Co-op City Times 09/05/20 by Co-op City Times

2020 Census – Don’t let the clock run out. Respond TODAY!!! My2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020

Vol. 55 No. 36

Saturday, September 5, 2020

$1.25

NYC Census 2020 launches final push to obtain a Complete Count BY ROZAAN BOONE

This week marked the beginning of the last 30 days for New Yorkers to be counted in the 2020 Census and census takers continue to work feverishly to canvass local neighborhoods and ensure New York achieves a total count. According to Census officials, with a response rate of only 57.5%, New York is poised to lose billions of dollars for COVID-19 relief and up to two seats in the US Congress and the Electoral College. The state trails behind the nation’s response rate of 64.6%. In Co-op City, while shareholders have done a good job of responding to the census, there is still room for much needed improvement as the community strives for 100% participation.

US Census Bureau map (at right) shows Co-op City in the 75-85% self response percentile for five of its seven tracts. Two tracts lag in the mid-50’s and mid-60’s percentile, respectively.

Of Co-op City’s seven census tracts, five have an 80% response rate while two are at 55% and 66%, respectively. In early August, the Census Bureau began deploying door-to-door census takers to the homes of New Yorkers who have not yet responded to the census. Since the beginning of No Response Follow-Up (NRFU) on Aug. 6, response rate in a number of local communities, including Co-op City, has improved. By all accounts, Co-op City residents have been responding favorably to local census takers knocking on their doors, and those who have not yet responded are urged to cooperate so the 100% participation goal can be achieved. To underscore the importance of the 2020 Census, census data determines congressional representation for the next 10 years as well as how billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated annually in local communities for new schools, clinics, roads, and services for families, the elderly and children, for such programs as Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental (Continued on page 4)

COVID-19: New York City public schools delay reopening Teachers’ strike avoided for now

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Co-op City 2020 Census response rates Tract 302.01 – 79% • Tract 302.02 – 80% Tract 462.03 – 80% • Tract 462.04 – 80% Tract 462.05 – 79% • Tract 462.06 – 55% Tract 463.07 – 66%

Early Closing Notice

In observance of Labor Day, Riverbay’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7. Shareholders with maintenance emergencies may contact the Riverbay switchboard at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts for emergency maintenance. Riverbay Public Safety Department can be reached at (718) 671-3050. You may also call 9-1-1 for emergencies. We wish our readers a happy and safe Labor Day holiday weekend.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew announced on Tuesday, September 1, that NYC public school openings will be delayed until September 21, 2020. “This is a great day for every public school student in New York City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We face

(Continued on page 2)

Parents of NYC public school students keep watchful eye on school reopenings nationwide BY BRANDON ORTIZ

When New York City was the epicenter of COVID-19 in America earlier this year, the cooperation of every New Yorker was needed to combat and slow the spread of the virus. Now, it appears the same spirit of cooperation will be desperately needed as parents, teachers, educational officials and health advisors work together to keep New York City’s children in school and navigate safely through a pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement earlier this week about the change to (Continued on page 3)

REMINDER: COVID-19 is still a threat. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

Delay

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

a return to school, unlike any in our city’s history... Our agreement puts the health and safety of our 1.1 million students, teachers, and school staff above everything else.” Scheduled initially for classes to begin on September 10, NYC schools will now open several days later to avoid a possible strike. According to the New York City Department of Education’s website, “all schools will begin full-time teaching and learning on September 21, with student orientation starting September 16.” The change comes after negotiations between UFT president, Mr. Mulgrew, and de Blasio after threats of a potential teachers strike due to the lack of safety measures planned for the initial school openings. UFT planned on voting to authorize a teacher strike but came to agreement with the city to push back school openings if specific measures weren’t in place. “New York City will now have the most aggressive policies and the strongest safeguards of any school system in the nation,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. The UFT pushed for implementation of mandatory testing programs in every school for teachers, and requiring random COVID testing within each school community. According to news reports, “If buildings don’t pass a union review ensuring ample supplies of face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), sufficient ventilation and socially distant desks, they will not be able to reopen, accord-

Assemblyman Benedetto sponsors mammography van for Co-op City

Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto, in conjunction with Project Renewal, will once again sponsor a free Mobile Mammography ScanVan. Due to popular demand, the van will return to the Baychester Library located at 2049 Asch Loop North in Co-op City on Saturday, Sept. 12, between the hours of 9 a.m.–4 p.m. All insurance plans are accepted. Co-payments and deductibles are waived. This program is open to women 40 years of age and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. The service is free for uninsured women 40 and older. An appointment is necessary. Please call (646) 415-7932. This program is funded by Cancer Services Program of the Bronx and Patient Navigation funded by The Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

WE ARE OPEN!

ing to the deal.” Teachers and principals will return to their school buildings before the official start date to prepare for in-person learning and input safety protocols for those students who return on September 21. However, students will spend three days reconnecting with their school, learning new health and safety procedures, and wellness checks when they return for orientation on September 16-18. According to the Department of Education: “Beginning immediately, prioritized access to testing will be available to students, teachers, and DOE schoolbased staff at 34 sites. These sites will prioritize all DOE workers to quickly be tested and provide results within 24-48 hours.” Starting in October, it will be mandatory for schools to test students and staff at random who participate in both blended and on-site criteria. “Families will be asked to sign a consent form at the start of the year for their child to participate at random and be notified ahead of time if their child has been selected for the month,” read the announcement. Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said, “Reopening school during an ongoing pandemic is one of the most complex challenges any government anywhere has had to figure out in modern history, and New York City is best positioned to do so.” “All schools are preparing for blended learning, during which students learn inperson in school buildings for part of the week and continue learning remotely from home on the other days,” read the DOE’s website. Whichever learning type parents decide on, the same academic requirements are expected of all students – whether they are engaged in fully remote or blended learning. Teachers will give “live-instruction” to those students who are learning remotely while another for students who attend class in-person. “Teachers will deliver live instruction in short intervals (15–20 consecutive minutes) throughout the school day for our youngest learners and may increase in length based on the student’s developmental stage and grade level.” Although the timing of school opening has changed, what remains the same is the school’s plan to stay open on the condition that “the city must see fewer than 3% of all COVID-19 tests come back positive.” Students, whether in-person or remote, will begin a full-day of learning on September 21. “So many things about this year will be new, but the fundamentals remain the same. The majority of our students plan to return to buildings, students will learn best in person with a caring teacher as often as possible, and we will lead with health and safety every step of the way,” said Mr. Carranza.

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Keep up with your child’s immunizations this fall BY BRANDON ORTIZ

COVID-19 has altered the upcoming 2020 school year into a completely unknown obstacle for many parents and students alike. Understanding how to remain on top of their schoolwork while also practicing safe social distancing when they are around other classmates will certainly prove a task easier said than done for the over one million public school students in New York City and the many more across America. With in-person classes expected to begin on Sept. 21 in NYC, parents will have to shoulder the responsibility of constantly being vigilant at home and at school for any signs that their child might be sick or have come in contact with an individual who is infected. A consistent and vigorous level of caution is paramount in keeping virus spread at bay as parents now have the responsibility of keeping their children healthy in order to protect their child’s other classmates, teachers and faculty. In the same spirit of protecting the collective health of all the children and faculty attending in-person classes this fall, keeping up with your child’s immunizations is equally critical. Earlier this year in May, the Co-op City Times reported on a trend the New York City Department of Health found that saw a 63% drop in regularly scheduled child vaccinations during the month of April. This trend was alarming because vaccinations are, as Mayor Bill de Blasio said in May, “essential work.” A CDC press release from May, when the patterns of low child vaccinations were first being reported nationwide, called the COVID-19 pandemic a “reminder of the importance of vaccination.” In the following month, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a press release announcing a comprehensive strategy to combat the recorded drop in child vaccinations nationwide. The press release reported pediatric practices across the country seeing only 20% to 30% of their common number of patients and described

Parents

(Continued from page 1)

the start of public school reopenings reflected the fluidity of the situation many of the other large public school districts are encountering all across America. While New York City’s public school system dwarfs the next closest ones in America, it is the only major city in America that currently plans to have students return for classes in-person this fall. Regardless, parents of the city’s public school students can still gain a clearer picture about what they can generally expect this fall from the experiences of the districts, and even colleges, that are about to reopen or have reopened so far. Parents of college students might have to prepare for their child’s in-person instruction being cancelled at a moment’s notice. The first in-state example of cancellations came this week when SUNY Oneonta announced that students would be sent home following an outbreak on campus that infected 13% of their student body, according to the school’s data. A similar situation unfolded earlier this month when the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reversed course and pivoted to remote learning after clusters of virus outbreaks infected students only a week into returning to campus. In nearby New Jersey, currently 242 school districts have decided to provide remote learning only for their students while 434 will open with a hybrid model, according to New Jersey state education officials. However, many districts are deciding to switch over entirely to remote learning if they find that their facility is unable to safely accommodate their students. The schools deciding to change course because they are not able to safely reopen potentially establish a precedent some New York City public schools might keep in mind should they find themselves in a similar situation. As for America’s second and third largest public school systems, according to the US Census, Los Angeles and Chicago respectively, both have committed to fully remote learning this fall. Notably, both Los Angeles and Chicago originally wanted to provide inperson classes but changed their decision as remote learning proved to be the most safe and feasible option. In the fourth largest public school system, according to the US Census, Miami-Dade County, remote learning has started with some complications. The Miami Herald reported this week that remote learning for many stu-

the situation of parents forgoing scheduled care and vaccines as one that “threatens to disrupt the country’s vaccine delivery system and put children’s health at risk.” The 2020 school year poses a daunting challenge that requires a commitment on behalf of parents to help keep all children and their loved ones back home safe. Getting your child vaccinated could mean the difference between them catching a vaccine-preventable disease or spreading it to others. Currently, the Vaccines for Children program offers free child vaccinations at over 1,000 NYC facilities for those who qualify. In order to make an appointment, parents and guardians should call their child’s healthcare provider or call 844NYC-4NYC.

dents was interrupted by connection issues that left students in the dark. New York City public school students might have to prepare for a similar reality when they begin remote learning as an even larger online infrastructure is needed to accommodate for the sheer size of the city’s public school student population. New York City’s new planned date for reopening schools for in-person learning is currently Monday, September 21, with a hybrid of in-person and remote learning curriculum. “Many of the school districts have testing protocols

that will be in place as part of their plans, but as I’ve said from the beginning, those plans are only as good as their implementation,” Governor Cuomo said. “Parents and teachers are understandably concerned about schools reopening. Dr. (Howard) Zucker and the State Department of Health will set up a dashboard for teachers and parents, so they know exactly what’s happening in their schools. I hope this will give teachers and parents some confidence that the plans are being implemented and if there’s a positive case, they will know and DOH will know and the locals can respond quickly.”

The 2020 Census response deadline is Sept. 30. Respond TODAY online at my2020Census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.

