Co-op City Times 6/6/20

Vol. 55 No. 23

Saturday, June 6, 2020

$1.25

How will the MTA’s Reopening Affect You?

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Governor Cuomo announced last Friday that he expects New York City to begin Phase 1 of reopening starting June 8.

In conjunction with New York City’s reopening, the MTA is preparing to return to full service on June 8 in addition to adjusting to how it can best adapt to the new reality of social distancing. Commuting on New York City buses and trains will look different for the foreseeable future.

In a letter to Mayor de Blasio, First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan and Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, MTA CEO and Chairman Pat Foye outlined ways the MTA will approach its return to full service.

Protests and NYC curfew

Face masks or some kind of face covering will be required Mandatory face masks or face coverings are still in effect and needed to access any train or bus. In his letter, Chairman Foye asks for the assistance of the City to hand out a million masks at subway stations for riders who do not have one.

MTA PD and NYPD are asked to enforce the face covering policy Riders should be aware that both NYPD and MTA police departments are tasked with enforcing the face covering policy. However, it is very important to note that in Chairman Foye’s letter he makes a very important distinction about how this enforcement should be carried out. “We have directed the MTA PD to enforce this measure, but we do not support the arrest of those who are not wearing masks, and we do not believe summonses or tickets should be written.” This distinction is important to keep in mind as over-policing often targets poorer communities of color where access to PPE is not equal.

The MTA hopes to add an additional 3,000 volunteers to help distribute hand sanitizer and masks to customers who need them With the help of the City, the MTA wants to provide customers with free face masks and hand sanitizer. Until those volunteers are fully staffed, look out for New York City Transit workers from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. during the first week of reopening who will (Continued on page 2)

In Memory of George Floyd

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a curfew for New York City this week as a result of protests and looting, including incidences in the Bronx on Monday, June 1. Store owners around Co-op City and Bay Plaza closed their doors early on Tuesday, June 2, and some even boarded up their storefronts as postings on social media advertised rioting and looting in Co-op City that day. Riverbay Corporation, CCPD, NYPD, state police, and members of Bay Plaza security took all necessary precautions. Riverbay sent out Phone Tree notification to residents about the threatened occurrence and early closures in the area, and advised shareholders to stay home for their safety.

According to the announcement, “While we stand in solidarity with the national calls for justice, we know that destroying our neighborhood is a self-defeating act.”

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Co-op City shareholders Claudia Sampson and Lonnie Dawson, touched by the senseless killing of Mr. George Floyd by Minneapolis police like so many others across the nation, placed a memorial wreath for Mr. Floyd on the Section 1 greenway this week. The wreath is displayed near the stage area. “Lonnie and I felt the need to do something special by taking a stand with Co-op City to acknowledge George Floyd,” said Ms. Sampson. “The inhumanity and total disregard for his precious life have truly changed the world and inspired us to honor him with this small tribute. Rest in peace, George.” The May 25 killing has sparked several nights of protests in cities across the nation. Here in Co-op City, events planned by community groups for this weekend include social justice marches and a prayer vigil. (See page 2 for flyers.)

Co-op City shareholder behind The Agatha House Foundation serving the Bronx

Absentee ballot applications due

by June 16

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Election Day is on June 23, 2020 for state and federal primaries with early voting beginning as early as June 13. Shareholders can vote by absentee ballot if they cannot get to a polling location on Election Day. According to elections.ny.gov, completed mail, email, or faxed Primary absentee ballot applications must be postmarked or received by June 16. The last day to apply in-person for an absentee ballot is June 22.

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online, by phone, email, fax, and mail.

Applications are available in English as well as several additional languages.

According to the Board of Elections, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor has issued an executive order allowing all registered and eligible voters to apply to vote by absentee ballot for the June 23 elections. The site says, “Voters affected by COVID-19 including the risk of contracting the virus, should check the box “Temporary Illness” as the reason for requesting an Absentee Ballot.”

To apply for a ballot by phone, call 1-866-868-3692, or visit nycabsentee.com.

For more information about absentee voting, please visit https://vote.nyc/page/absentee-voting.

On Thursday, June 4, The Agatha House Foundation’s “Grab and Go” Pantry took place in the Bartow Center. Volunteers, as well as members of the foundation, gave out pantry items and fresh vegetables to residents.

Photo by Toriea McCauseland

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Co-op City shareholder Jeanette Joseph started the Agatha House Foundation in 2014 in memory of her mother, who the organization is named after. Since then, she has delivered food and so much more to those in need all over the Bronx.

(Continued on page 4)

2

MTA

be handing out these supplies, and additionally at morning and evening rush hours in the weeks following.

Social distancing will be heavily prioritized Be aware of floor markings and decals at stations which are there to prevent crowding. While subway and bus service will return to full regular service, the MTA wants to remind customers that the subway and bus service are still for essential workers and essential trips only during Phase 1 of New York City’s reopening.

Under the Phase 1 guidelines, retail stores can open for curbside or in-store pick-up and nonessential construction and manufacturing can also restart. In his coro-

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

navirus update last Friday, Governor Cuomo said he expected New York City to be under the metrics needed to begin reopening by June 8.

“Remember, reopening does not mean we’re going back to the way things were,” Governor Cuomo said in his briefing. “It is reopening to a new normal. It’s a safer normal. People will be wearing masks. People will be socially distant.”

Parts of upstate New York and Long Island have already begun Phase 2 of reopening which reopens offices, stores and personal-service businesses like barber shops, albeit with restrictions.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing at Community Protestant Church

Community Protestant Church has partnered with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Northwell Health to provide free Covid-19 Antibody Testing at the church from Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 2020. Testing will be by appointment only from 9 a.m. – 5p.m. daily. For an appointment, please call (833) 422-7369.

Community Protestant Church is located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; please use the Gunther Ave. entrance. Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens is pastor of Community Protestant Church.

WE ARE OPEN! We support the community during these times and are still open in the event anyone has issues or emergencies.

• Following all CDC guidelines • All patients are brought in right away

- no waiting time in the waiting area • Please make sure to come in only at your appointment time • All staff is wearing PPE • All rooms fully sanitized after each patient, including waiting area.

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4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY EAST

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DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted.

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3

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

P.S. 178 Car Parade On Monday, June 1, 2020, teachers from PS 178 in Co-op City, and parents, some with their children in tow, decorated their cars with balloons and inspirational messages and drove around Sections 1 & 2 to express to their students living in Co-op City how much they miss their classroom interactions. The children reciprocated with messages of their own. Some stood outside and waited for the car parade to drive by with their signs displayed, to wave to the passing cars.

Photos by Leandra Alexander Peters and Mary Ann Sowah

Dreiser Food Giveaway

On Wednesday, June 3, Newsong Church, in partnership with Evangel Church and the Riverbay Corporation, distributed food in the Dreiser Center. Anyone in need received the food offering that included milk, eggs, vegetables, canned goods, and much more.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

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COVID-19 Tests now available to all New Yorkers

By BRANDON ORTIZ

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this week that COVID-19 diagnostic testing will now be available for all New Yorkers.

The announcement comes in conjunction with the launching of New York City’s Test and Trace Corps, which is designed to help accurately identify, track and quarantine those who have been infected by COVID-19.

According to the press release from the Office of the Mayor, 1,700 contact tracers have been disseminated throughout the city with particular focus on areas that have been the most adversely affected. Essentially, a contact tracer’s job is to document new COVID-19 cases in order to monitor the spread of disease and properly advise those who may have come in contact with infected people to effectively quarantine.

Broken into two groups, the Test and Trace Corps will have part of its unit, called Community Engagement Specialists, focus on reaching out to the people who have come in contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19. The other part of the group, called Case Investigators, will focus on calling people who have been tested and have a positive COVID-19 test result. Additionally, the press release highlights that the Contact Tracers represent a diverse background of workers who collectively speak 40 different languages, an effort to not alienate New Yorkers who are not native English speakers.

“Widespread testing holds the key to re-opening our city safely,” Mayor de Blasio said in his press release. “After months of fighting, we are finally able to say that every New Yorker who needs a test will get one. Now with Test & Trace now up and running, we will be able to care for those who test positive and give them the

Agatha House

The Agatha House Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the Bronx whose mission is “To provide hope and resources for those without life’s essentials…” Ms. Joseph started the organization shortly after her mother’s passing in 2014 and wanted to start an organization that she would feel honored by. Ms. Joseph said, “I just wanted to do something that would let people know who my mom was and let her name live on forever.”

Ms. Joseph recounted her mom’s stories of her time in Antigua, where she was born. She described her mom as a person who always gave to others. She said, “She always had something for somebody and made everybody feel special – she was the absolute best.” And when asked how her mom would feel about the work she’s done with The Agatha House Foundation, Ms. Joseph responded, “She would be very proud.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Agatha House Foundation has worked with the Food Bank and Uber to deliver and assist with food emergencies throughout the Bronx, giving out food to communities in need and to seniors who are homebound.

Most recently, on Thursday, June 4, Ms. Joseph brought her “Grab and Go” pantry to the Bartow Mall in Co-op City.

Aside from food pantry distributions, The Agatha House Foundation also has a daycare, after school program, organizes fundraisers, community-building

support they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Another key component to the launching of the Test and Trace Corps is that part of their responsibility when calling those who have been infected with COVID19 is additional follow-up daily check-in calls to properly monitor the health of the infected person with planned in-person visits, if necessary. According to the press release, the objective of these daily check-in calls is, “to gauge the progress of patients, ensure proper compliance with separation protocol, and connect patients to more supportive services as necessary.”

As of June 1, 200 Resource Navigators from 15 community-based organizations across the city have also started working to help assist those infected with COVID19 find the help they need. The Resource Navigators’ job is to connect individuals infected with COVID-19 with services like food, laundry and even temporary living arrangements for those unable to quarantine from their family.

For some New Yorkers, effectively quarantining is an issue because of their current living arrangements. New York City is hoping to combat that issue by offering “Take Care Hotels” for free. Infected patients who have a primary care physician can have their doctor email CommCareCP@nychhc.org to have them referred. Physician assistants and nurses are also authorized to refer patients for the COVID Hotel program. For those who do not have a doctor, they can call 844692-4692 and ask for the COVID Hotel Program. According to the press release, there are currently 1200 rooms available with an additional 1800 planned to be added by the late summer.

To find a COVID-19 diagnostic testing site near you, visit nyc.gov/site/ coronavirus/index.page.

(Continued from page 1)

Shareholder Jeanette Joseph, pictured above left, founded the Agatha House organization in memory of her mother. On Thur., June 4, Ms. Joseph brought her mobile ‘Grab and Go’ pantry to the Co-op City community in the Bartow Mall, where residents received a variety of canned goods and other kitchen staples.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

events, and more. For information on how to volunteer, donate or receive services at The Agatha House Foundation, please log onto agathahouse.org or call 646-335-2334.

