Co-op City Times 7/24/21

Vol. 56 No. 30

MTA: No Fare Hikes in 2021

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New Yorkers will not have to worry for the rest of 2021 about potential fare increases for buses and trains, following an MTA announcement this week.

On Wednesday, July 21, the agency shared promising news in a press release highlighting that the MTA will have financial stability through the first six months of 2024. Following the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) of last December and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed this year in March, the MTA expects to receive $10.5 billion in federal aid.

The forecasted economic damages from a steep decline in ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led MTA officials to fear the worst originally. The worst in this case would mean large service cuts, layoffs for many MTA employees as well as fare and toll hikes. 2021 has already seen toll hikes, which were put into effect in April, so many subway and train commuters assumed fare prices were next.

Various fare increase options were a possibility as the agency tried to plan for a scenario in which they did not receive enough federal aid. Some of the potential options included an elimination or price increase of 7-day and 30-day passes, an elimination or price increase of single ride tickets and even a price increase for new MetroCard purchases.

Fortunately, a remaining $10.5 billion in federal aid means that bus and subway fares will not go up 4% and instead remain at $2.75 for now.

“Thanks to the infusion of Federal funding provided by Congress through December’s relief package and March’s American Rescue Plan, the MTA’s finances are on much better footing,” MTA Chairman and CEO, Patrick Foye, said this week.

The MTA also forecasts an additional $3.7 billion more in profits through 2024 which would easily surpass a worst-case scenario estimate the agency released in February.

In total, the MTA will receive $14.5 billion in federal aid to help offset pandemic related financial deficits. MTA officials told the New York Times this week that the agency has already received $4.5 billion and expects the rest to be reimbursed in the coming years.

Twenty-four hours/seven days a week subway service officially resumed in May after an announcement from Governor Cuomo. Efforts to sanitize and disinfect train cars and stations still continue albeit without a pause in overnight train service to do so.

In addition to the return of 24-hour subway service, the aid money also allowed the MTA to resume improving its infrastructure and, more specifically, the $51.5 billion Capital Plan that was supposed to officially start in 2020 and go on through 2024. This plan includes the Penn Access Project which will bring Metro-North stations to four Bronx communities, one of which is Co-op City.

Saturday, July 24, 2021

$1.25

City Replaces Mega Vaccine Site in Co-op City with Pop-up and Mobile Vaccine Clinics

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Thursday, July 22, 2021 was the last day of operation for the mega COVID vaccine site in the Dreiser Auditorium after approximately one year of operation in the community but that doesn’t mean Co-op City shareholders and surrounding residents will be without a conveniently located vaccine location – at least not right away.

Beginning yesterday, Friday, July 23, and operating

throughout the weekend until Sunday, July 25, the New York City Department of Health is providing a pop-up vaccine clinic in Room 31 of the Bartow Center from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Technicians are administering both the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to eligible New Yorkers. As was the case with the Dreiser Auditorium, appointments are not required; this is a walk-in clinic and everyone 12 years (Continued on page 4)

Women & Shareholders over 65 are Top Respondents so far in Riverbay Board Election Survey Survey available online and in print

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Shareholders responding to the Co-op City Times’ survey on participation in the annual election of Board directors to represent them on the Riverbay Board of Directors are predominantly female and those over 65 years of age.

The Riverbay Board of Directors is composed of 15 members who set policy for the community. Election is held annually and 1/3 of eligible shareholders are required to cast their ballot in order to validate the election, according to the Riverbay by-laws. Although there are more than 15,000 eligible households in the development, less than 1/3 vote in the annual election.

The Co-op City Times’ survey consists of 10 questions, some of which are required and some optional. The average time to complete the survey is approximately 4½ minutes. It can be completed online for those who prefer the convenience that option offers, as well as on paper. The survey is printed on page 9 in this issue of the newspaper. It was also published in the July 10 & 17,

2021 issues of the Co-op City Times. Please take the time to participate; your response is essential.

Those who complete the survey online must add their full address to #11 to verify residency in Co-op City. Physical survey respondents must also write in their address where indicated.

So far, those who have responded to the survey have done so completely.

To access the survey online, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KB39P7N, or scan the QR code here with your mobile device. This information is also on the Riverbay Crawler, channel 591 (Optimum subscribers) and channel 12 (MATV).

Completed paper surveys may be emailed to cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mailed/delivered to Co-op City Times, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Rm. 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

We thank shareholders who have already returned the survey. Your participation is valued and appreciated.

The deadline for submission is next Friday, July 30, 2021.

Baychester Library opens outdoor terrace for patrons

CB#10 Votes to Support Animal Cntr.

Animal Care Center set to arrive by 2025

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

On Thursday, July 22, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of Baychester Library’s Outdoor Terrace was held on Asch Loop. Among the featured speakers were New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey and New York City Council Member Kevin Riley, who both talked about the importance of public libraries in their lives, as did the other speakers.

Following the ribbon cutting, library staff distributed school supplies and bags, among other items, and managed tables for finger painting and other arts and crafts. They demonstrated that residents – young and old – would now have a “safe haven” where they could “educate themselves” and gather in the outdoor space that the terrace offers as they continue to enjoy the services and programs offered at the library.

Photo & caption by Phillip McCoy

Bronx Community Board #10 held a public meeting with executive board members on Thursday, June 17, and voted unanimously to extend a letter supporting the animal clinic project at 2050 Bartow Avenue Animal Care Center of New York.

The supporting letter will be sent to the Public Design Commission, “as part of the public design process of the City of New York.” The motion to approve the resolution was approved unanimously by 24 of the members present for the meeting.

Back in May, members of NYC Department of Design Construction (DDC), Marvel Architects, and other government agencies gave an exclusive look at projected site plans and renderings of the new Animal Care Center for the Bronx.

(Continued on page 4)

2

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Have you Downloaded your Digital Vaccine Passport?

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

There is an alternative to carrying physical proof of COVID-19 vaccination and more than a million New Yorkers have already taken advantage of the option.

Individuals who have been fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 test result can download New York State’s Excelsior Pass. The pass is a free and safe way to present proof of vaccination or test result digitally.

Here are some quick facts about the pass and its purposes: ● All data is kept confidential and secure. ● Currently, passes are only available for those who have received their COVID-19 vaccination or PCR/Antigen tests in New York. ● An Excelsior COVID-19 Vaccination Pass is available 15 days after the final dose of the vaccine was administered and is valid for 365 days. ● An Excelsior COVID-19 PCR Test Pass is valid for 72 hours. ● An Excelsior COVID-19 Antigen Test Pass is valid for six hours from the time of test. ● The Excelsior Pass can be printed for those who may not own smartphones.

The duration that an Excelsior Vaccination Pass is valid can potentially change to reflect the latest federal and state health guidance.

Notably, individuals still have the option of using other forms of proof, such as a CDC card or physical laboratory test results, directly at a business or venue.

New York was the first state in the U.S. to adopt this digital form of proof and has over 1,000,000 users, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The pass was introduced originally in March but has since seen a surge of new users. New York State officially lifted its indoor capacity restrictions and adopted the latest CDC mask and social distancing guidelines on May 19.

“After a long and incredibly difficult year, New Yorkers are finally returning to normal life and getting back to work amid rising vaccination rates, and the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Pass is a key part of that restoration of normalcy,” Governor Cuomo said at an early June press conference announcing 1,000,000 Excelsior Pass users. “The fact that we’ve so quickly achieved a milestone — more than 1 million passes issued — speaks to New Yorkers’ desire to resume many of the activities they’ve given up over the past year and is good news for bringing our economy back and building a stronger state for the future. New Yorkers are ready for the new normal, and the Excelsior Pass will help them get (Continued on page 5)

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We accept most health insurance plans • Evening and Saturday appointments Se Habla Español

Call:

718.671.7226

100 DeKruif Place Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475

GOT FOOT PAIN?

Following All CDC Guidelines

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER The Premier Foot And Ankle Practice In Co-op City

••• NOW OPEN AT TWO LOCATIONS! ••• SECTION 2 SECTION 5 BUILDING 13 BUILDING 29C 100 CASALS PLACE 4240 HUTCH. RIVER PKWY E. www.footanklerestore.com

718-671-2233

OPEN MON. THRU SAT. – Available Evenings and Weekends

WE NOW HAVE A 2ND LOCATION VISIT OUR SECTION TWO LOCATION

FOR ALL YOUR FOOT CARE NEEDS 100 CASALS PLACE BUILDING 13

718-671-2233

With two locations, we are now walking distance from ANY section you live in!

“WE KEEP CO-OP CITY RUNNING”

DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR DR. JAMES MILIDANTRI ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED

SERVICES PROVIDED ON-SITE:

Hi-Tech

LASER for Pain, • Fully Digital X-Rays Inflammation, • Hi-Tech Ultrasound Fungal Nails, • Full Range of Vascular Testing Warts • Caring and Supportive Doctors and Staff Who Listen to Your Concerns • Highly Rated Neighborhood Foot and Ankle Care

HEEL AND ARCH PAIN CENTER. COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT CARE MANAGEMENT. HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT. Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted: 1199, Aetna, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others.

Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance.

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Downloan

Co-op City Times 2nd

COMBING

Farmer’s Market The Harvest Home Farmer’s Market is back in Co-op City every Wed., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., now through Nov. 17, at Asch Loop and Aldrich St. next to the fire station. Vine ripened, fresh picked, naturally grown produce! Accepting Senior & WIC FMNP coupons/Health Bucks/ Debit/Credit/SNAP/EBT.

Baychester Library Teen Programs

Creative Painting: Wednesday, July 28, at 2 p.m. Create your own masterpiece through painting and meditating. Practice artistic through expression.

Mindfulness is Key: Wednesdays, August 4, 11, 18, 25, at 2 p.m. Express and learn how Mindfulness is Key in our everyday lives through writing, gazing, deep listening and reflecting.

Programs are open to ages 12-17. First come, first served!

Stay connected Be sure to check the Riverbay Crawler daily (ch. 12 on MATV, and ch. 591 on Optimum) for updates and information.