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Census

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

health services and SNAP food assistance programs. Each household has a responsibility to respond to the census. An accurate count in the decennial census is especially important for children since much of the federal funding received on account of the census impacts funding for child-related services and programs such as new schools, Head Start, special education, Medicaid, nutrition programs, foster care, health insurance and housing programs to assist families with children. Door-to-door census takers are working seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. in order to count as many households as possible by the new Sept. 30, 2020 deadline set by the Trump administration, one month ahead of the Census Bureau’s October 31 count deadline. Census takers wear photo ID with US Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. They also wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines put in place by health and local officials to help protect the public from COVID-19. They may also carry a Census Bureau bag and other equipment adorned with the Census Bureau logo. If you have not yet responded to the 2020 Census, chances are you will be visited by a census taker. In some cases, even if you did respond to the census, you may still hear a knock on your door in which case the Census Bureau asks for your cooperation as they verify information you provided on your census questionnaire or ask for information on your neighbors who have not yet responded. Census takers will not ask for financial/banking information, Social Security number, personal identification number (PIN) or credit card numbers. They will not ask about your immigration status or share your information with law enforcement or immigration agencies. It is against the law for a Census worker to do so. If the census taker does not speak your language, you may request a return visit from someone who does. To avoid a census taker knocking on your door, you can respond to the 2020 Census by returning the questionnaire mailed to your home earlier this year; or you may go online to my2020Census.gov to complete it; or call: • 844-330-2020 (for English speakers) • 844-468-2020 (for Spanish speakers) • 844-467-2020 (for TDD) If you require assistance filling out the form or if you have misplaced the questionnaire, please call today. Census representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily to answer your call. You may also speak with the census taker when they visit your home and they will record your answers. The goal is to record who was living in your residence on April 1, 2020, their relationship to you (as head of household), age, birthdate, race and sex. In all, there are 10 questions on the 2020 Census. In addition to the questions about you and members of your household, you are also asked if your residence is a house, apartment or mobile home owned by you or someone in the household with a mortgage or loan (in Co-op City’s case, shareholders should be aware that housing cooperatives are a type of homeownership where residents purchase shares which, in turn, gives them rights to occupancy of their apartment. They share expenses, including mortgage payments, made by the housing corporation.) The census also asks for the telephone number of the head of household in case there are answers provided on the form that need clarification. If you are not home when the census taker visits, a notification on how to respond to the census will be left on your door. A census form may also be left. Completing the form will negate the need for a census taker to return to your home to collect your answers. Completing the 2020 Census is easy, safe and confidential, and takes less than 10 minutes. All New Yorkers can easily self-respond now online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020. The census does not ask about immigration, citizenship, criminal history, or income. By law, all census responses are completely confidential and cannot be shared with anyone, including any immigration authorities, tax authorities, and law enforcement authorities, or even landlords. The penalties for breaking this law, Title XIII of the U.S. Code, are up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. This law has not been broken since it was passed in 1953. According to the US Census Bureau, New York City continues to close the gap between the city and the nation in terms of census self-response rates. As of August

Data excerpted from US Census Bureau

27, New York City’s self-response rate is 57.3%, and the nation’s is 64.6%. A recent study found that New York City’s self-response rate increased the most out of any other city in the United States between May 4, 2020 and August 18, 2020. In addition to deploying door-to-door census takers, the Census Bureau has mailed additional census questionnaires to over 16.2 million households across the nation that did not respond to the census. These mailings are expected to be delivered by Sept. 15, and respondents are urged to compete and return them by the Sept. 30, 2020 deadline or answer their doors when a census taker visits.

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Building 12 Cooperators Civic Association

Hi, everyone. We know this is repetitious, but it cannot be repeated often enough. Please continue to follow CV19 guidelines regarding wearing masks, keeping a distance of 6 feet and washing your hands often. Properly dispose of your masks and gloves. We received masks and are setting up a distribution date. A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who check on our neighbors, offer their support, maintain our meeting room and decorate our lobby during the fall and holiday season. Due to CV-19, we cannot hold meetings in our meeting room. How about holding Zoom building meetings? Let us know what you think. Vote: This is probably the most consequential election of our time. If you have not registered to vote, contact the Board of Elections, 1780 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY10457, 5th floor; 718-299-9017. Please complete and mail your Census form. If you see something, say something by calling 911 or CCPD, 718-671-3050. Our thoughts and prayers to all who have lost a family member, friend or neighbor. Sending get well wishes to all who are sick and shut in. Stay well. —Sonja Maxwell

Building 25 Association

The doggie poop station that Riverbay provided, our neighbors are catching on. There are still some who have not adapted to picking up after their dogs. It takes some longer than others to catch on, there is a light at the end of the tunnel though. We are moving towards our grounds and walkways free of dog poop. Now if we can work on the other types of litter that plague the grounds in our community. On another note, there are notices posted in the public area of our building and everyone should have received individual notice regarding two cases reported of Legionnaires’ disease in our building. If you have any questions, please direct your questions or comments to the number on the notice. Update to resuming our building meetings in the fall due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go ahead to resume building meetings. We will give updates as we receive them. In the meanwhile, wear face mask and continue to practice safe distancing. During this shut down, should you have any comments or concerns, you can log onto our building email

address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your comments or concern to anyone or all members of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treasurer, continues to postpone the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice. Closing with the following: “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” –Margaret J. Wheatley —Wanda Bailey

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

Yay! Our first modernized elevator is fully operational. It is beautiful! We need everyone’s care and watchful eye to keep it that way. If you notice any damage or vandalism, please report it immediately to Co-op City’s Public Safety Department at 718.320.3330, or use the Public Safety phone in the lobby; the sooner CCPD is notified, the greater the chance of investigating and identifying perpetrator(s). The association will distribute masks before the Labor Day weekend. Please check flyers that will be posted. Remember to properly wear and dispose of your masks and gloves and maintain social distancing. Last, but definitely not least, we all have an obligation to complete the 2020 Census and to register to vote! Be the change that you want to see and talk about. —Josie Ferguson

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Recommended Convector Cleaning Procedures

With air conditioning season in progress, shareholders are reminded to maintain their apartment convectors and to clean them regularly. During the summer months when air conditioning is provided, it is beneficial to check and clean your convectors regularly even if you don’t use them. Clogs occur as dust and debris accumulate in the convector drain lines and can cause backups and flooding which can damage floors and apartments below. Shareholders who are elderly or disabled and require assistance checking and cleaning their convectors, may contact Maintenance for assistance by calling the Riverbay Call Center, (718) 320-3300, select Option 2. Following the procedures recommended below, the potential for clogging will be greatly reduced and the efficient functioning of convector units will be facilitated. The procedures should be performed bi-weekly for maximum effect. A Co-op City convector cleaning video can also be found on YouTube. Cleaning Procedures Turn off the convector before cleaning by moving the power switch to the middle position. Remove the cover by lifting from the bottom and swinging out and up. Remove any debris (coins, leaves, plant soil, loose scale, etc.) from the upper drip tray (long pan) and lower drip tray (drain pan). Slowly pour one quart of hot water into the upper drip

tray and check that it flows into the lower drip tray and down the drain. Do not continue to pour water if it doesn’t flow freely down the drain. If the water flows down freely, pour another 2-3 quarts of hot water into the upper drip tray to ensure a thorough cleaning. If the water does not flow from the upper tray into the drain pan, it is likely that the spout is clogged. You can probably use a ball point pen to remove the debris from inside the spout and clear the clog. If the water does not go down the drain of the lower drip tray, or becomes clogged, contact the Maintenance office immediately at the number listed above. Remove the filter located at the bottom of the convector unit to ensure it is clean. Clean filters allow for air to flow freely which is essential for the efficient operation of the convector. During the winter, filters may be vacuumed or washed. During the summer, they must be vacuumed only (a wet filter can cause dirt to coagulate in the summer and hamper air flow). For a replacement filter, please stay tuned for more information as those details are finalized. The charge for a new filter is $4, money orders or checks are accepted. Replace the cover by placing it flat against the convector front, lift the cover top approximately 1 inch above the convector top and slide it down into position. Make sure the small hooks at the bottom of the cover slide onto the rail at the bottom of the convector.

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issueoriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

Please Note: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Monday by 5 p.m. Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

CCPD offers tips on calling 9-1-1 or the Department of Public Safety for emergencies BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges all residents to make sure that all members of their household know when and how to call 9-1-1, 1-(718) 671-3050 for Public Safety or the proper number for other situations. Young children have been known to have made life saving calls to 9-1-1. It is also advised to keep important, nonemergency numbers accessibly stored in or near your telephone. Calls to 9-1-1 for situations that are not emergencies can result in a delay for persons with life or death emergencies receiving the help they need. The year 2020 has been challenging for people throughout the world. Knowing who to call when you need help should not be a problem. Calling Public Safety for other than a situation for which a Public Safety response is needed takes resources away from persons who may have an emergency. Calling Public Safety because they answer the telephone quickly for Maintenance issues is not the right thing to do. Doing so will not save time. After midnight and before 8:00 a.m., Emergency Maintenance calls transfer to Public Safety. During these hours, your name, building, apartment and phone number are taken by the dispatcher and transferred to the on-duty Maintenance supervisor. When you call the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, dispatchers will identify themselves by number only. Each dispatcher has a unique number by which they can be identified. Dispatchers are not required to give their name to callers. This policy is in effect for the confidentiality and the safety of the dispatchers. In the event that your call is answered by an officer, a detective or a supervisor, that person will identify themselves by name. Telephone calls are recorded for quality control and accountability. When you call the Co-op City Department of Public Safety, expect that the dispatcher will ask you for your name, building, apartment number and phone number. This is done so that we know where you are calling from. You do not have to give this information but the dispatchers are required to ask. You can request to remain anonymous. Your identity is not given out by the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies. When in Co-op City, also call the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 in addition to 9-1-1. In Co-op City, call (718) 320-3300 for the main Riverbay switchboard during regular business hours; every Riverbay department can be accessed by this number. In New York City, call 31-1 for any non-emergency issues; all New York City agencies can be accessed from this number. From telephones outside the City of New York, 3-1-1 service can be accessed by dialing (212) 639-9675. It is important to save the use of emergency numbers for true emergencies. 3-1-1 and the www.nyc.gov website are available for matters that are important but not emergencies. 9-1-1 was established in 1968 as a Universal Emergency Number. In most areas of the United States and Canada, 9-1-1 will put you in contact with the Police, Fire or Ambulance help that you require. When traveling, check local phone books to make certain 9-1-1 is the correct emergency number. In some areas of Canada, the number could be 9-9-9. Also check if the telephone you are calling from requires a prefix before dialing, for example, dialing the number 9 for an outside line from a hotel or office telephone. It may sound like a joke, but make sure you know the number to 91-1 for any location you may travel to. Calling 9-1-1 can be stressful and may seem overwhelming at first but knowing what to expect can make the call go smoothly. Staying calm is most important. Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. Provide the dispatcher with any pertinent information including descriptions or direction of flight of any criminals. For medical emergencies, be prepared with information regarding medications taken. Never hang up until directed to do so by the dispatcher. The dispatcher may pause to get the information out to the responding units. Also, be prepared to take directions from the dispatcher; they may be able to provide you with

Public Safety Report

(Continued on page 22)

Public Safety Blotter Aug. 23 – Aug. 29, 2020

Aug. 23, 2020 – Defoe Place CCPD officers were dispatched to check on a suspicious person report. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male, possibly under the influence of a narcotic, needed assistance. The male was determined to be in an altered mental state, and an ambulance was notified. The male was then taken to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation. Aug. 26, 2020 – 100 Alcott Place A cooperator was issued several community complaints after a flood revealed they had several unauthorized appliances that clearly violate the lease agreement. The violator is subject to over $1000.00 in fines as a result. Aug. 28, 2020 – 149 Dreiser Loop A male was issued a summons by a CCPD officer for Public Consumption of Alcohol. The male was determined to have an active warrant for a DUI case. He was issued a summons and returned to court to answer for the warrant. 120 Benchley Place A male was arrested by CCPD for exposure of a person and issued a ticket and released. He was also issued a community complaint. 2057 Bartow Avenue A male in possession of marijuana was issued a summons and determined to be wanted on an open warrant. As such, he was returned to court to answer the warrant.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see the end of the employment listings for specific directions.

