Co-op City Times 7/18/20

Income affidavit deadline is July 31, 2020.

See page 6 for more information

Vol. 55 No. 29

Saturday, July 18, 2020

NYC hotel program offers safe haven for those recovering or sheltering from COVID-19

$1.25

How will public schools look this fall?

Program with wide range of services available free of charge

Almost four months have passed since New York City’s public school students attended classes in person. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in the New York metropolitan area back in March forced the hands of city school officials and left them with no choice but to close all schools in New York City.

Students were then tasked with continuing their learning online, which, unfortunately, left many students at a disadvantage who do not have reliable internet service at home.

Fast forward to July and many public institutions and universities have begun tentatively outlining their plans for having students on campus come this fall. Some universities in New York City, such as NYU and Columbia, plan to have students back on campus albeit in a more controlled and limited fashion. Mandated socially distanced room assignments coupled with limited in-person classes appear to be the model of learning going forward for colleges and universities.

As for the roughly 1,800 public schools in New York City, the fall of 2020 will be a mixture of very limited in-person classes and more reliance on remote online learning.

“Getting our kids back to school successfully and safely is the single biggest part of restarting our city. Parents have spoken clearly – they want their children back in school buildings to the greatest extent possible,” Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters last week. “Our approach for the fall maximizes in-person instruction while protecting the health and safety of our students and educators.”

Currently, there are three potential models for learning schools will have to choose

(Continued on page 2)

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With the COVID pop-up test site opening in Co-op City on July 22, the NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation is making every effort to inform community residents about the hotel program offered through its Division of Community Care for those who test positive for the virus or live with someone who tests positive and may not be able to quarantine safely within their homes.

Health + Hospitals Community Care is a New York City public health program that delivers services to patients at home and in their respective community, free of charge. The goal of the program is to deliver more services and better care to patients as part of a broader approach to improving the health of New Yorkers.

Community Care has been partnering with community media outlets and other local service partners to spread the word about the hotel program not only through mass advertising but also by other grassroots outreach methods.

Nicole Jordan-Martin, executive director of Health +Hospitals Community Care, is responsible for overall strategic priorities such as patient growth, clinical integration, care management, quality improvement and financial sustainability of patients. She spoke with the Co-op City Times this week and outlined a number of services and resources available to New Yorkers through the city’s free hotel program.

“A value of this program is to really help mitigate the current and future spread of COVID. We want everyone to be able to take the precautions they need to protect themselves and others from becoming exposed,” said Ms. Jordan-Martin.

“We know that in many parts of the city, people are living in crowded living situations

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Power Plant undergoes renovations

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Take less than 20 minutes to complete the 2020 Census on July 20 Help Co-op City get to 100% As Co-op City strives to reach a 100 percent response rate in this year’s 2020 Census, shareholders are encouraged to take 20 minutes to complete the survey on July 20.

According to the Census, “New York City has made significant strides in census self-response rates, closing the gap with the rest of the nation. New York City stands less than nine percentage points behind the national total – an improvement of 5 percentage points from 2010.”

The NYC Census continues to come up with creative ways to get citizens counted during today’s challenging times, which is paying off as “New York City’s rate of increase has outpaced the rest of the nation thanks to a litany of efforts from NYC Census 2020.”

Having an undercount in this year’s Census could mean a cut in federal funding for New York City and a possible loss of services for residents throughout the community – making it vital for everyone to participate.

Additionally, the NYC Census data has a significant impact on community health care – which is more important now than ever as COVID-19 still looms over the city, local representation in the House of Representatives, financial decisions including funding

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

For the first time in many years, Co-op City’s cooling tower got a recent paint job to help preserve the towers and improve appearance.

Photo by John Crow

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

As the Power Plant continues to deliver reliable A/C, hot water, and electricity to residents, behind the scenes, the department is also working on major renovations.

Since the onset of COVID-19, Power Plant staff have responded to several power plant-related emergencies and continue to maintain all domestic and dual temp pumps for heat and hot water.

Along with those duties, staff are correcting pumps (Continued on page 4)

(Continued on page 4)

COVID pop-up test site opens in Co-op City next Wednesday, July 22

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The New York City Test & Trace Corps of the Health + Hospitals Corporation will begin operating a pop-up COVID testing site in Co-op City on Wednesday, July 22, at 105 Dreiser Loop, where shareholders will be able to get the nasopharyngeal or swab diagnostic test. Antibody tests are not available at this site. Everyone must wear face covering.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Co-op City test site.

According to a spokesperson for the Health + Hospitals Corporation, the Co-op City test site will operate seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments are not necessary.

Although the test is free of charge, visitors will be asked to provide identification and their insurance (Continued on page 12)

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2

Hotel Program

just on the basis of economics, on the basis of culture – you have multiple generations that culturally they live together, they do everything together. It’s very important for people to know when you are living in crowded situations, you must protect others from being exposed to COVID. That is the way we mitigate future spread, and we control current spread of COVID.” Ms. Jordan-Martin explained that given the severity of the novel coronavirus and its impact on individuals, families and communities, Health + Hospitals Community Care believes everyone impacted by the virus needs some kind of support whether physical, emotional, family and social support to help them recover.

“We wanted to be able to provide a place where people can do that safely without exposing others in their household potentially to COVID and so the hotel program was really born out of that necessity as well as making sure people who were hospitalized, if they left the hospital but were still considered infectious, have some place to go to where they would be basically cared for and supported while they complete their recovery and before they return home to their loved ones,” Ms. Jordan-Martin said.

The hotel program provides a supportive environment where patients or “guests,” as they are referred to, can receive the health care services they require during their recovery around-the-clock by professionals. At the hotel, there are physicians, nurses, social workers and certified nursing assistants on-site to tend to their needs.

“All these resources are there at the hotel to help because as we know, COVID takes a terrible toll physically and emotionally on anyone who is impacted,” said Ms. Jordan-Martin. “So we have nursing assistants there in case individuals are weak and they need help getting dressed, bathing, walking, feeding themselves. We have support for them so they are able to get stronger. We have nurses there to conduct wellness checks so we check in on people in their rooms just to make sure that they are not having any severe exacerbation of their symptoms, we’re checking their temperature and we’re making sure that generally they are doing well while they are at the hotel.”

In the event a guest’s symptoms worsen, they are transferred to the hospital for treatment, after which they can be picked up and transported back to the hotel to continue their recovery.

In addition, during their stay, the program’s Care Coordinators and social workers work with the hotel guests to understand their needs and what support services they would require to safely return to their homes once their two-week hotel stay ends.

Some of the services the Care Coordinators provide include helping guests who rent their homes to navigate with their landlords so they do not have problems returning to their homes, determining if they are they in danger of being evicted and/or require more stable housing, helping them get into the shelter system or other short term housing while Care Coordinators work on longer term housing solutions for them.

In cases where the guest lives with other family members, evaluating if it would be safe for them to return to the shared home; do they need access to food, cash or resources like Food Stamps or Snap benefits.

Ms. Jordan-Martin said, “We want to make sure whatever it is they need, we are working on those things while they are at the hotel and we’re putting services in place so when they leave, they will have everything in place to remain healthy and well at home.”

While at the hotel, guests have access to telehealth services in case they need medications or refills on medications during their stay. Community Care physicians can write those prescriptions, call them in, and arrangements are made for the medications to be delivered to the hotel.

Ms. Jordan-Martin said the hotel program also accommodates and supports guests in substance abuse treatment programs. “For example, if they are recovering from heroin addiction and they are on methadone, that can be delivered to the hotel so they don’t have a break in their treatment,” she said. “If they need health care services, we have a certified healthcare agency so we can work with their doctors to make sure whatever healthcare services they need, we get that doctor to order those services and then we can provide those services while they are at the hotel, and when they leave the hotel as well. So we really make the program comprehensive. It is all inclusive, it’s free.”

The hotel program is open to all New Yorkers – adults and children. Among hotel guests are pregnant women who tested positive for COVID; mothers with newborns, either of whom tested positive for the virus; as well as parents with children who don’t have a sitter or someone to care for their children while they recuperate from the virus. “If the parent tested positive, we have them bring the children to the hotel and we have nursing staff essentially care for the children

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

around-the-clock while the parent recovers,” Ms. JordanMartin said.

Continuing, Ms. Jordan-Martin added that when it comes to seniors, just on the basis of age alone even if they aren’t COVID positive, they are considered vulnerable to COVID, and if they happen to be in a household with someone who is exposed to COVID, they can come to the hotel as a protective measure. Nevertheless, if they live alone and they are COVID exposed already or they are vulnerable to COVID, they too are eligible to come to the hotel.

Home health aides are also allowed to stay at the hotel if their patient is in the hotel program. The same goes for a friend or relative caring for or providing help to the guest.

In such a case, effort is made to place the caregiver in an adjoining room so they can continue to safely provide care for the guest.

Service animals too are welcomed at the hotel if they have documentation. If the animal is not a documented service animal, the program has access to free pet services where the animal can be referred to be boarded while the owner is in the hotel.

The most direct way to get connected to the NYC hotel program is to call the city’s COVID hotline, 844-692-4692, and hit “0” to be connected to the program. Calling this hotline also leads to many other COVID-related resources offered by the City of New York.

