SECTION BUILDING 29C 4240 HUTCH. RIVER PKWY E.

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. 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. every Monday to be considered for – • – • – • – • – •– • – • – Letters to the Editor – • – • – • – • – •– • – • –publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Thanks for your support in Board election

To the Editor:

Fellow, shareholders. I want to take this opportunity to thank the 940 people who voted for me in the 2021 Riverbay Board Director election. I knew going in that it would be an uphill battle for me because I decided to run as an independent candidate. Nevertheless, as a virtual newcomer, I am very excited that approximately one out of every five voters listened to my platform and checked the box for me!

My walks around the neighborhood speaking to residents was not in vain. I met a lot of you and had many meaningful conversations. Although I am not on the Board, I will continue to advocate for positive strides in our community. My main concern is that the decision makers who were voted in are aware of the consequences policies they enact have on, and how they affect, the future of Co-op City.

As shareholders, we must find ways to remain engaged and informed. Thank you ever so much for your support. See you around the neighborhood.

––Mrs. Regina Hamilton

Keep police independent

To the Editor:

It is important for New Yorkers to be able to walk their streets in safety. Unfortunately, I believe there are problems caused by politicians that seem to be counterproductive to the safety of decent people. Release of dangerous recidivists on low or no bail; too much leniency by liberal judges or prosecutors; accepting mental health defenses as an excuse for violent crimes, more recently, particularly against Asian citizens; and an anti-police sentiment fueled by the mass media and politicians who seem unconcerned about our safety. We need strict enforcement of laws already on the books, in my opinion. Finally, we need to support local police and keep them independent!

––David Hammer

Why can’t we use our terraces during Local Law 11 work?

To the Editor:

This letter was originally composed on 5/26/21. The work began on 5/31/21.

On May 11, 2021, as requested by Riverbay, myself and most of the co-operators who have terraces and live in Section 4, removed all items from them. To date, no work has been started on the terraces of the tower buildings and a lot of good weather has been lost (two weeks so far). But you know all of this.

What we don’t know is why the terrace doors are blocked for the duration of the repairs. Why can’t we use our terraces after hours and on weekends when no work is being done?

Of course, the terraces would remain empty during working hours. Anyone have any answers?

––Dock Harvey Management Response to Mr. Harvey

The NYC Department of Buildings requires that access to all balconies on a line of apartments be closed while scaffolding is in place and work is being done on that line. Cooperators who live in a line of apartments where work is currently ongoing may not see work occurring by their apartment but the entire line is considered a construction site and mandated safety guidelines must be enforced or Riverbay could be subject to a stop work order and/or a fine.

––Bob Klehammer

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome your letters to the editor, cctimes@riverbaycorp. com. If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not print anonymous or unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so the authenticity of the writer can be verified. Thank you.

Board of Directors’ Meeting - June 16, 2021

Emergency Resolution #21-28

SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: June 16, 2021

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation hereby accepts the report of the 2021 Election Committee certifying that the following persons have been elected and qualified as Directors of the Riverbay Corporation for the term of office next to their name:

LESLIE PETERSON – Three years

DARYL JOHNSON – Three years

KEVIN LAMBRIGHT – Three years

LEAH RICHARDSON – Three years

ANIKA GREEN-WATSON – Three years

YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders PASSED

REMINDER: All club articles and submissions are DUE ON MONDAYS.

Indoors Continued from page 1)

said during a June 1 press conference. “Senior centers are a place where so much happens for our seniors. They are coming back, another great part of a recovery for all of us happening right now in New York City. We’ll be careful. We’ll be safe. We’re going to make sure there’s smart distancing and all the right precautions to keep our senior centers safe.”

Face coverings and social distancing of at least six-feet will be mandatory at all senior center locations, according to the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA).

June 14 marked the first day since March 2020 that indoor activities at city senior centers could resume.

Seventy senior centers officially reopened on Monday, a DFTA spokesperson told WPIX News. The remaining centers are preparing to open in the coming weeks. Overall, DFTA oversees 250 centers across all five boroughs, including the three senior centers in Co-op City.

However, locally, the JASA senior center locations in Co-op City are still only serving Grab N’ Go lunches and any news of reopening will be announced as details become available.

This week was equally important for many of NYC Parks’ recreation centers as they too were given approval to reopen, albeit for members only. In total, 13 NYC Parks recreation centers reopened on June 14 with two remaining centers set to reopen their doors on June 23. Face coverings, regardless of vaccination status, are required to enter any of the recreation facilities. Indoor pools will still remain closed to the public.