Shareholders not signed up for Phone Tree alerts are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Phone Tree alerts provide important notifications to the Co-op City community. In addition to the Co-op City Times and the Riverbay Crawler, stay tuned also to Riverybay’s official Facebook page, @co-opcityRB; and to the Co-op City Times’ and CCPD’s Twitter accounts, @coopcitytimes and @CCPDnyc, respectively, as well as the Community Relations newsletter. Be sure to also check out and follow the Co-op City Times at issuu.com/cctimes.

Download the issuu app to your smart phone and mobile devices to read the newspaper on the go.

Front Page

Congressman Jamaal Bowman Wants a Green New Deal for NYC Public Schools

By BRANDON ORTIZ

Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...

3

While the U.S. tries to navigate toward a more environmentally conscious and energy efficient future, Congressman Jamaal Bowman is hoping that the nation’s public schools are not left out of the picture.

Congressman Bowman unveiled his expansive $1.43 trillion bill to the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

Bowman, a former middle-school principal and lifelong educator who represents the 16th Congressional District which includes Co-op City, is hoping his bill, called the Green New Deal For Public Schools Act of 2021, can be included as part of a larger congressional spending package.

The following are some notable highlights from Congressman Bowman’s bill: ● The bill would establish a new office in the U.S. Department of Education, which would be called the Office of Sustainable Schools. This new office would be in charge of funding the transitions for schools as they upgrade to more clean energy and eliminate their carbon emissions. ● Public schools would be allowed to apply for a healthy green retrofit, which means “the holistic modification of the entire facility to remove health harms, eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment,” according to the legislation. ● $446 billion over 10 years would be committed to the complete healthy green retrofitting of schools with the highest needs. ● $250 billion over 10 years would be used for Resource Block Grants aimed at increasing the staff, social services, training, and professional development programs at public schools. ● $100 million would be used to establish an Educational Equity Planning Grants Pilot Program, which would “receive funding to conduct extensive community outreach, identify the historical and current sources of educational disparities within the region, and create and implement a Regional Education Equity Plan to address those disparities.” ● $695 billion over 10 years would be allotted for Title I and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

The bill would bring the annual funding for Title I, which provides financial support to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families, to a total of $66 bil-

lion, and the annual funding for IDEA Part B, which supports students with disabilities, to a total of $33 billion.

“It’s time for a revolution in public education,” Congressman Bowman said. “As we deal with a devastating climate crisis caused by decades of unchecked corporate greed, we need to center our children and their future. The Green New Deal for Public Schools represents the level of school infrastructure investment that is urgent and necessary to heal the harm from decades of disinvestment, redlining and cycles of poverty and trauma, particularly for Black and brown children.”

“What this comes down to is whether we’re willing to provide our kids with the resources they need to realize their brilliance and have a livable planet,” the congressman goes on to say. “Do we want to continue building a world based on militarization, incarceration, poverty, and destruction of resources? Or will we take advantage of this moment, put our kids and educators first, and treat the climate crisis as the emergency it is? This legislation is what we need to put us on the right side of history.”

The Climate + Community Project, a research collective started at the University of Pennsylvania, estimated that the Green New Deal For Public Schools Act would create roughly 1.3 million jobs annually, according to a report they released last Friday.

The research collective also found that a total of 78 million metric tons of carbon are emitted per year by K-12 public schools. However, if America’s public schools can all be retrofitted they would effectively reduce their carbon emission to zero, which would be equivalent to removing 17 million automobiles from the road, the Climate + Community Project calculated in their report. The research collaboration also determined that $669 billion would be the entire cost for retrofitting all of America’s K-12 public schools.

“If we're going to get it right for our kids, we have to be bold, we have to do things very, very differently. A Green New Deal for our public schools will transform the United States of America. This is what we have been waiting for – the kind of change on a national level that would reach every child,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference last week with Congressman Bowman and New York City Schools Chancellor, Meisha Porter.

4

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Vaccines

Continued from page 1)

and up is encouraged to utilize the service, get vaccinated to protect their own health and that of their family members, friends and neighbors.

Following the weekend, starting on Monday, July 26, the city’s Test & Trace Corps will man a mobile vaccination van in Co-op City for two weeks, administering both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The van will be rotated to each of the three centers in the development to serve all sections. Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From Monday, July 26, to Friday, July 30, the mobile vaccine van will be stationed at the Einstein Center, opposite PS 160 schoolyard.

From Saturday, July 31, to Wednesday, August 4, the van will be in the rear of the Bartow Center at the intersection of Asch and Adler Place.

And, from Thursday, August 5, to Sunday, August 8, the vaccine unit will be

Animal Center Continued from page 1) The animal facility will be located on Bartow Avenue and will support the adoption and care of animals in the community, along with bringing awareness to animal welfare, and providing a space for rehabilitation so that the animals can safely go back to the community.

The proposed two-story, 50,000 square ft. building will sit between Red Lobster and Project Hope Senior Housing. Operated by Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC), the facility will include an animal care center, public outpatient veterinary clinic, education center, and more.

A total of 68 parking spaces – 34 in the front and back of the building – will be available, along with several open green areas for both animals and the community.

In 2018, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYDOHMH) made a local law that mandates fully operational animal shelters in each of the five boroughs of NYC. Although many residents of Co-op City protested the original proposal of the animal shelter altogether during past discussions, there was a shift in resident opinion during the three-hour meeting that took place on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Dreiser Center.

Planners are still in the middle of the design phase, however, construction for the Bronx Animal Care Center & Vet Clinic will start by early 2023. The project has a completion date of 2025.

Renderings of Bronx Animal Care and Vet Clinic showing exterior views of the building from Bartow Avenue.

Photos courtesy of Marvel Architecture, NYC Department of Design and Construction, NYC Health and Animal Care Centers of NYC.

Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!

at Dreiser Center across from the pizza shop near DeFoe Place.

Besides the pop-up clinic and mobile vaccine van, Stat Care, Rite Aid and Walgreens pharmacies in Co-op City are administering the Moderna vaccine, however, shareholders should contact the pharmacy to ascertain which vaccine is available, to register for an appointment and find out what documentation is required.

The city’s closure of the mega vaccine site in the Dreiser Auditorium comes at a time when the US is starting to see a resurgence in COVID infection rates, primarily due to the highly contagious Delta variant which is responsible for 83.2% of new positive cases, up from 51.7% just two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported earlier this week. Health care professionals report that a majority of the new hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated young. CDC data show less than 50% of Americans between the ages of 1824 and 25-39 are fully vaccinated. The number of fully vaccinated 12-18 year olds is even much lower although vaccine eligibility has been open for this age grouping for several months already.

In New York City, more than 80% of positive cases are now linked to the Delta variant. The city’s Department of Health recorded an increase over the last seven days at a 2.01% daily positivity rate, with unvaccinated 18-34 year olds accounting for a significant number of cases.

In the 10475 zip code which encompasses Co-op City and Edenwald, data compiled by the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy show that 52.51% of residents have had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, which is lower than the citywide median of 58.37%. Further, during the week ending July 3, there were 9.36 cases per 100,000 people. A week later, for the week ending July 10, there were 25.74 cases per 100,000 people in the 10475 zip code.

Health and local officials are racing to get as many people vaccinated as possible. On Thursday, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi tweeted: “The prevalence of the delta variant continues to increase in NYC, now making up 75% of sequenced cases. This variant is highly transmissible, and it’s one of the reasons we’re seeing increases in #COVID19 cases across the city…”

The city’s Health & Hospitals Corporation’s Test & Trace Corp is canvassing neighborhoods with pop-up clinics and mobile vaccination units being deployed throughout the city to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as possible, especially younger New Yorkers, in preparation for September’s return to school.

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Vaccine Passport

5

(Continued from page 2)

there until we can defeat this terrible pandemic for good.”

Individuals interested in getting their Excelsior Pass can go online to epass. ny.gov. Additional information on the Excelsior Pass and how it works can be found online at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass.

Co-op City residents who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Dreiser Auditorium must check “New York (Manhattan)” as the borough in which they were vaccinated, not “The Bronx,” when applying for the NY Excelsior Pass. The pass can be downloaded to your mobile device, or printed.

Various sport venues across New York are now using the Excelsior Pass, such as Madison Square Garden, the Barclays Center, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, to name a few. Beginning this fall, numerous SUNY schools and even some private institutions such as Syracuse University will adopt the Excelsior Pass for their students and future on-campus events

Mattress Disposal The City of New York requires all residents to fully cover all mattresses or box springs in a sealed plastic bag for garbage disposal and collection. This rule was intended to prevent the spread of any bed bug activity.

Please note that mattresses that are infested by bed bugs must first be exterminated prior to covering for disposal. Please contact your respective CSO for an appointment with the exterminator. This is a free service provided by Riverbay Corporation.

Under the rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring in a proper bag will result in a $100 fine imposed by the City. In addition, Co-op City residents who violate this rule may be subject to a Community Complaint with related fines and legal fees. (The City of New York and Riverbay do not provide mattress or box spring bags or covers.)

Plastic bags to cover mattresses and box springs are available at department stores, home improvement centers and large moving companies. They can also be purchased online.

Please follow this rule when disposing of mattresses and/or box springs.

These covered items must then be brought to the basement Ash Cart room where they will be picked up for proper trash collection.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter.

––CSO

A. Singh, DDS

RIVERBAY CORPORATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NYC HEALTH & HOSPITALS TEST + TRACE CORPS present a

DENTAL CARE

FREE COVID-19 MOBILE VACCINATION CLINIC

Dentures Repaired & Relined While You Wait Custom Dentures • Toothache • Can’t Sleep at Night • Root Canal • Extractions • Crown & Bridges • Cosmetic Bonding Laminates • Emphasis on Gum Disease (Bleeding Gums) • Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry The Mobile Clinic will be at the following locations 8 am - 6 pm each day.

MTA HEALTHPLEX

DATES: July 26th – July 30th – Einstein Community Center LOCATION: Near the Town House Cleaners at 181 Einstein Loop S, Bronx, NY 10475

We Accept Insurance including: 32BJ, Healthplex, 1199 & 1180 Union, PBA, CSEA, MetLife, Con Edison, NY Nursing Assn., HIP Dental, U.F.T., SIDS, GHI, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna.

