Co-op City Times 9/18/2021

Cooper Place gas update See pg 8

Vol. 56 No. 38

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Riverbay Management Discusses e-Scooter ‘Problem’ With DOT

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Electric scooters officially rolled into Co-op City on Tuesday, August 17, thanks to a new pilot program led by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Still, since then, the scooters have been more of a nuisance than a convenience for the community.

On Thursday, September 16, Riverbay Management met with members of DOT via Zoom to express concerns and grievances regarding the scooter program in Co-op City.

According to Riverbay’s Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, scooters have been left everywhere and anywhere, even in a building lobby since the start of the program. He said, “It’s becoming an issue with the residents, and we have an elderly population here.”

Noel Ellison, Riverbay’s General Manager, expressed concerns regarding (Continued on page 8)

Public hearing for 801 Co-op City Blvd. set for Sept. 27

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

New York City Board of Standard and Appeals (NYCBSA) will hold a hybrid-style public hearing for the application regarding 801 Co-op City Boulevard on Monday-Tuesday, September 27-28, 2021, respectively.

The public will be able to participate both in-person and virtually through a Zoom meeting. More details will be forthcoming as they are released.

Developers seeking construction of a new diagnostic treatment facility accompanying Bay Park Nursing Home want to obtain a special permit from the NYCBSA to reduce additional street parking. A BSA hearing on this matter (Continued on page 2)

Two New York Judges Temporarily Block Vaccine Mandates for Healthcare and DOE employees

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Both a New York state federal judge and Manhattan Supreme Court judge issued orders on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 that temporarily block the state vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and the city’s vaccine mandate for all NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) employees.

In Utica, 17 healthcare professionals sued New York State on the grounds that their Constitutional and Human Rights were violated by the state’s vaccine mandate, which does not allow religious exemptions. Judge David Hurd

$1.25

Directions for joining the HCR Virtual Carrying Charge Conference Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

Meeting ID: 146 155 5199 Meeting Password: HCrJy2p9Xp5 (42759279 from phones) To join from mobile devices or computer: 1. Go to https://bit.ly/2YUIi9e OR https://riverbaycorp.webex.com/riverbaycorp/j.php?MTID=madb84f72de55e6b40e725abff92ff7dc 2. If requested, enter your name and email address 3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password 4. Click “Join” 5. Follow the instructions that

appear on your screen To join by audio/telephone Call the number below and enter the access code. +1-415-655-0001 US Toll To join from a video system/ application Dial: 1461555199@riverbaycorp.webex.com. You may also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your event number To join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business Dial: 1461555199.riverbaycorp@ lync.webex.com

Virtual Carrying Charge Conference is this Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Co-op City shareholders who have not yet weighed in on the proposed 2% carrying charge increase slated for implementation on Jan. 1, 2022 will have an opportunity to do so in-person when the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) hosts a virtual Webex conference this coming Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Mailed and emailed correspondence (postmarked/dated on or before Tuesday, Sept. 21) can still be submitted also to the state supervisory agency, HCR, directed as follows: George Simon (george.simon@nyshcr.org) New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Financial Operations, OHP 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 (Continued on page 8)

Key To NYC Program Began Enforcement This Week

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City students returned to in-person learning in the classroom on Monday, September 13, as parents continue to express concerns regarding the deadly Delta variant which continues to spread throughout the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "There are kids who have not been in a classroom in a year and a half, and they deserve better."

For the first time in 18-months, NYC public schools reopened for in-person learning, but not without a few setbacks.

Since August 17, individuals who are 12 years old or older must show proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter any indoor dining, entertainment or fitness venue.

The policy is the main component of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Key to NYC program, which requires individuals to show proof of at least one vaccine dose, or otherwise called a Key to NYC Pass, in order to enter indoor venues. Mayor de Blasio announced the program last month hoping to encourage people to get vaccinated so that they can enjoy some of the luxuries they were used to before the pandemic.

The Key to NYC Pass itself is not an actual form of physical documentation, but more so the establishment of a new health standard. Individuals simply have to show proof of vaccination and an ID with the same identifying information as their vaccination proof. That proof can be in a few forms: a vaccination card, the Excelsior Pass or the free NYC COVID SAFE app, which uploads a copy of the user’s photo ID, vaccination card and any negative COVID-19 diagnostic test. The Excelsior Pass and NYC COVID SAFE apps can both be found for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

(Continued on page 5)

(Continued on page 4)

(Continued on page 4)

NYC Schools Reopen

Supreme Court issues temp order for vaccine mandates

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Hearing

Continued from page 1)

was held on July 22.

In May, the Executive Board members of Community Board #10 met via a virtual public hearing to vote on a housing and zoning proposal regarding 801 Co-op City Blvd. Ultimately, 23 members of the committee who were in attendance unanimously voted to oppose the permit application.

During the virtual meeting, CB#10 expressed many concerns, especially regarding parking and lack thereof.

After committee members voted to oppose, CB#10’s committee chairperson, Joseph Russo, sent an official letter on their decision to Margery Pearlmutter, chairperson of NYCBSA. The letter reads: “As you know, the only viable way to reach Co-op City is by car. Therefore, daily vehicular traffic is some of the worst in the city of New York and this application is requesting that we permit a reduction of required accessory off-street parking spaces.”

Mr. Russo also noted that the applicant didn’t clarify why a reduction of over 100 off-street parking at the location is needed. He said, “On-street parking on Co-op City Boulevard and Dreiser Loop cannot and should not be the alternative.”

As of the May meeting, Todd Dale, Esq. of Rothkrug, Rothkrug & Spector, LLP, confirmed that there was no tenant for the location. He also clarified that parking outside of the property belongs to the city, therefore, will remain. He further explained that there is no fee for parking on the premises, but that could be considered in the future and would likely be only for attendant parking. He also noted that it is not feasible to construct basement parking at the site due to the soil.

The site is on the north side of Co-op City Blvd. and shares the same property that Bay Park Nursing Home owns. The six-story structure to be built will have three floors; one thru three will include accessory and valet parking, while floors five thru 6 will hold the medical office space.

NYCBSA is located at 22 Reade Street in Manhattan, for those who wish to attend the public hearing in-person. More information will be disseminated as details are confirmed.

Please Continue Practicing COVID-19 Safety Precautions. We’re Not In The Clear Yet!

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

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

Call:

718.671.7226

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

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Co-op City Times 2nd COMBING

Circle of Christ Church and Riverbay Corp. Present Back-to-School Giveaway

BY PHILLIP McCOY

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

Second Annual Ragamuffin Halloween Parade

Save the date: Saturday, October 30. Line-up for the 2nd Annual Co-op City Ragamuffin Halloween Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. by the Section 1 Greenway Stage. The parade will start at 1 p.m. Masks are required.

