Co-op City Times 7/25/20

2019 Income Affidavits are due on FRIDAY, July 31, 2020 (See page 6 for more)

Vol. 55 No. 30

Saturday, July 25, 2020

New Coronavirus testing site opens in Co-op City

$1.25

Dreiser auditorium gets a new look

Renovations to be completed by September 2020

Members of Riverbay Board and Management, North Central Bronx Hospital, Health + Hospitals, and representatives from local and state government celebrate the opening of the new Coronavirus testing site in Co-op City with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Photo by Toriea McCauseland

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

On the morning of Wednesday, July 22, shareholders lined up in anticipation of being one of the first to get tested at the new walk-in COVID-19 test site in Co-op City.

The new official testing site is in Dreiser at the old pharmacy next to the supermarket and is officially open to the public seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vivian Bui, assistant site lead, told the Co-op City Times that patients would (Continued on page 2)

Phase 4 reopenings in NYC (See pg. 4)

DOH rules out Building 24 hot water system as source of recent Legionella cases

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene informed Building 24 residents this week that test results from the building’s hot water system show no sign of legionella bacteria growth.

The tests were conducted after two Building 24 residents reportedly became sick with Legionnaires’Disease within the last 12 months. Since informing Building 24 residents in late June, the agency has been working with Riverbay Management to test the water in the building.

“We were previously informed by NYC DOH that two residents of Building 24 had tested positive for legionella in the last 12 months,” said Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer. “DOH issued water use restrictions for the residents and required that we do water testing per an approved sampling plan. On July 7th, 77 water samples were taken throughout the building from outlets in both apartments and the water distribution system. All 77 samples were analyzed by an independent lab, approved by DOH, and found not to contain any traces of the legionella bacteria. Therefore, DOH has issued a cancellation of its water use restrictions and there is no further action for us to take.”

A DOH-issued letter was distributed to each Building 24 resident to inform them of the building’s status and also to advise them that the previous health guidance issued to those 50 and older, those who have chronic lung disease, have a weakened immune system or take medicines that weaken the immune system, can resume using the water as they normally would.

The brand-new Dreiser auditorium, featuring up-to-date technology and modern design, is set for completion by September 2020.

Photos by Mark Warren

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

It’s been well over a year since the closing of the Dreiser auditorium. Construction on the site began early 2019 with asbestos abatement and creating a clean slate for what now is a brand-new auditorium – or as some have described it, a new state-of-the-art entertainment hall.

Mark Warren, director of the Riverbay Construction department, previously told the Co-op City Times, “This renovation is going to be a highlight for the community.” It appears that Mr. Warren’s prediction was spot on.

When the center is finally open for visitors post-Coronavirus pandemic, shareholders will be in awe at the new space, decked out with hanging chandeliers, a new proscenium-style stage, renovated patio, and, most importantly, air conditioning.

Enclosing the stage are two large screens that everyone can view, no matter their location in the room. Architectural designs fill the ceilings along with wall-to-

MTA facing billions of dollars of debt

(Continued on page 3)

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The MTA is lobbying to receive help from the proposed $3 trillion stimulus relief package still being debated in Congress.

The debt, unlike any deficit the MTA has faced before, has climbed into the billions. According to a New York Times article published this week, the MTA expects $5.1 billion in lost revenue from fares and tolls during this current fiscal year.

In the same New York Times article, Patrick J. Foye, the MTA chairman, spoke about the debt crisis, “There have been financial crises before, but never one where the deficits were measured in billions on top of billions on top of billions of dollars,” he said. “That’s why these unpalatable, unacceptable alternatives have to be considered.”

In an effort to lighten the burden of the foreseeable debt, the agency could significantly reduce service, slash the transit workforce even more, scrap planned infrastructure improvements and raise tolls beyond scheduled increases, according to MTA officials.

The MTA is hoping to receive $3.9 billion from the new potential stimulus relief package, which would cover its operating deficit until the end of this year.

(Continued on page 2)

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Testing site

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday to officially open a COVID-19 test site in Co-op City at 105 Dreiser Loop. The site will be available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is a walk-in site, no appointments are necessary. All visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing while in the test site.

MTA

have to adhere to social distancing rules and wear a face mask. Ms. Bui said, “In terms of waiting online, there are arrows to control patient flow throughout the facility. Everyone at one station at a time, wait six feet apart, and patients must wear a face mask.”

Upon entry into the location, there will be a production line-type of service where patients will have to go to three checkpoints – registration, medical screening with a nurse practitioner, and then swab. There are 21 stations in total, seven of each, although not fully staffed yet. Patients will be reminded to social distance, keep masks on, and follow the arrows as they move between each station.

The site is brought to residents by local and state officials, along with NYC Health +Hospitals’ Test and Trace Corps, and North Central Bronx Hospital.

Cristina Contreras, executive director of North Central Bronx Hospital, said: “We’re very excited about this partnership . It took a lot of effort, but we wouldn’t have been able to put this together without the collaboration from key people. We wanted to bring this to Co-op because it’s needed. Residents need to know their status.”

Riverbay Board President Linda Berk said, “I’m just happy to know that Co-op City has its walk-in testing site. This is something that our community has needed.”

Although patients will never have to pay any fees related to the services received at the facility, according to Ms. Bui, the site will need to bill the insurance company.

Patients will only need to bring in their insurance card and a form of ID. All residents of the Bronx and outer boroughs are welcome to get tested at the site at 105 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. The walk-in location is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photos by John Crow and Toriea McCauseland

After this year, however, the horizon gets bleaker with financial forecasts predicting roughly $10.3 billion lost by the end of 2021 because of COVID-19 losses.

Currently, the $3 trillion stimulus package is still being debated in Congress and the deliberations look like they will extend into the beginning of August as lawmakers decide the exact parameters of what services will be covered under the new bill.

“The fiscal reality of what we’re facing is very clear and very dire,” Bob Foran, MTA chief financial officer, told reporters this week. “Without an infusion of

(Continued from page 1)

billions of dollars in desperately needed federal funds, the MTA simply cannot provide customers with existing levels of service at the current fare cost. Not getting Federal support is not an option for the longterm health of the regional and national economy.

As for the numerous infrastructure projects and service improvements the MTA currently has on its agenda, the financial debt could prove too crippling to continue most of them, which includes the plan to possibly build a Metro North stop here in Co-op City.

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

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

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Auditorium

wall lighting, including those similar to what you would see at Broadway performances.

“There’s nothing like it in the Bronx,” said Mr. Warren, who proudly spoke of the new state-of-the-art technology, including the new sound system.

The large hall can separate into three smaller spaces – smaller rooms on the outside of the stage that will also have projector screens. Along with a new interior, the four bathrooms in the center have also undergone renovations. The makeover for the venue is long overdue as the location has looked the same as it did more than 40 years ago when it was part of the original construction of the Dreiser Community Center – bringing the location in terms of design and technology into the 21st Century.

In August 2019, the Riverbay Board of Directors greenlighted an extensive Dreiser Community Center remodeling project. Structure Craft Contracting LLC won the bid as the company for the job. The major renovation project for the Dreiser assembly hall, including the auditorium’s attached rooms, entrance, and lobby space as well as the restrooms, is not to exceed the contract total of $5.6 million.

City Councilman Andy King helped fund the project by securing a $1 million grant from the Council.

Riverbay’s General Manager Noel Ellison previously reported to the Co-op City Times, “The newly renovated auditorium may provide a financial boost for Co-op City.”

