Co-op City Times 6/13/20

Vol. 55 No. 24

Saturday, June 13, 2020

New York Primaries on June 23 Presidential Candidates on Ballot

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

New York City is slowly recovering from the Coronavirus pandemic while also on the heels of civil unrest due to the recent protests. For some, voting in this year’s presidential primaries is more critical now than ever to bring about change.

Election Day is on June 23 for state and federal primaries with early voting beginning as early as today, June 13.

City-wide Presidential Primary: Who’s on the Ballot?

Eleven democratic candidates are on the ballot for the presidential primary election, including some who dropped out of the race, leaving Joseph Biden as the Democratic nominee for president.

Equally important this year are several city-wide primary election races which include: Representative in U.S. Congress – 16th Congressional District • Christopher Fink (D) • Andom Ghebreghiogis (D) • Jamaal Bowman • Eliot L. Engel (D) • Sammy Ravelo (D) Member of the State Assembly – 82nd Assembly District • Egidio Sementilli (D) • Michael Benedetto (D) Female State Committee – 82nd Assembly District • Anna Rodgers (D) • Marilyn Soto (D) Male State Committee – 82nd Assembly District

Sisters organize Black Lives Matter protest in Co-op City

New York City edges closer to fully reopening

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City got its first glimpse of some normalcy this week as Phase 1 of Governor Cuomo’s reopening plan went into effect.

Under Phase 1’s guidelines, manufacturing and wholesale supply stores are allowed to reopen and construction can resume. In addition, retail stores are allowed to offer curbside pick-ups, in-store pick-ups, or drop-offs.

According to the New York State government website, the types of retail stores allowed to reopen include clothing and shoes, electronics and appliances, web and mail-order, florists, jewelry, luggage and sporting goods stores. Malls, however, will remain closed.

Other services such as veterinary offices opened late last month allowing owners to stay with their pets. Subsequently, dental offices were next to be given the green light, officially reopening across the state on June 1.

The original plan was to reopen regions of the state in four phases and prioritize the industries which pose the lowest risk of infection for employees and customers.

While the framework of the plan stays intact, the exact details of what businesses get included into certain phases remains fluid as shown by the recent inclusion of outdoor dining into Phase 2 of the reopening plan.

Another key aspect of the reopening plan involved regional and state officials evaluating the data received from the reopened regions in two-week intervals to determine if a region could begin the next phase. Essentially, in order for a certain region to advance to Phase 2 the data involving its COVID-19 hospitalizations and infection density must comply with certain metrics that show a continued decline. However, it is important to note that while each region has to pass specific metrics to move on to the next phase, each phase will not necessarily always be exactly two weeks. On Wednesday, June 9, for instance, while the counties of Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier began Phase 3 of reopening, Long Island will be entering Phase 2.

(Continued on page 9)

(Continued on page 2)

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

During a time where people were home sheltering in place, fearful of COVID-19, people of color who were already losing their lives to the virus in large numbers had much more to be afraid of since the onset of the pandemic.

As times have been challenging, members of the Black community have died around the country due to excessive force used by police officers – leading to demonstrations in the name of social injustice and racism around the world, even here in Co-op City.

On Sunday, June 7, Pearl and Emerald Fletcher, sisters, and life-long residents of Co-op City, organized a Black Lives Matter protest in the area, starting in front of Truman High School. Hundreds gathered outside the school, as more joined in as the crowd marched throughout the five sections of the dePearl and Emerald Fletcher velopment.

Photo by Toriea McCauseland What inspired the two Truman alums to organize and lead a protest in their backyard? Pearl Fletcher told the Co-op City Times shortly before the rally: “One of the reasons I mainly wanted to do this in Co-op City was because Bronx New 12 showed stories on the possible looting that was supposed to happen in Co-op City and Bay Plaza.

Those stories portrayed us badly. I wanted to show that Co-op City can unite (Continued on page 9)

$1.25

Shareholders register their programming preferences through the Riverbay Fund’s Community Needs Assessment Survey

BY ROZAAN BOONE

More than 300 shareholders responded to the Riverbay Fund’s Community Needs Assessment survey indicating their preferences when it comes to programming they would like to see offered by the Riverbay Fund.

The survey was conducted from January-May 2020 to get a more representative and inclusive view of Co-op City residents’ needs and preferences as the Fund embarks on a focused strategic planning initiative for the upcoming year of programming. The survey generated approximately 302 responses from shareholders who completed and returned the survey printed in the Co-op City Times and also available online.

After the Riverbay Fund’s June 3rd meeting where the Fund officers received the results of the survey from Co-op City shareholder Nicole Fields of Level Fields Consulting – the company commissioned to conduct the survey – Riverbay Board Director Claudia Sampson, president of the Riverbay Fund, said: “What resonated with me the most were three things: (1) the preponderance of women (78%-227)

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Important voter information Shareholders, be sure to check the Absentee Ballot Application mailed to your home and verify that both your name and address are accurate on the application form. If there are discrepancies, contact the Board of Elections ASAP to correct the information. The deadline to return Absentee Ballot applications is this Tuesday, June 16, 2020. You may also visit www.vote.nyc.com, call 1866-VOTE-NYC (868-3692), or the office of a local elected official for guidance and assistance: State Assemblyman Mike Benedetto at (718) 320-2220 or (718) 892-2235; State Senator Jamaal Bailey, (718) 547-8854 or (718) 944-3220; Congressman Eliot Engel, (718) 320-2314 or (914) 699-4100, or Councilman Andy King, (718) 684-5509/11 or (212) 788-6873.

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

who responded to the survey, (2) the educational level of respondents was quite higher than most people realize which is almost equal to that of the women who completed the survey; not sure if there’s a correlation, but it’s quite telling; and (3) the fact that more than half the respondents are willing to pay annually between $10-$25 for a resident membership card. This is great since we need to find a way to recognize the unique value of our community and work to preserve it. There’s no reason we should have to drive to Orchard Beach and pay $8 to park or not be allowed to use the private beach clubs and parks in Westchester, when we have a beautiful property that we can use for recreational and outdoor activities. But we need to fund these activities and programs.”

The survey consisted of 14 questions in total, the last four of which were about demographics and optional. All answers were anonymous so shareholders were able to express their opinions in a judgement-free space.

The first question asked if respondents had attended a Riverbay Fund-sponsored event or program in the past year.

• 69% or 207 respondents said yes; 30% or 89 said no, and 1% or 3 said they did not know.

Question 2 asked those who had attended a Fundsponsored program or event in the past year to describe the type of program/event they attended.

• 73% said entertainment, such as the summer concert series, Tunes on Tuesdays and Wicked Wednesdays, and outdoor movies, etc.

• 34% said cultural events such as the annual Kwanzaa and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations • 30% said Health/Wellness program, for example, domestic violence workshops and annual Disabilities Expo • 22% said “other,” specifying, among a host of other programming, the annual July 4 fireworks show, Halloween Haunted House, Christmas Tree lighting, Talent and Gospel Shows, Section 5 Fair, Line Dance, 50th Anniversary special events like the Motown concert, evening exercise classes, senior programs, National Night Out and food bank assistance. (It was noted that 14% of Co-op City residents live at the poverty line.)

• 13% checked education, having attended the annual Co-op City Spelling Bee, College & Career Fair and CLAAY youth events) • 13% also said they attended recreation/sports programs such as basketball clinics and Double Dutch competitions.

Asked what other types of programs they would like to see more of, a majority of respondents, 65%, said health and wellness programs, followed by entertainment (61%), cultural (54%), and educational programming (52%). Among other programs shareholders stated an interest in were tap and line dance, more Jewish-oriented events and celebrations for all ages, encouraging residents to follow the rules, active participation in building associations, youth programming, Mommy and Me programs, community band, a Co-op City television programming with sitcoms, dramas, etc. written and produced mainly by shareholders, LGBTQ services and activities, pool for seniors, indoor children’s skating rink, social activities for people 50 and over, more plays and musicals, voter registration, job training, writing and ESL workshops, dog park(s), financial planning and job fairs, to name a few.

Question 5 asked for reasons why residents do not attend Riverbay Fund-sponsored events and/or programs.

Sixty-six percent (66%) said timing/time of day; 31% said the programs did not interest them; 25% said they were poorly advertised; 14% indicated the location was inconvenient for them; 14% said other reasons; 6% said the programs were of poor quality and 4% said poor treatment from staff and providers. Some of the “other” reasons written in by respondents to this question include age difference; weather; work schedules; poor audio, uncomfortable seating and the temperature of the rooms events are held in; travel expense to the location; parking; health and accessibility issues; music genre and more programs for those in the 2030 age group.

Next, the survey asked how residents usually find out about events/programs happening in Co-op City?

• 86% responded through the Co-op City Times • 79% stated from posting of flyers and notices in

(Continued from page 1)

Survey

their lobby • 35% said by word of mouth • 19% said by receipt of text/robo calls • 12% said social media • 8% said by viewing the Riverbay Crawler • 3% by direct mail • 2% said video announcement • 1% said other Responding to the follow-up question, how would shareholders like to receive information about programs in Co-op City, seventy-five percent (75%) said through the Co-op City Times; 70% said by flyers or notices in building lobbies; 40% said by text/robocall; 22% said through social media, i.e., Facebook and Twitter; 18% chose direct mail; 18% said video announcement; 17% indicated their preference would be through public access/Riverbay Crawler; 15% preferred word of mouth, and 12% selected “other,” with a majority of these shareholders noting email as their preference, some by monitors in their lobbies for public announcements and some stating the current forms of communication are fine.

Question 7 asked shareholders to list the three most important needs for their families that the Riverbay Fund could support.

Their answers: • Mental Health – 61% • Support Services such as child care, family violence, housing assistance, legal services, meals/food programs, substance abuse treatment and transportation) – 47% • Environment (safety, mobility, public spaces and accessibility) – 46% • Education – 46% • Civic engagement (voting, community boards, civic leadership) – 30% • Employment – 29% • Asset building/finances – 22% • Other – 10% (Explaining their selection, shareholders itemized a number of security issues such as better lighting, more CCPD presence, increased patrol of building stairwells and extended lobby attendant hours; more programs/activities for children, afterschool and extended summer program hours; emergency preparedness; more opportunities to network and connect with neighbors; LGBTQ programs; YMCA and sports programs; environmental such as recycling, paper shredding and a dog park; and educational advancement for adults, financial literacy and employment.

Shareholders were then asked if the Riverbay Fund created a Co-op City resident membership card that unlocked access to services and discounts at local stores, how likely would they be to sign up for such membership. Forty-eight percent (48%) said they definitely will, 20% probably will, 17% said maybe, 3% probably won’t and 2% definitely won’t.

Question 9 then asked shareholders how much they would be willing to pay annually for such a membership card to provide services and discounts such as free classes for youth and adult continued learning, discounts at stores, emergency funds for residents dealing with hardships not covered by their homeowners insurance, and 54% said $10-$25 annually, 30% said $0, 12% said $26-40, and 4% said $41-$75.

Questions 10-14 collected demographic information and were optional: • Gender – 78.82% of the survey’s respondents were female while only 17.36% were males and 3.8% did not disclose gender.

• Race – 70% of the survey’s respondents are black/African American, 12% white/Caucasian, 12% Hispanic or Latino, 5% another race, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0% Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander, and 0% Asian/Asian American.

• Ethnicity – 69% of respondents are not Hispanic, Latinx or of Spanish origin, while 31% are of Hispanic, Latinx or Spanish origins • Member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBTQ-IA) community – 92.11% responded no, 2.51% yes, and 5.38% preferred not to say.

