Co-op City Times 08/03/24 by Co-op City Times

Three Incumbents, Two Former Directors and One Newcomer Win 2024 Riverbay Board Election

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Among the six candidates who successfully competed in the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election are all three incumbents who sought reelection

as well as two former directors and one newcomer to the Board.

This year’s ﬁeld included 12 certiﬁed candidates, some of who ran on either of two slates – Community First Team and the Impact Team. Two candidates ran independently.

The top vote getter is Leah Graham, a former director who previously served two terms on the Riverbay Board. She won 2,832 votes. Ms. Graham

Riverbay Board Election 2024 Vote for the Best Decorated Building!

With the 2024 Riverbay Board election behind us, it’s time to cast your votes for best decorated building. Vote for your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices using the link provided below. The three buildings with the highest number of votes will be announced at the Open Board meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 7 p.m. in Bartow, Rm. 31. 1st Place – $250 • 2nd Place – $100 • 3rd Place – $50

To vote, https://forms.gle/hwDv28QzL6pXYfVV6, or use https://bit.ly/3A9C487, or use your phone camera to scan the QR Code.

Please contact awatson@riverbayboard.com with any questions. —2024 Election Committee

CB 10 Votes No on City of Yes Housing Initiative

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Bronx Community Board 10 (CB#10) voted no on New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes housing initiative during a June 20 meeting.

The plan, called the City of Yes For Housing Opportunity (COYFHO), has eight components and aims to address New York City’s housing shortage by amending existing zoning laws to allow for more housing across the ﬁve boroughs, as explained by the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP).

However, the plan has faced some opposition during the Community Board Review portion of the application process. Data from the DCP zoning application portal showed that 34 Community (Continued on page 8)

ran with Community First Team. Her teammates Jacqueline Smith, also a former Board director, and Kyshwan White, a new shareholder who has not previously run for the Board, placed fourth and

ﬁfth, respectively. Ms. Smith received 2,417 votes and Mr. White, 2,304 votes.

Mary Pearson, an incumbent director who sought re-election and an Impact Team member, placed second, garnering 2,761 votes. She was followed by teammate Bernard Cylich, also an incumbent director, who scored 2,521 votes for third place. Incumbent director and Impact Team member, Andrea Leslie, ﬁnished in sixth place with 2,293 votes.

Interview with Safety Director: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing deaths and injuries. Fire spreads fast and carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness or death if inhaled.

According to the CDC, more than 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and it has caused more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room, and more than 14,000 hospitalizations.

Working detectors give you an early warning so you can get outside quickly and call for help.

The Co-op City Times sat down with Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto this week to discuss ﬁre safety and what shareholders should do if their smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off.

What should a shareholder do if a smoke detector goes off?

Any smoke detector that activates, they should

(Continued on page 9)

These top six vote getters will be sworn in at an Open Board meeting to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 31 in the Bartow Center. They will each serve 3-year terms. Fol-

lowing the swearing in ceremony on Aug. 14, with the new Board seated, the members will then elect ofﬁcers for the 2024-2025 term. Traditionally, at this meeting, the Board also elects the chairpersons of the Audit and Cooperator Appeals committees which generally continue their work throughout the summer.

This year’s ﬁeld of 12 candidates included ﬁve

(Continued on page 2)

Dear fellow Shareholders, Hope everyone is doing well and keeping cool and safe during the summer.

The Riverbay Board of Elections met quorum and sadly it took three extensions to elect one new member to the Board, and ﬁve who have served previously. Congratulations to the winners. For those who did not win, I congratulate you for the efforts you made working hard to campaign – it did not go unnoticed. I also want to thank the shareholders who voted “Yes” to the referendum to have “no smoking” indoors in residential buildings. While this will be hard to manage, I believe that with a well-thought-out plan, we will be able to make this happen.

This is my last report as President of the Riverbay Board of Directors. The eight years I served, with two being president, was an enormous and signiﬁcant responsibility. I respect the role of President and am honored and humbled to have received the support of my fellow Board directors. I thank my community for the support they have given me throughout these years. It has been exciting working with so many to make a difference.

on page 5)

Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto holds a smoke and carbon monoxide detector.

Leah Graham Mary Pearson Bernard Cylich

Jacqueline SmithKyshawn White Andrea Leslie

Board Election ––– (Continued from page 1)

shareholders who were running in the Board election for the ﬁrst time.

In addition to the six who were elected, the other candidates in the 2024 election were previous Board candidate Ezekiel Springer Jr., who ran with the Impact Team, ﬁnishing in seventh place with 2,234 votes; Shanauzelda Montgomery of the Community First Team, also a candidate in last year’s election, in eighth place with 2,223 votes; Sheila Richburg, a newcomer to the Board election process and an Impact Team member, in ninth place with 2,101 votes; followed by another new shareholder to run in the Board election process, Kevin Foggie, an Impact Team member, in tenth place with 2,045 votes. Aaron Carnegie and Corazon Fernandez, both new candidates to throw their hats into the Board election process, ﬁnished in 11th and 12th place, respectively, Mr. Carnegie scoring 1,477 votes, and Ms. Fernandez, 1,452 votes.

Certiﬁcation of the election result by the 2024 Election Committee took place on Wednesday, July 31, in room 31 in the Bartow Center. Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss reported to the candidates and other shareholders that YesElections, Riverbay’s independent election contractor, certiﬁed that a total of 5,078 ballots were cast in the election and each of those ballots was counted towards quorum, which required 5,035 ballots this year. Of the 5,078 ballots cast, 2,884 were paper and 2,194 electronic.

“Having had the pleasure of seeing this the last couple of years, there was actually an increase in electronic voting, and in the past, it was always double paper compared to electronic, so I think that’s a good sign,” said General Counsel Buss.

In addition, there were 3,397 “Yes” votes for the referendum on an indoor smoking ban of tobacco and cannabis products in residential apartments and 1,098 “No” votes, so the referendum passed.

Moving along, Mr. Buss explained that 84 ballots were cast only for quorum purposes. “That’s how we got to 5,078 but the individuals who cast those ballots didn’t vote for anybody, and didn’t vote for a referendum either,” he said. “I don’t know why, we have no explanation, but we actually have all those ballots returned, and as you know, on your ballot, they had unique numbers, so they were legitimate ballots, and we determined that that would count for quorum purposes.”

Twenty-ﬁve ballots were spoiled as “overvotes,” meaning that the shareholder voted for more than the required six candidates.

“It’s impossible then to know who their top six choices were, and so those ballots were counted for quorum purposes, but they were not counted for purposes of determining how many votes were selected for a candidate, because we simply could not determine the intent of the voter,” Mr. Buss said. “That’s

the way it’s handled in government elections also, if you have an absentee mailin ballot, and it’s the way Riverbay always handled absentee ballots that were mailed in before we used the electronic mail-in when we did voting machines.”

Sixteen ballots were rejected because the shareholder had already voted online and two mailed ballots were deemed mutilated or non-machine processable.

Following the review of the ballots, General Counsel Buss described how the quorum was determined, and YesElections’ multi-point methodology for verifying ballots cast in the election. Next, he noted the voter turnout by building which was distributed to the audience in addition to the YesElections’ certiﬁcation of the election results.

YesElections’ breakdown of voter turnout by building recorded Earhart Lane B-townhouses with 62.5% where 20 out of the 32 units voted; Broun Place A-townhouses with 58.82%, where 20 out of the 34 units voted; followed by Earhart A-townhouses with 50% where 16 out of the cluster’s 32 A-townhouse units voted.

Among the high-rise buildings, Building 21C had the highest voter turnout with 72 of the building’s 170 units voting in the election for a 42.35% turnout rate; Building 21B had the second highest voter turnout of 40.94% where 61 of the building’s 149 units participated in the election, and Building 26B with 39.04% with 57 out of the 146 units voting in the election.

The ﬁve lowest performing buildings/townhouses were Cooper Place A-townhouses with 11 of the 37 units voting for 29.73% voter turnout; Building 28A where 47 out of the building’s 171 units voted (27.49%); Building 4A, where 47 out of the building 173 units voted (27.17%); Building 3B where 50 of the building’s 203 residential units voted (24.63%) and Asch Loop A-townhouses where 4 out of 17 units voted (23.53%).

First place winner Leah Graham said: “I am honored to have been elected to the Riverbay Board of Directors. This has been a journey of an election that I could not have done on my own. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to offer solutions, help move our corporation and community forward, and deliver value to our stakeholders.”

“Though I wish it could have been a six-teammate-sweep, I’m very pleased that all three of the Impact Team incumbents – Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie and I – were chosen to continue to serve the Co-op City community and the Co-op City mission: to help keep our homes well-maintained and affordable – or as I like to put it – clean, green, and lean. I’m grateful for your conﬁdence, dear neighbors, I’m grateful for your votes, I’m immensely grateful for your appreciation, and I’m over the moon that this endless election is ﬁnally over,” said second place winner Mary Pearson. (Continued on page 4)

COMBING

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

Co-op City Street Food Festival Today

Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! The Coop City Street Food Festival is happening today, Sat., August 3, from 12-7 p.m. on the greenway near 140 Benchley Place. Bring your appetite!

Farmers Market

The Harvest Home Farmers Market will be in Co-op City every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. in the park between Asch Loop and Aldrich Avenue (adjacent to the ﬁrehouse). Stop by for fresh, organic produce and goods.

Family Night of Fun

CO - OP CITY TIMES 2ND FRONT PAGE

Captain Frankie Torres Named Interim Chief

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

Starting Monday, August 5, Captain Frankie Torres will serve as Interim Chief for Co-op City’s Public Safety Department. The role was previously held by Chief Joseph Riley whose retirement became effective Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 after almost six years of serving Co-op City.

Captain Torres, Interim Chief, has worked at Riverbay for 29 years. He first joined Riverbay in July 1995 as a part-time garage attendant and then as a clerk in the Corporate Office Services department, before joining CCPD as a Peace Officer in April 2002. Throughout the years, he has served the community as an officer on the emergency service unit and bike patrol and rose through the ranks, serving as Patrol Sergeant, Detective Squad Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Integrity Control Officer Lieutenant and then Captain. Captain Torres, Interim Chief of CCPD, said he is

looking forward to taking on this new role and using his years of experience to continue working with and serving the community.

“As Interim Chief, I’m taking the opportunity to stretch myself and try something new,” Captain Torres said in a statement. “It will be a time I can learn more and grow my professional self... I look forward to continuing to work with my leadership team and frontline patrol ofﬁcers on our continued goal to protect the community and maintain quality of life throughout the campus. All members of CCPD play a major role in how we continue to maintain quality service for our shareholders. The key factor in succeeding is to listen to the shareholders and my team. I learn by asking my team questions and work to readjust, because the reality is I am human and I do not have all the answers.”

MTA Introduces Student OMNY Cards and Weapons Detection Pilot

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

George Latimer and Riverbay will be hosting a Family Game Night on Saturday, August 24, from 1-8 p.m., in Dreiser Auditorium B & C. Stop by for games, music and a back-toschool giveaway. For more information and to register, visit https://bit. ly/46ySlPX or email community@ riverbaycorp.com.

Rock the Vote

Co-op City branch NAACP, Councilman Kevin Riley and Riverbay will be hosting a voter registration drive on September 14, from 1-4 p.m., on the Section 1 Greenway. Music and light refreshments will be provided.

The Mall at Bay Plaza 10 Year Anniversary

Stop by the Bay Plaza Mall on August 14, at 2 p.m., to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Limited edition products, giveaways and refreshments will be provided while supplies last. On August 16, at 2 p.m., the mall will host a free back-to-school giveaway. Tickets for the giveaway are required and available at Guest Services in the mall.