DATES: July 31st - August 4th – Bartow Community Center LOCATION: Near the Corner of Asch Loop and Adler Place (behind Food Universe Supermarket)

120-1 Benchley Place (Building 24) Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475

DATES: August 5th – August 8th – Dreiser Community Center LOCATION: Across from Gourmet to Go at 141 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475

NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED Who is eligible?

Any person age 12 or older What do I bring?

Any form of ID (including national passport or consular ID)

OFFICE HOURS:

By Appointment.

Saturday & Evening Hours Available.

718 379.4800

SPECIAL OFFER EXAM • X-RAY • CLEANING

75

$

A. Singh, D.D.S. 120-1 Benchley Place (Building 24)

718.379.4800

6 Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021 The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can the–authenticity of•– the authors.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed – verify •be–typed.

• • letters – • –must – •Co-op – City Times – • by –• – •every – •Monday – •–to350 •be–words.

• –Ideally, they should All be• in the office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, 3 p.m. considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

Proper Convector Maintenance To the Editor: I’ve been here 20 years and never had a convector problem. It’s simple, unless a pipe breaks, which is quite rare as it’s low pressure. Twice during the summer months, I easily take the cover off and clean the track, the screen, and check that the drain isn’t clogged, which is a common problem. All you need is a rag, vacuum and the energy.

Also, I never leave it on while I’m away.

It’s not rocket science but if you’re unable to do the maintenance, hire someone who will.

––Nick Liberati

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor only from Co-op City shareholders at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

If you would like your letter to be considered for publication, it must be signed. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material.

Please include your address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be verified.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland

Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

John Crow

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m.

Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

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

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

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

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-697-6381 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

7

CCPD Urges Residents to be Prepared for Potential Summer Emergencies Public Safety Report

By LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Many people worldwide may be spending more time at home or working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Being home to receive more telemarketing calls may be an unwanted combination of these two factors. Telemarketers and scammers may be finding themselves with more time on their hands and might also be more desperate. This week’s article provides information about avoiding scams and unwanted telemarketing calls. Recognizing an unsolicited phone call is the important step towards minimizing its impact on your life. Always remember to never give out information on a telephone call you did not make.

This week as I was preparing my weekly article, I was contacted by an original cooperator who told me that she has been receiving an unusually high number of calls which are coming up as SPAM on her caller identification. As an avid reader, this savvy cooperator does not answer any of these calls and definitely would not give out any personal information. This is a good time to check and make sure your telephone number is still signed up with the Do Not Call Registry. This will not stop calls from happening, but it can hold the originator of the call accountable.

People may ask, how do scammers and telemarketers get my number? Telephone and location can be received right from your cell phone carrier. When you give out your telephone number for a contest or on a waiting list for a restaurant, it can be sold to advertisers. Calling 800 or 900 numbers, accepting terms of service or donating to charities can also place your telephone number at risk. Social media platforms and credit companies are other ways that telephone numbers are given or sold to companies which can use your number for a variety of purposes. Not every use of your telephone number is intended as fraud but unsolicited marketing can be annoying.

People may also ask, why are many of the Spam calls from my area code, my geographical location or sometimes even from my own telephone number.

Many telephone systems utilize Voice over IP (known as VoIP). This is basically voice telephone calls over internet lines. A call made from anywhere in the world can appear to come from right in your neighborhood. A call can also appear to come from a legitimate business or agency. Do not let this fool you.

Telemarketers and scammers have found a way to make their number appear differently on your caller identification. They can change the area code, the first three numbers of your exchange or even the entire number. It is even possible to receive a call with your own telephone number appearing on the caller identification. In some cases, Co-op City residents have received calls that say Riverbay Corporation in the caller identification. Do not let this fool you. If someone from Riverbay Corporation is calling you, they will identify themselves. If Riverbay Corporation is leaving an automated message, it will identify itself. Riverbay Corporation will not ask you for personal, sensitive information over the telephone. There have been reports that Social Security Administration, Chase Manhattan Bank, Internal Revenue Service have appeared on people’s caller identification.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has unleashed a new series of “Phishing” scams.

Telephone scammers will send out a message regarding your cancelled vacation plans. This message may go out as a telephone call, an email or even a text. If you didn’t recently cancel a vacation, you might just ignore the message but if you did cancel a vacation, you need your heightened internal “Scam Detector” to take notice. Do not answer any questions, take a number to call back and compare it to the legitimate provider. Many people have cancelled travel plans so the odds of catching an unsuspecting victim is increased. My savvy readers will be the exception to this group.

Telemarketers may be just as annoying but hopefully not as dangerous. Telemarketers are attempting to solicit you to purchase some types of goods and services that you did not seek out. If you can identify the call as a telemarketer of a service you are not interested in, it’s easiest not to answer the call. Tele-

Anonymous calls to Public Safety

From time to time, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, we understand that some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to

accept these calls and investigate accordingly.

If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor.

Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taken place and, in most cases, who the individuals involved are. Thank you for your cooperation. ––Riverbay Management

Public Safety Blotter July 11, 2021 – July 17, 2021

July 11 – 100 Co-op City Blvd.

A cooperator returned to their vehicle and found it had been broken into and numerous items missing.

July 12 – 140 Alcott Place CCPD Emergency Service Unit was dispatched to this location to assist a cooperator who accidentally exposed herself to pepper spray. ESU rendered assistance then had EMS respond to take the victim to a hospital for treatment.

July 14 – Roof of 120 DeKruif Place Three males were found on the roof of this location. It is a lease infraction to be on the roof of any building at any time. One male was issued a community complaint for being on the roof with his two friends.

99 Bellamy Loop A cooperator discovered someone had removed her catalytic converter.

This matter is under investigation.

July 15 – 120 Co-op City CCPD filed a report for a complainant who met someone on the street dressed as a FedEx employee. That person was able to scam personal information from a person and later take money from them. marketers are a very insistent group. They will say, “Why aren’t you interested in this wonderful service my company wishes to sell to you?” If I didn’t call a company, I am not interested in their service. Altering the number which appears on the caller identification may make me believe the call is an important call from a local friend, a school or a business I associate with. It is best to terminate these calls as soon as possible.

It is a good idea to sign up your landline telephones and cellular phones for the Do Not Call Registry. The Do Not Call Registry allows you to register your landline and cell phone number in one central database to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers not exempt from the DNC Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. The DNC Registry will not stop all telemarketers from calling you. Calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors are exempt. Companies with which you have an existing business relationship may still call you (unless you ask them to place your number on their own do-not-call list).

The New York State Do Not Call Law has been in effect since 2001. This law makes provisions for consumers to place their home landline and personal mobile telephone numbers on one central national Registry. This registry reduces the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive. The New York State Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection enforces the New York State Do Not Call Law. In 2003, (Continued on page 23)

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

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for specific directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site.

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

What Techniques Can Fix All of These Leaks?

Just a few weeks ago, our call center received 1,900 calls in just one day. Within this number, there were 500 calls for apartment floods. So, our maintenance workers were overwhelmed with all of those calls. And, now, these convector problems are so bad that our cooperators are being issued appointments in November to fix their apartment.

That’s right, November 2021.

Turkey, With All The Fixings Lots of cooperators are completely disgusted with their convectors, their flooded-out apartment, and the appointment dates that they were given to service these conditions. In many cases, their wood floors, rugs, furniture, and other items were damaged. So, they thought about using their insurance to cover some of this damage. Then, they had to consider their deductible and the possibility of getting a much higher rate for next year.

Previously, three options for dealing with these convector leaks were published in the Co-op City Times. The first option was published on April 10, 2021. This option called for management to spend $300,000 for an “Engineering study to address leaks, [a] feasibility study, [and] develop [a] plan.” So, that’s $300,000 that we’re going to pay to an engineering firm. Now, think, our convectors are 50 years old. Plus, they’re leaking a lot of water.

So, what are we going to do if they come back and basically say that we need to replace all of our convectors? What are we going to do if they design a device and then we’re told that we will have to spend an outrageous amount of money for manufacturing costs? What are we going to do if we have to spend a tremendous amount of money on plumbing and other costs just to install these devices? Then, what is going to happen if we do all of this work and then other areas of our 50-year-old convectors fail?

Next, as brought out last week, a director published a viewpoint that stated that a $60 device could be placed under a convector. Thereafter, the device would sound an alarm and send an alert to a phone.

Then, the viewpoint stated that this idea was sensible and well thought-out. However, amazingly, this sensible and this well thought out plan didn’t have a solution for when cooperators are not home. So, in this case, our convectors could still flood out apartments.

Our third option would be to have a discussion These two questions should be answered before we with the community about portable air conditioners. seek additional money from a loan. As cooperators, Now, some cooperators have voiced their opinions we should always be looking for ways to build up against air conditioners that hang outside of winour community. Therefore, that should mean that dows. So, that’s why I also suggested that we can we should not allow Riverbay, a bank, or any entity have a discussion about indoor air conditioners. to keep us in debt.

Some of these indoor air conditioners have wheels Moreover, we should not start a pattern of refinancon them. And, they can be easily moved from room ing our mortgage every time that a capital project to room. So, they’re not in a window and no one arises. On the other hand, we should reduce our $90 that’s outside can see them. Plus, if you go online, million payroll and our other expenses. Apartment you’ll see that lots of people are plugging them into restorations? We restore between 30 – 40 apartments regular sockets and are chilling out. per month. However, can you believe that we allow Professional window installation? No. Annual contractors to charge us between $15,000 - $20,000 to Floods? Gone. Millions of dollars wasted annually restore each apartment? This community can be much on water damages? Gone. Complaints about insuffibetter if we change the way that we think about our cient air conditioning? Gone. Energy Efficient? Yes. business operations, debt, and our goals for the future.

Plugs into any regular electrical socket? Yes. Can Bottom line: How many times will we refinance turn it on whenever you want? Yes. Provides lots our mortgage if this current refinance plan gets apof cool air? Yes. proved? To me, this type of thinking is just horrible Bottom line: Too many cooperators are currently for our community. suffering from disastrous convector leaks. And, now, Close cooperators will not be able to get their apartment Stop saying no to everything. We can do somefixed until November. So, can you imagine trying thing good about our convector issues and our fito enjoy the holidays with a busted up and smelly nances if we can at least consider new and better apartment? Can you imagine trying to prepare a big solutions to these problems. meal in your kitchen while workers are in the other Thank you. rooms trying to fix your apartment?

