. Josh Blake come up and talk about what’s happening, because it’s a phased program. They’re sitting there at the Triple Cores, but we’re now entering phase two, and eventually it’s going to be on phase three. So please take advantage of that, because the majority of the packages that are coming are Amazon packages, right? If the post offce is leaving them there, that’s beyond our control…but we can talk to them…”

Interim Deputy General Manager Josh Blake, who implemented the Amazon locker program when he was director of the Janitorial department, said that installation of Amazon lockers at the Triple Cores began last year and all are currently outftted.

“We are doing fve buildings right now and we’re going to post the addresses of where the boxes will be installed shortly in the Co-op City Times,” said Mr. Blake. “We are working diligently with Amazon every day, on a weekly basis as well, to make sure that the drivers bring the packages upstairs to the apartments, or into the box wherever you choose. It is a work in progress, and

I’ve been working on it for about a year now. As the Executive General Manager stated, it is three phases, we’re doing the Chevrons, and then we’ll head to the Chevrons.”

Director Kevin Lambright said: “As consumers, we have to contact these companies and let them know that the delivery people are leaving them [packages] by our mailboxes. This is not the type of lobby where we have a doorman who takes our package at the doors. But as consumers, we have to take responsibility and contact all of these companies.”

Shareholder Andrea Mayo asked about water coming up in the basements and if it’s something that shareholders should be concerned about.

Riverbay’s director of Construction Rik Jakaj said that there are a couple of buildings in which this is happening on the campus and it is merely groundwater that is at a higher elevation than the basement itself. “So the water is trying to make its way up,” he said. “…Relative to the comment you made earlier on the sinking portion, the entire campus here is built on what we call piles and pile caps. Those piles are driven to a depth that is predetermined by the structural engineers. So the fact, actually I’ve heard this numerous times, but that is not the case that the buildings are sinking. The entire place is built on piles and pile caps.

Mr. Jakaj explained that piles and pile caps are the foundation types that the buildings are on.

“When this place was built, there was marshlands, a lot of sand was brought in, so that’s not a suitable soil condition where you build buildings on,” said Mr. Jakaj.

Ms. Mayo asked what can be done about the water and the answer was basically nothing.

Mr. Jakaj responded: “The water is a problem to solve because it’s constantly trying to fnd a path to its natural elevation. If you fx one crack here, it will fnd another place somewhere else. One solution would be to try to dig deeper and put pumps so that you’re constantly pumping down the water. That may or may not be a good solution. There’s another solution you can try, which is chemical injection. Drilling into the concrete and then flling with chemicals. You may stop the water in one spot, but you may introduce it into a different area. That’s part of the problem, trying to solve that issue.”

Following the Gallery Session, the Board began its business meeting with the Management Report, presented by Executive General Manager Walton (see page 1). The Board members then discussed and voted on six Board resolutions (published on pages 29-30.)

Bronx County Chorus Spring Concert

Back in the 80’s, May 5, 2024

Bronx County Chorus held its 85th annual spring concert: “Back in the 80’s,” on May 5th, at the First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck. A great program and tribute to the 80’s was performed with highlights of music from the 80’s, as well as selections from shows of the 1980’s, “Into the Woods” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

Photo by Shahriyar Farshid

Pop hits from the 80’s were also featured. This concert was a salute to the 1580’s, 1680’s, 1780’s, 1880’s and 1980’s. This concert also celebrated the chorus being 85-years-old. The accompanists, Mrs. Alice Fellenberg and Ms. Ava Nazar, enhanced the program by incorporating the versatility of the keyboard with the grand piano. Bronx County Chorus is directed by Director, Miles Fellenberg and Assistant Director, Ava Nazar. The Bronx County Chorus is the oldest ecumenical chorus in the Bronx. It was a great audience for a great show.

Watch for the fall press release which will give all the membership recruitment information for Fall 2024. Bronx County Chorus performs two outreach concerts and one formal concert each semester. Bronx County Chorus is supported by public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts, through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, and members. For more information, please visit Facebook or our website, http://www.Bronxcountychorus.org/, or email bronxcountychorus@gmail.com for more information.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. We remain thankful, grateful, and blessed. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Standing: Linda Collins and Marvin Walton.

Seated: Mary Walker.

On Thursday, May 16, we held our annual Volunteer Recognition social event. We hosted Marvin L. Walton, the executive general manager for Riverbay Corporation.

EGM Marvin Walton presented each Building 9 Diamond (volunteer) with a certificate of appreciation and individual photo opportunities. In addition, each Building 9 Association Executive Board member was presented with 24 white roses for their tireless and dedicated service throughout the year. After the Awards presentation, there was a dinner in honor of our volunteers. We thank all in attendance: Wanda Randall, Evelyn Mavins, Janet Yarrell, Mary Walker, Darlene Walker-Reid, Neil Offen, Janice Warner-Rosario, Robert Rosario, Barbara Cloud, Marva Malone, Matse Jenkins, Jazmin Rodriguez, Wendy Pimentel, Shirley Johnson, Shirley McCann, Pamela Bryan, Gabriella Concepcion, Camryn Ross, Liz Manning, David Manning, Yvonne Booth, Theresa Gorden, Ellen Wilkins, Sharon Moore, Linda Collins, and Charisse Clark.

The award recipients not in attendance to receive their awards were Dinora Tirado, Linda Holley and Denita Cox.

Charisse Clarke provided our Executive Board Secretary, Evelyn Mavins, with copies of the Building 9 Association by-laws for distribution to those who requested copies at our April general membership meeting. Thank you, Charisse.

Please be advised that the porter for Building 9, B side has been out on sick leave. There is no “floater pool.” The regular staff are covering for both buildings. If you experience any loss of service, please let me know.

Also, on Thursday, May 16, Community Board 10 held its full board meeting in the Bartow Center.

On Saturday, May 18, the first Candidates’ Forum of the 2024 Riverbay Board election was held.

During the month of June 2024, the Building 9 Association will host a Pokeno Day. Calling all Pokeno players!

Garage 2 elevators will be undergoing renovations beginning June 3. Be prepared for some inconveniences.

The Riverbay Board of Directors election period began on May 20.

Early Primary voting in our District begins on June 15. Primary Day will be June 25. Please exercise your right and your privilege to vote.

The 2024 Section 2 Summer Family Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please purchase your Summer Fun Day t-shirts as soon as possible.

Air conditioning season is about to begin. Please prepare your convectors as directed.

“While we have our eyes on the future, history has its eye on us.” —Amanda Gorman

American Legion Post 1871

Memorial Day Commemoration in Co-op City

See You Tomorrow, Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m.!

Our Post, in partnership with the Riverbay Fund, continues the annual rites & ritual to commemorate the true meaning of Memorial Day. From the beginning of the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism, more than one million American veterans have made the supreme sacrifice. They died so that we can continue to treasure the things they loved – God, country, and family. This is why, tomorrow, Sunday, May 26, 2024, commencing at 3 p.m. (sharp) in Co-op City’s Harley J. Mosley Sr. Veterans Memorial Park, we commemorate Memorial Day.

While Memorial Day is generally known for picnics and parades – though there is nothing wrong with enjoying and celebrating our American way of life – the day is really about thankfulness and commemoration. To encourage remembrance, a day before the actual “beach & barbecue” celebration day, our Post honors the men and women who made it possible for us is to enjoy our way of life.

Optimistic you will be a community participant!

Flag Placing at Woodlawn National Cemetery – During the month of May, the American Legion visits cemeteries worldwide to post flags on comrades’ graves to symbolize that they will be always remembered for their sacrifice to preserve our way of life.

Pictured above is our Service Officer Joan Davis, one of the many Legionnaires who participated in this remembrance on May 18 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the The Woodlawn Cemetery, 3800 Jerome Ave., Bronx.

Save The Date – June 1st! Post 1871 will be providing Color Guard at the opening of the 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day event at Poe Park, Bronx. The event will be sponsored by the Orisha Wholeness Organization. As collaborative with American Legion’s own goals, the organization provides educational awareness as it pertains to resources to veterans and their families. Another goal is to promote healthy lifestyles in the Veterans’ Community via educational classes, workshops, and wholesome lifestyle events like the one to be held at Poe Park. Free of Charge, veterans and their families can enroll in showcase programs like line dance, yoga, and meditation.

Mark your calendar to attend on the Veterans Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 1, from 12-4 p.m. at Poe Park located at 2640 Gand Concourse, between E. Kingsbridge Rd. and 192nd St., Bronx, New York.

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

—Linda Collins

African-American Association’s Annual Spelling Bee

BY P.M. CAMPBELL

The African-American Association of Co-op City hosted their 11th annual Spelling Bee on Saturday, May 18, when participants and audience members made their way to Room 4 in the Dreiser Center at 1 p.m. The event was co-sponsored by the Riverbay Fund and featured a group of 14 contestants which the hosts called the “Beehive.”

Contestants ranged from 3rd to 7th grade. Most attended P.S. 178, but others attended P.S. 97, M.S. 180, M.S. 181, and homeschool. Francine Reva Jones, the event’s founder, opened the event by pouring libations. This was followed by a prayer, and the singing of “Lift Every Voice.” Michelle Marbury, president of the African-American Association and a Riverbay Board director, explained to the Beehive that

their community engagement made each of them winners no matter if they win the spelling bee.

In an interview with the Co-op City Times, Ms. Marbury said, “Literacy is something that is falling short in our school systems; our children are unfortunately bearing the brunt of that.” To her, friendly competition promotes education, literacy, and an increase in neighborhood involvement. Marbury said clubs, organizations, churches, and events around Co-op City are all opportunities for young people to express themselves within their community.

After, Kevin Lambright, Member-at-Large of the African-American Association and also a Riverbay Board director, announced the rules, including the prohibition of adult coaching. Then, the

Over the course of several rounds, participants spelt words like “usually,” “villain,” “vegetable,” award went to Shahzeen Kamal, the $100 second place award went to Jashly Hernandez, and the $50 third place award went to Emma Griggs.

“It helps you connect with other people and communicate with each other, or understand each other,” said 11-year-old Shahzeen, a 5th grade student at P.S. 178 Magnet School of Multimedia. Though she participated in last year’s Spelling Bee, this year’s event, Shahzeen and her brother practiced for about an hour each day.

cate. The top three contestants and contestant #7, Laila Pinnock, the runner up, received signed copies of “The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills” by journalist Cheryl Wills. The top three also received medals.

“It’s the parents who need to encourage their children to participate in things like this,” said Ms. Jones. “I hope that next year, we’ll have twice as many children participating.”

As the founder of Co-op City’s Spelling Bee, Ms. Jones, also a former president of the African-American Association and current recording secretary of the organization, is particularly concerned about national book bans and cuts to library funding. She feels that supporting literacy and eduon future leaders. This year’s Spelling Bee featured some of the brightest young people in the Bronx.