The survey’s final question asked about education level – 2 or 4 year college grad, 36.08%; masters/professional degree/PhD, 31.62%; some post-secondary education, 15.46%; High School grad/Equivalency Diploma, 8.25%; graduate or other post-secondary program, 7.22%, Grades 9-12, 1.37% and

Primaries

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• Victor R. Ortiz (D) • Thomas P. Messina (D) Residents who vote in person should practice social distancing and wear a face mask while casting their responses in state and federal elections. This year due to COVID-19, all New York City citizens are encouraged to stay home and consider filling out an absentee ballot especially if they cannot get to a polling location on Election Day. According to the Board of Elections, because of 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.”

All completed Primary absentee ballot applications must be submitted by June 16.

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. 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.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23. If cooperators are new to the community or are not sure of their polling place near their building, they can log on to https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search and plug your building address into the poll site location, or you can call the Bronx office of New York City Board of Elections at 718-299-9017.

Grades 0-8, 0%.

With the results of the Community Needs Assessment Survey now in hand, Director Sampson said: “As for next steps, the Riverbay Fund is reimagining its mission statement and redirecting our efforts and resources in this new environment to bring to fruition the change needed to ensure that we not only listen to but also implement the activities and programs that our shareholders value most while also looking for new opportunities for partnerships to help support our new vision.”

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.

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C

4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY EAST

www.footanklerestore.com

(718) 671-2233

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

1199, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others.

HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Black Lives Matter Protests held in Co-op City

Above: (L-R) Board Directors Cheryl Jenkins and Bernard Cylich with organizers Emerald and Pearl Fletcher and Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison at Truman High School last Sunday for the protest march.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland, Mary Pearson, Richard Harris and Francine Jones.

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

NYC at a glance this week

BY BRANDON ORTIZ The following are a few headline that made the news this week.

Small outdoor graduation ceremonies will be allowed This week, Governor Cuomo announced that graduation ceremonies of up to 150 people will be allowed starting on June 26. The date is subject to change should any outbreaks or significant changes to the metrics occur.

BLM protestors should consider getting tested for COVID-19 During his daily coronavirus briefing on June 8, Governor Cuomo urged those participating in the Black Lives Matter protests in New York City to consider getting tested for COVID-19. “I would act as if you were exposed, and I would tell people you are interacting with, assume I am positive for the virus,” Cuomo said.

He also referenced the reported increased spikes in COVID-19 outbreaks in California, Florida and Texas as a warning. Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is currently free and is provided by the city. To find a testing site near you, visit: www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page.

Families of frontline responders who died fighting COVID-19 will receive LODD benefits On Memorial Day, Governor Cuomo announced that the families of New York City’s public workers who died fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will receive LODD (line of duty death) benefits.

This new development entitles the families of frontline responders to government funded death benefits. According to Governor Cuomo, the money used will be funded by local or state pensions. Police officers, EMTs, Firefighters, Transit workers as well as doctors and nurses were outlined as frontline responders in Cuomo’s presentation.

“I feel a grave responsibility to our frontline workers, our essential workers who understood the dangers of this COVID virus, but went to work anyway, because we needed them to,” said Cuomo.

He went on to say, “Today, we’re saying we honor that service, and we’re going to make sure that every government in the state of New York provides death benefits to those public heroes who died from COVID-19 during this emergency.”

Cuomo’s actions come on the heels of a bill that was passed in the US Senate on May 14 called The Safeguarding America’s First Responders (SAFR) Act, which would effectively establish a temporary legal presumption that COVID-19 is a work-related injury, thereby ensuring that families of first responders who died from the disease will receive line-of-duty death benefits through the Public Safety Officers Benefits Program. Additionally, the bill would also allow first responders

who become permanently disabled due to COVID-19 to receive disability benefits through the program. Currently, the bill is awaiting approval from the House of Representatives and subsequently the President’s signature to sign it into law.

Equally important to note, during his press conference Governor Cuomo called on the federal government to also offer hazard pay for frontline workers who have showed up during the pandemic.

WHO updates mask wearing guidelines The World Health Organization (WHO) released an update to the mask wearing guidelines they announced back in April.

What still applies?

• If you are sick but must still go out, you should wear a mask.

• Home caregivers should wear a mask to protect themselves and prevent further transmission.

• Healthcare workers should wear medical masks and use other protective equipment when dealing with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

What is new?

• For areas with widespread transmission, WHO recommends medical masks for all people working in clinical areas of a health facility, meaning not only workers dealing with patients with COVID-19. For example, should a doctor be doing a round in a ward where there are no confirmed COVID-19 patients, s/he should still wear a medical mask.

• In areas with community transmission (areas where there is no clear source of the origin of a COVID-19 infection into a new community), WHO now advises that members of the general public aged 60 and older and those with underlying conditions should wear a medical mask in situations where social distancing is not possible.

• The general public should wear non-medical (non FDA regulated) masks when physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transport, in stores or any other confined or crowded environments.

• WHO has also released new guidance on making effective cloth masks. The new recommendation says that cloth masks should consist of at least three layers of different materials. First, an inner layer being an absorbent material like cotton, second, a middle layer of non-woven materials such as polypropylene (used for the filter) and lastly an outer layer, which can be a non-absorbent material such as a polyester or a polyester blend. This recommendation comes as a result of new data suggesting that the fabric combo, “can actually provide a mechanistic barrier that if someone were infected with COVID-19, you can prevent those droplets from going through and infecting someone,” WHO Technical Lead, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, said during a WHO media briefing on June 5.

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Our Warrior - Kristina L. Mendez

Black Lives Prayer Vigil

Your dedication has paid off and you are an official graduate. Hope you are proud of all your accomplishments, National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. You have always strived to be the best and help people find the best in themselves.

Although, this might not have been the ending you expected, believe us, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be conquered and we can’t wait to see your journey!

Congratulations!

–Love, Mom, Dad & Kaitlyn

WE ARE OPEN! BECAUSE YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST!

Under the Direction of

Dr. Gary Fishman and Dr. Simon Wu

N EYE EMERGENCIES! Get seen and treated by an Ophthalmologist same day, without the long wait of an ER!

Pastor Deborah Jenkins of Faith @ Work Christian Church led a prayer vigil for all murdered Black men and women on Sunday, June 7, on the Section 1 greenway stage. Pastor Anthony Davis from Harvest Restoration Ministries and Pastor Sam Colon of Circle of Christ Church also joined Dr. Jenkins in the prayer vigil to protect all people of color from racism and social injustice.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Co-op City Inspiration

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR: N Cataracts N Glaucoma N Dry Eyes N Diabetic Eye Disease

MULTIFOCAL AND ASTIGMATISM CATARACT LENSES

LASER CATARACT SURGERY

COMPLETE EYE EXAM N

The Latest Technology for Diagnosis and Treatment for Adults and Children.

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Get a Second Opinion Of Your Eye Condition.

ALL INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Including UNITED, HEALTHFIRST,

MEDICARE, MEDICAID

CONVENIENT HOURS: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Same Day Appointments Available! Hablamos Español.

2100 Bartow Ave, Suite 216C, Bronx NY 10475

www.visionny.net God’s beauty will always reign supreme no matter what we must endure.

– Photo and quote by John Hunter

7 1 8 - 8 6 2 - EYES ( 3 9 3 7 )

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 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,

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.

Co-op City Claps Because We Care

At 7 p.m., New Yorkers around the city, including Co-op City, are clapping because they care. “Clap Because We Care” is an initiative started to boost morale and applaud essential workers on the frontlines of COVID-19, who put their lives on the line every day to help others.

Last week, residents of Co-op City came out in large numbers to support “Clap Because We Care.” Whether on their terraces in the buildings, on their townhouse balconies, or stepped out in the front of their homes to clap, blow horns, whistles and shake noisemakers, cheering for hospital workers, first responders and essential employees working during the COVID19 pandemic.

Residents can join in the applause, every night at 7 p.m., in Co-op City.

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.

Please Note: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Monday by 5 p.m.

Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

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

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

CCPD alerts residents of potential scams arriving via US Postal Service The Co-op City Department of Public Safety receives updates from various agencies regarding trends in scams. Scam artists are a very clever group of people. They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims. Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim.

The deadline to file taxes has been extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Some people may have already filed their taxes and are anxiously awaiting their tax refund check. Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers useful precautions residents should take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Unscrupulous criminals have even found a way to use Americans’ eagerness to receive their tax refund as a means to attempt identity theft. The following information will help you to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft in all situations.

When you receive a new credit card, call the number on the sticker as soon as possible. Never give any information out to anybody contacting you and requesting it. Call the number on the back of your credit card if you have an issue with a credit card that you have already activated. The same precaution applies to emails that appear to come from your bank. Sometimes the address can be off by one letter and direct you to a fake website hosted by scammers. Scammers are hoping you have just received a new card and are eager to activate it. By being alert, you can avoid being a victim of this scam.

Never give anyone personal information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, date of birth or Social Security number. Never wire money or send a Green Dot card to anyone you do not know or have only met through a dating website. Never send money for plane tickets, bail money, medicine for a sick family member or any other reason to anyone you do not know well. Be leery also of fake websites offering to give you something for nothing. Always be sure to enter a website address directly into your website; never click on a link from an email. Sometimes one letter off can take you to a fake website.

Some people may read about these scams and wonder how anyone could possibly fall for them. Scam artists are very persistent; they blanket a large number of potential victims until they find their prey. The internet has made it extremely easy for scam artists to target millions of potential victims with a single touch of a button. Telephone or regular mail scam artists work a little harder but do eventually find their victim. Bold scammers have even been known to approach their potential victim in person at their door or in a public place.

Another scam I heard about and then actually received myself is a PayPal scheme. The email states that you are almost finished completing your registration for Pay Pal. The email looks legitimate and it asks you to enter your Pay Pal userBY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Report

Public Safety Blotter May 31, 2020 – June 06, 2020 June 01, 2020 – 620 Baychester Avenue A male was found sleeping in a staircase. When questioned, the male was determined to be homeless and had no ID. He was taken into custody. The male was identified through a previous encounter and was issued a summons and released.

100 Erskine Place CCPD officers checking the building found two males smoking marijuana in a staircase. They were issued Criminal Court Summonses and released.

33B Debs Place Report of individuals attempting to break in to a townhouse. Three suspects were observed fleeing from the location. After a foot pursuit, officers apprehended one suspect and found him in possession of a loaded gun. He was arrested and processed.

June 03, 2020 – 2099 Bartow Avenue Eight individuals were observed entering the garage and one of them damaged Riverbay property. Since one of the eight is a resident, he was determined responsible for the behavior of his guests and was issued eight Community Complaints.

name and password. It then prompts you to enter your bank account number. When you call the customer service number, it tells you to mail a Green Dot card to an address. A friend of mine did not realize there was a problem until that point.

When I received the same email, I investigated the email right away as I was not trying to set up a PayPal account. Upon scrutiny, the email came from an email address at e.paypal.com, very close to the actual email address. In any case, when you are doing business with a company known to be legitimate, enter the website into your browser yourself, do not use search engine results or click on a link from an email. PayPal is a legitimate company which offers an extra level of protection for online payments but a scammer pretending to be PayPal can be a real threat to your financial identity.

One of my avid readers brought to my attention a scam that she was able to avoid. My reader received a call that her grandson was involved in a motor vehicle and needed money. My savvy reader immediately called her son to see if this was legitimate. It was not legitimate. Scammers will sometimes pick up on a series of telephone numbers in which a large group of older persons reside and send out multiple calls until they catch a victim. There are a variety of different scenarios used in this type of scam stating that family member is in danger unless they wire money to specified person. In most cases, the scammer does not even know who the victim or their family members are. Wiring money to someone you do not know is almost never a good idea. If something seems out of order, notify authorities.