“We believe that we may increase revenue with a decent fee structure,” Mr. Ellison said. “Overall, we don’t plan to change the operation of how we lease the space, but we do anticipate there will be a higher demand for the venue due to the upgrades.”

Aside from hosting significant events and meetings regarding Co-op City’s civic and community affairs produced by a wide variety of community organizations, the auditorium has also hosted notable appearances by leading

(Continued from page 1)

public officials, including former President Bill Clinton, Attorney General Eric Holder, several governors, and senators. Top names in musical entertainment and theater have also performed in the auditorium over the many years.

Mr. Ellison shared those same sentiments this week regarding the future of the space and what it means for the Co-op City community. “Our community shows our artistic talents are increasing, and Co-op City is a venue entertainers want to show their creative talents in,” he said. “My hope is as performers and artists come to showcase their gifts here, [Co-op City] will be known for being a neighborhood where people can have and enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.”

Once the contracts were approved by the Riverbay Board and other necessary parties, the original plan was to take about eight to 10 months. Given the current state of COVID-19, the project, along with the rest of the state, was paused for some time. Renovations for the Dreiser auditorium is set for completion by September 2020, but there’s no date of an official reopening just yet.

WE ARE OPEN!

Our Promiise to New & Curren nt Clients As We e Navig N ate Coron navirus Yo our health an nd safety are Priority #1 as we all navigate the Corona viirus pandemic.

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

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

How close is NYC to fully reopening?

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City began reopening six weeks ago and left many residents eagerly anticipating when the region could finally start Phase 4.

Originally, Phase 4 was going to be the final step that reopened indoor spaces albeit in limited capacities. However, with continued COVID-19 spikes across the country, New York’s elected officials and health advisors are taking no chances in continuing to prevent another COVID-19 outbreak in the state.

Under Phase 4, the following non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen in New York City: • Higher Education • Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools • Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment • Media Production • Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans Notable locations reopening in the city this week include the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Empire State Building observation deck and outdoor sections of Liberty Island. While these spaces are allowed to reopen, they will be limited to only 33% of their normal capacity, according to the mandated guidelines.

What is still remaining closed, however, are indoor malls, dining areas, movie theatres, gyms and museums.

“We do not have a deadline, quote unquote, by which we’re looking to make a decision on indoor dining or malls,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his daily briefing on Monday, July 20. “We want to keep watching the overall situation in the country, the overall situation in the city, and how all these other things interact — including, most obviously, when people start to come back more in September to school and work.”

Additionally, fans of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art will be happy to know that as of right now, the MET is planning to open its doors on August 29.

“I think they can plan to reopen. And then we’ll see what the facts say,” Governor Cuomo said about the MET during a conference call with reporters last week.

As for bars and restaurants that do not follow protocol, Mayor de Blasio did not mince words when he told reporters, “No one wants to shut down bars and restaurants, but if they do not cooperate in our efforts to contain the coronavirus, they will be shut down,” he said. “If we have to, we’ll give out summonses. So there will be heavier enforcement by the sheriff’s office, and when needed by the NYPD as well, around bars and restaurants.”

PHASE 4

Co-op City’s basketball courts reopened

Co-op City’s basketball courts have been reopened. Youth who are not engaged on the courts are asked to wear a mask or other face covering and to maintain social distancing as they stand on the sidelines and enjoy the games.

The courts are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Be smart, be safe.

Notice to Shareholders

Shareholders who would like clarification about what the terms “current equity” and “amortization” are, and those with questions about surcharges, can contact the Riverbay Finance department at (718) 320-3300, select Option 4, or send an email to Riverbayfinance@ riverbaycorp.com.

In Memoriam – Mary Askew

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ms. Mary Askew, a 50-year shareholder of 140 DeKruif Pl., Bldg. 6, on July 8. She was very active in the community belonging to several organizations: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, The Red Hat Society, The American Legion Auxiliary, AARP Chapter 4997, and a longtime member of Community Protestant Church.

She leaves to cherish her sweet memory her family and a host of friends. R.I.P. –Daisy Young-Anderson

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Agatha House Food Distribution

“SAFE RIVERBAY” Stay Cool

Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay cool indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heatrelated illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

Schedule outdoor activities carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

Pace yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

Wear sunscreen: Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels – these products work best.

Do not leave children in cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.

When traveling with children, remember to do the following: • Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

• To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.

• When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!

Stay Hydrated

Agatha House and Riverbay Corporation partnered for another food distribution to Co-op City residents this past Thursday, July 23, in Dreiser Center. Almost 300 meals were given out. Another distribution is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at noon next to Dollar Tree in the Bartow Mall. All are encouraged to visit.

Photos by Leandra Alexander-Peters

Income affidavits are due by July 31, 2020 When returning your Income Affidavit forms, please place the original and yellow copy of the completed Income Affidavit and proof of your homeowner’s insurance in a sealed envelope and drop the envelope in one of the carrying charge boxes in Bartow, Dreiser or Einstein centers. Also include proof of your homeowners insurance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Drink plenty of fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Keep your pets hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

—Riverbay Safety dept.

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Annual Income Affidavits Notice

BY AVERIL JAMES-BONNETTE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FINANCE DEPARTMENT

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

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

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

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

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

Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of

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

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

Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully.

As required by State law, copies of Income Affidavit forms will be submitted to the state for verification of income against filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore, to make sure that the data provided come from their NY State tax return.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

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

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

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

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

Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

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

7

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

CCPD alerts residents of potential scams due to extended tax deadline

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic state and federal tax deadlines being extended this year to July 15, 2020, some people may have already filed their taxes before the deadline, or even at or before the normal deadline of April 15, 2020. Those who have just filed their taxes may be waiting for their refund. Others may be waiting for other funds such as unemployment or stimulus package funds. Large groups of people awaiting payments is viewed as an opportunity by scammers. Smart cooperators who read this column are always one step ahead of scammers.

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

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

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

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

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

Another scam I heard about and then actually received myself is a Pay Pal scheme. The email states that you are almost finished completing your registration for Pay Pal. The email looks legitimate and it asks you to enter your Pay Pal username and password. It then prompts you to enter your bank account number. When you call the customer service number, it tells you to mail a Green Dot card to an address. A friend of mine did not realize there was a problem until that point. When I received the same email, I investigated the email right away as I was not trying to set up a Pay Pal account. Upon scrutiny, the email came from an email address at e.paypal.com, very close to the actual email address. (Continued on page 18)

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Report

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Safety Blotter July 12 – July 18, 2020 July 12, 2020 – 99 Darrow Place A cooperator whose vehicle was parked in the vicinity of the garage filed a report that after returning to her vehicle, she found a broken lock on one of her doors and her air bags missing.

July 15, 2020 – 140 Asch Loop CCPD responded to this location for a report of persons loitering in a stairway. Upon arrival, four males were found in the stairway. As a result of their presence there, several community complaints and one criminal court summons was issued as a result of their actions.

2400 Hunter Avenue CCPD filed a report for a cooperator who states unknown person(s) removed their clothing from a dryer without their permission or authority. The case is being investigated.

120 Casals Place A cooperator reported finding their car had been broken into and numerous items stolen from within. If during your travels you see someone acting suspicious around a car, including in the garages, notify CCPD so it can be investigated.

(Continued on page 9)

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

8

The importance of good leadership Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Reopening During COVID-19 New York City has finally made it to Phase 4 of its reopening, the last phase in the march to recovery from COVID-19. Opening up for the public to enjoy are zoos and botanical gardens with entry of 33% of its capacity. Professional sports can resume without cheering fans. Media production is also reopening for movies, television and music. These categories will join businesses from previous phases, such as outdoor dining, offices and personal care services.