Photos by P.M. Campbell

Co-op City Toastmasters Club

Toastmasters Membership Drive Continues

Are you seeking a fun place to hone your public speaking and leadership skills? Seek no more. Our Membership Drive is the perfect time to check us out and decide if we can help you or perhaps someone you may know who wants to work on their skill sets. For over twenty years in Co-op City that is what we have done and continue to do. Remember, communication is not an option.

The new Toastmaster year begins July 1st and we look forward to working with a new slate of club offcers in both clubs who are eager to lead us to even higher ground, individually and clubwise. Won’t you be a part of this exciting time? Also, we very proudly congratulate CCTM Kathy Blount and Lauretta Jaysura, for achieving DTM status. It signifes completion of the Toastmasters Intl. Pathways Educational Program, the highest educational award possible. Congratulations, Toastmasters, congratulations!!

African-American Association of Co-op City

11th Annual Spelling Bee Was a Triumph!

How do you spell FANTASTIC?! That sums up the AAACC’s 11th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee.

The children were great. Some came and lent a hand in the preparation and set up. Some came to support their siblings and of course some came to participate! Friendly competition was the phrase of the day and the very gifted youth of Co-op City and the surrounding area.

First place and winner of this year’s Bee was contestant #6, Miss Shahzeen Kamal. Second place went to contestant #16, Miss Jashly Hernandez, and in third place, contestant #8, Miss Emma Griggs. The prizes were awarded respectively $150, $100, and $50! (Pictured at left).

A surprise gift was given to fourth place contestant #7 Laila Pinnock (pictured at right) who was awarded an autographed copy of a one-of-a-kind brilliantly illustrated children’s book, based on a true story. NY-1 Television Journalist Cheryl Wills graciously donated her powerful tale about her enslaved great-great-grandfather who fought for his freedom as a soldier during the Civil War.

The Bee was a well-attended and sponsored event! The organization wishes to thank the Riverbay Fund, Hari Krishana Stationery, Dunkin Donuts, Jonathan Soto, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Community Activist & former NYC Council Member Andy King, VCYS Corp. (Pizza Shop), and Bartow Chinese Buffet. We acknowledge the AAACC executive staff, AAACC membership volunteers, and attendees who came to watch and enjoy. It was truly Bee-yond!

Save the NEW Date: Saturday, June 22nd – AAACC “Open Mic” event starting at 4 p.m. Can you sing? Are you funny? Are you a dancer, a poet, novelist, maybe you’re a painter? Or a jack-of-all of these trades? This platform, this mic, is for you! Come, hone your talents and have some fun. Adults only, please, and language must be kept respectable.

Open Mic is a fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Support the African-American Association of Co-op City, Dreiser Community Center, Room 15, 2nd foor. We’ll remind you again with lobby fyers. Until then, mark your calendar and save the new date, June 2, at 4 p.m.!

AAACC Meetings & Events

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

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

Our gift to each member is a complimentary 4-night hotel stay or cruise Just by being a member of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Join the AAACC – $25.00/year single membership and $35.00/year family/ household. Zelle us your payment using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095, the African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes, contact: Xonia Wilson at: 646-301-9438

Evening Line Dance Classes, contact: Cynthia Dixon at: 917-903-7073

Yoga & Pilates Classes, contact: Meena Sharpe-Hicks at: 917-863-1507

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

“Bee” the change you want, for more in 2024.

—Michelle Marbury

President Kathy Blount with visitor Barbara Purdy.

Meetings: Please note the upcoming schedules thru June with plans to attend:

CCTM: First and third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise notifed. Note: First Thurs. is a Zoom mtg; third Thurs. is hybrid in Rm. 5 at Dreiser Center on Zoom, 9558527325/x4by9C (thru June only)

Thursday, May 30 – Special Speakathon Meeting, online. Zoom ID: 9558527325/x4by9C

June 20 – Close out with current offcers. BAS (Bronx Advanced Speakers): Second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Hybrid in Rm. 5 at Dreiser Center. Advanced club open to all to participate. Contact Pres. Jeffrey at Duquesne@gmail.com

June 11 – Guest Speaker Rajiv Jadhav, PR Expert: “How to Look Your Best Online.”

July 9 – Guest Speaker Marc Williams

––Lauretta Jaysura

National Council of Negro Women

Harambee Committee – The Harambee Committee is moving forward with plans and enthusiasm for our upcoming Harambee Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course. This year’s theme is “Freedom! To Live! To Serve! To Thrive!” This year’s honorees will be Councilman Kevin Riley, Dawna Michelle Fields, Lynette Wright, Christopher Robinson and our Co-op City Youth Section. Tickets are now on sale for $125 each and can be purchased through Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harambee-celebration-tickets-853970367357 or by making your check payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mailing to NCNW Co-op City Section, 3300 Connor Street, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.

We are actively accepting journal ads and donations. If you are interested in purchasing a journal ad, please email coopcityncnwharambee@gmail.com to receive more information on how to submit your request. We are also looking for vendors for this event. If you know any vendors, please provide the contact information to our fundraising committee by email to ncnwcoopcityfr@gmail. com. Any questions, comments, or concerns, please email the Harambee Committee chairs, Akeisha Neely and Lisa Wade-Stewart at coopcityncnwharambee@gmail.com

Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Our 50th annual BHRP Program, held on May 18, in Great Neck, NY, was a resounding success! Our National President & CEO is on medical leave for the month of May but our substitute main speaker brought down the house! Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, former president of Alabama State University and Delta Sigma Theta sorority and former mechanical engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, had people on their feet applauding her inspiring message!

We from Co-op City Section held our heads high as our members received awards for supporting NCNW through different categories. Legacy Life Membership was bestowed on Cynthia L. Cox, Eleanor Marilyn Donnley, Gladys Elizabeth Pryer and Justice Kim Adair Wilson. Life Membership was bestowed on Sandra L. Mitchell and the Honorable Diedra R. Moore. Our BethuneHeight Achievers are Inez McCray Gardner, Joyce Miller Howard, Lori B. Melton, Julia Price, Tina M. Thompson and Michele D. Woody, among others.

This esteemed celebration always ends with all guests holding a lit candle and singing together Dr. Bethune’s favorite song, “This Little Light of Mine.” NCNW Youth Section – Our Youth Section met on May 11 for a Mother’s Day Paint Workshop. They enjoyed letting their ‘artistic juices fow’ as they created paintings for their moms and mother fgures. These young ladies between the ages of 9 and 18 who are interested in leading, advocating and empowering women of African descent, their families and communities, recently held their elections for their offcers who will be their leaders in the fall, after their last meeting this fscal year in June. Their president-elect attended the Bethune-Height Recognition Program on May 18 with the adult leader of the Youth Section, Nikita Singletary, and got to meet some of our National Offcers and other Youth Section members.

—Joyce Howard

L-R: Kathy Blount, guest speaker Josephine McFarlane, LMSW and BAS Pres. Jeffrey DuQuesne

Youth Section President Elect with Dr. A. Lois Keith

Co-op City Achievers 2024

Board of Directors’ Meeting - May 21, 2024

First Reading - Resolution #24-28

SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson

SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay’s current policy for the restoration of vacant residential apartments requires that all apartments, regardless of condition, be restored to a uniform, code-compliant, marketable condition prior to being offered for sale or transfer; and

WHEREAS, Riverbay’s standard form of Occupancy Agreement requires vacating shareholders to restore their apartments to their original condition; and WHEREAS, strict interpretation of these rules and policies requires that approved alterations made to an apartment to accommodate disabilities, as well as custom improvements and upgrades made to kitchens, bathrooms and appliances be removed and replaced with Riverbay standard fixtures and finishes; and

WHEREAS, the Board believes these policies should be modified to not mandate the removal of accommodations made for disabilities and to vest management with discretion to determine whether custom improvements or upgrades made to kitchens, bathrooms or appliances need to be removed and replaced with Riverbay standard finishes and fixtures; and

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the above, no apartment shall be offered for re-sale or transfer unless it is in habitable and marketable condition, free of any administrative code violations; and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by New York Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED apartments which have been modified to provide accommodations for the disabled do not need to be restored to their original condition and that said apartments, after completion of all renovations required to restore them to a marketable, habitable condition, free and clear of administrative code violations, may be offered for re-sale or transfer to incoming or existing shareholders who may require disability accommodations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Management shall exercise its professional judgment and discretion to determine whether custom improvements or upgrades made to kitchens, bathrooms or appliances need to be removed and replaced with Riverbay standard finishes and fixtures before an apartment is offered for re-sale or transfer, provided that prior to any sale or transfer, said apartment is restored to a habitable and marketable condition, free and clear of any administrative code violations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any shareholder that accepts an apartment which has been so modified shall agree in writing that the apartment is in habitable and acceptable condition upon transfer and that Riverbay shall not have any obligation to maintain the improvements or upgrades, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if a post-closing event requires Riverbay to perform work to restore the apartment to a habitable condition, Riverbay’s obligation shall be limited to the cost of restoring the apartment to Riverbay’s standard finish or fixtures; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect as of July 1, 2024, subject to HCR approval, and that the President and Management are authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading - Resolution #24-31

SUBMITTED BY: Rod Saunders

SECONDED BY: Lynette Wright BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, on August 17, 2021, New York Department of Transportation announced the establishment of an e-scooter pilot program for the East Bronx; and WHEREAS, the program, unlike the Citibike program, features the use of vehicles that are dockless and free-locking; and

WHEREAS, the program envisioned that at the end of each trip a user would park the scooter in a designated parking corrals, or in a portion of a public sidewalk out of the path of travel; and WHEREAS, users have simply dumped e-scooters on Riverbay property, or in areas of the sidewalk that are in the path of travel, that block access to public transit, that block handicapped access, or that create trip hazards for the public; and

WHEREAS, there is no consequence or expense to the user, or to the company supplying the e-scooter for dumping vehicles on Riverbay property or for blocking public sidewalks;

NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that Management work with Riverbay’s local elected officials, the NYC Department of Transportation, Community Board 10 and with the three (3) companies currently supplying e-scooters, to change the e-scooter pilot program to ban dumping of scooters on private property, to ban leaving e-scooters on public sidewalks, to create parking corrals without further delay and without cost to property owners, to mandate that consumers end their e-scooter usage by parking e-scooters in approval corrals only, that usage charges continue to accrue to a user until the e-scooter is secured in an approved corral, and that NYC DOT implement such other and further solutions as may be appropriate.

