Cast Your Board Election ballot NOW to help make the 2021 quorum
Vol. 56 No. 22
See page 3 for Riverbay Summer Internship information
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Animal Care Center set to arrive by 2025 Project gains CB#10 committee supports
BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND Bronx Community Board #10’s Health and Human Services Committee held a meeting regarding the Bay Plaza animal shelter – now referred to as the Bronx Animal Care Center and Vet Clinic – on Thursday, May 27, and voted unanimously to extend a letter in support of the project. During the meeting, members of NYC Department of Design Construction (DDC), Marvel Architects, and other government agencies, gave an exclusive look at projected site plans and renderings of the animal center. Kristina Blazevski-Charpentier of DDC said: “We are calling this animal care center for the Bronx. We are moving away from calling it a shelter, there are connotations with that. We are bringing awareness to animal welfare, rehabilitating animals, and trying to bring them back to the community.” According to Annya Ramirez, director at Marvel Architecture, “The firm is in (Continued on page 9)
2021 Election Committee votes to adhere to extended voting schedule to ensure quorum
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Board President Berk issues final report touting strategic advances positioning Co-op City for future President’s Message
Linda Berk President
(Delivered at the Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors business meeting.) Good evening, fellow Board directors, Management, staff, consultants and guest, I greet you this evening chairing my final official Board business meeting as I come to the completion of my tenure on the Riverbay Board of Directors. I have spent seven years on the
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2021 CCPD Grads
BY ROZAAN BOONE On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the 2021 Election Committee voted to keep the Riverbay Board of Directors election open until the end of extended voting on Friday, June 4, 2021 to make sure the required 4,998 eligible ballots are cast to validate the election. Following a report at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening that 4,864 ballots had so far been cast – 134 short of the required 4,998 to render the election valid – the (Continued on page 9)
Janitorial Department offers new hours BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND Janitorial services usually operate seven days a week out in the field, but now the same goes for in-office. For the first time, the Janitorial Department at Riverbay Corporation is now open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Janitorial director, Joshua Blake, told the Co-op City Times this week: “My mission is to enhance the customer service the shareholders deserve. Having the office open on weekends is a game changer for the department.” The department handles calls that include spills or out-of-service issues that (Continued on page 9)
Message from Chief of CCPD...
A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, May 21, 2021 for 12 new officers who will be joining the ranks of CCPD after completing the department’s rigorous 16-week Training Academy headed by Lt. Shelda Williams (front row, left). The new grads are photographed above with Chief Joseph Riley (front, center). See page 4 for more. Photo by Det. Steve Grosvenor
Personal safety warning for Co-op City Seniors: Share-
holders should be aware that there have been multiple reports of robberies in the area adjacent to Co-op City property. Although the incidents all occurred off property, they are close enough to generate concern. The robberies have occurred in the early hours, just off Co-op City property. The NYPD is actively investigating these events. Co-op City Public Safety Officers are aware and vigilant to suspicious activity they may observe in relation to these events. The suspects target senior citizens who are exercising or waiting for public transportation in the early morning hours between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Each victim has been alone. No injuries have been reported and the victims all report that they offered no resistance and complied with demands for property from the small group of suspects that pulled up in vehicles and approached the seniors demanding “everything they had.” I urge shareholders who go out early in the morning to be vigilant. If you can, travel with a buddy. If you observe any vehicle(s) following you, immediately move to a safe location. Stay in well-lit areas. If you are approached, please do not resist and immediately call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. ––Chief Joseph Riley
Riverbay Administration Offices Closed Monday, May 31 All Riverbay offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. Emergency services will be available by calling 718-320-3300, PRESS OPTION #2 For Public Safety, call 718-671-3050
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
President’s Report
(Continued from page 1)
Board and served as president for four years and eight months – longer than expected, but due to circumstances of COVID-19, and the truncated term of our previous president. This has been an immense and significant responsibility. I respected the role of president and am honored and humbled to have received the support of my fellow Board directors. I also appreciate the support shareholders have continuously given me as I move throughout the community. This is such a bittersweet experience for me. I am happy to have served my community leaving everything I have on the table, but I am also sad to know my Board experience will be in my rear-view mirror. When I came on as president, I was anxious to continue moving us away from the poor management of our property and into a hopeful future that would see us as the exemplary community of affordable, cooperative living with the highest quality of life possible. The only way I saw that possibility was to have the Board, Management and shareholders work in a synergistic and cooperative environment. We needed to change almost everything at Riverbay from corporate culture, shareholder apathy and lack of procedures and protocols. We needed staff to be properly trained, managed and held accountable. To do so, we needed procedures, protocols, quality control and appropriate staffing in each department. While we have made some progress in these areas, we continue to work for improvements. We needed to move Riverbay out of the archaic state of a paper system and into the 21st century into electronic processing of everything. We have made progress there with the option to pay carrying charges online. We now receive work orders via email, though more procedures need to be included. We will have electric charging stations in our garages and a growing website that will eventually have a shareholder portal where every shareholder will be able to handle all interaction with Riverbay and have access to their documentation online. We will be ending our contract with Optimum in 2024 (better known as Cablevision) with the promise to be digitally independent, a possibility that can make Co-op City the first large community to be an exemplary smart city. In recent years, we have had corrective construction for boiler #2, new building entrances, new elevators, landscaping enhancements, garage repairs and timely Local Law 11 repairs, we are in the process of accomplishing $193.8 million in capital improvements with only 12.2% in carrying charge increases between 2015 - 2022. That is incredible when you consider that we had 48.3% carrying charge increases over ten years from 2003 – 2013 with only $138 in capital improvements (new windows, LL11, garage/shopping center cementing, high-rise building roofs and co-gen plant project started). I believe we have gotten a lot more bang for our buck lately! I see that as very successful. We finally have the power plant upgrades completed as it is now producing several
million dollars a year in income. We have addressed safety issues around our campus with a Safety director saving us millions of dollars in workers comp and lawsuits, minimizing liabilities to Riverbay Corp. We have improved and tightened up our contracts with vendors holding contractors to higher standards and established liquidating damages (time frames with penalties when not met.) We established a call center that is an effective way to address shareholders’ maintenance and restoration needs – that is still a work in progress. We have restructured our commercial leasing department and have shifted commercial rents and related expenses to more reasonable market rates. There will be nay sayers, there will always be people who see our glass half empty as opposed to half full. But you cannot negate the numbers. As I have always promoted, we must pay attention to the facts, not hyperbole or pessimism. There is still more work to be done. I encourage the Board and Management to continue to work together, and to remember, it is the shareholders we all serve. We have no room for local politics and personality combats. We all have personal concerns and opinions and I hope that as this next Board forms, it does so with many of the lessons we have learned recently in our Team Excellence training. Board development has been an important element of my Board leadership. It takes consistent development and training to get closer to excellence. I believe that Riverbay has seen ROI (return on investment) for the work done so far and I hope the Board will continue this practice in a time and place that allows for the best results. Overseeing a quarter billion-dollar budget is an awesome task and asking shareholders to assume this responsibility without support and training is unreasonable, in my opinion. My message to Management is that you continue to make the improvements identified thus far and continue to improve staff skills, procedures, and, most importantly, quality control. Make sure to constantly communicate with the Board and community. The more we know what you are working on, the more it mitigates concerns. Document your changes, progress, and plans. Support excellence and rid the corporation of unacceptable staff performance. Accept and implement recommendations from our internal auditor, they are part of team excellence. I leave this Board proud of our accomplishments, our working relationship with Management and our constant effort to engage the community. Co-op City is an incredible community that is a perfect example of affordability, diversity, and quality living that will only get better if we keep our eye on the prize. The honor has been mine to serve as the leader of this organization. My experience has been a two-way street and I have learned and grown so much from serving on this Board. I thank everyone of my fellow Board directors, General Counsel, Management, staff, and shareholders for making my experience exceptional. I wish you all the very best!
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Riverbay Corporation Summer Intern positions Open to Co-op City youth, ages 16 to 22
Applications will be accepted from Saturday, May 29, 2021 to through Friday, June 11th, 2021. All applicants will need to submit a current resume with email address and phone number for notification purposes. Send this information to summerinterns2021@riverbaycorp.com and note SUMMER INTERN in the subject line. POSITIONS ARE LIMITED! Applicants will have their names placed in a random drawing. The drawing will be held on Monday, June 14th and notifications will be made by June 16th. Grounds Duties will include: • perform general upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, or other grounds features including sweeping, raking, pulling up weeds and debris as well as gathering and removal of trash and litter • water, mulch, aerate, de-weed, remove thatch, trim or edge around flower beds, walks, or walls • dig up soil to plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, and other plants Janitorial Duties will include: • perform general upkeep of buildings and lobby areas, trash removal, recyclable processing • keep building entrances and surrounding areas free of leaves, garbage, and other debris by sweeping, mopping, etc. • post flyers/deliver letters/report any broken tools/equipment to supervisor All work is performed outdoors, rain or shine. Applicant must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and be able to stoop, bend and stand for extended periods of time. Applicants will be provided face mask and gloves and other PPE as needed, and will be required to adhere to all safety guidelines required by Management. Rate of Pay: $15 per hour Period of Assignment: July 6th – August 20, 2021 Weekly Work Schedule: Monday-Friday/40-hour work week Only Co-op City residents are eligible for consideration.
Dr. Lewis Wolstein Is Back By Popular Demand After A One Year Absence! Podiatrist — Foot Specialist • Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated
• We accept most health insurance plans • Participating in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program • Evening and Saturday appointments
Se Habla Español Call:
718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place
Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Chief of CCPD Reports… By JOSEPH R. RILEY
CCPD Graduates New Class of Peace Officers
The Co-op City Department of Public Safety (CCPD) is proud to announce that our class of 2021 has completed all necessary course work to satisfy the certification requirements to become New York State Peace Officers. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety conducts an inhouse “police academy.” The program is run by our Training Unit commanded by Lt. Shelda Williams and supported by Detective Steven Grosvenor. The program is an intensive 16 weeks. The recruits were fortunate to have many subject matter experts as guest lecturers to supplement the in-house training unit. Domestic violence, the legal system, first aid, and personal safety are just a few of the topics covered by guest lecturers. Our first responder partner agencies represented by members of the New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Service also interacted with our recruits. They provided real world knowledge and solidified our partnership in providing service to the Co-op City community. Riverbay Legal, Riverbay Safety, Human
Resources, and frequent pop-ins by our own General Manager Noel Ellison who provided unique insight and his comprehensive knowledge of Co-op City, rounded out the qualified expert discussions. Twelve (12) persons successfully completed the process. The residents of Co-op City will be seeing the new officers out in the field in the immediate future. This particular class has overcome unique obstacles. All members were hired in the middle of the Pandemic. I would like to commend both the Training Unit and the recruits for stepping up through one of the most difficult periods I can remember in my 40-plus years in law enforcement. This class of officers, along with Lt. Williams and Det. Grosvenor, truly reflect the principles of Pride, Professionalism, and Service that govern our public safety officers each day. Without the dedication of the new officers and superior efforts of our Training Unit, this class would not have been possible. Co-op City now has a dozen new and well trained officers eager to improve the quality of life for the entire Co-op City community.
Among those who attended last Friday’s CCPD graduation were the proud families of the graduates, and members of Riverbay Board of Directors and Management. The graduating class was addressed by Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, General Manager Noel Ellison, and others. Pastor Deborah Jenkins delivered the Invocation and Benediction. Valedictorian of CCPD’s 2021 Academy is Officer Lisa Waring. Officer Shaasia Hayes received a Certificate of Recognition. Photos by Det. Steve Grosvenor, Training Instructor
NOTICE – Dreiser Auditorium vaccine site The Dreiser Auditorium vaccine location will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. Please be mindful of this closure as you make your vaccine plan.
Co-op City Times Deadline Notice
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, Riverbay’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 31. Because of the holiday shortened work week, directors’ viewpoints and community organizations’ articles must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1. Material submitted after that time will not be considered for publication in the Saturday, June 5, 2021 issue of the Co-op City Times. Material for publication may be emailed to cctimes @riverbaycorp.com. Have an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend.