5

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

First phase of planting season completed The Riverbay Grounds department began planting annuals on Wednesday, May 20, and the fruits of their labor are beginning to blossom all around the Co-op City campus. Mike Ambo, director of the Grounds department, said the first phase of this year’s planting season was to complete planting in the cul de sacs, “Welcome to Co-op City” gardens and the main Conner St. flower beds that are on the outskirts of the community and in plain view of shareholders and visitors. “That phase is now complete, and we have started planting the remainder of the flower beds and gardens,” said Mr. Ambo. “We are hoping to complete planting by the second to third week of June.” Mr. Ambo pointed out that following the planting season, the department will have a tough enough job heading into the summer months trying to complete the same amount of work with half the staff on the premises on a daily basis. The Grounds department maintains the gardens, cutting the grass, trimming hedges, pruning trees, watering flowers, trees and shrubs, repairing and painting benches, weeding, cultivating, keeping fence lines manicured and other related tasks. “It will be even more difficult in the summer when we have to do all this maintenance work and this year we do not have the benefit of the summer interns who usually give us good assistance in accomplishing those tasks. Despite these setbacks, our goal has not changed and we are striving to better the performance we gave last year.”

Photos courtesy of the Grounds dept.

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6

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Annual Income Affidavits Notice

BY AVERIL JAMES-BONNETTE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The annual income affidavit process for Co-op City residents is currently underway.

The Income Affidavit and related instructions were mailed last week to all cooperators required to file (excluded are new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2020, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program).

In response to certain concerns raised regarding the income affidavit requirement and the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), HCR has extended the deadline for the income affidavit process to July 31, 2020. This year’s income affidavits do NOT need to be notarized. Signed affidavits without notary acknowledgement are acceptable. New surcharges will be imposed effective Oct. 01, 2020 based upon data taken from your 2019 Income Affidavit form. Please note that it is essential that every cooperator submit their 2019 Income Affidavit in a timely manner.

If you filed an application for extension in lieu of a 2019 NYS Tax Return, you are still required to submit your affidavit by July 31, 2020. Please estimate your income and identify as “Estimated Income.” File an amended affidavit once you have filed your tax return or you will be subject to the maximum 50% surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbay must be notified in writing with a copy of the extension form.

In cases where there are two shareholders of an apartment and if one of the shareholders has permanently vacated the apartment, it is important that the remaining shareholder submit documentation to Riverbay Corporation as to where the vacating shareholder currently resides. Acceptable documentation could be: (1) driver’s license with current address, (2) copy of the apartment lease, (3) utility bill with current address. If this documentation is not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the income affidavit will be returned as incomplete and a 50% surcharge will be assessed each month until the documentation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for all surcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for surcharges already assessed.

Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of your basic carrying charges. You would then be required to pay the 50% surcharge for each month, through the end of the month you finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed as a result of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis. The instructions being mailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letter and worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determining whether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge.

Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully.

As required by State law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the state for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.

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

to make sure that the data provided come from their NY State tax return.

This year, there will be no all-day sessions to assist cooperators in filling out their Income Affidavit forms.

In addition, because of the coronavirus outbreak, shareholders will be required to drop off their completed income affidavits and insurance declarations in the carrying charge boxes. Please put in an envelope and clearly mark ‘2019 INCOME AFFIDAVIT’ on the outside of the envelope.

Income affidavits can also be submitted by mail to the following address: RIVERBAY CORPORATION, FINANCE DEPARTMENT - ATTENTION: 2019 INCOME AFFIDAVIT, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Enclosed with the annual income affidavit packet is a letter from the Riverbay Risk Management department regarding the submission of co-op insurance declaration page or certified letter from your insurance broker or company showing that you have the required insurance coverage on your apartment.

Please note that the insurance documentation must be submitted along with your annual income affidavit by no later than July 31, 2020 to avoid the assessment of $150 Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding the insurance documentation should be addressed to the Risk Management department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3388.

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

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 copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 A, B & C Building 21 A, B & C

Building 21 A, B & C 100, 120 & 140 Bellamy Loop

Current Lease Expiration Date

May 31, 2020

New 3 yr.

Expiration Date

May 31, 2023

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

7

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

CCPD offers home repair tips for smart cooperators

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Businesses such as construction and home improvement have been given permission to reopen, therefore, cooperators may be considering hiring persons to help with these tasks. New window blinds, curtains and kitchen countertops are some of the most popular projects this year. It is very important that consumers take steps to make sure that the services they are paying for are the services they are getting. Fraud is very rampant among contractors especially during these difficult economic times. The Department of Public Safety offers these tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

Make sure when hiring someone to do work you receive recommendations from friends or family who have used the contractor for similar work. Get at least three written estimates for the work you wish to have done. Make sure all estimates detail the scope of the job so that meaningful comparisons can be made. Remember that no structural changes to Co-op City apartments can be made without the permission of Riverbay Corporation. Please check with your Cooperator Service Office if you have any questions about intended improvements. Also remember that your Co-op City apartment must be restored to the original condition no matter how nice any improvements are and you will be responsible for the cost of that restoration.

It is also important to make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, (212) 4874444, www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dca/home.html or the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau Office of the Attorney General, (212) 416-8300, www.oag.state.ny.us. You can check with these agencies or the Better Business Bureau, (212) 533-6200, www.newyork.bbb.org, to see if there are any complaint records against an intended contractor or repair service.

Make sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for any injury or damage that may occur. Be sure any valuables are locked up while work is being done in your home.

Insist on a written contract that details the entire scope of the job. Be sure it states exactly what will be done, when it will be done and the quality of materials to be used. Any warranties or subcontractors should be listed. The total price and schedule of payments should be included. Make certain you understand all payment options and any financing charges. Never make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work performed. Paying by credit card may give you any extra avenue of dispute resolution.

Always be cautious of the deal that seems too good to be true. Be wary if the contractor comes door-to-door to seek you out or just happens to have material left over from another job. Be alert to a contractor who quotes you a price that is out of line with other estimates. Do not allow a contractor to pressure you to make an immediate decision or asks you to pay for the entire job up front. Be cautious of a contractor driving an unmarked van or a vehicle with out of state plates.

Public Safety Report

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. 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. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

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. Don’t 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.

This week, New York gave the go ahead for dental offices to open back up.

This is the perfect time to make that dental appointment. Take this opportunity to learn about these topics and see what you can do to help. Knowledge is power; the more you learn, the stronger you become.

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 the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Safety Blotter May 24, 2020 – May 30, 2020

May 24, 2020 – 120 Alcott Place One male was arrested for disorderly conduct after refusing to disperse and taking a fighting stance. He was issued a criminal court summons and released.

May 28, 2020 – R/O 120 Elgar Place CCPD units responded to a report of a group loitering under the portico. A male was smoking marijuana and was issued a criminal court summons.

May 29, 2020 – 150 Dreiser Loop CCPD units found a female in possession of marijuana. She was issued a criminal court summons.

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

NYC Daily Curfew until Monday, June 8, 2020 NYC curfew has been extended until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2020. Daily curfew begins at 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day. If you see something, say something.

Contact CCPD at (718) 671-3050 and NYPD at 911.

Stay vigilant!

• 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

8

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Staying safe, staying healthy, and staying respectful Director’s Viewpoint

Rod Saunders Second Vice President It’s been quite a long time since I have contributed a director’s viewpoint to the Co-op City Times.

Since my last article, we’ve all had relatives who were close to us, dear friends, trusted community activists, members of our places of worship, and neighbors, many of whom we knew like family, become victims of this horrible pandemic known as COVID19. Far too many of those stricken with this virus have not survived.

To each and every one of you who has lost someone special, I would like to extend my sincerest offering of sympathy.

I would also like to recommend that at some point in the not too distant future, that we hold a community memorial service for all cooperators who have succumbed to this horrible virus.

Staying Safe Staying indoors is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to remain safe from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Here in Co-op City, it’s challenging to stay indoors, because we have so many essential workers living here who must go to work.

We have cooperators who must go out for medication, food, and items that are essential for their wellbeing, including walking their licensed and registered comfort pets. When you travel outside of your apartment, please be sure to wear a mask.

For seniors like myself, I strongly recommend that we go out as seldom as possible, and please try to limit your exposure to no more than three times within 7 days. When I do go outside of my apartment’s front door, I am wearing a face mask, disposable gloves, and I carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my pocket.

Parents/grandparents, please try to make sure that the children that you are responsible for are as well protected as you can make them. Please watch what they touch, where they put their hands, and what they come into contact with.

While in North Carolina Make certain that we remain in contact with a least My wife and I went to, and recently returned from, one person often enough so that if you are experiencing a medical or some other serious difficulty, you can North Carolina. At the time of our visit, I had an opportunity to go to my daughter’s place of work, and met have someone to reach out for help on your behalf. briefly with a couple of the associates she works with.

Staying Healthy All of us are eating at home more now than ever, One of those associates told me that he was a former which for the most part, is a pretty good thing. You have U.S. Customs agent, and that he didn’t think that this a better handle on what you’re consuming, and exactly virus (COVID-19) was any worse than the Ebola virus how it was prepared. At the risk of sounding like the that we had several years ago.

I then reminded him that several years ago, we had TV character “Monk,” I’d like to suggest that you properly clean the groceries that you bring in (or are brought responsible leadership at the very top of our federal in) from the stores, especially fruits and vegetables. If government, who dealt with the Ebola virus comyou are ordering take-out food that can go into the pletely different than the current administration has microwave, I would suggest placing into the microwave chosen to do so, and that the Ebola virus was identifor 30 seconds or so, just to offset any possibility of fied at its source (Africa) and largely contained on that continent. bacteria transfer during preparation or delivery.

Then I posed the following scenario to him: Staying Respectful What if the United States had been invaded by a By far, the most important strategy that we can enact to fight this pandemic, is a healthy respect for visible enemy who used firearms to seriously injure one another, especially our large senior population. 1.5 million Americans, and take the lives of some one As seniors are considered to be the most vulnerable hundred thousand others, would you not think it a big to contract this virus, we can certainly do our part by deal then?

Would you stay at home? Would you go out when adhering to the social distancing, and by wearing the appropriate PPE items that can afford us some type you didn’t have to? Would you send your wife and kids out of the house because we all just needed to of protection.

Management has asked that there be no more than get out? Lastly, if you had to venture outside of your three persons in the elevator with masks. My thoughts house, would you wear, or choose not to wear, proand practice is that having two unrelated individuals tection and be cognizant of people around you?

His answer was obvious. We all need to look at this in the same elevator car, is not maintaining the social distancing, and therefore, I wait for the next one, no COVID-19 virus as an enemy that has invaded our matter how long it takes to go up, or down. That is country, our state, and our community like nothing before. We all need to be very respectful of this invadwhat “I” consider safe.

