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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 1-800-621-HOPE for the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, or 311 and ask for the Domestic Violence Hotline.

Back to School Health Expo

nity Affairs Unit in collaboration with the Mall at Bay Plaza, Riverbay Corporation, City Councilman Kevin Riley, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, NYPD Community Affairs Unit and many others, are sponsoring a Back to School Health Expo on Friday, Aug. 18, 12-4 p.m. at the Mall at Bay Plaza (next to JCPenny parking). This event is free. There will be games, activities, medical screening, housing information, educational resources and more.

Read & Follow the Co-op Times Online

To read the Co-op City Times electronically, log in to the Issuu platform by typing in “issuu.com/cctimes,” or scan the QR code here to be connected.

Assemblyman Benedetto 2023 Lobby Visits

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s next lobby visits will be:

• Wed., Aug. 9, 120 Debs Pl.

• Wed., Aug. 16, 120 Asch Loop

Lobby visits are from 5:157 p.m. and provide Co-op City homeowners an opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics with one-on-one setting just steps from their front door.

Assemblyman Benedetto invites shareholders to meet with him in their respective lobby to hear key highlights of the Legislative Session and to discuss their own concerns on local and personal matters.

For more information, contact Assemblyman Benedetto’s Co-op

BY LAURETTA JAYSURA

Bidding A Fond Adieu…

Riverbay Volunteer Willa Andrews Relocates

On Thursday, July 27, in the Bartow Center, it was my unexpected privilege to share space with Willa Andrews while her supervisor and teammates prepared a farewell luncheon to say “goodbye” as she gets ready to relocate to her new home in Morgantown, West Va. “She is my very best volunteers; I will be lost without her,” and one to arrive,” remarked Michelle Sajous, director of the Riverbay Community Relations department. Until his passing two years ago, Willa and her late husband were cooperators for over thirty-two years. “After my husband passed, it has been a lonely time so I decided it was time to move to be closer to my family. I have no other close family members in New York; I will miss everyone.” Willa has a daughter who lives out-of-state.

Willa was asked if she had any words of wisdom and she replied, “Whatever you do, make sure you do it from your heart and feel comfortable about it.” She added that she is always available to help and do the best that she can.

When asked if she knew in advance about the surprise farewell party, Willa said: “I suspected something was going down but ‘HQ’ said to dress-up for something and don’t ask any questions, and that’s what I did.” (“HQ” used to refer to Sajous, Willa’s “supervisor.”)

“I have heels on and a skirt, how do I look?” she asked coyly. “I’m overwhelmed.”

Willa is a gentle lady who likes helping and doing for other people. Years before retiring from the business world, she did volunteer work. She has a history of volunteering and has done it at Bronx House, Millbrook, JASA and lastly, Riverbay Corporation. Add to this list, helping out neighbors and friends.

Lunch was a special treat and consisted of “all the foods that Willa likes.” Whatever Willa wanted, Willa got, from appetizers to desserts!

When it was time for “speeches” for this obviously beloved woman, everyone expressed appreciation and thankfulness for the pleasure of being counted “friend and teammate.” Memories, personal and hilarious, were shared among tears and laughs from this tight-knit group. Willa reget out of hand at times.

The decorations and individual gift bags were beautifully handcrafted by Tamira King of the Riverbay Community Relations department for the special guests among Riverbay volunteers. Namely, Rafe Alomar, Helen Atkins, Jessie Bah, Brenda Henry, Louise Hernandez, Deborah Jones, Tamira King, Lauren Lassiter, Thomas Mavins, Karen Townes and Judy Washington.

Following lunch, the Guest of Honor, holding back tears, thanked everyone for the kindness and show of love. God’s blessings go with you, Willa, as you start another new journey in your life. Your Co-op City neighbors and friends will miss you dearly.

Food-Related Businesses Now Required to Use Lidded Containers

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, the city enacted a new rule aimed at New York City food-related businesses to containerize waste in lidded containers before setting them out for curb collection in an effort to keep the city clean and remove trash from city streets.

This rule applies to restaurants, delis, bodegas, grocery stores, caterers, and other food-related businesses. These businesses can no longer place trash out for collection in black bags directly on the curb, which leak food waste and attract rats, and instead must use rigid, lidded containers when setting out trash or food waste. The requirement does not apply to other recyclables or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

“Plastic bags awaiting collection on the curb create dirty conditions and are an all-you-can-eat buffet for rats that have easy access to their next meal,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. “Putting this material in containers, with lids, will create a cleaner City – the kind all New Yorkers expect and deserve.”

The warning period for this rule lasts until September 1, 2023, for violations. In the four months since the Department of Sanitation changed the time that waste can go at the curb, DSNY has issued over 55,000 warnings and summonses for improper set-out, getting results for clean streets.

As a result of the ongoing incentivization and requirement of waste containerization, New Yorkers are having fewer interactions with rats, with complaints down 20% across the City this summer, the city reports.

The second rule, which will start September 5th, extends containerization requirements to all locations in New York City, regardless of what they sell.

Taken together, this means that four million pounds of trash per day – from 25% of all businesses – will be in containers and off city curbs.