Another type of scam is a “sweepstakes” based scam. In this case, the victim receives a real looking check. New technology makes it possible for this forged check to appear realistic. The quality of the forged check is so realistic that it can even fool banks or check cashing establishments. The problem comes in when the bank attempts to retrieve the funds associated with the check and finds that there are none. By this time, the victim may have already wired money to another state or country attempting to receive an even larger sum of money. Unfortunately, the victim may be responsible for the funds received from the fraudulent check.

Remember, a legitimate contest or sweepstakes will never make you pay money to receive your prize.

Another scam involves a person claiming to be from a government agency claiming to have unclaimed funds belonging to the intended victim. For a fee, the “government employee” can help you obtain these funds. While there are legitimate means of obtaining unclaimed funds, the government does not send employees out to solicit the owners of these fees. If you believe that you are entitled to unclaimed fees, seek out the New York State Attorney General’s office and find out how to proceed. Never pay anyone to help you to obtain these funds. The appropriate agency will provide assistance in this matter free of charge.

The mere mention of fraud somehow makes potential victims more likely to believe the scam artist. It is not impossible that a bank could call you in the event of fraud but a legitimate bank employee would not ask you for your account number, Personal Identification Number or other personal data. If you receive a request like this, call your financial institution using a telephone number that you are sure belongs to your bank or inquire in person. Banks and other financial institutions are happy if their customers do not readily give out their banking information.

In order to protect yourself from these and other scams, realize that legitimate persons will never ask you for upfront fees to obtain a loan or receive a prize. Be leery of a lender who is not concerned with your credit history. Hang up on any caller making a loan offer. Check a lender’s legitimacy with the New York State Department of Banking or the Better Business Bureau. There are reputable lenders that can help you to consolidate your debt in order to make payments more manageable.

Those of you wishing to make donations to a worthy cause, make sure that the agency to which you donate is legitimate. In the past, scammers posing as charities (Continued on page 27)

8

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Protest for Justice. Vote for Justice

connotes that the victim did not die in vain but rather the death should serve as an inspiration to all to continue to strive for equality and justice. It was coined in 2000 and later became attached to the death of rapSecretary per Tupac Shakur, the murder of Trayvon Martin (2012), the killing of Michael Brown (2014), and now Last Monday, New York City reopened. Partially. George Floyd.

We were able to partially reopen because we brought From Google: “Rest in power” has been used by our Covid hospitalizations, deaths, and rate of trans- the African American and LGBTQ communities to mission numbers way down. We slowed the virus mean that the struggle is not over; the deceased can spread, and kept ourselves safe just by sitting on the rest, but [the death] gives power to others.

These slogans, born from racism, vigilantism, and couch. But a day before the City officially entered Phase 1 of the reopening, many of us got off our police brutality barely get time to rest in America.

But one resurrected mood-changing chant made couches to keep others safe.

I don’t know if there’s been an official tally, but in me smile ear to ear under my Covid mask. Young peothe three minutes or so of video I took of Sunday’s ple — whose parents, in 1968, weren’t even born yet demonstration for justice, I counted about 200 (mostly) — were chanting James Brown’s “Say it loud. I’m mask-wearing and sign carrying people of all ages Black and I’m proud.” marching and chanting through Section 5.

Vote Most of the chants were heart sickening repetitions Justice and equality can also be fought for at the from earlier days. But one chant encapsulated 401 ballot box. There’s a fight on to allow vote-by-mail earlier years of unequal justice and unspeakable bru- nationally this November, but for this June Demotality. The chant, the theme, the reason for this march cratic primary, we have absentee voting (which is — and literally thousands of past marches — was: already in progress) early voting (that starts today, “Black Lives Matter.”

June 13) or Election Day voting (June 23 from 6 a.m.

Several other call and response phrases were shouted to 9 p.m.). Your choice.

Sunday. “No justice. No peace,” can be traced back You can early vote any day through June 21 at Truto what was referred to at the time as the Howard man High School — enter through back door #21. The Beach incident. A pack of white young and not so hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 young men chased a 23 year-old black man to his p.m.; Monday and Friday, 7 to 3; Tuesday and Wednesdeath. In that case, twelve arrests led to nine convic- day, noon to 8, and Thursday from 10 to 6. tions, but then, none of them was a cop.

Every New Yorker was sent an absentee ballot appli“I can’t breathe,” said Eric Garner, 11 times before cation in the mail – Democrat, Republican, Indedying at the hands of police. Five years passed before pendent, or unaffiliated – if they wanted one or not. If the one inflicting that banned chokehold on his vic- you wanted to avoid in-person voting, you’ve already tim stopped collecting a NYC paycheck. mailed back your completed application and have “Hands up. Don’t shoot.” One year later, the local probably received your actual ballot by now. If you police union declared Michael Brown’s killer an “inno- haven’t received your ballot, you could check on its cent, but persecuted, officer” and proclaimed August status by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692).

9, 2015, “Darren Wilson Day.” But be patient. When I called to check on my ballot There’s another recurring slogan: “Rest in Power.” it took about 45 minutes to find out it had been mailed I used the term in my article last week, unintention- to me on May 26. ally confusing some people unfamiliar with the phrase.

I called again to ask a question. When do they count “Rest in power” is used when a life is taken unjustly the absentee ballots? I was told, everything that arrives – and usually – by police or vigilantes. “Rest in Power” by election day gets counted on election day and the

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

WE ARE OPEN!

stragglers get counted as they come in up to seven days later. I was #61 in line and the wait was about an hour.

I called again after I received my ballot. This time I had a question about the ballot envelope itself. By the way, when your ballot arrives, save all its parts. It contains a yard-long ballot, an instruction sheet and two envelopes. One envelope is labeled Official Absentee Ballot with more instructions and your personal details. Warning: couples and families with voting age kids, keep your envelopes straight, they’re personalized.

Neither the enclosed instruction sheet nor the ballot envelope tell you what to do with the box that looks like it should be labeled Don’t write in this box. Official business only. Do you fill it in or leave it blank?

So that’s why I called the DOE again. What to do with the box? It was about 4:00 p.m. and there were 81 callers before me. At 5 p.m. the voice said, “There are 20 callers ahead of you.”

Warning: the BOE works till 5 p.m. After 5 p.m.?

Hang up!

So I called back the next day. There were 89 callers ahead of me. Two hours and five minutes later, worker Walter confirmed that the box on the ballot envelope is indeed for official use only. If you fill it in, it will not invalidate your vote, but you don’t have to bother.

To recap: Mark your choices, slip the ballot into the first envelope, sign and date the back, and slip that envelope into the SASE. If it’s postmarked by June 23, it will be counted.

I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.

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.

Sisters

Reopening

9

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

and come together for change in the name of the Black Lives Matter movement.”

As for Phase 2, the businesses currently included in the guidelines represent Additionally, the protest in Co-op City was organized and peaceful, a far cona good portion of the local economy for many regions. Under Phase 2, the places trast from the violent protests and looting that took place around the Bronx and allowed to reopen are: offices, outdoor dining, places of worship (limited to throughout the city earlier last week. only a 25 percent capacity), storefront retailers, businesses in the professional The Fletchers led the large crowd of protesters with call and response chants services, finance and insurance, administrative support, real-estate and rentallike “Black Lives Matter,” “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,” “Hands up, don’t leasing industries, salons, barber shops and car dealerships. Notably, each busishoot,” to name a few. Protesters of all ages held signs and wore shirts with the ness will have to comply with the mandate that buildings exceed no more than names and faces of recent victims, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, a 50% capacity which will mean restaurants, stores and offices alike will have and George Floyd – whose murder by Minneapolis police officers sparked an to redesign the workplace to incorporate the six-feet apart rule. onset of protests throughout the country.

Phase 3 revolves around getting the hospitality industry back up and running On May 25, George Floyd was pinned down by police officers, and, accordby allowing all restaurants and food services to have dine-in options available, ing to the New York Times, one officer held his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight as well as fully reopening hotels. Hotels were already deemed essential busiminutes and 46 seconds. Mr. Floyd lost consciousness and, ultimately, his life nesses and allowed to accommodate overnight guests but this newer lift on during the ordeal. Videos of the event taken by onlookers went viral, setting off restrictions allows for the services many hotels offer such as spas, gyms, restaunationwide outrage, fueling anger and worldwide protests to seek justice and rants and bars to reopen as well. equality for Black lives.

Phase 4 will allow the arts, entertainment, recreation and schools to reopen.

Emerald Fletcher spoke about her views on the protests taking place throughSome of the businesses included in the last phase are movie theaters, museums out New York City and beyond. She said; “The protests are a mass wake-up call and amusement parks. Currently, there are no regions in New York in Phase 4. for many people who didn’t know racism was still going on in this world; it has June 22 is the soft date as of right now for when New York City eyes beginbeen for many years and continues. I feel like everybody can come together to ning Phase 2. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters on Tuesday that make their voices heard and do it peacefully. We should all be heard.”

New Yorkers should temper expectations. “If we’re ready on June 22, that’s The two women led the crowd section by section last Sunday afternoon to bring beautiful, but I don’t want people to have undue expectations,” de Blasio said. change to the current state of inequality that continues to plague the country. When “We are trying to do something so difficult in these next few weeks.” asked what she’s trying to accomplish in Co-op City, Pearl responded, “I want to Regardless of when Phase 2 reaches New York City, the reality still remains show that we, the Co-op City community, can peacefully protest, and we can use that social distancing, mask wearing and testing will continue to be facets of our voices for good. everyday life for the foreseeable future. Equally important is a reminder that “Our voice is our strongest weapon to push for change, and hopefully, it opens reopening is contingent only on a continued decline in COVID-19 hospitalizaup the eyes of the young and the old,” she continued. “There’s a revolution going tions and infection rates and could be halted at any time should an outbreak be on and it’s going to bring the change that our ancestors have been forever fightreported. ing for.”

(Continued from page 1)

(Continued from page 1)

Please continue to maintain social distancing. We are not in the clear yet.

We’re all in this together.

OPEN LETTER TO THE CO-OP CITY COMMUNITY MARC A. GOODMAN ACCREDITED TAX ADVISOR AND ENROLLED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS SERVING SECTION 5, CO-OP CITY AND THE BRONX SINCE 1972

DURING THESE TRYING TIMES, THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IS MOST IMPORTANT. AS DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY. I DO NOT FEEL THAT IT IS WORTH THE RISK TO MY CLIENTS AND MY STAFF TO POTENTIALLY HAVE SOMEONE EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO FILE THEIR TAXES. TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO STAY AT HOME, I AM CONTINUING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY REMOTELY. I AM ACCEPTING TAX INFORMATION FROM CLIENTS BY FAX, EMAIL AND BY MAIL. TAX INFORMATION CAN BE 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

10

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Black Lives Matter/The beauty of our community Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Dear shareholders, In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, there have been many continuous protest marches all across the country. NYC and Co-op City have not been excluded. I joined with Pastor Sanchez and the parishioners of the Evangelical Church of Co-op City United Methodist Church on Saturday and the Black Lives Matter group on Sunday. Due to a physical condition, I was unable to walk very far, but I wanted to be a part of these meaningful memorials and protests for change. They were both peaceful and orderly. Regrettably, I was unable to attend the Prayer Vigil on Sunday evening with Faith at Work Christian Church, Harvest Restoration Ministries and Circle of Christ Church.

There have been many ceremonies for George Floyd and I watched one of them last week. At its conclusion, the Rev. Al Sharpton asked everyone to stand in silence for eight minutes and forty-six seconds (8:46) to demonstrate the length of time that the cop’s knee was on Mr. Floyd’s neck as he lost his life, struggling to utter, “I can’t breathe.”