I realize that we all want to get out of the lobby, or ing serial killer.

To all, be safer, stay healthy, stay smart, and please up to our apartments without waiting for the elevator(s) to make multiple trips up & down, however, I person- continue to look out for one another as best we can!

Thank you for reading my article. I can be ally would rather wait for the safest time to get on.

Social distancing is being proven to work. There- reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com. fore, I strongly suggest that we practice that with our neighbors. Be mindful of giving each other’s space in the lobbies, in Our Promiise to New the laundry rooms, and & Curren nt Clients even out on the greenway.

As We eN Navigate Coron navirus

Laundry Room Etiquette & Safety Cooperators, no more than 5 people in the laundry room at one time. Please pick up your discarded fabric softener sheets and plastic bags from the floor in the laundry rooms, for your safety and that of your fellow neighbors.

Be a concerned shareholder! Cooperate!

Yo our health an nd safety are Priority #1 as we all navigate the Corona viirus pandemic.

We fully understand that accidents will continue to happen; injuries i and deaths will continue to t be suf sufffered; and injurious a acts of medical malpractice w will continue to take place.

Paul F. Oliveri, i Esq. Esq E Wishing good health for you and your loved ones

Oliveri & Schw wartz, P..C. will contin nue to provide our clients, prospe ective clients, your friends, co-workers, relatives, family members and ne eighbors with accessibility to o our legal ser vicess, while taking necessar essar y precautions to o protect our clients ts and our staff staff.

YES WE ARE OPEN UNTIL 7/15/2020 2089 Bartow Avenue Bronx, NY 10475

347-947-4455 IRS Filing Deadline EXTENDED until 7/15/20

LIMITED TIME! TAX PREP

• Call for an appointment. We are only seeing 3 people per day.

If you can’t come in, we offer: New clients only.

• Drop-off Includes Federal, State and City.

• Mail: 2089 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475 Three source documents: • Email: gsansone1@optimum.net W-2, 1099R, or SSA 1099.

Additional documents, credits & • Fax: 561-431-0830

$99!

schedules slightly higher.

We’re here when you need us, and a can be reache ed 24/7

EFFECTIVELY Y IMMEDIATTELY Y,, WE WILL NOT REQUIRE EQUIRE NEW CLIENTS TO VISIIT OUR OFFICES All NEW matters can initially be handled ed over the phone and d online.

CALL US AT AT 212-987-1100 00 or 800-427-9546 9546 TEXT US ATT 929-600-4992 EMAIL US S ATT I n fo @ O l i ve r i A n d S c h wa r t z . c o m

1086662

Coronavirus Tax Update

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Working Families of Co-op City

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

9

Hi, neighbors. come together daily at 7 p.m. to salute and say thank you to our Vote by absentee ballot. Every NYS voter should have received an absentee essential worker warriors. You just need to clap hands, make some noise, yell ballot application form by now. Casting votes by absentee ballot is being encourthank you. Remember, not only are we lucky to live in a community where paraged this June in order to limit the spread of Covid-19. If you haven’t gotten your ticipation is encouraged. We are fortunate to live where we can exercise outdoors application form, you can check on its status by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1and have enough space for social distancing. Don’t stop wearing your masks. 866-868-3692).

Practice social distancing.

Fill out the application. This year, the definition of “temporary illness” includes Join Broun Place Townhouse Association every year. Dues need to be paid “the potential of contracting the virus.” The change was made to protect voters and every year. They are just $12 annually. They cover supplies and upkeep expenses poll workers from the danger of in-person voting in the middle of a pandemic. for meetings. When there is tragedy, we look to our dues to show a gesture of Check the box “Temporary Illness” in Section 1. In Section 2, check “Primary generosity to the neighbor and family. We need your membership to do this.

Election only.” At this time, the option of voting by absentee ballot has not yet It is very important to be kind to one another and understand currently our been extended to the General Election in November. grounds person is covering a lot of duties. Blowing the leaves is Grounds responHurry up and mail the application… Send back the completed application sibility and it gets done every week. in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) ASAP to receive an It is your job to not dump used gloves and masks on sidewalks and gutters. Just absentee ballot for the June primary. It must arrive at 1780 Grand Concourse, 5 wait till you get to a pail to take them off or you can even carry a garbage bag in Floor, Bronx, NY 10457 by June 16! your car. Wearing masks and gloves has reduced the spread of the COVID-19. So, …because the absentee ballots are on their way. I mailed in an application why are there so many people on the Greenway without masks? Those droplets ages ago, the minute Governor Cuomo declared: absentee ballots for everybody! are hanging out and viable to spread those germs. Don’t forget handwash those I’m assured my absentee ballot was sent out on May 26.

Who/What’s on your ballot? masks too. Suds it up like you wash your hands, rinse and dry with a hair dryer.

For President: Pete Buttigieg*, Amy Klobuchar, presumptive nominee Joe This kills germs.

Biden*,Tulsi Gabbard, Bernie Sanders*, Michael R. Bloomberg, Tom Steyer*, Again, we express appreciation and acknowledge the masks received from Michael Bennet, Elizabeth Warren*, Andrew Yang*, and Deval Patrick…in that Bishop Angelo Rosario, Board member, through Homeland Security. Our Barorder. tow local market and pharmacy have done a great job to support social distancing and keep shelves stocked. Did you know the pharmacy offers free delivery For Delegates to the National Convention: There are too many to list (41). of prescription drugs for those over 65?

Vote for any eight of them. One of those 41 delegates is pledged to support Tom Steyer and the remaining five groups of eight are delegates pledged to some of Broun Place is having problems with people following safety rules. Number the remaining candidates asterisked above. Look the list over carefully and you’ll one, personal cars are not allowed on the brickwork. Number two: only electric see several familiar names, like, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Aleassandra Biaggi and Co-op grills can be used for BBQ on patios and terraces. CCPD was called twice to alert that a cooperator started a fire. Thank you for the publication of safety for BBQ use. City’s own Shirley Saunders.

Thanks to Michelle Sajous, Leandra Peters and their team for food and mask disFor US Congress: Incumbent Eliot Engel, and challengers Jamaal Bowman, tribution and thinking of unique ways of bringing folks together to meet and discuss Andom Ghebreghiorgis, Christopher Fink, and Sammy Ravelo.

There is no state senate primary in our district SD36 because incumbent community issues. I am sorry the last Zoom meeting of association presidents is the Jamaal Bailey has no Democratic challenger. If you see a Jamaal on your ballot last meeting. It was good to share, see and hear from our association presidents. that’s not Jamaal Bailey you’re voting for for state senate. That’s Eliot Engel’s Positive diagnosis? Report this to Mr. Anthony Barzelatto, director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety department. Riverbay can take quick, necessary measchallenger, Jamaal Bowman running for US Congress. ures to sanitize and quarantine the central location. Neighbors, remember our For State Assembly: incumbent Michael R. Benedetto or Egidio Sementilli. community etiquette and place garbage in the appropriate bin, not on the concrete.

For Member of the State Committee (Female): incumbent Anna Rodgers or Marilyn Soto.

And remember, keep dancing, and better days are ahead.

For Member of the State Committee (Male): Victor R. Ortiz or incumbent –Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Thomas P. Messina.

Vote by mail! Voting in person on Election Day on June 23 (at the usual poll site) and by early voting from June 13 through June 21 (in the Truman High School Book Club gymnasium) are still options. But do help stop the spread of Coronavirus and vote The NCNW Book Club is back!! Due to COVID-19, we were forced to cancel by absentee ballot. our April Book Club Meeting. To adapt to our “New Normal,” we have changed Questions? Text 718-219-2211 or email mpjazz@optonline.net.

– Mary Pearson our format to a Zoom meeting on Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. We will be discussing “The Color of Water; a Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” by James McBride.

Those interested in joining the discussion, please register by emailing: Ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com. Registration will remain open until 2:30 p.m., on June 13. Book lovers, plan to join us even if you are not a member of NCNW. Shareholders, if you have a graduate or a NCNW Partnering with Food Bank for New York student who excelled this past school year, Food Bank for New York is continuing to distribute emergency pantry bags to let us know so their accomplishments can New Yorkers in need and they are seeking volunteers to write brief notes to show be shared with your neighbors. Send your our neighbors that we care! This is a great activity to complete while shelteringsubmissions to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. in-place at home. The Food Bank has thousands of clients who visit their network of sites each week, so every note helps, and the need will be ongoing. Their staff team will distribute the notes to clients who come to pick up to-go meals and pantry bags from their Community Kitchen in Harlem, as well as their network of soup kitchens and food pantries across the five boroughs. Their clients include families, seniors, students, those who may already have been facing challenges and those who may be making use of their services for the first time since losing jobs or businesses during the past few weeks. Because we cannot know the personal circumstances of each New Yorker who visits their sites, we suggest you address your notes to a neighbor, a friend, or a fellow New Yorker, and use content appropriate for any potential recipient. You may use a greeting card or plain lined paper just to let someone know that you care. Please use an anonymous sign-off such as “fellow New Yorker.” Letters should be mailed to: NCNW, Inc., Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. We will do a mass mailing to the Food Bank from our section. Letters will be accepted until the end of June.

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

National Council of Negro Women

It’s Graduation Time!

Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

If you witness this behavior, please report it to CCPD.

10

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Rest in Power

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary

The Memorial Day killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota inspired righteous protest to spread throughout the nation. In several of those seventy-five cities, outsiders – white, and perhaps far-right anarchists — hijacked and transformed those peaceful protests, reports say. Reports. Not one report. Multiple reports.

Mayor Lovely Warren of Rochester NY, said on Saturday “Outsiders – and I do mean outsiders – not from our city, not from our community, decided to set police cars on fire.” She added on Sunday, “I want to make clear what I meant. I meant outsiders of the Black Lives Matter movement ... The Black Lives Matter people had a peaceful protest.” Rochester police chief La’Ron Singletary concurred, “What happened today was sparked by anarchists…law enforcement professional protestors.”

Minneapolis’ mayor and Minnesota’s governor and lieutenant governor echo those sentiments, that the demonstrations turned to riots incited by agitators from outside of the inner city locations.

Mayor de Blasio repeated the claim saying in his Saturday, May 30 live address in Brooklyn, that, “we’re seeing the same phenomenon all over the country.”

Thanks to the availability of witness videos on Twitter and Facebook, there is a lot of evidence that these statements — some of which are being challenged and somewhat walk-backed by individual officials — are less coincidence and more anchored in reality.

It will take weeks, maybe months, to unpack the motives of certain individuals.

It’s evident that among the protesters, a lawless minority were present to disrupt, to vandalize, and to loot. No one disclaims that. Perhaps some actions were intentional and perhaps some actions were inspired by the moment. What is indisputably evident, though, in many, many cases, is that peaceful protesters, protesting police violence, were met with more police abuse.