Once admitted to the program, guests are asked to bring their medications, eyeglasses or contact lens, any devices they use to help their mobility whether it is a cane or walker, their dentures and anything else they need for their day-today care. They are also asked about dietary restrictions so their needs can be communicated to the hotel kitchen and they can be accommodated. They should also bring crossword puzzles, iPad, and whatever keeps them entertained and helps them pass time. Although guests can bring their own clothing, the program provides pajamas (hospital scrubs) that can be worn while they are in their rooms. Free laundry service is provided at the hotel.

Vitally important also is for guests to bring information about their medical providers so that health care professionals with the hotel program can stay in contact with the guest’s primary care doctor and apprise their doctor of their symptoms and progress. They also make arrangements for the guests to meet with their providers by telehealth if they have medical appointments. If the guest does not have an iPad, the program has a limited supply of iPads and laptops that is shared among the guests to facilitate their telehealth visits and/or connections with family and friends. These devices are treated for infection control between users.

Included also in guests’ stay are meals, snacks, wifi internet connectivity, transportation to and from the hotel, all free of charge to hotel guests. Upon check-in, they are surveyed to find out what the hotel staff can do to help make their stay better. “So we are trying to be very, very conscientious about the many needs people will have when they come to the hotel, and as they recover from COVID, they really need support to address those needs,” said Ms. Jordan-Martin.

Every guest leaves the hotel after their stay with a checkout plan that describes everything that they needed and where their hotel care providers are in the process of getting them connected to services to address those needs.

Ms. Jordan-Martin said, “So some things will obviously already be connected by the time they leave the hotel, but there are other things, for example, they may have medical appointments that haven’t happened yet that are coming up, and so we spell all of that out in their check-out plan – these are your upcoming medical appointments, who your appointment is with, here’s the number. If you have Medicaid and you need transportation, call this number to schedule; so it lays out everything that they needed and how far we got with them while they were at the hotel and then what else needs to happen once they leave the hotel.”

Further, guests who have Medicaid and agree to enroll in Health + Hospitals Care Coordination Services, a longterm care support program, continue to get connected to needed services long after their stay at the hotel.

“That person will have a Care Coordinator who will be calling to remind them about appointments, for example, appointments to enroll in the Food Stamp program, to get Access-A-Ride, whatever the services are or appointments, the Care Coordinator continues to work with them, including escorting them to those appointments, to help them navigate getting connected to those services,” said Ms. JordanMartin.

Care Coordinators are multi-lingual to provide services to the city’s diverse population. Translation services are also available, if needed.

Ms. Jordan Martin emphasized: “If someone doesn’t follow through, that would really be unfortunate, but we encourage them to. When they leave, they leave with a lot of mate-

rial including one very specific number which we want everybody to know. This number leads to many, many services that we have here at Health and Hospitals, including the services of our division, and that’s the COVID hotline number that was created for the city—they can call that number. We don’t anticipate everyone will follow through on their plan because it’s overwhelming to navigate all of these services and the appointments to get connected to the services. Sometimes, people do get frustrated, it becomes overwhelming and they decide I’m not going to follow through or maybe they can’t follow through because literacy issues may prevent them from navigating on their own. So we want them to call this number back if they need help because we also can bring resources to them in the home when they return home as well. They just have to call and let us know what they need and we will connect them to whatever services we have and others have that we think will be beneficial to them.”

Currently, hotels are only available in the East Elmhurst section of Queens, NY near LaGuardia Airport. Ms. JordanMartin said that efforts are underway to identify a hotel in Brooklyn, the city’s largest borough, because of demand from residents. She noted that the program has had a difficult time sourcing hotels in the Bronx although efforts continue in this regard, pointing out that several local shelters are already using hotels to help provide additional physical distancing thereby depleting the supply in the Bronx. Regardless, she emphasized that transportation is provided for guests to and from the hotel to allay any reservations about taking advantage of the hotel program.

Ms. Jordan-Martin said that as health care professionals engaged in providing care to the public during this pandemic, they have learned a number of things. “We’ve learned that it is very important to get these communication out to the communities about the resources available to them to help mitigate the spread of COVID,” she said. “It is extremely important to do it in a culturally competent manner, meaning that we have to adopt a grassroots approach going into communities and educating them, not just relying on the ads on television or mass media.

“We’ve also learned there is stigma and fear attached to COVID and that can paralyze people in their decisions – whether it’s the decision to get tested, whether it’s the decision to step away from others and go to a hotel or someplace else, quarantine and isolate. And so, being able to give people some tangible guidance on step 1. If you think… If you think you are having these symptoms what’s step 1? What do you need to do, and sort of laying it out in a way that’s manageable, I think that’s really important. Everyone gets overwhelmed and people become frozen, they can’t move forward because it’s too much information but the information isn’t being laid out in an actionable manner to them. So those are the biggest lessons we’ve learned so far in doing this work.”

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NYC Schools

3

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

from to move forward in the fall, according to the New York City Department of Education’s (NYC DOE) official online press release. Each model is dependent upon the respective school’s physical capacity to safely accommodate either half of their student population or one-third.

Additionally, parents should be aware that the NYC DOE will offer the option to take a completely online and all-remote schedule. The NYC DOE plans to send additional information to families in the coming weeks outlining how students can choose this option. Should a student choose the all-remote option and decide it is not the best schedule for their optimal learning experience, there will be chances at specific intervals next fall for them to rejoin the in-person learning. Further information on the opt-back-in option will be available in the coming weeks.

Model 1 This model is for the school where there is enough space available in the building to accommodate at least half of the student population with the necessary social distancing.

Students would attend in-person classes on the same two days every week and rotate every other Monday with the second group. Essentially, students would attend five in-person classes every two weeks. In total, this model consists of two in-person groups and one fully remote student group. On the days when students from either in-person group are not physically in class, they will be participating in remote learning. This particular model can be adopted by elementary, middle and high schools.

Model 2 This model is for schools that would be able to accommodate only one-third of their student body with the necessary social distancing. Under this model, students would attend in-person class one to two days per week, which amounts to five days in-person every three weeks.

Unique to this particular model is that one day will be the same for each individual group. For example, group A would meet on Wednesdays, group B on Thursdays and group C on Fridays.

Furthermore, the three groups would then rotate Mondays and Tuesdays. Similar to the first model, students will have remote learning for the days they are not attending class in-person.

There are four groups in this model, three attend in-person classes and the remaining one is fully remote. Elementary, middle and high schools are able to use this model.

Model 3 This model is a slight variation to the second one as it is still designed for schools that are only able to accommodate one-third of their student population with the proper social distancing.

However, where Model Three differs from Model Two is with the structure of the in-person classes. Under Model Three, there would be a six-day rotation with students at the school for two days and at home for the remaining four in the cycle. Similar to Model Two, there are still only four groups, three attend in-person class and one fully remote.

For the parents of students with disabilities who attend District 75 schools, there will be an additional two models options available “that may have students in school every other week for five days straight, with a potential for some groups to be in-person full-time dependent on student need,” according to the press release.

Understanding how this flurry of information could potentially overwhelm and confuse parents, the NYC DOE will continue to post all the latest pertinent information online at schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020. Also, parents should be aware that the DOE is hosting Family and Student Information Sessions in the coming weeks to answer any additional questions and concerns.

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Ignoring the New York Travel Advisory could cost you $10,000

BY BRANDON ORTIZ As New York City continues to show decline in infection density and COVID19 hospitalizations, shareholders may feel more inclined to invite family from out-of-state, but this could potentially cost up to $10,000 in fines if shareholders do not follow mandatory quarantine rules.

On June 24, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order establishing quarantine restrictions for travelers coming to New York from the 22 states that currently have high numbers of COVID-19 cases. According to Cuomo’s executive order, there is a mandatory two-week quarantine for “all travelers entering New York from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average.”

Currently, the 22 states that exceed the threshold are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

The list can expand should other states pass the 10% infection rate cutoff point. For shareholders planning to travel to any one of the 22 states, expect to have to quarantine for 14 days when you return to New York City. As for shareholders expecting to host family

Power Plant

(Continued from page 1)

and drain failures causing overflows in buildings, changing water pumps, and responding to emergency repair leaks.

While all of that is taking place, the team still manages to find the manpower or friends from any of the 22 states, they to do necessary repairs throughout the plant, including removing and replacing a should inform their guests to be prenew gas turbine and most visibly painting the cooling towers. pared to complete a declaration form According to Anthony Ligato, Senior Director Utility Assets, at the Power Plant, upon arrival. The declaration form will ask for the traveler’s name, itinerary and “The Riverbay Power plant team, in partnership with the Siemens Team, identified a fatal operational issue with one of Riverbay’s gas turbine.” the address.

The gas turbine was experiencing fatal vibration levels that did not allow the At the same time, shareholders returbine to operate. “This problem, if not addressed quickly, would affect Riverturning from travel to or hosting guests bay’s ability to fulfill its obligation under the Con Ed Standby Credit and Demand from any of the hot-spot states should Response summer programs,” said Mr. Ligato. Riverbay Corporation receives inform the Riverbay Safety department approximately $4M annually as a participant in ConEd’s load shedding and dethat either they or their guests will be mand respond programs. self-quarantining within their respecIn just two days, a dedicated team completed the job of removing the gas turtive apartment so the building can be bine and shipping it to Pennsylvania for disassembly and repair. Overall, it took appropriately sanitized and neighbors the team four days to successfully complete the project that included removing and Riverbay workers can be protected from possible exposure to COVID-19. and installing new parts.