First Reading - Resolution #24-30

SUBMITTED BY: Bernie Cylich

SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, for the past two years the Power Plant has been undertaking a pump room rejuvenation project; and WHEREAS, for the overhaul of the domestic water & dual temperature pumps, the Power Plant has completed the overhaul of 60% of the pumps under contract 3945 with Frontline Industries, Inc.; and WHEREAS, there is $184,665 in outstanding invoices to date; and

WHEREAS, the Power Plant is requesting a change order to complete the overhaul of the remaining 40% of the pumps for $388,600 plus 10% contingency of $38,860; and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #1 for contract 3945 with Frontline Industries, Inc. for $612,125 plus tax, which includes contingency of $38,860 and the outstanding balance of $184,665 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 and as amended by Resolution #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER IT RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

Second Reading - Resolution #24-24

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, Procurement on May 2021 conducted an RFP for the purchase of kitchen cabinets, and we received bids from 5 bidders. On November 10, 2021 the Board passed resolution #21-47 awarding the bid to the lowest qualified bidder Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry for a 12-month contract not to exceed for $1,200,000. The resolution and contract incorporated a 12-month extension option at Riverbay’s discretion not exceed the amount of $1,200,000; and

WHEREAS: During the first year, we established a good working relationship with Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, as they have provided a quality product and met all aspects of the contract, management decided to exercise the 1-year contract extension option; and

WHEREAS: Management continues to be impressed with the characteristics and good quality of the kitchen cabinets, and satisfied with the timely delivery of kitchen cabinets. And since Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry has agreed to honor their existing pricing for an additional year, with a 2% escalation for a second year; and

WHEREAS: Management wants to proceed with awarding a single source two (2) year contract #4040 to Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, at the present cabinets price for the first year, with a 2 % escalation for the 2nd year, with a total contract value of $2,424,000, with the funds to be allocated as follow:

$1,200,000 – no price increase for year 1

$1,224,000 – 2% increase in price for year 2

$2,424,000 – Total 2 Years Contract Value

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE LET BE IT RESOLVED, that notwithstanding Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and Resolution #20-19. That the Board authorizes the approval of two (2) year contract #4040 to Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, at the present cabinets price for the first year, with a 2 % escalation for the 2nd year, with a total contract value of $2,424,000, with the funds to be allocated as follow:

$1,200,000 – no price increase for year 1

$1,224,000 – 2% increase in price for year 2

$2,424,000 – Total 2 Years Contract Value

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President is hereby authorized to execute change orders to the above contracts consistent with this Resolution and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Johnson

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Resolutions –––––

Second Reading - Resolution #24-22

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Bernie Cylich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2022 the Board awarded Contract #3784A via Resolution #22-48 to Synergy Green Building Group for the Pump Room Rejuvenation Project; and WHEREAS, Change Order #1 is being requested for a one-year extension of time until April 2, 2025. To date the project is 63% complete (see attached memo); and WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities have overtaken the time allotted for in-house labor to disassemble and remove the pumps and motors from the bases; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #1 for Contract #3784A with Synergy Green Building Group for a one-year extension of time be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract or change order and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright ABSENT FOR VOTE: Johnson

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Second Reading - Resolution #24-25

SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury

SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, the previous Contract 3381 for Public Assembly Compliance work was terminated, as the contractor didn’t complete the work; and WHEREAS that all three centers along with churches and certain day care centers with assembly rooms be in compliance; and WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited bids from 20 companies under new Bid #3944, in order to complete this public assembly compliance project, in order to be 100 % code complainant; and WHEREAS, the Procurement Department received six (6) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Architect of record and the project manager; and WHEREAS, the Architect of record and the project manager have deter-

recommend that this contract # 3944 be approved and awarded to Genesys Construction Corp. at a total dollar value of $317,111.30 (see recommendation memo & bid leveling attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract #3944 with Genesys Construction Corp., for one (1) year at a total value of $317,111.30 plus tax be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Leslie

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

REMINDER – Carrying Charge Boxes

Shareholders are reminded that the carrying charge deposit boxes located the month and close at midnight on the 10th of the month, which is the last day to pay your carrying charges before a late fee is accessed. If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the carrying charge boxes remain open through the next business day.

Riverbay Management

Second Reading - Resolution #24-23

SUBMITTED BY: Leah Richardson

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, of any emergencies that may rise on our campus due to a natural disaster or a cyber-security hack; and WHEREAS,

have a 24/7, 365 days’ live support agent in case a situation arises; and WHEREAS, IT management recommends a contract with Verizon as they recommendation memo and spreadsheet); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract # 4030 with Verizon for $14,672.37 per month for the 19 locations for a 3-year contract total of $528,205.32 plus tax be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 and as amended by Resolution #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Johnson

ABSENT: Rosario

Lease Resolution #24-27

SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, -

shoe repair, sale of shoe items, hat cleaning, jewelry repair and shoe shine; and WHEREAS option and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for -

as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Watson, Wright

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Saunders

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Lease Resolution #24-29

SUBMITTED BY: Leah Richardson

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: May 21st, 2024

WHEREAS, Dreiser Health Plaza Inc. has requested a lease from Riverbay used for physical therapy, specialty doctor, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sleep studies & diagnostic testing; and WHEREAS options and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement forbay Corporation, Owner, and Dreiser Health Plaza Inc., Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Watson, Wright

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Saunders

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Building 25 Association

Greetings, Building 25 shareholders! We are approaching the end of this month and will celebrate Memorial Day holiday on 5/27/24. It is a time when we remember and honor the memory of those courageous men and women who served in wars and lost their lives in defense of our country. This holiday weekend, let us also remember and honor the families of the Fallen. This holiday weekend will also kick off the unoffcial summer season. May we all create meaningful and happy memories with family and friends. Congratulations to all graduates, and best wishes in your future endeavors.

The Building 25 Association welcomes new shareholders to our building, and we invite you to attend our monthly meeting, which is on the third Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m., in the meeting room under the portico. As always, we thank those who attend our meetings on a regular basis. Our Building Association meetings strive to have discussions on issues and concerns about our building and our Co-op City community, promote information sharing and opportunities for social interaction. We also make every effort to invite staff

Greetings,

from community programs to attend our meeting to promote the services they offer and staff from Riverbay Corporation to address the concerns of the shareholders. We welcome input from our building shareholders.

You may contact our Building Association at bldg25association@gmail.com. Our Association’s suggestion box is in our laundry room.

Reminder:

• Election – 2024 Riverbay Board of Election is in effect until June 14, 2024. We encourage all shareholders to participate in the election process…Vote.

• Board of Elections City of New York – Primary Election: Early Voting June 15, 2024 – June 23, 2024.

Sick and Shut-ins: Our thoughts are with you, and we hope you are having mostly good days.

Condolences: We wish all who are mourning the loss of a loved one, peace, comfort, and strength during this challenging time.

Have a safe and joy-flled week, everybody!

Evelyn Herbert

Building 20 Association

The Building 20 Association’s General meeting was held on Thursday, May 16. The following is a summary:

The vice president reported on the Section 3 and 4 meeting for presidents and vice presidents with CSO’s Victor Dickson on May 13. She thanked him for repairing the 20B lobby foor. Mr. Dickson will follow up with the resident who showed us “dirty water” from her faucet, as well as get rid of rats in Garage 5, fx the leak in front of our meeting room, replace the laundry room light, look into the elevator “door nudging,” and the Building 20A elevator that announced that it was going out of service and then dropped. He will have answers at the next meeting on June 10. The repairs to the G line leaks in 20C are on hold.

We were pleased that Board Director and resident of Building 20, Lynette Wright, was present to explain questions that arose regarding the increased costs connected with copper-silver ionization testing, asbestos testing, Local Law 11 and potentially Local Law 97.

For our Spring beautifcation, two residents volunteered to help renew the laundry room bulletin

board. It will get done shortly.

The Memorial Plaque was updated to include Mr. Stephen Smalls of Building 20A who passed away on or around April 20th.

There were changes in Management when the Deputy General Manager was terminated and a department director was promoted to that position. Also, another staff member was promoted to Janitorial director.

There were nominations for new Building 20 Association offcers, including president, V.P., recording secretary, treasurer and Sergeant-at-arms. Additional nominations and elections will be made on June 20. All building 20 residents are encouraged to attend in order to nominate and vote for the candidates of your choice.

The president reminded everyone to vote in the Riverbay Board elections. Read about the candidates, attend the forums and when your ballot arrives in the mail, please vote.

We will have a pot luck dinner at our June 20th meeting. Please attend with a dessert or beverage.

The 50-50 raffe winner was Mr. William Chisolm. Congratulations!

—Francine Jones

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We trust all is well. Trees and fowers are blooming, trees and bushes appear to be healthy. People are still wearing their masks.

Building 27 Association – Final meeting before summer hiatus was May 23. We will update in the next article due to we will possibly have a speaker. Deliveries – Some businesses provide delivery lockers to prevent packages from being stolen. However, in some cases, one will need a smartphone/iPhone to secure their package. If you do not own one to retrieve your package, your package may be returned back to the vendor. In the meantime, packages are still left in the lobbies by delivery carriers. Now what?

2024 Board of Directors Election – The third and last Candidates’ Forum will be May 29, 7 p.m. at Bartow Center, Rm. 31. Voting began Monday, May 20, to June 14, 2024. Shareholders, let’s meet the required 5,035 plus certifed ballots to meet the quorum on the frst count. If you agree, then vote, vote

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

With Deep Sorrow – The Building 27 Associa-

tion regrets to announce that our faithful treasurer, Lillian Sumpter; and our baker, Margie Delgado, have passed on. Our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families, and may they both rest in peace.

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

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

—H. Overman

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the Lifeblood of the organization. We meet on the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual), barring any unforeseen circumstances. NAACP Offce Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Save the Date: June 15, from 3-5 p.m. at the NAACP Offce at Einstein Center, Rm. 36, join the workshop and learn about FAFSA, completing and submitting the application. Special facilitator: high school guidance counselor and college advisor. Flyer coming soon.

Brown v. Board of Education at 70 – A Milestone for Educational Equity: This pivotal case, decided on May 17, 1954, declared state laws establishing separate public schools for Black and White students unconstitutional, marking a monumental victory in the fght for equality and justice under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s chief legal counsel, who would later become the frst African American Supreme Court Justice.

May General Meeting: In honor of those who gave their lives in the interest of freedom and justice for all and in light of the work the NAACP has done over the years to also uphold the truths of this nation that “All men are created equal,” for our May meeting, we will join the Co-op City Branch of the American Legion Post 1871 on Memorial Day in recognition of our fallen heroes. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 3 p.m. at the Harley J. Mosley Sr. Veterans Memorial Park, weather permitting. Please wear your NAACP shirt.

Primary Election Day – June 25, 2024

Early Voting dates are Saturday, June 15 – Sunday, June 23.

To request an absentee ballot for the State and Federal Primary Election, go to requestballot.vote. nyc. The last day to apply is June 15, 2024. The primary list of candidates is for federal, state and local offces. For more information, call 311, 718299-9017 or 866-868-3692.