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
How your child could win free college tuition by getting vaccinated BY BRANDON ORTIZ Governor Cuomo announced an incentive program this week that could be life-changing for a select number of lucky students. Beginning this week, 12 to 17 year olds who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can have their names entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a full scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY school. The scholarship includes tuition plus room and board expenses for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s degree program, according to the governor’s office. Equally important, non-tuition expenses like books and school supplies are covered with the scholarship. Notably, scholarship winners who end up living on their school’s respective campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than a scholarship winner who decides to commute. If on-campus housing is not available, scholarship winners will be provided the same room and board allowance as students living on campus. “Our greatest need is with young New Yorkers who make up a large percent of positive cases and have the lowest vaccination percentage in the state," Governor Cuomo said. "To better reach this population and defeat COVID once and for all, we need to get creative in our efforts. We're offering all 12- to 17-year-olds a potentially life-changing opportunity—a full scholarship, room and board at any public college or university in New York in exchange for getting vaccinated. And the earlier you get vaccinated, the more chances you have to win. It's free, there's no appointments and you also have a chance to win a full scholarship.” Ten winners will be selected every week for five weeks, totalling 50 winners. Parents interested in being notified about how and when they can enter their child’s name into the drawing, can go online to forms.ny.gov/s3/ Get-Notified-When-Lottery-Registration-Begins. The Governor’s announcement comes just over a week after Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15. Currently, New York City has administered over eight million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to data collected by the city.
Shareholders, if you still have your Board election ballot, please complete & return it to YesElections to help make the quorum. For a replacement ballot, contact YesElections at 866-877-3125 or by emailing help+riverbay@ yeselections.com.
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Board of Directors’ Meeting - May 26, 2021 First Reading - Resolution #21-26 SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright & Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 26, 2021 WHEREAS, there is a need to restore townhouse facades and address other water penetration issues; and WHEREAS, nineteen (19) companies were solicited and proposals have been received from nine (9) qualified companies; and WHEREAS, construction management and the project architect, Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) reviewed the proposals and recommends Skyline Restoration, Inc. for a total of $4,960,160.20 plus tax if applicable with a fifteen percent contingency ($744,024.03) (see attached May 19, 2021 Project Manager memo and May 24, 2021 APS memo); 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 Contract #3580 with Skyline Restoration, Inc. for a total contract price of 4,960,160.20 20 plus tax if applicable with a fifteen percent contingency ($744,024.03) 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 and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.
Second Reading - Resolution #21-22 SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Cheryl Jenkins BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 26, 2021 WHEREAS, On June 1, 2016 the Board of Directors, by Resolution 16-29, approved a Management Agent Contract with Douglas Elliman Property Management for an initial price not to exceed $550,000.00 annually; and WHEREAS, the Board now approves a $50,000.00 increase in the Managing Agent Contract fee for a new annual price not to exceed $600,000.00 annually; 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, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves an increase of $50,000.00 annually to the existing Management Agent Contract with Douglas Elliman Property Management to a new annual price not to exceed $600,000.00 annually in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and as amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect June 1, 2021, subject to HCR approval and that the President and management shall take all necessary steps to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders NO: Johnson PASSED
Second Reading - Resolution #21-23 SUBMITTED BY: Sonia Feliciano SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright and Francine Reva Jones BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 26, 2021 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department sent out seventeen (17) requests for proposals for Bid #3606, Applicant Screening; and WHEREAS, we received four (4) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Sales department presently collects in advance from each applicant a total of $278.33 ($42.41 for credit check, $151.00 for criminal investigation and $84.92 for home visit) which is the same amount paid to the vendor; therefore, the fees paid for the services herein result in no cost to Riverbay Corporation; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager has recommended Landlord Guard, Inc. be awarded the contract (Recommendation attached) 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 contract 3606 with Landlord Guard, Inc. at no cost to Riverbay Corporation over a two (2) year period 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 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. TABLED
Amended Second Reading – Resolution #21-24 SUBMITTED BY: Mary Pearson SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie, Cheryl Jenkins BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: May 26, 2021 WHEREAS, The Board has approved and budgeted for the development of a four-acre Waterfront Park along the Hutchinson River near the Little League fields based on designs provided from the landscape architect firm of Imbiano-Quigley; and WHEREAS, The Board further supports the creation of a Waterside Walkway in Section 5 to improve the quality of life for Section 5 residents; and WHEREAS, the Board agrees that once the issue of clearing away the obtrusive brush lining the waterway is explored and accomplished, by any permitted action including the possible employment of goats, and WHEREAS, the Board agrees in-house staff is fully capable of preparing a plan to create a beautiful and sustainable Section 5 Waterside Walkway for Co-op City once the brush is cleared; and WHEREAS, The Board supports Management instructing In-House staff to prepare and present to the Board such a plan to extend and enhance the existing layout of the Section 5 Waterside Walkway; 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 Board directs Management, in accordance with DHCR regulations, to prepare and present to the Board plans for the site, including with estimated costs, to make a Section 5 Waterside Walkway a reality; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board’s Construction Committee shall provide oversight and the President is hereby authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders PASSED (See page 7 for more Resolutions)
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
Toriea McCauseland
Junior Associate Editor
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez
Production Manager
John Crow
New Media Producer 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 writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. 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 in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. 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 copy-righted 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, New York 10475.
Please Remember:
Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Mondays by 5 p.m. Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-697-6381 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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CCPD urges residents to enjoy summer fun by the rules for Memorial Day weekend
Public Safety Report
BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO
As we enter the Memorial Day weekend, it is a good opportunity to review summer rules. Residents can kick back, relax and enjoy summer fun by the rules. This is a good time to focus on having good, safe summer fun while reviewing Riverbay Corporation’s rules. Please enjoy a safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend. Please follow local and national direction regarding the wearing of masks and social distancing to keep yourself and others safe. In Co-op City, it is most important that bicycle riders pay attention to Riverbay Corporation’s rules as they pertain to bike riding. Do not ride a bicycle in the areas near the buildings and shopping centers or any areas where signs are posted prohibiting bike riding. The reason for this is that bicycle riding in these areas presents a serious hazard to pedestrians. NYPD issues summonses for traffic infractions committed by bicyclists. Public Safety officers issue Co-op City Community Complaints for “Bike riding in prohibited areas.” “Ball playing in prohibited areas” is another activity that violates the lease and can result in the issuance of a Community Complaint. All Community Complaints carry a monetary fine, which doubles for repeated violations. Parents need to make certain children are aware of these rules. Consuming alcohol in public is a violation of the law within New York City. Public Safety Officers issue New York City Universal Summonses for this violation. Cooperators or their guests receive a Co-op City Community Complaint for Anti-Social Conduct in connection with any arrest for incidents that occur within Co-op City community. This Complaint carries a monetary fine of $300 and doubles with repeated violations. The Department of Public Safety issues Universal Summonses for Disorderly Conduct. Disorderly Conduct includes a range of behavior including fighting, being loud or boisterous or blocking a pedestrian walkway causing public annoyance, inconvenience or alarm. Co-op City Community Complaints address the lease violation factor of the offense committed in the community. Barbequing on any of the public areas of Co-op City is a violation of the rules and regulations. Strict guidelines set forth by the New York City Fire Department prohibit barbecuing with charcoal or propane on terraces or patios of multi-family dwellings. Fireworks are illegal as well as dangerous. New York City put in effect a
Resolutions
(Continued from page 6)
Second Reading - Resolution #21-25 SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury SECONDED BY: Linda Berk and Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: May 26, 2021 WHEREAS, On January 1, 2010 the Board of Directors, by Resolution #10-03 approved a Legal Services contract with Smith Buss & Jacobs, LLP to act as General Counsel for the Riverbay Corporation for a base contract of $144,000 per year, plus an hourly rate not to exceed $395.00 per hour for partners and $275 for associates to work on litigation or other matters not covered by the Base Contract (“Special Matters”) at the request of the Corporation; and WHEREAS, the services performed by Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP under the fixed price Base Contract have expanded, without additional compensation, to include work for the Riverbay Fund and increased training; and WHEREAS, Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP has not received any increase in its Base Contract or hourly rate since 2010; and WHEREAS, the Corporation wishes to continue the services of SBJ and to include the expanded scope of work under the base contract; WHEREAS, the Board now approves a $60,000 increase in the General Counsel contract fee for a new base contract rate of $204,000 per year, plus an hourly rate not to exceed $395.00 per hour for partners and $325.00 per hour for associates to work on Special Matters at the request of the Corporation; 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 BE IT: RESOLVED, that the Board approves an increase of $60,000 annually to the existing General Counsel Contract with Smith Buss & Jacobs, LLP for a new annual price of $204,000,000, plus an hourly rate not to exceed $395.00 per hour for partners and $325.00 per hour for associates to work on Special Matters at the request of the Corporation; in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect June 1, 2021, subject to HCR approval, and that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contracts and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective. YES: Berk, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Rosario, Sampson ABSTAIN: Peterson, Saunders ABSENT FOR VOTE: Cylich, Richardson PASSED
Public Safety Blotter 05/16/21 – 05/22/21
05/16/21 – M.C.U. Parking Lot CCPD and NYPD responded to numerous calls of shots fired in the Carver Loop area. Both agencies searched and found a vehicle with an apparent bullet hole in the door. A follow-up investigation is being conducted into this incident. 05/17/21 – 100 Einstein Loop A male who was acting erratically caused damage to a car at this location. CCPD officers were notified and responded. When officers arrived, the male entered another vehicle and fled the scene. 05/18/21 – 100 Einstein Loop The male from the previous incidents above returned and obstructed the flow of traffic in the street. NYPD arrived on scene and the male fled in his vehicle. The NYPD pursued the male due to the danger he placed the public in and other charges and caught him. The male was subdued; NYPD deployed a Taser. He was placed under arrest by NYPD and transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. 05/21/21 – 140 Casals Place Several calls came in to CCPD and the ShotSpotter system. A canvas was conducted for evidence of shots, with no evidence found. There were no reported victims. Later in the day, ballistic evidence was found and recovered. 05/22/21 – 100-120 Aldrich Street A CCPD sergeant was flagged down by passerby’s who informed him of a male brandishing a knife and threatening people as they walked by him on the sidewalk. The sergeant was able to get the male to comply and drop the knife. The male surrendered to the sergeant and was taken into custody without anyone getting hurt. He was then removed to a local area hospital and admitted for psychiatric evaluation. Zero Tolerance policy regarding the sale or use of illegal fireworks within the limits of New York City. The New York City Police Department and the Co-op City Department of Public Safety both enforce Zero Tolerance Fireworks laws. New York City offers rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone who gives information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone caught selling fireworks within New York City. Call 3-1-1 with information. Co-op City residents are subject to a Community Complaint for arrests by any police agency within the geographical confines of Co-op City. Remember to stay safe this summer, especially near pools and beaches. In the next few days or weeks, some beaches and pools may be open, some without lifeguards on duty. Some beaches and pools may have lifeguards on weekends only. Be aware and alert to this fact. Use extra caution if going near closed beaches and other bodies of water if there are no lifeguards on duty. Be sure that children are aware of the dangers of swimming alone especially in oceans or lakes. Have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. If you plan to consume (Continued on page 26)
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.
CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Director’s Viewpoint – Rod
Saunders, Second Vice President
We Need to Get This Right! The Metro-North railroad station is finally going to become a reality. Since 2018, the MTA's Metro-North and the Bronx Division of the NYC Planning Commission have been engaging four communities (Morris Park, Parkchester, Hunts Point, and Co-op City's Section 5) which are to receive the proposed new railroad stations. The engagements have centered around three important positive quality of life impacts which the planning around the proposed new stations will be looking to bring with their placement within those communities. The three aspects include (but are not limited to) sustaining "Vibrant Communities," "Connected Communities," and "Working Communities." The Main Objective of the Stations The main objective of these new routes is to provide speedy access to midtown Manhattan’s West Side. From here in Co-op City to Manhattan’s Penn Station, the ride is projected to take approximately 25 minutes. That is exponentially faster than any other rapid, or mass transit, system currently available today. As reported in the August 18, 2018 edition of the Co-op City Times, Metro-North and the NYC Planning Commission have been working with representatives from the communities receiving these stations so that several aspects affecting surrounding communities served by the new stations can be addressed. Our Riverbay Board President was selected to represent Co-op City as a member of the Bronx Metro North Working Group. Again, as reported in our own Co-op City Times, the follow-up came one year later, when representatives from Metro North and the Bronx City Planning Commission met here on July 16, 2019 in Bartow Center’s room 31 to give details on the proposed development of the new station. My bet is that most of you who are reading this viewpoint missed the event, and probably for good reason. The vast majority of cooperators were singularly focused on the MTA’s proposed new bus routes, and the meeting with then MTA President, Andy Byford, which had just occurred previously on June 27, 2019. On May 14, our Board President forwarded an email that was received from Carol J. Samol, the Bronx Borough Director of the Dept. of City Planning. The content of Ms. Samol’s email was short and to the point, and can be summed up best by three sentences within her email: “Resumption of the project by the MTA is an incredibly important milestone for the project and brings us one step closer to making the stations a reality. The time to plan for the station areas is
now! Please encourage your constituents, employees, and those you serve to join the BMNS Remote Open House to make their voices heard.” The BMNS Remote Open House, a new online public engagement webpage, is live on City Planning’s web site: www.nyc.gov/bmns-openhouse and pennstationaccess.info will be available all spring (through June). The Morris Park and Parkchester Communities Have Already Weighed In Now that Morris Park and Parkchester have crafted their visions of the area and how they believe that Metro North and the City can bring about prosperity, it’s our turn. The Bronx Dept. of City Planning is asking Co-op City residents and homeowners living within the affected surrounding communities to weigh in on the overall development of the area. What is Co-op City and the Surrounding Community Being Asked to Do? Co-op City and, more specifically, the residents of Section 5, are being asked to weigh-in on how the building of the new railroad station might also significantly enhance the immediate surrounding area and the community as a whole. We must include the homeowners between DeReimer & Hunter Avenues. The answers are going to be complex. In looking at what the Morris Park community requested, you’ll see that their major request mandated that the NYC Planning Commission & Metro-North focus on the Morris Park community transforming into a “life sciences center,” with emphasis on the Einstein/Montefiore medical campuses. They are also requesting that their Morris Park Business Improvement District (BID) be addressed. The Parkchester requests appear to put emphasis on addressing the businesses along East Tremont Avenue and on infra-structure around the areas serving the proposed station site. Co-op City – Always The Anomaly Without knowing the cost of a one-way or roundtrip Metro-North ticket, the idea of getting to midtown Manhattan in 25 minutes in phenomenal. The quality of life issues from havi ng com muters taking the Metro-North trains, and shoppers coming to Bay Plaza, all converg i ng on Co-op City at the same time, is another matter.
Unlike the other three communities, the development of the area surrounding the proposed new station is limited to approximately 200 linear feet of commercially zoned land. The remaining property is all residentially developed and is not in play at this time. In my opinion, our main concern is traffic and parking. Right now is our best, and possibly last, opportunity to explain our position and make the State and City get it right. I believe we need Metro-North to facilitate offstreet parking and for the City strongly reserving parking for residents who live in Co-op City, or the private houses located between DeReimer and Hunter Avenues, who have vehicles registered to those specific addresses, be given displayed sticker authorization allowing those vehicles only permission to park on those streets. We need to know that every precaution will be made to protect the children, parents, and cooperators crossing the Hutchinson River Parkway East traffic, and motorists adhere to the 20 mph speed limit. We need to have EV Metro-North buses bring riders to the station from inside/outside of Co-op City. We need to keep Bartow Avenue free and clear when traveling in the easterly and westerly directions without direct access exits from the Hutchinson River Parkway. Please, go to the website link that I have provided. Become familiar with the source material so you can weigh-in with an educated understanding of what’s being presented, and how your comment(s) can be more effective. Please enjoy the Memorial Day weekend; thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at: rsaunders@riverbayboard. com.
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Shelter
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charge of bringing to the Bronx the animal care and wellness facility that will support the adoption and care of animals in this community.” The proposed two-story, 50,000 square ft. building will sit between Red Lobster and Project Hope Senior Housing. Operated by Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC), and will include an animal care center, veterinary clinic, public outpatient veterinary clinic, wildlife rehabilitation, education center, and more. Ms. Ramirez said: “Our design intent is to aspire to serve the Bronx with spaces to facilitate adoption and improve care for animals. The building seeks to be a good neighbor and serve as an educational tool to teach the community about the relationships between humans and animals.” A total of 68 parking spaces – 34 in the front and back of the building – will be available along with several open green areas for both animals and the community. As far as programming, Christine Kim, director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare, says the department is still exploring programs but has already
reached out to the Truman High School campus. She said, “We really wanted to build good relationships with educational networks in Co-op City and make sure that the animal center was an educational resource as well for the students there.” In 2018, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYDOHMH) made a local law that mandates fully operational animal shelters in each of the five boroughs of NYC. Although many residents of Co-op City protested the original proposal of the animal shelter altogether during past discussions, there appeared to be a shift in resident opinions during the three-hour meeting that took place on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Dreiser Center. Planners are still in the middle of the design phase, however, construction for the Bronx Animal Care Center & Vet Clinic will start by early 2023, with a completion date slated for 2025. Bronx CB#10 will hold an executive board meeting regarding the site on June 17.
Election
Janitorial
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Election Committee reported to the 11 remaining candidates in the election that insofar as the election company, YesElections, does not pick up mailed-in ballots every day from the post office, and the quorum may have been reached, nevertheless, the committee will not know for sure until after the Memorial Day holiday weekend. As a result and to make sure the election is not ended prior to the ballots being opened, verified and counted to ensure the quorum has indeed been met, the committee voted to follow the published extended voting schedule where voting will stay open until next Friday, June 4. Shareholders who received an election ballot but have not yet voted are urged to do so as soon as possible and return their completed ballot to YesElections either electronically or by mail. Those who opt to vote online using their laptops, smartphones or iPad will need the PIN and CODE from the ballot letter mailed to their homes by YesElections. Those voting by mail are reminded to check the box at the bottom of the ballot certifying they are a shareholder before returning the completed ballot in the stamped, addressed envelope provided with the ballot. For a replacement ballot, contact YesElections by calling 866-877-3125 or emailing help+riverbay@yeselections.com. Following the close of extended voting next Friday, June 4, YesElections will provide the Election Committee with the final election count for review and certification which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 9, in room 31 of the Bartow Center. The official results of the election will then be posted electronically at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10. The deadline for challenges to be filed against the election results is Friday, June 11, and the elected Board members will be sworn in to office on Wednesday, June 16, at 7 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center. Shareholders are voting for five candidates from among a pool of 11 contenders: Monique Coleman, Sheila Richburg, Leah Richardson, Akeisha Neely, Isabel Fletcher, Regina Hamilton, Kevin Lambright, Daryl Johnson, Anika Green-Watson, Aminah Lucio and Leslie Peterson. The top five winners will serve three-year terms.
2020 Income Affidavits
The deadline to submit the 2020 Income Affidavit is Monday, May 31. Be sure to include the declaration page of your homeowners insurance. For more information, see page 5 of this issue or visit coopcitynyc.com.
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occur in hallways, elevators, laundry rooms, and much more. Mr. Blake promises with this change, the department will have a better response time. He said, “We will have a better response time when it comes to emergencies in the buildings and in shareholders’ apartments, especially regarding floods.” With the new hours, leadership will use data collected in terms of issues for a particular building or section to enhance customer service and share concerns with other departments. Mr. Blake said: “We can take shareholders’ concerns for other departments and follow it up to the correct department as well. At the end of the day, it’s all about improving the customer service experience to suit the needs of the shareholders.” Residents can begin to take advantage of the new hours as soon as this weekend. Mr. Blake said, “It’s important to me and my staff that shareholders have someone to talk to seven days a week and have the services they are requesting be acknowledged and addressed.” Shareholders can dial 718-320-3300, extensions 3122 or 3425, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Sunday, for any janitorial-related concerns.
Hutch River Greenway Clean-up Co-op City is very fortunate to have the beautiful Hutchinson River Greenway (HRG) that offers pedestrians and cyclists a safe place to walk and bike. The HRG connects Co-op City to Westchester to the north, and Throggs Neck to the south, making it possible to walk or ride a bike safely, whether for utilitarian purposes or recreationally. On May 2, the Friends of the Hutchinson River Greenway, led by Kevin Daloia, held its first clean-up this year. More than 30 volunteers came out to help clean the well-used HRG near the Lehman High School Educational Campus. Thanks to those volunteers, the area, which was littered with trash and road debris, is now a clear path making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. To get the word out about the benefits of the HRG, the Friends of the Hutchinson River Greenway hosted its first group walk on Wednesday, May 19, which began at 2100 Bartow Ave. The group walked southbound past Section 5 and continued over the first pedestrian bridge before turning back to the starting location. Additional evening walks, as well as weekend morning walks, will be added to the event’s calendar. For more information, you may follow the Friends of the Hutchinson River Greenway on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/hutchrivergreen, or visit the website at: https://hutchrivergreen.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=IwAR1vFuYrlWepTGjztsu_ISXO3ZAiYY_dyc0IyXb09DDqRETWlCtO363HNI4. ––Holly Malone
Volunteers removed all debris and shoveled gravel and dirt off the HRG near the Lehman HS Educational Campus. That portion of the greenway is now much safer for pedestrians and cyclists thanks to their hard work and dedication!
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Claudia Sampson
Director’s Viewpoint –
Despite advances, still much important work to be done Although 2021 is almost halfway over, there’s still much work to be done. For example, with the advent of the summer, and the unseasonably high temperatures, many residents are forced to close their windows to not only keep out the noise from the LL 11 mandated drilling of the facades in the buildings requiring removal of degraded masonry, but also the wafting dust and scattered debris blown in by wind currents. Some of our elderly residents who can’t escape to the nearby parks or beaches, are enduring a barrage of ear piercing sounds from the work outside their windows. I extend my apologies to everyone and can only say that this too shall pass. It’s a small price to pay for a far worse or more catastrophic outcome should anything accidentally fall and injure someone on the ground. While our homes are our castles, there are still far too many residents who view them as stand-alone private dwellings where they can raise the decibel levels of their sound systems, or hammer, drill and pound on the floors and walls of their units to their hearts’ content. But, there are rules that must be adhered to, the reason being that everyone entered into a lease agreement with clearly stated stipulations. Furthermore, our walls are very thin and in some places sound travels easily through vents and convectors. So, please practice small acts of kindness towards your neighbors who are looking to enjoy their homes as much as you, albeit with less sleepless nights and days. Speaking of convectors: Remember, an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So take an hour or so out of your busy schedule this week or next to clean out your convectors by reviewing the instructions on the Crawler or watching the video on the Riverbay website. Here’s the url, https:coocitynyc.com. Guaranteed to make your summer so much more enjoyable than having to call Maintenance to clean up the mess caused by clogged convectors. If you need help cleaning out your convectors, especially seniors or someone who is disabled, you should contact the Call Center and they will schedule an appointment for someone to assist you. Just don’t ignore this important precautionary measure because our convectors are over 50 years old, and are in need of lots of TLC until we can get funding to repair or replace them. Fingers crossed that HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge will hear our plea and offer us some type of funding relief. Last but not least, there’s some light at the end of the COVID relief tunnel for individuals and families who have fallen behind on their maintenance payments. As of June 1, New York’s COVID relief program will begin accepting applications. At this juncture, this program is open to Mitchell-Lama renters, not co-op owners. However, HCR is currently reviewing the program to determine if co-op owners are eligible. The rental assistance program, approved as part of the state budget and covered by $2.7 billion in federal funds, will assist households who have fallen behind on their rent (maintenance) and who have experienced financial hardship, and are
at risk of displacement or housing insecurity, and who earn at or below 80% of area income. Eligible households will receive up to 12 months of pastdue rent assistance. Those eligible could also receive three months of additional rental assistance, if the household spends 30% or more of its gross monthly income on rent. Stay tuned for more information following HCR’s review of the rental assistance program. Before I forget, I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Executive Board members of Community Board #10 for supporting the Co-op City community residents’ fierce opposition to the developers seeking a special permit to reduce the number of parking spaces on the property that would impact street parking on Co-op City Boulevard near the new medical building. With over 193 residents on a waiting list for spaces in Garage #2, this a recipe for disaster. Of the members present at the May 20th CB#10 Zoom meeting, 23 voted no, and one abstained. Thankfully, CB#10’s Housing and Zoning Committee, by acting on the dearth of cogent answers about the type of medical space and tenants yet to be identified, as well as the fact that the street adjacent to the property is owned by the City’s Department of Transportation, voted overwhelmingly to defeat the resolution. To all our service members and veterans, I thank you for your loyalty and patriotism. Have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend! Please feel free to contact me with your comments or suggestions. I can be reached via email at: csampson@riverbayboard.com.