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

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Section 4 Partnership takes a stand

Francine Reva Jones Director’s Viewpoint Assistant Secretary

The Section 4 Partnership In a meeting of the Section 4 Partnership last Sunday, one of the members voiced her concern that people gathered at the Bellamy Basketball Courts were not wearing a mask and that the Corona virus could spread. She wrote a letter to Riverbay management regarding this. Management had posted signs on the fence stating that a mask should be worn. In my opinion, the mask-wearing rule pertains to spectators, not players. If you are playing basketball, you cannot be expected to wear a mask. But, if you are not playing basketball, and just watching or socializing or on a break, you should have a mask on. Cooperators have worked very hard to keep our COVID-19 numbers down and we would like them to stay that way. Therefore, it was unanimously agreed that we would write and call Management to encourage them to take action regarding wearing a mask in the basketball courts. This would be safe and healthy for all. At the June Section 4 Partnership meeting, the members pledged to contact Community Board 10 and/or call 311 to report to the Department of Sanitation the filthy streets that surround Co-op City and demand that they be cleaned. The Riverbay Grounds department does a fine job of cleaning our community. But, just outside of our community, it is depressing to see the piles of trash. Earlier this week, I saw a clean-up crew with pick-up sticks and plastic bags cleaning the I-95 northbound highway along exits 11 and 12. Hopefully, the service roads will be next. Let’s all keep a watchful eye for cleaner streets and contact Community Board 10 or 311 every day until we get results.

The next Zoom meeting of the Section 4 Partnership is Sept. 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. At that time, there will be a workshop on “How to Conduct a Zoom Meeting.” All are welcome to attend. Black Lives CREATE The Black Lives CREATE group presented their second Co-op City event on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. For those who could not travel to the 57th Anniversary of the1963 March on Washington, this was an alternative. The leaders greeted everyone with a warm welcome. They reminded the audience that The National Action Network was leading the March on Washington to urge the passing of two important bills. One of them, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 to combat police misconduct, excessive force, and racial bias in policing. The other one is The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020, which is a response to the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision invalidating key parts of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, which eliminated barriers making it difficult for African Americans to vote and, allegedly, opened the door for significant voter suppression through voter ID laws and other measures. Black Lives CREATE discussed several significant instances in Black history, such as the murder of Emmitt Till, bombing of a church in Birmingham, Alabama killing four little girls, Hurricane Katrina, and more. They talked about the importance of the census. The deadline for submitting your census form is Sept. 30, 2020, only three and one-half weeks away. If you have not yet responded, please do so without further delay. The 2020 Census questions are simple and easy to answer and safe. Response to the census will shape our future for the next 10 years and direct the distribution of billions of federal funds to communities each year for necessary programs. Black Lives CREATE also talked about bridging the generation gap. They had encountered seniors who did

not understand today’s youth and encouraged them to talk to the youth. Ask them about their music, their style and other questions they might ponder. I think this could even lead to getting help with some features of your smart phone. It was a meaningful afternoon with beautiful weather, wonderful friends and entertainment. Most importantly, it was encouraging to see young people producing positive programs to raise the consciousness of our community. Voting Please register and vote in the Nov. 3, 2020 Presidential election. To register, call 1-800-FOR-VOTE. Or, fill out the Voter Registration form online: election.NY.gov/NYSBOE. Then, print, sign and mail it ASAP. The deadline to register online to vote is Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) is Oct. 9th. And, the deadline to register in person to vote is also Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. There will be Early Voting from Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Early Voting provides an opportunity to choose from nine (9) days to vote. In-person voting is considered to be safer than voting by mail, since there is a possibility the U.S. Postal Service might be unable to handle the volume of ballots that will be received in a timely manner. And, therefore, your vote might not be counted. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may pre-register to vote, but you must be 18 in order to vote on Nov. 3. If you are a formerly imprisoned person or without a permanent residence, please inquire about how you may vote. The Nov. 3rd election is very important, please participate. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (people) to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke If you would like to share your thoughts, contact me at 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbayboard.com.

Faith @ Work Christian Church

Faith @ Work Christian Church, 120 DeKruif Place, street level, Tel. 347202-7006. Our plan to return to public worship is POSTPONED. The Leaders and Scholars Afterschool Hub will reopen September 21st and will also offer full-day services to parents needing to have Remote Learning Days services. Five-day regular afterschool hours, 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Fees are $50 per week (no prorated fees). Two-day Remote Learning + 3-Day regular afterschool weekly fee is $100; Three-Day Remote Learning + 2 Day regular afterschool weekly fee is $125. Limited space, first come, first served. The church is purchasing plexiglass

dividers and commercial cleaning products to ensure social distancing and proper sanitation. There is a $50 registration fee for all children. To secure your spot, please contact Pastor Jenkins at 718-644-0951. Clergy Call: If you are clergy living in/serving in Co-op City, please text Pastor Jenkins at 718-644-0951 to receive an invitation to a Zoom Meeting with the 45th Precinct on September 10 at 6 p.m. The focus is on building relationships of trust and mutual respect between the NYPD and the community, our community. Blessings and remain safe and healthy. —Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Community Protestant Church

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284 followed by the # sign. Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call at the above number every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. Sunday Worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. via conference call. Everyone is invited to call in and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant. Noon Day Prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at 12 p.m., you are cordially invited to call in for Noon Day Prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise, and testimony. Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Please join us via the conference call

number above. In his message last Sunday, Pastor Owens cited the story of Job. For his scripture text, he chose Job 1:22, “In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly;” and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are troubled on every side yet not distressed, … Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed;” and spoke from the topic, “When Hard Times Come.” He stated that it is the hard times that reveal the quality, depth, sincerity, strength, and maturity of our relationship with God. We should follow Job’s example, even though he suffered more in a few days than most of us in a lifetime, remained faithful to God. Now is the time to stay in the word of God, claim the promise of God and rededicate our lives to total surrender to the Lord. He will bring us through. Be safe, remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out. Our prayers go out for peace and justice in this time of racial tension and protests all over our city and our country. Until we meet again, Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations. –Evan G. Mitchell

Building 27 Association

We continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with guidelines to wear our mask and be aware of social distancing. Pray for our children and school staff to be safe, strong and healthy as they return to further their education Laundry Room Our washing machines and dryers were installed timely. It was just a little glitch but all seem well. I will report when I visit. Remember to keep the floors, etc., clean. Continue to remove trash and only five cooperators at the time in the laundry room. Bin Co-op City Times news bin in the lobbies are a great asset and attractive. If you see the newspapers upside down, backwards, just arrange the papers neatly in the right position for all to see the front page of the news. Also keep the papers in a neat stack. Take a few up to your neighbors and hand it to them. Voters Registration General election/presidential is Nov. 3rd. Remember, the deadline to register online, by mail or in person is Oct. 9, 2020. Call the Board of Elections, 718299-9017. Our future is at stake. If you seek information, visit vote.org. Take care of business now, do not put it off. Online Status If you want to make sure you are registered or if you moved, it takes less than 30 seconds online. I tried it for the first time; I was impressed. It will confirm if you are registered. If not, the application will tell you what to do next. Proper Disposals Tissues, used masks and gloves being discarded on garage floors, elevators, building floors and ground; it looks disgusting. Please let’s act responsibly. Keep our buildings and property clean. Life has produced those inclined or inspired to become involved in making

a difference for the betterment of humanity. Civil Rights Leader John Lewis stated he has always been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – nearly his entire life. A statement by him resonates, when one sees something not right, not fair, not just, one has a moral obligation to do something. Census Community Board 10 requests we share information. At this time, only 54.8% of New Yorkers have filled out the census. This means we could lose half of our funding. We could lose two representatives. Call your family members, neighbors, friends, church fellowship, upstate, downstate and mid-state; remind everyone. Funding is essential and will last for 10 years once NYS receives the allocation. Please fill out the census right away; when we put off, we tend to forget. Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. We offer sincere sympathy and condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. Continue to pray for one another. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, someone deceased or in a nursing home. Pray for the world, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt. –H. Overman

AARP Chapter #4997

From President Mickens: From http://aarpcommunity/connection.org/friendlyvoices/ information is available regarding loneliness among adults. It states it can have physical and mental health risks for dementia. Being isolated and void of social stimulation can contribute as well. Continue to reach out to family and friends and continue to wear your mask and practice social distancing and wash your hands often – stay safe. Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-6715493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. Our monthly membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice. No word from Riverbay regarding community center opening. –Delores Debnam

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Mary Pearson Director’s Viewpoint Secretary

Make a Voting Plan Are you registered? Are your kids, grands, great grands registered? You can check online at Vote NYC, or call the Board of Elections (BOE) at (1-866-8683692) and they’ll check for you. Not registered? Then you’ll need a registration application. You’ve got options. For one, you could register to vote in person at 1780 Grand Concourse, E 173rd St., 5th Floor. If you have a valid NY Driver License and an email address, you could register to vote online via Vote NYC. No license? Print your own application from the Vote NYC site. No printer or web access? If you choose to register to vote by mail, the BOE will send you an application if you call 1-866-868-3692 or email your mailing address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us.Fill out the application and mail it to Board of Elections, 32 Broadway, 7 Flr., New York, NY 10004-1609. Once you’ve gotten yourself registered, you’ll need to decide which option you’ll choose to cast your ballot. Do you want to vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3? As soon as the BOE decides where that may be, you can do just that. Do you want to Early Vote in person – from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday November 1 – at our district’s early voting poll site? You can, once the BOE determines where that might be (fingers crossed, it’ll be Dreiser Auditorium). Exact voting hours vary by the day but run at least from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do you want to vote by absentee ballot? Every New Yorker may vote absentee again this season instead of bringing themselves to a poll site. Being cautious about spreading or contracting COVID-19 is again considered reason enough to vote absentee. Anyone who wants, may check the “temporary illness” box on the absentee ballot application. But you must

Choices and Consequences request one. They are not being sent out automatically this time. To get an absentee ballot application, call — 1-866Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692), or email — vote@boe. nyc.ny.us, or go to the website — Vote NYC – and print one out. Fill out your absentee ballot application and mail it to your local borough office, which, for us, is Bronx Elections Board, 1780 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10457. And there’s one more way to absentee vote. You can do it right there online at Vote NYC — if you’re registered. You’ll even get a confirmation number to track your application status. Whichever way you get your application to the BOE, it will be processed in the order received. Ballots will then be mailed out to voters, beginning the third week of September. People marched, bled and died to gain or protect our right to vote. Make a plan. Vote! Census deadline, September 30 It’s time for the country’s head count. By now, everyone’s heard how important it is to count every person in every household in the state. Undercounting leads to underfunding for more than a hundred service-providing programs for individual states and locales. A $675 billion money pie was sliced up by Census 2010 data. The 2020 Census will distribute more than double that amount – $1.5 trillion. Undercounting also leads to underrepresentation. Due to shifting populations, New York is expected to lose one, or even two, members of Congress when the 2020 Census data results come in. And it wouldn’t be the first time our state has taken such a hit. The membership of the House of Representatives totals 435. How many each state is entitled to send to Congress is apportioned by population. New York State had 45 Congress members in 1950. Now we have 27. Money and power are on the line, so stand up and be counted. Don’t worry, it won’t bite The job of the Census is, “counting everyone once,

only once, and in the right place.” It’s like a humongous game of Statue. It’s a snapshot of where everyone was living on April 1, 2020. The census asks a lot of questions, but nosy as they are, they never ask your Social Security number, bank account information, or citizenship status. What they do ask are personal things like age, race, ethnicity, and gender, to gather data. Each state gets its allotted chunk of money apportioned by the numbers. But the states also get a mountain of gathered data to distribute those funds fairly. (“Fairly” is, of course, subjective.) Filling out the Census by Phone You’ve already completed your census? Great. Co-op City is responding in impressive numbers. But if you’ve lost the mailed questionnaire or can’t access my2020census.gov, you might be a bit leery about cold calling 844-330-2020 to complete the census over the phone. Don’t fret. This is what you should expect. According to the Census takers, you’re probably Person 1, the one who pays the bills. Expect to be asked about yourself and every person who was living or staying in your home, permanently or temporarily, on April 1st of this year. They’ll ask: name, sex, ethnicity, race, where else you or they usually live, and how each person is related to you (since you’re Person 1). They also want to know your phone number, if you own or rent your home and if the mortgage is paid off. And you’ll need to know everyone’s age (as of April 1, 2020) and everyone’s birthdate. Don’t dawdle! Complete Census 2020. Call 844330-2020. Consequences Once every ten years, every person in the country gets counted. We all have to live with the results for the next ten years. Once every four years, we get to keep or change presidents. We might all have to live with those results… forever. You can reach me at 718-219-2211 or mpearson@ riverbayboard.com.