Did poor police tactics escalate a previously controlled demonstration? Were antifas (anti-facist youth, generally male, generally white) joining the cause in order to push the envelope? Were far-right agitators disguised as far-left agitators hiding within the crowds to ramp up the violence and discredit the peaceful protesters?

All we have is bits and pieces of video from

unknown sources recording bits and pieces of the mayWe’re inching our way out of the first wave of the hem. As the saying goes, who do you believe, me or first crisis, the coronavirus pandemic. NYC, by folyour own lyin’ eyes? lowing the rules of mask-wearing and physically disI saw one video from Van Nuys, California. Peo- tancing ourselves from each other, will soon see our ple – protecting a local store – flagged down police “metrics” hit acceptable levels, allowing us to gingerly to catch some get-away-looters and wound up in hand- step foot outside again, at last. All our numbers show we’re set to enter the first phase of the Governor’s cuffs.

I also saw an aerial view of the two police vans reopening schedule. Individual less-essential business charging through a group of Brooklyn protesters. Those owners have submitted plans to officials and are poised vans weren’t surrounded. The road behind was clear. to reopen.

The drivers could have backed up.

NYC enters Phase I on Monday, June 8. As more Just like the knee could have been lifted. life returns to NYC, the rate of new Covid-19 infec“Under US and international law, the government tions and consequences need to be monitored in order has a legal duty to protect people who are exercising to stay open and advance to the next phase. That’s the their right to assemble peaceably,” tweeted Robinson plan. At least, that was the plan before all social disMeyer, staff writer at The Atlantic, in response to the tancing efforts stopped in the name of social justice. nation-wide policing of the demonstrators.

The health effects of the protests will start being noticed Cooler heads did prevail in some potential hot spots. well before June ends.

In Flint, Michigan, Sheriff Chris Swanson and offiThe above-mentioned reporter, Robinson Meyer, cers put down their riot gear and joined the protest- in the midst of the first stages of the demonstrations ers to parade for justice and equality. “We can’t for- whipped out an article for The Atlantic about the get on all our police cars across the nation it says, ‘pro- effect of one crisis on the other. After interviewing medical experts on the collision of the two crises, he tect and serve’,” said Swanson.

Photographer Leni Kei Williams’ snapshots catch writes: “The virus seems to spread the most when cops and civilians united in their humanity. The pho- people yell (such as to chant a slogan), sneeze (to tographer documents jubilant participants caught in expel pepper spray), or cough (after inhaling tear the act of being heard and being respected. (One pic- gas).” And that’s before adding in the consequences ture is of a young white woman wearing a t-shirt that of 700 New Yorkers spending a night in police vans reads: Why be racist, sexist, homophobic, or trans- and jails Sunday, he points out. phobic when you could just be quiet?)

Meyer asked one health expert, Maimuna Majumder, There were similar scenes in Camden, New Jersey Harvard Medical School computational epidemioloand even in Union Square downtown. We see police, gist, how damaging abandoning the health regulations “taking a knee” and joining the protesters in peaceful will be for the country. Her reply: “Structural racism demonstration, as protected by the first amendment has been a public-health crisis for much longer than to our Constitution. “Congress shall make no law the pandemic has.” …abridging … the right of the people peaceably to I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211 assemble…” or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

Of course, “peaceably” is in the dictionary of the beholder.

Don’t Waste OPEN LETTER TO THE CO-OP CITY COMMUNITY a Crisis “It’s an ill wind that MARC A. GOODMAN blows no good.” There ACCREDITED TAX ADVISOR AND ENROLLED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS are so many expressions SERVING SECTION 5, CO-OP CITY AND THE BRONX SINCE 1972 you hear as a kid, that, at DURING THESE TRYING TIMES, THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR the time, go right over FAMILIES IS MOST IMPORTANT. AS DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MY your head. But in time, OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY. I DO NOT FEEL the adages become clear.

THAT IT IS WORTH THE RISK TO MY CLIENTS AND MY STAFF TO POTENTIALLY Now could finally be the HAVE SOMEONE EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO FILE time our nation refuses THEIR TAXES. TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO STAY AT HOME, I AM CONTINUING TO to waste not just one criSERVE THE COMMUNITY REMOTELY. I AM ACCEPTING TAX INFORMATION sis, but two.

FROM CLIENTS BY FAX, EMAIL AND BY MAIL. TAX INFORMATION CAN BE

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

Use of terraces for cooking It is illegal within the City of New York to use gas, or charcoal type B-B-Q grills in multiple dwelling buildings, such as Co-op City.

Such grills create open flames which may cause fire.

Only electric type grills may be used.

Riverbay will strictly enforce the Fire Department regulations by requiring the removal of any propane tanks and charcoal grills, and combustible material within 10 feet of the outdoor grill.

Also, no barbecuing is permitted in public areas in the community.

Thank you for your cooperation.

—Riverbay Management

FAXED TO ME AT 800-427-5124, EMAILED TO MARC@GOODMANTAX.COM OR MAILED TO ME AT: MARC A. GOODMAN, BOX 647, NEW CITY, NY 10956. IF YOU FAX OR EMAIL, BLOCK OUT THE FIRST FIVE NUMBERS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. BE SURE TO INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED, SO I CAN GET ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION I MAY NEED.

AFTER YOUR TAX RETURNS ARE COMPLETED, I WILL MAIL THEM BACK TO YOU WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON RETURNING THE ELECTRONIC FILING FORMS TO ME.

RECOGNIZING THAT THESE ARE VERY TRYING TIMES FOR ALL OF US, ANY FEES DUE TO ME OR TAXES DUE THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE PAID ON JULY 15, 2020, AND IF YOU NEED A BIT MORE TIME TO PAY ME, THAT’S OKAY. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. THE RETURN WILL BE FILED AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THE SIGNED ELECTRONIC FORMS, BUT ANY MONEY OWED TO THE IRS OR THE STATE WON’T BE DUE UNTIL JULY 15, 2020. IF YOU ARE DUE A REFUND FROM THE IRS, YOU SHOULD RECEIVE IT WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS IF IT IS DIRECT DEPOSITED, OR 15 BUSINESS DAYS IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE A CHECK. I HAVE BEEN SERVING THE CO-OP CITY COMMUNITY SINCE 1972 AND GIVING BACK IS IMPORTANT TO ME. I WILL NOT CHARGE MORE THAN $160 FOR ANY RETURN FILED BY CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS, PROVIDED YOU DO NOT HAVE SCHEDULES C, D OR E. ALL CREDIT FORMS, SUCH AS CHILD TAX CREDITS, EARNED INCOME CREDIT, COLLEGE TUITION CREDITS AND CHILD CARE CREDITS ARE INCLUDED IN MY FEE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 917-567-5755.

STAY SAFE AND STAY HOME, IF YOU CAN. A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

Marc A. Goodman, EA Office Phone: 718-379-5217

11

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Section 4 Partnership

Time Change: The first Virtual Meeting of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City will be Friday, June 26, at 7:15 p.m.

Mark your calendars. All are welcome.

You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder and resident. You do not have to live in Section 4. Details on how to connect with us will be posted here in the Co-op City Times, via S4P member’s email and of course good old word of mouth. Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City that makes up the sectional geographic which is referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4… (i.e., Building 20 - Asch Loop, Building 21 - Bellamy Loop, Building 22 - Co-op City Boulevard, Buildings 23, 24, 25 - Benchley Place, the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses. Join us, you are an important member of this team – you are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. Get involved. Let’s show up! Virtually even! Let’s get it done! Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939.

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

Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

–Michelle Marbury

Building 13 Association “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

–MLK Jr. Special Notice re: Pennsylvania Dutch-Amish Trip Per my conversation with the Charter Company, we should receive a refund within six to eight weeks. Although we asked for addresses and telephone numbers upon payment, some only submitted their telephone number. In advance of receiving the refund, please make sure we have your address. If this pertains to you, please use the e-mail address below to submit your details. The Amish trip scheduled for May 30, 2020 and rescheduled for October 3, 2020 is cancelled. In light of the daily events pertaining to Covid-19, we do not believe it would be prudent to hold this trip in the Fall. Many do not feel comfortable venturing out of the home. For additional information, contact Doris Sanchez at 646-372-7954 or the numbers listed below.

Summer Fun Day is cancelled for this year, usually held in June, but we had a virtual meeting and are discussing and hopefully will be finalizing alternative plans shortly.

Our first free mask giveaway was held and went very well. I thank Annice Bailey, Elena Marrero and Doris Sanchez for their assistance. We thank Bishop Angelo and Nancy Rosario for their generosity. We shared some of those with our neighboring buildings. We have received additional masks distributed by the Community Relations Department and will be organizing another mask giveaway soon.

Absentee Voting: Election Day is June 23, 2020 for State & Federal Primaries Early Voting Period is June 13, 2020 – June 21, 2020.

For your safety, the Governor’s Executive Order dictates you can request an absentee ballot. All voters were mailed a ballot but if you have not received yours you can call 1-866-VOTE NYC or online email AbsenteeJune2020@boe.nyc, but you must act fast because the last day to ask for an absentee ballot is June 16, 2020.

Voters affected by COVID-19 including those at risk of contracting the virus, should check the box “Temporary Illness” as the reason for requesting an Absentee Ballot when completing the application.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay home, for your health and mine.

Much respect and gratitude go to the first responders and essential workers in our community and all over. Thank you for your sacrifices and service. Stay safe!

Please make sure Riverbay has your contact information. Information and alerts are sent regarding essential services and allows Riverbay to contact you in case of an emergency.

While you are home: Complete the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov/login Payments for events can be sent to 100 Casals Place, 32K, Bronx, NY 10475.

Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at daddpeterson@aol.com or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work.

–Leslie Peterson

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family.

I trust you all continue to be well and safe and happy. There are various COVID-19 testing sites within Co-op City, throughout the Bronx and around the city. You may call 3-11 for more detailed information. Please do not open your door to anyone claiming to provide in-home testing. It is a dangerous scam!

Wanda Randall and I picked up approximately Shirley Wells, Linda Collins, Wanda Randall 200 face masks from the Community Relations staff on Thursday, May 28. Thank you to Michelle and Leandra. As previously noted in this space, Building 9 consists of 414 apartments; 200 masks does not allow us to provide masks to all shareholders.

Wanda Randall, Shirley Wells and I distributed half the masks in Building 9B during the afternoon of Friday, May 29. We used the stairs because there was only one elevator in service and we did not wish to further inconvenience our neighbors. Seniors and those with challenges were prioritized in our distribution. We will distribute the remainder of the masks to Building 9A shareholders when our knees recover.

Building 9B will begin the process of the ongoing elevator modernization project in a week or so. It will be warm. Elevator capacity should be limited due to COVID-19 social distancing measures. Please be thoughtful. Please be patient.

We are all in this together. Let’s cooperate to the best of our ability.