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

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Our Membership Campaign is ongoing. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fght for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; & Youth, $10; or Silver Life, $750. Make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 To leave a message, call the offce phone at: 718320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

—Brenda Brown

Co-op City Times Photo Submissions

When submitting club articles with pictures to the Co-op City Times, please DO NOT EMBED picture/s in your Word document or your email text. Rather, send the picture/s as a HIGH RESOLUTION - 300 DPI ATTACHMENT for proper print reproduction. All submissions must be emailed to: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. Thank you.

Goose Island Seniors

Discount Ticket Sale – Tue., May 28, in Rm. 39 at 135 Einstein Loop Center from 1-2 p.m. for The Motown Story, June 8, at Dreiser Loop. Price: $60, $75 VIP.

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

The Motown Story – Sat., June 8, 177 Dreiser Loop, Aud. B. Price: $60, VIP: $75 + tax. Motown impersonators, buffet included, 3-10 p.m.

Villa Roma Resort – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Tue., June 11. Wait list only. Price: $125. Balance due. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m.

Tribute to Whitney Houston – Tropicana Casino, A.C., Thu., June 27. Wait list. Price: $150. Bonus: $25 slot play and $20 food voucher. Deposit: $50 to reserve seat on bus. Balance due Wed., June 5. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 8:45 a.m., Asch Loop at 9:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 9:30 a.m.

Lego Land NY Theme Park – Sat., Jun. 29, in Goshen, NY. Cancelled. Virginia Beach Get-away – Tue., July 9–Fri. July 12. Call: 646-579-1701.

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

Nordic Lodge Seafood Feast, Tanger Outlet, Foxwoods Casino – Sat., Aug. 3rd. Price: $220. Sold out.

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

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT; Tue. Aug. 20. Wait list only. Price: $130; $50 deposit to reserve seat on bus. Balance due: Wed. July. 17. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors.

Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Sat. Aug. 31–Sat., Sept. 7. Call: 646-579-1701.

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

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

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

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

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee; Mon., Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Call: 718-379-9613. Bingo – Mon., Wed. and Fri., 1-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards, $0.25 each additional card, 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments. Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing and more.

To all Members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of May – Jacqueline Roy-Twiggs, Dorothy Drayton, Emma Rumph, Linda Singleton, Bernice DeCarmo, Sonia Dixon, Edna Senior-Williams, Mary Pilla, Becky Reyes, Doris Bailey, Juliana Wattley-Epps, Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz, Geneva Lindsey, Carmen Crespo and Hattie Overman. Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love to everyone. Call her at (718) 753-1816.

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

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, retirees and friends.

We wish everyone a happy Memorial Day weekend. Please remember all the brave men and women who courageously sacrifced their lives fghting for our country and for our freedom.

Atlantic City Overnight Trip – Sold out. Tropicana Casino/Hotel, Wednesday, May 29-30. One night hotel stay and tribute to the “Jersey Boys and Girls” show; $15 bonus slot play and $25 food voucher. Bus pick-up at 9 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop-offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop.

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

Ace in the Hole – Sold out. Wednesday, August 21. Lunch and a tribute show to Luther Vandross, Barry White, Isaac Hayes, and Teddy Pendergrass. Bus pick-up at 9:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop. Please contact Serita at (347)564-5722 for information regarding all trips.

Entertainment Committee – Our annual June luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the beautiful Marina del Rey. Tickets are $110 (includes transportation on a frst paid, frst seated basis). Daisy will be in Room 19 on Tuesdays and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Questions can be addressed to Daisy at (718) 671-6122 or (917) 292-7010 and Jay at (201)310-2972.

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

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

Condolences – Please continue to pray for those who have recently experienced a loss.

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

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

Georgianna Rodriguez

AARP Chapter #4997

Congratulations to all the members who celebrated Mother’s Day with their family and friends. To the graduates from all levels of achievement, “we salute your accomplishments.” To the people who will celebrate Father’s Day, know that you are loved and valued for all you do in your role as a mentor and parent; and to the couples intending summer nuptials “congratulations and blessings for a happy future.” Hopefully, we did not miss any occasion, if we did, forgive us.

Summer schedules are rapidly approaching for everyone. At AARP, we will begin summer hours on July 8th with the SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) students conducting classes from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room “0.” The students will be conducting one-hour sessions, 1 on 1, instructing you on any technological device that you are having diffculties with. Bring your device and charger when you come for your appointment. We will begin making appointments in mid-June. You can schedule as many appointments as you feel comfortable with, and we do accept walk-ins but no guarantees of availability.

Other organizations are also sponsoring events of interest: Section 2 “Summer Fun Day,” June 22, from 12-5 p.m.. “Sneaker Art Painting,” June 1, at 100 Casals Place, 6-8 p.m., bring your own sneakers! “Africa Day,” sponsored by Councilman Riley and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Thursday, May 30, program begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, call 212-482-6753 or Councilman Riley’s offce for information.

Co-op City has important issues currently ongoing. Our Riverbay Board of Directors’ election is now in progress. The voting dates are May 20 to June 14. We need a quorum of at least 5,035 shareholders to respond to avoid last year’s outcome. We have a primary in June that leads up to the general election in November.

On May 13, we held our General Membership meeting and wish to thank Mr. Anthony Barzellato from Riverbay Corporation for an outstanding presentation on active shooter responses. The next General Membership meeting will be June 10th and our last before the summer break. All members who have questions/reservations for our Vynecrest Trip on June 18 are encouraged to contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962, for updated information.

On May 18, AARP collaborated with Councilman Riley and the Riverbay Corporation in a “Shredding Event” in Section 2 and 5. This event brought out approximately 350 residents and was a total success. We would like to thank our tireless volunteers who stepped up: Stella, Frances, Richard, Minnie, Alma, Tremaine, Michael and those whose names I forgot.

Enjoy the activities that are family planned and safe travels for those short trips to meet with loved ones. On a sad note, we send condolences to the family of James Payne who was a long-time community activist and leader. Jimmy will be sorely missed.

We are here to serve—not to be served.

Ann Purnell

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

Salsa Dance Class “Salsa w/Chris Molina” –Tues., from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium C; May 28, June 4, 11, 18 & 25. Swing Dance Class “Swinging w/Candy & Sammy” – Thurs. from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 2; May 30, June 6, 13 & 20. “Art & Jazz” w/Kisha Clemons – Painting w/ Acrylic & Watercolor Classes, Fridays, May 31, June 7, 14 & 21 from 3-5 p.m.; Library, 2049 Asch Loop. Common Pantry is scheduled for Tues., May 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For new applicants, contact JGrimes @JASA.org, or call 929-399-1371 on Tues. & Thurs. Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., May 29. Call JASA NORC for an appointment, 718-3202066.

Dreiser OAC Apple Picking – Oct. 9. Tickets are $35 on sale in Room #7 beginning June 3.

JASA CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.

Walk w/Odessa

9:30-10:30 a.m.

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

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

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Line Dancing w/Cynthia Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m. Dominoes w/José 1-2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Salsa with Rasheed 10-11 a.m.

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

Bingo on Saturdays

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

SUCASA Creative Writing w/Americo – Final show, Wed., June 12, 12-2 p.m. Pick up a free ticket for this event at Bartow Ctr. only, Rm. 31. Limited seats.

Einstein OAC Holiday Hill Senior Day – Aug. 20, 8 a.m. Tickets, $124. New pay arrangements –First payment, $62, due May 7. Second payment, $62, due June 7. Payments for trips accepted on Mon.’s & Fri.’s only between 9-11 a.m. at Einstein OAC.

Caringkind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving rep. will be in the Bartow main offce. every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation & other services. Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC Offce, on Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.

JASA CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.

JASA CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.

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

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Aud. A. Notary – JASA NORC Offce, Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Notary – Dreiser OAC, Weds., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-1345 for an appointment, Rm. 7. Notary – Einstein OAC, schedule appts. in Rm. 48; Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-671-5161.

Please call Einstein OAC for: Hair Styling: First & third Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m.: braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure: Every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call 718671-5161 for appointment.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

JASA CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appointments only

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

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

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

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

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

Walk With Ease, 1-2 p.m.

Chit Chat, 1-2 p.m.

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

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

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

Let’s Get It On Zumba 1-2 p.m.

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

Staying Active & Independent for Life w/Gail, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 347-893-2966. Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300. Passcode: Dreiser23

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Su Casa Arts Program w/Gina, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Notary Services w/Emilia 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium A Lunch, 12-1 p.m., Rm. 4, May birthdays Afternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa, 1:15-3:00 p.m.

Drama Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Dreiser OAC Town Hall 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Walmart Trip, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sewing Class w/Joy, Rm. 2 Knitting & Crocheting w/Loretta 10-12 p.m.

Alert and Alive w/Cathy & Essie 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Line Dance w/Sassy 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium A Bingo w/Gay Brown 1:20-2:50 p.m., Rm. 4

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

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

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

LUNCH: KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Prince Edward Blend Vegetables, Glazed Butternut Squash. NON-KOSHER: Brown Stew Chicken, Yellow Rice, Cooked Cabbage w/Shredded Carrots

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Pasta, Steamed Green Beans, Apple. NON-KOSHER: Pork Spare Ribs, Instant Mashed Potato, Sautéed Green Beans, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Capri Blend Vegetables. NON-KOSHER: Beef Meatballs w/Sofrito, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Baby Carrots and Parsley

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Sweet Potato, Capri Blend Vegs., Banana. NONKOSHER: Smokey Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili, Brown Rice, Steamed Green Beans, Banana

LUNCH: KOSHER: Lemon Salmon, Apple Noodle Kugel, Steamed Yellow Squash. NONKOSHER: Smokey Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili, Brown Rice, Steamed Green Beans

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Lemon Salmon, Apple Noodle Kugel, Steamed Yellow Squash, Orange. NON-KOSHER: Beef Meatballs w/ Sofrito, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Baby Carrot & Parsley, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: Roasted Chicken Legs, Pearled Barley, Carrot Salad

NON-KOSHER: Chicken Breast & Rice, Broccoli w/Toasted Garlic

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Roasted Chicken Legs, Pearled Barley, Carrot Salad, Peach

NON-KOSHER: Salmon Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, Asian Cucumber Salad, Banana

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

KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper, Prince Edward Blend Vegetables, Glazed Butternut Squash, Pear

NON-KOSHER: Arroz con Pollo, Chicken Breast & Rice, Broccoli w/Toasted Garlic

Public Safety ––––

(Continued from page 7)

a. The larger Investigative Unit and the Community Affairs Unit. Detective Investigators: Detectives investigate criminal activity conducted on property as well as violations of Riverbay Rules and Regulations. The Detective Unit serves as this Department’s liaison with the multitude of outside Law Enforcement organizations that visit Co-op City each year investigating crimes. The Detective Unit works in close collaboration with Detectives of the New York City Police Department 45th Precinct’s Detective Squad.

b. Community Affairs Unit: Detective(s) serve as the Department’s daily liaison to the Riverbay Legal Department and Cooperator Services Offce (CSO). The Community Affairs Unit works on holdovers and violations of a sensitive nature that involve juveniles or elderly shareholders who may require special attention for a myriad of reasons. Community Affairs Detectives work with Special Needs Persons and group home members of the community to make certain that they are offered services that might improve their well-being. The unit serves as the Youth Offcer, as required.