Building 2 Association We wish everyone a happy and safe Labor Day holiday. Happy birthday to everyone born in the months of August and September. U.S. Census – The deadline to submit your census is September 30, 2020 (this is the extended deadline). If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete your census by phone at 1(844) 330-2020 or online at www.my2020census.gov. It is extremely important that we are all counted. Register to Vote – If you are not registered to vote, the deadline to register is October 9, 2020. You can register in person at the Board of Election, located at 1780 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY or you can request an application by calling the Board of Election at 1 (718) 299-9017. Absentee Ballots – If you would like to receive an absentee ballot, you must request an application. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained online at www.vote.org. Submit your request now, do not delay. Absentee ballots are scheduled to be mailed out around September 18, 2020. Even if you request an absentee ballot, you can still choose to vote in person at the poll site during the early voting period, October 24 to November 1, or on General Election day, Tuesday, November 3.

Follow Co-op City Times on Twitter Follow us at @coopcitytimes for up-to-the-minute news and alerts relevant to Co-op City. You can also read the Co-op City Times online at issuu.com/cctimes. Download the “issuu” app on your Android or Apple device. Be sure to follow the Co-op City Times on Twitter and at issuu.com. Keep up with community news at home or on the go!

The absentee ballot will serve as a backup in the event, for whatever reason (COVID-19 resurgence or other health-related issue), you may be prevented from physically getting to the poll site to vote. Laundry Room Etiquette – Neighbors, if you leave your clothes washing in the washing machines or drying in the dryers, please return to the laundry room in a timely manner to remove your clothes from the machines. Also, please everyone, wear a face mask (covering your nose and mouth) when you are in the laundry room. Let us continue to protect one another’s health. Condolences and Get Well Wishes – We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to those who have suffered a loss, and to those recovering from an illness, we wish you a speedy and complete recovery. –Georgianna Rodriguez

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Salutations, Building 9 family. Wear a mask always, wash your hands often, social distance whenever possible. Last week, Mr. Joseph Dubin lost his dear wife, Mary Jane Dubin. Mrs. Dubin was a long-time shareholder who will be deeply missed. On Saturday, August 22, from 12-2:00 p.m., the Section Two building and townhouse association presidents, in conjunction with Building 13 Association, Inc., sponsored a free Italian icee and mask giveaway outside the basketball. We served between 125 - 150 Section 2 families. Thank you to all our volunteers: Leslie, Debbie, Linda, Anika, Doris, Neicey, Elena, Jewel and Tiny Woods. Thank you to all the families who came out. The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has canceled our June 2020

Building 9 Association

event due to Covid-19 concerns, but we have not canceled the fun. We have announced details of a special free raffle for Section 2 shareholders. The deadline to apply is August 31. Please see the flyers posted on our lobby bulletin boards. Submit shareholder’s name, address, apartment number, telephone number, and the name and age of at least one child in your household, to your building association via e-mail. The Cooper Place Townhouses and each building association will hold a virtual raffle drawing on Saturday, September 12, at 12:00 p.m. Participants may view the raffle via Zoom. All the raffle prizes will be the same. Winners will be notified and prizes distributed between September 12 and September 30. Good luck! Riverbay Management requires that

African American Association

No Work! No School! No Shopping! Black Solidarity Day, (Monday) November 2nd The African American Association is promoting Black Solidarity Day – Monday, November 2. Join us in a Day of Absence. No Work! No School! No Shopping! Leading up to this date, the Black Solidarity Day Committee will present informative webinars. More information will follow. Mark your calendars. We look forward to your support. Join the African American Association and Programs that it sponsors. Platforms until the pandemic is completely over are presented in the form of Zoom Meetings and Webinars. Some classes are offered outside during the summer months. Contact information is listed below. We are here and we want you to join us. Invite a “friend and new member prospect,” to join the African American Association. Remember: Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and only $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. The African American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for updates: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438. Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917903-7073. Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917863-1507. Healing Drum Circle – Contact: Ms. Jones at 718-671-5957 Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. –Michelle Marbury

you wear a mask while on the premises which includes our laundry room, lobbies, and elevators. Continue to be interrupters of injustice; march, kneel, speak out, stand up, sit in, etc. Let’s help to save the U.S.P.S. Community mailboxes have been removed from our street corners. High-volume mail sorting machines have been removed from post offices. Extra routes and overtime have been eliminated. As seniors, we need our medications, medical supplies, military mail, pension/annuity checks, business mail, personal bill mail, retail deliveries, personal gifts, greeting cards, etc. These changes were implemented without public review, study, discourse, or notice. After public pressure and protests, some practices have been halted, but not reversed. Contact Congressman Schumer’s office, Congressman Bowman’s office, and House Speaker Pelosi’s office. Demand return of mailboxes to our community and return of high-volume sorting machines to our post offices in the face of COVID-19. This is a momentous time in the beloved community. Register to vote. Request and return mail-in ballots early. Go in person if at all possible. Vote! It is hard to imagine a more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong or

Mask distribution volunteers Pamela Small, Wanda Randall & Wanda Rodriguez

who use your collective power to further their own means. Complete the 2020 Census. In-person Census staff are working throughout our community. Please respond. Be counted. “Freedom speaks not merely in terms of political and religious liberties, but also in terms of economic and social progress.” –Robert F. Kennedy Godspeed –Linda Collins

Return to

SCHOOL 2020

O u r B a ck to S c ho h oll Pl e d ge

Co-op City Democratic Club The CCDC is urging all those who have not yet filled out their Census 2020 form to please do so immediately. The census is all about how many people reside in a community to decide how much money the government will allocate to that community. It could be anything from additional housing complexes to building new schools. All information is kept strictly confidential. Everyone in your house/apartment must be counted. If you do not fill out the questionnaire, we stand to lose monies for our community and possibly an elected representative through the redistricting process. For further information, please call the census hotline at 1-844-330-2020 to speak with a representative. Election Day is November 3rd, 2020; polls are open from 6 to 9 p.m. There is detailed information in the Aug. 29 issue of the Co-op City Times on page 9 in the Co-op City Democratic Club article. Remember to VOTE, make a plan, take a neighbor, call a few of your friends and tell them to vote like their life and our democracy depend on it – it really does. Outstanding events this week Congratulations on the celebration of the 57th year of Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington. The event was very successful and did not have one negative incident. This was a multi-racial event. Thank you to the Sports world for taking a stand against racism and for equality. Our prayers go out for the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman who gave the children “Black Panther” and “Wakanda Forever.” –Shirley J. Saunders

Health and safetyy always come first. Studen d ts willll be le l arning g 5 days a weekk, no matter what. Learn more: schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Riverbay Safety department’s mold program

The Riverbay Safety Department oversees the corporation’s mold program throughout Co-op City. In the event a shareholder observes mold in an apartment, a call must be placed to the respective Cooperator Services Office (CSO) requesting a mold assessment which will be conducted by the Safety Department. Once an assessment is completed and it is determined that mold is present, an investigation will begin to determine the cause of the mold. When the cause of the mold is identified and corrected, then the Safety Department will schedule an appointment to remediate the visual mold in accordance with the regulations. Mold vs. Mildew Mildew: Usually grows in a flat pattern and appears either powdery or fluffy. It can be easily identified as a patch of white, gray, or yellowish fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew usually turns black or brown over time. Mildew can grow on any organic matter such as wood, walls and wallpaper and is caused by humidity and moisture. During the winter months, when the heat goes full blast and the windows stay shut, mildew can flourish, and, as the weather warms up outside, humidity can also help the mildew process along. Mold: Usually fuzzy or slimy in appearance. It appears as irregularly shaped spots that can have different colors. Oftentimes, surfaces that are covered in mold begin to rot. Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (allergic reactions). In order to determine if mold is present, a visual inspection is necessary. On rare instances where a strong musty “odor” is detected, this may indicate the presence of mold. In order for mold to grow, the following are required – moisture, correct temperature and a food source such as plaster, wood, etc. Please note: RIVERBAY DOES NOT CLEAN MILDEW IN TUBS OR TILE. Housekeeping is the responsibility of each individual shareholder. Mold/Mildew Prevention Tips

• Look for condensation and wet spots. Clean up all water spills immediately • Prevent moisture by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level ( humidity) in the apartment • Keep convectors free from clogs • Do not store any items on top or against convectors. There must be at least 1 foot clearance • If your apartment does not have a bathroom fan, then make sure the bathroom window is left open a minimum of 1 inch • Ensure bathroom fan is operational. Shareholders are responsible for keeping fans clean. Use a small baby bottle cleaner to clean out the louvers. DO NOT close louvers or cover the fan.

A dirty ceiling fan found by Safety department inspectors in an apartment. Shareholders are reminded they are responsible for good housekeeping habits. Photo provided by Safety dept.

• Install drip pan under each convector (aluminum lasagna pans) • Clean the top of the convector fins every month with Clorox wipes. • Use convectors for A/C during hot weather days. • During the non-summer months, leave some windows open to increase ventilation. • Keep the apartment clean. Clutter can fuel mold • Bathroom walls and tubs must be cleaned weekly. Use green cleaning products. To help prevent mildew build-up, use a daily shower spray (Clorox) after each use on tile and tubs. • Purchase a moisture absorber such as “DAMPRID.” This will attract and capture moisture plus it will eliminate musty odors and create fresher, cleaner air. • Fully extend your shower curtains open after each use so mildrew does not grow in the damp folds of the curtain. • Purchase a dehumidifier to assist with removing excess moisture. • Purchase plants such as (Areca Palm indoor/outdoor air purifier). Plants are able to absorb toxins by moving these chemicals through to their roots and this includes minuscule mold spores that float through the air. Do not place plants on top of your convectors. This could lead to soil, dust and debris blocking your convector drain.

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

NAACP Co-op City branch holds voter registration drive The Co-op City branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), #2210, and the Jamaica League, held a Voter Registration drive in Co-op City on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 and registered a number of residents and visitors to the area so they may be able to vote in the upcoming November 3 General/Presidential election. “Every year, the NAACP sponsors voter registration events and tries to convey the importance of voting,” said Bill Gordon, president, NAACP #2210. “Every year, we tell you this year’s election is the most important one in your life and every year that is the truth. However, this year might be the most important of all. Everyone should register, vote in person, vote early or vote by absentee ballot but please vote.” In photos at left, shareholder Toba LaCrown, Commander of the American Legion Post 1871 in Co-op City, assists volunteers from the Jamaica League to sign up eligible voters. October 9, 2020 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Registration can be completed online at the NYC Board of Elections website, www.vote.nyc, or at www.vote.org. You may also download, print, complete and mail your registration form to the Bronx Board of Elections at 1789 Grand Concourse, 5th Fl., Bronx, NY 10457, or deliver it in person to the Bronx BOE. For further information, you may contact the Bronx BOE at (718) 299-9017. Absentee ballots can be requested online at nycabsentee.com, vote.nyc.com or vote.org. For expediency, absentee ballot applications can be printed instead of waiting on the BOE to mail the form and the USPS to deliver it to you. On the application, check the box for “Temporary Illness,” which has been expanded to include “a risk of contracting or spreading a disease.” Completed absentee ballots can be returned by mail, hand delivered to the Bronx BOE, as well as a local polling site during Early Voting, which, in New York, will take place from Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2020, or on Election Day, Nov. 3, by 9 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 27, 2020.

CSO Contact Numbers Cooperators who live in Buildings 1-14, may contact CSO 1 in Dreiser, room 6, at (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts. CSO 2 covers Buildings 15-25 and is located in the Bartow Community Center, room B. The office may be contacted by calling (718) 320-3300, and follow the prompts. CSO 3 covers Buildings 26-35 and is located in room 37 in the Einstein Center. The office can be reached by calling (718) 320-3300 and follow the prompts.