Prizes will be awarded by age group for the best costume and the best family theme. Come dressed to impress.

Special Food Pantry and Bazaar, Saturday, Oct. 9 Riverbay Corporation and Agatha House will present a special Food Distribution and Bazaar on Saturday, October 9, 1 p.m. by the Section 1 Greenway stage area.

All participants must wear a mask and observe social distancing. Please bring a bag and shopping cart to transport your items home.

Hutch. River Cleanup

Hutchinson River Restoration Project is sponsoring a canoe cleanup at the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary, tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Meeting location: City Island Road and Shore Road (Bx29 bus stop).

Canoes, tools, gloves, bags and snacks and water will be provided.

Bring a reuseable container and comfy shoes. Ride a canoe or stay on shore. Register: https://bit.ly/HRRP_ Cleanup Website: www.hrrp.org; Facebook: @hutchinsonrrp; Instagram @hutchprotector

CC Double Dutch

Now on Saturdays only, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., boys and girls of all ages, from zero – 82, are invited to participate!

If you are interested, come to the Section 1 Greenway stage near 140 Benchley Place. All attendees must wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

This activity is sponsored by Riverbay Corporation and the National Double Dutch League.

Front Page

On Friday, September 10, Circle of Christ Church, in cooperation with Riverbay Corporation, presented a Back-toSchool event for Co-op City youth. Held on the Co-op City greenway near the stage, the event provided Co-op residents with a jump start to the new school year.

Participating churches and organizations included Newsong Church, Co-op City chapter of the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), CARES (Collaborative Assessment Response Engagement and Support), East Side Houses food pantry, NYC Test and Trace, Agatha House and, of course, Circle of Christ Church. They joined in contributing school supplies, masks, hand sanitizer, food, and more.

More than 400 young students went home with new backpacks, books, and art supplies of their choosing. The churches also offered prayers and spiritual guidance to any-

one who requested it.

Commemorating the upcoming 20th anniversary of 9/11, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey requested everyone to “do something nice for somebody… in honor of those amazing Americans that we lost on 9/11.” He was joined by Councilman Kevin Riley who maintained that “we need to stay together if we’re going to bring back our community,” and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, who expressed: “We are the solution; we need to create the jobs and spaces for young people.’’ She went on to thank the religious leaders for their contributions to the event.

A big thank you to New York City Health and Hospitals’ Test and Trace Corps for bottles of hand sanitizer and KN95 masks. As Co-op’s children made their way back to in-person school, the event supported a healthy and safe year of learning.

Photos by Phillip McCoy (See page 5 for more photos)

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Enforcement “This gives every one of the customers the knowledge that they are safe, the employees know they’re safe. It’s everyone moving forward to bring our city back. And for those unvaccinated, you’ve got to make the move now,” Mayor de Blasio said to reporters on Monday.

“We cannot let the fact that those who are unvaccinated are, unfortunately, creating the problem. We’ve got to work with everyone to get them vaccinated. Key to NYC helps us once and for all to fight off the Delta variant and defeat COVID and move forward as a city,” the Mayor went on to say.

Employees working at any indoor venue that requires a Key to NYC Pass for entry are also required to show proof of at least one vaccine dose in order to continue entering their workplace.

Businesses also must display at least one “Vaccination Required” poster in their business’s window, which explains the mandate to customers.

Notably, dining venues with no indoor seating are exempt from the Key to NYC mandate requirements as well as dining venues where food is consumed offsite or exclusively outdoors. Individuals entering a restaurant to place or pick up an order will not have to show proof of at least one vaccine dose in order to do so.

Responsibility for enforcing the Key to NYC Pass will be divided among 13 city agencies. The agencies will be tasked with visiting businesses across the city to make sure that safety procedures are being followed, that signs about the vaccine requirement are displayed

Mandate

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 (Continued from page 1)

where customers can see and that businesses are effectively checking for proof of vaccination of both their customers and staff.

While the NYPD is not one of the city agencies involved with enforcement, the following agencies are: the FDNY, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Health, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the NYC Sheriff’s Office, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, and the Parks Department.

Below is a detailed list of the venues that will require a Key to NYC Pass, according to the city: Indoor Dining Venues ● Bakeries ● Bars ● Cabarets ● Cafeterias ● Catering halls ● Coffee shops ● Event spaces ● Fast food/quick service with indoor dining ● Grocery stores with indoor dining ● Hotel banquet rooms ● Nightclubs ● Restaurants Indoor Fitness Venues ● Dance studios ● Fitness centers

● Fitness classes ● Gyms ● Indoor studios ● Pools ● Sports classes Indoor Entertainment Venues ● Adult entertainment ● Aquariums and zoos ● Arcades ● Bowling alleys ● Casinos ● Convention centers ● Exhibition halls ● Indoor play areas ● Indoor stadiums ● Movie theaters ● Museums and galleries ● Music and concert venues ● Performing arts theaters ● Pool and billiard halls ● Professional sports arenas ● Recreational game centers Co-op City residents who were vaccinated at the city’s mega vaccination site at the Dreiser Auditorium in Co-op City and have been unable to download the Excelsior Pass are advised to use “Manhattan” when asked during the application process which county they were vaccinated in, not “the Bronx.” Manhattan is the location of the vaccine provider’s headquarters.

(Continued from page 1)

gave the state until September 22 to respond to the lawsuit, otherwise an oral hearing would be held on September 28.

The state announced the healthcare worker vaccine mandate last month on August 28. Under the mandate, all healthcare workers at hospitals and nursing homes in New York must have at least one vaccine dose by September 27.

Despite the lawsuit, New York still supports its vaccine mandate and intends on defending its legal case for a mandate in court, according to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The state is also prepared to supply resources for any facility that potentially loses employees over the mandate, the governor said.

“People need to start realizing that when you stand up and say you want to be a public health official in any capacity, you have to be healthy yourselves,” Governor Hochul said on Wednesday during a COVID-19 briefing. “Yes, there will be some individuals who will try to defy this. There will be court decisions that we’ll appeal – we’re going to continue appealing those and try to appeal on the merits. It’s the smart thing to do. We have to continue the mandates. I’m not going to let this be a problem for the state of New York.”

Patients at hospitals and nursing homes should not have to worry “that they could contract a virus from somebody who is supposed to protect their health,” Governor Hochul went on to say.

The vaccine mandate in New York City for all DOE employees is facing similar legal opposition after Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Laurence L. Love temporarily blocked the mandate this week until September 22.

New York City’s municipal unions are spearheading the lawsuit against the mandate, which would require all DOE employees to have at least one vaccine dose by September 27.