“The unit was then shipped back and reinstalled without incident and started up Equally important to note, the travel successfully on July 5 ahead of schedule,” said Mr. Ligato. advisory only affects those who plan to Additionally, along with those efforts, for the first time in many years, the stay more than 24 hours in New York.

Power Plant cooling tower were painted.

However, New Jersey and Connecticut “Painting the cooling tower fan shrouds will both preserve the power plant coolhave adopted similar travel advisories ing tower and improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood. The cooling as New York so it can be expected that tower is a part of the energy production facility at Riverbay,” said Mr. Ligato. states with low infection rates will folThe Power Plant team has also completed the construction of Boiler 2 and will low suit in the coming months. install a new air conditioning unit in Einstein later this month.

Those who fail to provide or fill out their declaration form can receive a $2,000 fine and a $5,000 fine for sec(Continued from page 1) ond-time offenders. Additionally, acfor schools, and so much more. cording to Section 12 of the New York The Census takes place every 10 years, counting residents of the U.S. and Puerto Public Health Law, the fine will be Rico providing essential data. According to the Census’ website, “It counts our pop$10,000 for those who cause “serious ulation and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, reharm to any patient or patients.” Esdistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to supsentially, should a traveler ignore quarport states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, educaantine and subsequently infect others, tion, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy.” they will face the harshest penalty.

In regard to Co-op City’s count, shareholder Claudia Sampson, also a Partnership Specialist with the Census Bureau, has explained that Co-op City can count itself as one of the few exceptions leading the way for the city. Approximately 70% participation has been reported from Co-op City’s seven tracts so far, and the community still hopes to improve as the deadline to respond to the 2020 Census was extended to Oct. 31.

Although the Co-op City community is doing well in terms of responses, shareholders who have not yet completed the form should do so at their earliest convenience as the neighborhood aims for 100 percent participation.

In Co-op City, Section 5 leads the race with online and overall responses at roughly 75% compared to the rest of Co-op City. The Census tract in the vicinity of the Dreiser Center, however, is below the self-response rate among Co-op City’s ensus tracks.

The Census protects shared information via the Title 13 law and can never be used to identify an individual. The Census will not release information about an individual respondent to a housing unit, or law enforcement, or government agency.

To complete the questionnaire over the phone, Census customer service representatives are available every day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 844-330-2020. Residents can respond online at 2020census.gov.

New Yorkers have until Oct. 31 to complete the 2020 Census. All one needs is their address to fill out the Census, and whether one selects online, phone, or completes the survey via mail, all means of responding are safe, secure, and essential.

Census

5

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Grounds dept. continues to upgrade Co-op City’s curb appeal

Riverbay Corporation has installed signs reminding shareholders and visitors to the development about the necessity to wear face covering while outside of their apartment and when entering our buildings. This is a public health issue.

Please make every effort to abide by the guidance.

Photo by John Crow

On Sat., July 4, and again on Sat., July 11, 2020, with the support and approval of Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison, the Grounds department was on “Special Assignment” which took two days to accomplish. However, with advanced planning and teamwork spearheaded by Grounds director Michael D. Ambo and his supervisors, the men and women of the department cleaned up the city medians on the traffic paths surrounding Co-op City.

In Phase 1 on Independence Day, July 4, the staff took on weeding and removal of debris from Baychester and Bartow Avenues.

Phase II took place on Saturday, July 11, when the Grounds staff returned to weed whacking and debris removal from the areas around Baychester, Co-op City Boulevards and in front of the Pear Tree garbage facility.

Above are a series of before, in-between and after photos showcasing the work of the Grounds staff who pulled together in unity, and with teamwork, expeditiously tackled their tasks to enhance the landscaping and curb appeal throughout the Co-op City property. Through the various incremental enhancements the Grounds dept. tackled, their efforts resulted in presenting a scenic, well-kept and beautiful community that continues to welcome everyone to this cooperative community – Co-op City.

Photos courtesy of Grounds dept.

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 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

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

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

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

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

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.

7

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

CCPD urges residents to be prepared for potential summer emergencies

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Summer’s hot weather puts high demand on air conditioners throughout the National Grid. It seems like very warm temperatures may be with us for a while. Last week, we experienced some residual effects of Hurricane Fay. More unpredictable weather could be right around the corner. Summer’s extreme weather also increases the risks of thunderstorms with lightning.

CCPD urges all residents to make sure they are prepared for all types of emergencies. Being prepared will allow residents to feel confident in the event of any type of emergency. It is always better to be over-prepared than not prepared at all.

Preparing for emergencies should involve all members of the family. Establishing an emergency plan which is known to all members of the family is essential. Children actually enjoy helping to prepare for an emergency.

There are several websites: www.fema.gov/kids/; www.ready.gov/kids/home.html and www.bam.gov.cdc designed for children to help educate them on all facets of different types of emergencies. Another website for emergency preparedness is www.redcross.org and www.nyc.gov/html/oem/. These websites offer information regarding emergencies most likely to affect residents of our geographical area.

Preparing for an emergency includes establishing a plan. The plan should include a family meeting place, one local and one regional. The plan should take into account family members being at home, at work or elsewhere. A local telephone contact and a long distance contact should be included. Telephone outages often only affect local services. Establishing a long distance contact will allow families to check on the status of all family members. All family members should be familiar with the plan.

Putting together an emergency kit is also an important part of emergency preparedness. An emergency kit should include one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. A three-day supply of non-perishable food, can opener, plates, cups, utensils and paper towels should be included. Include a battery operated radio and a flashlight with extra batteries for both. Never burn candles for light, they are a fire hazard. A well-stocked First Aid Kit and basic tools should be a part of every emergency kit. Moist towelettes, personal hygiene items and garbage bags should be included for personal sanitation. Clothing and blankets should be included for warmth and comfort. Prescription medications and eyeglasses should also be included. Books, games, puzzles and comfort items should be included for children. Infant formula and diapers should be included for babies. Important family documents, identification and cash should be ready to bring in the event you must leave your home in an emergency.

It is very important that everyone takes whatever steps they can to conserve electricity in order to decrease the risk of a blackout. LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs are a green alternative to conventional light bulbs. They utilize less energy while putting out more light per watt of electricity used. There are LED and CFL bulbs made specifically for dimmer switches and 3-way lamps. Check to be sure your light bulbs are compatible with your dimmer switches or 3-way lamps. Shut off lights when leaving a room. Turn off computers and monitors when they are not in use. Avoid using decorative and non-essential lighting.

Over the coming weeks, Con Edison may be calling upon Riverbay Corporation to prove that non-essential electrical usage can be curtailed in the community upon demand. During times of increased electrical usage such as during high heat and humidity, Con Ed has tested Co-op City’s ability to shed non-essential demand on electrical service. These tests were sometimes conducted with very little warning with an attempt to simulate a real need to curtail usage in an emergency. Last year’s initial power shedding events were tests. As the summer goes on, there can be an actual emergency. By shedding non-essential power usage, it decreases the chance of having an all-out blackout such as we experienced in 1969, 1977 and 2004.

In past years, power shedding in Co-op City included a reduction or elimination of garage lighting during daytime hours. Laundry room was reduced as well as air conditioning in the community centers. Some power shedding tests took place with 24-hour notice in which case cooperators were notified of outages and closures in advance. In other instances, only 2-hour notice was given in which case officers and porters responded to the laundry rooms and secured them. The inconvenience of limited laundry availability was needed to avoid the major inconvenience of a

Public Safety Report

Public Safety Blotter July 5 – July 11, 2020

07-11-2020 – 120 Elgar Place CCPD units arrived in front of the above location to investigate a report of a dispute. The complainant states a cab driver tried to take money from him forcefully then came after him with a golf club. The two males fought slightly then the cab driver fled the area. There were no injuries and this incident is under investigation.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

full scale, grid-wide blackout. If you wish to help even more in the future, when you become aware of a power shedding test or an emergency, curtail any non-essential electrical usage until full electrical usage resumes.

Consumer fireworks of any type are highly dangerous and are illegal in New York State. Zero-tolerance enforcement will be conducted by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety as well as the New York City Police Department. Barbequing is also not permitted anywhere within Co-op City. This includes public areas, terraces and patios. This is in compliance with your occupancy agreement and guidelines set forth by the New York City Fire Department. Residents are also reminded that bike riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted.

Have a safe and healthy summer. Use caution near pools, beaches and other bodies of water. Ocean beaches are particularly dangerous this time of the year due to the effects of offshore tropical storms. Only swim in areas where and when lifeguards are on duty. Parents must supervise children at all times. Never swim alone.

If your summer fun includes consuming alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050.

Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all (Continued on page 19)

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

8

Stop sign at Asch and Aldrich Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary I was so pleased to see the new stop sign at Asch Loop and Aldrich Place. It must have been at least two years ago that shareholders called me to request a traffic light or a stop sign at that location. These requests were made because of the deep curve on Asch Loop, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic. Thereafter, I contacted Community Board 10 and made the request for a traffic light or stop sign. Other cooperators called 311. Together with Riverbay and the Department of Transportation, we made it happen. It didn’t happen overnight, but it was accomplished. I’m sure that the shareholders of Building 15, as well as other pedestrians crossing at that location, feel much safer and are happy that the stop sign was installed.

These are the types of things that I encourage you to reveal to Board members or Management so that something can be done. The Department of Transportation has also been requested to repair the street at Co-op City Boulevard near Asch Loop where it feels like a rollercoaster ride when driving towards Bay Plaza.