Contact Information Should we continue to live in this manner? No! Please do not send a letter to me at this time. HowAnd, that’s why I want the board to have a meeting ever, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@ with this community so that we can deal with these riverbayboard.com. convector floods in a positive manner. Thank you.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if We Will Regret This Debt you would like to have a brief discussion with me.

Incredibly, plans are still being made to refinance our Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful present mortgage. If the refinancing is approved, Rivweek. And, may God bless you and your family. erbay could potentially pull out $100 million or more Thank you. to assist with funding our capital projects. However, in my opinion, we should not refinance our mortgage for our capital projects or to cover our Get back to traveling with one of these tours in mind current expenses.

Why did we receive all of those carrying Queen Mary Cruise – 12 days, charge increases? Why can’t we drastically Caribbean from New York reduce our expenses?

Dec. 22, 2022

Come Join Us This Year!

Alaska Cruise – 8 days, August 26, 2022

DID YOU KNOW... There is a Lost and Found located in the Bartow Community Center Public Safety office. Please check there if you have recently lost keys, glasses, or other items.

Aruba Cruise – 12 days, Nov. 22, 2021 Peru Guided Tour – Sept. 5, 2021 River Cruise, Amsterdam–Germany, August 20, 2023 *NEW* Israel – Pilgrimage, guided tour to the Holy Land Oct. 20, 2021 Canadian Rockies by Train – Aug. 12, 2021 Tuscany & Italian Rivera Guided Tour Aug. 29, 2023 *NEW*

ALTOUR 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 TO CONTACT MONICA, PLEASE CALL 212-497-7674 or cell 646-515-8702

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Sunscreen Recall: J&J Recalls Some Neutrogena Sprays Over Benzene Johnson & Johnson reports that consumers should stop using five of its six Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreens and discard them.

The recall impacts all SPF levels and sizes of the following aerosol products: • Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen • Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen • Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen • Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen Johnson & Johnson said that internal testing found low levels of benzene, classified as a human carcinogen, in these five products. However, the company said that while daily exposure to the level of benzene in its products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects, out of an abundance of caution, these five specific aerosol sunscreens are being recalled.

Consumers may contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center, 24/7, with questions or to request a refund by calling 1-800-4581673. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to using these aerosol sunscreen products.

Adverse reactions associated with the use of any of the five products can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by regular mail/fax as follows: Complete and submit the report online by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm To submit by regular mail/fax: Download form at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the preaddressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA0178.

––Riverbay Safety department

9

10

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Mary Pearson

Two surveys, a Covid update, and a few Bees Help plan the Transportation Future. You might have seen ads in the Co-op City Times and the Co-op City Community Relations Newsletter #48 with the heading: No one knows your neighborhood better than you. The ad doesn’t do it justice. The easily Googled nyc.gov/ streetsplan is a complainer’s dream. And there was no mention of how much fun playing with the interactive doodads on the site would be.

Let me fill you in. In 2019, local law 195 was enacted by the City Council requiring the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to draw up a transportation master plan every five years. The first of these five-year plans – aimed at improving the safety, accessibility, and quality of our city streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian spaces – is due this December. The project’s goal is to encourage the use of public transit and reduce vehicle emissions, or, as Speaker Corey Johnson said at the time, to “break the car culture.” Miles of camera-protected bus lanes, miles of protected bike lanes, and reexamined parking policies intend to satisfy that goal. The installation of benches, shelters, and real-time passenger information displays at 500 more bus stops each year is an added bonus.

And our input is being requested.

Once you’re on the site, you’re invited to help plan the transportation future. You’ll find an interactive survey which starts with a how-would-youspend-the-money budgeting game followed by an ifI-ruled-the-DOT-I’d-fix-this-stuff-right-away point and drag page to play with. I spent my make-believe bucks on street repair, subway accessibility for people with disabilities, and new transportation choices. My pointing and dragging included returning the BxM7 bus stop to the across-the-street-from-itsformer-location location; repaving pothole dotted stretches of Co-op City Boulevard, Einstein Loop, and the cul de sac at Erdman Place; adding Stop signs here and there; and providing a shuttle bus to the Ferry.

After you’ve finished your spending and dragging and you’ve finished solving all transportation woes with your alternate solutions, go back to the main site to register for an upcoming Zoom workshop. Ours, inviting Community Board 10 residents to join in this Wednesday, July 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., is labeled Workshop 9 for Bronx area 2. But if that

day and time doesn’t suit you, you have the option of signing up for the Monday, July 26 one (6 to 8 p.m.) for Bronx area 1, or the Thursday, July 29 one (noon to 2 p.m.) for Staten Island. Or participate in more than one and compare! There’s also a dial-in option. Here are two of the several phone numbers listed for the July 28 meeting: 646-558- 8656; 312626-6799. The meeting ID is 833 5518 4519.

Later in the year, Virtual Public Workshops Round Two are scheduled for September and October.

Riverbay Board Election survey. Speaking of civic participation, there’s just one more week to take the Co-op City Times Board election survey.

This Friday’s the last chance to offer your two-cents.

Put this code – /r/KB39P7N – into the Survey Monkey address bar, or use the QR code in the newspaper or on the Crawler, and answer a few questions.

Or fill out the paper survey in the CCTimes, cut it out and mail it in.

Covid-19 update. Covid’s been making a strong, unwanted, scary-number reappearance lately. The Delta variant is shutting us back down and putting masks back on our faces. Of course, some of us never took those masks off. It’s once again time to play it extra safe by avoiding the 3Cs – No Crowds, No Close Contact, No enClosed Spaces. (OK, so number three cheats a bit.) You still need to wear a mask where establishments request you do, at the supermarket or wherever, but as long as you steer clear of others, going mask-less outdoors is still universally permissible. Now might also be a fine time to give in and get jabbed.

Zaila and the Bee. Zaila Avant-garde, a teen from the New Orleans area, won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee this month, grabbing the country’s, if not the whole world’s, attention. Zaila became the Bee’s first African American champion in its 96-year history.

She’s the first Black American but not the first Black winner. In 1998, that distinction went to 12-year-old Jamaican Jody-Anne

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

Maxwell, the first non-American to win the competition.

Louisiana’s Zaila is not your average 14-yearold. She’s not even your average human. She holds Guiness world records for doing impossible things with basketballs and she can divide five-digit numbers by two-digit numbers in her head. (Hey, I can do that! Just as long as the five-digit number is 10,000 and the two-digit number is 10.)

In interviews, Zaila Avant-garde said she was inspired by MacNolia Cox who should have been the first Black American to win the National Spelling Bee some 85 years earlier.

In 1936, a 13-year-old Black girl from Akron, Ohio traveled south, suffering all the indignities Jim Crow could throw at her, in order to compete in the National Spelling Bee. A dirty trick kept her from winning the contest that day. The girl missed the word “nemesis” because back then it was a capitalized word which was ineligible. Rules were bent to prevent Cox’s victory. The kicker ... Nemesis is the Greek goddess who punishes those displaying hubris. Oh, how those in charge used such specificity in choosing that word to steal the girl’s victory that day. Read more about her. It’ll make you weep.

But it’s not a totally sad tale. When MacNolia returned home, the town threw her a parade and the mayor composed a poem for the occasion: “A child whose forebears sold for gold / On slavery’s auction blocks / Has brought renown to our old town. / All hail, MacNolia Cox.” And now, all hail the phenomenon named Zaila Avant-garde.

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

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Scam Alert – Marketing Services These Marketing Services Make Empty Promises If you own a small business, watch out for scam marketing services. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of phony services tricking small business owners into signing monthly contracts. But these con artists fail to deliver what they’ve promised.

How the Scam Works You get a cold call, email, or a social media post for a low-cost, small business marketing service that sounds like the perfect way to boost visibility for your business. The company claims they offer public relations, search engine optimization or other general marketing support.

These “services” make big promises about the number of new customers they will be able to send your way.

Once you sign up and submit payment, the company becomes hard to pin down. They might give you a delivery date for marketing materials, but constantly postpone it or simply stop replying. In most cases, you’ll be hard pressed to get in contact with someone once you’ve been billed for the services. Several BBB Scam Tracker reports complain of being charged months after they cancel.

One victim lamented, “This company refuses to cancel my service so they can automatically re-bill me for a service I don’t want. I have a pending chat response on FB, their website and via their email and they are ignoring me.”

How to avoid scam services * Double check the contact infor-

mation. One giveaway that you are dealing with a scammer is that the company has no telephone number or physical address. If there is a phone number, call it to make sure it’s in service. If a physical address is provided, look it up to see if it is really associated with the company name. * Reach out to references. If the company provides references, contact them. Make certain it is possible to actually contact the people on the list and look them up online to make sure they are real people with legitimate small businesses like yours. * Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for. A reputable company will be able to clearly describe their services and their timeline before signing up for anything. * Use safe payment methods. Never send money to a person or company via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or pre-paid debit cards. If someone asks you for payment this way, it’s probably a scam. Always pay with your credit card. Should a problem arise later on, the charges can be disputed.

For More Information See the BBB tip on marketing strategies for small businesses and read tips for hiring a marketing agency. Visit the BBB Small Business Resources page for more business tips.

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at BBB. org/AvoidScams.

Cohen’s Gentle Dental 100 Alcott Place 718-585-4400 Bronx, NY 10475 COME IN AND EXPERIENCE NATURAL TOOTH RESTORATION & VENEERS

$100

New Patient Special!

Check-up • X Rays • Cleaning Expires 12/2021

SAME DAY DENTURES

WE SPEAK ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

$999

WITH THIS AD COHEN’S GENTLE DENTAL WHY PAY $1500 ELSEWHERE?

REGULARLY $1800

NOW

$1500

Expires 12/2021

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE.

DENTAL CROWNS

SINGLE IMPLANTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

VALPLAST FLEXIBLE PARTIALS REGULARLY $2000

NOW

$1800

Expires 12/2021

No More Slipping, Sliding, Dentures That Don’t Fit!