In New York City, 77.5% of adults 65 and older have at least one vaccine dose, according to the latest data recorded by New York State. At the same time, 71% of adults 65 and older are fully vaccinated in New York City, also according to the latest data recorded by the State.

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager Ralph Henriquez Production Manager John Crow New Media Producer

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

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

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available.

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor.

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

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-697-6381 on

CCPD urges residents to enjoy a Fourth of July free of illegal fireworks

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public The Fourth of July is a great time of the year to enjoy the summer and reflect on America’s Inde-

Safety pendence. Some professional fireworks are back in 2021 with public viewing areas. The traditional Co-

Report op City July 3rd fireworks has been rescheduled for the end of the summer around Labor Day. I want to make sure that my readers stay safe from the use of illegal fireworks. The use of illegal fireworks has unfortunately become associated with this holiday. Illegal fireworks present serious risks of injuries resulting in trips to the Emergency Room. Children are especially at risk for injuries from illegal fireworks. New York City has seen a surge of complaints of illegal fireworks throughout the five boroughs. It is illegal to use or purchase fireworks within the five boroughs of New York City even though it is legal in other counties upstate New York. From a safety point of view, this is a wise choice by New York City with the intent of keeping residents safe. Even though you may see fireworks for sale in New York State’s upstate counties, do not be tempted to buy and bring them into New York City.

Every year, the Macy’s fireworks show draws an estimated 3 million spectators from rooftops and the river shorelines and other nearby viewing points, and is the largest in the nation. The 2019 display was the largest display and every year these displays get larger and larger. This year, we can again experience Macy’s “pyrotechnic spectacle” with 60,000 shells launched off five barges on the East River.

While it is nice to see the fireworks live, in front your television provides the optimum viewing location with none of the hassle. The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show will be broadcast on NBC-Channel 4 in the New York area. This might be the best option if you are not ready for large crowds. Utilize public transportation if traveling into NYC on this or any other high profile day. Details of Covid-19 restrictions regarding viewing areas are changing on a daily basis. As the date gets closer, more details will be provided.

New York State is one of five states in which aerial and explosive fireworks are illegal for use by the public. The other four states are Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The number of states completely banning illegal fireworks increases every year as injuries increase. Rhode Island was the last state which added itself to this list after an indoor fireworks display resulted in the death of 100 people.

New York City put in effect a Zero Tolerance policy regarding the sale or use of illegal fireworks within the limits of New York City. Here in Co-op City, the Zero Tolerance laws are enforced by both the New York City Police Department and the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. Co-op City residents are also subject to receiving a Community Complaint if they are arrested by any police agency within the geographical confines of Co-op City.

Emergency rooms in the United States see an average of over 9,000 persons per year injured by illegal fireworks. A majority of fireworks-related injuries occur in the time just before and just after July 4. Injuries to children under the age of 15 represent more than one third of the injuries. Males sustain 75% of fireworks-related injuries. The most common body part injured by fireworks is the hands, followed by the eyes. Injuries include burns, contusions, lacerations, amputations and blindness.

Fireworks often thought to be safe are one of the leading causes of injuries. Seemingly harmless metal sparklers, with their over 1,000-degree white-hot burning wire, are the leading cause of injuries to children under five years of age. Injuries to hands, eyes or feet are the most common. Sparklers can ignite children’s clothing. Bottle rockets and firecrackers are responsible for a majority of fireworks injuries because they are commonly used. Every type of consumer firework has been associated with serious injury or death. Quality standards are non-existent on most consumer fireworks which are generally mass-produced and imported from China.

There is no regulatory agency checking the safety of consumer fireworks. Random inspections of confiscated shipments reveal overloaded compositions and fuse violations. This means that the intended explosion may be more forceful than anticipated. It also means it may not be possible to remove your hand from a device before it explodes.

On July 4, 2015, National Football League player Jason Pierre Paul sustained a serious injury to his hand. Although he was able to play professional football after his injury, his career was adversely affected. It was necessary for Pierre Paul to undergo numerous surgeries and wear an awkward glove on his hand with the amputated finger. Jason Pierre Paul spent a long time recuperating and retraining after this needless injury. Nobody wants to be in this type of situation even if you are not a professional athlete. It is always better to learn from someone else’s mistake than by making the mistake yourself.

Leave fireworks displays to the professionals and enjoy a safe and Happy Fourth of July. Nobody wants to spend his or her holiday weekend seeking the help of an eye doctor or a hand specialist. Enjoy the “OOHS” and “AAHS” of

Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc If you SEE something, SAY something!