The student OMNY cards feature a new design and are valid 24/7, expanding on the former student MetroCard service.

New York City students will have access to contactless payment this upcoming school year after the MTA announced the addition of student OMNY cards on July 25. Students can use their OMNY cards 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the card offers four free trips per day. Previously, student MetroCards were limited to three free rides per day between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and only on school days. As for service, student OMNY cards are valid in the subway, local buses, limited buses, select buses, the Staten Island Railway, the Roosevelt Island Tram and the Hudson Rail Link. Student OMNY cards will also allow for free transfers between the services listed above, leaving free ride totals for a single day unaffected. Unlike with student MetroCards, student OMNY cards will remain valid for an entire year, including the summer.

Eligible students can expect to receive new OMNY cards from their respective school when classes resume.

New York State will contribute $25 million and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) will contribute $50.5 million in a joint funding effort for Student OMNY cards.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul discussed the new student OMNY cards and the impact expanded service will have in a statement on July 25.

“Public transit is the best way to navigate New York City, and the student OMNY card helps our students use the transit system and keep up with their busy schedules. With extended hours, we’re ensuring our young people have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and extracurriculars.” Governor Hochul said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams echoed the importance of the new card’s expanded service and the impact that service will have on working class families.

“These expanded student OMNY cards are a game-changer for families across New York City, particularly for working-class families that need just a little more help to afford our city — families where older siblings pick their younger brothers and sisters up from school or where kids have after-school and summer jobs to help make ends meet,” Mayor Adams said.

In a related transit update, the MTA announced on July

26 the introduction of a 30-day weapons detection pilot program designed to keep guns out of the subway system. Fulton Street Station was the ﬁrst of select stations across the city where the pilot will be implemented in the coming days. The electromagnetic weapon detection system uses “ultra-low frequency, electromagnetic pulses” to

detect if an individual is carrying a weapon, as explained by the NYPD in an Impact and Use Policy document released on March 28.

Equipped with cameras, when the new system recognizes a possible weapon, “the system will capture a still image and an approximately three second video of the individual moving through the system. The system will alert the NYPD that a potential weapon has been detected, and wirelessly transmit the still image and video to a tablet being monitored by an NYPD ofﬁcer,” as detailed by the NYPD also in their Impact and Use Policy document.

Mayor Adams explained that the new technology would be used in tandem with current bag checking procedures to ensure the safety of subway riders. Notably, the Mayor emphasized that while all individuals have the right to refuse being scanned by the machines or allowing a bag check, individuals who refuse both, or refuse scanning for those without a bag, will be denied entry into that particular subway station.

When explaining his reasoning behind implementing the new weapons detection technology, Mayor Adams described the effort as one designed to prevent shootings and mass casualty incidents.

Captain Frankie Torres

Mayor Adams is joined by other city officials during a demonstration of the new weapons detection technology at the Fulton Street subway station on July 26.

“I extend my appreciation for the conﬁdence cooperators have expressed in reelecting me to the Riverbay Board which I have been serving on since 2010,” Bernard Cylich said. “I hope to continue in my capacity to keep our community affordable, livable and serving youth as well as our seniors.”

“I want to take this moment to thank the shareholders for giving me an opportunity to serve on the Riverbay Board,” said Jacqueline Smith. “It’s an honor and a privilege. I want to thank my fellow team members. It was a long, hard campaign. We tried to be out there every day. Co-op City is a huge campus, but we tried our best, and we ran a campaign during one of the hottest summers on record. I want to say something to my teammate, Shana Montgomery. She was a wonderful teammate. She would have been a wonderful Board member. I wish her nothing but the best, and she knows that if she wants to give it a try again next year, I’m right there with her wholeheartedly, in spirit and in body. I look forward to the changes that are about to occur in Co-op City with a new set of Board members, with a new set of ideas and a new vision, to continue to take this corporation into the 21st Century.

Kyshawn White was unreachable for comment press time yesterday.

Andrea Leslie said: “Thank you to my fellow shareholders for your continued support and trust in me to make the best decisions for our Co-op City community, and for your acknowledgement of the work that I’ve done and the work that I continue to do for the community,” said Andrea Leslie. “You are uppermost in my mind when making decisions for a better community. I will remain your voice in the boardroom. I love living here in Co-op City, I intend to continue liv-

In accordance with the By-Laws of the Riverbay Corporation, the direction and authorization of the Board of Directors, and in compliance with the General Rules and Regulations for the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors Election, The Election Committee, using the independent third party professional services of Yes/Election America, conducted an election to fill six (6) positions on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation. The Election was concluded on July 26, 2024.

THE RIVERBAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 ELECTION COMMITTEE

HEREBY CERTIFIES that there were 15,105 eligible shareholders of record as of April 1st, 2024; that a quorum was reached; and that a total of 5078 ballots were cast. There were 2884 paper ballots and 2194 electronic ballots cast. The tabulation set forth below is a true and accurate result of the election:

ing here so I’m always going to be active and involved. I pledge to work together with the Board to increase shareholder participation. Thank you.”

The 2024 voting period began on Monday, May 20, 2024 and was initially scheduled to end on Friday, June 14, but the quorum was not obtained at that time and the Election Committee opted to extend the election period for an additional two weeks to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 28. Leading up to the first extension deadline, 681 ballots were still needed for quorum and the election was therefore extended for a second time for an additional two weeks to Friday, July 12, at 9 p.m. By July 12, 235 additional ballots were yet still needed forcing a third extension of the 2024 Board election to Friday, July 26, 2024 – making this the second time in Co-op City’s history that three extensions were necessary to make the annual quorum, the first time being in 2022. The quorum was finally achieved on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

The 2024 Election Committee was made up of two co-chairs, Riverbay Board Director Anika Green-Watson and Board Director Claudia Sampson; and shareholders Diane Alleyne, LaVonne Barksdale, Jewel Crawford-Duncan and Debra Jones.

Ms. Alleyne said, “Working on the Riverbay 2024 Election Committee was more challenging than I had expected it to be, but the issues that were discussed enlightened me as to what is needed for Co-op City to remain the community that we have come to enjoy.”

“I believe we have to encourage shareholders to participate, not only in the Riverbay Board of Directors’ election but also our building associations, join a committee, come to the open Board meetings and read the Co-op City Times,” said Ms. Crawford-Duncan. “We are Riverbay. Our carrying charges support the Riverbay Corporation. Learn what our money is being used for. We have to participate. We can make a difference. Let your voice be heard. Participate.”

“In order to effect change, you have to be a part of the change,” said Ms. Jones. “I wanted to get people excited about being involved, appreciating where they live, understanding the rules and regulations, but most of all, to exercise their rights as shareholders by voting.”

“Working with the Election Committee was tough but rewarding work. I love serving people and most especially my community,” said Ms. Barksdale. “It’s been a wonderful experience engaging with my fellow committee members and the Co-op City community as well. Thank you all for trusting me with this important work. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who ran for a position. Your dedication to the community and your willingness to serve is

Accordingly, the 2024 Election Commttee of the Riverbay Board of Directors hereby certifies that the following six (6) individuals have been elected to the Board of Directors for the terms appearing after their name:

Referendum: Please Vote Yes or No.

Resolved, that the Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments. Yes: 3397 No: 1098

Accordingly, the 2024 Election Committee of the Riverbay Board of Directors hereby certifies that the Referendum to ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannibis products passed by a vote of 3397 in favor and 1098 opposed

Dated July 31, 2024

Claudia Sampson

Claudia Sampson, Chair

Anika Green Watson

Anika Green-Watson, Co-Chair

President’s Report ––––– (Continued from page 1)

One of the things I always say is that it is not about me, or I, it is about us Anything that was put forth was a team effort, never an “I” effort and that is important to me. Coming on as President presented an opportunity to correct some of the wrongs we had for many years which is why my leadership has been one of inclusion.

In this vein, I see us as a community, but also a well-run Corporation, keeping our cooperative living to an exemplary standard. We could only do this by working as a team. We changed the landscape of the corporation by hiring an Executive General Manager with the breadth and depth of experience to bring Co-op City forward. The inclusion of our building presidents in driving quality service created engagement and a voice. Hiring a Compliance Officer and Information Technology director to keep up with quality standards was an imperative necessity. Having well-trained staff, and holding them accountable with the proper quality controls in each department, continues to show excellent progress. We are continuing to work on policies and procedures to achieve objectives more efficiently. We continue to show progress in creating a digitized age and better software (i.e., online affidavits, and a Property Management System) increasing team efficiency and shareholder experience.

In 2024, we ended our contract with Altice/Optimum (no more exclusive agreements). This allows us to have a choice, something we are still working on to make happen. While we did not approve the charging stations in the garages, the plan is to have EV chargers outside of the garages, a must in our community as shareholders move toward electric vehicles. Work orders now come with an order number that the shareholder can follow. We have a state-of-the-art Call Center and continue to improve it as technology changes, something I advocated for in 2017. It is a team effort to bring it to what it is today. The monies in reserve along with the $51 million from our elected officials will support the infrastructure work making our 56-year-old campus structurally sound. We are trialing convectors in the B-line of Building 14 to determine if these units will be best for the community. So far, they are working well and many are happy with them. We hope to see these convectors in our own homes. Our Power Plant continues to optimize the efficiencies of our heating and cooling systems with upgrades. We are hiring more officers for Public Safety, building our force, and driving community policing initiatives that shareholders continue to ask for. We are activating roof sensors to monitor the activity of anyone who thinks they can access the roof or use it as a hangout. Our CSO continues to strive for efficiencies in solving cooperator concerns. Our Safety director works closely with the FDNY to ensure that we are safe, minimizing liabilities to the Riverbay Corporation. We are changing the way we handle contracts through better compliance, ensuring our vendors are being held to the highest standard of work. Our Commercial Leasing department is working hard to improve the quality of our commercial centers and looking for quality retailers. We are looking to install bike racks reducing the delivery bikes in the buildings. Management is working with the DOT/City of NY to have racks for the electric scooters (a community eyesore). We ask our legislators to provide us with a shuttle when the Metro-North arrives. It will allow for easy access to the rail.

As a team, we came together when it mattered. We did not always agree on everything, but managed to set aside some of our differences adding value to the work of our community. There is still more work to get done. Driving electrification through Local Law 97 (reduction of carbon emissions), Local Law 126 (garage inspections), and Local Law 11 coming again in another two years. Most importantly, the Corporation is working closely with Douglas Elliman, our managing agency, to address the issue of insurance. A strategic plan will be put in place with the Board’s approval and shared with the community on who we will partner with to better reduce the insurance costs that are currently eating our lunch. We need to work together to stop the greed that has permeated our pockets. You will see the Principal Partner of Douglas Elliman, Jim Miller, attend Board meetings, lending support to their expertise in Property Management and utilizing their personnel to assist us in the needs of the Co-op City community.

I am deeply grateful to the many who volunteered their time to serve on committees, and committed to working to advance the many concerns and causes dear to us. I want to thank my 1st Vice President, Claudia Sampson, for always being there even when we did not agree. She got us a grant of $500,000 to build a park/garden and another $1.5 million for a community center in collaboration with the Corporation through the Riverbay Fund. I thank my 2nd Vice President, Bishop Angelo Rosario, for working behind the scenes and looking at ground leasing as a viable option for the future. I thank our Executive Management team and all the directors for the work they put in day in and day out to preserve the quality of life of our community.

I hope that the Board and Management will continue to work together, always remembering that it is not about “you,” but the shareholders we serve. Board development continues to be an important aspect of skills and effectiveness. Let’s continue to have this every year. Overseeing the management of about $270 million in operations is a monumental task requiring communication, skills, and leadership. I believe we all have what it takes to take the community forward.