“While we do believe our members should get the vaccine, we do not believe it should be a condition of employment. Clearly, the courts agree. The fight is not over, but we are energized by this decision and ready to keep going on behalf of our members,” Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37, said in a statement following the Manhattan Supreme Court ruling.

However, the city still plans on implementing the mandate on September 27.

“It doesn’t change our approach. It’s a very temporary action to get to the court date where the actual case will be heard. We’re very, very confident in our legal position. So, we’re just continuing to build the framework for full implementation on the 27th,” Mayor de Blasio said to reporters on Wednesday.

A City Hall spokesperson echoed the Mayor’s message later that day in a statement given to the New York Post.

“New York City’s education worker vaccine mandate, which has been embraced by the White House, goes into effect on September 27. The court’s action expires on September 22,” the City Hall spokesperson told the Post.

While the legality of both the state and city vaccine mandates are currently being challenged, a new CDC study that tracked over 600,000 COVID-19 cases from April to July across 13 states revealed data that is alarming for unvaccinated individuals.

The study released its results last Friday and found that since the Delta variant has become the most common variant, unvaccinated individuals are four and a half times more likely to get infected than fully vaccinated individuals. Additionally, the study found that unvaccinated individuals were

10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 when compared to fully vaccinated people.

“Getting vaccinated protects against severe illness from COVID-19, including the Delta variant,” the CDC said in their report. “Rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were substantially higher in persons not fully vaccinated compared with those in fully vaccinated persons.”

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Schools

Continued from page 1)

Unlike last year, students do not have remote or hybrid learning options during this school year. Due to this news, in the days leading up to school reopening, parents protested as COVID-19, and the spread of the Delta variant, remains a major concern.

“Kids need to be back in school for their mental health, their physical health, their ability to develop socially, and for so many reasons,” said Mayor de Blasio.

As of Monday, according to reports, students’ attendance rate was over 82 percent, data that only included a small amount of NYC schools.

To combat a rise in COVID cases in the classroom, along with wearing masks, the Department of Education is implementing “Surveillance” testing every other week in each school building. In addition, it will test 10 percent of students at random.

However, during the first week of school, several COVID cases have already been reported in NYC classrooms, and the DOE’s Health Screening system website for students, staff, and visitors entering DOE buildings crashed as thousands logged in simultaneously on the first day of school. The shutdown left many to screen via paper forms or answering questions onsite verbally.

DOE is asking all visitors and students to fill out the screening each day before arrival, and to show their results before entering the buildings.

At the same time, according to the DOE’s Daily COVID Case Map and Sit-

uation Room Summaries, as of 6 p.m. on September 15, there’s a total of 185 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases throughout the school system.

In what was already an eventful week, on Tuesday, the Manhattan Supreme Court blocked the city’s newly announced vaccine mandate for city employees – including the DOE. The new order was recently put in place by Mayor de Blasio, requiring all teachers and staffers to receive at least one vaccine shot by September 27 as a condition of employment. Many NYC teachers protested the vaccine mandate shortly following news of the mandate.

The vaccine mandate is suspended until September 22, and cites that the city is “temporarily restrained from implementing” the order. But according to news reports, for now, the temporary suspension still doesn’t change the broad terms and timeline of the mandate.

Mayor de Blasio told reporters after the verdict: “It doesn’t change our approach. It’s very temporary. We are very confident in our legal position. We’re building the framework for full implementation on the 27th.”

Some DOE workers may apply for medical or religious exemptions to the mandate.

As of late last week, NY Gov. Kathleen Hochul announced a requirement of masks for child and day care centers.

More Highlights from Co-op City Back-to-School event

Photos by Phillip McCoy

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

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

Letter to the Editor

Saving Money on Bathroom Leaks To the Editor: In many apartments, the bathroom and kitchen have a common double wall where the pipe feeding both rooms are run. To get to see where a leak is coming from, Maintenance staff must remove the medicine cabinet.

In July, I noticed signs of a leak in my bathroom. After Maintenance removed the medicine cabinet, it was determined that the leak was coming from the floor above. The next day, they got access to the apartment above and fixed the leak.

This left both me and the shareholder above with holes around the medicine cabinets which require a plasterer and painter do work in both apartments. Given the problem Riverbay is having with its appointment system, I finally got a plaster appointment for Sept. 24, 2021.

On Sept. 15, 2021, Maintenance rang my bell to inform me there was a leak in the apartment below me. Again, the medicine cabinet was removed and it was declared that the leak was from above. Maintenance then proceeded to repeat removal of the medicine cabinets on the two floors above me. The new leak was then repaired.

Now Riverbay needs to send both a plasterer and painter to four apartments to repair the damage to the plaster around the four medicine cabinets.

I recommend that Riverbay considers replacing the medicine cabinets when apartments are restored for new shareholders and when a medicine cabinet is removed from the wall. The new medicine cabinets should have two parts: 1) A frame about 1 inch wide that protrudes the depth of the new medicine cabinet and is permanently attached to the wall.

2) The new medicine cabinet would have a rubber edge to seal around the medicine cabinet to prevent any air flow from inside of the wall and be attached to the frame like the current one is.

This new design would allow the removal of medicine cabinets without damaging the wall and not require Riverbay to send a plasterer or painter, thus saving the cost Riverbay currently incurs looking for where a leak is coming from.

––Bruce Gitelson

Heat Change-Over Begins Sept. 23 Based on the long-term weather forecast and the requirement to provide heat on and after October 1st, air conditioning will be turned off on Thursday, September 23, to allow Power Plant personnel to complete the seasonal routine equipment maintenance and prepare the system for the heating season.

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

Notice to Shareholders

Joining Riverbay Board Committees Shareholders who would like to serve on Riverbay Board Committee(s) should contact ONLY the respective chair of the committee(s). The chairpersons of Board committees were announced in the Saturday, August 21, 2021 issue of the Co-op City Times. Contact information for each committee chair was listed in Director Claudia Sampson’s viewpoint, also published in the Aug. 21st issue of the newspaper (page 8). Director Sampson chairs the Board’s Committee on Committees which makes recommendations for Board Committees and chairpersons of those committees to the Board President.

Shareholders are encouraged to peruse the committees and choose the ones best suited to their skill set and expertise to help move the business of Riverbay Corporation forward.

Please note that application for a committee seat cannot be made through Social Media or any third party source.

Once a committee(s) of interest has been identified, contact the chair directly to be considered for membership. Be sure to include in your outreach to the committee chair a brief introduction of yourself, describing all relevant engagements/activities, and what skills you will bring to add value to the committee’s work.