Public Safety Blotter

June 6, 2021 – June 11, 2021

06/07/21 – 140 Carver Loop

FDNY responded to a smoke condition emanating from a staircase. After their arrival, the source was determined to be burnt newspaper. FDNY extinguished the blaze. There was no damage or injuries.

06/08/21 – 100 Co-op City Blvd.

One individual was arrested for trespass after being found in a stairway at this location having no permission or authority to be therein.

100 Alcott Place

One male was escorted from a residence but was seen later gaining access back into the building. The male was once again stopped and this time around issued a community complaint and warned about returning to the building.

100 Co-op City Boulevard

CCPD officers responded to a stairway within this location to investigate a suspicious male. One male was arrested for trespass.

06/12/21 – 920 Baychester Avenue

CCPD units responded to a report of someone screaming for help. Upon arrival to the location, an investigation determined that a male and a female became embroiled in a dispute. During the course of the altercation, a knife was produced and one person received a minor laceration. One person was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and processed through the system.

120 Benchley Place

A complainant reported an unknown person(s) broke into a parked vehicle and removed two airbag from the vehicle. An investigation into this crime is ongoing.

a professional fireworks display and know that you will be safe.

Residents are reminded that barbecuing is not permitted on any of the public areas of Co-op City. Strict guidelines set forth by the New York City Fire Department do not permit barbecuing within 10 feet of any residential building. Propane tanks are strictly prohibited by the New York City Fire Department in any multiple family dwellings. Residents are also reminded that Bike Riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted.

Remember to stay safe this summer, especially near pools, beaches and other bodies of water. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. 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.

(Continued on page 10)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

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

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Retirees Mother’s and Father’s Day Event

Members, family, and friends of the Retirees of Dreiser Loop fellowship during their Mother’s and Father’s Day celebration on June 12, on the Greenway.

JazzMobile – Woza Maskella

Jazzmobile, in partnership with Riverbay Corporation and Councilman Kevin Riley, kicked-off their threepart music series in Coop City, last Thursday, June 16, on the Section 2 Greenway.

Photos by John Crow and Leandra Alexander Peters

Food Distribution

Residents receive boxes of produce from the Agatha House Foundation during a recent food distribution at Bartow Mall.

Photos by Leandra Alexander Peters

Farewell

(Continued from page 1)

service on the Riverbay Board of Directors, the last four years as our president,” said Mr. Cylich. “Linda, you of immense energy, full of optimism and bountiful talent, are a true woman for all seasons. No one can fill your shoes. It is with a heavy heart that I am saying farewell to you as a Board member, but not to our friendship, which has grown over these years. You leave a lasting legacy as no other president has in Co-op City’s fifty-year-plus history. I can attest to that.”

The then-First Vice President pointed out that to enumerate all of Ms. Berk’s “enduring contributions to the Riverbay Board and the Co-op City community would take all night.” However, he highlighted a few.

“When you won a seat on the Board in 2014, Co-op City was on the verge of bankruptcy,” he said. “A quarter-billion-dollar corporation that was millions of dollar in debt, we had only $900,000 in the bank. All reserve accounts had been run dry. The community we loved was broke and financially hemorrhaging.”

Mr. Cylich then mentioned the $60M lawsuit that followed for Federal Labor Standards Act violations that was brought against Riverbay Corporation, followed by another lawsuit asserting front lobby doors were non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, followed by discovery that all 160 of the then-10-year old elevators installed in Co-op City’s residential buildings had faulty motors and needed to be replaced.

“As you often had reminded us, Murphy had established permanent residency in Co-op City – anything that could go wrong would do so here,” Mr. Cylich said in his speech. “Not to belie that a $6 million prefab boiler, big as a house, shipped from Oklahoma, was too big to fit into our power plant.”

Then, to add to Riverbay’s woes, Mr. Cylich said they found out that Riverbay’s then-risk manager had been negotiating millions of dollars’ worth of insurance contracts while on Riverbay’s payroll and without the Board’s knowledge and/or approval, for other properties managed by then-managing agent, Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., leaving the Board no other option but to suspend the manager and appoint Noel Ellison and Peter Merola as interim general managers of Co-op City.

Mr. Cylich said to Ms. Berk: “Later, in one of your columns in our Co-op City Times, you shared a fear you had at the time – that Co-op City, a cooperative community experiment designed, sponsored, and built by visionary New York Citylabor leaders to provide affordable, comfortable housing for a diverse group of working families – would fail. Fortunately, under the collective leadership of Cleve Taylor, then-president, and you, Linda – before you became president three years later – were able to steer our behemoth from the brink of collapse. Although the Labor Standards lawsuit was settled at a fraction of the original demand, we were forced to impose a carrying charge increase to fund it. Not only did you stem the financial hemorrhaging, the corporation began to accrue operating surpluses. Absent any financial relief from City Hall, Albany, or Washington, and without a money tree to shake, or a sugar daddy, it was this operating surplus, along with minimum carrying charge increases – 12.2 percent – over seven years, that enabled the corporation to fund $193.8 million in capital projects to keep our homes safe and enhance our quality of life. And, above all, keeping Co-op City the best housing deal in town.”