I am proud of our accomplishments. Co-op City is the Crown Jewel of all Mitchell-Lama’s and I am proud to have been part of it. I am not going anywhere as I love my home and will continue to advocate for the things we need.

I will be working as the Riverbay Fund President and with the Board to drive new initiatives that will bring value to the community. I thank my fellow Board directors, Management, our General Counsel, staff, and our shareholders for making me a part of your family. I wish you all the very best!

“Shareholders First – We Matter”

Yours

truly,

Sonia Feliciano Riverbay Board of Directors/Riverbay Corporation

Estimados accionistas, Espero que a todos les vaya bien y se mantengan frescos y seguros durante el verano.

La Junta Electoral de Riverbay cumplió con el quorum, tristemente se necesitaron tres prórrogas para elegir nuevo miembros de la junta. Cinco de ellos ya han servido anteriormente. Felicitaciones a los ganadores. Para los que no ganaron, los felicito por los esfuerzos que hicieron trabajando duro para hacer campaña, no paso desapercibido. También quiero dar las gracias a los accionistas que votaron sí al referéndum para que “no se fume” en todo el campus. Aunque esto será difícil de gestionar, creo que con un plan bien pensado podremos conseguirlo.

Este es mi último artículo como Presidente del Consejo de Administración de Riverbay. Los ocho años que serví con dos siendo presidente, fue una responsabilidad enorme y significativa. Respeto el papel de Presidente y me siento honrada y humilde por haber recibido el apoyo de mis compañeros de la Junta Directiva. Agradezco a mi comunidad el apoyo que me ha brindado a lo largo de estos años. Ha sido emocionante trabajar con tantos para lograr cambios. Una de las cosas que siempre digo es que no se trata de mí, sino de nosotros. Todo lo que se ha hecho ha sido un esfuerzo de equipo, nunca un esfuerzo personal, y eso es importante para mí. Mi llegada a la Presidencia me brindó la oportunidad de corregir algunos de los errores que hemos cometido durante muchos años.

En este sentido, nos veo como una comunidad, pero también como una corporación bien gestionada, manteniendo nuestra vida cooperativa a un nivel ejemplar. Sólo hemos podido hacerlo trabajando en equipo. Cambiamos el panorama de la corporación contratando a un Director General Ejecutivo con el aliento ,la profundidad y la experiencia de sacar adelante la Ciudad Cooperativa. La inclusión de los presidentes de nuestros edificios en el impulso de un servicio de calidad generó compromiso y voz. La contratación de un Director de Cumplimiento y Tecnología de la Información para mantener los estándares de calidad era una necesidad imperiosa. Contar con personal bien formado y hacer que rindan cuentas con los controles de calidad adecuados en cada departamento sigue mostrando un progreso excelente. Seguimos trabajando en políticas y procedimientos. Seguimos mostrando progresos en la creación de una era digitalizada y mejores programas informáticos (por ejemplo, declaraciones juradas en línea y un sistema de gestión de la propiedad) que aumentan la eficiencia del equipo y la experiencia de los accionistas.

En 2024 terminamos nuestro contrato con Altice/Optimum (no más acuerdos exclusivos). Esto nos permite tener una opción, algo en lo que todavía estamos trabajando para que suceda. Aunque no aprobamos las estaciones de carga en los garajes, el plan es disponer de cargadores para vehículos eléctricos fuera de los garajes, algo imprescindible en nuestra comunidad a medida que los accionistas avanzan hacia los vehículos eléctricos. Las órdenes de trabajo vienen ahora con un número de orden que el accionista puede seguir. Tenemos un Centro de Atención Telefónica de última generación y seguimos mejorándolo a medida que cambia la tecnología, algo por lo que abogué en 2017. Es un esfuerzo de equipo llevarlo a lo que es hoy. Los fondos de la reserva, junto con los 51 millones aportados por nuestros cargos electos, contribuirán a las obras de infraestructura que harán estructuralmente sólido nuestro campus, de 56 años de antigüedad. Estamos instalando convectores en la línea B del edificio 14 para determinar si estas unidades son las más adecuadas para la comunidad. Hasta ahora están funcionando bien y muchos están contentos con ellos. Esperamos ver estos convectores en nuestros propios hogares.

Nuestra central eléctrica sigue optimizando la eficiencia de nuestros sistemas de calefacción y refrigeración con actualizaciones. Estamos contratando más agentes para Seguridad Pública, aumentando nuestra fuerza e impulsando iniciativas de policía de proximidad que los accionistas siguen pidiendo. Estamos activando los sensores del tejado para vigilar la actividad de cualquiera que piense que puede acceder al tejado o utilizarlo como lugar de reunión. Nuestro CSO sigue esforzándose por ser más eficiente a la hora de resolver los problemas de los cooperadores. Nuestro Director de Seguridad trabaja en estrecha colaboración con el FDNY para garantizar la seguridad y minimizar las responsabilidades de Riverbay Corporation. Estamos cambiando la forma en que manejamos los contratos a través de un mejor cumplimiento, asegurando que nuestros proveedores se llevan a cabo con el más alto nivel de trabajo. Nuestro departamento de Arrendamientos Comerciales está trabajando duro para mejorar la calidad de nuestros centros comerciales y buscando minoristas de calidad. Estamos buscando para instalar bastidores de bicicletas reducir las bicicletas de reparto en los edificios. La dirección está trabajando con el DOT/ Ciudad de Nueva York para tener bastidores para los scooters eléctricos (una monstruosidad de la comunidad).

Como equipo, nos unimos cuando era importante. No siempre estuvimos de acuerdo en todo, pero conseguimos dejar de lado algunas de nuestras diferencias añadiendo valor al trabajo de nuestra comunidad. Aún queda trabajo por hacer. Impulsar la electrificación a través de la Ley Local 97 (reducción de las emisiones de carbono), la Ley Local 126 (inspecciones de garajes) y la Ley Local 11 que volverá dentro de otros dos años. Lo más importante, la Corporación está trabajando estrechamente con Douglas Elliman, nuestra agencia gestora, para abordar la cuestión de los seguros. Se pondrá en marcha un plan estratégico con la aprobación de la Junta y se compartirá con la comunidad sobre con quién nos asociaremos para reducir mejor los costes de los seguros que actualmente nos están comiendo el almuerzo. Tenemos que trabajar juntos para

(Continued on page 6)

• Letter to the Editor • –

Thank you for Service, Chief

To the Editor, Congratulations to Chief Joseph Riley on his retirement from Riverbay Corporation. As a shareholder, I would like to thank him for his service to both our city and community. Decades in law enforcement is a calling. During his tenure, it’s important to acknowledge, safety is the priority for the

President’s Report –––––

community and the ofﬁcers. Although, we are not a crime free community, we are on the lower tier in contrast to other communities in our city. Let’s continue to work in partnership with our Department of Public Safety during this leadership change. Communication is essential to our success.

––Ruth Sharma

(Continued from page 5)

detener la codicia que ha impregnado nuestros bolsillos. Usted verá el socio principal de Douglas Ellima, Jim Miller, asistir a las reuniones de la junta, prestando apoyo a su experiencia en gestión de la propiedad y la utilización de su personal para ayudarnos en las necesidades de la comunidad de Co-op City. Pedimos a nuestros legisladores que nos proporcionen una lanzadera cuando llegue el Metro North. Permitirá un fácil acceso al ferrocarril.

Estoy profundamente agradecida a las muchas personas que ofrecieron su tiempo para formar parte de los comités y se comprometieron a trabajar para hacer avanzar las numerosas preocupaciones y causas que nos son queridas. Quiero dar las gracias a mi Vicepresidenta 1ª, Claudia Sampson, por estar siempre disponible, incluso cuando no estábamos de acuerdo. Ella nos consiguió una subvención de 500.000 dólares para construir un parque/ jardín y otra de 1.5 millones para un centro comunitario, en colaboración con la Corporación a través del Fondo Riverbay. Doy las gracias a mi 2º Vicepresidente, Bishop Angelo Rosario, por trabajar entre bastidores y considerar el arrendamiento de terrenos como una opción viable para el futuro. Doy las gracias a nuestro equipo de gestión ejecutiva y a todos los directores por el trabajo que realizan día tras día para preservar la calidad de vida de nuestra comunidad.

Espero que el Consejo y la Dirección sigan trabajando juntos recordando siempre que no se trata de “ustedes,” sino de los accionistas a los que servimos. El desarrollo del Consejo sigue siendo un aspecto importante de las capacidades y la eﬁcacia. Sigamos haciéndolo cada año. Supervisar la gestión de unos 270 millones en operaciones es una tarea monumental que requiere comunicación, habilidades y liderazgo. Creo que todos tenemos lo que hace falta para llevar adelante la comunidad.

Trabajaré como Presidenta del Riverbay Fund y del consejo de administración para impulsar nuevas iniciativas que aporten valor a la comunidad. Estoy orgullosa de nuestros logros. Co-op City es la joya de la corona de todos los Mitchell Lamas y estoy orgullosa de haber formado parte de ella. No me voy a ninguna parte, ya que amo a mi casa y seguiré abogando por las cosas que necesitamos. Doy las gracias a mis compañeros directores de la junta, la gestión de nuestro Asesor General, la gestión, el personal y nuestros accionistas por hacerme parte de su familia. Les deseo lo mejor. “Accionistas primero – Nosotros importamos.”

Atentamente, Sonia Feliciano Consejo de Administración de Riverbay/Riverbay Corporation

Board Election ––––– (Continued from page 4) commendable.”

Election Committee co-chair Sampson said: “I’d just like to once again thank the committee members for your diligence, patience, sacriﬁce and support. Ten weeks of your hard work has paid off, thank you. Thanks to my partner during this process, Anika Green-Watson. We’ve made it happen and I’m so happy to see that we are still standing here and we are still able to keep it together for the community.”

Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss oversaw the work of the Committee. He will also ofﬁciate at the August 14th swearing in of the newly-elected Board directors.

“Congratulations to all the people who have been placed in the top six for the courage to run,” said Mr. Buss. “I know how hard and how draining this whole process is for everybody, so congratulations.”

During the certiﬁcation meeting, General Counsel Buss also advised the audience that challenges to the election results must be ﬁled in writing by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, addressed to the Riverbay Legal department. Correspondence can be hand-delivered to the Legal department in Bartow Center or emailed to jbuss@riverbaycorp.com

Director Sampson then issued an invitation to everyone to attend the swearing in ceremony on August 14th at 7 p.m. when the newly elected directors will be sworn in and outgoing directors, Claudia Sampson, Board President Sonia Feliciano and Director Bishop Angelo Rosario, will be thanked for their service to the community.

“The 2024 Riverbay Board election was not only consequential but also a great opportunity for us to demonstrate true servant leadership,” said Director Sampson. “We were a diverse Election Committee with differences of opinions and talents, yet we leaned in to face not only formidable challenges but a thrice extended election schedule. Despite this, we persevered and delivered results for our community. Congratulations to all the candidates for stepping up to run for the Board. You are all to be commended for your willingness to work to ensure that our community remains safe

and affordable. Wishing everyone all the best.”

“It has been a great honor to serve as co-chair for the 2024 Board Election Committee along with Claudia Sampson,” said Director Anika Green-Watson. “We will provide our Committee report at the open Board meeting (swearing-in ceremony) on Wednesday, Aug. 14th and hope to see you all there. We have said it before, but it bears repeating, none of this year’s success would have been possible without the hard work of our Committee members, Riverbay staff, and the community at-large. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the dedication of the candidates, as well. Congratulations to the six newly-elected Board directors. I look forward to working with you!”