This street repair was scheduled for some time this summer. I intend to follow up to get the status. The streets are the responsibility of the Department of Transportation and not the Riverbay Corporation.

At the last meeting of the Section 4 Partnership, headed by Michelle Marbury, we discussed the debris that exists just outside of the Co-op City community and we have made a commitment to contact the appropriate authorities for the clean-up services that we are entitled to. Some of the particular areas are Baychester Avenue, Peartree, Edson Avenue along the service road of I-95 South. If you see a street that looks filthy or unsightly, please report it so that the surrounding area may look as beautiful as Co-op City itself, thanks to the Riverbay Grounds department.

We should always make our voices heard when there are improvements that could be made. If there is something that you think the community needs, discuss it with your neighbors, your building association, and/or at an open Board meeting. I recall when several shareholders came to an open Board meeting and voiced their views about the Ring video security device for their apartment doors. They expressed the safety reasons why they wanted it and they were subsequently approved.

We must participate and fight to keep our community safe. We do not want a dangerous community where our youth and young adults carry guns and use them recklessly on each other. I was distraught over the senseless shooting of young Brandon HendricksEllison. This was a promising young student athlete that had a bright future before him. Now, two lives have been destroyed, Brandon’s and his killer’s.

As I recall growing up, there were many activities available for the children in the school in my community. There were after school programs that offered all types of sports and crafts and lots of children participated. These activities kept children off the streets and out of trouble because they were engaged in positive activities.

There was a time when Truman High School offered Saturday classes of all types of activities, including swimming. I was disappointed when they ended. Currently, Co-op City has a youth program in our community called the Renaissance Youth Center, recommended by Kevin Lambright, which offers music classes. Our councilman promised to implement the Beacon Program in our community last year, but it has yet to happen. We have not given up on transforming the former bingo hall into a youth center, however, it will take more time. The Section 5 Teen Center is the only youth center that operates nearly yearround. Since we are living in New Normal times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I trust that these programs will continue.

Stop the gun violence Thanks to our CCPD, the crime rate is not very high in Co-op City. However, I always think about many of the Black and Brown youth who are gunned

down on the streets in other communities for no apparent reason. We must get the guns off the streets before they do more harm. In the wake of continued gun violence in some of the boroughs, prominent members of the Black community are calling on the Mayor and the NYPD chief to bring back the anti-crime unit to help get guns off the street. The crimes have gone from cops killing Blacks to Blacks killing Blacks. Neither is acceptable. While we don’t need bad cops who use chokeholds and kill people of color, we do need good police officers that will protect and serve because – Black Lives Matter.

There has been a demand by the Black Lives Matter Movement to “defund” the police department. What I believe this means is that they would like to see police departments restructured. For example, when the police are called to help people in a domestic matter, no one winds up dead. It means that when they are called and there is a mentally or emotionally challenged individual involved, no one winds up dead. There should

be professionals on staff to deal with mentally and emotionally disturbed individuals. Also, our city should provide more recreational and organized activities, as well as mentoring programs, vocational programs, apprenticeship programs so that our youth will not have the time to stray into gangs, negative activities and crime. The NYPD needs restructuring so that funds can be allocated/redistributed to incorporate police retraining, hiring professionals, incentive programs, etc. that our communities need and to eliminate what’s not needed.

Also, parents should refrain from purchasing violent video games that are so prevalent among young people or allowing them to watch violent television shows. In my opinion, this causes them to become insensitive to violence and death. I also believe it was a good decision to eliminate the show called “Cops.”

Thank you for taking the time to read my views. If you would like to share your views, I can be reached at 718-671-5957 or Fjones@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Spanish-American Community Club

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well during this difficult time.

Even though we cannot spend time together at any events, the Spanish-American Community Club family is always in our thoughts. We miss you all.

The Youth Committee and the Spanish-American Club would like to congratulate the students who were chosen to receive this year’s end-of-class awards from the club: Laila Paisley (P.S. 160), Jocelyn Medina (I.S. 181) and Emelina Del Valle (Bronx Health Science/Truman).

If you haven’t already, please remember to fill out your Census form. We need to be counted. One of the most critical reasons for completing the Census forms is because federal government funding decisions are based on population counts.

For more information, check out their website: www.2020census.gov. If you have questions, you can contact Claudia Sampson at Claudia.a.sampson@2020census.gov.

The Spanish-American Community Club would like to express its sincerest condolences to our General Manager Noel Ellison and his family on the loss of his nephew, Brandon Hendricks-Ellison. May he rest in peace.

Things will continue as they are. For club-related updates, please check our website: http://spanamcccc.synthasite.com. You may also email the club at SpanAmCCCC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (search for ‘spanamcccc’).

Please follow social distancing and mask guidelines. They save lives. Stay safe and stay healthy.

–Carmen Rodriguez

Building 25 Association

Special thank you to all who continue to 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 wish all neighbors born in July a happy birthday, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meetings are officially recessed for the summer, looking forward to seeing you in September. We would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun-filled summer while you wear face mask and continue to practice safe distancing. During our recess, should you have any comments or concerns, you can log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your comments or concern to anyone 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 the following quote: “If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters, 204 if you’re in Japan.” —Claire Cook –Wanda Bailey

Building 2 Association

Greetings, neighbors!

First and foremost, Building 2 extends our heartfelt condolences to general manager, Noel Ellison, and his family on the recent tragic death of his young nephew, Brandon Hendricks-Ellison. We will keep the Hendricks-Ellison family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their beloved family member.

We wish all of our Building 2 neighbors a happy and safe summer. Our building association will continue to be on hiatus during July and August. The collection of our building association dues continues to be suspended due to the pandemic.

Please keep in mind that the Covid-19 virus is still among us, so please do not let your guard down. Please continue to wear your facial masks, social distance and continue to be diligent in washing your hands. While NYC has weathered the initial wave of the virus, we now see the number of positive cases and deaths increasing at an alarming rate in other US states, particularly Texas and Florida.

We must all do our part to protect one another by wearing our facial masks on the elevators, in the laundry rooms and when we’re out in public (especially when we are in grocery and retail stores). Facial masks should be worn properly covering your nose and mouth. Let us all do our part to keep our family members and neighbors well. Also remember that there should be no more than three people in the elevator and five people in the laundry room at a given time.

U.S. Census – If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the U.S. Census either online at www.my2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020. It is more important than ever that we all do our part to be counted in the census to ensure that our community receives its fair share of federal funding for everything including healthcare and public schools.

Income Affidavits – You must return your completed 2019 income affidavit to the Riverbay Corporation Finance Department no later than July 31st. Affidavits are not required to be notarized this year. You can put your completed form with a copy of your apartment insurance declaration in a sealed envelope marked “2019 Income Affidavit Form” and drop it in the Dreiser or Bartow carrying charge box.

Happy birthday to all our neighbors celebrating their special day in July.

Our sincere condolences and prayers are extended to those who have suffered a loss and we wish a speedy and complete recovery to those recovering from an illness.

–Georgianna Rodriguez

Building 27 Association

We continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with the guidelines to wear our mask, to be aware of social distancing at all times.

Discard used masks and gloves in the proper disposal bins and not on the grounds or floors.

Graduates – Congratulations to all graduates. We wish them all well.

Balconies/Terraces – Cooperators, be very mindful via Riverbay and New York City Fire Code, charcoal and gas BBQ grills are not permitted in Co-op City.

The rules and regulations of Co-op City do not permit barbecuing in the community’s public spaces, the greenways, or playgrounds. But, there is Pelham Bay Park, less than 10 minutes away. So, enjoy the summer.

Affidavits – Deadline is July 31, 2020 to return your affidavits to Riverbay.

Remember, we do not need to notarize the affidavit this year due to Covid-19.

Failure to file your income affidavit and your insurance declaration will result in 50% surcharge or $150 community complaint issued.

There will be no Section 5 Fun Day this year.

Laundry room safety says no more than 5 people at one time. Also, please keep the laundry room clean – clean up after yourselves.

Testing Site – Will be opening on Wednesday, July 22, at 105 Dreiser Loop.

It will open Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. We all should be tested; this is the way of life in this season. Prayerfully, we all will get through this pandemic safely and healthy.

Census – We are glad to hear the report, Section 5 represents about 75% of Co-op City who have completed their census data online. When things can be processed online, it is a plus and it takes little or no time.

Giving Thanks … To Riverbay, elected officials, the City, essential workers for all that has been done for our community. Food was coming, more than enough for which we are grateful; masks, some light and washable; sanitizers. JASA/NORC also was distributing, calling, checking on the seniors. In the midst of such devastations, some good is being manifested. Don’t forget our neighbors, church members calling and encouraging one another.

Convectors – I would think the convector issues would have been resolved by now since the year of 2017. I personally brought this quality of life issue to the attention of Congressman Engel. We need big time funding assistance. What came of this, I have no answer. Shareholders who are elderly or disabled and require assistance checking and cleaning their convectors, please contact Maintenance at 718-320-330, option 2.

To our general manager, Noel Ellison, and family, we are so sorry; we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences. We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, death or someone in a nursing home.

Pray for the world for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful.

–H. Overman

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

New Coronavirus Cases Going Crazy Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Who could have ever thought that an incredibly bad pandemic would hit over 3 million people in this country and in this year, 2020? Moreover, who could have ever thought that a pandemic of this proportion could force every person on this planet to reevaluate their own life and the way that they do things?