4. Investigations Unit & Integrity Control: The Investigations Unit is responsible for conducting all Public Safety Internal Investigations, including performance monitoring, civilian complaints, compliance with City and State regulations and renewals of licenses and certifcations. The Unit serves as the Department’s Firearms custodian for all members of Public Safety. This unit assists other Department heads in conducting sensitive internal investigations when complex investigative skills are required. These actions may involve criminal conduct or violations of employment rules by Riverbay employees.

Communications Division: Emergency Dispatchers are the point of frst contact for many shareholders who need help in an emergency. Dispatchers receive specialized training on how to handle diffcult calls and are adept at multitasking during extremely diffcult situations. Dispatchers are frequently required to gather information from persons in distress while simultaneously dispatching assignments to offcers in the feld, keeping supervisors informed on matters of interest, and have the capability to review cameras in the area that a complainant is calling from to aid in an ongoing medical or criminal incident. They are also required to type a concise synopsis into the Computer Automated Dispatch System for further retrieval and analysis as part of the Department’s program of initiating policing best practices and deployment strategies. The work that these members of public safety do out of sight of the public is critically vital for the Department of Public Safety’s mission success.

Administrative Staff: The Co-op City Department of Public Safety currently employees three (3) non-sworn administrative support personnel. They are responsible for managing administrative duties, including limited payroll functions, crime data-entry and quality of life incidents. They review and record all reports prepared by offcers detailing crime, medical, and violations of the Riverbay rules. They process Community Complaints, enter all summons issued in the Public Safety Statistical Database, enter prepared reports, and generate statistical data. They are involved in preparation of accounts payable, review of accounts receivable, report typing, cataloging and fling of information both digitally and in our paper fling system. All clerical staff assist the Chief, Captain, Operations Lieutenant, and sworn members of the Department. In addition, the administrative staff assists in directing cooperator issues through proper department channels. If you have a non-emergency issue you would like to address, you may contact the Department of Public Safety’s Administrative Assistant at 718-320-3300, ext. 3321.

In addition to dialing the Public Safety emergency number, 718-671-3050, on the Co-op City campus, there are twenty three (23) emergency call stations situated in high visibility locations – every building lobby and laundry room and every foor of every garage. All call boxes are equipped with brilliant blue lights and dial directly to the Public Safety Emergency Dispatch Center.

To Report a Crime

1. Good Observation: Try to remember and report to Public Safety as much as possible about the crime you were a victim of or witnessed. Include a physical description of the perpetrator/s’s clothing, race, complexion, height, weight, scars, weapons and the direction the criminal(s) took afterwards. If a car was used, report all you can remember about the make, color, license plate number and any broken windows or visible damage.

2. Location: Where was the crime committed? What foor? What could you see from the location? Be specifc!

3. Time: When did it happen? Was it three minutes ago or ffteen minutes ago? Report the incident to both the New York City Police Department and the Department of Public Safety immediately. The more time you waste, the more time the criminal has to escape.

In the event of an Emergency, cooperators are urged to call both 911 and the Department Of Public Safety at 718-671-3050.

R.U.O.K. Reassurance Program

What Is It?

RUOK is a free service provided by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety designed to give senior citizens or medically-related homebound residents of Co-op City a greater feeling of security by providing them with a daily telephone call to check on their well-being.

How Can RUOK Help Me?

• RUOK provides a daily check-up phone call and a system for follow-up emergency assistance.

• Allows you to feel secure while remaining independent in your home.

• Reassures your family members that you are being checked on daily and that someone will be called, if needed.

How Does RUOK Work?

• Once registered, you get a daily wellness check phone call at a pre-set time.

• If you answer the phone, the emergency dispatcher confrms that everything is all right.

• If you feel you need assistance, don’t pick up the phone. This will begin the emergency notifcation plan.

• We will attempt to make contact with you.

• If no contact is made, we then call the Emergency Contact Person you have designated.

• If they cannot be contacted, we will dispatch a Public Safety Offcer to your residence to ascertain your well-being.

How Much Does It Cost?

• This service is FREE to eligible residents of Co-op City.

Do I Need To Buy Special Equipment?

• No. This system will work off any mobile or landline phone.

How do I Sign Up?

• To sign up or get more information, call the Co-op City Department of Public Safety at (718) 320-3330, ext. 3355.

Community Complaint Summonses

Community Complaint summonses are administrative in nature and pertain only to rules established by the Riverbay Corporation. Community Complaints are complaints issued by the Department of Public Safety to cooperators for violations of their lease agreement. Fines are imposed as per the schedule below. In addition, if an individual who resides in Co-op City is arrested for a violation of law committed within the community, they will be issued a Community Complaint for Anti-Social Behavior (Violation K) and will be responsible for associated fnes. Community Complaint fnes are progressive in nature and will double for each violation issued for the same offense.

(Continued on page 35)

Public Safety ––––

(Continued from page 34)

Community Complaint Administrative Fee Schedule (Effective 2-16-2021 earlier Schedules are rescinded)

The following administrative fees are for violations of the rules of Riverbay Corporation. These fnes are imposed by CSO after the issuance of a Community Complaint(s) by Riverbay’ s Dept. of Public Safety.

A. Hanging bedding and/or clothing, rugs etc., over terraces or out of windows... $25

B. Improperly disposing of garbage refuse or litter in compactor rooms, hallways, public areas or outside of designated basement areas... $50

C. Bike riding in prohibited areas... $25

D. Ball playing in prohibited areas... $25

E. Loitering... $100

F. Noise, causing a disturbance to neighbors... $100

G. Smoking in indoor public areas such as lobbies, stairwells, elevators and shopping centers... $300

H. Walking on grass in prohibited areas... $25

I. Driving or parking a motor vehicle on Riverbay property without authorization... $100

J. Throwing or dropping objects from windows, terrace or any portion of the building... $200

K. Anti-social*Any act on Riverbay property that results in an arrest by police or Public Safety... $300

L. Abuse of equipment on premises and/or landscaping... $125

M. Unauthorized Move-in / move-out without a Riverbay Permit... $300

N. Unreasonable detaining of an available elevator ... $50

O. Unauthorized posting or distributing advertising material within Co-op City... $100

P. Deliver or cause to delivered unsolicited materials throughout Co-op City... $25

Q. Willingly providing access into buildings to unauthorized persons... $50

R. Over age 7 using play facilities in toddler park... $50

S. Removing a laundry basket from the laundry room... $75

T. Feeding pigeons, geese or other stray animals on Co-op City property ... $100

U. Improperly placing recyclable materials in areas other than those designated for recycling... $25

V. Unauthorized appliance within apartment... $150

W. Defacing/destroying Riverbay properly, including but not limited to, marking/spraying property... $300

X. Refusing inspection of an apartment after receiving written notice of hazardous or damaging condition or of possible presence of a prohibited appliance... $250

Y. Unapproved alterations, additions or improvements to terraces ... $125

Z. Keeping or harboring dogs/animals deemed potentially harmful to the health & safety of others... $200

AA. Vehicle alarms (garage) that sound for more than 5 minutes... $25

BB. Unauthorized access to roof... $200

CC. Unauthorized satellite dish... $150

DD. Failure to submit income affdavit...(50% monthly surcharge)

EE. Failure to submit proof of mandatory co-op insurance... $150

FF. Poor Housekeeping/Hoarding... $125

GG. Violation of a Riverbay issued move-in / move-out permit... $125

HH. Failure to abide by the New York City Animal Waste & Leash Law... $250

II. Public Urination on Co-op City grounds or in buildings... $350

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD.

• Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

JJ. Failure to wear a facemask in public area... $50

KK. Unauthorized storage or charge battery operated electric bikes, electric scooters or their batteries in apartments, garages, community rooms, or other indoor common areas within any building within Coop City... $1000

For each additional or subsequent violation of these rules, within previous 12 months, the administrative fee shall be double the amount of the preceding charge (i.e. 1st charge $25, 2nd charge $50, 3rd charge $100, etc.). CSO may recommend that shareholders with multiple violations be reviewed for eviction.

• Resolution #16-58 amended the defnition of (K) anti-social behavior as any act that results in an arrest by the NYPD or CCPD, subject to appeal in the event of dismissal or adjudication resulting in a ‘not guilty’ verdict.

• Resolution #16-58 amended the defnition of (K) anti-social behavior as any act that results in an arrest by the NYPD or CCPD, subject to appeal in the event of dismissal or adjudication resulting in a ‘not guilty’ verdict.

Please note that any resident who moves in or out of an apartment without a moving permit issued by Riverbay Corporation will be assessed an administrative fee of $300.00. This includes moving of random pieces of furniture. Only in those instances where retail deliveries of furniture or other household items are involved will an exception to this policy be considered and then only when a valid invoice, bill or sale or other relevant document confrming delivery is presented to Riverbay Corporation upon request.

For more on the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, report quality of life issues, learn about up-coming events, the RUOK Program or other programs sponsored by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, please visit our website @ https://www.coopcity.com/ccpd.

Enforcement powers for the Co-op City Department of Public Safety are found under the following laws and codes. New York State Criminal Procedure law, section 2.10.27 Special Patrolman City of New York. City of New York administrative code, section 14-106 Rules and procedures for Special Patrolmen promulgated May 1985, Authority Police Commissioner City of New York.

All department members have completed the basic course for peace offcers, as mandated by the bureau of municipal police and are registered with the Division of Criminal Justice Services in Albany. Additionally, each offcer undergoes annual frearms training as well as any offered training from New York State police, NYPD or any other law enforcement agency.

Beware of Telephone Scammers – If you receive a telephone call demanding immediate payment using a pre-paid card, wire transfer or bitcoin, even if your Caller ID identifes a legitimate business, HANG UP and report the call. Do not divulge personal information such as Social Security number, bank account number, date of birth or any other information. Be smart, be safe!

Building 33 Association

The Building 33 Association would like to remind you of how important it is for everyone to read the statements presented by shareholders running for the position of Board of Directors in the Co-op City Times. You must be able to make an informed decision about whom to vote for and vote! I was in the lobby handing out the paper to everyone and could not believe the number of people who refused because they choose not to vote. Most of us come from families that vote. Our parents remember what their ancestors went through to have that right. Are you telling these stories to your children? Do they know people were beaten, sprayed with fre hoses and had German Shepherd dogs tear them apart, all because they wanted to vote? If you do not like the choices, you should vote for the best candidate(s) after conducting your research and voting. Even if you do not think it helps, vote anyway. You did the best you could this way!

In the upcoming election here, we will be voting on a no-smoking ban in public spaces in Co-op City, which will include stairwells. Pay attention to this vote because if it goes into effect, do not get caught out there with a Community Complaint because you decided to smoke in the stairwell! Wake up!