Being an activist since my teenage years, I could not sit by and do nothing. So, I wrote to six of my elected representatives, including Councilman Andy King, Sen. Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Congressman Eliot Engel, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, to ask what they intend to do to create legislation that would change the manner in which Black and Brown people are governed, having been killed by police for decades.

It is their job to make changes in the law for the benefit their constituents. They should: • Ban chokeholds and excessive force by police; • Have independent investigations of police abuse; • Disclose the record of the police officer being investigated; • Assure education equality; • Create an anti-poverty agenda; • Develop a national affordable housing plan.

Thus far, I have received a response from two of them who reported that legislation is being drafted now.

Remember, wickedness will prevail when GOOD PEOPLE SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING.

Voting The Presidential Primary election takes place on June 23, 2020. Every New York registered voter should have received the NY State Absentee Ballot Application. It is very easy to complete and return. At item number 1, you merely need to check the box stating, “temporary illness or physical disability (including affected/potential COVID19).” Then, at item number 8, you simply sign your name and insert the date.

Finally, you should mail the form in the envelope provided. The Absentee Ballot Application must be postmarked on or before June 16, 2020. Thereafter, you will receive the ballot which will enable you to vote by mail in the Presidential Primary election. Voting by mail will allow you to avoid long lines, social distancing and will keep you safe. Don’t delay, act today!

It is suggested that you apply for this application as soon as possible in the event there is a problem. A cooperator informed me that she had not received an application and asked me to obtain it for her. I called 311 and when connected to the proper person, it was discovered that the Board of Elections had an incorrect address on file for her. The agent made the correction and said that he would mail the form that same day.

COVID-19 NY State Governor Cuomo announced the reopening of NYC on June 8, 2020 after a three-month lockdown. NYC is in Phase I of the reopening and the governor said that we must be smart in order to avoid a spike in coronavirus cases. That means we must continue wearing a mask, gloves, wash our hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing of at least six feet. The Governor also stated that everyone can be tested and he would especially like to see the protest marchers tested, since many of them did not practice social distancing that has gotten us this far to recovery.

There are two COVID-19 testing facilities nearby.

Statcare Urgent & Walkin Medical Care, 2063A Bartow Avenue (Bartow Mall near Amalgamated Bank). It is open seven days a week. Call to obtain testing hours: (516) 331-0596. There is also a drive-through testing site in Bay Plaza Shopping Center, 2100

COVID-19 FREE TESTING

Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test.

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

347-947-4455 Coronavirus Tax Update 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.

Bartow Avenue. Call for an appointment: (888) 3643065.

Unfortunately, I still see used masks and gloves on the ground, on the grass and on the floor in the buildings. If you witness this happening, gently inform the culprit that we, cooperators, want to keep Co-op City clean and litter free. There are trash cans all around the community. Besides making our community unattractive, these items might be germ infested. The staff of essential workers work very hard making and maintaining the community as beautiful as it is and we do not want it littered with unsightly debris.

The beauty of our community Summer is only one week away and we have already had many beautiful sunny days. The Co-op City grounds look fabulous with its display of many colorful flower arrangements. Co-op City residents are comfortable in their apartments because the Power Plant staff has turned on the air conditioning in record time. All cooperators should have checked their convectors by now to make sure that they are clean and functioning as they should to avoid back-ups and flooding. The cleaning instructions can be found on the Co-op City website: www.coopcitynyc.com/Shareholders/Resources, Co-op City Times, and the Crawler, channel 591 and MATV 12.

Riverbay Fund Claudia Sampson, president of the Riverbay Fund, Michelle Sajous, director of the Riverbay Community Relations department, and her assistant, Leandra Peters, have received the approval of the Riverbay Fund Board to present an exciting event for the graduating class of 2020. Also this year, we cannot have the annual 4th of July fireworks, but there will be another entertaining event for the community’s enjoyment. Stay tuned!

I can be reached at fjones@riverbayboard.com.

11

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Donizetti Building Four Association

Greetings, Building 4 Association members and the entire Co-op City community.

We have gone through very tumultuous times.

First, we experienced a worldwide pandemic through which we suffered the deaths of many close friends and loved ones.

Above: (l to r) Gay Brown, Diane Windley and Yvonne Burrus distributing masks to cooperators given to the association by Riverbay.

Below: Building 4 also gave well-deserved recognition to graduates and first responders.

But we have survived! Then we witnessed the untimely death of George Floyd at the hands of an overzealous Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer.

His actions resulted in protests erupting all around the world, a s well as a siege of individual attempting to disrupt and cause property damage to our community.

Despite these unfortunate incidents, we are surviving, continuing to stand strong and remaining united in our goals. We must pledge to support and protect all individuals in our great community. We must wear our face masks at all times in public, practice safe social distancing and remain at least six feet apart from all individuals, be consistent and vigilant when we are monitoring the needs of our elderly and shut-in. Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, Building 4 Association has suspended all activities until further notice effective immediately.

Our ssociation will also be on hiatus through July and August. However, emergency reach numbers will be posted on our association bulletin board in the lobby of Building 120-B. Certainly, last but not least, w,e would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the many organizations, politicians, community leaders, and essential workers who have generously provided their time, food, masks, and moral support for our community.

Please continue to stay safe and if you see something, say something. Have a wonderful summer!

–Dawn Mitchell

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family. I trust you all continue to be well and safe. Please continue to wear masks, practice proper social distancing, and wash hands often.

Our condolences to our Building 9A neighbors, Will and Doris, who heartbreakingly suffered the loss of two family members on the same day.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 3, Wanda Randall, Rosemary Bailey and I distributed face masks to shareholders in Building 9A. As previously noted in this space, there are 414 total apartments in Building 9. We received 200 total masks of which we distributed half to Building 9B and half to Building 9A shareholders. Picking up and distributing the face masks was a small thing. It gave us the opportunity to visit and chat with our friends and neighbors. It was wonderful to see you and to serve you.

Bartow Urgent Care offers COVID-19 testing at little or no cost to you. There are many other sites

throughout the Bronx. St. Luke’s Church, located at 777 East 222nd Street, offers COVID-19 testing. You must call (833) 422-7369 to register before you arrive to be tested.

The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has canceled our June 2020 event due to Covid-19, but we have not canceled the fun. Stay tuned for more information on a special free raffle for Section 2 shareholders. All the raffle prizes will be the same.

Young people, this is your world. Reimagine it.

Shape it. Protect it.

The Election Primary date is June 23. The General Election date is November 3. Register to vote. Apply for an Absentee Ballot. Vote by mail. Vote in person.

There is power in unified numbers. Harness and focus your power. Plan, strategize, organize and mobilize to realize a desired outcome. Join an organization or group that shares/addresses your concerns. Make your

Rivers Run Community Garden

The garden has brought many of us peace during this pandemic. We were able to repair beds, turn dirt, plant seeds and formulate possibilities for the future.

Gardeners at Rivers Run and across the world continue to be visionaries and pioneers as the world reopens and heals and endures.

And while we are on the subject, I’d like to thank our angels, Riverbay Management and its crew, for helping us get water, moving boulders, and making things possible when obstacles are bigger than we can handle. We offer heartfelt gratitude.

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, we will need volunteers to help with this project that will provide nutritious choices to this community. With success comes 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 Sun., 12 p.m. 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 concerns known to those in official capacities with the authority to affect the outcome you seek.

Thank you, Angel Cruz (grandson of Pamela Smalls), student at IS 181 Pablo Casals, who encouraged neighbors to support the Anti-Police Brutality/Black Lives Matter Protest and March held on Sunday, June 7. The over two-mile march route followed the outline of Sections 1-5 around Co-op City. The march was well organized, well attended, orderly and meaningful. The march culminated with an 8-minute silent, kneeling in front of Truman H.S. That is powerful. We are grateful for the mindfulness of the staff, students, parents, and participants.

Pastor Deborah Jenkins organized a second Prayer Vigil for our community, our country, and the world. The message was very hopeful and insightful.

The words of love and tolerance were healing and nourishing.

This is a momentous time in our history. A time of a coalition of conscience and consciousness. A time to commit to a future worthy of our current sacrifices.

“Freedom speaks not merely in terms of political and religious liberties, but also in terms of economic and social progress.” –Robert F. Kennedy Godspeed.

—Linda Collins

12

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Stop The Violence

degree murder and manslaughter. And, according to I cannot understand how anyone can smash a window the criminal complaint, the 3rd degree felony charge and loot a business. Moreover, how is it that anyone carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. can ever dream of burning down their own commuAdditionally, the 2nd degree felony manslaughter nity? Sure, a previous crime can be really bad. Howcharge carries a maximum sentence of “10 years and/or ever, that is no excuse for destroying a community.

You hurt lots of people and yourself when you $20,000.”

Protests have broken out in several cities because Regardless, the protests still continued in many destroy a community. So, please do not associate with some former police officers decided that they were cities. In fact, the police arrested 200 protestors in anyone that wants to exhibit violence towards other carrying out the law by holding a black man named Manhattan and Brooklyn. In one case, a police offi- people. Furthermore, please do not ever consider lootGeorge Floyd down and kneeling on his neck for cer violently shoved a woman to the ground. In another ing or destroying any community for any reason. Lastly, almost nine minutes until he died. case, a woman was charged with attempted murder I hope that everyone that reads this viewpoint will Treat People With Respect after she allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail inside a always consider treating people with kindness, digOn Monday, May 25, 2020, a lady was walking marked police van with four police officers in it. nity, and respect. Thank you. with her cousin to a store in Minneapolis. Then, she Complete Your Census Now, let’s get a few things straight here. The biggest said that she saw a man on the ground. So, being about thing for everyone to understand is that all police offiAccording to the Census website, employees from 5 feet away, she pulled out her camera and started cers are not bad. However, similar to other industries the Census Bureau will “work with administrators at recording. “This man cannot f- breathe at all,” she said. and even people in general, there are some police offi- colleges, senior centers, prisons, and other facilities “He’s like, ‘Please, I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.’” cers that are bad. Nevertheless, over a period of time, that house large groups of people to make sure everyContinuing, she said: “And, they [the police officers] their own behavior will usually expose them. one is counted.” Additionally, they will “interview did not care. They killed this man.”

In Co-op City, I believe that we have a very good homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to Then, her video went viral after she posted it online. police force. They’re helpful and they treat people help make sure everyone is counted.”

Next, people started calling for the four officers to be with kindness and respect. Plus, I’ve seen them take So, please help your community and complete your arrested. However, despite having a video that showed care of business. Furthermore, I can even make these Census. Thanks. a crime, some individuals in law enforcement made same statements about the officers in our local precinct.

Close some shocking statements about this crime. “We just Please consider treating everyone that you meet Now, we might be filled with anger because of this can’t rush this. There is other evidence that does not case. However, should we ever go out of our way to with respect. Now, sure, some people might do the support a criminal charge.” disrespect all police officers? No. Should we ever try wrong thing. However, we must do the right thing.