COVID-19 – Way Out of Control What is happening with some people? What does it take to get some people to stop their foolishness and to take this disease in a far more serious manner? Furthermore, what is making some people give up everything just to follow extremely foolish political advice instead of proven scientific advice?

Just recently, there were over 62,000 new coronavirus cases in just one day in the U.S. In South Carolina, the National Guard had to be brought in because dozens of hospital employees were infected with the coronavirus disease. In Arizona, they recently reported more coronavirus cases than any country in the world.

In Florida, they reported more than 15,000 new cases in just one day. In Texas, they recently recorded more than 10,000 new cases in just one day.

Now, you would think that some people would take these numbers seriously. No. In San Antonio, a group of people decided to throw a party. That is, an incredibly foolish COVID party. So, a young guy, 30, decided to go to this party because he thought that the coronavirus was a hoax. Then, not surprisingly, he came down with the coronavirus disease. So, he had to be hospitalized. And, during this hospital stay, he admitted to a nurse that he made a mistake by going to that party.

Nevertheless, take a guess what happened to this guy.

That’s right, this 30-year-old guy, that thought that the coronavirus was a hoax, died.

Now, if you thought that case was bad, then you

might be surprised to learn that some people are throwing coronavirus parties with the sole intent that someone will definitely get infected. For instance, everyone will pay an admission price to go to the party. Then, the first person that can medically prove that they caught the coronavirus disease will win all of the admission money. And, in some insane cases, everyone knows beforehand that the hosts invited one person that had the coronavirus disease to the party.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a political rally was held at a center that could hold 19,000 people. However, estimates from several sources said that the event drew about 6,000 people. Regardless, lots of people decided to not wear a face mask. Shortly afterward, a health official stated that they saw almost 500 new cases of the coronavirus disease.

Bottom line: As of last Saturday, July 11, 2020, there were more than 3.1 million cases of the coronavirus disease in the U.S. And, there were more than 132,000 deaths from this disease. Regardless, some people could care less about these outrageous numbers.

Furthermore, they could care less about their own health and the health of other people.

Therefore, they will pack out the beaches and other locations. Face masks? No. Social distancing? No. But, they don’t realize that they can get this disease and not display outward symptoms. Then, they can infect their family and friends when they go home. So, please be careful and follow the CDC’s guidelines to protect yourself and other people.

Arrest in the Brandon Hendricks Case Previously, it was reported that a rising basketball star named Brandon Hendricks, 17, was gunned down while he was at a birthday party cookout on Davidson Avenue, near 176th Street. Then, we learned that he was the nephew of our General Manager, Noel Ellison.

Published reports stated that Hendricks was shot in the neck. And, his last words were: “Call my mom.”

Then, he was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital.

The NYPD then identified a young man that they

“wanted for questioning.” Next, an arrest was made in this case. And, now, a young man is in the grave and another young man is in jail.

Bottom line: It’s a shame that some people are using guns to kill other people. Therefore, I hope that people will consider this case and think about the value of a human life. Also, they must think about stopping the violence in our communities and everywhere. In other words, does it make sense to get upset for any reason and just go out and kill people? The answer is no.

Look at all of the hurt that has been caused in this case. Look at how a young man, with a promising future, was not able to live his life. It’s a tragedy that should never be repeated. May God bless the Hendricks family, the Ellison family, and our community.

New COVID Testing Site - Dreiser As reported before, a new NYC testing site will be opening in the Dreiser mall next to the supermarket.

This testing site is scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. According to the Co-op City Times, the schedule will be from Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. An appointment is not necessary and the testing is free, according to the NYC Health + Hospitals.

Riverbay has offered this site to the city for free.

And, the current understanding is that the city will occupy this space until November 2020.

Close NY has made a lot of progress with handling this coronavirus disease nightmare. So, I want to encourage everyone to please continue to follow the medical guidance from the CDC. Thank you.

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

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

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

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

African American Association

NAACP #2210

First General “Zoom Meeting” of the AAACC tomorrow, July 19. ZoomMission Statement: “Our mission is our Co-op City community. FEDERAL in with us at 3 p.m. Guests: AAACC Power Stars! (Hear from the hosts of to secure the political, educational, social dollars affect programmatic activities for our sponsored programs) – Xonia Wilson, Belly Dance Classes; Cynthia and economic equality of rights in order seniors, transportation, schools, health, Dixon, Evening Line Dance Classes; Keith Witherspoon, Salsa Class; Meena to eliminate race-based discrimination hospitals, housing, infrastructure, ecoSharpe-Hicks, Yoga and Zumba Classes; Toni Roberts, Healing Drum Circle. and ensure the health and well-being of nomic reliefs, extended unemployment Join the African American Asall persons.” w/bonus and, most recently, the stimulus sociation and programs that it 1 Million Miles for Justice event plan package. sponsors. for NAACP 2020 Branch Election Notice: To be Platforms until the pandemic is NAACP rings the Nasdaq Stock Market mailed in August. Elected officer positions completely over are Zoom meetings Closing Bell serve a term of two years, effective January and webinars. We are here and we NAACP “Stop Hate for Profit” Cam- 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022. Members, update records by submitting name, want you to join us. Invite a friend paign and new member prospect to join NAACP applauds House Passage of address, apartment number, email and the African American Association. “George Floyd Justice in Policing Act” – home and cell number to naacpccity2210 @gmail.com.

Remember: Membership is only H.R. 7120 Membership Dues: Please renew your $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household.

NAACP applauds Supreme Court in annual membership dues: Adult, $30, and Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255. The African NAACP v. Trump American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NAACP supports Full Statehood: Youth, $10. Checks/money order made NY 10475.

Fights for the people of the District of payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: The African American Association sponsors the following programs for N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station 75-3111, Columbia – H.R. 51 your participation: Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for Bronx, NY 10475. If it is your desire to #WeAreDoneDying. gathering updates: NAACP hosts Virtual Town Hall: A make a financial contribution in any Legal Perspective – Go to NAACP.ORG amount, it is most appreciated. Thank you Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room #2. For for your continued support and for helping a nominal fee, you will have fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438. or You Tube to view.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Dance to Soul, Latin, COVID-19 has not gone away. What the NAACP advocate for a more just and and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2; also first you do as an individual impacts all of us. equal America. and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section 5, 6 p.m. Fees are minimal. We are all in this together. Wear a mask, We must protest peacefully, demand Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. gloves, wash hands, practice social dis- persistently, and fight politically. But most Salsa Class – Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop, room #1. Call Keith, tancing. Our COVID-19 organization of all, We Must Vote in November!” –Der917-561-6211. re-opening plan has been submitted to rick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena – Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Riverbay for review and approval.

“The NAACP remains focused on the Center, room #2. Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Census 2020: It’s not too late to “Be fight to ensure that the voice of our comHealing Drum Circle – Continue to follow this article for updates.

Counted.” Visit: my2020census.gov or munities is never silenced.” –Derrick Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. call 1-844-330-2020. It only takes a few Johnson, NAACP President & CEO minutes and is vital for the well-being of –Brenda Brown —Michelle Marbury

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12

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Lead by example – Wear your mask!

Leslie Peterson Director’s Viewpoint

“Any meaningful humanism must begin from egalitarianism and must lead to objectively chosen policies for safeguarding and sustaining egalitarianism.”

—Kwame Nkrumah Annual Income Affidavits – July is here and I hope most shareholders have completed their Income Affidavit. As a result of the Corona Virus, the date to submit was changed but time is running out. Affidavits are due July 31, 2020. If you haven’t completed your affidavit, never received your document or misplaced your affidavit, you can go to the Co-op City website that is new and improved. The website is located at coopcitynyc.com where you will find a fillable 2019 Income Affidavit along with instructions for its completion.

MASKS: I am not in favor of imposing a monetary fine but when it comes to our lives and the lives of those in our community, I don’t know how many ways we can express the importance of wearing masks.

Upon entering our buildings and various other locations in the community, signs are posted that state, “Masks must be worn when entering the premises.”

Folks have been told many times, “you must wear a mask when entering the elevator.” I am thankful our

Testing site

cards if they are insured, for billing purposes. However, there is no out-of-pocket charge to patients. The test is available to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage as well.

Results are generally available within 1-2 days after taking the test. Patients can sign up to receive results through the public hospital system’s MyChart and they will receive a call from a clinician about their results.

In addition, those who test positive will receive a call from a NYC Test + Trace Corps Contact Tracer to help with information or support, such as the city’s hotel program and other COVID-related resources. (See page 1 for more on the city’s hotel program.)

NYC Test & Trace Corps is a public health initiative to help fight COVID-19 and to mitigate spread of the virus. It is a collaborative program with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, other city agencies and local community partners to ensure New Yorkers are informed about the virus, get tested and are knowledgeable about service and resources they are entitled to receive if they do indeed test positive.

porters are adhering, however, what about those staff coming to our buildings for other matters. A few days ago when I was stepping off the elevator, a Riverbay employee was waiting to enter the elevator. He did not have his mask on. Never saying a word, I looked at him and looked at his hand where he held his mask.

He said “Sorry, miss,” and put the mask on before stepping into the elevator. I continued my walk towards the garage and there was another employee going towards a building with no visible mask. I asked, “Where is your mask?” He responded, “I don’t know, I can’t find it.” New York City and, in particular, communities of color have been the hardest hit by this virus, take heed. My fellow shareholders, we know it can become uncomfortable but when you enter the building, the elevator, the laundry room and traveling throughout the building, comply with the guidelines.