GameOver –––––

(Continued from page 1) to being disappointed: “The weather has impacted our schedule for the day – the other teams scheduled to come and play against us will not be coming because of the temperature forecast. It is hot, but we will be here and [will] monitor everything. We will practice, play against each other, all while staying hydrated. The computer section, Buckets & Bytes, continues today and that team is ready.”

One youngster, pointed out by staffer Veronica, with exceptional computer knowledge for his age, was Zekai Alvarez, a second grader. “I teach myself,” he said. Zekai comes to the GameOver clinics with his grandmother and also enjoys sports.

At day’s end, it was still hot, yet thoroughly enjoyed by all. In a group hug, Hicks thanked his co-founders, staff; president of the Riverbay Fund and Board Director Claudia Sampson as well as other members of the Fund; former Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison; moms, dads and the youngsters, for their continuous support.

“This is not a job one does alone,” Hicks said. “Thank you coaches, who have all formerly played pro-ball of some type; the computer staff, DJ, nurse, volunteers, and the Co-op City Times. See you next year.”

“Thanks to Eric Hicks and his team at GameOver, as well as parents and young people who participated in this year’s basketball clinic, and Buckets & Bytes coding program,” said Director Sampson, president of the Riverbay Fund. “Many thanks also to Michelle Sajous and Tamira King of the Riverbay Community Relations department, and our other Riverbay staff who provided invaluable support to make this program a success.”

Ms. Louise –––––––

(Continued from page 1)

Mistress of Ceremonies, Michelle Sajous, director of Riverbay’s Community Relations department, introduced Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III, who greeted everyone and congratulated Miss Louise on reaching her milestone: “She is ‘seasoned,’ and we should learn as much as we can from her. The amount of knowledge is priceless.”

One after another, the attendees were called up to greet Miss Louise. Representatives from just about every honored Miss Louise with Proclamations and congratulatory letters, including NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; State Senator Jamaal Bailey; State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and a representative Mayor; Councilman Kevin Riley; Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson; Larcenia Walton, Bronx Ombudsman; Alina Dowe, Bronx Borough Director, to name a few.

Miss Louise was a 39-year employee of the MTA and is said to credit

“Never having married or having children” with her longevity. However, it is a fact that she enjoys dancing and having fun, which she did at her party.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Woody and Co-op City dance group renamed for the day “Miss Louise Line Dancers,” led by Ms. Cynthia Dixon. In one of the dance routines, the honoree unabashedly joined them and did a few steps of her own!! A real moment in history at 111 years old.

After a scrumptious lunch, three huge specially-donated cakes were served and everyone ate and danced and celebrated the honoree, bringing a very special celebration to a close.

– • Letters to the Editor • –

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, verify the authenticity of the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times

Litter – An Absolute Disgrace

Despite the blazing sun and oppressive heat recently, the grass in our campus remains bright green and beautiful. staff for my building pushing their carts to engage in another day of work on our gardens and I commented to them on the great job they were doing in the creation and sponded that she really appreciated the compliment.

In my walk around the bike path every morning, it aplooking good. It is so disappointing, however, to come across food containers and beer bottles under the freshly painted benches when a trash can is just a few steps away. Only days following the garage power washing, there were cartons of leftover food, cups and napkins lying on is littered with enormous amounts of debris and it is an absolute disgrace. A few months ago, the Councilman’s staff member attended the meeting of the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City and informed us that this area is on the clean up schedule, that there is a trash can in that area and that people need to use it. Knowing that people don’t use the trash can like they should, we asked for signs to be placed in this area reminding pedestrians to use the receptacle provided for them. This area is an eyesore. If you agree, or to let him know that more needs to be done to keep this area free from debris. Thank you.

You're Still Fighting That Ramp?

that ramp, not the Hutch North exit ramp to Killer Curve. We don't need that HutchN/ exit ramp stopped, entry ramp built Ramp U before the exit ramp, Ramp U, is opened for business. So, enough with the dead-horse beating and the misinformation spreading. It's not about the Death Ramp Not since April 2022, anyway. to prevent a potentially devastating plan from destroying a decades-old road into Section 5 –– all in the name of speed. Losing Ramp C would be more than an inconvenience, everyone that's paying attention think so. a mess this short-sighted, tunnel-visioned, unexamined Project X will prove to be to Section 5 and eventually to all of Co-op City. And soon. clusters that are fed from substations in some of the afThose townhouses were DeFoe Place which is fed from

Ramp C North, and Section 5's Palmer Ave. It's the road from City Island, it's the road from the Pelham Parkway Turnaround, it’s the road Section 5 takes to get home. Ironically, the removal of Ramp Cadds targeted bottleneck instead of reducing it, making the plan more than counter-productive.

And the kicker is: It will be done to add a fraction of a percent of unusable land back to the largest park in NYC because a rule in a handbook says so It truly adds injury to insult!

I know no one wants to buck the bureaucrats or rattle the politicians and until everyone's on board, no one wants to step up and stick their neck out.

Letters To

Whistleblower Anonymous Hotline

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or othare encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymoushotline by the following methods: www.lighthouse-services.com/riverbaycorp to complete an online disclosure form; the following independent third party whistleblower

We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number so authenticity and residency of the Thank you for your cooperation.