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s ofﬁcial newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375

cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Brandi Simpson Junior Associate Editor

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti

Operations Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

Sheldon Green Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell

Media Assistant

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

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

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

If the Co-op City Times is not delivered: Call 407-666-8317 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Public Safety Report

Stay Safe and Healthy During the Summer Heat in Co-op City

As we enter this summer season, we’ve already experienced numerous extremely hot days. Typically, August is known for its high temperatures, so it’s important to be prepared. This year, we’re seeing a stretch of days with temperatures often in the 90s, though not as extreme as the 100-degree days we sometimes see in July. August also brings high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, adding to the unpredictability of the weather. Excessive heat poses health risks to everyone, especially the very young and elderly. To stay safe, it’s crucial to drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. Dehydration is a leading cause of emergency room visits during hot weather. Additionally, try to stay in air-conditioned environments and avoid strenuous activities during heat waves.

All Co-op City apartments are equipped with air conditioning. To maximize its efﬁciency, keep all windows closed at all times. Open windows can reduce your air conditioner’s effectiveness and cause ﬂooding and condensation in your apartment. Residents may be liable for any damage resulting from open windows. Additionally, open windows can lead to safety hazards, such as children throwing objects out. Community Complaints may be issued for such behavior.

Despite the heat, some residents may still choose to ride bicycles. It’s essential to stay hydrated while cycling in hot weather. Use water bottle holders on your bike or a backpack hydration system. In Co-op City, follow Riverbay Corporation’s rules

Public Safety Blotter

July 21 – July 27, 2024

July 21, 2024

2059 Bartow Avenue – A delivery person reported leaving his scooter unoccupied and running while picking up an order from Buffalo Wild Wings with an unknown suspect riding off with the scooter. CCPD canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results.

149 Dreiser Loop – The manager of the Capri II Pizza restaurant reported that an unknown male suspect removed one of the store’s e-Bikes from in front of the establishment and rode off with it. A canvas of the area for the suspect yielded negative results.

4100 Hutchinson River Parkway – A cooperator reported approaching her mailbox and observing that the mailbox cylinder was removed by an unknown individual. Maintenance was notiﬁed for a replacement.

July 24, 2024

Co-op City Blvd./Rivers Run Park – While on routine patrol, CCPD observed a parked vehicle with the rear window shattered and both passenger doors and the glove box open. A report was made but CCPD was unable to contact the owner.

120 Casals Place – A cooperator reported returning to his parked vehicle and observing that the rear quarter glass was shattered with various items removed from the center console by an unknown individual.

120 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported that a conﬁrmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission.

120 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported hearing a loud noise at her apartment door and upon investigating, she observed a broken bottle and shattered glass all over the hallway ﬂoor. Maintenance was notiﬁed for a clean-up.

120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that a conﬁrmed de-

livered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission. The incident was captured on her Ring camera.

100 Benchley Place – CCPD Emergency Service Unit responded to a trash can ﬁre and, upon arrival, quickly extinguished the ﬁre with no damage to property. Maintenance responded to clean up the debris.

July 25, 2024

120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that conﬁrmed delivered packages were removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission and the empty boxes were discovered on the staircases.

100 Elgar Place – A cooperator reported a conﬁrmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without her permission.

2061 Bartow Avenue – The Food Universe manager reported a male and female suspect attempting to pay for food items with an EBT Benefits card with insufficient funds on the card then exit the establishment without paying and fleeing in a vehicle.

140 Debs Place – A cooperator reported that a conﬁrmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission.

120 Darrow Place – CCPD arrested a non-resident for Disorderly Conduct who also illegally possessed a set of brass knuckles and was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and processed at the local precinct.

July 27, 2024

2063 Bartow Avenue – The manager of Rite Aid reported that a male entered the establishment, removed various food items and left the establishment without paying.

regarding bicycle riding. Cycling is prohibited near buildings, shopping centers, or any posted areas to ensure pedestrian safety. Cyclists must always be considerate of pedestrians. Violations can result in a Community Complaint and a monetary ﬁne, which doubles for repeat offenses. Swimming is a great way to cool off in the summer but comes with hazards. Never swim alone, and always supervise children when they swim. Prefer pools and beaches with lifeguards. Be aware of water safety rules, as ocean conditions can change rapidly, leading to large waves and rip currents. Lightning can strike suddenly during hot weather. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Avoid pools, lakes, or the ocean during thunderstorms, as lightning can travel through water. Never seek shelter under a tree during a lightning storm, as it is a common cause of injuries and fatalities. Large hail may also occur; take shelter indoors if possible.

Never leave children or pets in a vehicle during hot weather. Temperatures inside a car can quickly become life-threatening. Always check your vehicle before leaving to ensure no one is left inside. Recently, Con Edison asked us to reduce energy consumption to prevent blackouts and brownouts. While controlled outages can be inconvenient, they help maintain the power supply. Energy conservation is important year-round but is especially crucial during the summer.

Avoid alcohol during hot weather as it can cause dehydration. Additionally, consuming alcohol in public is illegal in New York City, including at Co-op City events and street fairs. Public Safety Ofﬁcers issue summonses for violations, which also result in a Community Complaint and a ﬁne.

Barbecuing is not permitted in public areas of Co-op City. The New York City Fire Department prohibits the use of charcoal or gas grills on terraces due to proximity to buildings. Propane tanks are also banned in multiple-family dwellings. Fireworks are illegal and dangerous. New York City enforces a Zero Tolerance policy for ﬁreworks, with rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests. Call 3-1-1 with any information. Co-op City residents arrested for ﬁreworks violations are subject to Community Complaints. Remember to stay safe this summer, especially near pools and beaches. Always report suspicious activity by calling 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers can remain anonymous. Thanks to your vigilance, Co-op City maintains a low crime rate and high quality of life.

Co-op City is a diverse community with residents of all ages and backgrounds. Respect and embrace each other’s differences. Greet your neighbors in the hallways or on the street, avoid confrontations and take responsible for yourself, your family, and your guests.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com.

Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.

Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for speciﬁc directions.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please visit the following sites:

www.Indeed.com https://indeedhi.re/ 3SgTKEr

www.Glassdoor.com https://bit.ly/3SgI9Go

www.ZipRecruiter.com https://bit.ly/3Se8bdw

Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at any site Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson

We Must Improve Our Elections

ing a

How is it possible that a housing development can create a voting period from May 20, 2024 –June 14, 2024 for the election of board directors? Then, how is it possible that this same election can be extended from June 14, 2024 until July 26, 2026?

Big Changes Needed

About 212 million people were registered to vote in the presidential election in 2008. But, on November 4, 2008, about 130 million people eagerly left their home and made a strong decision to vote in the presidential election. Later that evening, everyone knew that Barack Obama had won the election. And, the election was over.

Other political races have an election day. Then, the voting period stops on that election day. And, there are no extension periods. However, the Business Corporation Law in NYS states that we must achieve a quorum—at least one third of our shareholders—to vote in our board elections.

But, let’s look at what’s actually happening in our community because of this quorum law. From my perspective, there is no way that we should be creating an initial voting period that lasts for almost a month. Think, why should it take almost a month to get our shareholders to go online or mail a ballot to vote for some candidates?

Based on what happened in 2008, do you see how people eagerly left their home just to vote? However, do you see that type of enthusiasm in our community? No! On the other hand, did you receive multiple robocalls on a daily basis about voting? Did you receive ﬂyers under your door and in your building about this election? Did you see several articles and advertisements in the Co-op City Times about voting?

Now, did all of those actions have a major impact on voters here? No! In fact, lots of cooperators told me that they hate several directors on our board. Furthermore, they think that our board does not look out for the best interests of our community. So, they said that they will not vote in our elections.

Moreover, the facts indicate that shareholders that

––– (Continued from page 1)

Boards voted no on the COYFHO project, with seven of those votes being conditional. 16 Community Boards voted in favor of the project with conditions and only two Community Boards voted in favor outright.

Bronx CB#10 District Manager Matt Cruz explained to the Co-op City Times the reasoning behind CB#10’s decision, with one being the removal of parking mandates.

“We’re (CB#10) certainly not comfortable with minimizing parking. Co-op City, Throggs Neck remain transit deserts and nothing’s changed,” Cruz said. Cruz was referring to a component of COYFHO that would eliminate the requirement to build a certain ﬁxed number of parking spaces when developing new housing.

DCP’s argument for that component of the plan stemmed from the current costs accrued from accommodating the required parking mandates. DCP estimated that the current mandate costs $67,500 per underground parking space in construction costs.

Cruz also argued that COYFHO is about “the construction of homes only,” not necessarily building affordable housing since the new apartments will be “market-rate if anything.” “In the absence of the zoning, it will not be affordable homes,” Cruz went on to say.

Looking ahead, Cruz said he is still waiting to have discussions with DCP and the Mayor’s Ofﬁce about amending certain aspects of COYFHO’s zoning provisions, ensuring the affordability of new housing and ensuring the Department of Buildings has the funding to enforce new construction that would occur as a result of the project.

During CB#10’s board meeting on June 20, the CB#10 Housing and Zoning Committee also recommended that Community District 10 “be excluded from the City of New York pilot program allowing for the legalization of accessory dwelling units.” In other words, backyard

live in about 10,000 apartments will not vote in our elections. In other words, we have 15,372 apartments here. However, we only received 5,035 voting ballots. But, does that make sense if we spent over $50,000 for this election? No! So, we need to change the way that we conduct our elections.

Therefore, we need to have a discussion with our politicians about changing the law regarding the quorum for co-op housing board elections. Then, our elections can only last for one day. And, the candidates with the most votes win the election.

We Received $51 Million From NYS

Thanks to the efforts of Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and others, we received $51 million from NYS. So, $50 million must be used for our capital projects. And, we can use $1 million for our regular operating expenses.

Currently, the plan is to have a meeting after our new board is seated. Then, a discussion will be held about making plans for this entire sum of money. Thereafter, our community deserves to know exactly how we’re going to use this money.

Bottom line: I want everyone in our community to please pick up a copy of our newspaper on a weekly basis and read about our community and exactly how this money is going to be spent. Thank you.

SCRIE and DRIE Programs

We received a 7.5 percent carrying charge increase last year. Then, we received an 8.1 percent carrying charge increase for this year. So, I received numerous complaints from cooperators that their new monthly statement went up over $100.

The Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program and the Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program are supposed to help our eligible cooperators to avoid these increases. But, lots of folks have told me that they do not qualify for these programs. So, these heavy increases have negatively impacted their ﬁnances.

Therefore, we must have a discussion with our politicians to see if we can make some changes to

these programs. This way, folks that need these programs can hopefully get enrolled and continue to live here.

Dogs Causing a Nuisance

Some cooperators are letting their dog bark and viciously growl all day in their apartment. And, unfortunately, these dogs are causing a nuisance throughout several ﬂoors in their building. Additionally, some cooperators are letting their children walk their dog knowing that the child will not clean up anything. Therefore, I want to encourage all of our dog owners to please consider these issues and make some good changes.

Close

We will not let our community go down. Therefore, our new board must work with management and: reduce our budget, control our spending, stop these wild carrying charge increases, bring in new sources of income, bring in new sources of energy, ﬁll up our empty centers with daycare programs, and do other good things to beneﬁt our community.

Contact Information

Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else.

Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

cottages, garages or basements would be prohibited from being converted into apartment spaces.

The Community Board Review is still in progress according to DCP’s zoning application portal. Following the Community Board Review process, the project must submit a Final Environmental Impact Statement, pass a City Planning Commission Vote, then pass a City Council vote before reaching the Mayor’s ﬁnal review.