Many of our neighbors have underlying conditions.

Let’s help each other stay safe and lead by example…WEAR YOUR MASK. Associations: Building and townhouses are encouraged to have associations but it is not mandatory. Most associations were established years ago by members of individual buildings. Associations are given guidelines for the use of meeting rooms by Riverbay Corporation. There is no governing body of associations that decides what is in the best interest of any building or townhouse. Make no mistake, however, when there is something that affects the community at large (Continued from page 1)

NYC Test & Trace Corps assures the public that their database will not be linked to any law enforcement databases, and information is not shared on anyone’s immigration status.

Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to implement a “hyper-local plan” to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as Phase 3 re-openings continue and more New Yorkers are venturing outdoors. The plan calls for resources and supportive services to be deployed to local neighborhoods where health data show low testing rates and a high percentage of positive tests. However, all New Yorkers, whether they exhibit symptoms or not, or are in a highrisk category, are being urged to get tested. The city is offering both COVID-19 and Antibody tests free of charge at other test sites.

In addition to a number of city hospitals and mobile testing sites that currently offer the tests, at least 25 popup sites are being added throughout the five boroughs in the coming weeks — in addition to the one in Co-op City — as part of the mayor’s hyperlocal plan to help mitigate spread of the novel coronavirus.

collectively, each building can decide the extent of their participation based on their members’ input. There is always strength in numbers and working together for a common cause is desirable. Whether your building or townhouse has an active association and regardless of whether you are an active member of an association or not, as a shareholder, you are always free to exercise your rights. Hopefully, this clarifies the calls I received from several buildings.

Today: Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 8:30-6:00 p.m., the NCNW Health Committee has informed us of the 4th Black Health Matters virtual summit. To register, e-mail: blackhealthmatterssummit.vfairs.com.

Covid-19 Testing Site: You may have seen signs on fences and in various locations around Co-op City promoting the testing site located at Bartow. Coming soon, the NYC Department of Health wants to utilize the pharmacy location in Dreiser hopefully opening in July. What is the best way to know our community is safe? Get tested! According to the NYC Covid-19 Citywide Information Portal, all New Yorkers should get tested now, whether or not you have symptoms or are at increased risk. You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test. Your test results are confidential.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay Board Director, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx, NY 10475; Tel. @ 718-320-1370, or e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com .

Traditional Synagogue With NYC in Phase 3, the synagogue will have its first Sabbath services on July 18.

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 #: 718-3796920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from 12 p.m. 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.

We also need men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, July 18, at 9:15 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, July 24, at 7:58 p.m.

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

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

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

–Bruce Gitelson

13

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

National Council of Negro Women

Children’s Book Club Do you have a little person who likes to read? NCNW Co-op City is excited to announce their July book selection, “Egypt’s Everyday Superheroes: Superhero Town� by 5-year-old author Egypt S. Bush.

Egypt is a young New Yorker with Trinidadian roots. During the quarantine, this young lady wrote three books in her Superhero series: Superhero Town, Superhero Family and Superhero School. This animated young girl discovers that superheroes are not only in comics but can be everyday people with powers that they share with their community. She shows children like herself that they all have a voice to be heard. Egypt is ready to chat with her fellow readers during our Zoom call on Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. All of her books are available on Amazon. For more information and to register, contact us at ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com.

When registering, please include your child’s name and age. Registration closes on July 24 at 8 p.m.

NCNW 59th National Convention The 59th Convention of the National Council of Negro Women will be held September 25-27, 2020. This year’s theme is “For Such A Time as This: A Call For Resilience And Resource.� This theme acknowledges that just as our ancestors have done throughout our history and herstory, we must meet the challenging times we are in with resilience and all that is required for the kind of resurgence that will propel

NCNW onward and upward. All NCNW members, national affiliates, C.L. Franklin Associates, sponsors, and friends are warmly invited to participate in our convention. Registration for our 59th Convention opened on June 19 and will close on September 13. Early bird registration is $100 due before July 31 (includes sessions, workshops and events). After July 31, cost is $125. As we come together virtually, we will not only elect officers but discuss our responses to the critical social justice issues of the day. Innovators and influencers will guide us as we critically examine strategies to address the issues that most directly impact the quality of life for women of African descent, our families and our communities.

Please go to our National website NCNW.org for further information.

2020 Census It’s in the Constitution. The U.S. must count every person living in the U.S. regardless of age or citizenship status every 10 years! The census informs where federal funds go every year for things like our healthcare facilities, EMTs, firefighters, roads, and schools in our community. Complete the census today! 2020 Census.gov.

Don’t let the Bronx lose out again.

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

Section 4 Partnership

Save The Date: The Second Virtual Meeting of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City will be Sunday, July 26, at 3 p.m. Mark your calendars. All are welcome. You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder and resident. You do not have to live in Section 4. Details on how to connect with us will be posted here in the Co-op City Times, via S4P members’ email addresses and, of course, good old word of mouth. Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

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

You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder.

You don’t have to live in Section 4. Get involved. Email: section4partnership @gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939. Let’s show up! Virtually even! Let’s get it done! Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. –Michelle Marbury

Rivers Run Community Garden

Rivers Run Community Garden is opening its door to the public for a tour and an herb giveaway tomorrow, Sunday, July 19 (while it lasts). It won’t be a lot since the herbs are just starting to flourish but we invite you to experience the garden and let us send you home with something healthy and bursting with flavor.

The watermelon patch is finally erected, thanks to mastermind, Valerie Gunn, with the help of CJ Johnston, Una Spivey and Alex Ceasar and a host of other gardeners.

The garden is open on Tuesday (4 p.m. – dusk), Wednesday and Friday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (noon to 5 p.m.), weather permitting.

There are lots of opportunities for members and volunteers at the garden so stop by, grab a tool and get dirty, or, just come by and take a stroll.

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.

See you soon. – Gail Sharbaan

ARE Y YOU OU A NEW Y YORKER ORK KER WHO HAS COVID-19 9 OR LIVES WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS C COVID-19?

YOU MA AY Y BE ELIGIBLE FOR A TEMPORAR RY R Y HOTEL ST TA AY.

We want you to gett help to keep your loved ones healthy and safe.

You may be eligible for up to 14 days of a hotel stay, if you do not have a place e to safely separate from otherrs.

To learn more, more call:

THIS SERVICE IS FREE and will w not afffect fect your health

that you currently receive.

Transp portation to and from the hotel w will be provided. At the hotel, you will receive food, wellness checks s and assistance with social service es that you may need.

844-NY YC-4NY YC (844-692-469 (844-692-4692) 92)

14

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

We must continue to play it safe…

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury What must we remember?

Greetings, shareholders, residents and friends. I must start out by shedding light on the fact that we are still in a precarious situation when it comes to our health.

It is necessary to belabor this topic, why? Because the pandemic persists. While we hear reports that fatalities are down – in fact the lowest rate of fatalities since the pandemic crippled New York – we must continue to err on the side of caution. With love I say, too many residents are getting on elevators without masks. With love, I say, when the basketball courts opened last week, too many anxious teens and tweens were huddled in what we know must be sorely missed social and physical play. But what must we remember?

We must remember that there is no vaccine to combat this virus. We must remember that there are those with no symptoms who could be transmitting the virus to

others. We must remember that so many people have not been tested for Covid-19 that more testing sites are opening around the city and namely right here in the Dreiser Center next week. We must remember that some doctors and nurses on the front lines have left here to go to work in other states plagued by this viciousness, while people suspect of infection from those other states are being quarantined as they attempt to visit us here in our city… Viscous cycle? We must also remember that while Riverbay Management is monitoring Governor Cuomo’s reopening of New York City, when it comes to Co-op City and you and “we” as responsible inhabitants, “we” must all think before “we” act on our longing to be normal and make choices that protect our longevity.

Something to be happy about in these trying times…

I am happy to have been a contributing factor on a Board of Directors that voted on a resolution that will delay upcoming carrying charge increases. I am proud to serve on a Board that realized reduced expenses to our corporation and saw fit to make sure that the share-

Broun Place Townhouse Association

holders benefit from this good fortune. To quote Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, “We all should know, there is No risk of going over budget this fiscal year because we will delay these increases. It was discussed when we voted on the resolution; the pause has saved us from spending expected money which will absorb any loss of income this fiscal year.” Bravo! I am proud of the pandemic. There is much more work to be done, but we must also remember the good deeds. In this aspect, the Board took lemons and made lemonade for all of us to drink.

In Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes 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 have loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes or who have lost loved ones in nursing homes as my own family has, we join you in prayer and well wishes that you remain healthy, strong and whole. Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

Black Forum

Hi, neighbors, welcome to being lucky in Co-op City, New York. Looking Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bld. 1A (entrance faces the basat the big picture, neighbors, let us appreciate our community. We need to ketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 support keeping Co-op City clean. Hold the used gloves and mask till you pass p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-registered in 2020 are a pedestrian can, Do Not Litter! Come together daily at 7 p.m., salute, say eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at thank you to our essential workers. We clap hands, and yell “thank you” for a the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly few minutes. Thankfully, we live in a community that encourages participation package. It is a 30 to 31-day rotation. There are caveats. Come on Friday if your pickand has space for exercising outdoors plus enough space for social distancing. up date falls on Saturday. Come on the following Tuesday if your pick-up date falls on Sunday. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal Hamilton, the Broadway musical is now available streaming on Disney business hours. All guests must present their pantry card to receive food. Remember to Plus. If you don’t have a smart TV, one has to download the app for a small fee. Then, you order the show. When you consider Broadway tickets price, bring sturdy shopping bags and a shopping cart. Please wear a mask/face covering and this is a great deal. practice physical distancing when visiting the pantry.