Outraged, lots of people all over the country started to harm them? Never. Should we follow the lawful Thank you. complaining about how a white police officer could requests of a police officer? Yes. On the other hand, Contact Information kill a black man in handcuffs—while pinned down some police officers need to understand that people The administrative areas of Bartow have been shut on the ground. News accounts even stated that Mr. of color and everyone wants equal, fair, and just treat- down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However, Floyd knew that he was going to die. So, he begged ment. you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbaythe officer to let him breathe. He even called out for They do not want to be unjustly abused, mistreated, board.com. his mother.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you or killed. Will police officers encounter a variety of The police officers, however, did not stop their hor- problems on the street? Yes. Will they ever have to would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, rific behavior even though they knew they were on use a variety of methods and even deadly force when that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. video. Therefore, experts that appeared on popular legally necessary? Yes. However, can anyone justify And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you. news channels said that the law enforcement agen- kneeling on a subdued cies responsible for this case had enough information person’s neck until they to move forward with an arrest. die? No. This type of Regardless, tempers heated up as the delays to conduct is wrong— arresting these officers dragged on. Lots of people period. So, police officers Our Promiise to New then took to the streets to protest that killing and to must understand that & Curren nt Clients express their anger. Then, unfortunately, lots of vio- brutalizing and unjustly As We e Navig N ate lence erupted in several cities across America. Sev- killing people is wrong. eral businesses were then looted. Next, some protes- Therefore, this type of Coron navirus tors became so violent that they burned down a lot of conduct must stop.

Yo our health an nd safety are businesses and other places.

Protesting? Should Priority #1 as we all navigate Thereafter, only the officer that kept his knee on people ever try to loot the Corona viirus pandemic.

Mr. Floyd’s neck was arrested and charged with third any type business? Never.

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

Congratulations to Matthew Miller, Class of 2020 at High School of Computers and Technology, Bronx, NY. Matthew’s proud father, Michael Miller, posted on his Facebook feed earlier this week: “I just received my son’s Matthew Miller’s cap and gown and yearbook. Man!!!!

Mathew is all over the yearbook. To my surprise, he was voted: Prom King, Best Musician, Most likely to kick b—-, Most likely to lead a protest. He [was] also: Senior Class President, featured in many martial arts shots, a former JV Basketball, on the Principal’s Honor Roll, represented his school performing on the Broadway stage play HAMILTON producing and co-writing a Rap song, helped to design the awesome yearbook, performed in the school’s talent show, has 12 college credits, will receive an advanced Regents diploma, was accepted at The University at Albany.

What a High School career!”

We wish Matthew continued success and best wishes as he advances his studies at SUNY Albany.

Co-op City has a new official website!

coopcitynyc.com

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

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 staf stafff.

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 800-427-9 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

Congratulations, Graduate!

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

13

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

NAACP #2210

National and NYS Conference released official statement: “City of Boston and health partners around the country postponed the NAACP Annual Convention planned for July 25-July 29, 2020 in Boston, MA. Please refrain from gatherings until at least July 1st. this request extends to NAACP general membership and executive committee meetings, unit committees, state quarterly meetings, Freedom Fund events, act-so events and any other gatherings organized or sponsored by NAACP units.”

For NAACP’s statement surrounding the events of protests in Minneapolis, go to: NAACP.ORG. “We must protest peacefully, demand persistently, and fight politically. But most of all, we must vote in November!” –Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO Heartfelt condolences to all who have suffered loss of family, friends and neighbors. Let’s keep each other in prayer. What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this together. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing, kindness and compassion and stay home!

Census 2020: While at home ,we encourage you to “be counted.”

Fill out the census form using your Census ID number previously mailed, visit: my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. It only takes a few minutes and is vital for the well-being of our Co-op City community. Federal dollars affect programmatic activities for seniors, transportation, schools, health, hospitals, housing, infrastructure, economic reliefs, extended unemployment w/bonus and, most recently, the stimulus plan package.

2020 Political Calendar: Presidential Primary Election, June 23. Absentee Application Ballots applications mailed out. June 22: Deadline to postmark absentee ballots. If you do not receive one by June 5, call Bronx Board of Election, 718-960-0730. Remember: politics control policies & votes represent dollars. That’s why it’s important to vote.

2020 Branch Election Process & Calendar: Elected Officer positions: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Members at Large; Vice President, Assist. Sec., Assist. Treas. Officers serve a term of 2 years, effective January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022. Candidates for these positions must be dues-paying members in good standing by May 1, 2020 and remain current.

Membership Dues: Annual membership dues are Adult, $30 and Youth, $10; checks/money orders made payable to: NAACP #2210 can be mailed to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station 75-3111 Bronx, NY 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution in any amount, it is most appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

“The NAACP remains focused on the fight to ensure that the voice of our communities is never silenced.” –Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO —Brenda Brown

Co-op City Democratic Club

If you returned your Absentee Ballot Application to the Board of Election, you should be receiving your Absentee Ballot this week in the mail. When you receive your ballot, please fill it out immediately and mail it. No worries about a stamp, the postage is already paid. Just vote. This election is much too important not to vote.

Since the murder of George Floyd, we have been hearing chants – we must fight for equal justice, stop police brutality, No Justice, No Peace and Black Lives Matter and they are all true. Thanks to cell phones, this murder of Mr. Floyd has gone viral all over the U.S. States and many countries all over the world. Another cry is to Defund the Police Dept. It is suggested to put the monies into health care, housing and education. Do you believe that the Police Dept. should be defunded? That needs a lot of consideration depending on where you live and who depends on the police to help them out. The Police Dept. has a lot of issues, they are far from being perfect, and we think they need to learn how to speak to those they serve, show respect and listen to the community. Our State and Federal elected officials are already acting on this issue. However, tell us what you think about how our City representative should respond to this. I can be reached by email: Ssaund5240@aol.com. What suggestions can you offer our councilman to assist in policing New York City.

Be well, and stay safe.

—Shirley J. Saunders

African American Association

Date Change The date of the first virtual meeting of the African American Association of Co-op City has been changed to Saturday, June 20, at 3 p.m. This is shaping up to be an important cultural event in the history of Co-op City.

Instead of taking to the streets, we are taking over the virtual airwaves and including more speakers and invited guests.

Details on how to connect with us will be posted here in the Co-op City Times, via AAA members’ email and, of course, good old 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/year for a single membership and only $25/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.

Black Genealogy Quote of the Week: “To forget ones ancestors is to be a river without a source, a tree without a root .”

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

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 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, 917-9037073.

Salsa Class – Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room #1. Call Keith, 917-5616211.

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: “Just as my name has meaning, I too will live my life with meaning.

So you think I am nothing?

Don’t worry about what I am now; For what I will be, I am gradually becoming.

I will raise my head high wherever I go Because of my African pride; And nobody will take that away from me.”

– Idowu Koyenikan (Name pronunciation: “E-Do-Wu” “Ko-Ye-Ni-Kon.”) Idowu is an “internationally acclaimed organizational consultant and author” Each one of us, divided by all of us, equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

National Council of Negro Women

Membership Meeting am loving it! After 10 weeks of teaching from Our general membership meeting will take home, I can “reimagine” how I might transiplace tomorrow, Sunday, June 14, at 3 p.m. tion into a more innovative teaching style— This will be our second Zoom meeting. Mem- implementing instruction on another level— bers who do not have access to zoom can dial inside the classroom and out. Many students in for a regular conference call. Members, bring enlightenment to the classroom and I please refer to your email received this week have had this time to reflect on specific stufrom our president Lori Melton for the login dents who have made it a pleasure for me to information. This will be our last scheduled walk into the school building with the signamembership meeting until after the summer ture smile students have come to expect from break, so you don’t want to miss it! me. My students have truly shaped me as an Book Club educator, their response to whatever I design Our Book Club is back and will be meet- has given me insight to create something even ing this afternoon Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. better next time. Students look to their teachThe book selection is “The Color of Water” ers for direction in all areas of their life—not

by James McBride. This will be our first Zoom just academically. This is my time to shine as Book Club meeting so email Akeisha Neely an educator, a time for exploration and to seek at ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com to receive ways to bring students up to the highest stanthe Zoom link or call in number. dard of excellence. “On pause” has been “on Pandemic Journal point” for me! I anticipate much positive Reflections: Transitioning into an unknown change and growth as we transform into a normal by Camille Worrell. “normal” not yet known.

I am an educator, writer and parent with NCNW Partnering with Food Bank for plenty to do at home!

New York Although my daughFood bank for New York is continuing to ters are young women, distribute food to New Yorkers. They are seekI am still on call as nur- ing volunteers to write brief notes to show our turer, advisor and lis- neighbors that we care! Because we don’t tener while enlighten- know each New Yorker who visits their sites, ing and initiating dis- we suggest you address their notes to “a neighcussions on matters of bor “or “a fellow New Yorker.” You may use the heart and spirit. In a greeting card or just plain lined paper. Please addition to working use an anonymous signature such as “fellow from home as an edu- New Yorker.” Letters should be mailed to: cator, I have the oppor- NCNW, Inc, Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, tunity to delve into a Bronx, NY 10475. We will do a mass mailfew creative passions. ing to the Food Bank from our section. LetMy mind is crazy with ters will be accepted until the end of June. ideas most days, and I –Joyce Howard

14

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

FACTS MATTER ELIOT ENGEL 100% pro Senior record 100% Civil Rights record from the Alliance for Retired Americans

from the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights

Rated one of the 10 Most Effective Democratic Congress Members Eliot Engel’s endorsements for Congress in the Democratic Primary include:

State Senator

Boro President

Jamaal Bailey

Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Vote in the Democratic Primary for

Eliot Engel for Congress Democratic Primary Absentee Ballot or in-person early voting or on June 23 *Rating: Center for Effective Law wmaking: Vanderbilt University / University of Virginia

engelforcongress

engelforcongress.com

@teamengel

Paid for by Engel for Congress

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

15

16

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

#SeniorsMatter

Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson Our seniors are the backbone of our nation. After all, they’ve contributed and play an important role in our community; I believe it is vital that we be there to support them. One reason this position as a Board director makes me so happy is the spirit of Co-op City and the people it attracts.

For example, the amount of seniors and their commitment to our community is unprecedented. They are the pioneers who keep this community thriving.

How do Co-op City seniors contribute to their community? Like any younger person, they shop, they use services (which employ people), and they pay taxes. They also volunteer. In fact, many organizations would be hard pressed to function without their older volunteers.

Unfortunately, it took this insidious virus to educate the public about the myriad of problems facing a segment of the senior population. All too many older adults are not only vulnerable to the current virus but have been struggling with major problems such as affordable healthcare, adequate housing and food insecurity. The lack of readily-available transportation has made it difficult for seniors living alone to grocery shop, pick up medicines and make doctor visits.

Meanwhile, if we look closely at our senior community, you will see there is no longer a stereotypical older adult. Co-op City is a very diverse NORC community with many seniors still working and actively engaged in their community. As a society and a com-

munity, we need to recognize and value the productivity of the older adults who continue to contribute to our economic base through income, property and sales taxes. Lastly, it has been heartwarming to see and hear about the number of people who have reached out to older adults, checked in on their well-being and offered support in a variety of ways. Neighbors helping neighbors. People helping people. Isn’t that the way it was supposed to be. I believe there is a silver lining to this pandemic. It has drawn us together.

Healthy Food There have been many complaints about the food that is being distributed throughout our community.

This is the perfect time to feed people healthy food.

Food is the driving force of our economy. It is nice to see that our community engages in many of our community events. However, we need to also focus on our health and nutrition. We must make sure that we are getting nutritional food that we are entitled to. Our community must demand that we are privileged to a healthier, equitable and sustainable food system because we are plagued with underlying medical conditions.

Sources say that diabetes and high blood pressure are the caveat for a lot of other diseases. Food in many cultures is what defines who you are. Sources say that the Bronx is ranked the least healthy county in the state.

We must do better! I ask that our elected officials support and guarantee that Co-op City gets the same food service that the affluent communities receive.

While we work towards strengthening our health care system to end this pandemic, we must educate our community on how to safeguard their own health.