4 IMPLANTS OVERDENTURE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

Additional Locations: 2169 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10462 718-597-6314

1 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10468 718-365-0990

183 West 231 Street, Bronx, NY 10463 718-543-1123

11

12

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Sage and Kwame Alston Clark Energize Audience at Tunes on Tuesday

On Tuesday July, 20, the Band SAGE, accompanied Kwamé Alston Clark, highlighted Co-op City’s Summer Concert Series, “Tunes on Tuesday,” on the Section 2 greenway. Performing primarily Gospel and R&B, Clark joined the all-women’s “contemporary jazz ensemble” who energized the audience. They tried to “take your mind back” with “songs that [the crowd knew] by heart” and succeeded in doing so.

Photos and caption by Phillip McCoy

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

(718)994-9600 3525 CONNER ST | BRONX, NY 10475 www.co-opcitytire.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm

BE READY FOR SUMMER ROAD TRIPS!

SUMMER CAR CARE SPECIAL

49

$

95

Need A/C Service?

WE CAN HELP YOU KEEP

YOUR COOL!

Shopping for Tires?

Great Deals Available on Top Brands Such as Goodyear & MICHELIN

 Lube, oil change & new filter (up to 5 quarts major brand oil)

 Top off fluids under the hood  Complete tire rotation  Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specs  Check tread depth on all 4 tires  Inspect brake pads Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price.

Vehicles requiring synthetic or diesel oil & filter may be extra. Additional charge for shop supplies and disposal fee may be added. Offer expires 8/31/2021.

We Perform All These Automotive Services  Axle, CV Joint &  Mufflers & Exhaust Driveshaft Repair  Nitrogen Inflation  Belts & Hoses  Preventive Maintenance  Brake Repair  Starting, Charging & Batteries  Climate Control Systems  Steering & Suspension Systems  Cooling System Repair  Tire Pressure  Diesel Engine Repair Monitoring System  Differential Repair  Tire Services  Electrical Systems  Transmission Repair  Engine Diagnostics  Wheel Alignment  Four Wheel DriveSystem  Wheel Services  Lube, Oil & Filter  Vehicle Inspection

5

$ OFF

REGULAR PRICE

ANY OIL CHANGE Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price. Vehicles requiring synthetic or diesel oil & filter may be extra. Additional charge for shop supplies and disposal fee may be added. Offer expires 8/31/2021.

10

$

OFF

REGULAR PRICE

FRONT DISC

BRAKE SPECIAL FREE BRAKE CHECK WITH COUPON Most cars & light trucks. No other discounts apply. Must present coupon to get this price.

Offer expires 8/31/2021.

Stop In Now For Great Tire & Service Offers!

13

14

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Baychester Library opens Outdoor Terrace to Patrons

The Baychester Library will now be using the outdoor terrace for programs in addition to the indoor space to help promote social distancing among patrons to ensure everyone’s safety.

Photos by Phillip McCoy

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

African-American Association News You Can Use: The National Action Network NAN is working to ensure that every vote in every community across the nation is counted. NAN is leading the fight against voter suppression and voter ID laws since 2012. On August 28, Reverend Al Sharpton and NAN will host a march on Washington for Voting Rights. For information and details, go to nationalactionnetwork.net.

“Big Tigger” Supports Co-op City Kids Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, also known as Big Tigg, is an American television/radio personality and Rapper best known as the host of BET’s Rap City and 106 & Park.

From July 26 -31, Big Tigg, along with Ballin’ Technology, aims to encourage kids, especially those who play sports to know and understand Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan they have what it takes to succeed in a technical (STEM) field.

The scholarships offered are for Co-op City children ages 8 -13. The program: Coding/Robotics Boot Camp. For more information, go to www.ball-

Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https:// bit.ly/3h6CrF7.

Stay informed!

inTechnology.org.

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. This campaign also addresses the inadequate number of teachers skilled to educate in these subjects.

Join the AAACC today…

Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and $25.00/year for your household.

Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929-4303255. The African American Association of Coop City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Kindly send a check or money order only.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena SharpeHicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507 Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

––Michelle Marbury

Remember to complete and return the CCTimes survey on participation in the Riverbay Board election.

See page 9, or visit https:// surveymonkey.com/r/KB39P7N. For easier access, point your phone camera or QR Reader to the QR code here.

15

Rivers Run Community Garden

Excited about next week’s event. Hope to see you there.

Fresh herbs are bursting with fragrance and flavor so stop by for a tour and some deliciousness.

Rivers Run Community Garden is a place where we grow fruits, vegetables, knowledge, and friendships. The Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health for all who come. We provide workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building, and crafting so please use this column to check on upcoming events. The Garden is an outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares and residents of different abilities. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Upcoming Events at the Garden: Saturday, July 31 – Bomba by the River, 2 p.m.

Rivers Run is open: Tuesdays & Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. to Dusk Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saturdays & Sundays – 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome.

Please mail your due to Gail Sharbaan, 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475.

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801.

Please continue to stay safe.

––Gail Sharbaan The New York Public Library has reopened all available branches. The Baychester location offers nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, computer access and more. In-person programs and classes will return over the coming months. Masks are still required for all persons in NYPL locations.

See you at the library!

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun.- Closed Learn more and plan your visit at NYPL.org.

16

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment Fear of falling and injuries from a fall are a major concern of both the caregiver and care recipient. For the elderly living at home, one-third to one-half are at increased potential risk to fall. Falls can occur because of stairs in the home or obstacles in the walkway. Falls can be related to medical issues such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke/CVA, dizziness, fainting, seizures and other physical or functional disabilities. There are many reasons why an elderly person can be the subject of a fall. Falls are preventable.

Exercise: Daily exercise, which improve muscle strength, balance and stamina, is one of the most important ways to reduce your loved one’s chances of falling. Consider an alarm device that will bring help in case of a fall.

Home Safety: Keep all walkways clear and free from clutter. Remove small throw rugs or use double sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Keep items that your loved one uses often in cabinets they can reach easily without having to climb or

use a step stool. If your loved one has a balance issue, encourage him/her against taking a bath or shower when home alone. Insert grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower. A shower chair, handheld shower, non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower floors will decrease the risk of falls. Adequate lighting is a must. As one gets older, there is a need for brighter lights to see well. Handrails and good lighting should be present on all staircases. They should avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.

Medication Review: Have the doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist review all medications prescribed, which includes both herbal and over-thecounter drugs, for possible side effects, contraindications or adverse reactions. As one gets older, the way some medicines work can change. Some medications or combinations of medicines can cause you to feel drowsy or lightheaded, which can lead to falls.

Things to consider: Encourage your loved one to avoid rushing to answer the door and avoid sud-

den changes in body position. Use of a cordless phone will assure the phone is readily available. Encourage your loved one to use their walking device.

Check to make sure the brakes on the walker are functioning, that the device being used is at the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn. Install stainless steel prongs on canes for safe walking in the winter. Remember, you can reduce the risks of accidents when you make simple changes that will help protect your loved one from falls.

Join us on Tuesday, August 17, for our 45-minute monthly session at 7 p.m. Topic: Caregivers of a special care needs for young children and adults.

Presenters will be Leslie Gilford, NYS Developmental Disability Planning Council; Marilyn Dumont LaDorch from an agency approved to serve and identify special needs population, and Nicole Garcia, Special Education Case Manager. Please RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org. C.O.M.E. is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, 718-379-3159.

––Diane Cooper

Broun Place Townhouse Association Hi neighbors, Vaccine against Covid 19, protect yourself against variants and strains of this disease.

This is the most important thing you can do immediately.

We learned from Riverbay Corporation that every voting household in Broun Place (one vote per household) that voted in the Riverbay Board Election will receive a $25 credit on their August carrying charge.

The Broun Place Townhouse Association also received a $500 reward for having the highest number of voters per section address; this case is Broun Place.

Submit your suggestion for its use.

The Broun Place cul de sac work is not completed yet so that remains a mess. Unfortunately, the drilling and digging was for a repair and renovation, not a new sewer.

Did you know there is a world global warming and water shortage? Western USA is at risk, please don’t waste water by hosing sidewalks; sweep them.

Bay Plaza Theater has “Summer of Soul.” This chronicles a series of concerts held in Mt. Morris Park

1969. The festival had music artists from Gospel to Motown, Latin Jazz, plus blues and Rock and Roll.

Questlove strung it together and helped produce it.

Welcome to our new neighbors in Broun Place and we sincerely hope they enjoy life in Broun Place. We look forward to their joining our townhouse association. At only $12 a year, it is a ”good deal” supporting your association.

Our biggest problem is the litter. You live here, hold your bottles, masks, gloves, wrappers and containers for a pedestrian garbage pail. Curb appeal is very important. But the garbage along the curbs of Co-op City Blvd. and Bellamy Loop make our middle-income co-operative look terrible and support mosquito increases and rodents. Our buildings’ grounds have become filthy and have resulted in a horrible mess on Co-op City Blvd. Co-op City has been called a disintegrating project. We are neglecting getting tough with stopping litterbugs. Something needs to be done.

Setting up of chairs on Co-op City Boulevard sidewalks like it is a park picnic site and double parking

National Council of Negro Women Membership – Last year, in 2020, the United Nations celebrated its 75th anniversary. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a very subdued celebration but do you know that the National Council of Negro Women has been associated with the United Nations since 1945 when Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Founder and President of NCNW, and Mr. Walter White, President of NAACP, attended the League of Nations Conference in San Francisco, CA which led to the formation of the United Nations? From the earliest years of the UN, NCNW has been involved in its international efforts. In 1940, NCNW led a delegation of African American women to Cuba in an historic cultural exchange program. In 1975, NCNW established the International Development Center and formally introduced the collaborative concept of Twinning between African and African American Women’s organizations.