Seeing youth in the basketball court again is wonderful. We have to follow Anyone without a pantry card can register in July. Registration occurs each Tuesday in July from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registrants must bring an up-to-date ID NYC the protocols and keep it clean, wear a mask wherever possible. Keep the totcard, non-drivers or driver’s license. We can only register guests with IDs showing a lots for the tots and moms need to wear masks! I have seen many without. It 10475 address. This is due to budget and supply constraints. Please bring with you is hard but wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator. Perhaps in the sturdy shopping bags and a shopping cart. Groceries will be distributed. future we will dedicate or rename something here to memorialize that “Black Defensive driving class – Please check this article periodically for future dates.

Lives Matter.”

Contact us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum It is good to see families using the greenway, but you have to pick-up behind yourself. We are having a “garbage pandemic.” Write or call 3-1-1 about what @gmail.com. Please stay safe.

–D. Illis you see and where you see it. Let your elected officials know. Repeating, don’t discard personal garbage, i.e. bottles, masks, gloves, tissues in the street or gutter!

Wait till you get to a pail to discard or even carry a garbage bag.

The following was forwarded by our secretary and included for your information. “New Visa Program Family Owned and Operated Offers $10,000 Grants to Black Women Entrepreneurs.”

• Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling https://www.forbes.com/sites/elainepofeldt/ on premises 2020/06/30/new-visa-program-offers-10000-grants• Out of town services to-black-women-entrepreneurs/ .

• Ample Parking Last week, there were a few scam callers. The on premises A dignified funeral every family can afford.

• Cremations phone rings steadily and when you get there the voice • Casket Showroom says, “I was just going to open my recording device All areas are handicapped accessible on premises etc. but letting you know instead, we are police and Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely our families are calling to give you the opportunity monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and to help protect thousands of local police and their memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment. families who have been hurt by this pandemic, etc.”

This is a scam, folks are desperate.

Personalized & Professional Care • 54 Years Serving Our Community Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your membership every year. Dues are just $12 annually.

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America Dues cover supplies and upkeep expenses. When tragedy strikes, 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.

Positive diagnosis? Report this to Mr. Anthony Serving all Call Barzelatto, director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety cultures 24 Department. Riverbay takes quick necessary measures NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD & faiths Hours to sanitize and quarantine the central location. Best www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net wishes to all neighbors recovering from illness. Finally, keep dancing and better days are ahead.

4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. –Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

718-231-7647 Fax: 718-231-7665

15

Wed., July 22

Tues., July 21

Mon., July 20

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Upcoming Events

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Hour of Reflection 10 a.m.-11 a.m. via Zoom and phone.

Must call or email to register.

No activities are available at this time

Health and Wellness 10 a.m.

-11 a.m. via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola 1 p.m. -2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour 2 p.m. -3 p.m., via phone only

Body in Motion 11a.m. -12 p.m. Exercise class via Zoom or phone.

Must call or email to register.

Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m. via Zoom and phone “Zumba with Ola” 1-2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

To join Zoom meeting, go to: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 +1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136

Music Therapy 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Zoom call-in number: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563

Diabetes Self-Management Class with Laura & Julissa Bereavement Hour 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

2 p.m. -3 p.m., via phone only To join the Zoom meeting, go to https://zoom.us/j/98377173191 Must call or email to register One tap mobile +1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 983 7717 3191

Fri., July 24

Thu., July 23

Must call or email to register Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Must call or email to register

Stretch and Tone with Ola 1 p.m. -2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register.

Health and Wellness 10 a.m. -11 a.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register

No activities are available at this time

Meditation w/ Charles Tyler 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

To join the Zoom meeting go to: https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Concerts in Motion 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

To join the Zoom meeting, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/869916 40881 Or you can dial in by phone: +1-646-558-8656 (New York) +1-312-626-6799 US Meeting ID is: 869 9164 0881

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Common Pantry – Tuesday, July 28, 9 a.m. – 12 noon; distribution in Bartow Mall.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – Due to COVID-19, the Senior Farmers Market coupon booklets will be mailed to seniors instead of being distributed at the senior centers. The coupon booklet is worth $20 which can be exchanged for locally grown fruit and vegetables at participating farmers markets across New York City.

Online application is now available – To apply online & check eligibility, visit www.nyc.gov/aging Seniors without internet access may contact Aging Connect by phone at 212-244-6469. You must meet age and income eligibility. For more information, contact NYC Department for the Aging, Aging Connect at 212-244-6469, Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You may also email agingconnect@aging.nyc.gov.

Eligibility & Rules: In order to be eligible to receive the Senior Farmers Market Coupons, adults must be: • 60 years or older • Earning no more than: $1,968/month (for a one-person household, or $2,658/month (for a two-person household), or $3,349/month (for a three-person household) • Registration is now open, closes July 31, 2020 • Coupon booklets distributed on first-come, firstserve basis • One coupon booklet per older adult • Coupons must be redeemed by November 30 • Coupons not spent this year cannot be used in future years.

JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you to their Upcoming Virtual Activities – July 2020 Every Wed. – Tai Chi classes, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5 d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09 Mobile 929.205.6099; Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198 Password: 455576 Every Wednesday – How to Zoom, 1-2 p.m.

Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/97187864164?pwd=OWVvdEYr Y2JJcFBXazREcTJWYWhPQT09 Mobile: 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 971 8786 4164, Password: 350367.

Every Friday – Concerts in Motion, 1-2 p.m.

Zoom meeting: 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, skip this by pressing # again.

Goose Island Seniors

With a sad heart, we announce the passing of a dear friend and former member, Dorothy Gillard.

To all members of the Goose Island family, we miss you so much. We miss all the love we shared as we gathered together enjoying the activities we engaged in. Each one of you has a place in our hearts which fill up with joy whenever we meet. The joy and laughter we hear from you make us proud we have this club.

To all the people who have gone on our trips, we miss and love you too. We can’t let our feelings cause us to make unwise decisions.

The number of cases among seniors have gone down because we are staying in our homes and wearing masks and gloves if we have to go out. The virus has not gone away, we are just protecting ourselves from it. There is word from the experts that cases of the disease might be getting worse in the fall. We cannot encourage the seniors to leave their protected surroundings by reopening the club.

We are very sorry, but the Goose Island Seniors Club will remain closed and there will be no activities during the summer months.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of July: Iris Delgado, Regina S. Usher, Miriam Kravitz, Thomas Gordon, Annie Perez, Audrey Chambers, Rosa Copeland and Richardine Sullivan. A special happy birthday to our bus driver for over 20 years, Craig Harrison (Mr. Motor Coach).

Sick and Shut-in – Our former president, Mary Pilla, is doing fine and says hi to everyone. She is at the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center; phone number: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed. You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

Good health to all.

–Stephen Roberts, Sr.

16

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

The re-opening of the courts Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson Fellow shareholders, As a New York State essential Court employee, I personally have mixed opinions about the Courts reopining for in-person matters. COVID-19 is still a serious public health issue and we must continue to treat it as such. I am an employee in the NYS Supreme Court which involves cases that are up for trial. To have a trial, you must have a jury. This process is rigorous and at times exhausting. The courts are entering Phase 4, of which new protocols are put in place which include the deep cleaning of court facilities and upgraded regular cleaning. Personal protective equipment will be provided, including masks and gloves for court personnel and sanitizing agents for visitors. Plexiglass barriers will be installed around magnetometers, blue tape will be used to ensure social distancing, and certain spaces will be set aside for litigants to safely conduct their business. Effective immediately, all visitors, attorneys, witnesses, spectators, law enforcement officers, prisoners, vendors, and all other non-court personnel to any Unified Court System facility will be required to submit to temperature screening and questioning upon entry into the facility by New York State Court officers and prior to magnetometer security screening.

If the visitor’s registered temperature is equal to

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; always giving 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 number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, July 12, worship service theme: “It’s A Love Message from God.” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity; but the greatest of these is charity.” Amen (Lam. 3:22; Rom. 5:5-8; John 15:13; Eph. 5:1-2; Eph. 3:17; 1 John 4:10,16; Matt. 22:37-38,40; Deut.

6:5; Rom. 8:38-39; John 3:16) Mission & Commission Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo I am with you always, even until the end of the world.”

Amen.

Announcement: The Niagara Falls, Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 has been cancelled. Waiting for company refund. Continue to practice social distancing, washing hands 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 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

–Brenda Brown

or greater than 100.0. F., or the visitor answers “yes” to any of the questions, the visitor will be questioned about their court business, given a recommended course of action, and not permitted entrance to the building. It is imperative that you take care of your health and always wear a mask. According to the New York Law journals, Grand Juries are set to resume in New York City’s state courts on Aug. 10, 2020.

Increase of crime during quarantine First, we must deal with COVID-19, then relentless fireworks, now crime at an all-time high. The crime in the city has reached record numbers, the gun violence must stop. Why is this happening? We need our elected officials and community leaders to step up and make changes to legislation and provide resources for our youth. The city has canceled many summer programs including summer youth employment program which is a major part of the problem.