Bronx CB#10 was not the only Community Board to vote no on the COYFHO plan. Community Boards 2, 5, 6, 8, 11 and 12 also voted in opposition of the project. Individuals looking for more information on the City of Yes For Housing Opportunity can go online to tinyurl. com/33fuhw7j to learn more about each component of the plan.

New Riverbay Bookkeeping Hours

Effective Monday, August 5, the Riverbay Bookkeeping hours will be as follows: Mondays – Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. (For in-person service) From 2 p.m.-5 p.m., shareholders can come in to the Riverbay administrative ofﬁce and make an appointment to see a bookkeeper for the following day. If your matter is urgent, bookkeepers are available by phone or send an email to RiverbayFinance@riverbaycorp.com

Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m. (For in-person service) These hours will be in effect until further notice. ––Riverbay Finance Department

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors. We hope when you read this it finds you in great standings. Happy August! As you know, August is a time to soak up the sunshine and let your soul be filled with warmth. August is the month to dream big and make it happen. In August, life slows down, and we savor the sweetness of summer. August is a reminder that every sunset is an opportunity to reset. NYC public schools start Thursday, Sept 5. For all neighbors looking to donate school supplies to the building’s children, please contact president Lassiter at 347-366-7690, as a back to school supply fair will be before school opens back up. Stay tuned to the weekly paper and our building’s bulletin boards for information, as well as dates for the Building 6 Association’s new 2024/25 term of general meetings. If any shareholder has a suggestion or specific elected or Riverbay official they would like to speak to the body, feel free to contact president Lassiter. As always, I pray for safety over all. Godspeed.

Service is what life is all about. “Great acts are made up of small deeds.” “Goodness is the only investment that never fails.” “As we serve others we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well.”

–Unknown

––Lauren K. Lassiter

CB10

Safety ––––– (Continued from page 1)

first make sure that there’s no fire. Of course, if they see smoke, or if they see fire, they need to evacuate the apartment and make sure the door stays closed on the way out.

If the smoke detector activates, and there is no fire, and there is no smoke, and it’s the middle of the night, they should do a thorough investigation to make sure there isn’t a problem within the apartment. And if it’s still ringing, what they can do is on every detector, there’s a button called the “hush” button. And all they’ve got to do is push the hush button in for up to five seconds and let go. It will turn the device off for eight minutes. After eight minutes, if there’s a problem with the detector, it will activate again or if there is no problem with the detector, it will reset itself. Now, if you press the hush button and the alarm continues to ring and there is no issue in the apartment, they should immediately call the emergency desk and let them know that the detector is going off and they will come and swap it out for a new one.

In no way should shareholders be touching the detector themselves or removing it. That’s for our Maintenance department to do.

What should a shareholder do if the carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Now if the detector goes off in the hallway, which is a combination of a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector, if that one goes off, and there’s a difference in sounds, immediately, immediately, the shareholder must exit the apartment. Make sure the door is shut, don’t turn on any lights, don’t open the windows, don’t do anything. Exit out into the hallway, make sure the door stays closed, and call 911.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that they can’t smell, they can’t taste it, they can’t see it, and if it’s going off, that means that there may be a malfunction with their stove and it’s nothing to play with. Now, could it possibly be a malfunction in the device? Absolutely, not saying it couldn’t be, but when it comes to carbon monoxide, we’re not going to sit around waiting.

When the carbon monoxide detector goes off, it’ll be the same tone, but the beeps are going to be different. The smoke alarm when it activates, whether it be internally in this one or the one in the bedroom, there’ll be three continuous long beeps.

It’ll keep beeping until the smoke that’s present is removed. It’s not like it’s not going to beep three times and shut off, it’ll keep beeping. If the carbon monoxide detector goes off, which is three quick beeps, then there will be continuous three quick beeps.

So, let the Fire Department come. They’ll come in with their meters to determine whether carbon monoxide is present. If there is no carbon monoxide present, they will probably remove the device.

Shareholders should then call the emergency desk to get a new carbon monoxide detector. But in no way should they stay in their apartment when a carbon monoxide detector goes off. And again, if the smoke detector goes off, make sure there is no fire and there is no smoke.

What else could trigger the detectors and what can shareholders do to make sure they are working properly?

Now, what else could it possibly be? Well, of course, these detectors will activate from smoke from cooking. They will activate from steam from the shower. That’s why we’ve placed them in the proximity that we have placed them, so we don’t get ourselves involved too much with the kitchen or the shower. Sometimes, little critters like to get in there, like spiders. They will set the device off. The shareholders should, every couple of months, vacuum it out. Just take the vacuum and vacuum it out and they can just wipe it with a damp rag to get any dust that’s on it.

And they should test it themselves every month to make sure it’s working. Both the carbon monoxide and the smoke detector both had hush buttons. So, if the alarm goes off, let’s say they were cooking, right?

It is important though that the shareholder does not touch the device. They are not to remove the device. They’re not to tamper with the device. They’re not to throw the device out. They’re not to put the device in the freezer. None of the above.

This is a life safety item that’s meant to save them in case there’s a fire or carbon dioxide. We don’t want them disturbing it. If there’s a problem with it, we’ll take it and replace it with a new one.

How long do the alarms last?

Now every alarm that’s in the shareholder’s apartment is going to have a date on it, and that was the date that we installed them, and from that date, they’re good for

• Sat., Sept. 21 LAKE GEORGE LUNCHEON CRUISE w/Outlet Shopping Lake George, NY

• Sat., Oct. 5 PHILLIPS’ CRABFEAST w/Shopping and MD Live Casino Baltimore, MD

• Sat., Nov. 9 MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE w/Buffet Luncheon at Golden Corral Washington, DC NOTE: For this trip only there will be one pick-up: 169 Dreiser Loop (front of H&R Block) with two drop-offs.

• Thurs., Dec. 12 I LOVE TO PRAISE HIS NAME The Brownstone, Table-served Family-style Luncheon Paterson, NJ

10 years. They’ve got a sealed unit, there are no batteries that they have to change, like the old ones. It’s a sealed 10-year battery. After 10 years, we’re going to have to replace them again.

Also, they are not to paint the detectors. If they paint the device, they will ruin the device and that could be a problem for them. The whole concept of carbon monoxide and a smoke detector is for what we call early warning. So, if there is a problem these will activate to tell the shareholder to get out of the apartment. If you do anything to this thing, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy. They’re the ones who are going to be held liable, not Riverbay.

Mr. Barzelatto encourages shareholders to go over the fire safety procedures provided to them by Riverbay. If the alarm is beeping or non-operational, please contact the Riverbay Call Center at 718-320-3300.

In addition, all apartment doors should have the FDNY-mandated reflective sticker. These stickers must be on the bottom of the frame on the hinge side of the apartment door, no more than 1 foot from the floor. These reflective stickers are critical in helping firefighters locate your apartment in the event of a fire. Please contact the Call Center if you find the sticker missing or damaged.

Tunes on Tuesdays: The Inner Roots

By P.M. CAMPBELL

The Inner Roots performed at Tunes on Tuesday, July 30. The band played a mix of reggae dance hall, and lovers rock. With a mix of both classic Jamaican and more contemporary songs, it was an event for all ages.

“You ready for a good time?” asked a singer on stage, to which audience members cheered from the Section 2 Greenway and its surrounding benches. The event was funded by the Riverbay Fund, and audience members stood up to dance within seconds of the first song.

Dreama Burgher and Shakira Williams led on vocals, but every member of the band sang, including pianist Peter Grind, drummer Owen Dalhouse, bassist Neville Morris and tambourinist Phyllis Dalhouse. They covered songs like “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley and the Wailers and performed their own renditions on David Ruffin’s “I’m gonna walk away from love” and Patti LaBelle’s “Somebody Loves You, Baby.”

Opposite Bronx Courthouse)

TWO PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: Masks Suggested For Information, Please Call Lessie Harris @

Between their remixes in popular songs, and call and response with the audience, they held everyone’s attention throughout the show. The end of the event featured a birthday tribute to Challenger, one of the sound engineers who makes Tunes on Tuesday possible. A Rock the Vote upcoming event on September 14 in Co-op City was also announced.

Co-op City United Methodist Church/IEMU de Co-op City

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and Visit Us – We are a multi- ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. Services are held in person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745) or Facebook live (UMC Coop City). –Pastor, Rev. Sara Girón- Ortiz.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

The verse above reminds us of our mortality. Unfortunately, we often try not to think about it, and we live our life as if it will never end. The reality is that human life is fleeting like a passing mist and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

What does it mean to number our days? How do we number our days to gain wisdom.?

First, we must acknowledge that our time on Earth is a precious gift from God, to be managed appropriately. In Philippians 3: 20-21, Paul reminds us that, we are citizens of heaven, eagerly waiting on the return of Jesus Christ our Savior, when everything will be under His control. Therefore, we must carefully invest our time on what matter most – living a Christ centered life. In other words, we must focus and give priority to the things that are aligned with God’s purpose for our lives.

As believers, we should give God thanks for our time here on Earth and His daily mercies. We also need to carefully evaluate if we are managing our time according to the priorities modeled by Christ.

May God grant us the wisdom to keep an eternal perspective and seek His guidance in all that we do!

Come and Receive a Blessing: All are Welcome!

Tuesday: English Bible Study via Zoom: 904-468-5745

Book: “Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts” by Charles V. Bryant, Chapter 1.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10 a.m.

Food Pantry: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming Events: Save the Dates

Sunday, August 4: – (new time) Bilingual Service and Communion at 11 a.m. Celebrating Birthdays/Anniversaries

Vacation Bible School for Children – Aug. 26, 27, 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The theme is Bible heros. Please see Jackie M. for details. Donations are needed!

Flea Market – Saturday, Sept. 14 (Rain date: Sat. 21). See Pauline.

50th Anniversary of the Church/Thanksgiving Celebration at Pine Restaurant (Bronxdale Ave.), Saturday, Nov. 23, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee applies. See Karen for more info.

––Grace Abadia

Velocity Track Club

New York had another great year! We closed our outdoor season competing at the 2024 AAU Club Championship in Jacksonville, Florida. There were approximately 3,409 athletes attending this championship with teams from as far as Puerto Rico, Bahamas, California and Alaska. The competition was fierce and medals were hard to earn! Awards were given to the top eight athletes in their division/event. Plus, championship hats were awarded to all winners! Velocity Track Club had 13 athletes compete and was blessed with six medals (one Gold medal, one fifth place medal, one sixth place medal, and three seventh place medals), an All-American patch and one Championship hat! These are some of the highlights from our 2023–2024 season

Lyon Achigbu, National Champion, on the podium.

2024 AAU Club Championship –6 medals.

2023 AAU XC District Championship – 4 medals

2023 USATF New York XC Championship – 1 medal

2024 USATF New York Indoor Championship – 29 medals

2024 AAU Indoor National Championship – 3 medals

2024 AAU Outdoor Metro Championship – 29 medals

2024 USATF New York Junior Olympics 20 medals

2024 USATF Regional 1 Championship – 1 medal

2024 USATF Outdoor National Championship – 24 medals and two trophies

We would like to thank everyone who supported Velocity Track Club during the year. We could not have achieved these accomplishments without you. A special thank you goes out to Riverbay Corporation, Truman Beacon Program, Family Fitness Center, Co-op City Times and the Bronx Times. Thank you to Building 12 and 13 and our friends from 4240 Hutchinson River Parkway. Thank you to all the parents that trust their children with us. Most important, thank you to the Almighty Lord for all the blessings. If I left anyone off this list, please charge it to my head, not my heart!