50-a Reform I applaud the efforts of state Senator Jamaal Bailey and all those who worked hard to repeal the critical 50-

Building 13 Association

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” –MLK Jr. The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has canceled our June 2020 event due to Covid-19, but we have not canceled the fun.

We will announce details of a special free raffle for Section 2 shareholders. We will tell you when to submit your name, address, apartment number, telephone number to your building or townhouse association via e-mail. The Cooper Place townhouses and each building ssociation will hold a virtual raffle drawing on the same day. All the raffle prizes will be the same. Stay tuned for more information.

The Amish trip scheduled for May 30, 2020 and rescheduled for October 3, 2020 is cancelled. 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. For additional information, contact Doris Sanchez at 646-372-7954 or the numbers listed below.

I have received my official ballot for the upcoming Primary Election. If you mail your official ballot, it must be postmarked no later than June 22, 2020, the day before the election. You can also deliver it in person no later than 9 p.m. on June 23, 2020, Election Day. You must complete your ballot, fold, place it in the special envelope (enclosed) and seal it. Please note, the envelope you must sign has a bar code in the front. Per the Board of Elections absentee ballot unit, you do not have to complete the Box on the front that states (official absentee ballot); all information is included in the bar codes. Do not forget, the voter must sign and date the statement on the reverse side of the envelope. Once this is done, place that envelope in the return envelope provided, and of course, don’t forget to mail it!!

The borough president’s office sent out a message regarding a new online summer arts and wellness empowerment series, from Monday, June 15, to Friday, July 10, for K-5th grades. Free classes are available. You can register and view the schedule at: getempoweredall.com/enroll. Some of the classes are music, storytelling, yoga, dance and more. Check it out.

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

Thank you, responders, 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, https://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 http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at bthirteen.assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for making our team work.

—Leslie Peterson

a reform bill and other criminal justice reforms get passed through legislation. These historic bills can help address the deep rooted racism and abuse of power that runs rampant in our criminal justice system. The 50-a bill is a very big deal, and for years the police unions have been blocking the legislation. It requires law enforcement agencies to turn over the disciplinary records of police officers when they are requested under the state’s Freedom of Information Law, and prevents any personal information like home addresses from being disclosed.

Absentee Ballot The deadline is near. I advise if you have not received your ballot, go to vote.nyc and complete the application online. Or, if you don’t have access to a computer, you can call the New York City Board of Elections and request your absentee ballot by phone, (1-866-VOTENYC/1-866-868-3692). The most important thing here – DON’T WAIT. The deadline to apply for a ballot is June 16th using any of these means.

The cut-off to apply for a ballot in person at a Board of Elections office is June 22nd, but keep in mind that the goal right now is to limit interactions as much as possible, for the health and safety of voters and election employees. So if you can apply for a ballot using another means, that’s the best option.

Censes 2020 Reminder, the census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years. You will be asked to count everyone who lives in your home. If you have not received your 2020 Censes, you can go online to 2020Census.gov and respond to the 2020 Census. It is a chance to shape your future.

Please stay safe and be well.

I can be reached at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Get-well wishes to our members and friends who are still in a nursing home or rehab facility. We continue to keep you in our prayers and know you will have better days.

Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Continue to read this article for up-to-date info. 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 frontline 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.

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

17

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

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

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

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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.

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18

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Follow the mantra coming up and reestablish your commitment as a partner in Riverbay Corp.

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury Our lemons make the best lemonade The most important thing we have is right now.

What are you doing to save yourself and your community right now, at this very moment? Are you encouraging someone to read this article? Will you get some exercise and go out on your floor and put one of these papers (yes, the Co-op City Times) in front of each of your neighbor’s door? Will you become a Floor Captain and get phone numbers from each of your neighbors and create a list for each apartment (just on your floor), in the event of an emergency? These simple actions will strengthen us, protect us and show our millennials and other youths how to live in a cooperative community. This is our duty collectively. This is how we use what we’ve got, to get what we want. This is our chance to save this community for generations.

We are all responsible Shareholders, residents, neighbors and friends, please take responsibility for this majestic property which we all call home. That means the little things like saying hello to your neighbor, who may have needed that greeting in ways that you could never fathom. Things like using the trash receptacles on our property, and if there aren’t enough, then report it to your building Maintenance supervisor until there are enough. Things like picking up after your service dog so that shareholders who may take issue with animals or have allergies, etc. are not inconvenienced. These are the things that make a responsible shareholder.

This is what we all signed up for when we accepted the contract, the role, and the privilege of calling ourselves “cooperator” and “resident” of Co-op City.

Understand how important your vote is We must remember that the Riverbay Board of Directors of “Co-op” City is not the life’s blood of Co-op City; YOU ARE. Too many cooperators view the Board as an entity that directs the shareholders, when, in fact, it is the other way around. While “we,” the shareholders, are supposed to have the final say in most decisions made in this community, we cannot all be in charge simultaneously. So we elect a Board of Directors to represent the voice of the people, (i.e., the community, the shareholders, the cooperators). Each of us has some issue, topic or agenda that is close to our heart. Prospective members of the Board must remember that their personal agendas, while relevant, must only factor in as a part of the best decision for the community at large. Your job as a shareholder is to vote in Board members who will stay true to the oaths they take. Most complaints come from cooperators who don’t participate in the community and who form their opinions from rumors. This causes a breakdown in communications and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings which leaves you and this community on the short end of the stick. It is not enough to come out once a year and vote for someone whose name is familiar to you. What does matter is involvement by you. Your INVOLVEMENT and mine is not only necessary, it is imperative. I am one person, humbled to represent you in the Board Room; I have stepped up, now it is your turn. After reading this article, make darn sure that 10 others have read it as well.

In Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes (Still) To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause to their memory and pray for the strength of each family as you carry on for those who remain. Those who still have loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes, we join you in prayer and well wishes that they remain healthy and whole. Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone.

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Hi, neighbors. Congratulations to all our graduates, success be yours. Happy birthday to Naomi in Broun Place. Sunday, June 7, her family set up a fun birthday car parade to wish her happy birthday, we are following that lead, sending birthday greetings.

Come together daily at 7 p.m., salute and say thank you to our essential worker warriors.

You just need to clap hands, make some noise, and say thank you. Remember, we are lucky to live in a community where participation is encouraged, and to live where we can exercise outdoors plus have enough space for social distancing. Wear your mask out there!

For the past few days, due to safety measures, dumpster bins have been “a dumpster bin” dropped at 8 a.m. and picked-up at 2:30 p.m.

There had been no schedule communicated.

Cooperators have been leaving their garbage on the concrete. Thanks to Mr. Dave Lazaar for cleaning the pad every morning after the bin was set.

Thank you to Michelle Sajous, her team, Pastor Deborah Jenkins and her colleagues for making Sunday’s June 7th “Black Lives Matter” prayer vigil for all people martyred by men in blue, a reality. We were so glad to have an opportunity to express our “Black Lives Matter” support publicly. Both Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer and Mr. Noel Ellison were in attendance.

Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your membership every year. Dues are just $12 annually. Dues cover supplies and upkeep expenses. When there is tragedy, we look to our

dues to show a gesture of generosity to that neighbor. We need your membership to do this.

You can pay by cash or check and submit the envelope to 31B Broun. It will be acknowledged.

It is your job not to dump used gloves and masks on sidewalks and gutters. Wait till you get to a pail to take them off or carry a garbage bag. Wearing masks and gloves has reduced the spread of Covid-19. So why are there so many people on the Greenway without masks?

Those droplets are hanging out and viable to spread those germs. Don’t forget, handwash those masks too. Suds it up like you wash your hands, rinse and dry with a hair dryer.

Our Bartow 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 of prescription drugs for those over 65?

Broun Place is having problems with people following safety rules. Number one, personal cars are not allowed on the brickwork.

Number two, only electric grills can be used for BBQ on patios and terraces.

Positive diagnosis? Report this to Mr. Anthony Barzelatto, director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety Department. Riverbay can take quick, necessary measures to sanitize and quarantine the central location. Neighbors, remember our community etiquette, cover discarded mattresses and place garbage in the appropriate bin.

Finally, keep dancing and better days are ahead.

–Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Fix it Residents, partners, shareholders of Co-op City’s Riverbay Corporation, we all can and must do better. Life is a work in progress. each day is another chance for us to step-up our individual games, do better and get it right. I promise again to step up my game, will you, yours? Will you look at this community with refreshed eyes and say, OK, I will join this club, I will be an active member of my building association, I will encourage another? I will take part in the fix, because my community needs it, my community deserves it? Recite and follow the mantra coming up and reestablish your commitment as a partner in the Riverbay Corporation… (If you don’t understand that statement, please come and talk about it at one of the building association meetings or community gatherings).

We are a deserving community We deserve better. We deserve greater. We deserve to set standards. We deserve to have requirements. We deserve to have goals. We deserve to have aspirations.

We deserve to be earned. We deserve to be pleased. We deserve to be fulfilled. We deserve to be loved. We deserve to be cherished. We deserve to be at peace. We deserve to be restored. We deserve to be renewed. We deserve to be exalted. We deserve to be uplifted. We deserve to be respected. We deserve to be protected. We deserve to feel special. We deserve to be appreciated.

We deserve to be admired. We deserve to be desired. We deserve to be praised. We deserve to be remembered.

We deserve to be seen as worthy. We must become a community that knows its value, so that we can demand our worth. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

The time is now, shareholder. The time is now, Co-op City community. Let’s get it done!

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

Black Forum of Co-op City

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry will open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.

-12:45 p.m., for the month of June. Guests with a current pantry card are eligible to pick up food once a month during our regular Grab-N-Go’s. There will be no questions/answers as usual with these distributions. This is not because we do not like you. It’s to keep you and the staff safe. It helps with physical distancing and keeping the line moving fast. We will still text if additional items are available to pick up outside of normal business hours. Please remember to bring shopping bags and a shopping cart, if available.

Anyone without a pantry card can register starting Tuesday, July 7. Registration will occur each Tuesday in July from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Registrants must bring an up-to-date ID NYC card, or a non- or driver’s license. We can only register guests with IDs showing a 10475 address. This is due to a food shortage. Groceries will not be distributed during the registration sessions.

We are working on having summer evening business hours to support working community members (only) who cannot make the day hours. Those distribution hours are to be announced.

Defensive Driving Class The next class is on Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. -3 p.m., the location is at 177 Dreiser Loop, room 4 (top floor); $35 per person.

We are still waiting for guidance on whether the class can continue. Leave a message at 718-320-8035 if you are interested in attending. Someone will return your call. Please, no walk-ins.

Space is limited to help with physical distancing. Anyone taking the online class through Empire Safety Council, https:// www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. 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

19

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

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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20

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

State of being equal

Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson I want to thank all of the well-wishers who called, e-mailed and sent texts to welcome me back on the Board. I am humbled and appreciate your sentiments.

I especially want to thank the American Legion Post #1871 of Co-op City for the Certificate of Participation given to me. It was unexpected but a pleasant surprise.

My actions were from the heart.

There were many awesome events that took place in our community especially last weekend. Kudos to Truman High School for peacefully coming together and marching throughout Co-op City with their fellow Co-op City community and surrounding neighbors. It was followed by an awesome prayer vigil on the Greenway. Injuries have prevented me from participating but I was definitely there in spirit.

Primary Election – On June 23rd this year, we will have our primary, and in November, an election. What we must remember is that the election in 2020 is important but your local elections each year affect your quality of life that is not only about the justice system but also education, housing and, of course, medical service. Stay informed and vote.