There was a social media campaign to incite rioting in Co-op City. When it came to my attention, I immediately forwarded that information to CCPD. Building 9 shareholders and the greater Co-op City community must not permit rioting and/or vandalism and looting to destroy our community. If you see or hear something, please report it to CCPD and NYPD immediately in order to mitigate the threat and possible damage to our buildings and community. Our seniors, our children, and our challenged neighbors need the businesses, physicians’ offices, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc., in this community for their health and wellbeing.

We must protect the most vulnerable in our building and in our community. We cannot permit protesting in our community to equate rioting in our community.

Outside infiltrators, instigators, agitators, chaos mongers, global anarchists, militia groups, and criminals must not be allowed to plot to use a legitimate civil cause to destroy our building and/or the Co-op City community. Please help to keep our building and our community safe and beautiful.

The warm weather is upon us. That means air conditioning is available. Please clear your convectors of any debris and drain using hot water. If you have a clog or if you are a senior citizen who requires assistance with cleaning your convectors, please contact the Call Center for assistance.

Sadly, Tiffany lost her mother and Mashea lost her mother during the month of May. Please pray for them and check on them when you can.

Congratulations to Leslie Peterson, president, Building 13 Association, on her swearing in as a Riverbay Board director during the Annual Riverbay Board meeting on Wednesday, May 27.

“One day, we will tell our story of how we have overcome what we are going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.” –Unknown Godspeed.

–Linda Collins

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12

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19!

LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS AT HOME. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

• The most common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include feeling achy, loss of taste or smell, headache, and diarrhea.

• Most people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will have mild or moderate symptoms and can get better on their own.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR SERIOUS ILLNESS? • People age 50 or older (people age 65 or older are at the highest risk) • People who have other health conditions, such as: Lung disease Kidney disease Asthma Liver disease Heart disease Cancer Obesity A weakened immune system Diabetes

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS? If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, assume you have it. When you are sick: • If you have trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, are confused or cannot stay awake, or have bluish lips or face, call 911 immediately.

• Call your doctor if you are age 50 or older or have a health condition that puts you at increased risk, or if you do not feel better after three days.

• Always contact a doctor or go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms of COVID-19 or another serious health issue.

• Do not leave your home except to get necessary medical care or essential food or supplies (if someone cannot get them for you).

• If you must leave your home: Avoid crowded places.

Stay at least 6 feet from others.

Cover your nose and mouth with a bandana, scarf or other face covering.

Wash your hands before you go out, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer while outside.

• Household members can go out for essential work and needs but should monitor their health closely.

If you or someone in your home is sick: • Create physical distance: Do not have visitors.

Stay at least 6 feet from others.

Sleep head-to-toe if you share a bed with someone who is sick, or sleep on the couch.

Keep people who are sick separate from those at risk for serious illness.

• Cover up: Cover your nose and mouth with a bandana, scarf or other face covering when you are within 6 feet of others.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow.

• Keep it clean: Throw tissues into the garbage immediately after use.

Wash your hands often with soap for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands.

Frequently clean surfaces you touch, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, phones, keys and remote controls.

Wash towels, sheets and clothes at the warmest possible setting with your usual detergent, and dry completely.

Do not share eating utensils with others, and wash them after every use.

WHEN CAN I LEAVE MY HOME AFTER BEING SICK? • If you have been sick, stay home until: You are fever-free for three days without Tylenol or other medication and It has been at least seven days since your symptoms started and Your symptoms have improved • Reminder: New York is on PAUSE. This means that even if you have been sick, you should only leave your home for essential work or errands, or to exercise, while staying at least 6 feet from others.

NEED HELP? • If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

• If you do not have a doctor but need one, call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692). New York City provides care, regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay.

• For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves.

4.20

13

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Vote for Eliot Engel for Congress.

■ Secure $5 billion for New York’s hospitals in Federal Virus health care funds.

■ Laws Engel worked to pass had funds for community health care centers and to help bring the virus testing site to Co-op City.

■ Sponsoring a law to give everyone $2,000 a month until the virus crisis is over.

Rated one of the 10 Most Effective Democratic Congress Members

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■ Eliot Engel is a sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act to require equal pay for women.

■ He earned a 100% pro Senior rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans, and a 100% Civil Rights rating from the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights and a “A” from the NAACP. ■ Engel is fighting for affordable quality health care and is a sponsor of Medicare for All.

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Paid for by Engel for Congress

14

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Public Safety

Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Dear shareholders, Co-op City is fortunate to have a committed, responsible and loyal public safety force that cares about the people. The public safety officer is trained to protect and serve and that is exactly what they do here. In general, a public safety officer: • Patrols assigned beats and responds to emergency calls to protect persons or property from crimes, fires, or other hazards; patrols assigned area on foot or using vehicles to regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, or arrest violators.

• Responds to crimes in progress, initiating actions such as aid to victims and interrogation of suspects.

• Attends public gatherings to maintain order.

• Responds to fire alarms or other emergency calls.

• Forces openings in buildings for ventilation of fire or for entry, using ax or crowbar.

• Controls and extinguishes fires, using water and chemicals.

• Administers first aid and artificial respiration to injured persons.

• Participates in drills and emergency precautionary demonstrations.

• May inspect establishments for compliance with local regulations.

• May drive and operate firefighting and other emergency equipment.

One of the reasons that the CCPD originated was because the 45th Precinct failed to deploy enough officers to meet our needs and, it was reported that many of them mistreated Co-op City youth. Shareholders pay for our CCPD and I believe they are the best.

I join NY State Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his recent statements that mistreating and killing people after they have sworn to protect and serve the public is unacceptable. He further stated that he agrees with the decision to fire two police officers who mistreated protesters in NYC last weekend. The death of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota has caused mayhem in many cities across the country.

The Governor stated that Black and Brown people have been killed by police for many years and it is happening over and over again. Protesting is not

enough. And looting is unacceptable. Protesters should get the elected officials to pass laws to change things.

It is their job, their responsibility to do so. He said that this is an opportune time for national changes in the law and what should happen: • Politicians propose national legislation to ban chokeholds and excessive force; • Have independent investigations of police abuse; • Disclose the record of the police officer being investigated; • Education equality; • Anti-poverty agenda; • National affordable housing plan.

The Governor also stated he supports peaceful protesting, but many of the protesters are too close together. New Yorkers have stuck together and have worked so carefully on ways to combat COVID-19 by covering their face in public, wearing gloves, washing their hands often and practicing social distancing.

On May 31, the number of death from COVID-19 was down to 54, after having risen to over 700 deaths per day. The plan is for NYC to reopen this Monday, June 8. However, the mass protests might affect New Yorkers and the Governor stated that this disease might re-emerge because people were failing to practice the social distancing mandate to remain apart.

On June 1, the NYC Mayor called for an 11:00 p.m. curfew. The family of George Floyd has called for peaceful protests.

The Governor has stated that the pandemic is still with us and that there should be more testing. If you wish to be tested for COVID-19, there are two facilities nearby. Statcare Urgent & Walk-in Medical Care, 2063A Bartow Avenue (in the Bartow Mall near Amalgamated Bank). It is open seven days a week. Call to obtain the testing hours, (516) 331-0596.

Also, there is a drive-through testing site in the Bay Plaza shopping center, 2100 Bartow Avenue. Call for an appointment: (888) 364-3065.

Committee Updates Due to COVID-19 social distancing order to stay six feet away from other people, my committees have not met since February. As Board directors became more familiar with remote meetings, Director Bernard Cylich called a meeting of the Construction/Power Plant/ Restoration Committee, which was very informative.

On May 21, myself and co-chair Kevin Lambright met via WebEx with the Sales Committee and the Parking & Leasing Committee department heads for

WE ARE OPEN!

an update. Two Riverbay managers were also present.

Both of the directors had been working from home.

There had been no movement in sales because no apartments were being shown. They were working on processing applications. The video for the New Cooperators Orientation Meetings was being finalized and, under the circumstances, will take a little longer. We were pleased to learn that no one had gotten sick.

The director of Parking & Leasing reported that they were fully operational. The customer service representatives were working from home and dealing with customers via phone and email. If there is a need to apply tags to a vehicle, they meet the customer at the garage. There is construction work happening in garage #2 as well as power washing, painting exit doors and bathrooms.

We reviewed an email from a cooperator questioning what happens to people who drive in the wrong direction, to which the director responded that little can be done if the incident cannot be captured on camera and the garages don’t have cameras on every floor.

It was stated that it should make a difference if there is more than one witness to the incident. We need to do whatever we can to avoid accidents.

Condolences Richard Wayne Penniman (12/5/32– 5/9/20), better known as “Little Richard,” was a singer, songwriter, and musician. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades and nicknamed “The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll.” He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. His album Here’s Little Richard and three of his songs (“Tutti Frutti,” “Lucille” and “Long Tall Sally”) are inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

He will be missed but his legacy will live on.

Please eat healthy and stay safe and well.

I can be reached at fjones@riverbayboard.com.

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

Greetings, Building 14 cooperators! Hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and well. We are undoubtedly amid a perfect storm with the COVID19 viruses and injustice simultaneously converging on our hearts, bodies, minds, and spirit. The weight is heavy. Yet we find resilience and faith in the celebrations of life and elements of a silver-lining.

Condolences to our neighbors, family and friends who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 as well as those who were otherwise called home. For some, the traditions and ritual of closure were not possible, thus compounded the grief that is part of our nature as human beings. An abundance of prayers for healing and understanding are sent your way. Thanks to Riverbay for helping to keep us healthy by providing masks for building associations to distribute.

The travesty of George Floyd’s demise will be forever etched in our minds. It is unspeakable. The spectrum of emotions is as wide and as deep as are the dimensions of injustice for people of color in this country and around the globe. The protests are but one expression of our revulsion and desire for change; there will many other opportunities as America resets. Let us seize our energy for the [long] road ahead.

Our sympathies to the Floyd family, and we memorialize all those before George.

The opportunities to celebrate are not to be overshadowed: Congratulations to our many graduates at all levels of education. While the celebration of your accomplishment may have been dampened, you did what was required to earn that degree (or, promotion to the next grade for our youngsters). Carry on to higher heights!

We encourage cooperators to support our essential workers each evening at 7:00 p.m. by joining in the applause from our balconies, windows, cars, while walking, wherever you are. They are so deserving, and the camaraderie is awesome.

We’ll explode the option to hold our building association meetings virtually to stay connected and support each other. Stay tuned!

–Josie Ferguson

15

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

AARP Chapter #4997

All events planned by AARP- New York have been cancelled through June.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are cancelling the two trips listed below.

You will be notified at a later date about when and how we will refund payments.

July 16 – 19, 2020: Ocean City, Maryland, 4 days-3 nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster Restaurant; sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino; $789/person, double; $1,064/single. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

December 29 – January 2, 2021, New Year’s Parade Extravaganza (California), 5 days-4 nights, $2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 nonrefundable deposit due when signing up . Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.