If you know a child looking to join this amazing team we will be having orientation on Wednesday, August 14, at the Pelham Bay Park track (bench) at 6:30 p.m. A parent must attend the orientation for their child to participate. For additional information, you can go to our website, Velocitytrack. org or contact me at 914-441-6196. Thank you.

—Coach Winston Dinkins

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 • 12PM LEVEL

Giveaways,* Exclusive Discounts, Live Music, Limited-Edition 10th Anniversary Products,* Free Family Fun, Fashion Events, and more! *While

Skate Night

On Friday, July 29, the Riverbay Fund kicked off the weekend with Skate Night. The event took place at the Bellamy Loop Basketball Court from 4-8 p.m. Skaters of all ages came out

RIMISAC

Primary Care (PCP)

• Need a new PCP?

• Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• Annual Physicals

• Wellness Visits

GYN

• Pap Smear / Screening

• Annual Wellness

• Female Doctor Physical Therapy

• One on One Care

• Manual / Hands on

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Chronic Pain

• Age related issues

• Stroke Recovery

• Weakness

• Avoiding Surgery

• Pre/Post Operation

• Senior / Elderly Care

Car Accidents

Photos by Brandi Simpson

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. Email: stjosephe@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844. Priest-in-charge: Fr. Simeon Johnson, cell phone: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! As we continue to make the necessary repairs to our space at St. Joseph’s Church, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are almost back to normal with our schedule of services and activities and look forward to an early completion of the repairs.

In-person worship service for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost will be conducted by Father Johnson or a Supply Priest at the church on Sunday, August 4, at 9 a.m. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 508-898, followed by the pound sign.

If you have not yet completed your pledge cards, kindly do so as soon as possible. These cards reflect our financial pledge and are used to update our proposed budget as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.

Please note that Fr. Johnson, the Vestry, choir, Sunday School, ECW and midday teleconference call will all be on summer break for the month of August, resuming on September 8.

Our regular Sunday worship will continue on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. with the kind assistance of different supply priests. Do not forget to set aside time to pray each day. Take care, be safe and enjoy your summer.

Fundraising Activities:

1. Our annual Dinner Sale will take place on Saturday, September 28, at the church from 12 p.m. until sold out. Our usual home style dinners consisting of BBQ, fried and curried chicken, oxtails and spare ribs together with a variety of popular side dishes will be available for sale and reasonably priced at $20 and $25. If you have any questions, please contact Valrie at 347-200-5850.

2. Atlantic City bus trip on November 30 to Caesar’s Casino encompassing a day of fun, games, shopping and relaxation on the boardwalk. Deluxe motor coach leaving from Dreiser Loop (front of Rehab Center) at 8:45 a.m. Donation of $65 payable in two installments of $35 now and the balance of $30 by October 30. No refunds after that date. Contact June at 347-457-8249 with any questions.

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones.

Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. If possible, please visit them, call them on the phone or send them a card.

Birthday Greetings: Best wishes to everyone who is celebrating a birthday this month.

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and Peace!

––Merville Chambers

Newsong Church

Back to the ‘90s

Come join us as we begin our new sermon series “Back to the ’90’s!” We will dive into four Psalms from “the 90s” – Psalms 91, 94, 95 and 99 – to meditate on the attributes of God: His protection, His justice, His kingship; and His holiness.

About us

Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in this world! No matter what you have been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out, we are located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience

Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16, says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God and celebrate who He is and what He is doing in our church! Our worship experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Newsong Deaf Church - Room 35

Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong – Room 49

We have created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Against The Flow

ATF is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At ATF, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. ATF meets every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Rm. 42.

So, what are you waiting for? There is a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and find hope. Come and find healing. Come and find freedom. Contact Us

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42, Phone: 917-342 2559

Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; Instagram: @newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, retirees and friends.

Happy August everyone! Summer of 2024 is moving right along, and we hope everyone is moving well, right along with it.

Ace in the Hole – Wednesday, August 21. Sold out. Lunch and a tribute show to Luther Vandross, Barry White, Isaac Hayes and Teddy Pendergrass. The bus will pick up at 9:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop offs at Einstein, Asch and Dreiser Loop.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse – Saturday, October 19. Tickets are $155 and include a tribute to Tina Turner show and lunch. A $50 deposit is due now to reserve your seat. The bus will pick up in front of H&R Block and leave at 9 a.m. sharp. Estimated time of return is 6 p.m. with drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loops. Serita can be reached at 347-564-5722 for information regarding all trips.

Membership Committee – Annual membership dues for 2024 are $25. Personal checks payable to

the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” can be mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.

Happy Birthday – We wish all our August celebrants an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – We extend our deepest sympathy to Marie McCants for the recent loss of her daughter. Please keep the McCants family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and continue to pray for all those who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one.

Good and Welfare – Please continue to keep Ted Byrd and Pearl Crichlow in your healing prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at 718-6716403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Our general membership meetings will resume on Wednesday, September 4, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium C.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

African-American Association of Co-op City

THE AAACC at the Met!

Members of the Africam-American Association of Co-op City attended the groundbreaking exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The exhibit includes more than 160 works of art and explores the ways in which Black artists portray everyday modern life. It also explores the Black cities that took shape in the 1920s–40s in Harlem and across the U.S., when millions of African Americans began to move away from the segregated rural South. Drum Circle for Marcus Garvey

Join us on August 18 as we celebrate the remarkable life of Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Bring your drum, or any percussion instrument, or just yourself. More information in the upcoming Co-op City Times issues. Photo courtesy of Etsy.

AAACC Meetings and Events

New Date: Sunday, August 18 – Drum Circle. Honoring Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Section 1 Greenway.

September 7 – Co-op City Fair. Section 5 Greenway.

September 14 – Open Mic/Fundraiser. 4-8 p.m. Dreiser, Rm. 15.

September 15 – General Meeting. 3 p.m. Dreiser, Rm. 15.

October 12 – Open Mic/Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15.

October 20 – General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15.

November 17 – General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15.

December 7 – Open Mic/Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15. December 14 – Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration.

Join the AAACC – $25/year for the single membership and $35/year for the Family/household membership. Zelle us your payment using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095. The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes – Contact Xonia Wilson at 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes – Contact Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073.

Yoga & Pilates Classes – Contact Meena SharpeHicks at 917-863-1507.

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – Contact Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals “a force for good.”

—Michelle Marbury

Poems

By FRANK MAYES

The Dawning

I saw a flower start to grow as they do in early spring, I thought of you and our affair and how much they are the same, the sun will feed its infancy and the rain will lend a hand, until it blossoms like our affair its beauty then begins.

Impossible??

“If impossible is just an opinion, what is possible? An assumption or fact??

Goose Island Seniors

135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475. Attention: Goose Island buses will no longer be stopping at Asch Loop by the library. First stop is now at Einstein Loop and the second stop is at Dreiser Loop. Asch Loop passengers must go to Einstein or Dreiser Loop.

Goose Island Fall Party – Fri., Sep. 27 at 1 p.m. in our club, Room 39. Covered dish. Bring something or pay $20 at door.

Resort World Casino – in Montecello, NY. October 24. Price $70, with bonus $25 slot play. $15 for food. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop 8:15 a.m.

Resorts Casino AC – Thu., Aug. 8. Price $65, bonus $10 slot play. Wait list only. Balance due. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop 8:15 a.m.

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT. Tue., Aug. 20. Wait list only. Price $130. Balance due. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop 8:15 a.m.

Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Sat., Aug. 31 through Sat., Sept. 7. Call 646-579-1701.

Resorts Casino A.C. – Tue., Sep. 10. Wait list only. Price: $65, $10 slot play. Balance due. Wait list only.

Wind Creek Casino – Sep. 12. Price $65, $25 slot play. Call 646-579-1701.

Latin Day at Brownstone - Thu., Sep. 26. Canceled. Refunds available.

Las Vegas Trip – Fri., Oct. 11–15. Call 646579-1701.

Motown Holiday Party – Windows on the Lake in Long Island. Thu., Dec. 12. Wait list only. Price: $145, $50 deposit. Balance due Wed., Nov. 13. Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Call 718-379-9613.

Bingo – Mon., Wed., and Fri., 1-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards. $0.25 each additional card. 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments.

Game Day – Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing and more. Refreshments.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of August: Alva Parnell, Elayne Gubitose, Marvine Hollman, Susan Mondesire, Carrie Boone, Archangel Ortiz, Patricia Watts-Mayo, Gina Tull, Angel Rondon and Cheryl Weeks. Birthday cake celebration is on Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. During bingo half-time.

Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love to everyone. Call her at 718753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475 in the Section 5 Community Center. Call (718) 379-9613. Stephen cell (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. $StephenCarlSr.

Good health to all.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Co-op

City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

Bartow OAC Cake Sale – Aug. 17, 11 a.m.– until sold out. Collecting donations towards bake sale. You can donate cash, cakes or pastries. Location will be by Asch Loop Library (Bartow)

Bartow OAC Trips – Trips are $6, with pick up at 10 a.m. BJ’s/Shoprite: Fri., 8/9; Stew Leonard’s: Wed., 8/14; Aldi: Wed., 8/21; Trader Joe’s: Tue., 8/27; Costco: Fri., 8/30.

Ikea: Wed., 8/28 and Walmart: Thurs., 8/29 are both $12. Pickup for both trips is at 9:15 a.m. All trips must be paid for at the Bartow Center only. Bartow OAC is closed on Mondays.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., Aug. 21 and Wed., Sept. 18. Call JASA NORC for an appointment at 718-320 -2066.

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

(NORC) Line Dancing w/Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m. every Mon.

Walk w/Odessa

(On break until Sept. 10)

Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m. (1st & 3r d Tues.)

Health & Wellness w/Ann (On break until Sept. 10)

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

Smart Phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.

Wed., August 7

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa 10-11 a.m.

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine

1 st Wed./month, noon-1 p.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia Wed. & Fri., 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Dominoes w/José 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Arthritis exercise w/Damion, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Visual Arts w/Laura (On break until Sept. 15) Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne and Betty 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Card Games with Frankie, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley (On break until Aug. 30)

Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.12 p.m.

Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Word Games

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Saturdays

1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., in the back of JASA NORC Office

Bartow OAC – Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Excursion w/delicious lunch, w/options: chicken, beef or vegetarian. Fri., Sept. 13; $150 per person.

Bartow OAC – OCH Apple Orchard & FarmWarwick, NY; Thurs., Sept. 26; $35, including lunch per person. Payment must be made at the Bartow Center only. First come, first served.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main office every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney consultation and other services.

Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC Office, Wed. 1-3 p.m.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi

9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Book Club

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ageless Facials & Self Care

1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 (Appt. only)

Never Too Old to Learn Spanish 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 35

Bridge to Care Arthritis Exercise 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

Creative Arts & Painting 1-2 p.m., Rm. 35

Go Easy on us Computers 2:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Hair Care 4U, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Appointments only

Spring in Your Step Stretch & Tone w/Ola

10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Action Bodies In Motion

11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Prize Bingo & Board Games

1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A Walk Club, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa Dancing, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk With Ease, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Chit Chat, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Coloring for Calmness 9:30 p.m.-10:30 a.m

Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Let’s Get It On Zumba 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance w/Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Aud. A.

Notary JASA NORC Office – On vacation until Aug. 15.

Notary Dreiser OAC – Weds., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-1345 for an appointment; Rm. 7.

Notary Einstein OAC – Schedule appointments in Rm. 48. Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-671-5161. Please Call Einstein OAC for: Hair Styling: first and third Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m. Braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure: Every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call 718671-5161 for appointments.