Building 25 Association
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day. Barring emergencies, conference call meetings have ended. The Association is breaking for the summer months and will no longer conduct association conference calls. On the bright side, hopefully we will meet in our meeting room in September. Enjoy your summer, everyone. If you missed our monthly meeting on May 18, the following topics were discussed. Our building president, Denise Gerrald, attended the monthly Buildings and Grounds meeting and reported that the building’s director reminded them that our power plant started turning over the air conditioning unit last week. If you are a senior or disabled, please call the Riverbay Call Center at 718-320-3300 and follow the prompts to schedule your convector cleaning. For those who are able, please clean your convectors to minimize floods. Riverbay has started cleaning condensation from all lines in buildings to help minimize flooding. Also, an executive, Mr. Smith, talked about increasing visibility of the address signage in front of buildings by installing LED lights. Another topic
Co-op City Democratic Club We wish to thank Mayoral candidate Ray McGuire for attending our May 26th Zoom Meeting. His demeanor was intelligent, informative, sincere, and passionate, as he answered questions and gave answers regarding his ideas about changing NYC and to help the City heal. McGuire addressed those in attendance speaking first about his personal history, then explaining his vision for bringing NYC back from the economic plight rendered by the City’s devastating ordeal with the COVID-19 virus, his plan to end gun violence, and lawlessness that has become the new plague of NYC. McGuire went on to give the club his insights as to where the Dept. of Education can make improvements in our children’s education, citing that a high percentage of our 3rd & 8th grade students are underperforming in their studies. FYI If you are a member in good standing of the Co-op City Democratic Club and would like to work for the NYC Board of Elections in this coming November’s election, we are currently accepting applications now. For those of you who are not members of the club, and wish to become one, we have applications. Dues for one year is $35.00, and your check or money order must be made payable to the “Co-op City Democratic Club.” We are a working organization, and we want to see the Democratic Party flourish. Early Voting begins June 12 to June 20, 2021. This is the first time we will be using Ranked Choice Voting, however, trained staff will be there to assist you. All early voting will be done in the Bartow Community Center only. The Primary Election will be held on June 22, 2021. Those who always vote in the Dreiser Community Center will be voting in Truman High School for this day only. ––Shirley Saunders
discussed was mounting 43” television monitors in lobbies that would replace bulletin boards to display messages and bulletins from Riverbay Corporation and the community. Riverbay has initiated an alert service called Everbridge to establish a new state-of-the-art Co-op City Notification System, which will serve the community. This system will minimize the Robo calls. The system will use texts, emails, etc., so please look out for further info. Riverbay has hired a weekend administrator to handle emergencies from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Her name is Chrystal and her extension is 3122. The important message here is in order to stay informed the first place, start by attending your building association meetings. We wish all neighbors born in May a happy birthday, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon. Latest update on our building association meetings, Riverbay has given permission to resume meeting in our association room. With that being said, our next regularly scheduled association meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m., so look out for posted notices near elevators should there be any changes. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns via our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know. Closing with the following quote: “The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” ––Jeff Miller ––Wanda Bailey
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Parking & Leasing
Committee Reports
Francine Reva Jones, chairperson Kevin Lambright, co-chair Meeting date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 7:30 p.m., Via Cisco WebEx Facilitator: Donna LaForey, Board of Directors Liaison Present: Committee members: 8 members in attendance Others present: Danielle O’Connor, director of Parking & Leasing dept.; Cary Smith III, assistant executive general manager; Cheryl Jenkins, Board director Roll call: Eleven people were present Review and approve agenda: The agenda was approved. Approve meeting minutes: The February 16, 2021 minutes were approved. Parking and Leasing Update: Danielle O’Connor, Parking & Leasing director: The Parking & Leasing dept. has completed all of the repairs to the storage units. * They are doing construction repairs in Garage 2 until April of next year. Thereafter, they will repair another garage. * They have started the Spring spruce up. * They started power washing in Garage 5 and Garage 7 will be next. * Power washing will begin in the community centers soon. The community centers will reopen to groups with permanent rooms as of May 1st, provided the organization provides them with a Covid safety plan. * They are in the process of installing new blinds in all community center rooms and closet doors in rental rooms. * In Dreiser, they are working on the public assembly compliance and replacing the doors. Director O’Connor responded to questions, as follows: Q&A: Vacancies in Dreiser Center: Sheer Elegance is out of business. The P&L dept. is negotiating to get another hair salon in the Dreiser Mall. * The Montefiore space is technically on the market. There was discussion regarding making two (2) stores out of one large Montefiore space, but it is more complicated than one might think. * The former renters of the Dreiser Beauty Supply Store might not be returning. * The Dreiser diner has been shown to 12 people and the P&L dept. wants to be sure they rent to the right people. * The Bartow Pizza Shop has a tenant and they are doing renovations. Q&A: There were questions about parking in Garages 1 & 3 while Garage 2 is under construction. Q&A: The Building 19 lobby is completed and there were questions regarding getting keyfobs. The director stated that updated information is needed before keyfobs can be issued. Fill Garage attendant vacancies: Three garage attendants were just hired and will be in different garages. They are looking to fill two more vacancies. “Turn on Lights” signs: These signs were posted in all garages. Garage 3: (a) Illegally parked cars in handicap space: The director explained that while this shareholder was waiting for handicap permits for 2 of his 3 vehicles, he was switching his permit to the other vehicles. The director spoke with the owner and the matter was resolved. (b) Wires handing out of temporary booth. The complainant figured out what they were. Garage 7: Customer Service instructions re: Greetings: The director sent out a memo to the staff stating that garage attendants should greet the cooperators as they pass by. If they don’t comply, please report it to the P&L dept. Support local businesses: A Co-op City resident just opened a holistic business called Green Earth Apothecary at 153 Dreiser Loop. It was suggested to stop by and support. In Section 5, the “Quality of Life Juices” will have a Grand Opening on Mother’s Day, May 8, from 2-5 p.m. Announcements: We are in the Board Election season so please get to know the 12 candidates running for five (5) seats. If you have a question to ask, you may send it to: Riverbay2021Election@riverbaycorp.com. Manager Smith stated that voting information will be added to the Co-op City website. Information will also be added to the Community Relations department weekly newsletter. Suggestions for next meeting: Many businesses have suffered due to Covid-19 and it was suggested that Riverbay highlight Co-op City businesses in the Co-op City Times. They are willing to put in a list regarding what is available in each community center. Also, the local businesses could be listed on the website. The director will revisit this topic. Next meeting: May 18, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Adjourn meeting: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ––Francine Jones
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Residential Sales
Francine Reva Jones, chairperson Kevin Lambright, co-chair Meeting date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m., Via Cisco WebEx. Facilitator: Donna LaForey, Board of Directors Liaison Present: Committee members: 8 members in attendance. Others Present: Sheena McNeill, director, Residential Sales dept.; Edgar Perez, Restorations director; Steyvon Baker, assistant Restorations director; Cary Smith III, assistant executive general manager; Cheryl Jenkins, Board director; Chris Swain, producer; Michael Patterson, assistant producer. Greetings: Francine Jones greeted everyone and announced that Marie Smith as relocated and is no longer a committee member. Roll call: Fifteen people were present. Review and approve agenda: The agenda was approved. Minutes: The February 16, 2021 minutes were approved. Residential Sales Update: Sheena McNeill, director, Residential Sales dept. Director McNeill reported the following for the month of March 2021: A. Move-Ins end of month: 52 B. Move-Outs end of month: 41 C. Transfers end of month: 7 D. Applicants on waiting list end of month: 7,303 E. Applicants on Transfer waiting list: 155 F. Available Units end of month: 182 G. Vacant Units end of month: 315 Directors McNeill, Perez and Assistant GM Cary Smith III, responded to questions: ● Q&A: There are 13 apartments that are off the market and being used to accommodate elevator modernization. They go back on the market when the elevator modernization has been completed in a particular building. ● Q&A: If a shareholder dies when they are off property, how is Riverbay notified? Usually, a family member notifies Riverbay and Riverbay sends a condolence letter to the individuals on the Income Affidavit. If Riverbay is not notified, there is nothing they can do. Also, if there is someone with Power of Attorney, that person should notify Riverbay that the shareholder passed away. ● Q&A: Potential shareholder should be shown unrestored apartments if this would accelerate sales. * For outgoing shareholders, there is no charge for wear and tear. There is a charge for things like leaving mirrors, nails or holes in the walls. The shareholder will be charged for priming or painting if they did not pay for it when they moved in. They will not be billed twice. * Inspectors are trained in-house by Directors Perez and Baker, who have been on the job and have experience. The union and HCR do not require certified inspectors. Status of Presidents List and Plaques: The chair has consulted with Co-op City Times editor for more information. Status of video for the New Cooperators Orientation Meeting: Producer Chris Swain and assistant Michael Patterson reported that they intended for the video to include the following: Dreiser Auditorium, but it is being used for Covid-19 vaccinations; Building 21, but it has bridging and scaffolding going up; the laundry rooms, but the one selected needs to be cleaned up. That these sites are currently unavailable is causing delays. Assistant Executive GM Smith has been given a list of what needs to be done in order to film the video. The Committee will be kept updated. Senior Downsizing Program: Twenty-three shareholders have taken advantage of this program. Moving permits: Both the CSO and the Sales department issue moving permits. The 15-day complaint form is no longer used; they use a punch list instead: Restoration department director, Edgar Perez, stated that next week, he will send the chair the record of complaints his department received over the past few months. Orientation for Succession Rights Shareholders (SRS): The committee members believe it is necessary for SRS to go through orientation since they have never done so before. * Director McNeill explained that as of April 2021 due to Covid-19’s social distancing mandate, orientation is being performed in the office during the closing and signing of the occupancy agreement. They also give the orientation booklet. * There are no pictures taken of the SRS and it was suggested that Riverbay should have their photos, just like new shareholders. The chair will present this matter to the Legal dept. * Long time shareholders should go through orientation again since many have been in Co-op City for 30 years or more and things have changed. Follow-up discussion: What can be done to get more shareholders to vote in the Annual Riverbay Board Elections? Should Management be asked to investigate shareholders who don’t vote to determine if they are subletting? There was agreement with this idea that people should be investigated, but that it would be a tremendous undertaking. However, it could be done randomly. * It is a legal matter regarding forcing someone to vote and should be discussed with the Legal dept. The Board majority voted against requiring residents to vote, but they should be informed that it is their responsibility to vote; they are shareholders and not tenants. They are co-owners in a corporation. If a shareholder fails to file the income affidavit, they are penalized to the tune of a 50% increase in their carrying charges. * It was suggested that the resolution on voting be resubmitted during this election period. * The chair urged everyone to vote and to remind their neighbors to vote as well. Announcements: The 2021 Riverbay Board Elections are in progress now, so please get to know the 12 candidates who are running for five (5) seats. If you have a question, you may send it to: Riverbay2021election@riverbaycorp.com. The forum dates are April 21, May 1, and May 5, at 7:30 p.m. Manager Smith stated that voting information will be added to the website. Information will also be added to the Community Relations department newsletter. Next meeting: May 18, 2021, 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ––Francine Jones
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Co-op City Little League
African American Association