A friendly reminder: We shall overcome this change to our lives. Please know you are thought of daily and wished brighter days. Just thinking: during your very busy days, take time to call one or two people each day just to say, “how you doin’?�

Good & Welfare: Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Reminder: Our monthly membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice. –Delores Debnam

Open Door Ministries “A Voice of Reason in an Unreasonable World�

When we do things on our own, without considering the consequences we often fail. We must also listen to those close to us who might have a better perspective that we do not see.

1 Samuel 25:2 There was a wealthy man near the town of Carmel. 3 This man was Nabal, and his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. But he was crude and mean in his dealings. 4 When David heard that Nabal was shearing sheep, 5 he sent ten of his men with a message: 8 Please share any provisions you have with us and with your friend David. 10 Who is this fellow David? Nabal sneered to the men. 11 Should I take bread, water and meat and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?� 12 David’s men returned and told him what Nabal said. 13 Get your swords! was David’s reply as he strapped on his own.

David requested help from someone that could give it, but Nabal not only denied giving help but insulted those who asked for it. David decided to respond with violence because he could not tolerate the disrespect. He let his anger overcome his reason.

14 One of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and said, David sent messengers to greet our master, but he insulted them. 18 Abigail wasted no time. She gathered 200 loaves of bread, 2 full wineskins, 5 sheep, nearly a bushel of roasted grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 fig cakes. She packed them on donkeys 19 and said to her servants, “Go on ahead. I will follow you.� 23 When Abigail saw David, she got off her donkey and bowed before him. 24 She fell at his feet and said, I accept all blame in this matter, my Lord. Listen to what I have to say. 25 Nabal is wicked and ill-tempered, don’t pay attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests.

On his way to kill Nabal and all his men David is met by Abigail. Abigail did not deny the stupidity of Nabal but reasoned with David on the consequences of his actions.

31 Don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. When the LORD has done these things for you, please remember me, your servant!� 32 David replied, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! 33 Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands.�

She reminded David that God was with him and asked him to remember her when he was vindicated. God punished Nabal and he died, and David took Abigail as his wife.

Contact Open Door Ministries by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

Please remember to curb your dog!

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Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family continue to pray for Co-op City, NYC, the United States, and the world at this time of crisis.

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid19), the Co-op City Baptist Church will be conducting Sunday school, Worship services, prayer services and Bible study classes via Conference Call Line or video conference using Zoom until further notice. You are invited to join us for Sunday Worship Service tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., via Zoom video conference: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, conference ID: 962 343 0102, password: 788175, or Zoom telephone conference using call in number: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, password: 788175.

Adult Sunday School is held at 9:00 a.m. You can join us via Conference Call Line: 563-999-2090, Pin: #660065.

Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, Conference ID : 62 343 0102, Password :788175; Call in number: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, password: 788175# Please use the Conference Call Line 563 999 2090, Pin: #660065 for the Prayer services shown below: Thursday,12:00 noon Prayer Warriors Friday, Noon Day Prayer Service (12:00 p.m.)

Friday Evening Prayer Service, 7:30 p.m. Please note: Friday evening prayer service is not held on the first Friday of each month.

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Please wear a mask, practice safe 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

Newsong Church Praying for Others 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.-Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV) How should we pray when we’re going through hard times?

Pray for OTHERS Although Paul was in a Roman prison his prayer wasn’t for himself, it was others focused. Does this mean that we’re not supposed to pray for ourselves?

Not at all! Pray for God to heal you, pray for God to deliver you, pray for God to provide all of your needs! There’s nothing wrong with praying for yourself, but we should also take the time to pray for others first! I’ll give you two reasons‌ A SPIRITUAL reason When we pray for others we’re imitating Jesus‌ - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.-Romans 8:34 (NLT) As Christians, we’re called to love God & love our neighbor as ourselves‌ and when we pray for others we’re becoming more like Jesus. Remember, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us when we’re in trouble. He’s pleading our case, saying, “Hey dad, that’s Mike, he’s going through something right now, and I know how that feels, so let’s help him.â€? When we pray for others, we’re maturing in our walk with God! A PRACTICAL reason Praying for others helps to distract us from what we’re going through. Listen, it’s easy to dwell on me, when I’m going through a hard time. Praying for others helps me to take the focus off of me, and put the focus back on God. This reminds us that God is bigger than any pain or problem that we have, and that all things are possible for Him! When I start asking God to bless your situation, it reminds me that He’s able to bless my situation too‌Take a moment and pray for somebody right now!

Join us this Sunday as we continue our series, “Testing Positive: Finding joy in times of trouble� (A series in Philippians) Live-Stream at 11 a.m., Facebook.com/newsongchurchbx/ COVID-19 Relief Fund Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been able to help provide Co-op City families in need with a grocery gift card. You can help us help others by giving any amount to our COVID-19 RELIEF FUND. For more information, please go to our website, www.newsongchurchnyc.org, and thanks for helping us serve our community! —Pastor Mike Tolone

16

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Be Careful When NYC Reopens Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson NYC will probably reopen within days from now if the government’s statistical numbers continue to improve. However, everyone needs to understand that reopening NYC should not equate to us letting our guard down.

Watch it A lot of people have complained that they have been cooped up in their apartment for a very long time. Then, a lot of businesses have shut down or lost a lot of money.

So, it’s understandable that people want to get out and move on. Regardless, we still have to remember that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is still around. So, it’s possible that we can get infected if we let our guard down.

As of last Sunday, May 31, 2020, more than 1.7 million people in the U.S. had the coronavirus disease.

Then, 102,785 died from this disease. So, we should really think about these numbers and then think about ourselves. In other words, is it possible that I can get this disease? If yes, then please think about what might occur if something happens to you.

For instance, a guy was in the hospital for several days. And, one of his problems was that he had a lot of difficulty breathing. However, the man said that his faith turned things around for him. So, fortunately, he was able to go home.

In Florida, a man posted messages online to express his doubts about the coronavirus disease. So, take a guess what happened to him. Well, he and his wife became infected with the coronavirus disease—at the same time. Thereafter, they had to stay in the same hospital for several weeks. Then, he had the nerve to say from his hospital bed that the disease is: “tough.”

In another case, the coronavirus disease went on a horrific rampage at a hospital in Queens. Thereafter,

lots of patients started dying at a rapid pace. In fact, the situation was so bad that they had to get a refrigerated truck to store the dead bodies. Then, out of a horror movie scene, reports surfaced that several funeral homes had rented unrefrigerated trucks to store dead bodies. In fact, allegations surfaced that one funeral home stored 100 bodies in an unrefrigerated truck.

Now, I can go on and on with these horror stories.

However, the point is that we need to understand the seriousness of this disease. Furthermore, we need to understand that we need to be careful now and when NYC reopens.

Bottom line: We have received a lot of material on how we can protect ourselves. Then, there are daily media reports about COVID-19. Plus, we have learned lots of information about staying home, social distancing, masks, gloves, washing our hands, etc. So, please continue to follow this advice. Lastly, I hope and pray that everyone will be okay. Thank you.

Store Closings Some businesses have announced that they’re going to be closing a lot of their stores. So, unfortunately, a lot of workers will lose their jobs. Therefore, let’s review some numbers for a few stores that will closing.

Pier 1 Imports said that they’re going to close 450 stores. GameStop is going to close 320 stores. Victoria’s Secret will close 238 stores. Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in September 2019.

So, they will close 178 stores during 2020. Modell’s previously filed for Chapter 11. And, now, they’re planning on closing the rest of their stores. Macy’s is going to close a lot of stores and lay off thousands of employees. Bath & Body Works will close 50 stores.

Neighbor against Neighbor A lot of parents and children, of various ages, are home during the day because of this coronavirus outbreak. And, some of the children might be on the quiet side. So, they might enjoy reading or being on a computer or a smartphone. On the other hand, some children might be very active. Therefore, they might want to run, play, and listen to loud music all day long.

However, there might be cooperators that live next to them or below them. And, in many cases, some of these cooperators might not like to hear a lot of noise.

So, is it possible that a problem might arise with these cooperators? Well, our numbers are indicating that the answer might be yes.

For instance, our Public Safety department received 247 calls for noise during February 2020. Thereafter, they issued four summonses (community complaints) for noise. Then, in March, Public Safety received 368 calls for noise complaints. And, they issued 12 summonses for noise.

As cooperators, we need to look at exactly what’s going on here when it comes to noise complaints. Then, we should think about trying to work with our neighbors. For instance, can we make a determination that we’re going to limit the amount of noise in our apartment? Can we turn down the volume on our music so that it will not affect other neighbors?

Playtime? Can we place some type of material on the floor to limit the amount of noise made? I get a lot of complaints about cooperators using objects to bang on the floor during the day and night. Making a lot of noise and disturbing your neighbors is inconsiderate and wrong. So, please, let’s see if we can live in a better way with our neighbors. Thank you.

Close Peaceful qualities must prevail in our community.

So, please talk with your family and see if you can make some good plans to keep the noise down in your apartment. Your kindness is appreciated.

Thank you.

Contact Information The administrative areas of Bartow have been shut down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

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

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

African-American Association

First virtual meeting The African American Association will hold its first virtual meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 7:15 p.m. Details on how to connect with us will be posted here in the Co-op City Times, via AAA members’ email, word of mouth. All are welcome to attend.

African American Association meetings, gatherings, and programs that it sponsors will return to room 15 of the Dreiser Center every second Saturday of the month with rousing topics and inspiring special guests as soon as the worldwide pandemic has ended. Be ready to bring a friend and new member prospect to the African American Association when we reconvene. Remember: Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and only $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Pictured left: Xonia Wilson, professional belly-dance instructor, choreographer, and performer. She has been the belly-dance instructor for Co-op City through the African American Association of Co-op City for eight years.

Black Genealogy Quote of the week: Family History – “One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.”

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for gathering updates: Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section #5, 6 p.m.

Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa Class – Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room #1. Call Keith, 917561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena – Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room 2. Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Healing Drum Circle – West Africa Online Drumming Meet-up Group on June 27. Please continue to follow this article for updates.

We leave you with these words as a reminder of your strength:

“You know what’s right. Just do right. Right may not be expedient. It may not be profitable, but it will satisfy your soul. It brings you the kind of protection that bodyguards can’t give you. Try to be all you can be to be the best human being you can be. Try to be that in your church, in your temple. Try to be that in your classroom. Do it because it is the right to do.” –Dr. Maya Angelou Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

–Michelle Marbury

Co-op City Democratic Club

The CCDC wishes to remind you that you must return your Request for Absentee Ballot to the Board of Election as soon as possible. It is time sensitive. If you have or are afraid of catching the Covid-19 virus, please read the boxes carefully, and check off what applies to you so you will not have to appear at the Poll Site on June 23, 2020.