New York has come from “worst” to “first” in COVID-19 recovery. With our national leader refusing to wear a mask to mitigate the chances of spreading the virus, NY has had to depend on the leadership of Gov. Cuomo. Mayor Bill de Blasio has worked with Gov. Cuomo and the mayors of NJ and CT, and together, the tristate area is doing well. Those states that followed the lead of the national leader and opened too soon were hit with a rise in cases and required shutting down again.

New York has lowered the number of cases and deaths so effectively that Gov. Cuomo was invited by Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson to establish two church testing sites in COVID-19 hotspots there. I hope that more state governors will follow NY guidelines so cases and victims of this virus may shrink to zero.

Notwithstanding NY making progress in beating the virus, the warning is that it is still active in NY and we must continue to be smart. Wear a mask and gloves in public and maintain a six-foot distance from other people. Cooperators should please wear mask and gloves in elevators and in public.

I heard a rumor some men think wearing a mask denotes “weakness.” Not true! A mask will save your life and the lives of others. I saw a TV report where a man recovering from the virus spent weeks in the hospital and became conscious enough to warn folks to “wear a mask.” Also, please do not discard your used mask or gloves on Co-op City grounds. There are many receptacles just a few steps away. Our frontline staff is working hard to keep the community clean and sanitized for all. So, please cooperate.

Gun Violence It was just a week or two ago that I boasted about Co-op City being a safe community. Although there was an incident here recently, and there are violent incidents happening all across the country, Co-op City is still pretty safe. Following several gun massacres in this country, there needs to be gun reform laws where background checks are performed for the safety of the citizenry prior to a firearm purchase. Before he passed away, Congressman John Lewis fought to pass sensible gun reforms and “stand-your-ground” laws.

In 2016, he and some of his colleagues led a sit-in declaring their intention to remain on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives until its Republican Speaker, Paul Ryan, allowed votes on gun control legislation in the aftermath of the June 12, 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. The sit-in was staged by about 60 legislators.

Supporting our youth Those folks who can, along with donations from organizations and corporations, should create essential programs and/or jobs for our youth. When my children were growing up here in Co-op City, there were Saturday classes at Truman H.S. We took family swim classes. Then they took dance lessons, which were followed by track and field. These activities kept my children engaged and caused the entire family to become involved. Mentoring and apprenticeship programs are very helpful and should also be considered.

Credit must be extended to the coaches who spend lots of quality time with our youth providing them will guidance and structure. Also, although the program was scaled back, I applaud Riverbay Corp. executives for moving forward with the lottery drawing for summer youth grounds positions. These jobs are keeping young people occupied as they perform mean-

ingful work, while earning a decent salary.

Icons; Now Ancestors My condolences are extended to the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Cordy Tindell Vivian a/k/a C.T. Vivian, (7/30/1924-7/17/2020) who died at the age of 95. He was a minister, author, and close friend and lieutenant of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. In 2008, he founded the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, Inc. In 2013, Dr. Vivian was honored for his vision and leadership in the fight for justice when he was awarded this nation’s highest civilian honor – The Presidential Medal of Freedom. He leaves a legacy of dedication and service. He will be sorely missed.

Congressman John Robert Lewis (2/21/40-7/17/20) died at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer. He was a husband, father, an author, a civil rights leader, and a politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until 2020. He spoke at the March on Washington in 1963 advocating for jobs, along with Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Congressman Lewis spent much of his life fighting for voting rights and was a champion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was fighting to restore the Voting Right Act and continued his fight against voter suppression. Congressman Lewis was also the recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom. He will be remembered for Bloody Sunday having been beaten by the police for crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, fighting for voting rights. His supporters desire to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge after John Lewis, over which he took his last walk on March 1, 2020. Congressman Lewis had many colleagues, family and friends who loved him. He left a legacy we will long remember.

Please take some time to read more about these historical icons. Have your children or grandchildren read with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my viewpoint. If you would like to share your views, I can be reached at fjones@riverbayboard.com and 718-6715957.

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Section 4 Partnership

Zoom meeting of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City tomorrow, Sunday, July 26, at 3 p.m. Mark your calendar. All are welcome. If you’d like to Zoom-in with us, send an email to section4partnership@gmail.com today before 5 p.m.

You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder and resident. You do not have to live in Section 4. Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

Section 4 Partnership Mission Statement – The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many

Opportunities

cultures that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction.

The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

Join us. Remember, you are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. Get involved. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939. Let’s show up virtually. Let’s get it done.

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

—Michelle Marbury

(Continued from page 7)

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

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10

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Building 25 Association

COVID-19 has put us in a funk, fear and/or wonderment. Neighbors are discussing decisions whether or not to visit doctors for routine annual checkups for health, dental and other wellness appointments. Medical facilities have specific COVID-19 visit instructions, such as virtual visits, arriving close to your appointment time due to limits of persons in the waiting room, of course masks and self-monitoring, to include fever, cough, etc. Talk to your healthcare professionals about your fears, they do understand and are working to keep everyone safe.

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

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

Our building association meetings are officially recessed for the summer, looking forward to seeing you in September. We would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and fun-filled summer while you wear face mask and continue to practice safe distancing. During our recess, should you have any comments or concerns, you can log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your comments or concern to anyone or all members of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treasurer, continues to postpone the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice.

Closing with the following quote: “COVID19 is a matter of life and death, in the true meaning of the term for all nations, and countering it is the global duty of all.� –Oscar Auliq-Ice —Wanda Bailey

Co-op City Democratic Club

The CCDC has had a unique relationship with Congressman Eliot L. Engel. He represented us in Congress for over 30 years and sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to family. Although we did not see him all the time, he was there when we called. Most recently, his commitment was supportive with the MTA committee in re-establishing our bus routes and additional routes and buses. He corresponded with the president of MTA and with the chairman of the board of MTA. He was there for the Riverbay Board and their corporate counsel when they went to HUD headquarters which enabled us to select a far better management company for our community. We wish him all the best.

We congratulate the winners in the Primaries who represent the Co-op City community. We congratulate Mr. Jamaal Bowman for winning the Congressional seat. We also congratulate our team: Mr. Jamaal Bailey who had no challenge for Senate. Mr. Michael Benedetto who retained his Assembly seat and Ms. Shirley J. Saunders for winning as a delegate for Joseph Biden for President to the Democratic National Convention. We thank you all for your votes.

We are saddened by the passing of a great civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis. Congressman Lewis believed in nonviolent protest as was demonstrated when he and approximately 600 other people walked the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, with Martin L. King.

They were challenging the Jim Crow Segregation laws and fighting for the right for Black people to vote in the south. These brave civil rights protesters were met by police officers, some on foot, others on horseback, who began to beat the protesters as they crossed the bridge.

Many were beaten, bloodied, gassed, trampled and some were left for dead. Bloody Sunday occurred on March 7, 1965, and shortly thereafter the passage of the Voting Rights Act signed by President Johnson on August 6, 1965.

Be safe. —Shirley J. Saunders

Rivers Run Community Garden

We want to thank all of those who came out for the tour and herb giveaway last weekend. It is our pleasure to host guests, talk about what we love and send folks home with something delicious.

Speaking of delicious, we tasted the first ripe plum of the season. It was sweetened by the sun and it melted on our tongues!

Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. When the time is right, we will provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identification, planting, building, and crafting. We will continue to be the outdoor classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors.

We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.

Weather permitting, we will be open Tues., Wed., Fri.: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sat. and Sun.: noon to 5 p.m.