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

We Might Learn Some Lessons When Schools Reopen

Let me start off by saying that I believe in education. Therefore, as a family community, we must make sure that our children get a good education. However, we have to make sure that their schools are medically safe for them. Educate, Don’t Devastate The University of Notre Dame opened their classrooms on Monday, August 3, 2020. Then, about two weeks later, 147 people contracted the coronavirus disease. So, they had to shut down their classrooms and start teaching online. On Monday, August 17, 2020, school administrators at the University of Tennessee stated that 75 people—66 students and 9 employees—have the coronavirus disease. Additionally, they had 270 people in isolation. On Monday, August 24, 2020, it was reported that 566 people at the University of Alabama tested positive for the coronavirus disease. Shockingly, news reports then stated that they—students and employees—had been in school for only one week. But, that number does not include the 310 students that had showed up on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, with positive coronavirus test results. So, a lot of those students had to go back home. In NYC, the mayor is adamant that schools must reopen on Thursday, September 10, 2020. So, the NYC Department of Education posted some of the major actions that they will be employing to try to keep the schools safe: “School buildings will promote healthy behaviors and environments by requiring physical distancing…six feet at all times, face coverings, …access to handwashing and sanitizer, …lunch will be held in classrooms or require assigned seating, and each building will have an identified Isolation Room in the event someone becomes ill.” Remote learning will be an option for parents to consider. Also, the DOE’s website states that teachers, students, and families can have 20 minutes of daily conversation via video or by telephone. However, the United Federation of Teachers has responded with a threat of legal action, a strike, or even a sickout. And, here are some of their demands: 1.All teach-

ers and students to be tested within 10 days before schools lots of it. reopen. 2. Union leaders to check for appropriate ventiLandlords are now feeling the financial effects of this lation. 3. A nurse in every school. 4. Desks to be apart by downward real estate market. In fact, several reports indisix feet. 5. Personal protective equipment to be available cate that commercial rental prices are dropping. And, some in the schools. tenants are asking for concession for periods up to an entire Bottom line: Some people don’t understand, or don’t want year. Then, to make matters worse, banks are tapping the to understand, the serious consequences of someone catch- brakes on lending to commercial properties. Options? ing the coronavirus disease and then going home. For Some landlords are now considering bankruptcy. instance, how many people might catch this disease on Cooperators in Arrears public transportation, a store, a park, an elevator, and even Recently, I wrote viewpoints that stated that about 530 when they return home? cooperators are in arrears at this point. Therefore, I want What do you think can happen to an entire family if a to encourage our cooperators to talk to Riverbay about child or a school employee catches the coronavirus dis- their outstanding carrying charge balances. Then, see if ease? What are you going to do if you, your child, or your you can work things out with them. partner is diagnosed with this coronavirus disease? Again, Also, everyone needs to know that the city has a Homewhat are you going to do? Please make sure that you con- Base program for people that have housing issues. Accordsider this matter before the schools reopen. ing to their website, “You may be eligible for HomeBase NYC Real Estate in Trouble services if you: 1. Are at imminent risk of entering the There are apartments on the Upper West Side of Man- NYC shelter system. 2. Are low-income. 3. Want to remain hattan that were purchased for way more than a $1 mil- stably housed in your community.” Here are their telelion. However, with escalating crime figures and a gen- phone numbers for our zip code, 10475: Catholic Charieral sense of lawlessness, some of those apartments are ties Community Services, 347-913-4694 or 347-947-3920. on the market at reduced prices. Furthermore, in some Close cases, the situation is so bad that some brokers are refusAt times, some people have said some really bad things ing to list some of those apartments. about Co-op City. However, go online or visit some of the Plus, lots of people love to go to restaurants, plays, and pricey residential areas in Manhattan and see what’s going other events. But, they’ve been cooped up in their expen- on in and around some of these neighborhood. It’s a nightsive apartments alone or with someone that they now com- mare. Therefore, some people are moving away from pletely dislike. So, they’re ditching those apartments and Manhattan. their former partner. And, now, some moving companies Thank you. are booked solid with daily moves. In fact, one moving Contact Information company said that they’re doing 100 moves a day to subThe administrative areas of Bartow have been shut urban areas. down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However, you But, that’s just the residential market. The commercial can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com. market is being hit hard because news reports are indiAlso, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you cating that some big-name retailers are paying a fraction would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s or even zero percent of their rent. From their perspective, it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may some retailers have said that the coronavirus nightmare God bless you and your family. Thank you. has devastated their stores. Yes, they’re making some money from online sales. However, they need for Our Promiise to New people to go into their & Curren nt Clients stores and spend money—

Building 10 Association

Reminders Greetings, fellow cooperators. Please discard used face masks and New Cooperators Welcome all new cooperators. We gloves in trash receptacles. Please wipe look forward to seeing you at the next up spills in hallways, elevators, and lobby floors. general membership meeting. Facebook COVID-19 The Building 10 Association is on During this trying time in our country, please wear your mask to protect Facebook!! The page is “Building 10 others. Be safe, stay healthy, and wash “ABC” Association.” Like our page and your hands. Please check on your neigh- get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. bors. We will get through this! Email Address 2020 Census The Building 10 Association’s email Participation in the 2020 Census is critical to our community receiving address is Building10Assoc@gmail.com. our fair share of resources. You can Please use the email or Facebook to conrespond through the mail, online at tact the building association with your my2020census.gov or by phone at 844- concerns and suggestions. Remember, when you wear a face 330-2020. mask you protect others. When I wear Vote We have an especially important elec- a face mask, I protect you. We must tion on November 3rd. You may request work together to combat this virus in an absentee ballot at https://vote.nyc/page/ our community. We would like to wish all Septemabsentee-voting or you can call 1-866ber babies an incredibly happy birthday. VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). To the homebound and sick, we wish Laundry room etiquette Please remove your laundry from the you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one washers and dryers promptly at the completion of the cycle. Keep our laundry recently, we give our deepest condolences. Have a great week. room clean and report any broken —Jewel Crawford-Duncan machines.

All registered New Yorkers can request an absentee ballot to vote in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Request yours today. Visit absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Black Forum of Co-op City

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bld. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 - 31-day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required. We also ask that all guests use the markers on the ground to help practice physical distancing. Registration for new pantry guests is currently closed at this location. New registration dates are not available at this time.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Defensive Driving Class We appreciate everyone’s patience while waiting for this season’s class dates. The pandemic forced us to alter our schedule. The first defensive driving class for this season occurs on Saturday, November 14, 2020. This is tentative and may change. Updated information will be posted as it becomes available. We again thank you for your patience. Contact Us We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Please stay safe. –D. Illis

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Hi neighbors, from Broun Place, Co-op City. Labor Day greetings and prayers to live safely. We admire, respect and do not tire from viewing any of Chadwick Boseman’s works. After viewing “Black Panther,” we added “Wakanda Forever” to our press releases for weeks. We are very saddened and shocked at his death. We are adding “Wakanda Forever” as part of our tribute. RIP and thank you for sharing your talents. On the court gates next to Garage 6 are the signs, “masks required.” Who is following? Basketball court users are supposed to wear masks. In fact, all of us are expected to wear masks. The news is all about the increase in students getting COVID 19. I will not be relinquishing my mask. What about folks using the courts? What about the increase in the pedestrian garbage in and around the courts? These are two Section 4 problems. Thank you, President Michelle Marbury, for organizing the Section 4 Partnership Zoom meeting. It was an important agenda. BTW, N95’s and the light blue variety with pliable nose guards are the most effective. The fleece material can do harm because more droplets get through. Plastic shields work well too. Wearing a mask is better than wearing a ventilator! Congressman John Lewis’ prime legacy stands as his mission to have everyone vote. The security of the “absentee ballot/early voting” remains. Know how you are going to vote and know using “absentee/mail-in” ballots is safe. It has been used safely for years. The incidence of fraud is nil. Further, there is no difference between “absentee and mail-in ballots.”

Good to see the greenway in full use, just pick up behind yourselves and follow protocol with masking. Scam calls have increased, especially people trying to get donations. One story is, this is your last chance to renegotiate your debt, press #1 to speak to a representative. Another story is because of the pandemic, your debt has been eliminated. That is not true! Now, what about having an outdoor meeting? How about under a shade tree one afternoon? Time to renew or join-up again with Broun Place Townhouse Association. The Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your membership every year. Dues are just $12 annually. Dues cover supplies and upkeep expenses. When tragedy strikes, we look to our dues to show a gesture of generosity to that neighbor. We need your membership to do this. You can pay by cash or check and submit the envelope to 31B Broun. It will be acknowledged. Free COVID 19 tests are available in Bay Plaza or in Dreiser Loop’s testing center. Riverbay Corporation’s Safety department director, Anthony Barzeletto, needs to be notified ASAP if the diagnosis is positive. Riverbay Corporation takes quick measures to sanitize and quarantine the central location. We send birthday greetings to former cooperator and longtime member of Riverbay staff, Steve Gold, and remember Michael Miller for his hard work helping applying cooperators, RIP. “Wakanda forever.” –Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 13 Association

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW 59th National Convention – The 59th Convention of the National Free Back-To-School Virtual Raffle: The virtual drawing will be held next Council of Negro Women will be held September 25-27, 2020. This year’s theme Saturday, September 12, at 12 p.m. If you submitted your information by the for our virtual convention is “For Such A Time as This: A Call For Resilience And deadline, you should have received a confirmation with the Zoom invitation Resource.” This theme acknowledges that just as our ancestors have done throughout included. We want to thank the sponsors Bob’s Discount Furniture, McCall’s our history and herstory, we must meet the challenging times we are in with resilience, Funeral Services and Rosenshein Associates for their generous contribution. and all that is required for the kind of resurgence that will propel NCNW onward Winners will be contacted to receive their prize September 12 - 30. Good luck! and upward. All NCNW members, national affiliates, C.L. Franklin Associates, Early Voting and General Election: Some shareholders in our building have sponsors and friends are warmly invited to participate in our convention. Registration stated they would like to accommodate seniors who prefer to vote at the polls th for our 59 Convention opened on June 19 and will close on September 13. Early during the early voting period. Please check the bulletin board and future articles bird registration is $100 due before July 31, 2020 (includes sessions, workshops for information regarding this matter. I will contact the volunteers and see what and events). After July 31, 2020, cost is $125. As we come together virtually, we can be arranged but just in case, be prepared. Request your absentee ballot now. will not only elect officers but discuss our responses to the critical social justice A housing complex can gauge and identify problems by the calls they receive. Don’t issues of the day. Innovators and influencers will guide us as we critically examine assume someone else will call and report an issue. Take some time and call. I often strategies to address the issues that most directly impact the quality of life for women receive calls regarding issues that may be affecting several floors in the building. Most of African descent, our families and our communities. Please go to our national recently, it has been about the compactor rooms. If I report an issue for the building, website, NCNW.org, for further information. one of the first things a department will do is look to see if residents reported the Children’s Book Club – On Wednesday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m., the NCNW problem. When I ask shareholders if they reported the issue to the management deCo-op City Book Club is bringing back “Read and Chat with Egypt” with 5-year-old partment or CCPD, the answer is usually no. I have said it before, and it bears saying author Egypt Bush. Egypt will be reading two of her books, “Superhero School” and again. One of the ways a housing company measures their services to residents is the “Superhero Family.” This bedtime edition will get our young readers prepared for what response to complaints. If there isn’t a call on the matter, it’s as if the problem doesn’t will be the first day of school for some and an after-homework treat for others. Register exist. With the number of buildings, townhouse areas and over 330 acres of land, we at ncnwcoopcitysocial@gmail.com for Zoom link. must be additional eyes and ears. Let’s do better and work together to maintain our When They Go Low, We Go Vote – Today as we contemplate the current state quality of life. Although we have fences around due to Local Law 11, take the time of the economy, the serious threat to public health posed by COVID-19, assaults on to walk your trash (drinking cups, candy wrappers, etc.) to the receptacles. Don’t leave democratic institutions and deteriorating race relations, it is easy to become discouraged, cups and food items laying around. Let’s keep our building clean, make the necessary depressed and despondent. But we do well to remember a woman who, in the early calls so we can remain clean and safe. 1920s, when her school was threatened with a visit from the Ku Klux Klan, summoned Follow the safety guidelines. Remember you must wear your mask when ingenuity and intelligence to escape. Warned by a neighbor’s child of an imminent entering the premises, elevators and laundry rooms and, of course, please remember threat, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune sent the younger students to get into bed and the to socially distance. older students stood guard with her in front of the darkened school as the Klan motorcade While you are home: Complete the 2020 Census my2020census.gov or call moved past the school without stopping. That school still exists today and is known 1-844-330-2020 as Bethune-Cookman University. That night of intimidation was her punishment for We offer our sympathy to those who have lost a loved one, and to those who traveling the back roads of Daytona Beach, Florida urging African Americans to vote are ill, we wish you a speedy recovery. and raising money to pay the poll tax designed to dissuade them from voting. It would Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at (daddpeterson@ be decades after passage of the historic 19th Amendment in 1920 before the promise aol.com) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is of citizenship became tangible for Black women. Poll taxes, white primaries, literacy http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. tests and outright domestic terrorism prevented most Black people from voting. Thanks for supporting our team. –Joyce Howard –Leslie Peterson