Safe Riverbay

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

John Crow

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

CCPD urges drivers and passengers to Buckle Up for Child Passenger Safety

Public Safety Report

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The week of September 19-25, 2021 is known as Child Passenger Safety week. During the Back to School season, it may be likely that drivers might be taking more trips and transporting children or other passengers in their vehicles. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of children. It is very important that all drivers are aware of the rules and regulations regarding the appropriate restraint system for passengers of all ages. Using the proper car seat greatly increases children’s safety when they ride in a vehicle. Every person riding in a vehicle should be appropriately buckled up every time you drive your vehicle. Car seats and seat belts do save lives but they must be used every time.

Saturday, September 25, is National Safety Seat Check Day across the country. Car Seat inspection check sites are available via www. seatcheck.org or via www.nhtsa.gov. Local sites are as follows: NYC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Access Safety City 672 W 158th Street New York, NY 10032 Hours: Car seat checks by appointment.

Phone: 212-795-3046 BRONX SAFE CITY (NYC DOT) 837 Brush Avenue Bronx, NY 10465 Hours: also SPANISH SPEAKING TECHNICIANS, By appointment only. Phone: 718-839-4750 Never put a rear facing infant seat in the front seat of any auto. Almost every vehicle manufactured today has driver and passenger side airbags. Some cars have manual or weight-sensitive disable switches but mechanical devices can fail in some situations. The airbag can propel the car seat into the seat back with enough force to seriously injure or kill the child. Never hold a child on your lap while driving or while seated in the front seat. The force of the airbag throwing the child against you could be fatal. You should never take a child out of a car seat if they are fussing. Car seat in the rear seat is always the way to go, never regard not sitting in a car seat or sitting in the front seat as a reward.

Buckle up children, properly restrained, in the rear seat of the vehicle. Children aged eight or over, weighing 100 pounds or more and taller than 4 feet, 9 inches may use a seat belt. Children between four and eight, shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches tall regardless of weight should use a booster seat. Children 1 to 4 years of age should be in a child safety seat with a five-point harness. Children younger than 1 should be placed in a rear facing infant seat in the back seat of the auto.

Never use a car seat that has been in an accident, it may have sustained damage that is not visible. Car seats are now made with expiration dates; never use one beyond this date or 5 years after the manufacturing date.

Car seat installation can seem difficult at first. It is very important that you carefully read the owner’s manual for both the car seat and for your auto. The LATCH system is an attempt to make car seat installation easier and make it universal from one car to another. The acronym LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It includes Lower Anchorage points and top tether straps to fasten car seats. All vehicles manufactured after 2003 must have at least 2 LATCH points in the rear seat. The LATCH anchors are only for use for children under 65 pounds. Seat belts can still be used to install car seats.

This is an option for a third seat or if installation in the center seat is desired.

Information regarding the LATCH system and the installation of car seats may be found at the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration at 1 (888) DASH2DOT or on their website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

It is reported that up to 9 out of 10 car seats are not properly installed.

Please have an expert confirm your car seat is correctly installed. Certified child passenger safety technicians are available at various locations to check for the proper installation of car seats. To find out about car seat check locations call 1 (866) SEAT CHECK or at their website at www.seatcheck.org. Three hundred and twenty-five children under 5 years old were saved by a car seat in the previous one-year period. More lives can be saved if every child is seated in a properly installed and adjusted car seat every time they go out in a car.

Anonymous calls to Public Safety

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

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

accept these calls and investigate accordingly.

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

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

Every person riding in an automobile should wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts and are designed to be used in connection with seatbelts. An airbag comes out of the steering wheel or dashboard at a speed of 250 miles per hour. Without a seatbelt, the force of an airbag can cause serious injuries to the front seat passenger and driver. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle equipped with airbags will minimize injuries in otherwise life threatening collision.

Seatbelts will prevent the wearer from being thrown from the automobile in the case of a collision. Today’s automobiles are designed to keep the passenger compartment intact in the event of a collision. Without a seatbelt, you will not remain within that safety zone. Unsecured persons in a vehicle continue to travel at the vehicle’s speed until they strike a solid object within or outside the vehicle. Internal organs of the unbelted person then collide with the skeletal system causing serious internal injuries. An unbelted person also serves as a projectile and can cause injuries to other persons in the vehicle. A person properly restrained stays within the vehicle’s safety zone and comes to a slower stop thereby minimizing injuries.

Drivers should consider taking a Defensive Driver Training Course. These courses teach drivers tactics in becoming a safer driver plus provide an insurance discount and possible point reduction. The National Safety Council offers a course locator or an online 6-hour course at www.ddcnsc.org/ny. Each driver in the household must have the course for the maximum discount. If you own more than one car and have more than one driver in your household, only one car per driver taking the course will receive the discount. The course is an interactive, informative course. You have one month to complete the online course in as many sessions as you choose. The online course offers the same benefits as the live course. A computer with a flash drive is required; Visit the website for more information.

School is open; DRIVE CAREFULLY. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders, including electric scooter riders, must respect pedestrians. Everyone needs to share the road safely.

If you consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designate a driver that will not drink. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.

Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

The New York City Department of Transportation has recently initiated a program making electric scooters available for rent throughout the community.

No docking stations or official staging locations exist as of this date. This program and its impact on our community, both positive and negative, are being assessed to determine how we might be able to adjust the program to reduce any negative impact. Public Safety requests that if you avail yourself of one of these scooters, once you complete your rental, please be respectful to your fellow shareholders. We request that you place the scooter you are parking in a (Continued on page 23)

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Sonia Feliciano, First Vice President

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Dear Fellow Shareholders, On September 15 thru October 15, we begin the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, “Día de la Hispanidad.” Hispanic Heritage celebrates the history and culture of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson acknowledged Hispanic Heritage Day and it was expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988 for this month-long event. September 15th is the day that five nations in Central America declared their independence from Spain in 1821 (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica), Mexico on September 16th, Chile on September 18th and Belize on September 21st.

Hispanic ancestral roots date back 500 years. Hispanics are in part Indian, European and African. Hispanics represent the many cultures at a time when we observe the many contributions Hispanics have made to the history, and story of the United States.

All of our diverse cultures have played a large role in shaping the United States. Hispanics represent the beliefs,

attitudes and norms shared by a group of people. While we associate Hispanic Heritage Month with dance, food, and dress, it is important to embrace its diversity in recognizing, respecting and valuing everyone’s differences.

Our children play an important role in teaching them to value their diversity, respecting other cultures and their differences building healthy behaviors and a strong sense of self. Hispanic Heritage brings about a deep influence on our country through the strength of family, service to our community and hard work and faith. The Latino community is approximately 60.5 million strong in the United States.

The contributions of Hispanics go beyond a nation.

We have our first Supreme Court Judge, composers, our first Astronaut, Civil Rights Activists, arts and entertainment, painters, authors, writers, engineers, inventors, scientists, athletes, educators, public service advocates and so much more.