Please call one of the telephone numbers below if you need to confirm, you have any concern, or you just feel like talking. Also, if you’d like to volunteer to open the garden (members only), please give us a call.

Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds.

Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list.

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

Please continue to stay safe. —Gail Sharbaan

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11

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Hi neighbors, we repeat, welcome to being lucky in Co-op City, New York.

Looking at the big picture, neighbors, appreciate our community. We need to support keeping Co-op City clean. Hold the used gloves and mask till you pass a pedestrian can, do not litter! Come together daily at 7 p.m., say thank you to our essential workers. Clap hands, and yell “thank you” for a few minutes. We welcome Mikaela back to the Grounds staff in Broun Place.

She is working alongside Mr. Walker to keep our grounds beautiful.

Congressman John Lewis visited Coop City to celebrate our Black History Month event in 2007. Let his prime legacy be for you to VOTE and please remember his life and courage.

Seeing youth in the basketball court again is wonderful. But we have to follow the protocols and keep it clean, wear a mask wherever possible. Keep the tot-lots for the tots and moms need to wear masks!

I have seen many without. It is hard but wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator. Perhaps in the future we will dedicate or rename something here to memorialize “Black Lives Matter.”

It is good to see families using the greenway but pick-up behind yourself. We are having a “garbage pandemic,” inside and outside Co-op City. Write or call 311 about what you see and where you see it. Let your elected officials know. We can’t say it enough, do not discard personal garbage, i.e. bottles, masks, gloves, tissues in the

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

Last week, there were a few scam callers. The phone rings a few times, so you think it is a real call but when you get there the voice says, “I was just going to open my recording device, etc. and letting you know instead, we are police and our families are calling to give you the opportunity to help protect thousands of local police and their families who have been hurt by this pandemic, etc.” This is a scam, folks are desperate for your money.

August is right around the corner. It is time and Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your membership every year.

Dues are just $12 annually. Dues cover supplies and upkeep expenses. When tragedy strikes, we look to our dues to show a gesture of generosity to that neighbor. We need your membership to do this.

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

Report your diagnosis to director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety department, Anthony Barzelletto. Riverbay takes quick, necessary measures to sanitize and quarantine the central location.

Keep your eyes and ears open to the leadership of the new Mayor of Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Van Johnson. He is connected to Broun Place. Best wishes to all neighbors recovering from illness. Finally, keep dancing and better days are ahead.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

NAACP #2210

Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.”

1 Million Miles for Justice event for NAACP NAACP “Stop Hate for Profit” Campaign NAACP supports full statehood: Fights for the people of the District of Columbia, H.R. 51 #WeAreDoneDying NAACP Virtual March on Washington, August 27-28 Go to NAACP.ORG or You Tube to stay informed.

The NAACP family mourns the passing of civil rights leaders and icons Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian.

COVID-19 has not gone away.

What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this together.

Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing.

Census 2020: It’s not too late to be counted. Visit: my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. It only takes a few minutes and is vital for the well-being of our Co-op City community. Federal dollars affect programmatic activities for seniors, transportation, schools, health, hos-

pitals, housing, infrastructure, economic reliefs, extended unemployment with bonus and, most recently, the stimulus plan package.

2020 Branch Election Notice: To be mailed in August. Elected officer positions serve a term of two years, effective January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022. Members update records by submitting name, address, apt. #, email and home & cell numbers to naacpccity2210@gmail.com.

Membership Dues: New, renewal or gift an annual membership: Adult, $30, and youth, $10. Checks/money order made payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Coop City Station 75-3111, Bronx, NY 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution, any amount is most appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

“We must protest peacefully, demand persistently, and fight politically. Most of all, we must vote in November!” –Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO “The NAACP remains focused on the fight to ensure that the voice of our communities is never silenced.”

–Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO —Brenda Brown

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Co-op City - Following the Law Daryl Johnson Director’s Viewpoint

A lot of residents have voiced their concerns about the exterior building work, the huge number of fences, and the sidewalk sheds that extend to our sidewalks.

However, let’s look at some issues in reference to these matters.

2020 – More Problems We’ve had some very nice days during this current summer season. So, naturally, a lot of our residents went outdoors seeking to have a great time. However, in many cases, they were met with protective barriers that limited their ability to travel around the community. And, that’s when the complaints started.

“We have too many fences near our building. Everything is blocked off. Why does the scaffolding have to extend all the way to the sidewalk? Where are the workers? They’re not working on my building? There’s no place to sit down,” were just some of the complaints. Then, other people were so upset that they wanted to go to the media.

Now, the frustration is understandable. However, we need to go back in time to see why our management has to perform extensive work on our buildings.

Then, we need to see why board directors should not override the decision of management when it comes to this work.

During the spring of 1979, a young college student was walking on Broadway and 115th Street. Then, suddenly, a piece of building material—terra cotta— fell down and struck her in the forehead. Thereafter, she died.

So, in 1980, former Mayor Koch then signed what was known as Local Law 10. Therefore, once every five years, owners of buildings greater than six stories were required to get a licensed engineer or architect to inspect the exterior walls and appurtenances (such as balconies) of their building. Then, a report would have

to be filed with the NYC Department of Buildings.

Regardless, bricks and other debris continued to fall from other buildings. For instance, in December 1997, a tremendous amount of bricks fell from a midtown building on Madison Avenue and injured two people. So, in March 1998, a tougher law known as Local Law 11 was signed by former Mayor Giuliani to replace Local Law 10.

And, now, you see the results of that law throughout the city and in Co-op City. Local Law 11 requires that an exterior building inspection to be conducted from a scaffold instead of from binoculars or a telescope. Additionally, scaffolding and sidewalk sheds have to be placed on every side of a building. So, people are being protected from falling objects. However, some building owners have complained that they’re spending a lot of money just to repair their buildings.

Fines? Absolutely. Failure to correct unsafe conditions on the exterior of the building? The starting fine is $1,000 a month plus there are fines for that sidewalk shed. Failure to file an inspection report? A $5,000 fine.

Criminal penalties? A building owner can be hit with a $25,000 fine and one year of imprisonment.

According to NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, NYC is currently in debt for approximately $123 billion. On top of that figure, they lost a lot of money due to this monstrous coronavirus outbreak. So, do you think that city agencies like the DOB will be pressured to issue ridiculously high fines to building owners? If yes, do you think that they will go after huge developments like Co-op City? Absolutely. Do you think that they’re going to hit us with tremendous fines for the smallest infractions? Yes. Therefore, the entire community should try to understand these points.

Now, think, do you honestly believe that our managers would want all of the areas around our buildings to be blocked off? The answer is no. Therefore, with this established point, do you think that it would make sense for board directors to violate the city laws and go against our managers? No. Again, this community will be hit with crushing fines and penalties if this board were to order management to remove the

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with the guidelines to wear our mask and be aware of social distancing at all times. Discard used masks and gloves in the proper disposal bins and not on the grounds or floors.

Balconies/Terraces Cooperators, be very mindful that charcoal & gas BBQ grills are not permitted in Co-op City. In addition, per rules and regulations of Co-op City, barbecuing in the community public spaces, the greenways, or playgrounds is not permitted. Enjoy the summer and stay safe; make sure to clean up after yourselves.

Affidavits Deadline is July 31 to return your affidavits in to Riverbay. Remember, we do not need to notarize the affidavit this year due to COVID-19. Failure to file your income affidavit and your insurance declaration will result in 50% surcharge or $150 community complaint issued.

There will be no Section 5 Fun Day this year.

Laundry room etiquette/safety, no more than five people at one time. The building association meetings will be on hiatus until September 2020. We hope by then we will be able to return to normalcy.