By voting, we will have the opportunity to elect those representatives who can make change concerning our Police Department, not just in our city but cities across the nation. That’s the City Council job.

We have mourned the passing of three young people from the news. The killing of Breonna Taylor shot and killed by police in her own home. Ahmaud Arbery, a male model who was jogging in his neighborhood shot and killed by two white supremacists. Now George Floyd, killed in police custody while pleading for his life. Deaths like these cause people to yell and scream, “Black Lives Matter” and they do. It causes people to get angry and want to do something to stop this outrageous killing, and rightfully so. But we suffer as a community. The anger makes you want to retaliate, strike back and get yourself in trouble.

We send our sorrow to their families because nothing is going to bring back their loss. They, in turn, ask us to pray for them and our country. The “looters” enter our communities and cause destruction. Those who are really protesting are peacefully walking, talking or sitting on the ground with their signs and not causing destruction to our communities. The time is here to tell each member of our family how much we love and appreciate them. We must pray for peace, guidance, and ourselves for the future of our children. Stop the violence, stop the destruction and take care of your home.

Please remember no more than three people in an elevator with a facial covering including children. Stay safe.

—Shirley J. Saunders

17

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Building 25 Association

Have you ever heard the saying “if you don’t use it you will lose it,” that is what will happen if we do not utilize the dog waste stations that Riverbay has installed on the Greenway behind Building 25. This is a good incentive on Riverbay’s part to encourage residents to pick up after their dogs. Doggie poop bags can be expensive, it really is a saving for the residents with dogs so please use them so that Riverbay may install more dog waste stations throughout the complex.

Special thank you to all who participate in clapping for our first responders by standing on their terraces, in and around the community at 7:00 p.m. every evening. What a mighty thunderous sound we make.

We continue to salute all 2020 graduating children of Building 25. Parents, submit your children name(s) through our general email address, building25ca@gmail.com, so that they too may be honored in our Co-op City Times article.

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

Our building association meets every third Tuesday of the month generally from September through June, however because of COVID-19 our meetings have been postponed until further notice. Please keep an eye out for updated postings outside your elevators. In the meanwhile, you can log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treasurer, has also postponed the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice.

Closing with a quote: “This is our yard, not your dog’s toilet.” (unknown) –Wanda Bailey

Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

If you witness this behavior, please report it to CCPD.

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Apply at: T he Wright Agency (Allstate) We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

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18

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Change only happens when we get involved…

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury Your energy, your grief, your faith, your resilience, your pain, your spirituality, your belief, your patience, your talent, your God-given gifts, your experiences, and your love is needed now… Here, in your neighborhood, in your community, where you live your life.

However small and in spite of how immense your offerings are…You are needed. You matter.

Greetings, shareholders, residents, friends and neighbors. I bid you peace from a familiar place. Not a place where we often find ourselves, but a place remembered.

A place tucked away. A place only we can fix. A place we must heal.

What we are living through is nightmarish, to say the least. But the elders of our region know the lessons which hold the keys to our successful outcome of the tumul-

tuous times we bear. There is a saying, “One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.” My hope, is that the elders reading this article, if it moves them so, would take it to their grandchildren and have a discussion about what they are seeing today, what we lived through yesterday and how to build better tomorrows.

My hope is that we, as the elders, will stand up and lift someone else up and look our weaknesses in the face and say, “no more, weakness,” “we are going to do better.” We are going to take full advantage of what we have here in Co-op City. We will show our young adults that we can heal ourselves; we can be a shining example of unity.

My hope is that we understand the power in forming and being a part of positive, focused groups, like our clubs, organizations and building associations. I hope you bring your youngsters to these meetings like my mother did with me. Give them a chance to be heard, even if it is a virtual meeting. All the more reason to show up; just pick up your phone or computer or tablet and help us make a difference, while we can.

My brother, Jeffrey Marbury, along with his coworker in New Jersey, have called for “A Day of Bereavement,” the first business day following the funeral of George Floyd. I think it is an inspired idea. Apparently, his company officers do too, because they are all for it. What will we do here? In our neighborhood, for our community where we live our lives and affect the world?

The world is watching Co-op City; what will we do?

The Democratic Presidential Primary is reinstated for June 23, 2020, due to court order. November 3, 2020 General Election Deadline: MAIL REGISTRATION (N.Y. Election Law Section 5-210(3)) Applications must be postmarked no later than October 9, 2020 and received by the Board of Elections no later than October 14, 2020 to be eligible to vote in the General Election. Need more information? Call the Bronx Board of Elections at 718.299.9017.

Do it now, while you have time. Respectfully, M “Change only happens when we get involved.” – Barack Obama

Black Forum of Co-op City Emergency Food Pantry The Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry remains closed for regular business until further notice. Please consider resources below.

Three Free Meals Daily Free meals are now available to anyone in New York. The city has 435 sites spread out around the five boroughs where people can get breakfast, lunch and dinner all to go, free of charge. Children and families with children can pick up food between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while adults with no kids can pick up food until 1:30 p.m. each day. To find a location near you, text “NYC food” to 877-877 or visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals. No one will be turned away. All adults and children can pick up three meals at one time. Vegetarian and halal options are available at all sites. No registration or ID required to get the meals. Dates, locations and menus are subject to change.

Additional Food Resources Visit https://maps.nyc.gov/foodhelp/#map-page or https://www.foodbanknyc.org/get-help/ on the internet or call 3-1-1 to find soup kitchens and food pantries which may be open. The list is subject to change without notice. Call the agencies ahead to confirm their services and hours.

Visit nyc.gov/getfood for home delivery and other free food options for you or someone else who may benefit.

Pandemic EBT The state will be distributing P-EBT benefits of $420 per school-aged child attending NYC public school in 3 cohorts: 1. Families with existing Cash Assistance or SNAP benefits will receive two payments on their existing benefits card, one in May (which should have already been received) and one in June; 2. Families who receive Medicaid only will receive one payment on their existing benefits card in June; 3. Families not in receipt of benefits will receive one payment that will be provided on a new card in July.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is administering these benefits. All inquiries should be directed to the state at email, otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to P-EBT can be found on the state’s website here: https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions-PandemicEBT.asp.

Health Insurance Please review the following if you or someone you know has lost a job, health coverage or are uninsured: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/, https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/IPANavigatorSiteLocations, https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/resources, https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/node/41731.

Defensive Driving Class The class scheduled for June 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. is still TBA because of the current health situation. Please return to this article for updates. Those taking the online class through Empire Safety Council – https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/ – can use the promo code “Wright” for 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 / June 6, 2020

Rivers Run Community Garden

Thank you to the Milkcrate Gardens Collective, NYC Botanical Garden, Bronx Green Up and Elena Marrero for the successful give away last weekend. It was wonderful to see the brave souls who ventured out to the garden to pick up crates, seedlings, masks, seeds and Rivers Run giveaways. Hopefully, they will forward us pictures as their in-house garden blooms.

We will be growing a portion of our fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables for the community so please, stay in touch. When the City opens up, we will need volunteers to help with this project that will provide nutritious choices to this community. With success comes,

Traditional Synagogue

Due to the current Coronavirus crisis, services are cancelled until further notice.

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, 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 9 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’s finances. Traditional Synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services.

Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, June 6, at 9:17 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, June 12, at 8:08 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all members Happy Birthday, Faye Breitbart, and all other members who will celebrate their birthday in June. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in June, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

–Bruce Gitelson

New York City Extends Curfew through 5 a.m., Monday, June 8th. Stay Safe!

19

green leafy veggies, as well as herbs for teas, seasoning and medicinal purposes.

As of right now, per guidelines of Green Thumb and NYC, the garden is only open to members for maintenance.

Members only: Weather permitting, we will be open Tues., Wed., Fri., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sat and Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Please call one of the telephone numbers below if you need to confirm, you have any concern, or you just feel like talking. Also, if you’d like to volunteer to open the garden (members only), please give us a call.

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.

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

20

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Serving my fellow shareholders Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson It has always been my pleasure to serve my fellow shareholders and be a voice for their concerns using my time listening to shareholders and contemplating how to best serve Co-op City, our home. I was recently sworn in to serve out the remainder of Director Jerome Rice’s term on the Board and I wish him well. So, having been on just a few days, I do want to publicly answer some questions I have been asked and remind you of other important matters that will ultimately be of importance to all.

I must first say that it is important that conversations are held on race and injustice in the country. The country’s ills are reflective of microcosms of disparities and disparaging words inflicted on many communities in the country. We must all be cognizant of what we say, what we do and how we immediately categorize people. It is a difficult conversation to have civilly but as a country we must try, and…succeed.

Building Façade Inspections I have had several people inquire about the sidewalk shedding and fencing recently placed around many buildings. NYC presents buildings with a unique combination of environmental threats including winter freeze/thaw cycles, air pollution and salt which means that facade decay of your building is a reality of owning an apartment in NYC. Local Law 11 of 1998, also known as the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), mandates the periodic inspection of the exterior walls and appurtenances (Appurtenances are defined as “exterior fixtures such as balconies, flagpoles, signs, copings, guard rails, window frames, balcony enclosures, window guards, window air conditioners, flower boxes and any equipment attached to or protruding from the facade”) of buildings greater than six stories in height in New York City. FISP requires that owners of buildings have exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every five years. FISP is designed to ensure pedestrian safety by preventing bricks, concrete and other façade elements from falling on pedestrians.

The inspection requires a physical examination to be undertaken from scaffolding or some other form of observation platform. The inspections are done in cycles. Enacted in cycle 9, the DOB requires more comprehensive facade examination and more detailed reporting requirements with increased description of observations and photographic evidence of inspections and physical inspection requirements will increase on all walls fronting on a public right-of-way. “Public right-of-way” has been defined as any street, avenue, roadway, or other public place or public way.

Absentee Ballots for June Primary Some shareholders have not received the absentee ballot application that was mailed to voters under the Governor’s Executive Order. The Board of Elections is mailing New York State absentee ballot applications to every registered, eligible voter so they can apply to vote by Absentee Ballot for the June 23, 2020 elections. Enclosed will be a return postage paid envelope.

This was done as a safety precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of contracting the virus. Just check the box “Temporary Illness” as the reason for requesting an Absentee Ballot. The definition has been temporarily expanded to include those affected by COVID-19 and/or the potential of contracting the virus. Please note: There are eight (8) fields to complete on the application: 1. Check the box that says temporary illness or physical disability 2. You do not have to fill in anything 3. Your name as it appears on the Board of Elections 4. Your birth date, month and year

5. Mailing address 6. Check the box that says “Mail ballot to me” 7. You do not have to fill in anything 8. Sign and date ** Please complete the absentee ballot application, the last day to mail in the request for the absentee ballot application is June 16, 2020. Please do so immediately, and your absentee ballots will arrive during the period of June 13-21, 2020. You may also complete the application online at www.vote.nyc.