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Stepping up to the plate during hard times Leslie Peterson Director’s Viewpoint

Several years ago, I saw a spare blue newspaper holder and asked Management if I could have it placed in the lobby of my building. I felt it was important for shareholders to have access to the Co-op City Times for longer than a day or two. Excess papers are removed on Friday in anticipation of Saturday’s paper. This allowed us to have the community paper for the entire week. No longer will you miss getting it on the weekend or missing out because you are away for the weekend, it will still be there for you. I am pleased to see the new Co-op City Times newspaper holders being placed in the lobbies of our buildings. Make sure you get your copy and read what’s happening in your community. Shareholders who have lived in Co-op City since it opened for residency often discuss the powerful voting bloc that existed and how they could request and receive

most things they requested. At events, our political representatives both locally and statewide wanted our support. Our services were top notch. Many feel it had to do with demographics, however, left out in that conversation is the dedicated participation the Co-op City community exhibited. We currently have two very important things happening, one being the election and the other the CENSUS!! Your failure to complete the census will have an affect on your life for the next ten (10) years. Completing the census report helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to your community for schools, roads and other public services. Results will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. Census workers are going out throughout the community; the deadline is approaching. By the way, request your absentee ballot NOW and make sure to Vote! General Election: Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – Early Voting is Saturday, October 24, 2020 – Sunday, November 1, 2020. Are you ready? If you are not registered, you can do so in person at the Bronx County Board of Elections located

on the Grand Concourse or you can call the 1-800-FORVOTE hotline to request a voter application. On Election Day, absentee ballots can be cast until 9:00 p.m. Bronx: 1780 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10457, Tel: 1-718-299-9017, Fax: 1-718-299-2140 or call: 1-866Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692) The Bronx Tourism Council had a trolley that would take you around to explore the Bronx. Recently started and hosted by the Council’s executive director Olga Luz Tirado and Bronx expert and historian Angel, Go Bronx Podcast is a 15 to 40 minute weekly podcast produced by The Bronx Tourism Council. Each episode focuses on the history and culture of one of New York City’s most diverse boroughs: The Bronx. Each episode chronicles the borough’s origins which begins in the 17th century. Visit GoBronxPod.com for more information. “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” –Congressman John Lewis I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com or by telephone at 718-320-1370.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

FYI: Plans are almost finalized for the RDL Reconnect gathering on Saturday, September 19, (rain date: September 20). We will have several raffle drawings, giveaways, picture taking and crafts. You may bring your chairs and don’t forget to wear your mask, maintain social distancing and bring your smiles that we’ve missed. We are so happy to have George Crouch back home. We truly missed his guidance during this very trying time in our lives. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements. Reminder: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, send us a note: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 19, Bronx, NY 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Also include an email address. Looking to the future, we are planning to “keep in touch” before and/or after our monthly meeting via “email.”

NAACP #2210

Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. NAACP 111th Annual Convention – “Theme: We Are Done Dying” NAACP President & CEO statement regarding the shooting of Jacob Blake NAACP Federal Lawsuit – Postmaster General of USPS NAACP recognizes Senator Kamela Harris’s Appointment “Black Voices Changes Lives” Campaign Betty Pringle elected President National Education Association (NEA) NAACP Virtual March on Washington, August 27-28, 2020 “Stop Hate for Profit” Campaign Go to NAACP.ORG or YouTube to stay informed. COVID-19 has not gone away! What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this together. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing. Census 2020: It’s not too late to “BE COUNTED.” Visit: my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. It only takes a few minutes and is vital for the wellbeing of our Co-op City community. Federal dollars affect programmatic activities for seniors, transportation, schools, health, hospitals, housing, infrastructure, economic reliefs, extended unemployment w/bonus and, most recently, the stimulus plan package. Presidential Election: If you are not registered to vote, DO IT NOW! Then Vote. Request an absent ballot or for further information, call 1-866-868-3692 or 718-299-

9017. 2020 Co-op City Branch Notice of September, October Meetings and November Election have been mailed. Executive Committee officers’ positions: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer and member-at-large; term of office is 2 years effective January 1, 2021-December 31, 2022. September 20th at 3:00 p.m., Election of Nominating Committee; October 18 at 3:00 p.m., Report of Nominating Committee & Election of Supervisory Committee; November 22 at 3:00 p.m., Elections. Meetings are on Sundays via Zoom and DialIn. We look forward to and need your participation. Members, please update records by submitting name, address, apt. #, email and home & cell number to naacpccity2210@gmail.com. Membership Dues: New, renewal or gift an annual membership: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10. Checks/money order made payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City Station 75-3111, Bronx, NY 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution in any amount, it is most appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America. “We must protest peacefully, demand persistently, and fight politically. But, most of all, WE MUST VOTE in NOVEMBER!” – Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO “The NAACP remains focused on the fight to ensure that the voice of our communities is never silenced.” –Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO –Brenda Brown

Attention! The Retirees needs experienced part-time, freelance drivers with a CDL license with Passenger endorsement with at least 3-years’ experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message. –Delores Debnam

Section 4 Partnership

Save the date! Sunday, September 27, at 3 p.m., Zoom-in to the next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City. Set your smart watches and cell phones… All are welcome… If you’d like to attend, send an email to: section4partnership@gmail.com. You do not have to live in Section 4. Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community. You are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder and resident. Section 4 Partnership Mission Statement The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come… Join us… Remember, you are already an important member of this team. You are a shareholder. You don’t have to live in Section 4. Get involved. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939. Let’s show up! Virtually! Let’s get it done! Each one of us divided by ALL of us equals a force for good… –Michelle Marbury

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City With NYC going into Phase 4, the synagogue has pushed back its opening date until September 18, 2020. This is being done to allow the synagogue to meet the safety requirements for COVID-19. The new date coincides with the start of Rosh Hashonah holiday. It is the time of the year that you should be getting your ticket for the high holidays. General Information The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B; it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have a

kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:00 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, September 5, at 8:12 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, September 11, at 6:50 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory of a

loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To all members Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in September. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in September, please send me your names and I will add them to the list. Fun and Games After services and kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health. –Bruce Gitelson

Newsong Church Divine Help

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, —Philippians 1:19 (ESV) Did you know that the same spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in those who are born-again? Jesus said that the holy spirit is our helper… 16 And I will pray the father, and he will give you another helper, that he may abide with you forever —John 14:16 (NKJV) Even though the Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison, he was confident that the holy spirit was coming alongside of him and giving him the assistance he needed when he needed it! Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit actually prays for us when we’re weak. 26 In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the spirit, because the spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. —

Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City

Rosh Hashanah Evening Rosh Hashanah Friday evening, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Morning Rosh Hashanah Saturday morning, Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service: Sunday evening, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. Morning Service: Monday, Sept. 28 – 10:00 a.m. Yiskor will be at the end of the morning service

Public Yiskor: Monday, Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m. Mincha Afternoon Service: Monday, Sept. 28, 4:00 p.m. All services will be on Zoom. You will need a smart phone, or iPad or a computer for access. We will publish the links for each service. I know most people have a book from last year. If you need one, please let me know. Call at 973-769-3915 or email: RabbiDennisTobin@aol.com. –Rabbi Dennis Tobin

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV) Sometimes we can be so focused on the circumstances that we forget that God is bigger. The holy spirit sets our minds and our hearts back on Jesus…his word, and his will! He supplies us with everything we need to face any circumstance that comes our way. He leads us through trials, he supplies us with strength, and he prays God’s will for our life! Even though the past few months have been difficult, let me reassure you that God is in control. Nothing takes him by surprise. You are not alone in this battle. You don’t have to wander aimlessly trying to figure out God’s plan. You can trust that the holy spirit will always point you in the right direction. The spirit of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you! While God is working things out, the holy spirit is supplying you with the power you need right now! ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord almighty. — Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) Do you need more of the Holy Spirit’s help? Ask him to help you in your weakness. Ask him to lead and guide you. Ask him to give you power to get through this day…It’s okay to ask! Join us via livestream this Sunday at 11 a.m., www.newsongchurchnyc.org. —Pastor Mike Tolone

Church of New Vision

Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; Always giving thanks for his goodness and mercy that He has given unto us as we stand in faith by his grace in this time and season that we are living in. We thank God for meeting the very needs of our lives and we pray that we continue to walk by faith and not by sight, and that all things will work together for our good according to his word. Let’s stay prayerful as we watch and wait for our change to come. We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the word of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube, type in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m., via telephone conference line by calling 646-7699900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity. Sunday, August 30, worship service theme: “Hold on, Don’t Draw Back. He Is Coming.” Scripture: Hebrews 10:35-39 “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Amen. –Matthew 24:26; Acts 1:7-12; 2 Peter 3:8, 11. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the bereaved families. May the love of God embrace, heal, strengthen, comfort and give you peace. –Psalm 23 Announcements If you haven’t yet done so, please complete your Census 2020 form. For information, call 844-330-2020. It’s not too late. Vote! Register to vote and vote! For information, call 866-868-3692. Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, wear a mask and stay safe! Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. –Brenda Brown

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

The “Best Things” we can do for “Us” Michelle Marbury Director’s Viewpoint

Open up… When you are “open,” you can unlock the doors to endless opportunities. Open your heart…Open your mind… Open the door to what is possible for you. Greetings, shareholders, co-operators, residents, neighbors, friends and partners. Start here… Our Votes Matter… • To follow the lead of the “Black Voters Matter” Movement, our goal and creed must be to increase power in predominantly Black and Brown communities. Effective voting allows a community to determine its own destiny. The key to effective civic engagement and community power is understanding, respecting and supporting local infrastructure. • Black and Brown voters matter not only on Election Day, but on the 364-days between election days as well. • Black and Brown voters matter *everywhere,* including rural counties and smaller cities/towns (i.e., Co-op City: a city within a city) that are often ignored by candidates, elected officials, political parties and the media. So share this with your family and friends, now; please don’t wait. Your vote for your Democracy Did you know, you can request an absentee ballot from your local Board of Elections? Did you know you can send in your vote or you can take it in person to the Board of Elections? Request your Ballot. Fill out your ballot. Deliver your ballot to 1780 Grand Concourse. Take the elevator to L4. Call the BOE, 718-299-9017. Our own infrastructure It is not only for the largely popular rallies that we must show up in big numbers; we must show up for our building associations and committees. It is easier now than ever before, you don’t even have to leave your front door. Just pull up to your computer screen and click the link. Don’t understand that? “Now’s a good time to learn,” as my grandmother used to tell us. This is how you will become informed. This is how you bring in our young people. Grab your grandson/granddaughter and have them “join the Zoom meetings with you.” Tell them you need their “techy wisdom.” This is how: we can solve our challenge of uniting the generations. When you get involved and involve your children, their children, etc., this is how the Board can grasp what you want and communicate what you want back to the governing authorities. This is how we can bring the information and knowledge back to you. Countless others are standing by, watching and listening. I am asking you to step up and do JUST-A-LITTLE- BIT more. It’s September,

Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint and fine.

committees will be in session and you will have the opportunity to join them. Each committee is chaired and co-chaired by a Riverbay Board member. Each building can and should be represented in these committees. When you “show up,” this will give you information to take back to your respective building association. You then share what you retrieve from the committee meetings with neighbors and fellow shareholders and at the next committee meeting, you bring your feedback and hopefully you will have answers and positive responses to your needs. See how this works? It’s not about putting a Board of Directors in place and then seeing what we will do. It’s about being a responsible shareholder after seating a responsible caring, knowledgeable Board (which you have done), then interacting with your Board and committees not just to complain, but to learn and to contribute your talent or the smallest of ideas and as a result of that, you will be contributing to your community and making your community a better, more sustainable place to live. You will be laying the foundation of the next 50 year celebration. Let’s go! Use the tools that will help us Reportedly, only 49% of New York City households have responded to the 2020 Census. At stake, are potentially billions of dollars in desperately needed federal funds as well as seats (with an “S”) in the House of Representatives. In our beloved Co-op City, with more than 15,000 apartments, we are not only ahead of the rest of the Bronx and New York City – we have outpaced much of the nation. But, we can do better. We need 100% participation so we claim very nickel of that $657 billion that we are entitled to. Among Co-op City’s seven tracts,

five exceed 70% in participating, and the others are not far behind — making our “city within a city” an outlier in the Bronx, where fewer than 40% in many tracts have responded to Census Bureau. It’s the little things that count Previously, I promised to talk more about the structure of building associations and their importance to this community in the weeks to come. I am doing that. Will you meet me half way by doing your part? Volunteer yourself as Floor Captain for your floor. Make a list of phone numbers of each of your neighbors, and create a list for each apartment (just on your floor), in the event of an emergency. These actions strengthen us, protect us and show our children how to live in a cooperative community. Make a copy of the list that you create. Keep it with your building association. If your building does not have its association in place, then you do it. Need help? Come aboard a Zoom Meeting with another building association. I am happy to offer the services of Building 21 and the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City. Look for those articles and it’s as easy as sending us an email. We are here to help. This is our duty collectively. This is how we use what we’ve got, to get what we want, and have what we need going forward. This is our chance to save this community for generations to come. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com. Shareholder, Co-op City community, it has never meant more than now. Let’s get it done! Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good.

Assemblyman Benedetto sponsors mammography van for Co-op City

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(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

No activities are available Labor Day

No activities are available

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

Bereavement Hour 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., via phone only Weight Management Support Call 929-299-1045, Code: 1387 Group w/Gigi 2nd Wed. of the month, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Must call or email to register Conference call: 929-299-1045, for all other activities: Code: 1386 929-399-1387

Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Fall Prevention w/Terry Webb @ 11:30 a.m. Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

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

Fri., Sept. 11

Tues., Sept. 8

Einstein

Wed., Sept. 9

Bartow

Thu., Sept. 10

Mon., Sept. 7

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

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

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

No activities are available

Music Therapy 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Zoom call-in number: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563

Meditation w/ Charles Tyler 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. To join the Zoom meeting, go to: https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 +1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Concerts in Motion 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. To join the Zoom meeting, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/869916 40881 Or you can dial in by phone: +1-646-558-8656 (New York) +1-312-626-6799 US Meeting ID is: 869 9164 0881

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

Goose Island Seniors

Words from the Goose Island President – The Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. is still temporarily closed. We will be closed until it is safe to reopen. Please be patient and continue to do what you should to stay safe. The safest place to be is in your home. I know it is difficult, but you are not alone. All of us are feeling what you are. Wearing masks and social distancing can make you feel depressed and separated from society. While wearing a mask, walk with your head up and greet people with a good morning, afternoon, or evening while passing. If you meet a friend, don’t be afraid to talk with them from a safe distance. This will help eradicate your feeling of loneliness. When at home, call a friend when you need to. See you soon, hopefully. To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of September:

Mary Harvey, Mary Smith, Evelisse Santiago, Miledy Martinez, Alma Alequin, Veratta Rhames, Bettie Ward, Gladys Perry, Joyce P. Wilson, Beryl Hines, Ola Waymmann and Carlton Lawrence. Sick or Shut-in – Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) misses everyone and says hello. She is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center. She will love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816. Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx NY 10475, Section 5 Community Center. Phone number: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed. You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. These are unusual times. All our lives are altered. Let’s pray this will end soon. On behalf of my officers and myself, try to stay safe. –Stephen Roberts, Jr.

Upcoming Events

JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the upcoming Virtual Activities – August 2020 Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi – 2nd Wed. of the month, 1-2 p.m. Conference call: 929299-1045, Code: 1386. Game Day – Starting Wed., September 9, and every Wed., 1–2 p.m., in collaboration with Ms. Margaret Kempe and a group of her fellow students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale High School. The class is called Virtual GAME DAY, where different types of games will be played each week including Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 to register for the class and to receive Zoom information. Every Wed., Tai Chi classes – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5d2 4rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09, Mobile 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576. Every Friday, Concerts in Motion, 1-2 p.m., Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82906881632, Dial in by phone: 646.558.8656, Meeting ID: 829-0688-1632 Join Zoom Yoga Class w/Sierra available every Tuesday until Dec. 29th, 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98404647097?pwd=RXg2WCtqNzlEa0JLVWtWN3VWa1JPZz09, Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022. Technology Class – Smartphone & Tablet class w/Ralph available every Thursday until November 5, 1 – 2 p.m. To register, call the JASA office, 718-320-2066, and give your email address and telephone #. Ralph will send you the Zoom link Elder Abuse Presentation – Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. Zoom meeting: Via Zoom Dial in by phone: 1-929205-6099, Meeting ID: 925 7053 8186, Passcode: 108912. “Getting Your Affairs in Order” – 3-day workshop facilitated by Hattie Lucas via Zoom Meeting., Fri., September 18, and Mon., September 21, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Thursday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please call 929-399-1387 or email: amoncrieffe@jasa.org to register. Only 15 seats available. Disaster Preparedness 101 Presentation w/Tony Barzelatto – Zoom Meeting, Monday, September 14, 1 - 2:00 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/98398206940?pwd=c0JWclFHRVh HNHI0Mi9uVFkrKy9YQT, Meeting ID: 983 9820 6940, Passcode: 916350; One tap mobile: +1-929-205-6099 Medicare Presentation – Learn about Medicare basic w/Dorette Brown MPA, Mon., September 14, 3 – 4 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/ 96819954493?pwd=VVQvZC83MWR4cXdPK09VRU 1ZRHNRUT09, Meeting ID: 968 1995 4493, Passcode: 177146, One tap mobile +1-929-205-6099. Alzheimer’s Awareness Day Presentation – “A Caregiver Story,” Mon., September 21, 1-2:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91532647268 ?pwd=aFl0QWRUUDNVRGtwYWhadnBXYy85U T09, Meeting ID: 915 3264 7268, Passcode: 268466; One tap mobile: 1 9292056099. Must register, limited space for this workshop. Call: 1-929-399-1387. Einstein & Dreiser Loop Senior Centers presents “A Hispanic American Story” – Fri., September 25, 2-4 p.m. A celebration of Hispanic culture & contribution to the American Society. Zoom & telephone information TBA.

Scheduling Activities Calendar All NYPL locations will be closed until further notice. During this time, fines are suspended and due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please make sure to check out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

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

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Leah Richardson Director’s Viewpoint

First and foremost, I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to the Boseman family. Who would have ever thought we’d lose Chadwick and Kobe in the same year. The news of his death was truly heartbreaking. Chadwick Boseman was the first Black action hero. He was a great actor, great humanitarian, and gave so much to his craft, to the culture, to the arts and entertainment, he gave enough to last a lifetime. When you hear the term “warrior,” he truly was a warrior! How many people enduring what he went through would have been the consummate professional, in performing in a number of epic films, would have done so without complaint? No one ever knew that he was ill because he never allowed it to affect his professionalism. Nor did he use his illness as a crutch to prevent him accomplishing his goals and dreams; it’s as though he knew he had a higher calling to fulfill in the time given to him. I’ve heard it said that it’s not the number of years in your life that count, but the life in your number of years. Lessons from Chadwick: You never know what a person is going through. People are literally dying right in front of your eyes and because they don’t speak it, you can’t see it. Last night, I asked GOD to give me eyes that see what he sees. We have to be careful how we treat people. Some folks are just trying to live another day while entertaining you in

Wakanda Forever…

the process. Chadwick never let his work be impacted by his struggle. Can you imagine making seven movies in between chemo and surgeries? That is what PURPOSE looks like. He was graced for the battle. Rest in Peace, dear heart. Your journey was not in vain. WAKANDA FOREVER!!!! Let’s rock the vote!!! There is so much unrest, violence and uncertainty plaguing our nation that it is difficult to focus on doing much of anything. Since the pandemic locked everyone inside, separated even from loved ones nearing death, we have heard one phrase over and over: “We’re all in this together.” Recent events suggest this is true only in the context of the disease. Outside of that, too many of us remain captive to what divides us and are still willing to settle for this wretched state of affairs. This is why we must exercise our right to vote. It is a basic right of citizenship in a democratic society. Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in elections. Voting is a powerful tool with which citizens vote for their political leaders, as well as not vote for those who may not represent their interests or aspirations. Vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 New York voters can also vote before Election Day. The early voting period runs from Saturday, October 24, 2020 to Sunday, November 1, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. However, as of August 28, 2020, according to Vote Early New York, New York has not yet released its early voting plan. You may also visit https://www.voteearlyny.org/#!Bronx or https://vote. nyc/page/absentee-voting.

What to bring If you’ve voted in New York before, you don’t need to provide ID to vote. If you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn’t provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot. Count me in Co-op City is succeeding in the census for much of the Bronx and New York City, including the nation. We must continue to spread the word and encourage everyone to fill out the census. Let’s get a 100% count. There are potentially billions of dollars in desperately needed federal funds as well as seats in the House Representatives. We want a piece of the pie. We are a community of 15,000 apartments and we should all be counted. These funds can help our residents with programs and activities for the seniors and youths in the community, including programs such as Medicaid, Medicare Part B, State Children’s Health Insurance, and the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Census data also helps communities respond to natural disasters and secure funding and fire departments. Please shareholders, be vigilant and have a safe Labor Day weekend. Don’t forget to wear your mask! Be safe, be well! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

Open Door Ministries

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Spiritual Food for Thought: The changes that you have endured were and are necessary to prepare the way for that which is to come. There must be an end of the old order before the beginning of the new order. This transition has been in process for quite some time, and now you will begin to see the culmination. Do not fear. God has been with you in the hard times and the easy times, and he will be with you as long as you are in him. God will give you that which you need. He will bring his word into your life with such strength and power that it will become the lens through which you look. And, as you view your circumstances and the things that are taking place around you through God’s lens, you will have the understanding of which way to go. Bishop-elect Landrum, co-Pastor Carol Landrum, and the Greater Love Christian church family invite you to worship with us virtually on GoToMeeting.com each Sunday. Our schedule for tomorrow, Sept. 6, is as follows: First Sunday scripture teaching with Deacon Harvey Fullwood. This month’s topic: Church Unity in the New Normal Virtual Reality, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m. From your computer, tablet, or smartphone, https://www.gotomeet.me/ GreaterLoveChurch You can also dial in using your phone: United States: +1 (786) 535-3211; Access Code: 463-256-381. Children, Young Adult & Adult Sunday School Classes will resume next week. Greater Love’s Prayer Line is held each Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and on Thursday evenings from 9 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The DialIn number is 351-999-3024; no access code is required. Even though we are not gathering in our church building for now, our virtual meetings still afford you the opportunity to experience fellowship and the love of Christ. If you have questions or concern, you can leave a message on the church phone at 347-920-5607 and your call will be returned. Keep up-to-date with us by visiting our website: greaterloverefugeministries.org. Your prayer requests can also submitted via our site (contact us). We pray that you are safe and in good health in this season. If you have experienced a loss or illness, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers for comfort and healing. Prayers are also lifted up for our children, students, parents, grandparents and teachers as we approach the beginning of another school year that is already filled with uncertainty and frustrations stemming from the remnants of COVID-19. We urge you to remain prayerful, watchful, prudent, and patient while we wait on wise counsel from our Heavenly Father. Stay encouraged! –Pastor Carol Auguiste