Highlighting some of Ms. Berk’s other accomplishments, Mr. Cylich said that one her first acts after assuming the presidency of Riverbay Corporation in October 2016 was to organize a Co-op City delegation, filling five buses, to participate in the historic Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, January 21, 2017, the day after the former US President was sworn in as the nation’s chief executive. “The march, the largest demonstration ever held in our nation’s capital, sent a message that the needs and rights of the 99 percent – the vast majority of the American people – must be respected and protected,” he said. “Thanks to your efforts, Linda, Co-op City was present at this moment in the history of our nation.”

Mr. Cylich also spotlighted Ms. Berk’s significant role as organizer of Co-op City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

“Your bountiful talent and attention to detail were exemplified in the kick-off gala, on December 10, 2018, a half century to the day, since the first family moved in,” stated Mr. Cylich, “That event was a successful, historic, and memorable one, and every leading elected official attended it, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and recently elected New York State Attorney General Letitia James. We sent a clear message to the nation that Co-op City, in spite of having lost hundreds of millions of dollars to construction defects, corruption, faulty design, cost overruns, and other difficulties, represents a beacon of hope – the largest, most diverse cooperative in our nation remains affordable, an inspiring example of how the country’s housing crisis can be overcome.” Expressing the Board’s appreciation and respect for the time and energy Ms. Berk has invested in her role as a Board director and President of the Riverbay Corporation on behalf of the Co-op City community, “and especially for your unforgettable leadership,” Mr. Cylich told Ms. Berk, “We will miss your talent, opinion, insight, experience, and knowledge. We wish you all the best, but above all, keep in touch.”

Accepting the beautifully designed and engraved 3D crystal keepsake, Ms. Berk expressed her appreciation to everyone, offering heartfelt advice to shareholders and the Board as they move forward to conduct the business of Riverbay Corporation and preserve the community.

“Co-op City is special to me having moved in back in 1969. Before I joined the Board – I want shareholders to understand this – because every time I’ve communicated, I’ve pleaded with them to please be engaged. And I know what it’s like to be confused because before ten years ago, I never understood who was right,” said Ms. Berk. “I saw viewpoints and people battling in the newspaper, and everybody challenging the next person and it just gave me a headache, and I actually walked away from even trying to understand.

“I just implore that shareholders, please, get involved, join a committee, get down to your building association meeting, but get to know the facts, please, because you’re a shareholder, you own a piece of this rock. This is yours along with us and the Board is elected to serve you, the community. So when there are numbers out there like the 48.3% increase in ten years vs. 12.2 most recently, those are the things I would love for you as a community to remember because it affects your pocketbook, and I think that’s very important.”

Ms. Berk then thanked the Board as a whole for the progress made in the last seven years, pointing out that she was only one voice of 15 on the Board.

She reiterated: “Cleve Taylor as president kicked off us reorganizing this community and the Board, 15 of us ‘cause I only had one vote. I had a lot of mouth and I pushed a lot but I only had one vote and it took 15 Board directors to make this wonderful progress we have made since 2014. So I thank the Board for the recognition, and I thank you for the hard work and I thank you for helping to make this historical moment in Co-op City. We didn’t do it alone, we did it together, and I hope as a Board you continue to work together and you continue professional development and team building. It’s all about the team, team excellence.”

Ms. Berk also thanked Management for their support of the Board’s policies saying, “…without you, we couldn’t have made it happen. You make the wheels turn every day and we do appreciate that.” In conclusion, she said she looks forward to observing from the audience and, with more profound knowledge of what it takes to make the corporation function effectively, she will be rooting for both Management and a unified Board, one “that speaks as one voice.”

Environmental assessment areas for the MTA’s Penn Access Project include construction, noise, air quality, natural resources, and more.

Construction on the project will last four to five years, with about 18-months of work at each station – Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Hunts Point. MTA developers on the project plan to “maintain communication with community,” along with “emphasize community safety and quality of life,” to minimize construction impact.

In terms of noise and vibration, the MTA plans to mitigate this by utilizing “modern railroad technologies” and use soundproof windows and noise walls where applicable.