Chair Yoga Class w/Charles (Virtual) Meeting ID: 863 1492 4183, Passcode: Dr eiser23, 10-11 a.m.

Yoga Class w/Adira 1:15-2:15 p.m., Rm. 2

Game Time: Dominoes, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10 a.m.-11 a.m Cardio Exercise w/Gail, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Rm. 2 Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial-in number: 347-893-2966; Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300; Passcode: Dr eiser23

Game Time: Jenga, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium A

Afternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa 1:15 p.m.-3 p.m.

Self Defense w/Jimmy 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Rm. 2 (Twice a month)

Game Time: Checkers, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Spanish Class w/Angelica, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. (Twice a month)

Body in Motion w/Ola 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Auditorium C

Sewing Class w/Joy

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rm. 2

Knitting & Crocheting w/Loretta 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Alert and Alive w/Cathy & Essie 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Rm. 4

Line Dance w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.,Auditorium A Bingo w/Gay Brown 1:20 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Rm. 4

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guests. All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Payments for trips can be made where noted Mon.– Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and 2-4 p.m. only. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. All meals served with margarine & fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Italian Blend Vegetables

NON KOSHER: Italian Blend Vegetables, Spanish Style Baked Chicken, Roasted

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon, Roasted Potatoes & Veg., Cucumber & Tomato Salad w/Balsamic Vinaigrette; NON KOSHER: Spanish Style Roast Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Steamed Collard Greens

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable Cutlet, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Butternut Squash; NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans, Braised Collard Greens, Honeydew Melon

LUNCH: KOSHER: Beef Meatloaf, Baked Brown Rice Pilaf, sautéed String Beans NON-KOSHER: Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans, Braised Collard Greens

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatloaf, Brown Rice, Sautéed String Beans, Apple; NON-KOSHER: Spanish Style Baked Fish, Roasted Sweet Potato, Italian Blend Vegetable, Apple

LUNCH : KOSHER: Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potato, Vegetable Mix; NONKOSHER: Buffalo Chick Pea Power Grain Bowl, Basic Pasta Salad

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potato, Steamed Mixed Vegetable, Orange NON-KOSHER: Spanish Style Beef, Homemade Mashed Potato, Steamed Broccoli, Orange

LUNCH : KOSHER : Roasted Chicken Legs, Spinach Noodle Kugel, Baby Carrots & Parsley; NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish w/ Black Bean Sauce, Pasta, Normandy Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Roasted Chicken Legs, Spinach Kugel, Steamed Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Peach; NON- KOSHER: Buffalo Chickpea Power Grain Bowl, Basic Pasta Salad, Banana

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until finished: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Grilled Chicken Breast, Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables, Cucumber & Tomato Salad, Kiwi

NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish in Black Bean Sauce, Pene Pasta, Normandy Blend Vegetables, Water Melon

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Good morning, neighbors. Hopefully following Wednesday’s certification review, we will have results and be able to announce the count in this year’s election. For a few years, on Broun Place, we have had the highest voting rate per building/town house cluster. We are thrilled to be number one but wouldn’t mind the number two spot if it meant you voted. Did you? It is ridiculous and embarrassing that community elections are so difficult. Voting and participating in Riverbay elections is your assignment as cooperators.

Our former director of Public Safety, Chief Joseph Riley, has left and I am disappointed that presidents of associations were not invited to contribute their tidings. We have been working alongside Chief Riley all along. It is inconceivable that we were not included. So long, Chief; it was a pleasure. Broun Place was the Chief’s first community meeting when he was introduced.

The preparation phase to close the hole in the path to Adler Place has been completed and one can walk down to Adler now. “The adjacent area asphalt has been shaved,” according to Victor Dickson CSO. Thank you very much for your email, Mr. Dickson.

Unfortunately, we must remind neighbors that pedestrian garbage cans, those on the brickwork, are not for house garbage. Please refrain from dumping house garbage in them. If you get caught, it could result in a fine/Community Complaint.

Co-op City is a Mitchell-Lama middle-income cooperative. Cooperators, watch Master Antenna Channel 12 or the Optimum community news channel on Optimum: 591. There is a webinar that teaches what a Mitchell-Lama

housing development is. It teaches how it conducts business, and the webinar answers any questions you have about a Mitchell-Lama. Simply basic information is what this is about.

Neighbors, don’t forget to keep up-to-date with your vaccinations and check-ups, too. Covid is now part of our daily experience. Keep up with your vaccines and appointments, wearing a mask to dump your garbage is not necessary but when you are around people, cover your nose.

Regarding dogs, barking and aggressive behavior isn’t allowed. Dog owners are required to pick-up excrement. The CCPD phone number is 1-718-6713050. Having a dog or cat is a responsibility.

Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto is offering an informative program. We will invite him to a meeting. Looking forward to that. Recycling and neat disposal of garbage is very important in the townhouse cluster, please remember to do this. This week’s dumping of old boots was wrong. Recycled clothes belong in the pink or blue bin outside the garage

This week’s wise lines, “May you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.” Remember: “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself.” “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” both attributed to Ronald Reagan. Also consider: “In the end, whatever remains of one’s life –family, friends, those are going to be the things for which you’re remembered,” Dan Rather, CBS news anchor.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW National – The road to the White House goes through Black women! Register now for the NCNW 61st National Convention from October 9 – 13 in Baltimore, Maryland. Disclaimer: The NCNW is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization and does not endorse any specific political candidate. National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 36 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic, Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.

Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice. For more information, please visit www.ncnw.org or NCNW’s social channels via Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn

NCNW Co-op City Section – After a two-month summer hiatus, our local

Co-op City Section membership meetings will resume on Sunday, September 8. Our membership meetings are scheduled for the second Sunday of each month through the fiscal year, September through June except for the month of May, when in deference to Mother’s Day, we meet on the third Sunday. Our meetings are held in-person in Dreiser Community Center or via Zoom

August is National Immunization Awareness Month – This month is an annual observance that highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Good Health WINS (Good Health Women’s Immunization Networks) champions are taking collective action to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates. Together, trusted messengers in NCNW sections, national affiliates, and partnering organizations share the vision and understand the importance of immunizations and good health. We passionately want to inform and empower everyone, especially communities of color, on vaccine opportunities, access and reducing health disparities. The rampant misinformation and disinformation about vaccines in our communities led to the mistrust of our medical services and the exorbitant Covid-19 morbidity and mortality rates in our communities. The administration of a vaccine is the most effective method of preventing infectious disease and is largely responsible for the worldwide eradication of smallpox and the restriction of diseases such as polio, measles and tetanus from much of the world.

Social Media – Remember, you can find us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco. opcity@gmail.com

––Joyce Howard

Building 21 Association

For the months of July and August, Building 21 Association meetings are on hiatus! Enjoy your summer with your family and friends!

A reminder that this is your community. We must stay informed and engaged! Your Building Association is where you can start to be engaged in your community.

If you are between the ages of 18-30, we would like to start a young leadership program.

As a reminder, there are rules we must follow. Please do not throw garbage out the window and discard large item down to the basement.

We need floor captains on every floor, please volunteer to be a floor captain on your floor.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. You can place dues and or suggestions in our lockbox located in the laundry room (next to the television). Our yearly dues are $10.

Our regular monthly meeting is every fourth Thursday of each month. You may contact us at our email 21association@gmail.com.

Stay safe and well!

––Jarasia

Wilson

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469.You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-6714416 or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org

Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday Morning Worship – 11 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. The conference call line: 712-432-3900, Access code: 343284#.

Every Wednesday – 7 p.m. Bible Study online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom. com or dial One Tap Mobile: 646-931-3860 or 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Summer Worship Schedule

Dress Down Sunday – In-person morning worship is at 10 a.m.

Regular 11 a.m. morning worship resumes on September 8. Sunday School – Classes resume on September 1. Bible Study – Study will resume on September 4. “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer” is on hiatus during the month of August. Our Family & Friends Day Service and BBQ was a huge success. We thank you for coming and sharing this special day with us. To begin, Sister Synii Mann warmly welcomed us to worship. Sister Elaine McClain, our resident dramatist, read her original work, “Who’s Talking,” and our friend, Minister Kirsten Holden, led the choir. Rev. Audrey Jones, Associate Minister at Friendly Baptist Church in the Bronx, sang and fed us the word. She drew from 2 Samuel 9:1-10 and asked, “who have you invited to sit at your table?” And, “aren’t you glad the Lord made room for you?” Then we went outside, and the weather was perfect. We feasted on good barbecue thanks to grill masters Owens and Tidball, and other delectable goodies comfortably under the large tent. We played board games and lined danced to tunes played by DJ Deacon Sam, who kept the music going. A super huge thank you to all who shopped, cooked, served, and volunteered to make this day a great one.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all who mourn the loss of a loved one. To our sick and shut in members, please know that we are praying mightily for you and for your speedy recovery. Happy birthday wishes to all who will celebrate this month. We send a very special birthday greeting filled with love to Sister Alethia Stroud. Sister Stroud, our most senior member, will commemorate 99 years of life tomorrow, August 4th! God is so good.

“Keep sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul.” Proverbs 3:21-22

––Lexa M. Mingo

Domestic Violence

The Department of Public Safety reminds shareholders that if they are threatened or are being subjected to Domestic Violence, help is available. To get help, call 1-800-621HOPE for the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, or 311 and ask for the Do-

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry

920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Thursday and Friday from 11a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. This distribution site is open Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The groceries are supplied by and distributed by Black Forum. Religious affiliation is not required. Masks are a must!

Note: Because of budget limitations, only guests living in zip codes 10475 & 10465 will receive service, although 10465 guests can only get a one-shot package of groceries.

Bake Sale

Indulge your sweet tooth and support a great cause! Join us for a Bake Sale on Tuesday, August 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last. All proceeds will benefit the Black Forum of Co-op City Food Pantry. We’ll be located at the back of 920 Baychester Avenue, Building 1A (opposite the basketball court).

Farmers Market Coupons

Are you a senior citizen aged 60 or older? Come pick-up Farmers Market Coupons! Coupon booklets are worth $25 towards the purchase of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Distribution is on Tuesday, August 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring proof of age (NYC ID card, driver’s or non-driver’s license). Location: back of 920 Baychester Avenue, Building 1A (opposite the basketball court). Those who received coupons this year from another agency are not eligible to get additional coupons. The Department of Aging cross-checks forms for duplicate applications.

Fundraise & Have Fun!

Support our community with a fun day out! Your participation in these events help cover the rent, insurance, and supplies needed to keep our Emergency Food Pantry running strong. Help us ensure local families have access to nutritious food and household supplies. Trips include transportation and dining.

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic Lobster Fest & Foxwood. All-you-caneat seafood, prime rib, and more at The Nordic, plus gaming at Foxwoods (one of the world’s largest casinos). Tanger Outlet shops are on-site too! $225 (cash) total cost. We still have some seats available, but payment is due now. Call if you are interested in the Nordic/Foxwood but need a reasonable payment extension.

Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally & MGM Casino. Enjoy delicious Southern Cajun cuisine and MGM excitement! $120 total cost for transportation and dining. The first payment ($60) is due by August 16; final payment ($60) is due by September 20. We accept cash, checks, and postal money orders. No refunds. Call 929-464-5520 for bookings only! Contact Us

coopcityblackforum@gmail.com

––D. Illis

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City – Back by popular demand, the Building 10 Association will be having a bus trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on October 19. The bus will depart from 140 Debs Place at 10 a.m. sharp. The cost of the trip is $65 per person (non-refundable). There is a $10 slot play per guest, 21 and over. The Tanger Outlets are nearby. Reserve your seat on Saturday, August 10, in the Building 10 Association Room from 2-4 p.m. For additional information, please contact Lisa at 646-220-0802.