Season Well Underway The Co-op City Little League Season 2021 is well underway with baseball games being played at the fields during the week and weekends. Every Saturday, T-ball starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by the Farm division team games at 11:30 a.m. Coordinator Steven Ramirez, along with coaches Dennis Juarbe, Albert Tunas and Matthew Pacheco, conduct a well-planned T-ball clinic. Training stations are placed throughout the field as the staff coaches the Coach Ramirez instructs the T-Ball players players through various techniques. Drills include the basic skill of fielding a ground ball using the “alligaon the proper hitting techniques tor hands” method, running the bases while learning how to pick-up the base coach, and the proper batting stand, including putting the bat on the ball. According to Ramirez, the goal is for the players to have fun while enhancing their skills. The Farm Division teams’ coaching staff consists of Jonathan Rosario and Tammy Siegert. Practice is normally held during the week and baseball games on Saturdays. Miguel Sosa and Oggie run the Minor Division teams. Inter-league games between various local leagues are played during the week and weekends. While the division has many new young players, it has held its own against the other leagues, with a completive record. The Major/Junior Division coaching staff includes Anthony Dawson, Walid Alfredo, Lefty, Harry, Antwon and John Martineau. Players roster consist of Adam J, Adam M, Adrian S, Brandon S, Dylan T, Evans F, Gabriel G, Jacob C, Joe D, John M, Justin G, Kevin C, Ladanian G, Lukas S, Matthew E, Noah J, Perry Z, Rafael G, Yanni D, and Zachery A. These two divisions participate in inter-league games against leagues in the local and Westchester areas. Although their season started late, both teams practice constantly to stay competitive. As required by a NYC Law, the Parks Dept. has provided the Co-op City Little League with defibrillators. CCLL League Board President Monique Vazquez has completed the mandatory AED training and is available in case of an emergency at the fields. While some Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the CCLL will still enforced the guidelines of mask requirements and social distance to protect the players. Hand sanitizer stations have been placed by the park entrance, and the concession stand picnic area. Disinfectant spray/wipes are provided to clean the shared equipment. Prior to the end of the Co-op City Little League 2021 Spring Season, the League will hold registration and tryouts for the summer tournaments. For more details, and present game schedules, visit the Co-op City Little League Facebook page and website at https://coopcitylittleleague. com. Information on the T-Mobil Little League Call up Grant, which helps cover registration cost for families in need, is also posted in the website. The email address is coopcityll@yahoo.com. ––Hector Ayala
Grand Opening of the Green Earth Apothecary…It was a blast! You really should have been there. A healthy turnout and socially distanced crowd enjoyed foot massages, vendors, a live DJ and delicious and nutritious eats. We also Zoomed-in to bring the event to all of our members. If you haven’t renewed your membership or become a new member of the African-American Association of Co-op City yet, please see the information Pictured (L - R), Sherrill Cropbelow. There will be a series of Grand per, who gave an air puriOpening Events at the G.E.A. Until fier demonstration. G.E.A. Bonaparte. then, the G.E.A. is open every Tues- owner, Bridget Photo courtesy of day - Saturday from noon - 7:30 p.m. Francine Reva Jones. The next AAACC Zoom Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 3 p.m. Join the AAACC today…We had a great time. Hope you will join us for our next event as a member. This is your invitation to join us. Be the vision you want your people, your children, your world to see. Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail. com or call: 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Kindly send a check or money order only. The African-American Association sponsors the following programs: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact Keith, 917561-6211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact Meena, 917-863-1507 Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. ––Michelle Marbury
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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Co-op Insurance
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –
Mary Pearson, Secretary
The end of a purple balloon era, etc. So. We missed the Board elections quorum last week. Did we make it this week? You know the expression: “All politics is local?” Well, nothing’s more local than our Board elections. While we waited for the election results, the Board business continued. One point of business at last Wednesday’s meeting was the second reading of the Section 5 Waterside Walkway resolution. Has it passed, failed, or been tabled? Last Wednesday hasn’t happened for me yet. But in any case, nothing can happen with this Section 5 beautification plan until the Local Law 11 work is complete, which I’m told will be before the year ends. Won’t that be lovely, being free from our fencing? In other Section 5 drama, the BxM7 bus stop is still in limbo. The new pole is there across the street from the old bus stop at the corner of Einstein Loop North and East, but there’s a sign on the pole that says it’s under construction. I believe that means someone is looking around for a can of yellow paint to mark the curb as a no parking strip. But until the new/old BxM7 stop is back in business, continue to catch the express at the corner of Einstein Loop South/ Hutchinson River Parkway. Switching topics… The Board got to do something inspiring on May 21. We were invited to celebrate, congratulate, and welcome the latest crop of Co-op City Police Department graduates. All the speakers – Chief Riley, President Berk, General Manager Ellison, Executive General Manager Klehammer – conveyed a similar message to the class of 2021: Your job as a Co-op City safety officer is quite different than that of being an NYPD officer. You’ve not been hired to be a warrior; you have been hired, for the most part, to be a guardian. CCPD officers spend more time assisting residents, than chasing bad
guys. And now that you’re here, Co-op City hopes you’ll stay a long, long while. Though Covid made it necessary for the occasion to be a small one, this new crop of officers won’t be shortchanged in the celebration department for long. There’s a plan to invite friends and families to proudly celebrate with them in October, once Covid has become a thing of the past. Though Covid has still not yet become a thing of the past, mask-wearing restrictions have taken a surprising about-face recently. The deal is, now, if you’re vaccinated, feel free to greet the world maskless, but with a few exceptions. At the moment, the exceptions where masking is required by all, is on public transit, in schools, in all healthcare-nursing-correctional-homeless facilities, and wherever and whenever requested. The unvaccinated are more restricted. They must mask up everywhere, except when at home or outside alone. The rules literally change daily, so for the duration, keep a mask handy once you step out the door. It seems most of us vaccinated people didn’t get the mask-free memo. We’re still not partying like it’s pre-COVID-19. Some are waiting for the entire world to be vaccinated before letting their guard down. Luckily, that might be coming soon, because Pfizer has come out with an authorized vaccine for youngsters 12 years old and up. But our youngsters must travel elsewhere to find their shot since the Dreiser vaccination center doesn’t offer Pfizer — just the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Calling all elected officials to correct this oversight! Still, the J & J is available to all New Yorkers 18 years old and up from Monday to Saturday from 9 am. to 5 p.m. Just walk on in. Spread the word. Not the virus. Covid is an unending topic we all want to turn the page on, but we just can’t. Not yet. Still, there seems
Goose Island Seniors
Welcome Back Party – Wednesday, June 16, in rm. 39 at 1 p.m. Vaccinated members only. Cover dish. Bring your favorite dish. You don’t have to make enough for 40 people. Make what you can. Donation: $5, if you don’t bring food donation. Come and celebrate the return to our club room. Resorts Casino – Thursday, July 8, in Atlantic City, NJ. Price: $40, and bonus $20 slot play. Bus leaving from our three usual bus stops: 8:00 a.m., Einstein Loop in front of pizza shop; 8:10 a.m., Asch Loop by library and 8:20 a.m., Dreiser Loop in front of hardware store. Come and also enjoy the beach, boardwalk and shopping. Money is due by Wednesday, June 30. Please make checks out to Goose Island Seniors. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:15 p.m. Admission: $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each, up to three cards. Refreshments available. Proof of vaccination and mask required. Temperature will be taken at entrance. We must be careful. Game Day – Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $1. Play Mahjong, cards, Dominos, Uno and more. Refreshments available. Members only. Proof of vaccination required. Become a member for $20 a year. 2022 50th Anniversary plans – Monday, June 6, 2022, next year. Phase 1 – Dear members and friends, we cannot find a restaurant in City Island for dining and dancing. We will try again in January. Trip to Villa Roma – Thursday, June 9, 2022. Phase 2 – Doo-Wop show, luncheon and a day of fun, all for $92. A choice of entrées: roast loin of pork, chicken parmigiana over linguine or Flounder Francese, all served with chef’s choice starch and vegetables. A $20 refundable deposit, your choice of entrée and bus seat selection is required when signing up for trip. Must show proof of vaccination. For reservation, call: 347-847-1941. Make checks out to Goose Island Seniors. To all members – Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of June: Rosaura Cruz, Sandra Harville, Jennie Velez, Crystal Somersle, Donald Snyder, Cecil Kornreich, Ray Betancourt, Joan (Jackie) Ross, Sheila Mathis, and Julia Rivera. Sick and Shut-in – Edna Trujillo is still recovering from a stroke. We cannot wait until she returns to Bingo. Mary Pilla, former Goose Island president, misses you and sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center in Somers, NY. She would love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816. Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx NY, 10475. The Section 5 Community Center, phone number: (718) 379-9613. We are open. You may call (mornings) Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; (evenings) Tues. & Thurs., 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. You may also call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. ––Stephen Roberts, Sr.
to be a general feeling that we just might not wind-up wearing masks for the rest of our natural lives. So there’s that. There’s hope. And there are deadlines coming up. For us, it’s income affidavit time. What are you waiting for! Fill out your affidavit. Don’t forget to separate and keep your pink copy. Take your folded affidavit – all other documentation you need to enclose – and your insurance declaration page. Put it all into a plainly marked envelope, not the big one it came in, and slip it into the carrying charge box slot in any of the Community Centers by Monday, May 31. That’s Memorial Day. Will the centers be open? Check these pages! Early Voting (EV) begins in just two weeks on Saturday, June 12, and runs through Monday, June 20. I’m still really excited that EV has moved to the more-accessible-than-Truman (for most voters) Bartow Community Center room 31 location. There’s a problem though. Of course there is. I’ll tell you all about it once the problem’s been fixed. Promise. Attention! Must see TV! (Hmmm, that’s the other guy’s slogan.) Anyway, this coming Wednesday, on ABC channel 7, catch the second New York City Democratic Primary mayoral debate. The first one was terrific and you can still catch it on YouTube or on the Spectrum News, NY1 website. But this new one will NOT be a Brady-Bunch Zoom presentation. No, no, no. It was just announced: It Will Be Live and in-person! That’s this Wednesday, June 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. No excuses. It’s on regular TV. Don’t miss it! P.S. Didja miss me? My purple daisy balloon broke free two Saturdays ago and I’m down to about 20 from my last batch of 300 mask-frames, so that’s it for me. Maybe. You can reach me by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Greetings, R.O.D.L. All Praise and Honor be given to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for every week, every day, every moment we are privileged to be on this earth. Let us never lose sight of that. It’s not by might, not by power but by the Spirit of God. Zach. 4:6. MEMORIES/Condolences: We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Rev. Aurelia Greene, Deputy Borough President, and Judge Donna Mills from Bronx Supreme Court. May their legacy, vision and profound dedication to the community in the Bronx live on. Thank you for your labor of love. Good and welfare: Thanks to all who take time to inform us about the membership and those you want to be recognized. We care as much as you and want to know. What’s important to you is important to us. Many of you have been members for a long time and have established time relationships. Let not your voice be silenced. As I always say, “This is for you, about you, and you should be a part of it.” Thank you, George Crouche, Mrs. Stewart, Serita Williams, Josephine Flowers, Eleanor Donnelly and all the members for keeping us in the loop. My contact is 718-708-6489. Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539. Calling all prayer warriors: Our beloved Phyllis Wilkersen is in the hospital. Please uplift her in prayer and reach out. Outings: All interested in future trips, contact Dorothy Byrd. Update: We are excited! Re-opening preparations are well and on their way. This is a tremendous undertaking to meet Riverbay’s protocol as well as all that needs to be done in the room. Members, pray!!! The time is here and the time is now! Dorothy Byrd has been tirelessly and consistently working at meeting all that is required just for you. Ted Byrd is also on board and others. Show them some love when you see them. Give and it shall be given up to you... Soon and very soon many members will resume their post in these new beginnings. Events: Mother’s Day spectacular and Fathers’ Day Flava. Date: June 12, 2021. Place: Greenway. Time: 1-3 p.m. We are so looking forward to meeting women and men of God. Remember, you are Royalty and deserve nothing but the best. FYI: No-cost captioned telephone program for people with hearing loss under the Title 1V of A.D.A. Contact: Jamie Machotka, 202-277-8671. Email: Jamie-machotka@oeius.org. Reflection: The quality of life cannot be raised, unless we raise the texture of our thoughts and depth of our understanding. Have a blessed week, Brethren. ––Gladys Baez
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Tues., June 1
Mon., May 31
Bartow
(718) 671-5161
(718) 320-1345
JASA CLOSED Memorial Day
JASA CLOSED Memorial Day
JASA CLOSED Memorial Day
Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m.12 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Call in: +1-929-205-6099
Wed., June 2
Zumba with Ola 1 p.m.-2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Group, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387
Thu., June 3
Dreiser
(929) 399-1394
Health and Wellness 10 a.m.-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone
Fri., June 4
Einstein
Music Therapy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 Passcode: 045708 Must call or email “Zumba w/Ola,” 1-2 p.m. to register: Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us 929-399-1387 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 Call in: 1-929-205-6099 “Creative Hour with Sister Weight Management Support Grace,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of month, 1-2 p.m. Call: 929-299How to make Floral Ar1045, Code: 1386 rangements. Arts with Laura, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone
Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915 3777 954. Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org
Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. w/Ms. Margaret Kempe and students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, different games each week incl. Smartphone/Tablets Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1 to register & receive Zoom info.