Our communities must be part of the solution and demand resources that we desperately need. If you see something, say something.

Local Law 11 – a quality of life concern I am getting numerous complaints about Local Law 11, which is the Façade Inspection & Safety Program.

Many of the shareholders, especially in Section 5, are frustrated because of the long-term process it is taking to complete. Although this project is mandatory, Section 5 shareholders feel that their quality of life has been disrupted. Unfortunately, they feel that the work is an inconvenience to them. To get to the com-

mon area, you must go through an obstacle course to get there. Shareholders are without access to the greenway, walkways, benches, playground, and track. I have spoken to several shareholders who feel like they are a prisoner in their own homes. The scaffolding is intimidating, and many areas are narrow and not supportive towards social distancing. However, although this is a quality of life issue, we must remember that this work is mandated by city law and necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone. I noticed as I travel throughout the city, I see Local Law 11 work being done at many buildings, not just in Co-op City. I will address with Management if anything can be done about the narrow walkways under the bridging since we are living in new normal times and social distancing is of paramount concern. With the weather getting better and New York in various stages of reopening, hopefully Local Law 11 work can get back on track and completed expeditiously.

I sympathize with the shareholders and realize it is a nuisance and a major quality of life issue that affects many communities.

COVID-19 Coronavirus is a socially transmitted disease, and we all have a social contract to stop it. Please continue to wear your mask and adhere to the CDC recommendations by social distancing.

Be safe, be well.

I can be reached at Lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11 a.m. for worship service on Zoom. You can join us by Zoom video, https://us04web.zoom.us/ j/9623430102, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#, or Zoom telephone conference line, 646-568-7788, Conference ID: 0623 43 0102, Password: 788175#.

Tomorrow, Sunday, July 19, the Lay Shepherd’s Pastoral Care Ministry will celebrate their 10th Anniversary.

Adult Sunday School is held at 9 a.m. You can join us via conference call line: 563-999-2090, Pin: #660065.

Bible Study is held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Please join us using 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: Prayer Warriors have begun their summer hours and will be held at 10 a.m.

Friday: Noon Day Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.

Friday: Evening Prayer Service is on hiatus for the summer.

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget 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

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

Community Protestant Church

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the virus. However, all are invited to join us via 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.

Sunday Worship Service begins at 11:00 a.m. via Conference Call. Everyone is invited to call in 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 at noon, you are 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. Join us via the Conference Call number above.

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation all are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.). Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256 or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc @gmail.com.

Remote Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com.

Our Remote Services via Zoom Sunday at 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 2 p.m. (English) Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English) Pray and Reflection Service Thursday, 7 p.m. (English) – Small group Bible Study with Pastor Jackie Friday, 8 p.m. (English), 4.12 Youth Services Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Blessing, –Marta Medina

“…When the storms of life are raging, and their fury falls on me … I say to my soul, take courage, The Lord will make a way somehow.” And indeed the Lord made a way for our members and friends to meet together each Sunday morning, via telephone conference call, for service. Thus it was that last Sunday, Pastor Owens encouraged our hearts with his sermonette on “Turning Our Crises Over To Christ,” citing Psalm 57:1: “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” He stated that we cannot stop crises from coming into our lives. In this world, we will have trials and tribulations. Like David was a fugitive hiding from King Saul, we are fugitives in our own homes dealing with the current crisis in our lives. Remember that all of our help comes from the Lord. No weapon formed against us will prosper. The storm is passing over. God did not bring us this far to leave us. In times of trouble, we can turn to Psalm 27:1, to see us through: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of life; of whom shall I be afraid. One day God will bring us back out of the caves we have been in for so long shouting and praising Him. Please remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

–Evan G. Mitchell

Open Door Ministries

Full sermon at opendoorministries.net

“The Problem with Cancel Culture” Cancel culture refers to withdrawing support for public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.

Cancel culture is generally discussed as being performed on social media in the form of group shaming. – Pop Culture Dictionary Cancel culture is rooted in bitterness and hatred. Those who follow it inevitably go down the road to slander and murder because they take a person’s livelihood away based on their opinions being incongruent with their own. They do not accept dissent or free speech but gag those who oppose them while yelling foul when they feel they are being shackled.

4:3 When it was time for harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift, the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but not Cain and his gift.

This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 6 “Why are you angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. You must subdue it and be its master.”

Cain was angry that God accepted Abel’s gift and not his. The seed of murder was now planted in his heart. Cain could do nothing about God’s displeasure, but he could get Abel.

8 One day Cain suggested to Abel to go into the fields. There, Cain attacked Abel and killed him. 9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, where is your brother?

Where is Abel? I don’t know, Cain responded. Am I my brother’s guardian?

Rather than amend his behavior and looking within as God told him, Cain raged and killed Abel thinking that by silencing him he would have peace. Instead, he produced wrath that followed him and his descendants perpetually.

10 The Lord said, What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.

Cain’s punishment was lack of peace. Although he silenced his brother, Abel’s innocence screamed from the ground. Cain was a victim of his own hatred. He poisoned himself and his family by refusing to accept that Abel had the right to live and flourish because he was also a child of God. Matthew 5:22 I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

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

Blessings in Christ. –Pastor Luis Ramos

Scheduling Activities Calendar All activities have been canceled until further notice due to the COVID-19 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.

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Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

American Legion Post 1871

Commander’s Letter To Comrades Dear Legionnaire/Auxiliary, I hope that so far you are enjoying your summer in an unimaginable way. So, I want to take this moment to remind you that it is that time of the year again when you receive those letters from the National Headquarter in Indianapolis about your dues renewal. Though activities of the Legion are suspended all the way from the National Headquarters down to respective Posts, however, the organization itself is not closed down. So, as we might have been accustomed to by now, the year 2020 is just halved, but our dues actually covers a period of July 1 through June 30. The card you are carrying is valid for calendar year 2020, but the fiscal year 2020 ends on June 30. I hope it makes sense, because some of you who paid your dues late might be thinking, ‘I just paid my dues not too long ago.’

On a serious note, I want to appreciate you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your commander. I am convinced beyond doubt that with your support, this executive committee in its extension of services due to coronavirus pandemic will continue to serve you without reservation. Most importantly, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere “thanks” for your 2021 membership renewal in advance for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. I personally welcome your partnership with other comrades to make this post a successful post within the county, vis-à-vis the Department. Also note that you can renew your membership online at www.mylegion.org or in person at the post, or by usual mail.

This Post #1871 is home to all veterans regardless of whether someone is in one type of war or not, as long as the individual was honorably discharged from the service. This is what this executive board has embraced from inception, even before it became a national order. Thus, I enjoin you to extend the hand of camaraderie to fellow veterans in your neighborhood that once felt that they did not qualify to join the legion. Post #1871 will be more diverse this year and be more community oriented, as we will continue to do the following faithfully: * Keep you abreast on the issues that will affect us all (via the internet, please register at www.mylegion.org and monthly Legion Magazine). * Educate our veterans through Legion’s NY State and National College.

I want to specifically thank all the comrades who chose the option of Life Membership (PUFL) and I hope that several others would try the same. I am always at ease to listen to your new ideas and what you want to see happening in your post. Feel free to call me on the phone as the office opening is in full gear. So, during this lockdown, let us pay up our dues. Once again, thank you for renewing your membership. Thus, serving our community, state and nation.

–Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba

Pentecostal Tabernacle

To contact us: Tel. 646-345-6707 or 718-324-0334. Services are on hold in the sanctuary until further notice, however, you can join us online by calling 701-8025395, Access Code: 3332632.

Services are held on the following days: Sunday morning: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

Bible study and prayer meeting will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: Prayer and worship service starts at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Jesus promises us blessed life if we put him first.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 Matthew 6.19-31 19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21. For where your treasure is there will heart be also.

22. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light.

23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24. No man can serve two masters;

for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what he shall eat, or what he shall drink; nor yet for your body, what he shall put on, Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is , and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us put our trust in God. He is our provider, the sustainer and giver of life.

–Rev. R. Sibblies

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

NOW HIRING! Positions Available at The Wright Agency WE ARE HIRING FULL TIME AND PART TIME LICENSED LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS

• Salary • Very generous commission rates • Bonuses • Must have: - INTEGRITY - CHECKABLE REFERENCES - EXCELLENT PEOPLE SKILLS • Prior Allstate experience a plus but not required • Retirees welcome!

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

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

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

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

GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT! BONUSES FOR LICENSED PRODUCERS!

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

1435 East Gun Hill Road (near Eastchester Road) Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

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ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

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If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods:

Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or

7/25

persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

New York City’s Blackout of 1977 was 43 years ago; July 13-14, 1977. The 1977 Blackout was caused by a variety of factors. Strain on electrical supply due to high temperatures combined with lightning strikes and human error led to a two-day blackout in the New York City area. For nostalgic purposes, take a few moments to remember how old you were and where you were at that time. Some of you may not have even lived in Co-op City yet or may not even have been born yet.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street, while observing 6-foot social distance.

Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

July is known as Disability Pride Month and Sarcoma Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to learn about disabilities or conditions that may affect your friends, family members or neighbors. Knowledge is power; the more you learn, the stronger you become.

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING! 718-671-3050 Co-op City Public Safety

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

Breathe Easy

(Continued from page 7)

7/25

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Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

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.

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• 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.

20

Co-op City Times / July 18, 2020

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

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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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