Be well and stay safe.

Delivery of Packages A cooperator brought to our attention that packages are again being left on the lobby floors; this was addressed a few months ago. We advised those with this experience to contact the phone number on the package along with the tracking number. From the tracking

number, the company can trace who the delivery person is.

Testing Site Will be opening on Wednesday, July 22, at 105 Dreiser Loop. It will open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. We all should be tested; this is the way of life in this season. Prayerfully, we all will get through this pandemic safely and healthy.

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

Giving Thanks...

To Riverbay, elected officials, the City and essentials workers for all that has been done for our community. JASA also was distributing, calling, checking on the seniors to see if we are alright. In the midst of such devastations, some good is being manifested.

Don’t forget our neighbors, church members calling and encouraging one another.

Convectors Shareholders who are elderly or disabled and require assistance checking and cleaning their convectors, please contact Maintenance at 718-320-3300, option 2.

Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. We continue to pray for one another. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, deceased or someone in a nursing home.

Pray for the world, for the passing of this pandemic.

Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful.

–H. Overman

sidewalk sheds and scaffolding materials.

Fencing? The corporation could be held liable in a civil case if something happens beyond the fences that we have here. Therefore, once a manager says that there’s nothing that they can do about the blocked off areas, then smart board directors need to understand the legal significance behind those words. Thereafter, board directors should try to work with management so that our community can maintain safe conditions here.

Bottom line: I want to encourage a small amount of our cooperators to stop this nonsense of calling directors and employees up and disrespectfully blasting off just because they don’t understand the city laws in regards to maintaining our community. Complaints?

Yes, our cooperators can complain about conditions here. However, there’s a huge difference between complaining and being disrespectful. Don’t be disrespectful.

Hostage? No, we don’t want you to feel like you’re a hostage in your apartment. Furthermore, there is no way that I, as a human being, will allow anyone to mistreat you. So, please try to understand that we’re also frustrated by these conditions. Therefore, we will do our best to get management to finish this work as soon as possible. Lastly, please know that we care about you and your family. So, please try to understand these points.

Thank you.

Close This year, 2020, has been extremely tough for everyone. However, are we going to let the closed off areas of our community ruin our life? No. Therefore, let’s stay strong and make the best out of our situations.

Thank you.

Contact Information The administrative areas of Bartow have been shut down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

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

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court).

The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package. It is a 30-31-day rotation. There are caveats. Come on Friday if your pick-up date falls on Saturday. Come on the following Tuesday if your pick-up date falls on Sunday. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours. All guests must present their pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy shopping bags and a shopping cart. Please wear a mask/face covering and practice physical distancing when visiting the pantry.

Anyone without a pantry card can register on Tuesday, July 28. Registration occurs from 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. at the pantry. This will be the last day to register for the time being. Registrants must bring an up-to-date ID NYC card, non-drivers or driver’s license. We can only register guests with IDs showing a 10475 address. This is due to budget and supply constraints. Only one person per household can register. Please bring with you sturdy shopping bags and a shopping cart. Groceries will be distributed.

Defensive Driving Class Please check this article periodically for future dates.

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

–D. Illis

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

African American Association

They smiled because they knew their lives, dedicated to “good trouble,” would change the world. Rev C. T. Vivian (below left) and Congressman John Lewis (below right) have left us, and the cause which they fought so hard to fully attain is now handed off to us. It is closer to fruition, but still incomplete – and not unthinkable. Their noble work is now ours to continue – no small task in an America as divided today as it has been in a long time. The ideals of old are still there to guide us though. Rev. Vivian and Rep. Lewis would want us to do that.

Cordy Tindell “C. T.” Vivian (July 30, 1924 – July 17, 2020) was an American minister and author. He was a close friend and lieutenant of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. during the American Civil Rights Movement Vivian founded the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, Inc. President Barack Obama named Rev. Vivian a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vivian died on July 17, 2020 in Atlanta at the age of 95.

John Robert Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) was an American politician and civil rights leader who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District from 1987 until his death recently. Lewis was one of the “Big Six” leaders of groups who organized the1963 March on Washington. He fulfilled many key roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. A member

of the Democratic Party, Lewis was first elected to Congress in 1986 and served for 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Due to his length of service, he became the dean of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, also serving from 1991 as a Chief Deputy Whip and from 2003 as Senior Chief Deputy Whip. Congressman Lewis received many honorary degrees and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Join the African American Association and programs that it sponsors Platforms until the pandemic is completely over are presented in the form of Zoom meetings and webinars. We are here and we want you to join us. Invite a “friend and new member prospect,” to join the African American Association. Remember: Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower @gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation.

Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for updates.

Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Call Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena SharpeHicks – Contact Meena at 917-863-1507.

Healing Drum Circle with Toni Roberts – Please continue to follow this article for updates.

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

—Michelle Marbury

Building 8 Association

13

COVID-19 spreads rapidly and easily; simple precaution – wear a mask. We are subject to cooperators and their quest to not wear a mask on the elevators, mostly young adults. Co-op City is a shared community, not a private house. Please share the truth about this lethal virus to your family and friends. Please know and respect that we share this building with a lot of seniors and disabled individuals who are at high risk of catching this virus.

Ms. Flores and Ms. McDavid Our deepest condo- keeping up the garden. A place lences to the families who to sit and feel the breeze! have lost a loved one, friend, or neighbor to this lethal virus.

Great news to hear about the survivors of this deadly virus.

Quality of life infractions in Building 8 People hanging out in the back of the building drinking alcohol, smoking, urinating, and passing their bowels on the grounds. The smell near the association room is noxious. I would like to thank Ms. English for her rapid response to cleaning up the feces and urine in the back of the building. We are asking concerned cooperators, if you see something affecting our quality of life, contact CCPD. Did you know it’s your responsibility to clean outside of your door? You can also call Riverbay Maintenance and request to have your door painted, if needed. Riverbay also offers a free exterminator. At our next association meeting in September 2020, the agenda will be hallway flooring, touch up a paint job, and keeping our building safe.

–Azzie Mitchell

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

We must continue the work of our predecessors, especially now…

He devoted his life’s work to helping America move closer to achieving them. The son of Alabama sharecroppers, Lewis journeyed from farm fields to the U.S. Congress, where he fought as passionately for what he believed in as he had during his work in the civil rights movement. Lewis recalled hearing the voice of the Rev. Black Lives/All Lives Matter…

Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio not long after the In the midst of Iconic losses U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of In a span of less than 24 hours, news came of the Education ruling. It seemed as if King “was speaking deaths of the Rev. C.T. Vivian and U.S. Rep. John Lewis. directly to me,” Lewis recalled. “I felt like he was saying, Their passings are a tremendous loss for this nation. In ‘John Lewis, you can do it. You can make a difference what seemed only the time allotted for the blink of an in the struggle to defend the dignity of all humankind’.’’ eye, Atlanta lost two peaceful warriors. Men who had So he wrote a letter selflessly offered their labors, their minds – and even After writing Dr. King, the minister sent Lewis a bus their bodies – for the betterment of all in a troubled ticket and an invitation to join the movement. Thus began world of past and present. a career marked by “good trouble,” as Lewis came to On the courthouse steps… call his philosophy of action. Like Vivian, Lewis worked Vivian’s work to end racial inequality was exem- in the civil rights arena for a long and fruitful season. plified by an incident in February 1965. Standing on Lewis is likewise well-known for surviving a bloody, courthouse steps in Selma, Ala., Vivian was punched racist assault that failed to deter him from pursuing nonto the ground by a racist Southern sheriff. Why? He violent change. He endured an attack by a Klansman in was audaciously – and peacefully – arguing for the South Carolina and was beaten nearly to death in 1965 right to vote. Such talk was considered “radical” for a by lawmen during a protest march whose violent interBlack man in that troubled day. Vivian, undeterred, got ruption made Edmund Pettus Bridge an infamous name. back on his feet and, before being hauled off to jail, Lewis also helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, continued his nonviolent quest. That effort continued where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” for a long, long time. speech. Once an outsider, Lewis later became very familAmerica changed and Vivian was honored for his iar with Washington’s workings. In 1986, he won election work. In 2013, while awarding him the nation’s highest to the U.S. House of Representatives. He once said, “If civilian accolade, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, someone had told me when I was growing up that one President Barack Obama said, “Time and again, Rev. day, I would be here … I’d say, ‘You’re crazy, you’re Vivian was among the first to be in the action. In 1947, thinking the unthinkable’.” At its best, America has been joining a sit-in to integrate an Illinois restaurant; one about accomplishing the unthinkable. of the first Freedom Riders; helping kids go to college We can achieve the goals of Rev. C. T. Vivian with a program that would become Upward Bound.” and Congressman John Lewis At the time 89 years old, Rev. Vivian was still out there, We are leading all of New York with regard to Census still in the action, pushing us closer to our founding responses. These are the programs and numbers and ideals. stats that change slums into flourishing communities.

He heard the voice and answered the call…

Just 49% of New York City households have responded John Lewis knew a lot about those founding ideals. to the 2020 Census so far – well behind the national

Michelle Marbury Director’s Viewpoint

average of 60%, in the first tally to ask most respondents to be counted via the internet. Billions of dollars are at stake. Seats on the House of Representatives are at stake. This is why the example of our fallen sojourners can help and guide us.

The good news is…

Our “city within a city” is outpacing much of the nation. Among our 7 tracts, 5 have exceeded 70% in participation. We are the leader in the Bronx where less than 40% have responded to the Census Bureau and ahead of New York City overall.

Resolve C. T. Vivian and John Lewis have left us, and the cause which they fought so hard to fully attain is now handed off to us. It is closer to fruition, but still incomplete – yet not unthinkable. Their noble work is now ours to continue – no small task in an America as divided today as it has been in a long time. The ideals of old are still there to guide us though. Rev. Vivian and Congressman Lewis would want the Co-op City community to do that.

Join a club or committee You are a vital part of a powerful corporation. You, your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends are the power of this community. You are its inhabitants. The power of this corporation and its direction depends on your input. Not just your maintenance fees/carrying charge fees but your involvement, your opinions, your voice matters…

Many thanks…

Thanks once again for reading my viewpoint. I truly hope to make a positive impact on our community; to help build every building association, every committee and every club to be the highest expression of themselves.

We all can’t be physically present these days but we can Zoom, and conference call and spread the word to make it happen. I know “we” can make it happen.

You can reach me at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

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

Traditional Synagogue

With NYC going into Phase 4, the synagogue has their birthday/anniversary in July, please send me your play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members pushed back its opening date until September 18, 2020. names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games: and friends peace and good health.

This is being done to allow the synagogue to meet the After services and kiddush, some men and women –Bruce Gitelson safety requirements for COVID-19. The new date coincides with the start of Rosh Hashanah holiday.

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

• Large Chapel • Pre-need counseling The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning on premises starting at 9 a.m. After Services, we always have a • Out of town services kiddush.

• Ample Parking The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional on premises A dignified funeral every family can afford.

• Cremations Synagogue.

• Casket Showroom The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount All areas are handicapped accessible on premises you can donate, big or small, would help. The synaAmid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely gogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment. come to services. Please come by 9 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

Personalized & Professional Care • 54 Years Serving Our Community The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.

Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America Sabbath ends on Saturday, July 25, at 9:09 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, July 31, at 7:51 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov, to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good Serving all Call health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a cultures 24 sick person, you should make your donation to the NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD & faiths Hours synagogue. www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net To all members Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. their birthday in July. For those members celebrating

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

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Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Tues., July 28

Health and Wellness 10 a.m.

-11 a.m. via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola 1 p.m. 2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour 2 p.m. -3 p.m., via phone only 929-299-1045, Code: 1387 Must call or email to register for all other activities 929-399-1387 Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Must call or email to register 929-399-1387

Fri., July 31

No activities are available at this time

Wed., July 29

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

Must call or email to register.

929-399-1387

Thu., July 30

Mon., July 27

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Stretch and Tone with Ola 1 p.m. -2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register 929-399-1387

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

Must call or email to register.

929-399-1387

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

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

Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m. via Zoom and phone “Zumba with Ola” 1-2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register 929-399-1387

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

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

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

To join the Zoom meeting, go to Must call or email to register https://zoom.us/j/98377173191 One tap mobile +1-929-205-6099 for all other activities Meeting ID: 983 7717 3191 929-399-1387 Bereavement Hour 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., via phone only

Health and Wellness 10 a.m. -11 a.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register 929-399-1387

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

To join the Zoom meeting, go to: https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 +1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136

No activities are available at this time

Concerts in Motion 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

Goose Island Seniors

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of a long-time member, Faye Breitbart, and a dear friend Annie Eutsey, who came on many of our trips with her husband, Nehemiah, and son, Nehemiah Jr. We will miss them very much. We send our condolences to their families.

Words from the Goose Island President To all members of the Goose Island family, I miss you so much. I miss all the love we shared as we gathered together enjoying the activities we engaged in.

Each one of you has a place in my heart which fills up with joy whenever we meet. The joy and laughter I hear from you makes me proud we have this club.

To all the people who have gone on our trips, I miss and love you, too. We can’t let our feelings cause us to make unwise decisions. The number of cases among seniors have gone down because we are staying in our homes and wearing masks and gloves if we have to go out. The virus has not gone away, we are just protecting ourselves from it. There is word from the experts that the cases of the disease might be getting worse in the fall. We cannot encourage the seniors to leave their protected surroundings by reopening the club. We are very sorry, but the Goose Island Seniors

Club will remain closed and there will be no activities during the summer months.

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

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

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

You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941.

Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered.

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

Good health to all, –Stephen Roberts, Sr.

No Co-op City Times? Call 347-439-5632 on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Upcoming Events

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

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

Online application is now available – To apply online & check eligibility, visit www.nyc.gov/aging.

Seniors without internet access may contact Aging Connect by phone at 212-244-6469. You must meet age and income eligibility. For more information, contact NYC Department for the Aging, Aging Connect at 212-244-6469, Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82906881632 Dial in phone number: 646.558.8656 Meeting ID: 829 0688 1632, press #. When asked for a participant ID, skip this by pressing # again.

AARP Chapter #4997

Per President Mickens: Please be advised that we are making plans for reopening as soon as we are given the “green light.” We will be in touch through this article, phone contact or social media. If you have information that will benefit all concerned, please be in touch.

We continue to wish all members and neighbors to stay safe, always wear a mask and check on one another periodically.

All events planned by AARP-New York have been canceled until further notice.

Heartfelt condolence to the family of Mary Askew.

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

Our monthly membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice.

–Delores Debnam

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Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Let us keep our community clean and safe Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson Greetings, shareholders, The pandemic has been challenging in keeping our community clean. Sanitation is limited and garbage is sprawling around the city as well. It is our responsibility to throw trash in its proper place and teach our children to care for our environment. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing water bottles and snack wrappers along our beautiful grounds. Do not throw litter in streets, on the grass, basketball courts or in public places. Please use trash cans or recycling bins.