p.m.-2 p.m. https://zoom.us/ To register, please call the JASA office w/ your name, email address & phone number. Meeting ID: 2959552471 Passcode: 259554
Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, call JASA w/name, email & phone. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/; Dial in: 929205-6609; Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554
Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and phone)
Health and Wellness Meditation w/Charles Tyler 10 a.m.-11 a.m. via Zoom or phone. Must call or email Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. to register: 929-399-1387 Zoom Meeting: https:// zoom. Smartphone/Tablet Class us/j/94868805136 w/Ralph, 1-2 p.m. Call Main Arthritis Exercise Class w/ 1-646-876-9923 Office, 718-320-2066, to Damion every Thurs., 1-2 register. Please give your p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 986 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 telephone # & email address 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 Passcode: 770292
Stretch and Tone w/Ola, 12 p.m. via Zoom or phone. Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691 Passcode: 849150 Mobile: 929-205-6099
No Activities
From President Mickens Welcome to a whole new lifestyle in our community, state and country! After more than a year of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, we are seeing newfound freedoms. We can now enjoy the benefits from following the medical and scientific guidelines and the Biden/Harris administration. Vaccinations are going well but we have a long way to go. Masks are still required in some government offices, hospitals, schools, and private businesses have the option of masks or not. We must continue to follow all the rules of masking, regardless of how they are setup. I am appealing to all national and chapter #4997 AARP members to vote in the Riverbay Board of Directors election. We are of the age to remember how our country fought and died for the right to vote. Now, we cannot even meet a quorum in our own community. We are shareholders, not renters, and to that we have
19
Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for their Upcoming Virtual Activities JASA will be closed on Monday, May 31, for ALL activities in celebration of Memorial Day. New Voting System presentation – Learn how to vote, questions; June 14 at 10:00 a.m., https:// zoom.us/. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 954 4992 8355, Passcode: 392643. Every Tues. Yoga classes with Adira Polite – 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., https://zoom.us/. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022. Every Wed. – Arthritis Exercise/ Dance class w/Damion, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268. Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099. Every Wed. Tai Chi classes w/Adira Polite – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Zoom Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576. Meditation class – GPC (Grandparents), 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Third Thurs. of every month, https://bit.ly/35VESDV. Dial-in number: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462. Digital Photography class w/Eddie – Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn how to not only take pictures but how to edit, enhance and digital print them by using your handheld devices. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 948 0295 9309, Passcode: 337875, Dial-in number: 929-205 6099. Fri. Aerobics class with Adira Polite – 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. https://zoom.us/. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150. Zumba classes on Saturdays – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/. Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977. Dial-in number: 929205-6099. Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sun., 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733. JASA activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-3202066 and give us your email address.
Concerts in Motion, 1-2 p.m. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/ Dial in: 646-558-8656 Meeting ID: 829 0688 1632
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
Comedy Club 11 a.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 966 1175 1933, Passcode: 882965, by phone: 1-929-205-6099
Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
AARP Chapter #4997
more of a responsibility to the community. We bought into this community, literally. There is never an excuse for not voting! The new deadline is June 4, 2021. Our income affidavits are due by May 31, 2021 or increases may follow and they will not be refunded when the income affidavits are finally sent into the office. We have another important issue that requires voting, the Primary Election is scheduled for June 22 and Ranked Choice Voting is in place. Councilman Kevin C. Riley is hosting a training session on the voting process this morning at 10 a.m. The Zoom registration link is tinyurl.com/rcvnyc-may29. This is his second session, and it is invaluable to making your votes count in the primary election. We are electing a Mayor and many officials for NYC to enhance governing this city forward. We wish to thank Butler Memorial United Methodist Church for opening their doors and church to help the Bronx. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and the weath-
(Schedule subject to change without notice)
er seems to be cooperating. Have fun with family and friends but do not forget about basic healthy practices, spacing, masking, if needed, and common sense. From our Good and Welfare contact, Mrs. Frances Wilson, we seem to have much news to share. With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our beloved AARP Chapter member, Sister Doris Rowe. Sister Doris was a former executive board member and a long-time contributor. She will be deeply missed and we send condolences to her husband, George, and the family. Our love and prayers to Ms. Sharon Clarke and her family in the passing of her brother. Mrs. Minnie Daniels and her family have experienced a devastating week with the passing of her father, Mr. Johnny Little, and her cousin, Ms. Annie Robinson. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all. Continue to contact Mrs. Wilson at 718-671-5493 with all information. Stay safe and vote! ––Ann Purnell
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Section 5 Association The Section 5 Association has been dormant during the trying time of the pandemic. We hope all is well and we offer prayers and condolences on the loss of your loved ones. We trust all have been vaccinated, continue to wear masks, stay a safe distance from others and are keeping safe. BXM7 Express Bus – The Section 5 Association representatives spoke with CB#10 Matthew Cruz regarding the bus stop at Einstein. Mr. Cruz spoke with the MTA and was told the bus stop at Einstein in front of the Youth Center will remain. However, the express bus is unable to drop off passengers due to the parked cars, and enforcement is needed by the 45th Precinct to enforce the no parking at the bus stop. We sent over an email to Joe Bieder hoping he will follow through, but were unable to reach anyone via the phone at 718-822-5411. The Ramp – The Section 5 Association was adamantly against the proposed ramp to be constructed through Section 5. We attended a presentation virtually on Jan. 13, 2021 with NYS Dept. of Transportation officials.
Building 8 Association
Opposition – After the presentations of the proposed ramp were comments and questioning of the purpose for this ramp. It was expressed over and over how the increased traffic coming from I95 via the ramp through Section 5 into Bartow Ave. will increase more cars and possibly cause gridlocks. The ramp will not make traffic better but make it much worse. This was the consensus of the Co-op City community. Management brought to our attention that our utility lines and pipes, which provide for the 10 high rises, townhouses and businesses, are underground and may be removed at Co-op City’s expense, if needed. State Assemblyman – After speaking with CB10, it appears the State DOT is still pursuing to build the ramp. We are advised to contact our state Assembly member, Michael Benedetto. In reality, we have not heard from him, even after our meeting with him in rm. 31 on March 4. Those in person as well as virtually adamantly explained to him that the community does not want this unnecessary ramp and extra burden placed on this community. ––H. Overman
Vote to help make the 2021 quorum! The 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election has been extended because the required number of shareholders did not cast their ballots by the end of the voting period at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 21, to make a quorum. So the 2021 voting period has been extended to June 4, 2021, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday or until the quorum is achieved. We, as shareholders, are responsible to vote every year! Reminder: 2020 Income Affidavits are due on Monday, May 31, 2021. The form does not have to be notarized this year. Also, include your apartment insurance. Convector cleaning: We will be testing the drains and pouring water to ensure that the drains are clear. Shareholders who are elderly or disabled and require assistance checking and cleaning their convectors may contact Maintenance for assistance by calling the Riverbay call center at (718) 320-3300 and selecting option two. Please continue to wear your mask in the lobby, laundry room, and elevator. Enjoy Memorial Day! Be safe! ––Azzie Mitchell
Broun Place Townhouse Association Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Can you believe we will be writing “June” next week? May truly flew by. Hopefully, our new Board of Directors voting quorum will be met and the incentive prizes will be assigned. We need to understand the responsibility to vote. You only hurt yourself by not voting. This is Mitchell-Lama middle-class housing run by state approval and overseen by Riverbay Corporation. It is a wonderful thing to be able to elect those who help set policy and so much more. Don’t brush the process aside. You need to vote to assure meeting the quorum requirement. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is the process we are using in the June 22 Democratic Primary. Broun Place chairperson, Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, attended a great seminar on RCV to further understand how it works. Last Friday, due to our playground being closed because of exterior building renovation, my grandchild and I went over to Alcott Place’s play area. There was a young lady in charge of a group of grammar school age youth playing “Red Light, Green
Light 1-2-3” and “Duck, Duck, Goose.” She was like a super counselor. Her calm approach was inclusive and warm to all the kids and she saw everything going on. I wish I knew her name to sing her praises some more. The spring scams are waging battle trying to get your money. We had one caller claiming to be from Citi-card alerting us of suspicious activity, which was an apparent $1500 charge to the Citi-card account. By the way, we do not even have a Citi-card account! Now in N.Y., we are winning the COVID-19 war. If you are inoculated, outdoors and in a small also inoculated group, you can go without a mask, but go to a crowded place and put that mask on. Read CDC guidelines on the different vaccines and general protocol. Do not be afraid of physical reactions because they are short term. Register with the Riverbay “RUOK” emergency contact program. The Co-op City Times has been publishing registration forms. It is very important for you to register with these programs, especially if you are older, living alone and have a chronic condition.
Information is stored confidentially but available for an emergency situation. For up-to-date information on vaccines, visit: nyc. gov/covidvaccine or call 311. The following is the help site for all your questions on COVID-19: nyc.gov/site/ coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Read the Co-op City Times; it contains interesting and important news of our Co-op City community. Use the CDC recommended guideline to fight COVID-19. Wear a clean face mask over your nose, wear disposable gloves, keep at least three feet between you and others, and finally, wash hands frequently. Neighbors in Broun Place, thank you for your much needed membership. Renew if you need to renew and join if you haven’t before. Riverbay reviews the membership numbers in order to certify the organization. Join or renew your Broun Place Association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Congratulations, graduates, and may success be yours. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever! ––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Building 13 Association Join the American Legion Post 1871 of Co-op City for their Memorial tribute tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. at the Bartow Veterans Memorial Park. Memorial Day 2021 formally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day 2021 is a day that commemorates all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America. Blessings to all families of our fallen heroes. We are humbled by your sacrifice to provide freedom and justice for all. Once approval is received, our sidewalk shedding will be taken down. You may have noticed Building 14 fencing is currently being removed and, if all goes well, we should be next. We will then be scheduled to have our lobby doors made ADA (Americans Disability Act) compliant. Our lobby convectors and exit doors are in the process of being painted so look out for the wet paint signs. Summer Fun Day preparations are underway. Section 2 has scheduled the date for Saturday, June 26. Due to COVID-19, we have made some changes but as always it will be fun and entertaining. Keep your eyes posted for the flyers that you will begin to see throughout the community. Follow the guidelines on the flyer for special prizes and stay tuned. Metro North – An Environmental Assessment has been released for a 45-day public and agency review period. To view or submit comments, go to
the PennStationAccess.info page. Comments must be received by July 3, 2021. The MTA will be hosting a virtual public meeting on June 15, 2021 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Go to pennstationaccess.info for additional instructions on how to join. The Riverbay Board Director Election has been extended to June 4, 2021. If you have not voted, please do so now. This is your home and the Board represents you. If you did not receive your ballot or misplaced your ballot, you should contact YesElections at 866-877-3125 or e-mail help+riverbay@ yeselections.com. Annual Affidavit: The date to submit your annual Occupant’s Affidavit of Household Income was extended to May 31, 2021 per HCR. Your affidavit won’t reflect that date so please remember this important change. In addition, similar to last year, no notary is required this year. Make sure to include your insurance document or your affidavit will be considered incomplete. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman Our website is bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo. com. Contact: Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team. ––Wendell Mattison ––
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
American Legion of Co-op City Veterans Memorial Day – Post 1871 will observe this year’s Memorial Day event tomorrow, Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the Veteran Memorial Park at 3 p.m. prompt, and we enjoin the community to come out and celebrate with the veterans in honor of those who gave all to the service of the nation. There will be light refreshments and snacks immediately after the ceremony at the same venue as the event. The program is an outdoor event due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are asking if anyone knows any veteran who passed on since 2019 until now, to please submit their names to Vice Commander Thomas or Post Adjutant Codrington by calling 718-320-8165 or sending an email to Post1871@optonline.net. The last hour to submit such names is 6 p.m. tonight. American Legion Elections – On Saturday, May 15, the American Legion held the general membership meeting, where Commander Toba appointed Past Commander Robert Feliciano as the Election Nomination Officer. As the Nomination Officer, Past Commander Feliciano will look through the organization to develop a slate of officers who will be elected and certified in the month of June 2021 during the forthcoming general membership meeting. With this, all positions in the American Legion are to be filled. Thus, Commander Toba appealed to all Legionnaires to step up and fill all these positions to move the organization forward. Post Operations – We will continue to operate remotely even though Riverbay Corporation opened for business at the beginning of May.