Every year, the Spanish American Community Club celebrates this event by inviting the community to learn about Hispanic heritage through a cultural event that

comprises of history, dances from different cultures, discussion and dialogue from our legislative officials and other notables with different food tastings. Unfortunately, the pandemic has put a hold on these festivities due to guidelines and mandates geared towards protecting our residents. They hope to come back strong in 2022 and resume this event that embodies the meaning and importance of Hispanic Heritage.

There are ways we can learn to celebrate with our children: Reading to your children, teach them the history of Hispanic Heritage, a movie on Hispanic culture, learning the different music, visiting a museum dedicated to Latin American and Latino Art, and trying different foods.

The greatness of America is the many trailblazers who have enriched our society, opening doors for everyone to achieve their success, creating a great inspiration for all.

If you have any concerns and wish to reach out to me, you can email me at sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com or you can reach me at 917-992-7311.

Always remember that – We are Shareholders First – We Matter!!

Cooper Place Gas Shutdown Update

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Cooper Place Townhouses are moving closer to regaining gas service as line testing continues.

As of Tuesday, September 14, testing during the Department of Buildings visit to the area showed signs of promise as integrity testing continues to pass.

Following this, contractors will reach out to ConEd, who will conduct their testing and inspections, and ultimately greenlight gas service restoration. .

After conducting gas line testing and repair activities for apartments in Cooper Place Townhouses, both Management and residents now wait for the

eScooters

Department of Buildings to conclude their testing.

Noel Ellison, Riverbay's General Manager, previously told the Co-op City Times, "If the City's test passes, we will reach out to Con Ed for an inspection and test.

If that passes, contractors will call Con Ed’s "Gas Turn On" unit to turn the gas back on," said General Manager Ellison.

The Cooper Place Townhouse gas shutdown only affects units one thru 16. Riverbay Management says they will continue to update residents in this townhouse cluster on the progress as progress develops.

Continued from page 1)

liability and the issue of abandoned scooters ultimately inconveniencing residents.

“Wherever the rider’s time ended, is where they dropped the scooters,” said Mr. Ellison.

However, the DOT says for a rider to end their trip, one should take a photo of the scooter to verify it was parked in a legal place and not in the middle of the sidewalk.

“So, if there are issues where someone has left the scooter and has not ended their trip, they’re still going to be charged,” said Lily Gordon-Koven, director of Dockless Pilots with the DOT. CCPD’s Chief Joseph Riley also shared the same sentiments as Riverbay managers.

He said: “CCPD has done three comprehensive surveys, and we see these scooters in places where it’s presenting a hazard to the community – in crosswalks and bus stops.

In addition, this has presented a challenge for people in wheelchairs.”

Ms. Gordon-Koven also noted that scooters should not block pedestrian ramps, bus stops, or anything similar. But, she said, “In instances like these, riders get flagged and repeat offenders could be removed or suspended from the platform.”

The DOT did admit that GPS aspects of the service aren’t always accurate but they will continuously evaluate the tech companies – Bird, Lime, and Veo – to determine whether or not companies can continue to operate throughout the pilot.

Ms. Gordon-Koven said: “If there’s continuous serious violations of things like blocking pedestrian ramps for folks in wheelchairs, there’s different enforcement levers we can pull.”

The pilot program, with the dock-less scooters, is an effort to improve mobility by increasing transportation options throughout the area. Furthermore, the program allows DOT to see where the demand for transportation is and who wants to be riding where.

Residents interested in using the service must download the app for the specific brand and register with ID and payment information. An in-app safety training along with a safety quiz is required before reserving the vehicle. Also, riders must be 16 or older, and those under 18 must wear a helmet.

As far as costs, Veo and Bird rides are $1 to unlock and $0.39 per minute. While Lime rides cost $1 to unlock and 30 cents per minute.

The app provides users with instructions on where to find the e-bikes, along with instructions on use and parking. The app suggests that riders should operate scooters in the same manner as a bike.

In the meantime, DOT will continue to do on-street inspections and gather information for community partners. They also plan on sharing the data collected to inform other transportation services of the need, how people are using the scooters and where they’re going.

Management plans to explore geofencing and possible use of corrals in Co-op City to mitigate the issue.

With geo-fencing, there’s no parking area but a virtual boundary used with GPS technology. Despite the use of corrals being a possible remedy, it will require the already narrow street and sidewalk space Co-op City has to offer.

“We’re trying to see if there’s a way we can make this work because we do see there is ridership in Co-op City,” said General Manager Ellison.

Both Management and members of the DOT agreed that an event onsite in Co-op City with representatives from all companies would be beneficial to the community.

That way, those who use the service can get a complete understanding of how the products work, and those who don’t use the products can see that safeguards are put in place, and get more information regarding the service.

The DOT will facilitate the possible onsite Co-op City event and another meeting to discuss geo-fencing in the area. Look out for more information in the Co-op City Times.

HCR

Continued from page 1)

The virtual conference will culminate a 30-day comment period during which shareholders have been encouraged to write to or email their opinions to HCR about the proposed carrying charge increase, and/or to join the virtual conference, which ordinarily would be held in-person but for ongoing concerns about the Delta variant.

In addition to joining the conference virtually via Webex, shareholders can also phone in using the directions given on page 1 of this issue and previous recent issues of the Co-op City Times. This information is also posted in all residential building lobbies.

To join the meeting virtually on Webex, go to: https://bit.ly/2YUIi9e, OR https://riverbaycorp.webex.com/riverbaycorp/j.php?MTID=madb84f72de55e6b40e725abff92ff7dc.

You may be prompted to enter your name and email address, or to join as a guest. (The meeting ID is 146 155 5199, Meeting Password: HCrJy2p9Xp5).

Follow the instructions on your screen to join the meeting.

Those participating by phone should dial: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll, and enter access code: 42759279.

(See the instructions on page 1 for other options to participate in the HCR conference.)

A 2.0% carrying charge increase would raise the monthly per room charge by $4.67 to $238.02 effective January 1, 2022 to maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2023 and provide the current level of services for shareholders.

After hearing from shareholders, HCR accountants, attorneys and housing management representatives will review the comments and weigh the impact of the increased financial obligation on shareholders, and make a recommendation to the HCR Commissioner. The Commissioner will make a final determination on the necessity of the carrying charge increase, and if so, in what amount, to allow the corporation to meet its financial obligations, and will then issue a carrying charge increase order to be implemented by Riverbay Corporation.

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

African-American Association AAACC Membership… Join us tomorrow!