So, $50 million allocated in the New York State budget for Co-op City is earmarked for capital projects. Why we can’t get money to help us with the maintenance increases, I don’t know. It seems the middle class can’t ever catch a break.

The Building Association hopes everyone’s Mother’s Day was wonderful. We want you to remember to vote, vote, vote. Keep our community, elevators, and compactor rooms clean; take your bulk trash to the basement; pick up after your dogs, and enjoy your week!

Take care and walk good.

––Andrea D. Mayo

Broun

Broun Place was off last week because I had to be available for nursing care for my husband who had a laminectomy. For us, Mother’s Day, May 12, was a beautiful family event and hopefully yours was too.

Read the Co-op City Times to get all the correct information about the election and the voting process and debate events. Election campaign time is underway, be prepared to follow and study candidates. We can do better than last year’s showing. The Co-City Times has all the information on the candidates and will be publishing individual statements weekly. Please study the articles. The ballots are in the mail. Green business size envelopes are on their way. Broun Place Townhouse Association is following instructions and hopefully will enter the contest that is talked about in last week’s Co-op City Times.

This week’s scam tales; the caller says, “we are calling to help you with your ‘energy bill’.” But we don’t have energy bills. Please remember that. Don’t continue the call. They make it sound real, but it’s a phony, a fraud, hang up.

Congratulations to all the graduates and players moving up and prepping for what’s next.

Healing wishes to all who are recovering and healing after illness or surgery. It does get better and does take time. The Covid that I was diagnosed with on March 25th left me with low stamina and raspy voice. I have not fully recovered. Neighbors, just beware and get vaccinated, it’s a new lifestyle.

Regarding Amalgamated Bank, a “blanket” cancellation is in place for this branch. If your debit card was used about April 26, the bank cancelled cards without notifcation to customers. I was trying to do a transaction; the debit card was rejected. Upon calling the bank, I learned the card was “cancelled.”

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

Regarding dogs, steady barking and aggressive behavior is not allowed. Dog owners are required to pick-up after their dog. CCPD phone number is 1-718-671-3050. Having a dog or cat is a responsibility.

We will be having a meeting soon; a fyer will be distributed. Looking forward to that. Let me know who you would like to invite. Perhaps an outdoor afternoon meeting might be agreeable, let me know, please.

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

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 13 Association

This is a reminder, the voting period for the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors has started. When you receive your ballot please vote. Note: There is a question being asked for which community input is of value. This has to do with smoking on the premises. Take the time to attend the forums, submit your questions and vote

Additionally our government primaries are fast approaching. A variety of NAACPs are putting together a candidate forum. I will try and notify the building presidents so you will be advised. Early voting for the primary begins June 15 and election day voting is on June 25.

Join Us: On June 1, from 6 p.m. in our association room at 100 Casals Place and bring your

sneakers (canvas preferred) and let’s do some fancy foot artwork. Join former art teacher Elena as she shows us how Earth Day’s Mother Nature shoes were done. We will provide the paint.

Summer Fun Day: SFD is scheduled for June 22, from 12-5 p.m. in the Carver Loop area of Section 2 and open to all who wish to participate. Fifty white T-shirts will be given to the frst youth on line, beginning at 12 p.m. We thank Councilman Kevin Riley and DYCD for their support in making this event happen. Appreciation also to Assemblyman Benedetto who always supports this fun flled day as well as Bob’s Discount Furniture and McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home for their generous support uniting this community.

We also want you to come and watch the special puppet show that will be presented by the Parks Departments. The fyers inviting you to see their show on our Summer Fun Day will be distributed shortly. Come and enjoy the festivities as we dance, sing, play games and create lasting memories in Co-op City. Hear the beats by DJ Sid Nice, One Man Band Juan Ortego and the steel pan music of the islands. There will also be an archery station, so try your hand at a bow and arrow. See how good you are and hit the bulls-eye. Carnival games and the obstacle course awaits your presence. Bring your food or get something from a vendor and of course free ices and a raffe ticket will be given to to the frst 50 youths. Save the date and join the fun!

We will be asking folks to sign a petition requested by Councilman Kevin Riley for a proposed resolution seeking unlimited transfers on buses here in NYC. He is asking for as many signatures as possible to bolster his position. When asked, please read frst and then sign. If you have additional questions feel free to contact his offce located in the Einstein Center.

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

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

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-137; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

Leslie Peterson

2024 Riverbay Board Election 2024 Riverbay Board Election

2024 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Wednesday, April 17

Monday, April 22

Saturday, May 4

Saturday, May 11

Saturday, May 18

Saturday, May 18

Monday, May 20

Wednesday, May 22

Saturday, May 25

2024 Board Election Schedule

Certification Date for Candidates

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

Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

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

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting begins

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

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

Wednesday, May 29 Third Election Forum, 7:00 p.m., In-Person & Broadcast live, Bartow, Rm. 31

Saturday, June 1

Saturday, June 8

Friday, June 14

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 20

Friday, June 21

Wednesday, June 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidates’ Statements appear on pages 38-43

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

BALLOTING

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot

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

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

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

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

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

Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 14, 2024 Continue election (as of 9:01 p.m.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The three Candidates’ Forums will take place on: Sat., May 18, 3 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium; Wed., May 22, 7:00 p.m., Einstein, Rm. 45; and Wednesday, May 29, 7:00 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center.

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jacqueline Smith

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

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

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

Vote for my team

Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery & Kyshawn White.

My Goals As A Riverbay Board Director

Reinstated Co-op City’s Community Relations Committee

Implement CCPD Community Policing

Enhanced Dog Policy Accomplishments

Best & Brightest Committee – Saluting Co-op City students’ academic excellence 2017 Co-op City Election Committee NYC Union Delegate

Co-op City Toastmasters International

National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Section

Hunter Graduate School of Social Work - Management Development Program

Mary Pearson

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

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

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

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

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

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

mask frames so we could breathe a little easier during the pandemic, and spent 13 months getting the Section 5 express bus stop back where it belongs.

ed people with Ranked Choice Voting.

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

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

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

make the MTA and the DOT help us, not harm us with their enormous projects.

That’s what I do.

That’s what we’ll do.

Vote for the Impact Team: Andrea Leslie, Bernie Cylich, Ezekiel Springer, Thank you.

Jacqueline Smith

Mary Pearson

Aaron Carnegie

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

Being born and raised in Section 5 then becoming a Building Association president, has given me a deep understanding of our community’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations. One pressing concern that I am deeply committed to addressing is the issue of increasing carrying charges. Year after year, many of us feel the burden of rising costs, impacting our this trend.

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your consideration

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Dear community of shareholders,

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

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

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

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

Aaron Carnegie

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Bernard Cylich

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Impact Team is dedicated to continue that trajectory.

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

driving our gas cost up by $18 Million, forcing the Board to implement a 7.5% carrying charge increase in January 2023.

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

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

I have suggested we initiate a city-wide meeting with representatives of strategy and establish an organization to pursue the strategy .

Happy Passover.

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

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

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

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

As secretary, now president, of the Building 32 Association, I’ve submitted articles to CCTimes

scheduled guest speakers like Board directors, Management, Public Safety, Councilman Kevin Riley and Congressman Jamaal Bowman. I’ve scheduled holiday lobby decoration, volunteered for Fun Day, and collected Association fees. Through it all, I’ve met like-minded residents wanting their concerns heard and someone to act on them. With your vote, I can serve as a strong voice for us, the shareholders.

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

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

Bernard Cylich

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Corazon Fernandez

good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today deeply concerned about the future of of high maintenance on our moderate-middle income families.

Perhaps, some at Riverbay Corporation think our maintenance is not high enough in comparison to other areas in the Bronx? For the past 10-15 years, Co-op City residents have been paying more and get less. Where’s our garage attendants? Where’s the lobby attendants? Too many vital service interruptions like cooking gas cut-offs, electricity shuts downs, hot water turned offs and ongoing air conditioning troubles.

Also, why do we have to wait so long on the phone for Riverbay services and so darn long to get repairs made in our homes? Skyrocketing Co-op City

The excessive maintenance, another one set for July 2024, means less disposable income for your other essential expenses.

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

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

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

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

Sheila Richburg

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

Throughout my tenure, I have prioritized organizational values that promote community service, education and empowerment. These values are not just words but principles that guide every decision and action I every individual is valued, heard and included. I also serve as a proud member of the AA Association, membership director of the CTSAH and member of my

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

Corazon Fernandez

Sheila Richburg

Kyshawn White

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

I advocate for a strategic exploration of revenue streams that is not dependent on increases in carrying charges but created through private and public partnerships, is imperative for sustainable community development. By diversifyingnancial risks and fund essential services without burdening shareholders. This endeavor aligns with the overarching goal of responsible man-

Central to the ethos of responsible governance is the commitment to ongoing

management and foster trust among shareholders, ensuring alignment with community priorities.

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

Additionally, I want to underscore the need for robust oversight to enhance accountability and transparency. Managing Agent oversight ensures that deciwhile upholding ethical standards.

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

In conclusion, the proposal advocating for an abstract irregular shape in policy reform embodies a multifaceted approach towards community enhancement.

munities can thrive and evolve in line with changing dynamics and aspirations.

Kevin Foggie

Dear members,

I am honored to present myself as a can-

decades of residency within this community, I share a deep understanding of the needs, the challenges and desires we face for the optimal quality of life that we expect as shareholders. My commitment is clear: to be an advocate for the shareholders, demanding accountability and ensuring responsibility of the Management

sated for their duties.

leled with transparent communication. If I am elected, I pledge to ensure that that together, we can do better and will accomplish the objectives that we set.

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

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

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

Kyshawn White

Kevin Foggie

Leah Graham

Dear cooperators and friends,nounce my candidacy for the Riverbay Board of Directors election. Having been a resident of a building president, I am deeply connected to our community’s needs.

As a former Riverbay Board director with six years of experience, I understand the importance of transparency, accountability, and

your voices are heard and valued.

During my previous tenure, I facilitated initiatives such as televising board meetings and transitioning high-interest-only

cations in property management, and contracts management and as an instructor will add value in the Board room.

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

I am deeply committed to serving our community and bringing about posith

integrity and transparency.

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

Andrea Leslie

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

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

facade work on all our 35 hi-rise buildings were funds – 97% provided by cooperators’ carrying charges.

$8 million last year.

Despite these major expenses, including maintaining our increasing operatIndex during this period.

In comparison to private median monthly rental cost of a one-bedroom in the Bronx of $1,900, the current average carrying charge, before the imposed

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

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

I ask that you vote for the Impact Team. , and elect

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Leah Graham

Andrea Leslie

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

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

A. GENERAL RULES

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

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

3. serve on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corexpired terms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chairperson/s of the Committee shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period commenc-tinuing through the date of the election, including any extended period.