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Building 6 Association
However, the executive will work on establishing volunteer hours so members who will need to visit the office will know when to seek in-person assistance. Our Zoom information is the same: Meeting ID- 852 9376 7539, passcode: 549673, and if anyone wants to join the meeting on telephone, dial 1-929-436-2866. Kindly save this meeting information as we meet every third Saturday of every month. Next month’s meeting will be on June 19 at 11 a.m. American Legion Auxiliary Officers – With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of one of the Legion Auxiliary, Doris Rowe. Ms. Rowe, who already accepted to continue in her position as the treasurer of the organization, passed on to eternal glory on Tuesday, May 19, 2021. She will be sorely missed amongst us. She was such an incredibly fun person to work with, said Commander Toba. She would tell you as it is without mincing words. She was someone who would give you her word and you can go to sleep because she meant what she said and will always say what she meant. Ms. Rowe was born in May 1940 in Republica de Panama at Gorgas Hospital Canal Zone by Ancon Hill to parents Agatha Simpson and James Alvin Glean. Ms. Rowe met her heartthrob, George, in 1961 during a carnival and the two were inseparable and eventually got married. In their union, they were blessed with four wonderful children, Aldo Antonio, Alfredo Alonzo, Daren Arturo and Lynette Marie. ––Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba
Once again, the building association is closed due to COVID-19 and will stay closed over the summer too as we continue keeping everyone safe and alive. The lobby attendant program ended and there will be no lobby attendants in the buildings anymore. We will all miss Andy Soto. People are asking me if you still have to wear masks in the elevators and I am telling everyone to call Riverbay to find out. If you have COVID-19 related questions, call Riverbay and ask them. We have new postal boxes in the lobby now, which are a lot easier to get your packages from. I want to thank our Building 6 Maintenance worker, Rodney Mclain, for doing an outstanding job cleaning up in the building and making our building look great. Awesome job, Rodney, and thank you. Please keep cleaning up after your dogs and making our building clean and safe for everyone. Here is a saying for everyone that a person told me and I am spreading it to you: “Where there is love, there is life; where there is life, there is hope and where there is faith, miracles happen. Where there is peace, there is God and when you have God, you have everything.” Can I get an Amen? Stay safe and God bless. ––Jeffrey Schwartz
REMINDER: All club articles and submissions are DUE ON MONDAYS.
National Council of Negro Women Paint and Sip – Join us virtually as we celebrate Juneteenth with a paint and sip party. Discover your inner Picasso! If you’ve never attended a paint and sip party, it’s a lot of fun. All the painting supplies will be shipped by USPS directly to your home. You provide whatever is your favorite “sip!” We will have a virtual art instructor to coach us along during the evening. When will the party take place? You guessed it! On Saturday, June 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Just $40 covers all costs. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is a commemoration of the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement by Union Army general, Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas. President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had officially outlawed slavery in Texas and the other states almost two and a half years earlier. Texas, which was the most remote of the slave states, took longer for the Union Army to enforce the proclamation. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement. Who would have believed in 1865 that African American women and their friends could spend a leisurely evening painting beautiful artwork, listening to beautiful music and sipping, not serving, delicious beverages! Join us by clicking on this link: handkraftedbymhm.com/ product-page/ncnw-private-fundraising-event, and placing your painting supply order. The link to paint and sip will be provided prior to the event. For more information, contact D. Gadsden at 917670-4012. The registration deadline is Sunday, June 13. Good Health WINs Week – NCNW, representing more than two million women of African descent, and Vaccinate Your Family (VYF), one of the Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!
nation’s foremost immunization advocacy nonprofits, assembled with their Good Health WINs (GHW) partners to meet and strategize about future action plans to raise awareness of the impact of timely immunizations for people of all ages and protect families and individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases. Education, engagement and impact are the main foci of the work that Good Health WINs will accomplish. Ongoing fundraising – Members, families and friends of NCNW, please remember our on-
going fundraising supported by Amazon.com. Whenever you make a purchase from Amazon, they will donate 0.5% of the price of your purchase to Co-op City Section NCNW. All you have to remember is to logon to smile.amazon. com/ch/27-0100098. Thank you for your support. Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @ NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City; and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. ––Joyce Howard
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Rivers Run Community Garden
NAACP
Rivers Run Community Garden is a place where we grow fruits, vegetables, knowledge, and friendships. The garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health for all who come. We provide workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building, and crafting so please use this column to check on upcoming events. The garden is an outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares, and residents of different abilities. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Upcoming Events at the Garden • Sunday, June 20 – Paint and Chat Social, 2 p.m. Beginning May 1, 2021 Rivers Run is open: • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 p.m. to Dusk • Wednesdays & Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Saturdays & Sundays, 12 noon – 5 p.m. Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. Please mail your due to Gail Sharbaan, 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. Please continue to stay safe. ––Gail Sharbaan
Mission Statement – Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. General Meeting Update – Thank you to State Senator Jamaal Bailey, 36th District, and Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson and Assembly District 79 for attending our meeting last week. The discussion on new marijuana laws, Clean Slate Bill and legislation on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act was very informative. Thank you to our Economic Development Chair Tremaine O’garro for his insightful questions and making this possible. At a later date, he will share information regarding the Bronx Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Startup Business Workshop series. Metro-North – A week ago, Governor Cuomo presented his daily report from Section 5 in Co-op City. He announced direct Metro-North service from the Bronx, to Penn Station and Manhattan’s thriving West Side is closer to reality. The MTA Metro-North Railroad Penn Station Access Project Environmental Assessment and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation has been received for a 45-day public and agency review period. Comments must be received by July 3, 2021. To view the Environmental Assessment, go to pennstationaccess.info. The MTA is hosting a virtual public meeting, June 15, 2021 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Go to pennstation.info for instructions. Primary Election: Early voting dates: Saturday, June 12 – Sunday, June 20, 2021. Primary Election Day is June 22. The offices up for primary election are: Mayor, Public Advocate, City Council, Comptroller and Borough President. Now is the time to educate yourself about the candidates representing our community. Be prepared and vote. Ranked-Choice Voting – A good ballot chooses five candidates. More choices keep your votes in play. Winners need 51% to avoid runoff. Do not forget to flip the ballot and read page two. 112th NAACP Virtual National Convention – July 7-14 and registration is now open. Contact NAACP Co-op City branch secretary, Brenda Brown, at: naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com, if you are interested in attending. Petition Uniformed Police Reform – An end to the horrors of police brutality and a criminal justice system that fails to properly hold law enforcement officials accountable is long overdue. Join our call to end qualified immunity and collect data on police encounters that will provide transparency and safety for our communities. To sign the petition, go to NAACP.org. To follow NAACP’s trending topics, go to NAACP.org. The Bishop William H. Graves Memorial Membership Campaign ends May 31, 2021. The unit and membership community goal are to get 100 memberships. Thank you in advance for your help. As a reminder, the 50/50 membership campaign ends in September. To pay a new, renewal, upgrade or gift memberships, send your adult, $30; or youth, $10 check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City, Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. We appreciate your continued support and if you would like to make a financial contribution in any amount, we thank you in advance for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America. ––Brenda Brown
Open Door Ministries
“Make Space for God” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net) While we take time for everything and everyone, we often place God on the backburner of our lives. Why should we expect good things from God when he is an afterthought and not fully present in our minds? Our actions and attitudes show how important he is for us. The king of glory and creator of the world did not have a place to lay down when he was born. Yet through other people in the Bible, we see respect, honor, and love in how they made space for him in their lives even when it was costly to them and even unpopular. 2 Kings 5:15 Naaman and his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, now I know there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant. 16 The prophet answered, as surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing. And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. 17 If you will not, said Naaman, please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. Naaman recognized that he needed a visible reminder of God’s power. In doing so he gave proof of his devotion and honor to God. He wanted to always kneel on holy ground. Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. In Daniel’s day, it became unlawful to pray to God. Daniel knew that he had to take a stand and did so on bended knee. He did not cave to political correctness and depended on God. Genesis 28:16 When Jacob awoke he thought, surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying if God will be with me and watch over me on this journey I am taking and give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth. The Lord gave Jacob an illuminating dream and Jacob recognized the sovereignty of God. He decided to honor God always with his prosperity as evidence of his commitment to Him. Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text: 917-334-4407 Blessings in Christ, ––Pastor Luis Ramos
CSO Contact Numbers CSO 1 – Buildings 1-14, Defoe, Debs and Cooper Place Townhouses. Located in the lower level of 177 Dreiser Loop (Restorations dept.). CSO2- Buildings 15-25, Adler, Asch and Broun Place Townhouses. Located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Rm. B. CSO 3 – Buildings 26-35 and Earhart Lane Townhouses. Located in room 37 in the Einstein Center. The offices can be reached by calling 718-320-3300 and following the prompts.
Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment
Hospital Discharge Planning Your loved one has been in the hospital for over a week. You get a phone call while at work to inform you that your loved one will be discharged from the hospital the next day. They need you to come to the hospital in the morning so they can give you instructions regarding your loved one’s new diagnosis and treatments. Your loved one will require insulin administration and glucose finger sticks monitoring two times a day, in addition to a daily dressing change to their right foot. Your loved one lives at home alone. You begin to panic and wonder, I cannot believe what just happened. I do not know how I am going to manage all of this. The C.A.R.E. Act (Caregiver, Advise, Record, Enable) requires a hospital to provide caregivers with education and instructions of the medical tasks he or she needs to perform for the patient at home. A 24-hour notice to inform caregivers about discharge may not be enough time to educate or instruct on the tasks that will be needed to manage a loved one at home. If you feel that a 24-hour notice of discharge and 10 minutes of instruction about the medical task you will be expected to perform at home is not enough, say so. Discharge planning begins at the time of admission, in fact, it begins in the ER. Always request a daily update of your loved one’s progress and plan for discharge. Find out the social worker’s and physician’s names. Make sure your concerns are clearly known and you are made aware of all the options available. If at all possible, your loved one should always have an input in the decision-making process. Constantly confirm that the health care providers and your goals are in sync. For example, do you or the health care providers feel that your loved one is safe at home alone? Will discharge planning include short term rehabilitation or homecare services which may include nursing, home health aide and physical therapy? If they will receive any of the above services, who will be covering the cost for the services? Take time to find out the necessary steps to utilize Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), which will allow you to take time off from work, with pay, to care for your loved one. It is important that you are aware of your rights. It is essential to gather information for your loved one, and for yourself. Whenever possible, preparation is the key. Please join us for our monthly 45-minute informational session on Tuesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. The topic will be alternative housing for seniors. Please RSVP online at comeoutreach.org. C.O.M.E. is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, 718-379-3159. ––Diane Cooper
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Faith @ Work Christian Church We are located at 120 DeKruif Place. We have not returned to public worship yet but we are available to support the community. Church telephone: (347) 202-7006, email: fatwcc@aol.com; www.facebook.com/faithatworkchurch. Weekly Worship Experiences: Wednesday prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday morning worship, 9:30 a.m. Church Motto: “We are Christ-centered, family-focused with power and authority.” Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in love through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. Faith Summer Camp is canceled due to family bereavement. Remember, it’s never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. ––Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins
Community Protestant Church The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up our community, city, state, nation and the world in prayer, especially all those affected by COVID-19. Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign. Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9 a.m. For Youth Sunday School, call (712) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign. For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call Line. Noon Day Prayer at CPC… On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Last Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Owens reminded the congregation that it commemorated the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. For his text, he chose Psalm 107:8-9. “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” His topic was, “A Full Service God and a Self-serving People.” He stated that many people approach the kingdom of heaven with a self-serving attitude. They cut out the middleman, Christ, attendance at Sunday school, weekly prayer service and Bible Study. The text raises the idea of being empty, longing souls and hungry souls. Man is empty, but it is God that fills. A soul that is filled does not have room for anything else. If filled with the Spirit, as the Apostles were on Pentecost, you won’t have time for anything else. Pull up to a spiritual gas station for a checkup. As the Bible says in Isaiah 40:31, “… they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Also in Psalm 23:5, “… thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” We serve a full-service God. There is nothing that you can ask for that will be denied. It may not come like we want it, but God always answers. Reminder: The COVID-19 vaccine is now available. Practice social distancing. Continue to wear masks. Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations. ––Evan G. Mitchell
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St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 p.m. You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. Grace and peace. ––M. Chambers
Church of the New Vision The Church of the New Vision and its pastors, Kenneth and Deborah Hodge, welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings as we share the Gospels’ message of the Love of God on YouTube. Just type in Kenneth Hodge. Our Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7 p.m. on our Conference Line Number: (646) 769-9909, Access Code: 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity. As we celebrate Jesus Christ, the very demonstration of God’s Love towards humanity (John 3:16), let’s continue to be thankful and grateful. Let us remain as the Body of Christ remains steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: My strength is made perfect in weakness.” The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen. Sunday, May 23, Worship Service theme: “Standing on the Promises of God.” Scripture: Joshua 21:43-45: “And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sworn to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sworn unto their fathers. And there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” (Joshua 1:5; 1Corinthian 15:57; Matthew 28:20; Hebrew 13: 5-6; Isiah 41:10) Thanks for your contributions; Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037 Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. ––Brenda Brown
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
Co-op City Baptist Church
Saturday Morning Services will start at 10 a.m. This change was made at the request of some of our members. The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services. General Information The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B and it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 9:11 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, June 04, 2021, at 8:03 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree, and if you want to buy a tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To all members Happy birthday to Scott Katz, Edith Gitelson and Karla Klaus and all other members who will celebrate their birthday in May. For all those members celebrating their birthday or anniversary in June, 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
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 11 a.m. on Zoom, us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom telephone conference line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1 p.m. You can join us by Zoom video, us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102; or Zoom telephone conference line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at 12 p.m. You can join using the Freeconferencecall.com line, 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065. Friday Noon Prayer is held at 10 a.m. Please note time change. You can join us using the Freeconferencecall.com line shown above. Friday Evening Prayer is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Freeconferencecall.com line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month. Sunday School for adults is held on Sundays at 9 a.m. Use the Freeconferencecall.com line shown above to join in. Sunday School for children and youth are held as follows: Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) 802-5451, PIN/ACCESS: 2788906 Juniors (9-11 years old), 3:30 p.m., Zoom: (516) 259-9274 (no access code required) Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m., FCC: (701) 802-5230, PIN/ACCESS: 3559529 The COVID-19 vaccination is available for those 12 and older. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a COVID-19 hotline, which can be reached at 844-444-2819. You can also go to the Dreiser Auditorium, no appointment necessary. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day. Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Continue to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe! God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. ––Hattie L. Lucas
Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to worship service every Sunday morning at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A. Tel. 718-324-0334 or 646345-6707. All are welcome to join the services online until further notice. To join, please call 720-740-9746, access code: 8876631. Sundays: Sunday Morning Worship service starts at 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning starting at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Prayer meeting and Bible study will also be held every Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday praise and worship and Bible study will begin at 7:30 p.m. Focus: The church is a privileged people, they have been buried and risen in Christ, which enables them to walk in the light of His love, forgiveness and redemption. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him,” Colossian 2:6. In Colossians 2:7 those who live in Christ are “rooted” in him, they are also “built up in him,” meaning it is a continual process where one grows in God’s grace. They are established and strengthened in faith because faith makes things move. The result of trusting an unseen God benefits the believer greatly in which they abound with thanksgiving, they overflow with thankfulness because God always remains true. The Apostle Paul stressed the importance of avoiding false teachings that steer the believer to incorporate poor philosophy and ultimately rob them of their joy in Christ. Colossians 2:8 reads, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Now because we are embracing the fullness of Christ, we recognize that God is a reality. Thus now we possess the spiritual completeness all humans are able to obtain, not needing to adapt teachings that are not spirit lead. In Christ, we have a new birth. The Old Testament’s sign of a new life was the covenant of circumcision. The New Testament identifies the believer by baptism as the saving work of Christ, specifically by his death, burial and resurrection. Apostle Paul reflects that one did not have to add man-made obligations to the victory of Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross gave all people freedom to live above sin. “If the Son therefore shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.” St. John 8:36. “Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7. Christ is all sufficient and offers mankind an opportunity to enjoy life with him. Wisdom that reigns within us is because we have a reason, hope and trust in our walk in Christ. Let us, therefore, remain established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3. –––Rev. R. Sibblies
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021 CLEANING SERVICES
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WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE
If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).
Co-op City Times weekly delivery To help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and protect both our workers and residents, the Co-op City Times is delivered to building lobbies. We ask that you keep the newspapers neat and tidy. Delivery to townhouses continues as it has to each unit door. Please pick up your paper promptly after delivery to avoid it scattering in high winds or getting soiled in inclement weather. If you are going to the lobby, please bring newspapers up for your neighbors, especially those who are among our vulnerable population. Stay safe.
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Building 10 Association Army Of The Dead BY ANATOLIY BUDNITSKIY
ARMY OF THE DEAD is being talked about – the film that is basically Zack Snyder in full unleashed mode. That seriously couldn’t have been more true! No studio involvement, no interfering with his vision…This is Snyder in his element. Written, produced, directed and even did his own cinematography. This is the most legit “Shhhhhhhhh” to the studios’ approach I have ever seen. You love to see it! I absolutely loved it. It was such great fun. Albeit, yes, it was a bit longer than I would have loved it to be. Some scenes weren’t needed and clearly dragged a bit. I also didn’t like his camera lens depth of field shots at all. I felt like it took away from the film a bit ‘cause I couldn’t focus on who to look at! But his aspect ratio was truly grand! Felt like it was an IMAX film. Had no black bars at all on top/bottom or side/ side for the JUSTICE LEAGUE Director’s Cut haters, lol! I thought the characters were amazing. Each and every character had something awesome to do! This was Batista, bad-to-the-bone, for sure! He was a savage in this. Truly in his own now as an actor. Excellent dramatic scenes and insane action stuff as a whole made it his most complete film for sure. Matthias Schweighöfer as Dieter was hilarious and such a great written character, I even read that he is going to have his own prequel. I am there for it! Samantha Win had truly some showcase scenes here! Some John Wick-type brutality. That was amazing! Omari Hardwick was a rebel in this too! A Philosophical Rambo, if I may. Tig Notaro was her hilarious self too and it just fit in the film so well. Written originally for Chris D'Elia but he was digitally edited out because of him being a creep, etc. I saw the scenes in which she was edited in digitally, I thought it was kind of hilarious and didn’t even pay any mind to it. The Zombies in this were awesome too. Definitely a Snyder Zombie for sure. Zombie with a conscience, shucking and jiving, shaking and baking! Wild stuff. I loved it. I had tons of incredible fun with this. Some pacing issues and Snyder’s love for depth of field didn’t make this even better but, hey man, can’t fault a dude for taking Netflix’s billions and making it into his own love for the film. I give ARMY OF THE DEAD an 8. Blast those speakers and watch it loud! ARMY OF THE DEAD, 2021, 158 MINUTES, RATED-R Zack Snyder – Director/Writer/Producter/Cinematogropher Dave Bautista – Scott Ward Ana De la Reguera – Maria Cruz Omari Hardwick – Vanderohe Mathias Schweighofer – Dieter Tig Notaro – Marianne Samantha Win - Chambers
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Greetings, fellow cooperators. New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. Memorial Day – We thank all members of the military in all branches for all you give for our country: your devotion, your time, your family, your skills, and your very lives. Thank you for your service. Riverbay Board Election – We did not reach a quorum for the Riverbay Board Election. If you have not voted, there is still time. Voting has been extended until June 4, 2021. If you misplaced or did not receive a ballot, please call YesElections at 866-877-3125 for further instructions. There is also a contest for the building with the most votes. Each voting unit in the winning building will receive a prize and the Building Association will be awarded $500. We can do this Building 10! Income Affidavits – A reminder that Income Affidavits are due on May 31, 2021. The Income Affidavits do not have to notarized this year. Do not forget to attach your apartment insurance declaration page. NYC Primary Election – The NYC Primary Election will be held on June 22, 2021. You can vote early from June 12-June 20. Find your polling place at: findmypollsite.vote.nyc, or, you can vote on June 22. If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook: “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. We would like to wish all May and June babies an incredibly happy birthday. To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences. Have a great week. –––Jewel Crawford-Duncan
Turn On Your Headlights when driving in the parking garages
Public Safety
(Continued from page 7)
alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi. Police agencies throughout the country are stepping up DWI enforcement for the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Wherever you may travel, be alert to suspicious persons or packages in high traffic areas. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or (718) 320-3300, press 1. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Maintain social distancing and follow the current recommendations from New York City Board of Health and the CDC. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. Both New York State and the CDC announced changes to the mask wearing mandates. Unvaccinated persons are still required to wear masks in most situations. Vaccinated persons are still required to wear masks in certain situations. Check the NYS Health website and the CDC website for the latest updates. Contact your doctor and see if a Covid-19 vaccination is right for you. When in doubt, wear a mask especially indoors when social distancing is not possible.
If You See Something, Say Something!
Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe! • 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.
Emergency: 718-671-3050 or 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc
Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
Building 27 Association Hello, neighbors, hope all is well. Things are looking brighter as the CDC is giving positive instructions and restoring life somewhat as we once knew it. It was so great to see children out playing on the school grounds at P.S. 160. Memorial Day Tomorrow, Sunday, May 30, Post 1871 and the American Legion of Co-op City will observe Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Park located on Bartow Ave. at 3 p.m. We will honor and celebrate veterans who have served our nation and those who are serving around the world now. We express our gratitude and we thank you. Co-op City vaccine site After receiving the vaccine, we are advised to continue physical distancing, face masks, and good hand hygiene. Please follow the request of the vendors and places you visit, and be grateful we are still here to wear a mask. Continue to wear your mask until you feel comfortable taking it off. Congratulations, graduates The 2020 year was rough, but we commend those who were able to graduate. May you succeed in all that you do, and we pray the best is yet to come. Also, remember to register to vote, if not in time for 2021, you will be ready for the next election. You may call 718-299-9017 for voter registration information. Section 5 Juicing Congratulations to Quality of Life Juices now open in Section 5. I tried a natural fruit juice and it was quite good. Personally, I am
not a fruit eater, but the fruit juice drink works for me. Democratic Primary Election June 22, 2021 is city-wide Election Day. This election will help determine who will be the next NYC Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, Council Members, and Judges. Important: first time voters will be exposed to Ranked Choice Voting. The AARP Chapter of Co-op City sponsored a ranked choice community education seminar; we hope you did not miss it. Keep an eye out for other seminars before the primary election of June 22. The most important thing is to take your time, follow the instructions and we will get it done. Early voting begins June 12 to June 20, which means now is the time to really focus on the choices. Please contact the Bronx Board of Election at 718-299-9017 if you have any questions. Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. Condolences to Co-op City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-5833040 to share information of illness, someone deceased or in a nursing home. Pray for the world, the blessings over the vaccines and for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. “We need leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity, but in love with Humanity.” –Martin Luther King. ––H. Overman
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Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick-up. It is a 30 – 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask or face covering is required. Physical distancing is a must. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. It is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents. Recertification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry must recertify. A valid ID NYC card, a non-driver's, or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program. Defensive Driving Class – Defensive Driving classes sponsored by Black Forum will return in the fall of 2021. Those needing to take the class now should consider taking an online version of the course. Visit the Empire Safety Council website at empiresafetycouncil.com. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” to receive a discount. Contact us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Please stay safe. ––D. Illis
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Co-op City Times / May 29, 2021
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