I have received my official ballot for the upcoming Primary Election. If you mail your official ballot, it must be postmarked no later than June 22, 2020, the day before the election. You can also deliver it in person no later than 9 p.m. on June 23, 2020, Election Day. You must complete your ballot, fold, place it in the special envelope (enclosed) and seal it. Do not forget, the voter must sign and date the statement on the reverse side of the envelope. Once this is done, place that envelope in the return envelope provided. Please note, the envelope you must sign has a bar code in the front. Per the Board of Elections absentee ballot unit,

you do not have to complete the box on the front, (Official Absentee Ballot); all information is included in the bar codes.

Legislation and Policing – In Co-op City, we are fortunate to have the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD). There was a time when we knew them, sometimes by name, because of community policing that was in place. It was always comforting seeing them around and about. During conversations with shareholders, they have mentioned they would like our officers to be more visible. Their presence provided security. Hopefully, our Chief will take this into consideration.

Recently, Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of ML King Jr., was a guest speaker on a show. She pointed out an interesting analogy she came across that she hopes all consider in order to move the country forward. Equality = the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. The assumption is that everyone benefits from the same support vs. Equity = the quality of being fair and impartial. Everyone gets the supports they need, vs. Justice = the condition of being morally correct or fair. The cause of the inequity is addressed, therefore, the systemic barrier is removed.

With this being said, it must be mentioned that members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus met to discuss changes they feel need to be made. This week, the New York State Legislature will convene to vote on the package of bills proposed by the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. The Caucus is mobilizing for justice in order to come together in unity at the Capitol to pass these historic measures.

Kudos to our State Senator, Jamaal Bailey, who sponsored several Bills. Repeal of 50-a | S3695 / A2513 (Bailey/O’Donnell) – Repeals provisions relating to personnel records of police officers, firefighters and correction officers. Office of the Special Prosecutor | S2574A / A1601A (Bailey/ Perry) – Establishes the office of special investigation within the

Building 27 Association

department of law to investigate and prosecute any alleged criminal offense or offenses committed by a police officer or peace officer, concerning the death of any person as a result of any encounter with such police officer or peace officer. Medical Attention for Persons Under Arrest | S6601/ A8226 (Bailey/ Fernandez) – Provides that when a person is under arrest or otherwise in custody of a police officer, peace officer or other law enforcement representative or entity, such officer, representative or entity shall have a duty to provide attention to the medical and mental health needs of such person. Reducing Arrests for NonCriminal Offenses | S2571/ A4053 (Bailey/ Aubry) – Requires police officers and peace officers to issue appearance tickets to individuals charged with certain offenses instead of arresting such individuals. We should always stay abreast of what the officials we elected are doing to improve our communities and quality of life. FYI: I recently received this notice from the Bronx Borough President’s Community Services Department. The Director of Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs of NYC wants citizens to know about a change in the law on who can file a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board. If you or a friend see what you believe to be misconduct on social media (or elsewhere), you can file a complaint. They will impartially investigate allegations under their jurisdiction. This includes use of excessive force, abuse of authority and offensive language. You do not need the name/badge number to file the complaint. Contact them at 1-800-341-CCRB or http://nyc.gov/ccrbcomplaint for additional information.” 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.” –ML King Jr. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bx, NY 10475; Tel. 718320-1370, or e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

Building 22 A&B Association

Neighbors, we wish you all to be safe and healthy. Please stay in, if necessary, make your plans for Our country is fighting the Covid-19 plus our civil one given day. We are required to wear a face mask and will not be allowed in the supermarkets withrights; we are a nation fighting back. Black lives matter, out a mask on. Only three persons on the elevator. all lives matter. So, keep up the nonviolent protests. We Our Veterans – We will always remember our veterans who paid the ultimate price in serving our are not giving up. nation. We remember those who are serving around the world, we thank you for your service.

New York is opening the city this week, we must be Graduates – Congratulations to all graduates. We wish all a safe and healthy summer. Continue to careful. Don’t stop wearing your mask or gloves, keep focus on your dreams, you will get there. distancing. Please continue to be good neighbors, and Do not let fear and anxiety become overwhelming. Recommendations via CDC– A: Take breaks from wear masks when leaving your apartment. The associawatching TV 24/7, listening to social media. B: Connect with others via phone calls, texting, and techtion gave out masks last week. If you didn’t receive yours, nology. C: Take deep breaths, exercise, and search for comedy movies via TV; laughter is good for the we will be giving them out later; time and date will be soul. We appreciate the daily briefing from Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio. posted. Please check on the elderly. Our sympathies to all Thank you, Riverbay essential workers – We wish them all and their families to be safe and healthy. families who lost loved ones. Happy birthday to all. Pray When you pass by one, wish them to be safe and healthy. for the sick and shut ins.

Absentee Ballot application – We all are receiving these large white envelopes, please do not ignore If you see something, say something. Thank you. them. In it, you will find an application to file for an absentee ballot to vote in the Democratic Primary –Betty Leak Election on June 23, 2020. If you will be unable to go to the polls due to a physical disability or illness, you will check the box for Temporary Illness on your application. June 22, 2020 is the last day to file your application and must be received by the Board of Election or postmarked by June 30, 2020. Remember, this is a presidential election year. We must not neglect to vote due to the coronavirus.

Neighbors, be encouraged – Neighbors calling and checking on each other. A special shout-out to my neighbor, Mayra, she has been faithful in calling to check on • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • FREE CONSULTATION her neighbors. God bless her. As we go through this crisis, engage in the positive • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS messages of your faith to keep us strong. Most of us have cable TV, look at the Chris• IMMEDIATE FILING tian stations, also listen to Christian radio stations, let’s focus on the good news and we will feel better for it. Continue to be prayerful; we all will get through this together.

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to our Co-op families who lost a loved one. Know that we are praying for you and for each other. To those who AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE” are ill, we wish you all a speedy recovery. Stay safe and healthy. Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share 633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY news of illness, passing of a neighbor or if one is in a nursing home.

1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Pray for world peace and healing of the nations that the pandemic crisis will Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses soon be gone. Be kind, thoughtful, genuine, prayerful and thankful.

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY

—H. Overman

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

21

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Building 25 Association

Working Families of Co-op City

June Primary Days and Endorsements You’ve got absentee voting (ongoing), early voting (starting today, 6/13, till 6/22) or election day voting (6/23). So who ya gonna vote for?

Joe Biden will be the Presidential nominee but you could choose your favorite alsoran instead, since they still appear on the ballot. And you can still vote for your alsoran’s delegates. And hey, there wouldn’t even be a Presidential primary on the calendar if it weren’t for Bernie Sanders — with a bunch of help from Andrew Yang. They worked so hard to keep themselves and the others on the ballot.

In spite of the mail and phone calls many Co-op City residents have received, we do not vote for candidates running in the open CD15 race.

The most consequential race on our district’s ballot is also the run for Congress.

Ours is Congressional District 16 (CD16). The two front-runners are our incumbent, Congressman Eliot Engel and challenger Jamaal Bowman. (The other highly visible contender Andom Ghebreghiorgis has dropped out of the race.)

There is no state senate primary in our district (SD36) because incumbent Jamaal Bailey has no Democratic challenger.

Not speaking for all of Co-op City’s Working Families active members, some of us endorse Eliot Engel. Eliot Engel is the guy state Senator Jamaal Bailey is endorsing, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. is endorsing, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto is endorsing. Engel is endorsed by both of our Senators, Schumer and Gillibrand and by speakers of both the NYS Assembly and Senate, Heastie and Stewart-Cousins, respectively. He also has substantial union backing — DC37 and 1199 and 32 BJ SEIU. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL, and NOW (National Organization for Women) endorse Engel. He has a 97% rating from the NAACP and despite the rumors to the contrary, Engel strongly supports Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.

AD82 Assemblyman Benedetto is facing a challenger of his own. His opponent pals around with super-non-progressive Ruben Diaz, Sr. and is imploring the city to return “stop and frisk.” In other words, Julius Harrison– Historian no run for the money there. Anyway, Benedetto, who American Legion Auxiliary I’m sure the minute he has a minute, will be reminding The leadership of the Auxiliary will also continue the DOT to finally fix those ugly jersey barriers along to serve the unit in office for another one year. Frances killer curve where Bartow Ave. meets Hutchinson Wilson will officially serve the unit as the president River Parkway East in Section 5. while Getty Brown will continue to serve as the secQuestions? Text 718-219-2211 or email, mpjazz retary of the unit for another one year. The complete @optonline.net. slate of officers for the unit includes, but is not limited to: —Mary Pearson Frances Wilson – President Daisy Young – Vice President It’s Graduation Time!

Gertrude Brown – Secretary Evelyn Watson – Assistant Secretary Shareholders, if you have a graduate or a Doris Rowe – Treasurer student who excelled this past school year, Stephanie Corbette – Assistant Treasurer let us know so their accomplishments can Barbara Wattley – Chaplain be shared with your neighbors. Send your Olive Glasgow – Sergeant-at-arms submissions to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Neighbors, we have a new porter who replaced Robbie, who was promoted into a higher position. While we congratulate Robbie and wish him well in new responsibilities, we would like to welcome David Cooper.

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’s 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 meetings were cancelled for most of early 2020 due to COVID-19. June would have been our last meeting before we recessed for summer months. Hopefully, we can safely resume our meeting in September, we will keep you posted towards the end of the summer. We would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun-filled summer while you continue to practice safe distancing. 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, continues to postpone the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice.

Closing with a quote: “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.”

(Maya Angelou) –Wanda Bailey

American Legion Post 1871

Fellow comrades, As I continue to reminiscence over this issue of COVID-19 and the vulnerability of the veterans’family, all I do is to thank God for the strength He has bestowed upon this family. It has been such an unusual moment in life especially for individuals who fought wars and survived but to be threatened with this invisible war with no tactical insurgents to fight. I appreciate the discipline of our veterans’ community to stay home and stay healthy. At the onset of this global pandemic, we knew that we were experiencing an historic moment that would change our lives in unimaginable ways. Today, there is no question that recording more than 100,000 deaths through coronavirus and still counting is not challenging enough. Now that the City enters its phase one of the new normal, I want to send this message to all veterans to apply wisdom and to not rush into going to the streets. Let us continue to watch the local news and pay attention to advice from health officials. Let us continue to follow up with our appointments by telephone and the use of telehealth.

Any other issues, follow the advice of your primary health care provider.

Raffle draw The annual raffle draw of the Post was postponed until further notice due to the social distancing order by the state. Inasmuch as we could not meet in person during this year’s remembrance of our fallen heroes, we therefore postponed the drawings of the raffle. To this, I enjoin members who could still sell those tickets to continue with their sales and the new date of the drawing will be announced as soon as normalcy resumes in the State. If anyone has any money to remit to the Post, you can easily call Finance Officer Gordon or myself to pick it up or make any other arrangement.

Executive board As it was announced to us recently concerning the official broadcast from the National Office, that all executive board members of the organization should remain in office until 2021, the following officers will continue to serve, unless anyone of them personally wants to drop off. The executive board to run the organization for another one year until 2021 are: Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba – Commander Norman Thomas – Vice Commander Antonio Codrington – Adjutant Williams Gordon – Finance Officer Julius Harrison – Service Officer Richard Lawson – Chaplain Kenneth Nelson – Sgt –at-Arms

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

AARP Chapter #4997

Get-well wishes to all of our members who are in a nursing home or who were in the hospital during these past months. Know that you are in our prayers and wished better days.

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.

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

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are canceling the two trips listed below. You will be notified at a later date re: 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’?”

–Delores Debnam

Goose Island Seniors

Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” – Refunds for the Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” play for April 23, 2020 have been distributed. Those who have not received your refund it’s because I don’t have your address or phone number. Please call me at 347-8471941 to make arrangements to deliver your check. If there is no answer, please leave your name and phone number and I will return your call. You may also text me your information.