New Suggestion Box – The Building 10 Association has a suggestion box in the laundry room. Please submit your comments and concerns.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Police at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline, 718-879-6311.

Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988, you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.

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

Deepest condolences to Ms. Marie McCants (Building 10B) whose daughter, Robbin Nwalipenja, passed away on July 19. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. McCants and family.

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!

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

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

Check on your neighbors.

Have a great week.

––Jewel

Crawford-Duncan

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2024 is:Hebrews 12:2 NIV, “Let us ﬁx our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.”

Sunday service at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Masks are required and temperature will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line: now open from 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study: 7-8 p.m. The conference line number is 646-769-9900, Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone.

July 28, Worship Service Theme: “Have You Been There”

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19 KJV: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Save the Dates

The community is always welcome to attend all activities of the church.

Wednesday, August 14 – “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre.Bus leaves at 6:15 a.m. sharp from in front of the church, 115 Einstein Loop North.

Saturday, November 2 – Building Fund Banquet at Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY, from 1-6 p.m. Adult: $100, and Youth: $50. Deposit: $50 due by July 28 to reserve your seat. Make check or money order payable to: Church of the New Vision. Contact Sadie James, 718-652-8943, or Loretta Scott, 718-671-2623. If you are not able to attend, you may bless the Building Fund with a love offering of $50. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

August 6-13, 2025 – Join us on the Celebrity Beyond, an 8 day/7 night cruise out of the port of Miami. Ports of call: Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Inside Stateroom, $2656 pp. Ocean View, $2847 pp. Inﬁnite Veranda, $2785 pp. Please make a deposit of $500 per stateroom to reserve your room by October 13, 2024. Includes: cruise, air*, taxes and fees, transfers, basic Wi-Fi, basic drink package and gratuities. (*Air rates may differ based on your departing airport.) Contact: Hermena Smith at info@churchnewvisionbx.org to request a payment link or call 718-708-5035.

We continue to pray for a speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones. Good health and wellness for all. Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you. ––Brenda Brown

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. We meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances. The NAACP August ofﬁce hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Voter registration cards are available in English and Spanish.

The NAACP is non-partisan, not endorsing a candidate nor party, but the organization is political and wants people to know how to navigate the process.

Rock the Vote – On September 14, a voter registration drive will be held on the Section 1 Greenway from 1-4 p.m.This event is currently supported by Councilman Kevin Riley, Assemblyman M. Benedetto, State Senator J. Bailey, Spanish American Club, American Legion and the Section 5 Association to name a few. Calling all youth and new members of the community, as well as those that need to register to vote. Music will be provided, from Disco to Hip Hop by ErSounds Production. Light refreshments. Come and party with us. In case of rain, the date will be rescheduled.

Visit YouTube to watch NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson speak at the NAACP “All In: Election 2024 National Town Hall.” The goal of the town hall is to educate and enlighten folks about the nomination and election process. Dr. Wes Bellamy, Public Policy Chairman, 100 Black Men of America stated, “We have an obligation to go to our communities and educate all on why we have to play this game and win this game”.

NAACP Call to Decriminalize Cannabis – On June 17, Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) took a bold action to pardon over 175,000 Maryland residents with low-level cannabis convictions, marking an important step forward in reforming our nation’s misguided drug policies. Urge Governor Kathy Hochel to stand on the right side of history to support reform for Black America.

Sonya Massey: On July 6, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother and Illinois resident, called 911 to report a possible home invasion. When police arrived, Sonya remained calm, and followed their instructions. Despite her proper handling of the situation, Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Ms. Massey. NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson said, in the name of reform, “The NAACP demands that Congress take action to bring the “George Floyd Justice in Policing Act” to the ﬂoor for a vote.

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Our membership campaign is ongoing.Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the ﬁght for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10; or Silver Life, $750. Make check/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the ofﬁce phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

––Brenda

Brown

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Co-op-City to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After service, we serve a hot/cold kiddush meal. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.

General Information: The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B. It is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone # 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, “Traditional Synagogue.”

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, August 3, at 9:01 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, August 9, at 7:41 p.m.

Good and Welfare: The congregation welcomes donations in honor or memory of a loved one. Any amount is greatly appreciated. For information about the congregation and its services, please call 646-285-1206.

To All Members: Happy birthday Barbara Rose, Michael Schwieger, Howard, Steven Schwartz and to all our members who will be celebrating their birthday in August. Please send me your name and I will add it to the list.

Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

Co-op City Toastmasters

Toastmasters: A name synonymous with Communication Co-op City is proud to be the home of two Toastmaster clubs: Co-op City Toastmasters (CCTM) and Bronx Advanced Speakers (BAS) and we are happy to welcome all to attend our meetings as we enter this transformative Toastmaster year. Have you ever wished that you could express yourself more confidently or clearly, or use less ‘filler’ words? Well, fret no more. Visit a Toastmasters meeting and see how we can help.

Mission: We provide a supportive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills. The world may appear topsy-turvy but Toastmasters International is celebrating 100 years of helping ordinary folks improve their basic public-speaking and leadership skills - right as you read this! This is an exciting time and the legacy continues for beginners and advanced speakers alike. Positive responses have been received to date and continue to come in. For instance, from a recent meeting: “I enjoyed this meeting and plan to come back,” said NYLife Licensed Agent Ms. Olivia Owens; similarly echoed by Ms. Louise Mercado, “I was made to feel welcome and had a lot of fun even though I was nervous speaking. It is something we need at a time like this. I plan to join and become a member.”

Why attend? Networking has been added. Do you have an idea, product or thought that you would like to tell the community about? Networking has been added to CCTM format and the best ‘ F Word’ you will ever hear; namely free admission; free, presentations; free, resources; and free coaching as available, to name a few.

What to expect? Like-minded people; valuable insights into marketing; speaking; support, keynoters, etc.

When? CCTM is open to the public weekly each Thursday at 177 Dreiser Loop Center, Rm. 5 (hybrid meeting).

Networking from 6-7 p.m., followed by the Toastmasters Meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. Bring a business card and dress to impress.

BAS is open to the public on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop Center., Rm. 5 (hybrid meeting).

Next meeting: August 13. Guest speaker has been rescheduled Go to D46toastmasters.org or 3824.toastmastersclubs.org, or call 646-2493561 for more information.

Drivers Education scheduled for Sat., Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. Pre-registration required: Call 917-703-0875.

––L. Jaysura

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Room 2.

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

During the summer months, we continue to meet together for worship and fellowship as an act of steadfast service to God and one another. The summer services feature praise and worship, as well as congregational participation in providing messages, readings, and singing. We hope you will come out and participate in these enjoyable services with us.

The Tenth Sunday after Trinity, August 4

● 11 a.m. – Communion Service.

● Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Scripture Lessons:

● Revelation 15:2-4, 7:12

● John 4:19-26

Prayer Intent: Devotion

LORD and Master, we Thy servants continually do worship Thee with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving; may our fervent adoration rise ever before Thee like incense, until the light of our love becomes one with Thine infinite Light, Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost; one God throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

—Rev. Dorian Miceli

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and The Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for worship service tomorrow for one service at 9 a.m. and for the rest of the summer months. Our regular 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will resume on Sunday, September 15. There will be no Sunday School during the summer months. Sunday School classes will resume for all ages on Sunday, September 15, at 9:30 a.m. The attire during the summer will be casual dress. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@gmail. com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Masks are required.

The 9 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom telephone conference line, 646-568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password 788175#. You can also go to YouTube, search for Co-op City Baptist Church and watch us there.

The church’s free conference call line dial-in number is 857-357-0254, the access code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above. Friendly reminder, all Bible Study classes and prayer services are now on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September.

Kindly note: There will be no CCBC food giveaway distribution during the month of August. It will resume on Friday, September 13, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. in front of the Einstein Community Center. Please remember to bring your own bag and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in “Co Op CBC.” This app is open to all.

“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.

—Marilyn C. Williams

Co-op City Baptist Church

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. Happy summertime tidings to all. I wish you warm, balmy days and cool, breezy nights. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine whenever and wherever you can. As always, be aware and be safe. I wish to sincerely thank Mrs. Ida “Mitzi” Cleare for presiding over our monthly Pokeno Day social event in June and July. Our game days have been fun and funny. Our next Pokeno Day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, at 1 p.m., in our Association Room. All are welcome to join in the fun. I thank our participants for making the events happen: Mitzi Cleare, Wanda Randall, Evelyn Mavins, Janet Yarrell, Barbara Cloud, Linda Holley, Ellen Wilkins, Shirley McCann, Yvonne Boone, Marva Malone, Pamela Small, Darlene Walker, Dinora Tirado, Barbara Nesby, Peggy Rembert and Lexa Mingo.

It is August. Time for our young people to get ready for the new school year. We will conduct the Annual Shirley Wells Back-to-School Raffle again this year. Our raffle submission period will be August 1 to August 31. All applicant-parents must be current shareholder families of Building 9 and all students must be entering grades 1-12 in September. Please submit shareholders’ name, address, telephone number, email address, your students’ name, age, grade entering in September, and school attending in September. Please submit all required information to Lindab9apres@gmail.com. The raffle will be conducted via Zoom on Saturday, September 7, exact time will follow. The winners’ presentations will be made on Saturday, September 14. Exact time to follow. Participants will participate in the official raffle photoshoot at the time of prize presentations. More details to follow. Thank you for your anticipated participation. All participants must be present on the Zoom meeting and must be present to receive their prize.

We thank our Shirley Wells Back-to-School Rafﬂe Committee: Wanda Randall, Evelyn Mavins, Janet Yarrell, and Liz Manning, Linda Holley and Barbara Cloud.

We will resume our monthly general membership meetings on Thursday, September 26, at 7 p.m. in our association room.

We are planning a game night social event for October. Calling all card players for Tonk, Pitty-pat, Spades, Rummy, Bid Whist, etc.

We are planning an exciting new membership year. Stay tuned!

Please, do not remove laundry carts from our laundry room. Please, do not discard your cardboard pizza cartons on our compactor room shelves. Please push your pizza boxes down the compactor chute with your other trash. The scent of grease, cheese morsels, bread crusts, etc. attracts roaches and rodents.

This is our home. Please take care of it.

“For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eye on us.”

––Linda Collins

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo De Cristo

Sins Against the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit guides, teaches, prays, sanctiﬁes, and comforts the believer. He was sent when Jesus left as the deposit or promise of Jesus’ return and the truth of scripture. We can sin against the Holy Spirit and diminish God’s work in our lives.

How do we sin against the Holy Spirit?

1. Rebellion and disobedience lead to enmity with God: Isaiah 63:10, “They rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So, he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.”

2. Blasphemy or attributing to Satan the work of God: Mark 3:29, “but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit and His power by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan never has forgiveness but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”

3. Lying: Acts 5:3-4, “Peter said, Ananias, how is it that Satan so ﬁlled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

4. Resisting his work and teaching: Acts 7:51, “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

5. Cause Him grief. Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed and marked for the day of redemption.”

6. Insult Him: Hebrews 10:29, “How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctiﬁed them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

7. Extinguish, refuse to allow him to use you: 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” (Subdue or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit).

We must correct these things while there is still time. The Bible not only gives us the problem but also the solution. The word repent, clearly presents what we are to do to get right with God. It simply means to agree with Him and the Holy Spirit will renew us.

Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Matthew 4:17, Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Summer Schedule: 147 Dreiser Loop

First Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday: Spanish 9 a.m., and English service, 11:30 a.m.

Wed./Thurs.: Non-perishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service, 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Men’s fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Blessings in Christ.

Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.