Sunday, September 19, at 3 p.m., General Membership Meeting. Topic: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration with The Coalition of African-American Churches and Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. Please Save these dates: Friday, October 8, 7-9 p.m. – Swearing-in of New Officers; General Meeting Sunday, October 17, 3 p.m. – General Membership Meeting Sunday, November 21, 3 p.m. – General Membership Meeting Saturday, December 11, 3 p.m. – Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Join the African-American Association of Co-op City – Become a member to be allowed entry into our gatherings. Platforms until the pandemic is completely over are presented via Zoom meetings and webinars. Remember: Membership is only $15 per year for a single membership and only $25 per year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call 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 respective instructors indicated below for updates): Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

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

Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507.

All of us divided by each one of us equals a force for good.

––Michelle Marbury

Rivers Run Community Garden Tomorrow, Mirrors of Blackness presents a free theatrical experience performed by your neighbors and held at the garden.

Hope to see you there.

Next Saturday, Rivers Run is opening its gates to the Creative Artisans. Come out and experience handmade masterpieces and live music performed

by Ron Scott and Ron Dorsey. We will be raffling off a handmade quilt by Vivian Burrus as well as other great fines.

As always, tours, veggie, fruit and herb giveaway are a part of the garden experience.

Upcoming Events at the Garden: • Saturday, September 18 – Garden Member Meeting, 1 p.m.

• Sunday, September 19 – Mirrors of Blackness Community Presentation, 2-3:30 p.m.

• September 25 (Rain Date: September 26) – Art Exhibit and Craft Sale, 2 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Please continue to stay safe.

––Gail Sharbaan

9

Building 13 Association As of this writing, the building is not authorized to have meetings in the association room. Our virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 7 p.m.

For information, you can check the Bulletin Board in the lobby, or our Facebook page at Bldg 13 Association Inc.-Co-op City To prepare for future meetings, please let me know what information is a concern or you would like to know more about or who you would like us to invite.

Please make sure to attend our meetings for updates and answers to your questions.

At our last meeting, I advised our fencing and shedding would be coming down.

After being removed, the pavers were repaired and the holes have been closed up in the shrubbery area. Unfortunately, the company left some fencing laying in the grass and also leaning on the building. Additionally, poles were left up in various locations near Bldg. 12, 13 and 14. Hope to have this matter addressed shortly.

The Parking Facility department has also been informed of the missing tiles in the garage rear elevator. Make sure you report these items so they can be resolved.

For repair assistance, make sure to contact the Call Center for specific items you need addressed or contact our CSO/Jr. Property Manager Ms. English. I am requesting replacement of the garbage disposal can located at the end of the ramp.

The bottom appears to be rotting and we want to keep “critters” away.

Rivers Run Community Garden: A weekend event, “Mirrors of Blackness” where we can hear from some “co-op performers,” Friday-Sunday, September 17th, 18th and 19th from 2 - 4 p.m. Rivers run is also presenting, An Artist Dream, Share your Creativity with the Community. Please see the Rivers Run article in the Co-op City Times for this event being held on September 25 at 2 p.m.

Reminder: HCR wants to know your thoughts on the upcoming carrying charge increase. There is a 30-day comment period. Comments submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than September 21, 2021, or e-mailed to George Simon at george.simon@nyshcr.org. HCR will also host a virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. See the Co-op City Times and information sent to you for details on how to attend the Virtual Carrying Charge Conference.

To help combat graffiti in our community, if you see someone, please contact Public Safety immediately at 718-671-3050. As always: “If you see something, say something” to CCPD at 718-671-3050 or your CSO Property Manager for your area.

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!!

718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety

10

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary

Precautions and Annoyances, Big and Small New masking guidance.

Enough data has been gathered and analyzed to revisit the masking need. Annoying as it is, masking-up is once again required – not only for the unvaccinated but for anyone over two years old, vaccinated or not.

Some like to pussyfoot around the issue seemingly afraid to hear the “oh no not again” complaints from those who take it as a personal affront when the rules change. Just come out and say it, Hey you! No vaccination? Mask-up inside and outside!

As the virus changes, so do the rules.

“This is not a decision we at C.D.C. have made lightly,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the agency’s director, during her September 7 press conference.

“We acted with the data that we had at the time [when] the country mostly had Alpha. Alpha among breakthrough vaccinated infections was not easily transmitted to other people.”

Backing that off, on, off again, on again mask-wearing decision, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration’s top pandemic adviser, said the C.D.C., “is correct to revisit its recommendations as the virus evolves.” That’s not “flip-flopping,” he said, it’s simply, “dealing with new information that the science is providing.”

The term “breakthrough,” you remember, describes fully vaccinated people catching COVID (usually a mild case that rarely leads to hospitalization or death yet is still transmissible). “The data we have right now is different,” Dr. Walensky continued.

And that difference is Delta. “Everybody should be wearing a mask,” she advised. That would be for areas where the infection rate is high, and unfortunately, that would be us.

“Transmission data shows us how much the virus is spreading.” According to the 1nyc.gov data-by-zip code site, our numbers are not reassuring.

In our Co-op City/Edenwald area, one out of eight people caught COVID and one out of 151 died from it. That’s higher than the death rates of the Bronx as a whole or that of the City. Our adult vaccination rate (approximately 26,400 out of 43,000) is currently near 62%. Again, that’s higher than the Bronx’s overall percentage, but about five points lower than the City’s number.

Looking at the site, our current numbers don’t look good and our transmission level looks even worse: 10475 is rated High with the word High highlighted in red.

The extra cautious among us never stopped wearing a mask, not just in Co-op City’s mask-mandated

indoor areas such as the laundry rooms and elevators, but even outdoors. Outside mask-wearing has long been considered unnecessary, with some big exceptions. The C.D.C. advises masks be worn indoors in public and outside in crowds. That hasn’t changed.

Transmission depends on how much, how long and how close. “How much” meaning, what’s the likelihood that many people in your area are actively carrying the disease, even if they don’t know it? Our High transmission label means we have a lot of that in our area.

Some find the constant changes in guidance and regulations exhausting and imposing. Any new tightening of masking guidelines comes with push back from the ill-informed, the wishful thinker, the risktaker. Some are willing to believe and repeat social media nonsense or cherry-picked information fed to them by TV “talking heads” with questionable agendas. Please stop believing those who couldn’t care less if you or your loved ones suffer the consequences of their disinformation. Please follow the experts who follow the science.

Delta’s changed the data, and the new data dictates that everyone will be safer wearing a mask – vaccinated or not.

Crusader Rabbit. My mission throughout the past many months was making mask wearing as comfortable as possible for everyone around me.