Garbage thrown on the ground does not simply disappear. If not disposed of properly, trash eventually contaminates the soil and water. If we destroy nature’s beauty, we rob future generations of the opportunity to experience the natural world that we enjoy now. This disrespect of our community is sad to see, but it is something that seems to be a losing battle and that is extremely unfortunate.

Our Grounds department works hard to keep this community clean and they do an excellent job. If you see someone littering, it is our responsibility to say something. I propose that we take a collective resolution, a conjoined effort, a shared goal, to reduce littering. As I drive around the outskirts of the community, I-95, Baychester and Peartree to name a few, some of these areas look like war zones. There is trash everywhere, garbage bins overfilled. I contacted our elected officials and the proper authorities, and they are aware of the problems. Taking pride in our community and working for the greater good is never a waste of energy. Every small bit does count and is greatly appreciated.

Why are we social distancing?

By now, we all know that COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person via the respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, speaks or even breathes. This is important to prevent

this spread by reducing close contact between people. It may sound inconvenient, but it is a social responsibility we should all take seriously. Also make sure you are wearing a cloth face mask in public and practicing proper hand hygiene and proper cough etiquette.

There are repeated complaints that shareholders are congregating in small groups at the basketball courts and around the greenway without proper protection.

I would like to see stricter policies in place: “NO MASK…NO BASKETBALL.” PERIOD! If you are not allowed to enter a building without a mask, then you should not play basketball without one or any outdoor activity.

The CDC reports that someone infected with COVID-19 can be contagious before symptoms even begin. To make matters worse, some people remain completely asymptomatic, but are still contagious.

This means that, even if you feel healthy, you could be unknowingly spreading the virus if you are not practicing social distancing. While some people experience only a mild illness when infected with the new coronavirus, others do not. Help protect vulnerable people, perhaps a family member, from developing more serious illness. Please be respectful and stay 6 ft. away from one another. If anyone is in need of food assistance, please google; GetFoodNYC or visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml Telecommuting Challenges Due to COVID-19, many of our shareholders are working from home. The virus suddenly took over our lives in a matter of seconds. We were working from the office one day and at home the next. Teleworking during the pandemic brings extra challenges. Those new to working from home likely are not used to being isolated from co-workers and might not have a home office or area conducive to doing work. With other family members also potentially at home, including children or a partner, avoiding distractions and interruptions might be next to impossible. To find privacy, employees could find themselves in the awkward position of conducting meetings from their bedrooms or kitchens. And getting virtual meeting technology to work properly is not always easy.

Open Door Ministries “Pride prevents Blessings” Full sermon at opendoorministries.net

2 Chronicles 32:24 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. 25 But Hezekiah’s heart was proud, and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore, the Lord’s wrath was on him and Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then He repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore, the Lord’s wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah.

Although God healed him and granted Hezekiah longer life, he took for granted God’s mercy and became prideful and rebellious. When God performs a miracle in your life it should drive you to your knees in humility and asking God to help you help others. If you make yourself greater because of what God has done, you will be brought to your knees.

It was Pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. –St. Augustine If you need to diminish someone to feel good then you are self-righteous and a bully. You claim judgment and discernment that you do not really have.

You also demonstrate a lack of insight and venomous hatred towards the person you seek to bring down. It is pride.

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and began praying to himself self-righteously, saying: God, I thank

You that I am not like the rest of men, swindlers, dishonest, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all I get. 13 The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not raise his eyes toward heaven, but was striking his chest in humility and repentance, saying, God, be merciful and gracious to me, the wicked sinner that I am! 14 I tell you; this man went to his home justified rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.

They both went to church one went looking for faults the other went looking for forgiveness. There was one major difference, the Pharisee refused to acknowledge his need for repentance while the tax-collector had insight regarding his need for salvation. Pride coupled with self-righteousness is a disease common to humanity. We see the good in ourselves and the evil in others. When you hear someone constantly pointing out the good that they do or the sacrifice they make for others they are being selfrighteous and the only reward they will receive is the applause of men. We should never show off what we do to help someone. Instead, we should quietly help and let God repay as he does well.

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

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

These changes can cause anxiety, stress, and frustration. Develop a routine, exercise, talk to your family (establish guidelines), think before you press send and prioritize your work – it is important to focus on your most important work right now.

Underlying Health Conditions Co-op City is a community with many who are retired and are seniors. Before COVID-19, I rarely heard the term underlying health conditions. What exactly is this? Coronavirus can affect everyone. But those with chronic health problems are more at risk because they are typically older. Older patients seem particularly vulnerable to coronavirus, especially those over the age of 80, however, it has been proven that younger people also are subjected to the virus. Medical experts say, “This can be coupled with an underlying health condition, putting their immune system under increased pressure.” This means their bodies are not “well equipped” to deal with COVID-19, and experts say that “while the symptoms may come across as fairly mild, to one person they may be potentially deadly, especially to those with chronic respiratory problems or heart disease, whose organs aren’t functioning at full capacity.” Diet and exercise are important for optimal health. Eating healthy and eating well do not have to be drudgery. It can and should be an enjoyable way to live. If we can do that, we can better manage our weight and our overall health during this pandemic. And drop that quarantine 15 before it tries to hang around all summer.

Balcony beautification I have seen many posts on Co-op City’s FB pages of the beautiful work shareholders are doing to their balconies. Your efforts are inspiring and brings our community together. I wish I had a balcony so I could take the challenge. Sources say that houseplants and flowers can give you a health boost in ways you do not even realize. Studies that measured people’s levels of blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol while they handled a tough task or were under mental stress found that simply being around plants has a calming effect.

Be safe, be well. lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

National Council of Negro Women

Children’s Book Club – Do you have a little person who likes to read? NCNW Co-op City is excited to announce their July book selection, “Egypt’s Everyday Superheroes: Superhero Town” by 5 -year old author Egypt S. Bush. Egypt is a young New Yorker with Trinidadian roots. During the quarantine, this young lady wrote three books in her Superhero series; Superhero Town, Superhero Family and Superhero School. This animated young girl discovers that superheroes are not only in comics but can be everyday people with powers that they share with their community. She shows children like herself that they all have a voice to be heard. Egypt is ready to chat with her fellow readers during our Zoom call today, Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. All of her books are available on Amazon. For more information and to register, contact us at ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com. When registering, please include your child’s name and age.

NCNW pays tribute to Congressman John Lewis – Long before he was a congressman, John Lewis staked out his place in history. Ambassador Andrew Young says that Lewis wrote to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he was still in high school.

Dr. King responded with a bus ticket from Marion, Alabama to Atlanta. And the fight – always a nonviolent one – was on! In 1963, he was the youngest speaker on the platform in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the great March on Washington. One story of that fateful day says that Dr. Dorothy Irene Height gave up her spot on the program roster so that John Lewis could speak. But it was on the stage of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March, 1965 that the world came to know John Lewis. There is an iconic photo of a state trooper beating the trench coat-clad Lewis. He suffered a skull fracture that day that could have ended his life. On that day, John Lewis’ suffering, along with that of 600 others, brought global attention to the denial of basic voting rights, inspiring President Lyndon Johnson to say, “We shall overcome.” A short time later, passage of the Voting Rights Act renewed a centuries-long effort to redeem the soul of America. As a congressman, Mr. Lewis was always on the right side of issues, earning him the tribute, Conscience of the Congress. He was the hero of every marginalized constituency seeking justice. Today, we are all better because John Lewis existed.