In Co-op City and Morris Park locations, there is potential for some archaeological resources to be affected by the construction of the stations. Still, the MTA is planning on more investigations to avoid these encounters.

However, as far as the natural resources outside the Bronx, there will be a removal of around 300 to 500 trees and the acquisition of several acres and private properties.

The final project will provide East Bronx riders with Metro-North rail service to get to and from Penn Station by upgrading Amtrak’s existing Hell Gate Line. The four new stations in the Bronx will also be ADA accessible.

Residents concerned about the MTA’s Penn Access Project’s environmental impact can email their comments to PSAOutreach@mtacd.org or mail their written concerns regarding Penn Station Access environmental impact to:

MTA Government & Community Relations

Re: Penn Station Access EA 2 Broadway, D17.140

New York, NY 10004

Linda Berk

CB#10 Shred Event at Co-op City On Thurs., June 10, CB#10 held a successful shredding event on the Section 4 greenway. Residents lined MTA feedback (Continued from page 1) up by the dozens to shred up to three bags of documents containing personal infomation, helping to reduce their chances of identity theft. The service was offered free of charge to Co-op City residents.

Photo by Leandra Alexander Peters

Director’s Viewpoint – Mary Pearson

Almost!

If you’ve already voted,

you might think this viewpoint has no relevance for you. But if you voted absentee, it just might. Perhaps you’ve changed your mind about who you voted for. If you find you’re suffering from buyer’s remorse, you can get a do-over by voting in person. That in-person vote automatically trumps the absentee vote. And that may come in handy now that the mud is being slung like mad. Another day, another scandal … or accusation. Boy oh boy, the race is on and it’s getting wilder by the day. But it’s almost over. Almost, but not quite.

There are still two more days of Early Voting – today, Saturday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tomorrow, Sunday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where? In Bartow Community Center, room 31. NOT at Truman High. For those who need a stair-free entrance, follow the path off Asch Loop – between the library and the basketball court – to the lower level. Most co-operators know this, but outsiders are in for a surprise if they follow the NYC BOE website’s directions. Pshaw!

The Bartow entrance issue won’t matter for too long, though, if all stays on schedule. By the end of fiscal year 2023, (that’s 3-31-23), we will finally have a Bartow elevator. (Maybe even a two-elevator array? Fingers crossed? Give a mouse a cookie…) Once that day arrives no voter, worker, carrying charge dropper, blood donor, meeting goer, or partyer will have to follow the long and winding road to Bartow’s lower level ever again. And then I can stop bellowing “The signage. The signage. It’s wrong! It’s wrong!” and bellyache about something else instead.

Oh, what the heck. I can complain about more than one thing at a time.

Covid-19 Vaccinations. Now that kids from 12 and up are authorized to get the Pfizer vaccine, wouldn’t it be nice if we could offer it to them right here in Dreiser. It’s not like we don’t have the refrigeration capability – I got my Pfizer shots right here in Co-op City. A week or so ago, we all got a Robocall about a pop-up Pfizer vaccination location at MS 180. If I remember correctly, the call came in at about 3 o’clock saying parents should get their kids back to the school by 5:00 to get vaccinated. Not a heck of a lot of advance notice! Isn’t it incredible that we’re still experiencing such uneven vaccination distribution this late in the game? Hopefully, haphazard availability will end before school restarts. Dreiser needs Pfizer! But if your kids can’t wait for the city to make the Pfizer vaccination available here, you could try the NYCHA Edenwald pop up location at 1151 E 229th St. Looks like walk-up vaccinations are available there on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. But check first (877-829- 4692).

And back to the elections. Early Voting in Bartow ends tomorrow. The next day, Monday, June 21, nobody votes anywhere. The polls will be closed to get ready for Primary Election Day.

But are you still planning to vote absentee? Did you apply for your ballot? Did it arrive? You’ll find it’s all pretty self-explanatory when it does. There’s a great big red X where you need to sign your oath envelope after you fill in your choices and slip in the finished ballot. Then put that envelope in the return envelope and mail it or drop it.

That’s not the tricky part. The tricky part, for any kind of voting: absentee, early, or Election Day on June 22, is the enormously long ballot. See the word mayor on the top of the top left-hand column? There they are! Rank your top five of the 13 listed mayoral candidates. Now look to the righthand column for the list of three Public Advocate candidates and rank up to four. (Huh? They count your write-in choice. Oh.) Then below that, find the list of 10 Comptroller candidates. Now, on the page below that… yes, on the page below that, find a couple of dozen Delegates to the Judicial Convention. You can choose up to 12 off that list, no ranking necessary. But you’re not done yet. Flip the ballot over to rank or not rank your choices for Bronx Borough President and City Council member. Whew!