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

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

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

6. Voting, by mail or electronically, shall be deemed to be “in-person” and will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th, 2024 and conclude at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, 2024, unless extended in accordance Riverbay is received before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, Mayness and shall be counted if otherwise valid.

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as inof Family Income.

Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for

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

Adopted March 26th, 2024

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

3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on

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

thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any.

4. Prospective candidates may, after signing the required authorizations for background checks and upon

the Board if they:

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,poration,

• do not hold a political party position or public of-

• 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 requirementserning documents and their occupancy agreement.

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

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

1. The Committee will verify a prospective candi12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. Notice the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.

2. Rules for all candidates or their designees on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

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

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

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

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

2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Coop City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s perto, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, garages, vehicles, commercial stores located on Riverbay property, and common areas.

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

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

(

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

(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 such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

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

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

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

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

2024 Election Special 2024 Election Special

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 30)

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

8. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board. Direspect 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 appear-

ingly 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 com-

9. No campaigning shall commence until after probut is not limited to distribution of campaign materials, canvassing, public meetings, etc. Any campaigning ocfrom the election.

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

1.

forum shall take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at shall take place on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 7 take place on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Room 31 at Bartow.

Riverbay’s public access channel and re-broadcast them on the web throughout the election period using Riverbay’s Webexbay 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.

ticipate in the forums in accordance with the rules anddate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidateof the candidate, may take such reasonable accommodations as may be required to enable the candidate to participate, or alternatively announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience.

dures 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 opinionduct of the virtual forum or who engage in personal or malicious attacks, or who make defamatory statements.

2. for public gatherings related to the election is prohibited.

3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association 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 shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates’ articles will be reviewed 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 will be used in each of the issues and will appear opposhall set the deadlines and technical standards for these -

right not to publish, or to delete any material, which in its opinion constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact.

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,gency 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.erbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times, subject to Paragraph D(3), but must be paid in full by moneyall 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.

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 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.

engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities.

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

1. Voting will be by mail and by online, electronic -

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, determines to be reasonable, in its sole discretion.

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

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

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

7. In the event that more than one ballot is received from a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the other ballots received from said unit shall be disregardchallenge the election has passed.

8.

mittee, any mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than June 14th, 2024. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no later than 9:00 p.m. on June 14th, 2024.

In the event that the voting period is extended or any valid ballot cast by a shareholder eligible to vote without regard to the postmarked date.

9.lots, shall be preserved until the time to challenge the election has lapsed.

10. independent company, shall be provided to the Election

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 votesber of ballots required for a quorum.

11. meeting to be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, ballots.

12. shall certify to the Board (Continued on page 32)

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 31)

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

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

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

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

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

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

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 26th, 2024

Building 21 Association Section Five Association

Our next Building 21 meeting is Thursday, June 27! We are having a live and in-person meeting in our gathering room in the back of Building 21B’s lobby. It will begin at 7 p.m. sharp!

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

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

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

Your building association is where you can start to be engaged in your community.

Riverbay Board Elections are coming up. Please make your vote count by voting on time!

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

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

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

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

Jarasia Wilson

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They are open Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Religious affliation is not necessary. Masks are a must! Anyone who does not wear a mask may not be served by the staff at their discretion. This protects everyone.

New Client Registration & Re-Certifcation for Returning Guests Registration/re-certifcation goes through May 2024. Guests must be 18 years+ to apply/recertify. Required 10475 NY ID: IDNYC, NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identifcation, and Access-A-Ride identifcation are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertifcation, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identifcation with the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register/recertify at the 920 Baychester location. Section 5 residents will register/recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location on Thursdays.

Trips – Support our community with a fun day out! Your participation in these events help cover the rent, insurance, and supplies needed to keep our Emergency Food Pantry running strong. Help us ensure local families have access to nutritious food and household supplies.

Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Casino Boarding times: 920 Baychester Avenue stop boards 8:45 a.m. and leaves 9 a.m. (sharp); Asch Loop stop boards 9:10 a.m. and leaves 9:25 a.m. (sharp); Einstein Community Center stop boards 9:40 a.m. and leaves 9:55 a.m. (sharp). Seats are still available for Caesars, $55 (cash only); Rebate: $10.

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Resort Casino in CT, $225. First payment ($75) was due by March 15; second payment ($75) is due by May 24; third payment ($75) is due by June 28. Those who missed the frst payment can make it up. The Nordic is an All-You-CanEat with lobster, crab, prime rib, flet mignon, shrimp, salads, veggies, and more; Foxwoods hosts six casinos, 250 gaming tables and 5,500 slot machines. It’s one of the ten largest casinos in the world and has Tanger Outlet shops on-site.

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

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center’s Public Safety offce. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

Please stay vigilant. The viruses are still around. Spring is in the air, trees and fowers are blooming all over the place. People are still wearing their mask and that is a good thing.

The Shredder Truck/AARP – Councilman Kevin Riley and Riverbay co-sponsored a shredder truck at two locations on Saturday, May 18. Many cooperators showed up. We thank Councilman Riley and Riverbay for this much needed function.

Our Elected Offcials – We thank Senator Jamaal Bailey, Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto as they presented a check for $51 million for Co-op City; $50 million was allocated for capital projects and $1 million for operations. We as a community are their constituents and we are to reach out to them when in need.

Resolution #24-26 – This resolution will include a vote on whether Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments. The resolution will be on the ballot and shareholders must vote for it to become policy. Make sure your family and friends are aware to place their vote. The ballots will be coming in a green envelope.

Co-op City Building 26 Association – Our energetic young ladies and future leaders invite all shareholders to attend the Candidates’ Forums, to show up and show out in Section 5 and become acquainted with the candidates and vote, vote, vote.

Voting to Elect the Board of Directors – The third and fnal Candidates’ Forum will be on May 29, 7 p.m. in the Bartow Center, Room 31. Voting began on May 20 and ends on June 14. Remember, we must meet the required 5,035 plus certifed ballots quorum on the frst count. If you agree, please vote ASAP.

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, gave information regarding 501c, OMNY Card will be in affect very soon and we will look into other options. SCRIE/DRIE, she is able to offer assistance and all shareholders are eligible for the STAR Program, but you must register.

We regret to announce the passing of the leader and president of the Roosvelt Democratic Club of Co-op City, Mr. James Payne. We offer our sympathies and condolences to all families who lost a loved one.

We wish all the best of good health. Happy birthday wishes.

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

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

H. Overman

Building 29 Association

Here are the notes from our latest meeting:

On May 9, Julesa Grimes, case manager at JASA, spoke at our meeting. Those of you who couldn’t make it, you missed a dynamic and enthusiastic speaker!

Ms. Grimes frst started out with information about the STAR and the SCRIE/DRIE programs. With the SCRIE/DRIE programs, carrying charges can be ‘frozen,’ but the eligibility is very strict.

With STAR, everyone is entitled! What was especially interesting is that the STAR exemption (from the carrying charges) can now be switched to a STAR credit, which is bigger and would be sent directly as a check. I believe new cooperators will automatically have this beneft, but others will have to elect to change. We would recommend checking with JASA on the details.

Ms. Grimes went on to describe the many programs available through JASA, such as home care, Access-a-Ride, home delivered meals, housekeeping services ($30/hour, 4 hour minimum, but JASA pays half), hair and nail care, multiple classes (e.g. dance, computer), and more. At the Bartow location, there is a masseuse. They are also hoping to revive free Uber rides to doctor appointments. Lunch is served at all the three locations (and dinner at Bartow). One need only to read the CC Times to see all the JASA activities, or make an appointment to see Ms. Grimes at Einstein on Fridays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. We thank her so much for her time!

At the meeting, we sold a number of the Building 29 T-shirts, and they are still available in many colors. (Contact Michael Adolphus at Amenministriesrev314@gmail.com)

We hope to wear them at the Fun Day on June 29th to show our building support!

Our Book Club just fnished discussing “The Great Divide,” led by Kim Canty. It was an interesting (although fctional) story of several very different individuals who went to Panama during the building of the canal. It was well researched and led to a lively discussion. The next book will be “A Spark of Life,” by Jody Picault on July 26th.

Finally, another reminder to vote for the Riverbay Board of Directors. Those of you reading this are most likely reliable voters, but those who don’t bother really need to be reminded by you—the responsible ones—to vote. Or, at the very least, send back the form! No one is going to be forced to vote, but everyone should send back the form. Let the folks who do not do this easy thing know that they are contributing to increased costs for Co-op City, which translates to higher carrying charges! Who wants that?! Just send the form back (and BTW, if you do vote, you can vote for only one person, or up to six candidates. You don’t have to pick 6 people.)

Next month, we will have Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton as our speaker! Be sure to attend (June 13 at 6:30 sharp)!

We wish health and recovery to all who are unwell, and congratulations to those with birthdays or anniversaries this month.

—Katharine Wood

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

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

Notice: A meeting of the membership of The Church of St. Thomas Thetution and bylaws and the sale of church property.

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday. On this day, we give thanks to the unity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for all that he is and all that he has done. The book of Revelation tells us about an age yet to come where our Lord will be praised continuously. We need not wait until we are with the angels to praise God continuously, for even at this time we can recognize that “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power.” –Rev. 4:11

Trinity Sunday, May 26, 2024

11 a.m. – Communion Service.

Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Scripture Lessons:

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us Thy servants by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; we pray Thee that Thou wouldest keep us steadfast in this knowledge, and evermore defend us from all error, who livest and reignest, one God, throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

—Rev.

Dorian Miceli

First Emmanuel Seventh-Day Church Ministries

A Woman of Grace

The month of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. It is a time when the global community pays respect to the incredible success and achievements of strong women all over the world. First Emmanuel Seventh Day Church joins the faith community in honoring the women who make a difference in our own lives as a wife, a mom, a sister, a friend, or a coworker. And so every year, we dedicate a Sabbath for Women’s Day. It’s a day when the men of the church go allout to show respect to the women of the community by cooking and serving a special lunch in their honor. It’s a time of joy and sweet fellowship. Each man, from the youngest to the oldest, participates in serving and honoring the women.

This year, we celebrated Women’s Day on March 30. The theme for the day was A Woman of Grace. We celebrate the fact that God has blessed women with grace to overcome life’s challenges and to succeed in a world that still struggles with the issue of discrimination and inequality of women. We invited a guest speaker, Anna Jamal, to share a word of encouragement with the church and our esteemed guests. Anna Jamal is the co-founder and administrator of the Beacon of Hope Rejuvenation Lifestyle Center located in Millbrook, NY. She is a natural health researcher and educator. She blessed us with a powerful word on the women of the Bible.

After lunch, we were inspired by presentations from Dr. Sania Rodney-Williams, Mrs. Kerry O. Harvey-Edwards, Dr. Julia Marie Oyewo, and engineer Joanna Smith. They shared their life stories of success while navigating life’s obstacles. We honored them for being women of distinction. A book signing by debut author Ms. Naomi Anderson capped off the evening.