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 27 was canceled. Full refund was distributed. For any 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 says to tell everyone hi. She is at the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center, Please call her cell phone at (718) 753-1816.

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’s 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.

JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you to their Upcoming Virtual Activities

6/16 – DJ Woody: Join Woody Rosario on Facebook) 12-3 p.m.

Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98223769719?pwd=Q0hXcGZ5 L3RUSW5XenpZdmY0RHZvUT09 Mobile: 929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 982 2376 9719 Password: 066078 6/22-26 – Jazzmobile – Mon. thru Fri., 4-5 p.m.

Join Zoom meeting: Mondays: Chair Yoga from 10-11 a.m. – June https://zoom.us/j/92291435376 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27 Mobile: 929.205.6099 Join Zoom meeting: Meeting ID: 922 9143 5376 https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 June 22 – Swing: Winard Harper Quartet Call in number +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) June 23 –Blues: Danny Mixon Quartet Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 June 24 – T.K. Blue Quartet Thursdays: Chair Mediation from 11 a.m.-12 June 25 – Latin Jazz/ Salsa: Bobby Sanabria & p.m. – June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July Quarteto June 26 – Great Vocalist: Nat King Cole | Billie 23, July 30 Join Zoom meeting: Eckstine – Allan Harris Quartet https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 Every Friday – Concerts in Motion, 1-2 p.m.

Call in number +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Join Zoom meeting: Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82906881632 Dial in phone number: 646.558.8656 Meeting ID 829 0688 1632 press #.

When asked for a participant ID, please skip this Bartow Center: (929) 399-1394 by pressing # again.

Every Wednesday – Tai Chi classes, 11 a.m. to Dreiser Center: (718) 320-1345 12 p.m. starting on 6/17/2020 Einstein Center: (718) 671-5161 Join Zoom meeting: For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5 d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09 Funded by: The NYC Department for Mobile: 929.205.6099 the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198 and Riverbay Corp.

Password: 455576

JASA

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.

23

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Faith in God Church & Bible Institute

Pastor & Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so, come on in and join with us. May God bless you in this house!

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a standard of love that’s beyond comparison. We see this in the gospel according to Matthew 5:43-48. It says: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for

Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Always give thanks for his goodness and mercy that He has given unto us as we stand in faith by his grace in this time and season that we are living in. We thank God for meeting the very needs of our lives and we pray that we continue to walk by faith and not by sight, and that all things will work together for our good according to His word.

Let’s stay prayerful as we watch and wait for our change to come.

We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the Word of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube. Type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m., via telephone conference line by calling 1-646-769-9900, then enter access numThe 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 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 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 9:00 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

those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Invitation: Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m.

Sunday School is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday

Church of New Vision

ber 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, June 7, worship service theme: “The Blood of Jesus. Thank you for the Blood. ” Scripture: Hebrews 9:22, “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

Scripture: Leviticus 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” Amen. (Col. 1:20; Rom. 5:9; 1 John. 1:7; Heb. 10:19; Rev. 12:11; Matt. 26:28) A Morning Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise you for the gift of another day and for your new mercies each morning. I don’t know every step of your plan for each

Community Protestant Church a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday 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 you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Noon day prayer at CPC on Wednesdays: 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 stirring and moving sermon last Sunday, Pastor Owens took his text from Hebrews 6:11 and 19 and his topic from one of the most beloved hymns of the church, “Blessed Assurance.” He stated that God has provided blessed assurance for us that regardless of what happens around us we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This assurance cannot be bought with silver or gold, by the sweat of our brow or through psychological meditation. It only

Traditional Synagogue

who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services.

Please come by 9:00 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 9:20 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, June 19, 2020 at 8:10 p.m.

Good and Welfare – We sell tree certificates, in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 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

Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. We have clothing items available that were donated to the church. If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP titled ‘Double Minded.’ It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1.

Our phone # is (347) 276-4925. Jesus loves you, and so do we!

–Evangelist Vernon Little day, but I know it will be for good. I’m confident it will be for your glory. Lead me Jesus because I need you. Please order my steps. May your love flow through me and may I embrace every opportunity to share your love with others. Amen.

Announcement: Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” trip scheduled Thursday, May 7, 2020, has been cancelled. Payments will be refunded in June. The Niagara Falls, Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 has not been cancelled. Remember, we will follow the NY Governor and Canada travel directions. Continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask. Be well and stay safe! Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10.

Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 753037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

—Brenda Brown

comes through a personal and unequivocal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. It gives us peace, keeps us calm, provides us with joy and helps us sleep even when our lives are in the midst of trials and turmoil.

We are assured that God did not bring us this far to leave us. This assurance can be obtained by knowing and applying the Word of God to our lives as can be found in 1 John 4:4; Philippians 4:13 and 19; and Romans 8:28, 34 and 38. He ended with a verse from that sacred hymn, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”

Our prayers go out for peace and justice in this time of racial tension and protests all over our city and our 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 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

Text COVID to 692-692 for real-time updates or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

24

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

WHAT IS MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN? Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new health condition associated with COVID-19.

SEEK CARE IF YOUR CHILD HAS PERSISTENT FEVER PLUS ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS: Irritability or decreased activity Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes Red, cracked lips or bumpy tongue Swollen hands or feet Lack of appetite Rash IF YOUR CHILD IS SEVERELY ILL, GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM OR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Oxiris Barbot, MD Commissioner

Co-op City Baptist Church

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

Open Door Ministries “Who do you Trust?”

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 Coop City Baptist Church will be conducting Sunday School, Worship Service, Prayer Services and Bible Study Class via conference call line or video conference using Zoom video conference until further notice. You are invited to join us for Sunday Worship Service tomorrow at 11 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) 5687788, 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.

On Sunday, June 21, the Summer Adult Bible Class will begin a study on mental illness and the mission of the church. This is a six-session class and the book we’ll be using is “Troubled Minds” by Amy Simpson. Ms. Simpson writes from her personal experience of family mental illness and how they were treated by their church et al.

The complete information is: Title: Troubled Minds: Mental Illness & the Mission of the Church.

Author: Amy Simpson. Non-members, please contact me at gmemanuel@

optonline.net. so I can send you the hand outs. Use the same address if you have any questions.

Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us /j/ 9623430102, Conference ID 962 343 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 p.m. Prayer Warriors Friday Noon Day Prayer Service at 12 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 remember to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and stay safe!

God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Hattie L Lucas

100 Co-op City, Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Tel. 718-324-0334 or 646345-6707.

You are invited to join us in worship service online on the following days: Sunday morning at 11 a.m. by calling # 701-802-5395, Access Code: 3332632.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Regular prayer meeting and Bible study will also be held every Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Friday evening Bible study and open discussion starting at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The power of the incorruptible Word of God will lead souls to a new experience and the eternal life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times.1 Peter 1: 3-5 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these

9 And it is my prayer that your love last times for you. Who by him do may abound more and more, with knowlbelieve in God, that raised him up from edge and all discernment, 10 so that you the dead, and gave him glory, that your may approve what is excellent, and so faith and hope might be in God. be pure and blameless for the day of Seeing ye have purified your souls Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of rightin obeying the truth through the spirit eousness that comes through Jesus unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see Christ, to the glory and praise of God.that ye love one another with a pure Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV) heart fervently. (1Peter 1:18-22) Last week, we talked about praying A new commandment I give unto for others. This week, we’re going to you that ye love one another; as I have look at three specific ways you can pray loved you, that ye also love one another for them.

By this shall all men know that ye Pray for a love that’s Growing are my disciples, if ye have loved one Why is it important for God’s people to another. (John 13:34-35) In St. John, Chapter 13, Jesus speaks to grow in their love for each other? of love while experiencing betrayal Because sometimes it’s easier for us to which would lead him to the cross, love strangers and people we don’t know, where he sufferers pain and insult from more than those in our own family, or the ones he loved the most. Abandonchurch. Romans 5:5 tells us that God’s ment from his close disciples while love has been poured out into our hearts his enemies were closing in on him through the Holy Spirit. As His love yet he was teaching them love and forcontinually pours into us, it will evengiveness. tually overflow to those around us. May One great example is 1John 3:16 your love be growing!

Hereby perceive we the love of God Pray for a love that’s Knowing because he laid down His life for us: Why should we pray for our love to and we ought to lay down our lives for grow with knowledge and discernment? the brethren.

Because love is a powerful emotion, and Behold, what manner of love the without godly knowledge and discernFather hath bestowed upon us, that we ment it becomes blind love. We can should be called the sons of God. There“love” a fellow Christian so much that fore, the world knoweth us not, because even when they’re living in sin, you it knoweth him not. Beloved, now we don’t correct them because you don’t are the sons of God, and it doth not yet want to hurt or offend them.

Blind love appear what we shall be: but we know is dangerous. (See 1 Corinthians 5:1-2). that, when he shall appear, we shall be We live in a culture that says if you don’t like him; for we shall see him as he agree with me then you don’t love me. is. –1John 3:1-2.

–Rev. R. Sibblies Every parent knows that’s just not true!

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle

25

When we need something, we go to someone in power, someone who can provide what we are asking for. Did you go to God first? We move quickly to garner human aid without first consulting God to see if He has a ready answer or remedy.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. The psalmist reminds us that it is possible to trust in weaponry and what appears to be powerful. At the same time, he affirms his trust, faith, confidence in God. He is speaking about the ability of God to not be confounded and able to save us in any and all situations.

2 Chronicles 16:8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.

The prophet reminds the king that in the past God had given him victory and yet now he seeks out men to help him fight. In the time we have served the Lord, we have seen his blessings and he has answered our prayers yet in times of distress we sometimes demonstrate a lack of faith. God protected you in the past, why would he do any less in the future? Has he changed?

2 Chronicles 32:6 Hezekiah appointed officers over the people and assembled them in the square and encouraged them saying: 7 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.

The people gained confidence from what he said.

Despite what we see we cannot allow physical intimidation to close our eyes to the spiritual reality of God’s protection. The king had been faithful to God and expected that God would in turn be faithful to him and the nation. The opposing army was vast, but the king reminds them that God was with them and did not have an arm of flesh but superior might. We are in turmoil, sickness and war but God promises strength when we have none.

Isaiah 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

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

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

Newsong Church Praying for others – 2

For instance, my son had a bad habit of just running into the street, without looking. When he did it again, I grounded him. He was devastated. He laid on his bed crying, “You don’t love me.” What he didn’t understand was that I was correcting his behavior because I loved him! When you read the Gospels you see that this attitude is consistent with Jesus. Jesus corrected people, because He loved them, and He expects His disciples to do the same.

Pray for a love that’s Showing When our love is growing in knowledge and discernment, it’s a pure godly love and it flows from God into us, and out of us…and only God can get the glory for that, because He’s doing a work in us…and everyone else can see it. You start to stick out in this world…people around you get a glimpse of God’s love shining through you!

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., www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

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

26

Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

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attempted to solicit donations for a variety of situations. It is unfortunate but this is unfortunately a fact of life. In some cases, it may be better to donate funds locally at your church, synagogue or religious institution. Be certain the charitable organization you select is in fact using the funds for the intended purpose. It is unfortunate that scammers will take advantage of a tragic situation.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1(800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. Their website if www.ic3.gov/.

Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

If your plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Having a few cocktails is fun but getting stopped at a DWI checkpoint can take the fun away really quick.

Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce Drunk Driving deaths and injuries. We hear about these incidents in the news and feel like it can never happen to us but that is not a mindset. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or be ready to happen, notify the authorities. 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 or sent information via our website. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

(Cont’d. from p. 7)

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Co-op City Times / June 13, 2020

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