In addition, the organization established its first regional field office in Dakar, Senegal, subsequently opening offices in Harare, Zimbabwe and Cairo, Egypt. In 1995, NCNW was granted General Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Today, Fannie Munlin, our UN representative for the National Council of Negro Women, is also chair of the UN NGO Executive Committee, the liaison for the 1,600 civil society organizations affiliated with the UN. She serves as “the face of the

African-American community at the UN.” In addition, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, 4th National President of NCNW, attended United Nations World Conferences on the Status of Women in Mexico in 1975; in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1980; in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985; in Beijing, China in 1995 and NCNW has helped plan conferences held in France, Australia, Germany, South Korea and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Members, were you aware of the NCNW’s historical relationship with the United Nations and our involvement in issues which transcend national boundaries? Non-members, does this sound like an organization that you would like to be involved with? If so, we meet the second Sunday of each month from September until June. Our national dues are $50 per year for women and men. Our section dues are $25 per year for women and men. Life Member dues are $500. National and section dues must be paid to be fully financial. For more information, contact NCNWCoopCitySocial@gmail.com.

Anniversary Section Pins – Members, the beautiful crystal and gold 50th Anniversary Pins that we ordered are here! The price of our pins is $25 each.

Contact lorincnw@aol.com for more information.

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

––Joyce Howard

on Co-op City Boulevard is not allowed.

Now on vaccination against CoVid 19, here are some tips as we recover from CoVid 19: If you are inoculated, outdoors, part of a small inoculated group, you can go without a mask. If you enter a crowded, close contact environment, then wear it. We urge you to get vaccinated. Access CDC guidelines to find sites where the vaccine is available: nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

Contemplating a restaurant outing, call ahead. Register with the Riverbay RUOK Emergency contact programs. This is important for those living alone or with a chronic condition. Information is stored confidentially, available for an emergency situation.

The association sends get well wishes and support to all residents recovering from health issues. Congratulations to all of our local community graduates, too.

May success be theirs and a bright future be ahead of them. Keep dancing and better days are ahead!

Wakanda forever!

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Building 24 Association

Greetings and best wishes for a happy, healthy Summer to all Bldg. 24 residents. As building association president, I’ve been wrestling with trying to determine when it will be appropriate/safe to resume our association meetings.

Sometime in September when we usually return from the summer break seems like the right time to start up again but that depends on whether or not we see an upsurge in COVID cases in New York making such meetings unsafe.

As you know, the COVID Delta Variant is gaining a foothold in those states where vaccination rates are low and where people are not taking precautionary measures such as wearing masks and social distancing in crowded indoor places. Hospitals in those states are experiencing a resurgence of the disease which is disheartening for those health care workers who worked so hard to help infected patients and get the disease under control, not to mention all the families of those infected.

Here in Co-op City, I have been advised by Riverbay’s director of Safety that all precautionary measures are still in effect. I advise all of our residents to please follow the established safety rules when inside the building. We’re all eager to get back to our former unrestricted lives but for the present we are advised to continue wearing masks when indoors and to follow the limited-occupancy rules for the elevators and the laundry room. Let’s continue to keep ourselves and each other safe until we’re sure the danger is past. Patience and mutual respect for each other is our pathway for a safe return to our normal lives.

So again, have a happy, safe and healthy Summer. Hopefully, our association meetings will begin again in the Fall. I can be reached for questions or suggestions at 718-320-1458.

––Bruce Silberman

Church of the New Vision The Church of the New Vision and its pastors, Kenneth and Deborah Hodge, welcome you to worship with us.

By the all-Sufficient Grace of God, we announce the reopening of the church on Sunday, July 11. There will be one service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken. Welcome back.

Please join us on Facebook Live, Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Just type in “Kenneth Hodge” in the search and join us as we worship God together. Services can also be viewed on YouTube.

Our Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. on our Conference Line Number: (646) 769-9909, Access Code: 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

As we celebrate Jesus Christ, the very demonstration of God’s Love towards humanity (John 3:16). Let’s continue to be thankful and grateful. Let us as the Body of Christ remain steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all.

Amen. –Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge Sunday, July 18, Worship theme: “Let Him Dwell in You Richly” Scripture: Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3: 12-17) Church of New Vision extends our deepest sympathies to the grieving families. May God grant you the strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.

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

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY

1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

17

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.

In-person 10 a.m. bilingual Sunday service at the church starting July 4th.

Also viewed via Facebook and Zoom.

Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish), and 7 p.m. (English), pray and reflection service 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 upto-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.

Blessings, ––Marta Medina

Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick-up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least 4 clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Masks and physical distancing are required. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver’s, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Grab-N-Go – The 920 Baychester Avenue location is conducting Grab-NGo distributions on Thursday, August 5, and Friday, August 6, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Guests from Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are invited. The menu includes fresh fruits and vegetables. The distributions will stop at 3 p.m. whether or not guests are on the line or if supplies run out. The August 5th distribution is for guests who registered or re-certified in 2021 and hold pantry cards. A pantry card issued in 2021 must be shown on this day – no exceptions. The August 6th distribution is for the general public, those who lost their pantry card and for those who did not re-certify in 2021. Guests eligible to come on Thursday but cannot make it can come on Friday. They must present a current pantry card though – no exceptions. Please, only one representative per household should attend.

Guests must have at least 4-6 clean grocery bags and a large cart. Registration or monthly food package distribution will not occur on these days.

Please do not leave your carts unattended. The staff will bypass unattended carts or objects when distributing numbers. We also reserve the right to not serve guests who are belligerent or verbally abusive. Let’s work together to get our community fed.

Senior Farmers Market Coupon – July Distributions: 7/27, 7/29, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Masks are required. The distribution occurs at the 920 Baychester location. Recipients of the coupons must be 60 years of age or older and must bring proof of age (i.e. ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license).

Recipients who already received coupons this year cannot receive additional ones. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets cross-checks submitted applications.

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

Please stay safe.

––D. Illis

18

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

St. Joseph's Episcopal Anglican Church

Building 22 A & B Association

St. Joseph's is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph's Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 p.m.

You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and peace.

––M. Chambers

We are not safe yet. You must wear your mask in all Co-op City buildings and properly cover your nose so that the mask is not hanging down from your ear. Please get your shots.

First, good news as we have some balconies back on the A side. We will soon have our walk area available, also, hopefully by August. Enjoy all the summer activities. Check your Co-op City Times for more information.

Compactor Room: Continue to clean your cans and bottles. Take all shipping boxes down to the basement.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please remove your clothes on time. Pick up your fabric sheets for the safety of everyone. Also, clean the dryer tray when using dryers.

Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Check on the elderly, the sick and shut-ins. Happy birthday to all. If you see something, say something. Thank you.

––Betty Leak

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Greetings, beautiful Queens, hope you’ve all had a wonderful week.

Seniors out speaking: Continue to suggest and inform us of any interests you may have.

Notary Services: Provided through JASA, appointment needed. Call 718320-2066.

Scams: Websites and apps make frequent attempts to acquire information like cell numbers, address and email. Be on the alert; give away as little as possible online.

Outings: Contact Dorothy if interested in future trips.

Quote: Blessed is the man who is done with chance and who never speaks of “luck,” but believes that from the least to the greatest, all are ordained by the Lord. –C.H. Spurgeon ––Gladys Baez

Building 25 Association The weather has been rocky for the past few weeks, but we here in Co-op City are fortunate to have our AC’s working. If your AC is not working, you should call Maintenance for assistance.

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

Latest update on our building association room meetings: Riverbay has given permission to resume meeting in our association’s room. With that being said, our next regular scheduled association room meeting will be held this fall on Tuesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. So, look out for posted notices near elevators should there be any changes. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with the following quote: “Dear weather, stop showing off, we know you’re hot.” (Unknown) ––Wanda Bailey

AARP Chapter #4997 From President Mickens As of this printing, the Delta variant is increasing in strength and activity all throughout the world! The 2021 Olympics in Tokyo are in jeopardy and already have no visitors allowed in the stands. Countries are starting to reinstate travel restrictions on visitors from other countries. In the United States, we are also beginning to reinstate restrictions in various states.

With that being said, the vaccine is still the best and only treatment for trying to be safe from COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Although the vaccine is a very personal choice, it not only protects you, but it protects those around you. Young adults and children are the most vulnerable now because of the lack of vaccine. Most new cases are the young and that is extremely sad. As parents, our responsibility is to protect those who rely on us for their absolute needs and health, so please reconsider talking with the professionals to help our young stay healthy and safe. There is much valuable information to be collected, hopefully, before school starts in September 2021.

AARP Chapter #4997 and the parent organization are both continuing to follow the changes proposed and made regarding gun violence. The Bronx seems to be trying to reach first place in a negative way. We can now go places, see neighbors, family and friends.We can attend outdoor activities but while doing so we must be aware of all around us. Continue to reach out to our political leaders asking for more rules to be changed to protect our community. Try to check on the elderly and shut-in during these hot summer days. Everyone could use a friend or a smile.

Our membership drive is ongoing and you can reach Ms. Stella Baker at 718-652-2906 for more information. From our Good and Welfare representative, Mrs. Frances Wilson, we hear no sad news and continue to extend our best wishes to the sick and shut-in who are recovering. Mrs. Wilson can be reached at 718-671-5493. For any AARP updates or information, I can be reached at 718-379-3742.

––Ann Purnell

Open Door Ministries “Seeing Faith”

Faith is powerful and effective inasmuch as it used to help someone in their hour of need. Narcissistic faith that seeks only benefits is false and pretentious and will prove to be without value. When we believe God for the blessings of others, we in turn are blessed.

2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by believing, not by seeing.

Our faith informs our vision. If we can see it by the power of God, it can become reality.

Luke 5:18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 19 but they couldn’t because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

Seeing faith is persistent faith. It compels God to act. It is not satisfied until satisfied.

Matthew 15:22 A Gentile woman came to Jesus, pleading, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely. 24 Jesus said, I was sent to help God’s lost sheep, the people of Israel. 25 She came and worshiped him, pleading again, Lord, help me! 26 Jesus said, It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs. 27 She said, that’s true, Lord but even dogs are allowed to eat scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table. 28 Dear woman, Jesus said, your faith is great. Your request is granted. And her daughter was instantly healed.

Seeing faith understands spiritual authority and respects it. We believe because God can act and we see it done because nothing can stop the power of God in favor of his children.

Matthew 8:5 A centurion came to Jesus, asking for help. 6 Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly. 7 Jesus said, Shall I come and heal him? 8 The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said, Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 13 Jesus said, Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. And his servant was healed at that moment.