NCNW pays tribute to Rev. C. T. Vivian – Rev. C. T. Vivian has been referred to as a lieutenant or field general of Dr. Martin Luther King. In 1961, he joined the Freedom Rides into Jackson, Mississippi. There he was arrested and badly beaten in Mississippi’s notorious Parchment prison. Many of the young, determined activists who became his movement colleagues came from modest but comfortable homes.

By 1965, he was an SCLC Aide, helping craft strategy for the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. He remained an activist his entire life.

—Joyce Howard

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

Co-op City Baptist Church

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

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

Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Please join us using Zoom, https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175.

Call in number: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

Please use the Conference Call Line, 563-999- 2090, Pin #: 660065, for the Prayer services shown below: Thursday: Prayer Warriors have begun their summer hours and will be held at 10:00 a.m.

Friday: Noon Day Prayer Service (12:00 p.m.)

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

Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear a mask, practice social distancing and stay safe!

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

—Hattie L. Lucas

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; always giving thanks for his goodness and mercy that he has given unto us as we stand in faith by his grace in this time and season that we are living in. We thank God for meeting the very needs of our lives and we pray that we continue to walk by faith and not by sight, and that all things will work together for our good according to his word. Let’s stay prayerful as we watch and wait for our change to come.

We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the word of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference line by calling 1-646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, July 19, Worship Service Theme: “Don’t Live Like the Rest of The World.”

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24 “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is on Jesus. You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Amen (Psalms 133:1; Romans 10:8-9; Luke 6:38) Announcement: The Niagara Falls Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 has been cancelled. Refunds are in the mail. Continue to practice social distancing, washing hands and wear a mask. Be well and stay safe. Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing Address: Church of New Vision. P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

–Brenda Brown

Scheduling Activities Calendar All activities have been canceled until further notice due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Please follow all the recommended, necessary protective measures to help prevent the spread of this virus.

All NYPL locations will be closed until further notice.

During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please make sure to check out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

Community Protestant Church

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

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

Sunday worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. via conference call. Everyone is invited to call in and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our Heavenly Father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant.

Noon day prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to call in for noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

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

Last Sunday, Pastor Owens quoted Romans 5:3, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” and James 1:4, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing,” as he spoke on the topic, “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” He stated that becoming a Christian does not prevent you from suffering trials and tribulations. The current Coronavirus pandemic has left many lives desolate and in turmoil. We rejoice in suffering because we know something about it. It produces patience, produces the best of our character and steadfastness. We must have faith and hold to God’s unchanging hand. He will bring us out on the other side, rejoicing and praising God. Please remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

Our prayers go out for peace and justice in this time of racial tension and protests all over our city and our country. Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; that his way may be known upon earth, and his saving health among all nations.

—Evan G. Mitchell

18

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

In any case, when you are doing business with a company known to be legitimate, enter the website into your browser yourself, do not use search engine results or click on a link from an email. PayPal is a legitimate company which offers an extra level of protection for online payments but a scammer pretending to be PayPal can be a real threat to your financial identity.

One of my avid readers brought to my attention a scam that she was able to avoid. She received a call that her grandson was involved in a motor vehicle accident and needed money. My savvy reader immediately called her son to see if this was legitimate. It was not legitimate. Another one of my readers received the same call and knew right away that it was a scam because he does not have a grandson.

Scammers will sometimes pick up on a series of telephone numbers in which a large group of older persons reside and send out multiple calls until they catch a victim. There are a variety of different scenarios used in this type of scam stating that a family member is in danger unless they wire money to specified person. In most cases, the scammer does not even know who the victim or their family members are. Wiring money to someone you do not know is almost never a good idea.

If something seems out of order, notify authorities. Scammers may target groups in a geographical population once they find a demographic that fits their scam.

Caller identification can also be manipulated to seem like the caller is local or from a valid entity. Let’s show scammers that 718 area code with 379, 320, 671 and 862 exchanges will not fall for their scams. We are “Co-op City Smart. “ Another type of scam is a sweepstakes-based scam. In this case, the victim receives a real looking check. New technology makes it possible for this forged check to appear realistic. The quality of the forged check is so realistic that it can even fool banks or check cashing establishments. The problem comes in when the bank attempts to retrieve the funds associated with the check and finds that there are none.

By this time, the victim may have already wired money to another state or country attempting to receive an even larger sum of money. Unfortunately, the victim may be responsible for the funds received from the fraudulent check. Remember, a legitimate contest or sweepstakes will never make you pay money to receive your prize.

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

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

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

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

If you fall victim to a scam, notify the New York State Attorney General at 1(800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

If your plans include consuming alcoholic beverages, do not operate a motor vehicle. Getting stopped at a DWI checkpoint if you have been drinking, even if you are only “buzzed,” can result in severe consequences. Enforcement of drunk driving has increased nationwide in an attempt to reduce Drunk Driving deaths and injuries. We hear about these incidents in the news and feel like it can never happen to us but that is not a mindset. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place or be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. We would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to always practice social distance and wear masks or face coverings in public. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to help spread Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest guidance provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health.

(Continued from page 7)

Newsong Church How to deal with problem people – Part 1

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaims Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then?

Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. –Philippians 1:1218 (ESV) It’s hard enough to deal with problem people, but what if those people are other Christians? That’s what Paul was going through. He was in prison, and although some were preaching the gospel out of love, (vs. 16) others were trying to further their ministries by talking trash about Paul (vs. 15, 17). It’s one thing to be hated because of your faith in Jesus, but what happens when the people who don’t like you, the people who talk about you, the people who are jealous of you, are the same people who go to church with you? What happens when Christians are acting ungodly?

You may be thinking, why would Christians treat anyone badly? Didn’t Jesus say that the greatest commandment was to love God and love your neighbor as yourself? Yes, he did. I will get back to that idea in a second but let me try to explain it this way. Jesus is perfect, but His followers, (myself included) are not. The church is made up of messy people, with messy prob-

lems. Jesus declared that he didn’t come for the “healthy” but for the “sick,” he didn’t come for the “righteous” (or selfrighteous), but for “sinners” (Mark 2:17).

Jesus is our great Physician; he saves us and then he teaches us to be healthy.

But this is a life-long process, and during that process we tend to act like we’re still sick. There’s a saying, “hurt people hurt people.” As Christians, we’re learning how to become more like Jesus. Loving God and loving others is a process.

As we surrender our hearts to Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers us to do what Jesus tells us to do.

Now, please let me clarify something.

As imperfect as the church is, it’s the greatest organization in the world. It’s still a beacon of hope, it’s still a light that shines bright in this dark world.

Jesus died for the church, he’s building his church, and one day he’s coming back for his church! Even though Paul was being mistreated, he never gave up on Jesus or his church, he kept it moving and didn’t allow others to rob him of his joy (vs.18) Next week, we’ll begin to unpack this concept further, but for today let’s remember this. We’re all problem people. We hurt others with our words and actions and then complain and get offended by those who do what we do.

We need to forgive others like Jesus patiently forgives us every day! www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Building 22A, Bronx, NY 10475; Tel. 646-345-6707 or 718-324-0334.

Services are on hold in the sanctuary until further notice, however, you can join us online by calling 701- 802-5395, Access Code: 3332632.

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

Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bible study and prayer meeting will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

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

Focus: Jesus Promises us A Blessed Life If We Put Him First.

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

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

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

24. No man can serve two master;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Rev. R. Sibblies

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Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your cooperation.

LEGAL NOTICE

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PAINTING

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For more info and appts. call 1-914-712-8260 8/15 www.wellness-fundamentals.com

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:

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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).

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

20

Co-op City Times / July 25, 2020

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

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

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

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