Primary Election Day Poll Sites. By now, you probably know where your Primary Election Day assigned poll site is. For most of us, it’s the same place as last time, but it’s been changed a lot lately, so it can get confusing. The big thing to remember is that no one is voting in Dreiser Auditorium this year, or at least this June. Right now, Dreiser Auditorium is too busy doling out vaccinations and will continue being tied up with that for a little bit longer. The storefront on Dreiser at Debs is also off-limits to voters this season. That’s where Covid testing is still taking place. Both of those locations are closed for voting until further notice. Anyone who expected they’d be voting on Primary Election Day (6/22) at Dreiser might get an unpleasant surprise. Instead of voting in Dreiser, you’ll be voting at Truman High School. Ay yi yi! Will we never be free of Truman High voting!?! (No problem for you, Bldg. 4C. You’re conveniently close to the gymnasium’s back door #21, and you love it !) Yes. For all voters in Sections 1 and 2 – except for those in Buildings 2AB, 13, and 14 who will vote at St. Michael’s – you’ll be voting in Truman on Primary Election Day. So by all means, please check where your Primary Election Day voting place is, because if you think it’s Dreiser, it’s not.

P.S. Have a great Juneteenth, everybody, and congratulations 2021 Board directors!

You can reach me by voice or text at 718-2192211, or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard. com.

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family.

Co-op City’s Section 2 Summer Fun Committee presents: Summer Fun Day: A Good Ole Summer Tyme, Saturday, June 26, 2021. This should be a well enjoyed and remembered family fun filled day!

Prize: Best decorated table! First 20 reserved and decorated tables win voucher for Cousin’s Maine Lobster, which will be on-site during the event. (Cousin’s Maine Lobster is free only for voucher winners). Feel free to bring your own food and beverages or purchase meals from Cousin’s.

Music provided by DJ Sid Nice – Plus the multi-talented and internationally known “One Man Band - Crowd Pleaser,” Juan Ortega.

For information and table reservations, contact Anika at: Cooper.townhouses@gmail.com.

It’s going be a family affair not to be missed nor forgotten. So do not wait and reserve your table now. Contests, games, prizes and Icee cart.

Time: Noon - 6 p.m. (Rain date: June 27).

Pop-up picnic with a twist! Save the date!

––Linda Collins

Public Safety

(Continued from p. 7)

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Maintain social distancing and follow the current recommendations from New York City Board of Health and the CDC. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. Avoid getting into confrontations with neighbors regarding the wearing of masks or vaccination status. Be responsible for yourself, your family and your guests.

Although Covid-19 rates are decreasing throughout the city and state it is still important to take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Our actions in the coming weeks and months will determine the future impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world. Taking precautions now will decrease the lasting effects of the pandemic. Getting a vaccination or wearing a mask is a good idea if your doctor recommends it.

Both New York State and the CDC announced changes to the mask wearing mandates. Unvaccinated persons are still required to wear masks in most situations, especially indoors and crowded areas. Vaccinated persons are still required to wear masks in certain situations. Check the NYS Health website and the CDC website for the latest updates. Contact your doctor and see if a Covid-19 vaccination is right for you. When in doubt, wear a mask especially indoors when social distancing is not possible. Do not forget about hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face. Good health practices are always good at preventing illness of all types. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

Father’s Day Paint and

Chat

Let us take you on a journey of color, creativity and family fun.

THIS IS FREE EVENT Date: June 20, 2021 Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rivers Run Community Garden

Co-op City Blvd (Between Pear Tree and Bellamy Loop) Bronx, NY 10475

NYC Primaries

Continued from page 1)

candidates on their ballot with Ranked Choice Voting.

In 2019, New Yorkers approved the use of Ranked Choice Voting, and according to Voting.NYC, the new voting system passed with “73.5% support.”

This election will mark the first time voters will use Ranked Choice Voting. Voters can still choose one candidate or select up to five candidates in order of preference. According to the website: “If a candidate receives more than 50% of 1st-choice votes, they are the winner. If no candidate earns more than 50% of 1stchoice votes, then counting will continue in rounds. At the end of each round, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated.”

Ranked Choice Voting is only for primary and special elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council races.

The website also notes that using Ranked Choice Voting gives voters more choices, more say on who runs New York City, and diversifies those in office.