Seeing faith is active, focused, dependent and joyful. We turn to God in faith knowing that He cares and will be favorable towards us. We go before Him not demanding but believing.

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text, 917-334-4407.

Blessings in Christ.

––Pastor Luis Ramos

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Bartow

Fri., July 30

Thurs., July 29

Wed., July 28

Tues., July 27

Mon., July 26

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Arthritis Exercise Class w/Damion Every Monday in the Bartow Courtyard 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

No Activities

No Activities

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10-11 a.m. https://zoom.us/, Dial-in: 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173, Passcode: 855423

Arts with Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Apple Juice Veggie Burgers Baked Sweet Potato California Blend Vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Pork Sausage link Sauteed onions & peppers Penne Braised Collard greens

Weight Mgt. Support Group w/Gigi – 2nd Wed. of the month, 1-2 p.m. Conference call: 929-299-1045, Passcode: 1386 Apple Juice Virtual Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m.,w/ Ms. Margaret Kempe and her fellow Pay it Pepper Flank Steak Forward Engineers at Scarsdale HS. Different Brown rice games played each week including Bingo.

Oriental blend Please call 718-320-1345 to register and revegetables ceive Zoom information.

Whole wheat Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m.Bread 12 p.m. To register, please call the JASA office Fresh fruit with your name, email address & phone number; https://zoom.us/ Dial in: 929-205-6609, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554

Line Dancing w/Ellie

Arthritis Exercise Class w/ Smartphone/Tablet Class w/ Damion, every Thurs., 1-2 Ralph, 1-2 p.m. Call main of- p.m. Zoom meeting ID: 986 fice, 718-320-2066, to regis- 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 ter. Please give your phone # & email address

Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 noon @ the Section 1 Greenway Stage For more information, please call 718-320-1345 ***MUST WEAR MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING***

ZUMBA with Ola 1-2 p.m.

Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 967 1196 0602 Passcode: 526096 Dial-in #: 1-929-205-6099

Acceptance Meditation with Paola Friday, July 23, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/4421366695 Meeting ID: 442 136 6695 One Tap Mobile: 929-205-6099

(NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https:// zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150, Mobile: 929-205-6099

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Orange Juice Chicken Marsala Arts with Laura, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., https:// Orzo via Zoom and phone zoom.us/j/99231696108, Meet- Prince Edward ing ID: 992 3169 6108, Passcode: Blend Vegetables Must call or email Whole Wheat 503637; Call in: 1-929-205-6099 to register: 929-399-1387 Bread Fresh fruit

Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1-2 p.m., https://zoom.us/ To register, call JASA office with your name, email address & phone #; Meeting ID: 295955247, Passcode: Bereavement Group, 1st & 3rd 259554, Dial in: 1-929-205-6609 Bodies in Motion w/ Ola, 11a.m.-12 Wednesdays of the month p.m. Zoom https://zoom.us/, Meeting 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

ID: 912 6304 7892, Passcode: 237257, One Tap Mobile: +1-929-205-6099 Must call or email to Game Day, 1-2 p.m., register: 929-399-1387 https://scarsdaleschools.zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993 Passcode: 7A5RaD; Mobile: 1-929-205-6099; Passcode/password: 59849

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

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

Staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer all Grab and Go questions. Bartow, please call 929-399-1394; Einstein, 929-399-1376; Dreiser Loop, 718-320-1345. Grab & Go pick-ups are 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

JASA office open for clients by appointment only. Please call 718-320-2066 to make an appointment.

Notary Services available – appointment only.

Call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

FREE Raffle during the classes every week.

Every Tues. Yoga Classes with Adira Polite – 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., https://zoom.us/ Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode 952022.

Take Control of your Chronic Pain – Join Zoom meeting, Tuesdays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; September 14, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 452 335 9970. To register, please contact Julissa Reynoso, 646-946-1252, or Laura Brea, 646-982-8254.

19

BBQ Chicken leg quarters Roasted Butternut Squash Sauteed Spinach

Beef Salisbury steak w/Mushroom sauce Perfect white rice Steamed Broccoli

Orange Juice 2 Cheese Blintzes Baby Carrots w/ Parsley Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit

Baked fish Fillets Baked Macaroni & Cheese Normancy Blend

Apple Juice Baked Chicken Quarters Moroccan style sauce, Brown rice Vegetable Ratatouille, Challah Bread, Fresh fruit

Egg salad Pasta Primavera Cucumber salad

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

*Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

Upcoming Events

Every Wed., Arthritis Exercise/Dance Class w/ Damion – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom meeting - https:// zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268, Dial-in number: 1-929-205-6099.

Every Wed. Painting Classes – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. https://zoom.us/, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 920 9563 1147, Passcode: 024057.

Every Wed. Tai Chi classes w/Adira Polite – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

NEW Line Dancing w/Ellie – Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Section 1 Greenway Stage. For more information, please call 718-320-1345 *Must wear masks and practice social distancing.* Meditation Class, GPC (Grandparents) – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., third Thurs. of every month, https:// bit.ly/35VESDV. Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

How to Better Manage your Chronic Pain – Thursdays, July 29, August 5 & 12, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join Zoom meeting, https://us06web.zoom. us, Meeting ID: 876 1353 4024, Passcode: 339198,

Dial-in number: 1-929-205-6099.

NEW: Every Thurs. Tablet Class w/Ralph – 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., https://zoom.us/, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 969 3895 8487, Passcode: 405723.

Every Fri. Aerobics Class w/ Adira Polite – 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., https://zoom.us/, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150.

Every Saturday, Zumba Classes – 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099.

Every Sunday, Senior Safety Class – 1 p.m.

- 2 p.m. Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/, Dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

JASA activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-320-2066 and give us your email address.

MetroCard Bus will be in Co-op City (Bartow Mall only) on the 1st & 3rd Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cash only.

20

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

Church of God’s Children

The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services.

Saturday morning services will start at 10:00 a.m. This change was made at the request of some of our members.

The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services.

General Information The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10:00 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 needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10:00 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, July 24, at 9:10 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, July 30, at 7:52 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-449-5005). 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 all members who will celebrate their birthday in July. For all 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, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

Greetings and blessings to all our friends and family and Co-op City residents from all of us at Church of God’s Children. It has been a long time…thank God we are still here. Our heartfelt prayers have been and still are with everyone who had a relative or friend pass away due to Covid and a prayer of gratitude for those of us who have survived Covid and 2020.

Our house of Worship is open to everyone for prayer and counseling. We are having in-person, bi-lingual services every Sunday at 10 a.m. On Sunday, July 25, we will meet outdoors in front of 127 Dreiser Loop at 10 a.m. for worship, music, testimonies, and prayer. We will have snacks and refreshments and some giveaways. Please come and sit, enjoying the open air and the beauty of a summer morning. Rain or shine, we will be under the portico. Covid protocols will be followed as needed.

Estamos teniendo servicio bilingüe en persona todos los domingos a las 10 a.m. El domingo, 25 de julio, nos reuniremos al aire libre frente a 127 Dreiser Loop a las 10 a.m., para la adoración, la música, los testimonios y la oración.

Vamos a tener bocadillos y refrescos y algunos regalos. Por favor, venga y siéntese, disfrutando del aire libre y la belleza de una mañana de verano. Llueva o haga sol, estaremos bajo el pórtico. Los protocolos Covid se seguirán según sea necesario.

Our prayer: Jesus, during your ministry on Earth you showed your power and caring by healing people of all ages, race, and faiths from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to those who need your loving touch because of Covid. May they feel your power of healing through the care of doctors, nurses and others who help them in any way. We pray you take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation felt throughout the world. Compassionate God, who in your son Jesus the Christ healed the sick, touched the hearts of the troubled, and sent disciples to announce the good news to the poor, we offer this prayer for peace and for the intentions of all those who are praying with us. Amen.

Join us for prayer via telephone on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., 712-770-4981, access code: 814801.

God bless you.

––Bishop Nancy Rosario

Iglesia de Los Hijos de Dios

Community Protestant Church The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up our community, city, state, nation and the world in prayer, especially all those affected

by COVID-19. Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus.

However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900, and at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Summer Schedule Adult Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call Line.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC…On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony.

The topic for Pastor Owens’ sermon last Sunday was: “Arrested by Jesus.” His scriptural text came from Ephesians 4:1, 17; 5:1. (4:1), “Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” (4:17) “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.”

(5:1) “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” He stated that the first three chapters of Ephesians tell us what Christ is doing for us. The next three chapters tell us what we should be doing for Christ. The Apostle Paul was a prisoner of the Lord. His love bound him to Christ and he was not looking for a way out. He beseeched, begged and pleaded with the Ephesian Christians to walk worthy of Christ. If you claim to be a Christian, walk and act like it. Never allow yourself to follow any individual instead of following Christ. There are several things involved in being a follower of God or a church under arrest for Jesus Christ.

First, make sure it is God you are following and not man. Make sure it is God’s voice you are listening to and not man’s. Find out which direction God is moving and go His way and not your own way.

Do not run ahead of God or lag behind God. Stay in step with God. Keep your eyes on God. What a blessed assurance God’s word provides for a child of God. Walk, worthy children, and God will do the rest.

Reminder: COVID-19 vaccines are now available. Practice social distancing. Continue to wear masks.

Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth and His saving health among all nations.

––Evan G. Mitchell

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling • Out of town services

• Ample Parking on premises

• Cremations

• Casket Showroom on premises

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment.

Personalized & Professional Care • 55 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 LIVE STREAMING WORLDWIDE.

www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

21

Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City

Co-op City Baptist Church

Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City will be having services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur this year, 5872.

Rosh Hashanah will be on Zoom.

Yom Kippur will be in Dreiser Community Center, Rm. 6.

We need to know who will be on Zoom so we can make sure you have Books. We are using the same book as last year, Gates of Repentance (Red Book).

Services are as follows: Evening Rosh Hashanah on Zoom Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 6, 8:00 p.m.

Morning Rosh Hashanah on Zoom Tuesday, Sept. 7, 10:00 a.m.

Dreiser Center, Rm. 6, for Yom Kippur Kol Nidre evening Yom Kippur, Dreiser, Room 6 Wednesday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Morning Yom Kippur, Dreiser, Rm. 6 Thursday, Sept. 16, 10:00 a.m.