Building 6 Association

Last week was very productive with the department heads of the Janitorial & Grounds. Mr. Miguel Baez and Mr. Brandon Rosario power washed under the portico (pictured at left), and deep cleaned the Association Room while Mr. Michael Ambo showed VP Gilliard the landscaping that he’s going to beautify for Building 6.

Saturday afternoon, President Lassiter gave out over 40 bags of fresh lettuce, grapes, plantains and cantaloupes to the neighbors (pictured at right). Next dates are June 1 and June 15.

Our last Building Association meeting is Thursday, June 13, from 7-9 p.m. in Dreiser, Room 1. We have a special election for the secretary’s seat, so look out for the ballots under your door.

brainstorming session. It was very informative. Feel free to contact Treasurer

On a serious note, we have had 13 neighbors affected by leaks from the convectors. Please drain and clean them before the transfer from heat to AC fully starts. Also, invest in the convector sensors as a safety precaution. Also, please

Until then, I pray for safety overall. God Speed.

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

–Bishop

Desmond Tutu

––Lauren

K. Lassiter

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

Riverbay Board Election Forums forum will be held on Wednesday, Bartow Center. Come out and hear the candidates for the Riverbay Board.

Riverbay Board Election – The Riverbay Board Election has begun and will end on Friday, June 14, at 9 p.m. You can vote by mail or online. Please see your ballot, which you will receive in the mail, for more information. Emergency Resolution #24-26 – This resolution will be on your Riverbay Board election ballot. This resolution asks if the Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all buildings in Co-op City. Please vote.

General Membership Meeting – Our next Building Association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m. in the association room located in the rear of Building 10B. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m.

Summer Fun Day – Save the date! Summer Fun Day will be held on Satur-

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of Building Associationment. We are still collecting building association dues. Please note, the money party supplies, and refreshments.

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

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

First Emmanuel Seventh Day Church may be new to Section 5 of Co-op City, but we are no strangers to caring and sharing with the community. We look forward to seeing you at our next Women’s Day Celebration. Watch this space for these and more events. Meanwhile, feel free to visit us in Room 38 of the Einstein Community Center every Saturday. We are a small church with a big heart. We welcome you to spend Sabbath with us from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fellowship lunch is served after the service. If you value conservative, old-time Adventist style worship with timely messages on Bible prophecy in light of current world events, then First Emmanul Church is the place for you! Please call or text 718-683-7733 or 646-934-9709. We look forward to hearing from you. A warm welcome and fellowship lunch awaits you at First Emmanuel Church.

—Pastor R. Millin

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook the happenings in and around Building 10.

Deepest condolences to the vice president of the Building 10 Association, Lisa Norman and her family on the passing of her grandmother, Mrs. Eunice

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

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences.

Have a wonderful week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-6714416, or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org

Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday Morning Worship – 11 a.m., Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. on the Conference Call Line, (712) 432-3900, Access Code: 343284#.

Every Wednesday – 7 p.m. Bible Study online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom com or dial One Tap Mobile, (646) 931-3860 or (929) 205-6099. Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Special Services

Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m., Men and Women’s Day with guest preacher Rev. Dianne Asphall, associate minister, Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY.

Save the Date

Today at 9 a.m., church meeting; Saturday, June 15, 6-11 p.m., Pre-Father’s Day Dance, Bartow Community Center, 2049 Asch Loop, Room 31. See any Shepherds Ministry member for tickets, $40.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one. To our sick and shut in, please know that we are praying mightily for you and for your speedy recovery. If you are celebrating a birthday this month, we wish you a very happy, Happy Birthday!

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” ––Psalm 46:11

––Lexa M. Mingo

Community Protestant Church Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City Newsong Church

Sola Gratia

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” –Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Sola Gratia is Latin for “Grace Alone.” During the time of the Reformation, the reformers were going back to the Scriptures and taking a stand against the works-based religion of the church.

Many people think that if they’re a good person they will get a point towards going to heaven. God’s Word tells us that there’s not enough good deeds in the world to ever make up for our sin (See Isaiah 64:6). “Grace Alone” means that we have no merits that make God save us. Jesus didn’t die for you because you’re athletic, good looking, smart, rich, or creative. We’re not saved because we’re good, we’re saved because God is good! God offers to us something that we don’t deserve and that we could never earn! Salvation is a free gift. Accept God’s free gift today!

Remember: Jesus + Something = dead religion About us

Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We and make a difference in this world! No matter what you’ve been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out, we’re located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience

Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church! Our worship experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Newsong Deaf Church (Room 35)

Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong (Room 49)

We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Against The Flow

ATF is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At ATF our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. ATF meets every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in room 42.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of section 5?

Contact Us:

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42

Phone: 917-342 2559

Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social: Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; Instagram: @newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC

—Pastor Mike Tolone

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

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

General Information

The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the accessible, no steps. Phone #: Sunday from 12-2 p.m. before you attempt to come over

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

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

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

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 25, at 9:08 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, May 31, at 8 p.m.

Good and Welfare –

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

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

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

Bruce Gitelson

Co-op City

Baptist Church

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

The 11 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

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

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

This week’s events: Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. by Zoom. There will be no Wednesday, 5 p.m. Bible Study Class this week. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday at noon; Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service are all on the church conference call line listed above.

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

The Ushers and Nurses Ministry will celebrate their combined anniversary on Sunday, June 9, at the 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher will be Min. Mark Ross, associate minister of New Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. All are welcome to attend.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway Ministry’s food distribution will be on Friday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

On Sunday, June 23, our Youth and Young Adult Ministry will have an 11 a.m. power up worship service at the church, followed by a concert at 4 p.m. The concert will be held in the Einstein Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop in Room 45. Please note the concert is free. T-shirts are available for $25. The theme of the day is “Moving Forward.” Everyone is invited to come out and fellowship and support our youth all day. Thank you.

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

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

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

—Marilyn C. Williams

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell: 917-227-4303.

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

In-person worship service for Trinity Sunday, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, May 26, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at 12 p.m. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-4366344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

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

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

Upcoming Event: Today, Saturday, May 25.

This serves as a reminder for the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Fundraising Luncheon, which is being held today, at Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469. Starting at 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Included is an open bar, DJ with entertainment, cocktail reception and lunch. Kindly note that our usual raffle will also take place at the luncheon, and that there are a few raffle tickets still available for sale. We are counting on your support!

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

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

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

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

Grace and Peace!

—Merville Chambers

Church of the New Vision

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

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

Sunday service at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Masks are required and temperature will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study, 7-8 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone.

May 19th Worship Service theme: “What Fragrance are You Wearing?”

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NKJV “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrances of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? –Deuteronomy 20:4, Exodus 15:1, 1Samuel 14:6 Jerimiah 51:10 1 John 5:4) Save the Dates

The community is always welcome to attend all activities of the church.

Thank you to all who attended our Women’s program, “Put on the Full Armor of God,” Saturday, May 18, followed by the Women’s Day, Sunday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. service, Women Equipped for Victory. Special thanks to the guest speaker, Rev. Audrey Jones from Friendly Baptist Church. OMG! What a wonderfully blessed, spirited weekend program. What is your fragrance? Wednesday, August 14 – “Daniel,” at the Sight & Sound Theatre (full bus). We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones, and good health and wellness for all. Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you. —Brenda Brown

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 congregation with spirit -filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. Services are held in person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745) or Facebook Live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). –Pastor, David Jolly “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” –Galatians 5: 16, 18 NIV

We live in a world that encourages self-reliance, independence, and self–serving lifestyles to be successful. However, as Christians, scripture encourages us to rely on God in every aspect of our lives. Jesus Himself stated that He did nothing by himself. Instead, He only did as He saw His Father. So, as we await, Jesus’ return, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and teach us to follow His example. This is not an easy task and will not happen automatically; it is a daily choice that requires intentionality and trust.

In the scripture above, Paul reminds us that we are no longer under the law. We have freedom in Christ. However, there is a continuous inner conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. As a result, we should walk by and be led by the Holy Spirit daily. The reality is that a life guided by self-reliance and self-service causes inner stress, sorrow, and in many instances sinful lifestyles that separate us from God. On the other hand, a life guided by the Holy Spirit will activate God’s power in us to help us transform our thoughts and behaviors for His honor and glory.

May the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts, words, and actions to live fruitful lives out of our love of God and others.

Come and Receive a Blessing:All are welcome!

Tuesday: Daniel’s Book Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Español at 12:15 p.m.

English at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. Join us to Pray for personal revival, revival for our church, and our community.

Food Pantry: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming Events – Save The Dates

Sunday, May 26: Spanish Service at 10 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Picnic from 12-4 p.m.

Saturday, June 22: Join Trinity UMC and us to celebrate Pastor Dave’s retirement and to welcome our new Pastor, Rev. Sara Giron-Ortiz, at The Morris Yacht and Beach Club, 25 City Island Avenue, from 2-7 p.m. Please see Sister Karen or Sister Pauline for additional information by May 26.

—Grace Abadia

Co-op City is your home. If you have talents, knowledge and expertise that can be helpful and improve the quality of life in Co-op City, share your ideas at coopcity.com. Join your Building Association, contact Riverbay Management or pen a letter to the editor. In addition, be sure to VOTE in the annual Riverbay Board of Directors election. It is your responsibility as a cooperator. For your convenience, you can vote by paper ballot or electronically.

Center Cut Boneless Pork Chops Buy 1 pkg., Get 1 FREE Hormel Freshly Sliced Slab Bacon Buy 1 pkg., Get 1 FREE Dozen Eggs FREE w/$50+ retail purchase

3LB DEALS!

•CHICKEN LEGS: $6

•CHICKEN WINGS: $12

•TURKEY WINGS SMALL: $21

•SPARE RIBS: $12

•PORK CHOPS: $12

•BEEF STEW: $24

•CHOP MEAT: $15

5LB DEALS!

•PEPPER STEAK: $40

•TRIPE HONEYCOMB: $25

•BEEF STEW: $40

•COW FEET: $15

•PORK CUTLETS: $30

•TURKEY WINGS SM.: $30

•OXTAIL: $50

•GOAT MEAT: $20

•GROUND CHUCK: $25

•GROUND SIRLOIN: $35

•CHICKEN THIGHS

SKINLESS BONELESS: $20

•PORK CHOPS BONE IN OR BONELESS: $20

Chicken Pieces

Chicken Legs

Chicken Tighs Boneless

Chicken Drum Sticks

Chicken Party Wings

Chicken Breast Boneless

Chicken Cutlets

Chicken Wings Whole

Chicken Tighs

Chicken Kabobs

Skirt Steaks

Big G Steak

Beef Kabobs

Filet Mignon Kabobs

Beef Spare Ribs

Pork Spare Ribs

Pork Chops

Pork Kabobs

Lamb Kabobs