More important Bronx and city-wide primary election races include:

Bronx Borough President

• Fernando Cabrera (D) • Nathalia Fernandez (D) • Luis R. Sepulveda (D) • Sammy Ravelo (D) • Vanessa L. Gibson (D)

Public Advocate

• Anthony L. Herbert (D) • Theo Bruce Chino Tavarez • Jumaane D. Williams

City Comptroller

• Michelle Caruso-Cabrera • Zach Iscol • Terri Liftin • Alex Pan • Brad Lander • Corey D. Johnson • Reshma Patel • David I. Weprin • Brian A. Benjamin • Kevin S. Parker

City Council District 12

• Pamela A. Hamilton-Johnson (D) • Shanequa Moore (D) • Kevin Riley (D)

Member of the Assembly 82nd Assembly District

Voters will have to choose 12 out of 22 candidates on the list for Assembly District 82. • Michael R. Benedetto • Kerry Fellegara • Linda Drax Werner • Mary Williams • Brenda D. Brown • Lynn M. Gerbino • John Collazzi • Marjorie Velazquez • Rodney Saunders • Leah Richardson • Alfred E. Lynch Jr. • John Doyle • Marilyn Soto • Eric A. James • Justice Z. Cruz • Iris Rosario • Nicole Fernandez • Orlando Molina • Clara Marrero • Mary Pacheco • Andrew Patralia • Wilma Fernandez

Cooperators new to the community and/or unsure of their polling place, can log onto https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search and input your building address into the poll site location, or call the Bronx office of New York City Board of Elections at 718-299-9017.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked or brought in person to the Board of Elections by June 22.

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

There are two important occasions to mark your calendar for next week:

Thursday, June 23, Association Building 14 Cooperators meeting at 7:30 p.m. This meeting is primarily intended to bring cooperators up-to-date about various happenings and issues as well as business matters for reconvening meetings in September (following our July-August recess). Zoom information will be posted throughout the building.

Summer Fun Family Day – You must attend this year’s Section 2 Summer Fun Family Day! Join us Saturday, June 26, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Rain date: June 27) for a good ole summertime “Pop Up Picnic” with a Twist. Reserve a table now! Win a prize for “Best Decorated Table,” and the first 20 reserved and decorated tables win a voucher for Cousin’s Maine Lobster – yum! Cooperators can purchase meals from Cousin’s food truck and are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. Cousin’s Maine Lobster free only to voucher winners. There will be games, contests and prizes for all age groups! The ICEE cart will be onsite, too. Music provided by DJ Sid Nice, plus, the internationally known “One Man Band and Crowd Pleaser, Juan Ortega.” Reserve your table today! Contact Anika at Cooper.townhouses@gmail.com. The Section 2 Summer Fun Committee hopes to see you there!

Emergency Alerts and Warnings Forms – Update your contact information to now receive emergency alerts and warnings by text and email, in addition to Robo calls. You never know. Forms are available in the laundry room and/or can be requested via email: assocbldg14@gmail.com. Drop off or mail completed forms to the Cooperator Services Office at Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Questions: Please call 917.612.1951 and/or email assocbldg14@gmail. com.

Be well. Be grateful. Be kind.

––Josie Ferguson Co-op City Democratic Club

The CCDC is reminding all Democrats to come out and vote in the Primary on June 22, 2021. It seems that many of you are not interested in voting because there are so many candidates running for the same office and you might not know where to start. Talk about the election. Call a trusted friend and discuss it. Look for a person who you think can run this city and will do what you want him/her to do for you. Who do you think can get guns off the streets, reduce your fear in walking around your community, improve housing, reduce subway crimes and clean up our streets. Ask yourself what is important to you and which candidate will accomplish what you want for our city over the next two to four years.

Plan your day and meet a neighbor to walk over to a center to cast your ballot. Remember, come early because we have Ranked Choice Voting now and it might take a little more time than usual. Early voting is over on June 20, which will only give you June 22 to vote. So let your voice be heard, do not take anything for granted, get out and vote instead of complaining about it. Remind your friends and family to vote. You can make some real change by voting. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Just vote.

Congratulations to the winners of the Riverbay Board of Directors, especially to our club members, Leslie Peterson, Leah Richardson and Anika Green-Watson. Congratulations also to Daryl Johnson.

––Shirley J. Saunders

Co-op City Little League

Play Ball!

With the re-opening of public parks and baseball fields, Co-op Chargers Sr. team has unfinished business. After coming up short by one run in the Championship series last year, the Sr. Chargers look to bring home another trophy. This year, the team moved up from 18u to compete in 20u play.

A majority of the team is 17 & 18 yr. olds, but two of the main pitchers turned 19. Together, the team decided to move up so the group can stay together. This allowed us to shape up the roster and add on some seasoned players.