Yiskor will be at the end of the morning service Public Yiskor, Dreiser, Rm. 6 Thursday, Sept. 16, 2:30 p.m.

Afternoon, Dreiser, Rm. 6 Thursday, Sept. 16, 4:00 p.m.

Send me an email that you will be attending services via Zoom. I want to make sure that everyone is able to join. Please let me know if you are getting on Zoom via a computer, iPad, or phone.

There will also be information coming for the Book of Remembrance.

Please send me an email, RabbiDennisTobin@aol.com, to let me know you will be attending, or call me, 973-769-3915.

––Rabbi Dennis Tobin

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. using the following Zoom information: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

On Wednesday, July 28, at 5 p.m., the Co-op City Baptist Church, in tandem with the National Black Church Initiative, will sponsor an in-person educational session event about benefits of clinical trials in the Black Community and how to participate. Additionally, there will be line dancing, music, fun and a food give away. This event will be held on the Section 4 Greenway by the stage. You are requested to register: office.of.nbci@gmail.com. Prizes will be raffled to the first 75 people to register. The winner will be announced on the spot and the winner must be present.

The Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study class is on hiatus for the summer and will resume on Wednesday, September 8.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September.

Friday Prayer held at 10:00 a.m. will continue through the summer. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line: 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065.

Friday Evening Prayer is on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September.

Adult Sunday School is held at 9:00 a.m. and will continue in July and August using the Free Conference Call line shown above.

Sunday School for children and youth is on hiatus and will resume in September.

COVID-19 vaccination is available for those 12 and older. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org.

Montefiore also has a Covid-19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844-4442819.

Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Continue to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe!

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

––Hattie L. Lucas

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle welcome everyone to worship with them at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. All services are held online; to join, call 720-740-9746, Access Code: 8876631.

Sundays: Worship service starts at 11 a.m.

Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held each morning, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Prayer meeting and Bible study every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: Worship service & Bible study begins at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The purpose of Pentecost Acts 1: 1-8 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto to the apostles whom he had chosen. To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, been seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assemble together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, will thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, it is not for you to know the time and seasons, which the father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: And he shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Receiving the Holy Ghost is an essential part of salvation. It regenerates believers through the new birth experience, and it enlightens, and encourages them in their new life with Christ.

Jesus told Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews: Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of the water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. (St. John 3:5-6) The power believers receive when they are filled with the Holy Ghost in (Acts1: 8) not only empowers them as witnesses, but it also enables them to connect with Christ daily in relationship and spiritual life. The Holy Spirit is a believer’s spiritual life line. Our day is one of unprecedented allurements of the world and temptations of the flesh. Perhaps worldly temptations are no worse in substance or in number today than in previous generations. However, the present multimedia culture with the advent of computers, internets, and smarts phones delivers a multitude of temptations directly to individuals. Surrounded by such temptations, it is essential for today believers to have an empowering daily relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

The deadline for submitting club articles is Mondays at 5 p.m.

22

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS 718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Receptionist/medical assistant for Co-op City podiatry office. Exp. preferred, willing to train. Bilingual English/Spanish. F/T, P/T. Email resume to: Lnmnwolstein@gmail.com or fax 718-671-7708.

Please see page 7 for information on how to apply for employment opportunities at Riverbay Corporation.

SERVICES - SERVICES - SERVICES

Breathe Easy

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

7/31

Licensed and Bonded

20% Off Any Lock Job!

718.792.2655

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

10/30

Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

CLEANING SERVICES 7/31

Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

Call for rates!

Ads starting at $8/week!

718-320-3300 x3384

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or 917.325.5334

NORMAN AND RUEBEN PAINTING & RESTORATION Living Room – $140 Dining Room – $90 Kitchen Small – $80 Kitchen Large – $140 Bathroom – $80

Bedroom Small – $120 Bedroom Large – $140 Hallway Small – $120 Hallway Large – $140 Foyer S $70; M $90; L $140

Professional Floor Waxing

Five coats of thermoplastic industrial high-gloss, long lasting wax, detergent resisting, non-slip, nonsmell and fast drying!

Living Room – $200 Hallway Small – $125 Dining Room – $150 Hallway Large – $200 Kitchen Large – $250 Bedroom – $150

Call Norman: 917-945-4892 Call Rueben: 917-736-0114

7/24

REUPHOLSTERY

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

9/25

Top Quality Work - Painting, Plastering, Tiles, Walls & Floors, Floor Sanding, Refinishing, Waxing.

NEW STYLE BLINDS All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

CAR SERVICE

FATHER & SON

8/7

Also: Sanding, Sealing, Priming and Polyurethane; Removal of Carpet, Panel Glue, Wallpaper Paste and Grease.

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS

Fully Insured

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

7/24

One Coat – You Supply the Paint – 2nd Coat 1/2 price if needed

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497

• Basic Cleaning $100 • Deep Cleaning $150 • Non-Medical Senior Care $90 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.88% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 11/27 (718) 320-5112

• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • RANGE HOODS We BEAT • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • SINK VANITIES • KITCHEN CABINETS • SPACE SAVERS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• MATCHING HAMPERS • COUNTERTOPS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

LOCKSMITH

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

DOMESTIC SERVICE

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

Don’t Pay More At Your Local Hardware Store!

• All Makes & Models

2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)

Cassandra Watson-Gabbidon, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Website: www.marykay.com/cwatson-gabbidon.

Phone: 954-861-0475. Mention this ad when you call.

PAINTING

www.co-opsales.info

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

SPOONER

1-800-479-2667

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

Emergency Service

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838

8/21

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Executive Exotic Limo

JB Ryan Computer Repair & Upgrade

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HELP WANTED

MARY KAY CONSULTANT

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

Custom Craftsmen – 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers - Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up. Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made, Refinishing, Touch Up & Polishing of Furniture.

STYLISH DECORATORS 7/31

3314 White Plains Rd., Bronx, NY 10467

CLASSIFIEDS

718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your cooperation.

7/31

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021 23

Public Safety the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collaborated to create the National Do Not Call program and Registry.

You can register your phone number online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you register by phone, you must call from the phone number you wish to register. Once registered, your telephone number remains on the DNC Registry, without expiration, unless the phone number is permanently disconnected and reassigned to a new consumer, or you choose to remove it. You can go on the website to see if your phone number is registered. If your number is not registered, you can register it in the same place.

If you receive an unwanted telemarketing call after your number has been on the DNC Registry for more than 31 days, you can file a Do Not Call complaint online at the Registry’s website, www. donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). If you received a “robocall” that used a recorded message instead of a live person, you can file a complaint whether or not your number is on the Registry.

You may also file a complaint with FCC for unwanted fax, telemarketing, and telephone service and billing issues. The Division of Consumer Protection routinely reviews the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Database for Do Not Call complaints filed by New York Residents. The FTC also reviews complaints filed nationwide to determine whether a pattern or practice of violations of the National Do Not Call Registry is occurring. By filing a complaint, you can help the Division track down and identify violators of the Do Not Call law and take legal action against the businesses making those unwanted, unsolicited and often annoying telemarketing phone calls.

Registering your phone number on the DNC Registry is only the first step towards bringing these calls to an end. The next step is to file a complaint for every unwanted call. The Division uses the consumer complaints to take enforcement action against the violators who can be fined for each illegal call. The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call tollfree, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. You can watch a video on “How to File a Complaint” on the FTC’s website to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Gather as much information as possible to file a complaint. You will need to indicate whether the phone was a cell or a landline.

If the receiving number was a cell phone, you will need to specify if you were in the State of New York when you received the call and the time of the actual call. Identify the individual and/or company whose products or services were being advertised or sold, and any phone numbers included in the call.

When filing a complaint, you will need to describe the call. For example, did the caller hang up

Alert: Graffiti vandalism If you witness anyone tagging or spraying graffiti on Co-op City property, notify Public Safety immediately at 718671-3050. If your cell phone is handy, snap a photo and send it to Public Safety.

(Continued from page 7)

right after you answered? Was it a person or was it a pre-recording? What type of product or service were they trying to sell? What information did the representative want? Include the representative’s demeanor or attitude, make a note if they used abusive language. Include the following in the comments section: Did you tell them to stop calling?

If yes, when? (Date and Time). Did they call you again after? If yes, when (Date and Time). Keep track of any callers you have told not to call who continue to call you, include the total number of calls received and the related phone numbers. Note what happened if you attempted to return calls at numbers left on messages. Also make a note of whether or not any phone number or prompt number allowed you to “opt-out” of future calls.

Did you have an Existing Business Relationship (EBR) with the caller? (Specifically, did you or anyone else in your household make any purchases of property, goods, or services from the company that called, or made any inquiry or filed an application with the company prior to receiving the call).

If a company is selling something, it needs your written permission to call you with a robocall. And if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry, you shouldn’t get live sales calls from companies you haven’t done business with before. Those calls are illegal. If someone is already breaking the law calling you, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s a company you don’t want to do business with. Please be aware that the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry is for residential phone numbers only. If your phone number is advertised in any way as a business number, through the web, business cards, or any written material, it cannot be registered on the Do Not Call Registry, and those complaints cannot be utilized.

If you have questions or complaints regarding the Do Not Call Registry, please contact the FTC by email at dncconsumerinquiry2@ftc.gov, or by mail at: National Do Not Call Registry Attn: DNC Program Manager Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20580 If, despite your precautions, you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting in-

ternet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

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

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

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Maintain social distancing and follow the current recommendations from the New York City Board of Health and the CDC. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons.

Avoid getting into confrontations with neighbors regarding the wearing of masks or vaccination status. Be responsible for yourself, your family and your guests.

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

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

Emergency: 718-671-3050 or 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

24

Co-op City Times / July 24, 2021

Co-op Insurance

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

Protection To Cover Your Belongings Against: • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We Offer:

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Lines of Insurance:

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

• Auto • Homeowners • Life

Low Rates For The Entire Year!

Licensed Staff

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION.

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

COURTEOUS STAFF!

The Wright Agency

COVID COMPLIANT!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

(near Eastchester Road)

New Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday by appointment only.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!