From Bondage to Freedom - The “Fatal Sequence” (Full sermon at opendoorministries.net) Quoted in a 1943 speech “Industrial Management in a Republic” by H.W. Prentis: Each of the great civilizations of the world passed through a series of stages from their birth to their decline to their death. Historians have listed the following ten stages. What if you applied this to your Spiritual Life? The first stage moves from bondage to spiritual faith; Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. The second from spiritual faith to great courage; Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The third stage moves from great courage to liberty; Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. The fourth stage moves from liberty to abundance; Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” The fifth stage moves from abundance to selfishness; James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. The sixth stage moves from selfishness to complacency; Zephaniah 1:12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.’ The seventh stage moves from complacency to apathy; Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. The eighth stage moves from apathy to moral decay; James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. The ninth stage moves from moral decay to dependence; Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. And the tenth and last stage moves from dependence to bondage; James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, gives birth to death. Contact Pastor Luis by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. for worship service on Zoom. You can join us by Zoom Video https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. Wednesday Bible Study is on hiatus and will return on Wednesday, September 16. To join in, use the Zoom information shown above. Thursday Prayer Warriors is on hiatus and will resume on Thursday, September 17, at 12 p.m. You can join using the Conference Call Line: 563-999-2090, Pin #: 660065. Friday Noon Prayer will resume on Friday, September 18, at 12 p.m. You can join us using the conference line shown above. Friday Evening Prayer Service is on hiatus and will resume on Friday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the conference line shown above. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 20, at 9:30 a.m. Use conference line shown above to join in. On Sunday, September 13, we will celebrate Family and Friends Day at our service. Additionally, we will honor grandparents as this is also National Grandparents’ Day. You’re invited to join us using the Zoom information shown above. If you did not submit your response to the census, it is not too late. Everyone needs to be counted. The number of responses determines the amount of federal refunding received for the next ten years. If you did not respond, please do so ASAP. Flu season is coming, don’t forget to get your flu shot. If you have not had Shingles, you should also consider getting the Shingles vaccine. Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear a mask, practice social distancing and stay safe! God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y 10475 Services are on hold in the sanctuary until further notice. To join online, call 9789905475; Access code: 8548095. Sundays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Bible study, Wednesdays, at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, worship and prayer service, at 7:30 p.m. God is touched by the problems and difficulties of His people, and He will rescue them from oppression. Exodus 6, 6 -7 Wherefore, say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements. And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. While leading bleating sheep along the backside of the desert, and after arriving at Mount Horeb, Moses witnessed an amazing sight, a burning bush that was not burned by fire. A voice addressed Moses from the bush commanding him to remove his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. There God revealed himself to Moses and gave him the command to go and tell Pharaoh to let my people go. The Hebrew children had been reduced to slavery in a foreign nation; the pathetic cry of the Hebrews had not gone unnoticed. A loving, compassionate God delivered them by raising up a miracle man, Moses. God providentially rescued Moses from certain death as an infant, allowed him to be raised in the Egyptians palace, received proper nursing care and later received very good Education. However, Moses had to leave Egypt and spend several years in the wilderness caring for his father-in-law’s sheep. Then God called him and prepared him with a miraculous ministry, (Exodus 6:13, 30) And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out the land of Egypt. Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? God sent Moses to Pharaoh to secure the release of the Israelite slaves, obstinately refusing to comply with Moses’ request, Pharaoh saw his kingdom ruined around him by God’s judgments. After the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrews to leave. However, he pursued them, and his army was destroyed in the Red Sea. Today, God still hears our cry for help; He knows our emotional and physical pain. He will hear our prayers and deliver us. Therefore, let us continue to put our trust in God for complete deliverance from this deadly COVID-19. We are praying for all who have been affected and lost family members during this crisis. God bless you all, keep the faith. –Rev. R. Sibblies

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

“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” –Psalm 91:91.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation. All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service. We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.) Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo SánchezOrta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256, or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com. Remote Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing. We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/umcofcoopcity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com. Our Remote Services via Zoom – Sunday at 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 2 p.m. (English) Remote Schedule for our weekly services – Come and receive a blessing via Zoom Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English), Pray and Reflection Service Thursday, 7 p.m. (English), small group Bible Study with Pastor Jackie Friday, 8 p.m. (English), 4.12 Youth Services Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) We are working very hard to try to reopen the church building for services. We are waiting for direction and we will let you all know as soon as we can move forward. Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government issued, upto-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register. Blessings, –Marta Medina

Public Safety

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020 (Continued from page 7)

life saving tips to use until help arrives. Visit the website, www.firstaid.about.com, for useful information about when and how to call 9-1-1. Very young children can be taught when and how to call 9-1-1. There are recorded instances of children as young as 2 years old effectively calling 9-1-1 and receiving life saving help. It is essential that children are aware of what type of emergency requires calling 9-1-1. Calling 9-1-1 because you cannot find your favorite toy is not appropriate. Visit the website, www.kidshealth.org, for activities for children to familiarize them with when and how to call 9-1-1. Remember if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, phone a friend who has not consumed any alcohol or call an Uber or another ride share service. Also be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. I would like to give a special shout-out to all cooperators I have spoken to over the phone during the past few weeks, especially those who have suggested topics for future articles. Thank you for continuing to follow the recommendations put out by the CDC, New York State Governor, New York City Mayor and Riverbay Corporation. To all my dedicated readers, remain patient and stay safe. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street, while maintaining a 6-foot distance. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be “Co-op City Strong.”

Subletting Co-op City apartments violates lease agreement and is grounds for eviction BY ROZAAN BOONE

Shareholders who cease maintaining their Co-op City apartments as their primary residence or sublet their apartments face eviction in accordance with the terms of their occupancy agreement and state regulations. According to the occupancy agreement of the Riverbay Corporation, which is signed by every new incoming shareholder, the shareholder agrees: “Not to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, encumber or create any charge upon this Agreement, nor sublet the leased premises or any part thereof or cause the leased premises or any part thereof or suffer the same to be used for any business, commercial or professional purposes or for any purposes other than as a private dwelling apartment of the primary residence of the Member and his immediate family.” Section “FOURTH,” Subsection 10. Increasingly, ads have been showing up on Craigslist and other websites reportedly advertising apartments either for sale or sublet in Co-op City, as well as apartments being used for illicit business endeavors. Riverbay’s Legal department emphasizes that shareholders cannot sublet their apartment because it must be used as their primary dwelling. For the most part, vigilant neighbors report abuses to the occupancy agreement to their CSO Office. They oftentimes report when the shareholder of record has moved out, and is illegally subletting the apartment, or when there’s a lot of traffic in and out of an apartment at all times of the day and night. Complaints to the CSO office may be made anonymously and should contain as much details as possible. Helpful information, if known, includes approximate date the shareholder moved out, where the shareholder moved to, names and family composition of illegal subletters or any other information that may help establish that the shareholder has moved out of the apartment. Riverbay investigates complaints of possible illegal subletting or an illegal business operating out of an apartment and, if reasonably confirmed, legal action is commenced to evict the shareholder. If a shareholder is evicted for violating the primary residence provision of the lease, the shareholder faces costs and fees, including loss of equity; attorney fees; court costs; marshal fees; locksmith fees; moving and storage costs and possible adverse credit ratings and difficulty finding another apartment.

Charcoal & gas BBQ grills not permitted in Co-op City New York City Fire Code is a law defining fire safety requirements that apply to all people and places in the city, and includes rules about outdoor barbecuing which are strictly enforced in Co-op City’s 35 high-rise, multi-family residential buildings and grounds. Section 307.5.3 of the Fire Code states: “Portable outdoor barbecues shall not be stored or used within 10 feet of any combustible waste, combustible material, or any combustible building surface, including combustible roofs and decks.” Since Co-op City balconies do not have the required 10’ clearance, grills that cause open flames such as charcoal grills are prohibited. Gas or propane grills are prohibited in multi-family dwellings. In fact, the city’s Fuel Gas Code prohibits storage of standard propane on balconies, roof decks, backyards or in a courtyard. The Fire Code stipulates that all grills must be used outdoors. Co-op City rules and regulations do not permit barbecuing in the community’s public spaces, the greenways or playgrounds. In addition to high-rise residents, shareholders who live in townhouses are also allowed to have only electric grills. Riverbay’s junior property managers and property managers from the Cooperator Services Offices (CSO) conduct buildings and grounds inspections throughout the property, and have found evidence of disregard for the Fire Code by some shareholders as it relates to charcoal grills on their balconies, most likely because they may be unaware, according to Riverbay’s Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe! • Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door. • Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises. • Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked. • Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible. • Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD.

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

“People might not be aware of the issues involved with using a gas or charcoal grill on their balcony,” said Mr. Barzelatto. “Gas and charcoal grills are definitely not allowed by the Fire Code. And even with an electric grill which shareholders are allowed to have in Co-op City, anything that accumulates grease should be carefully watched. You should definitely not have anything else on the terrace especially anything combustible such as chairs, tables, tablecloths, paper products, anything that can burn. While cooking on your balcony, windows and doors should be closed and you must be cognizant of the dangers so you need to have a lot of steps in place even if using an electric grill including remembering to unplug it after use.” The Safety director continued, “We also insist shareholders have an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher which they can purchase at any of the larger hardware chains. It is good for grease, paper, wood, liquids, gases, trash, solvents and electrical fires – they are extremely versatile.” Mr. Barzelatto added that in addition to having a fire extinguisher on the balcony when using an electric grill, the fire extinguisher should be accessibly stored where it can be easily reached in case of an emergency, not behind the grill where you wouldn’t be able to get to it if it’s needed. More importantly, he advises, read the instructions and know how to use the fire extinguisher ahead of time instead of trying to read the instructions during an emergency. “And, should an emergency occur, call 911 first before using your fire extinguisher,” Mr. Barzelatto said. Vanessa Aldea, director of the Riverbay Cooperator Services Office, explained that all Co-op City balconies have GFCI outlets or ground-fault circuit interrupters, essentially a circuit breaker that shuts off electric power if there is a ground-fault emergency, and helps prevent electrocutions. “During our inspections, we walk through the property going from building to building looking for conditions that need to be addressed,” said Ms. Aldea. “We want everyone to be safe so if you have a gas or charcoal grill on your terrace, it would be best to remove it to avoid penalties.” The National Fire Prevention Association (NEPA) reports that between 2014-2018, there were more than 10,500 home fires started by grills annually on average. July is the peak month for grill fires. According to the US Fire Administration, grill fires on residential properties are responsible for an estimated annual average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss. Thirty-two percent of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screen-in porches or courtyards and an additional 24% start on exterior balconies and unenclosed porches. All shareholders receive a copy of the community’s rules and regulations as they go through the Riverbay application process and new cooperator orientation. The message is also reiterated through seasonal postings in the Co-op City Times and available year-round on the Riverbay Crawler as reminders to residents. The Riverbay Crawler can be accessed on channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Optimum.

Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

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Co-op City Times / September 5, 2020

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

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