League play started this past weekend, with Co-op leading in the standings with a 2-1 record. After losing the first game, Chargers won back-to-back games with brilliant pitching. Saturday’s win, 6-0.

Bebo Caminero threw a no hitter & zero runs over seven innings, with 12Ks. Caminero received support from Angel Arroyo, Will Ozoria (doubles) and Jeremy Meyreles with 2 RBIs. During Sunday’s outing, again Chargers held the opposing team with zero runs, 8-0 win fueled by Player of the Game, Versace. For six innings, Versace threw a no hitter, facing 22 batters, 2 walks, 1 hit and 10 Ks. He just wasn’t dealing on the mound, 2-3 at the plate including a Grand Slam, 5 RBIs and a stolen base. Additional offense came from Alex Jimenez with a two-run homer, and base hit each for Franklin, Will Ozoria, Leo Francisco and Bebo. The game ended with Versace’s 10th K, the second out; and catcher Alex Jimenez gunning the runner (who got the only hit) at 2B in an attempt to steal for the third out.

––Michael Wicks

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick-up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/ face covering is required. Physical distancing is a must. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver's, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. It is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver's, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

Recertification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry must recertify. A valid ID NYC card, a non-driver's, or driver’s license with a 10475 address must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program.

Grab-N-Go – The 920 Baychester Avenue location is conducting Grab-N-Go distributions on Thursday, June 24, and Friday, June 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The distributions will stop at 3:00 p.m. whether or not guests are on the line. We will stop before 3 p.m., if supplies run out. The June 24 distribution is for guests who registered or re-certified in 2021 and hold pantry cards. A pantry card must be shown on this day – no exceptions. The June 25 distribution is for the general public, those who lost their pantry card and for those who did not recertify in 2021. Guests from Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are invited to the distributions. Please, only one representative per household should attend. Monthly food packages will not be distributed on these days. Guests must have at least 6 clean/sturdy grocery bags and a large cart. All guests are required to wear masks completely covering their faces and practice physical distancing.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@ gmail.com. Please stay safe.

––D. Illis

CSO Contact Information

CSO 1 – Buildings 1-14, Defoe, Debs and Cooper place Townhouses. Located in the lower level of 177 Dreiser Loop (Restorations). CSO2 – Buildings 15-25, Adler, Asch and Broun Place Townhouses. Located at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Rm. B.

CSO 3 – Buildings 26-35 and Earhart Lane Townhouses. Located in Rm. 37 of the Einstein Center.

The offices can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and following the prompts.

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators.

Summer Fun Day – Co-op City’s Section 2 Summer Fun Committee

presents A Good Ole Summer Tyme Pop Up Picnic with a Twist! Save the date: Saturday, June 26. Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Rain date: June 27). This should be a well enjoyed and remembered family fun-filled day!

Prize – Best decorated table! First 20 reserved and decorated tables win voucher for Cousin’s Maine Lobster, which will be on-site during the event. (Cousin’s Maine Lobster is free only for voucher winners). Feel free to bring your own food and beverages or purchase meals from Cousin’s. Contests, games, prizes and ICEE cart.

Music provided by DJ Sid Nice – Plus, the multi-talented and internationally known “One Man Band – Crowd Pleaser,” Juan Ortega. For information and table reservations, contact Anika at: Cooper.townhouses@gmail.com. It’s going to be a family affair not to be missed or forgotten. So, do not wait and reserve your table now!

Cartons: Please take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc., to the basement and place them in the appropriate area.

Just a few reminders – Remember to turn on your car headlights when driving in the garage and please follow all directional signs. Turn your car off, lock it and take your keys with you. Please discard used face masks and gloves in trash receptacles. Please wipe up spills in hallways, elevators and lobby floors. Promptly remove your completed laundry from the washers and dryers. Please pick up your dryer sheets from the floor because they are very slippery and refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050, and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311.

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com.We are also on Facebook, Building 10 “ABC” Association. Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all June babies an incredibly happy birthday.

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences.

Have a great week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

NEW YORK NEEDS A MAYOR WHO DOESN’T BACK DOWN

DEMOCRAT

Beaten by Cops, I Became One

I’m running for mayor so New York can have both public safety and police accountability.

Eric Adams April 25, 2021

Eric Adams doesn’t run away when things get tough. He stays, he stands up, he fights back, and he delivers.

A REAL PLAN TO PROTECT NYC FROM VIOLENT CRIME

MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF NEW YORKERS

HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES LEFT BEHIND

ELECTION DAY: JUNE 22ND EARLY VOTING: JUNE 12TH - 20TH