The deadline to postmark the absentee ballot is June 22, 2020.

Census Last but not least, Co-op City has the highest number of returns for the Census report but a little over 50%

is not good enough; additionally as many of us who live here, we also have friends who live in New York.

The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. Tell a neighbor, tell a friend. Online visit my2020census.gov to fill out questionnaire or learn more.

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475; Tel. at 718-320-1370, or e-mail at lpeterson@ riverbayboard.com.

21

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Goose Island Seniors

Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” - The Sight & Sound Theatre is refunding the money we paid for the play, “Queen Esther,” on April 23, 2020. I don’t have everyone’s address or phone number who paid so I will need you to call me at (347) 847-1941 to make arrangements to deliver what you paid either by mail or delivery. If there is no answer, please leave your name and phone number and I will return your call. You may also text me your name, address and phone number.

Because of the Coronavirus, the Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. is still closed. We will reopen when we are totally convinced it is safe to do so. There are no activities, trips, Bingo, Pokeno, Karaoke, Mahjong, etc. To contact me, do not call the office, you may text or call me at home. My cell phone number is: (347) 847-1941. Our e-mail address is goose.island@optonline.net.

Cruise to Bahamas - July 27th was cancelled. Full refund was provided. For more information, please call Yonna at (646) 579-1701 or Stephen at (347) 847-1941.

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, Faye Breitbart, Cecil Kornreich, Ray Betancourt, Joan (Jackie) Ross, Sheila Mathis and Julia Rivera.

Sick and Shut-In - Mary Pilla is doing fine. She is at the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center; phone number: 914-534-5474. Our condolences to Ione Foote who lost her brother. May God comfort the family.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, room 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center; phone number: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed.

You may call Stephen cell: 347-847-1941.

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered.

Let’s pray this will end soon. On behalf of my officers and me, try to stay safe.

Good health to all.

–Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Continue to read this article for up-to-date information on our opening, changes in schedules and what will be done to continue the plans and activities of the Retirees of Dreiser Loop. As mentioned, our days are getting better and we will be together soon and very soon.

You are reminded to send praises at 7:00 p.m. each evening to our front-line personnel: in the hospitals, food vendors, maintenance crew and banking personnel. Please let them know that they are thought of warmly and wished brighter days. With prayers, we will survive.

Heartfelt Condolence to Dolores Shivers & Michael Olivas on the loss of their son-in-law, Henry Benvenutoi, and to Anthony Cox on the loss of his son, Anthony. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Our monthly membership meeting scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month is cancelled until further notice.

Travel Events: Cancelled • July 1 – July 3 (Wed.-Fri.) Dover Downs Casino.

Contact: Serita Grayson, 347 564-5722/Barbara Williams 718-320-0500.

Theatre Committee: Cancelled • Sept. 10 (Thurs.) ,“9 to 5,” Westchester Broadway Theater. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

Reminder: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, send us a note — Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475; Attention: Delores Debnam. Also include an email address. Looking to the future, we are planning to keep in touch before and/or after our monthly meeting.

ATTENTION! The Retirees need experienced part-time, freelance drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorsement with at least three years’ experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs.

Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

–Delores Debnam

CARRYING CHARGE BOXES For shareholders’ convenience, carrying charge boxes located in each of the Bartow, Dreiser and Einstein Centers remain open throughout the month for shareholders to deposit their maintenance payments.

Scheduling Activities Calendar All activities have been canceled until further notice due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis.

Please follow all the recommended, necessary protective measures to help prevent the spread of this virus.

All NYPL locations will be closed until further notice. During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please make sure to check out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

DJ Woody – June 16, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98223769719?pwd=Q0hXcGZ5L 3RUSW5XenpZdmY0RHZvUT09 Meeting ID: 982 2376 9719 Password: 066078 One tap mobile 929.205.6099 Jazzmobile concerts – June 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92291435376 Meeting ID: 922 9143 5376 One tap mobile 929.205.6099 Tai Chi classes – Every Wed., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5 d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09 Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198 Password: 455576 One tap mobile 929.205.6099

Bartow Center: (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center: (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center: (718) 671-5161 For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corp.

Pay your carrying charges online with ZEGO (Powered by PayLease)

Want to pay your carrying charges in a quick, secure and hassle free way? Just sign up with “Zego” (Powered by PayLease). Creating an online account is free and simple. Go to www.Riverbaycorp.com and click on the “PayLease” button located towards the bottom of the page. Click on “CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT” button and follow the instructions for setting up a “Zego” (Powered by PayLease) account.

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

• Payments will be received in one business day.

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

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

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

• Secure and easy payment system.

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

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

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

22

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you with love, grace, and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We extend a warm welcome and invitation to join our Sunday worship service, 11:00 a.m., which can be viewed on YouTube. Type in Kenneth Hodge and our Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m., via telephone conference line by calling 1646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please MUTE your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, May 30, worship service theme: “In Times Like This; Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?”

Scripture: Genesis 18:14” Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time, I will return to you, according to the time of life. Amen.

(Matt. 19:26; Matt.6:33; Rom. 8:31; 2Chr. 7:13-14) Precious Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we humbly come before your throne of grace this day acknowledging you, praising you and thanking for your faithfulness. Help us to draw near to you, to live according to

your perfect will, to find our hope in Jesus, to pray fervently and to seek your mercy for all. Encourage us through the world crisis and our difficulties and give us strength and courage to overcome any temptations from the evil one and to keep our heart and mind focused on you Lord. We pray for your mercy, grace, and peace to guard our hearts, healing of our mind and souls in Jesus holy name. Amen.

Announcement: Sight & Sound’s “Queen Esther” trip scheduled Thursday, May 7, 2020 has been cancelled. Payments will be refunded once all paperwork is received. In the meantime, those who made payments, please provide your name, address, phone number to: cnvsm115@gmail.com or call 718-671-3748 or 917587-5057. The Niagara Falls, Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 has not been cancelled. Remember we will follow the NY Governor and Canada travel directions.

Be well and stay safe! Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10.

Mailing Address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

–Brenda Brown

Community Protestant Church

COVID-19 testing at Community Protestant Church Community Protestant Church, in partnership with Governor Cuomo and Northwell Health, will provide free Covid-19 Antibody Testing at the church. Date: June 8 – June 12. Time: 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. Testing by appointment only. For appointment, please call (833) 422-7369. Testing Site: Community Protestant Church, 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469; Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, pastor.

Please use the Gunther Avenue entrance.

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

Church Schedule Sunday school is now in session via conference call at the above number every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

Sunday Worship Service Begins at 11:00 a.m. via Conference Call. Everyone is invited to call in and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Pentecostal Tabernacle invites you to Worship Service every Sunday morning starting at 11 a.m. Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Evangelistic service every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

All services will be held online. Please feel free to call 701-802-5395, Access Code, 3332632 to join the meeting.

Focus: Love and Duty: Rachel and Leah And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 10;12 (Genesis 29: 16-26) And Laban had two daughters the name of the elder Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

And Laban said, it is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man; abide with me.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had for her. And Jacob said unto Laban, give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her, And Laban gathered together all the

men of the place and made a feast. And it came pass in the evening that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him, and he went in unto her.

And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for a handmaid.

And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah; and he said to Laban, what is this that thou hast done unto me? Did not I serve thee for Rachel?

Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

And Laban said it must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.

Rachel represents marriage of love and Leah represents marriage of duty Certainly, there was a contrast and conflicts in Jacob’s marriage, the marriage with Leah had been arranged through deception; the one with Rachel materialized through love. Rachel was deeply loved by Jacob and there was a desperate longing in his heart to take her for his wife. Therefore, he was willing to serve his uncle for seven years to get Rachel.

However, after Jacob served for seven years Labon did not fulfill his promise.

This led Jacob to question Labon by asking what is this that thou hast done unto me? Did not I serve thee for Rachel?

Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

(Genesis 29:25) When Jacob requested an answer, he was given a lame excuse that it was the custom of the land.

Leah was not loved by Jacob, but she was determining to fulfill her duty. You can reach us at 718-324-0334 or 646345-6707.

–Rev. R. Sibblies

you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at noon. You are cordially invited to call in for noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Please join us via the Conference Call number above.

In his encouraging sermon last Sunday, entitled “After The Storm,” Pastor Owens cited Matthew 7:24-27 and Psalm 46:1. He stated that the Spiritual Storms in our lives wreak havoc, hopelessness, destroy family ties and relationships, and often lead to a state of confusion, not knowing where to turn. We become victims of the spiritual storms when we refuse to take refuge in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can see us safely through these storms where we can find peace of mind, joy and contentment. Jesus will give you the strength to overcome the storms of life; he will uphold you with his mighty power.

Pastor Owens asked us to meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 3:2-6; Psalm 5: 11-12; Psalm 7:10; and Psalm 9:9-10.

Our prayers go out for peace and justice in this time of racial tension and protests all over our city and country. 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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Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

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PAINTING

Shareholders are reminded they should not divulge personal identification or banking information to anyone they do not know. Scammers use technology to make their phone calls appear as though they are coming from legitimate government agencies, utilities and places of business including Riverbay Corporation and the 45th Precinct. Please do not respond or give your personal information. Hang up and use the phone number or email you have on file for your personal banking institutions or other contacts to verify whether the call was legitimate or not. As we’ve reported previously, most reputable businesses will not contact you by phone to request information, pressure you into making on-thespot decisions or to inform you about service changes. Remember, be smart, be safe. Hang up and contact the authorities!

ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER 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:

7/25

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

Phone Scams – Personal & banking information

8/22

GROCERY DELIVERY

Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; 6/27

6/13

MetroCard Bus/MTA Info The MetroCard bus will not be running until further notice. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

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• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

CO-OP SALES BLINDS! Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

www.co-opsales.info DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

6/27

Closed • MTA Customer Service Center in Lower Manhattan • MTA Metro-North Customer Service Center in Grand Central Terminal.

• MTA lost and found offices • MTA MetroCard Mobile Sales Bus and Vans

Open • The Station Master's Office at Grand Central Terminal • The OMNY customer service center will be operating at reduced hours. Starting at 5 p.m.

Friday, March 20, the service center will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Due to the state's reduction in workforce amid the pandemic, there may be delays in response to FOIL requests.

• We’re not currently processing online applications for our Paratransit Access-a-Ride service.

Call 877-337-2017 and we’ll handle requests on a case-by-case basis.

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).

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight garages.

If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City property, please call Public Safety at 718-671-3050.

Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material.

All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter.

Thank you for your cooperation.

24

Co-op City Times / June 6, 2020

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 39 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

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

We O f f e r :

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

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes of Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Low Rates For T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Sales Manager

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

The Wright Agency

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! (near Eastchester Road)

New Hours: Mon. & Wed.: 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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

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

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

Courteous Staff!

Convenient Hours!