Credit my saintly, generous nature if you’d like, but self-preservation was the main impetus for my buying mask frames by the multiple hundreds. The easier it is to breathe, the more likely people will stay masked-up. I’m down to about a half dozen from the last batch of 300 adult-sized plastic doodads. They’re called frames, brackets, braces, or even turtles (green or not). I still have a few dozen kid-sized frames left, and I’ll continue to carry them around with me, but then that’s it. I’m really done this time. The kids’ mask frames are no longer available in bulk and my unemployment payments have stopped. But I do hope anyone who’s been enjoying the extra breathing room pro-

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vided by their gizmo will continue the crusade and push those “turtles!” (Ha! The Tortoise and the Hare.)

When wearing your mask frame under your (NO VALVE!!) well-fitting mask, make sure that it’s worn properly and worn to protect. That means no gaps at the nose, chin, and cheeks. Delta’s a sneaky one, always prowling around looking for its next mark. Don’t let it be you.

Scooter Corrals. You’ve probably spotted them without knowing what they were. They have no distinguishing features, no signage, no nothing – just some taken-away parking spots cordoned off by mini stanchions. (Scooters were initially intended to be parked on sidewalks, not streets.) If the pilot becomes a permanent – hopefully well-regulated – travel option for our youth and our adventurous notso-young’uns, someone needs to come around with a mammoth stencil and a can of paint.

Still no painted bus stop curb. The BxM7 Section 5 bus stop-in-flux has the pole and the info but still no painted curb where Einstein Loop South meets Einstein Loop East. I’d complain to the MTA but I’ve been too busy complaining about the erratic and near-sadistic cancelation practices of the BxM7.

Join me by calling 511 or by emailing complaints to https://new.mta.info/customer-feedback. And riders, be sure to sign up for cancellation notices at https:// myMTAalerts.com/ so you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night.

Stay well, all. Stay safe.

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

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

11

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12

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

Riverbay Issues 816 Eviction Notices Riverbay has issued 816 eviction notices for a variety of offenses.

And, now, all of the affected cooperators will have to go to Housing Court to deal with these cases.

Educate First In order to get an apartment in our housing development, all potential cooperators must sign an occupancy agreement. This occupancy agreement lists all of the rules and regulations for living here. Thereafter, all cooperators are required to attend a lengthy orientation session to discuss these rules, regulations, and other pertinent information regarding our community.

Afterward, the expectation is that these cooperators are going to follow these rules, regulations, and be good neighbors. However, some of our cooperators have done everything possible to break our rules and regulations. And, in some cases, they have let everyone know that they simply do not care about anything.

So, at that point, what should Riverbay do when cooperators refuse to follow our rules and regulations?

What should Riverbay do when a cooperator refuses to pay their monthly carrying charges or to even get financial assistance to pay their monthly carrying charges?

Furthermore, you’ve seen numerous articles and viewpoints in this newspaper about some cooperators throwing objects out of their windows? Now, some of these objects could pose a significant danger to everyone. Therefore, do you think that Riverbay should evict cooperators for throwing objects out of their windows?

Do you think that a cooperator should stay here when they know that they’re creating “nuisance” conditions within their apartment? For instance, some cooperators have done everything to disturb their neighbors. Thereafter, they have ignored numerous notices and complaints about their outright horrible behavior.

So, what action should Riverbay take against these cooperators? Look, from my perspective, all cooperators must follow our rules and regulations. If not, then, they should get out or Riverbay should put them out. Period! Now, let’s go through some cases and see some of the nonsense that’s been going on here.

Evictions For Not Paying Carrying Charges – 720 Cases Riverbay has issued eviction notices to 720 cooperators for not paying their monthly carrying charges.

So, these cooperators will have to go to Housing Court to deal with these eviction notices. If not, then, Riverbay’s lawyers will take action to evict them. However, please keep in mind that NYC has numerous services (such as a call to 311) to prevent evictions and homelessness. Nevertheless, what should happen if a cooperator refuses to use these services?

Evictions For Nuisance Behavior – 20 Cases Riverbay has issued eviction notices to 20 cooperators for “Nuisance” behavior. Nuisance? Should a cooperator bang continuously on the floors and create loud noise conditions throughout the night? Can they argue and exhibit threatening behaviors to their neighbors? Can a cooperator go to someone’s apartment to curse them out and to threaten them? Can they engage in other acts so that their behavior can fall under the category of Nuisance?

Look, let me tell you something. This foolishness needs to stop. Therefore, do not engage in nuisance types of behavior. Do not make loud and insane types of noises in your apartment. Do not argue and fight with your neighbors. Never, ever go to anyone’s apartment to confront them. Never!!! Now, let’s move on to the next set of cases.

Evictions For Harboring Illegal Dogs – 17 Cases Riverbay has issued eviction notices to 17 cooperators for “Harboring Illegal Dogs.” There are too many complaints about dogs in this community. For instance, here is just one extreme allegation: Some cooperators are pushing the elevator button for the elevator to stop on their floor. Then, they’re allowing their dog to go into the elevator to do their business and walk out.

Also, there are a lot of allegations that some capable cooperators are not cleaning up after their dog.

Then, there are true stories that some dogs are exhibiting violent behaviors here. However, some cooperators don’t know that Riverbay can have dogs that exhibit violent behaviors removed from this community. Furthermore, Riverbay can evict cooperators for harboring an illegal dog in their apartment. Now, let’s continue with the next set of outrageous cases.

Evictions For Illegal Sublet – 53 Cases Riverbay has issued eviction notices to 53 cooperators for “Illegal Sublet.” The occupancy agreement is clear in reference to our apartments: “Not to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, encumber or create any charge upon this Agreement, nor sublet the leased premises or any part thereof. …”

Riverbay has to conduct a thorough investigation before they serve an eviction notice on a cooperator for an illegal sublet case. So, cooperators that have received an eviction notice for an illegal sublet might have a very difficult time trying to defend this allegation in court. Now, let’s move on to the last group of cooperators that have received eviction notices.

Evictions For Poor Housekeeping – 6 Cases Riverbay has issued eviction notices to 6 cooperators for “Poor Housekeeping.” The occupancy agreement states: “Not to do anything or suffer anything to be done upon the leased premises in a manner deemed extra hazardous thereby increasing the rate of fire in-

surance upon said building and not to permit the accumulation of waste or refuse matter.”

Now, some cooperators have let their apartment get beyond filthy. Then, the awful odors in their apartment can be smelled in the hallway. So, should a cooperator be allowed to have fire, safety, and health concerns in their apartment? No. Close As mentioned before, cooperators can call 311 to get referrals to programs to prevent evictions and homelessness. So, please get some type of assistance if you need it.

Thank you.

Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

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

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

13

Section 4 Partnership Nice turnout, Section 4 Building Association Presidents …

The meeting of the Section 4 presidents and shareholders on Monday, September 13, was great. Kudos to the building association presidents and/or vice presidents and shareholders of Building 20, Asch Loop; Building 21, Bellamy Loop; Building 22, Co-op City Boulevard; Buildings 23, 24, 25, Benchley Place; the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses. If you missed it, do not miss the next one. Come and get involved. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 11, at 7:30 p.m.

50th Anniversary T-Shirts Still current, beautiful and on sale now with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back. If you would like one, contact us by emailing: section4partnership@gmail.com or by phone: 347-915-4939.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month Pictured (L-R) Section 4 Partnerfrom Sept. 15 ship President Michelle Marbury to Oct. 15, by and Building 21 Association Omcelebrating the budsman Theron Marbury. histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within

Black Forum of Co-op City Emergency Food Pantry: 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card because it determines when you can pick up your monthly package again.

You would pick up one month or more from your last pick-up. It is a 30/31-day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least four clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Masks and physical distancing are required. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver’s, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

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

Defensive Driving Class: Defensive Driving classes sponsored by Black Forum are not scheduled ast this time. Our normal meeting space is closed due to COVID concerns. We hope to see their return sometime in the near future. Those needing to take the class should consider taking an online version of the course. Visit the Empire Safety Council website at www.empiresafetycouncil.com. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” to receive a discount.

Donations: Black Forum only accepts food from our vendors. Thus, please do not leave food from your home outside our door. That is for the safety of our guests. Thank you for the kindness nonetheless.

Contact Us: Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

Please stay safe.

––D. Illis

this 30-day period. The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City salutes our brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors of Hispanic descent.

“You” are so important We must all (in every section and every building) show up for our building association and Board Committee. Board Committees have been formed and you can join them. This is how you become informed. This is how the Board of Directors can grasp what you want and communicate what you want back to the Managing staff. 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 the information you retrieve from the committee meetings with your 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. This is how our system and structure works. It is about being a responsible shareholder, interacting with your Board and Committees. You will be laying the foundation of the next 50 years of celebration. Let us get it done!

All of us divided by each one of us equals a force for good.

––Michelle Marbury

14

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Leslie Peterson

Financial Prudence to Protect Cooperators Co-op City was not spared the wrath of Ida and her rainwater but our staff did a fantastic job and continue to do so restoring the offices and areas that were affected. Kudos to you all for a job well done!

We live in a beautiful complex. From the very beginning, it was inundated with many construction issues. The idea of providing affordable housing for families was noble. Co-op City is filled with many employees, specifically union employees, and it is important that we consider those who reside here and concern ourselves with keeping Co-op City affordable. In my opinion, while I appreciate the unions that participated in building Mitchell-Lama developments, cooperators residing here now must be protected and considered at this time.

Carrying Charge Increase: According to documents from HCR, each cooperator is to be served with the documents relating to a proposed carrying charge increase. Cooperators must receive these documents and they must also be posted conspicuously in sufficient time to reach shareholders at least 30 days prior to the Cooperator Comment Postmark Deadline. Your thirty day (30 day) written comment period ends on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 regarding the proposed increase.

The postmark on your mailed written comment should be no later than the date mentioned above, and sent to: George Simon, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Office of Integrated Housing Management, OHP 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th floor, New York, New York 10022 HCR has scheduled the virtual meeting for Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. (see CCTimes to attend the virtual session and to speak).

During the 30-day comment period, shareholders (or their representatives) can request to see the corporation’s financial records. If there are additional questions prior to mailing or attending the virtual meeting, you can e-mail george.simon@nyshcr.org.

I mention this to say if you believe you have an opinion or something to say that should be considered, then by all means, take this opportunity and state your case.

The budget submitted to HCR indicates what items need to be addressed. I believe the financing of the waterfront park is the main reason for the 2% increase.

To that, with the financial issues families are facing, I voted NO, not now. Each cooperator received a survey included in their carrying charge statement over a year ago. Waterfront park survey results shared with us on August 12, 2020 revealed that based on the number of units in this complex, less than one-third (1/3) of the cooperators responded. The survey offered the respondents the ability to make comments. Some repeated responses were a resounding NOT if my carrying charge will increase, only if there is constant security there at all times, as long as cooperators don’t have to pay for it, we should know the cost of each feature before undertaking any construction and fear that the liability insurance would be astronomical. These are actual concerns from the survey.

Emergency Payment Assistance: There are many organizations that are offering assistance to those adversely affected by the pandemic in whatever capacity.

New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding is currently available through ERAP for New York City households who are behind in their rent. Eligible low and moderate-income households can get up to 12 months of their back rent paid, three months of future rent, and other assistance.

Mitchell-Lama residents may be eligible for financial support during this “pandemic.” If you are in need, inquire. The community-based organizations listed below are in the Bronx and can help you apply for ERAP: BronxWorks –844-380-9169, and Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs, Inc. – 718-866-0038.

Riverbay Committee Information: I have received many requests from shareholders to join the Residential Sales Committee. It was recommended we keep the number of members to a manageable number

of participants.

I am requesting those who submitted information to join this committee send me an e-mail (at the contact information below) expressing what you hope to see accomplished, any skills you can offer and what you know about the Sales department. This will be useful in making a selection. I appreciate your desire to work for the good of the community and interest in becoming aware of the rules that we must abide by per HCR. Committees offer you the opportunity to voice those suggestions. Committees can make recommendations to the Board whereby they are discussed for possible implementation. I do not anticipate commencing meeting until October. I will accept your updated information until September 30, 2021. Once selections are made and dates confirmed, you will be advised.

Bronx Dems Annual Softball Game: As we enter into the last days of the Summer Season, a BBQ and Baseball game was held at the Co-op City Little League Field. It was a beautiful day and a pleasant surprise that our New York City Department of Education Chancellor Meisha Porter came to Co-op City. I was pleased to meet and chat with her. She was very personable and engaged in conversation with everyone.

YMCA: I was invited and attended the Grand Opening of the Northeast Bronx YMCA on September 9, 2021 and was able to take a tour.

NCO (45th Precinct): The NYPD Neighborhood Coordinating Officer program is available to assist you resolving a host of issues. The 45th Precinct has assigned two officers to Co-op City, Officer N. Anderson and Officer H. Basora. They did a fantastic job at the recent Build a Block, they are personable and helpful.

It was great seeing more members of the community attending. Hopefully, we will increase the attendees but it is a start to having more interaction with the 45th Precinct and getting to know our officers.

“When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to standalone and be counted.” –Eleanor Roosevelt I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

15

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations

Greetings: To our members and friends, we hope that this message finds everyone safe and healthy. Covid-19 continues to prevent our organization from conducting regular meetings and events. We hope that we will be able to reconvene very soon. Please watch this column for updated information.

The first agenda item will be an election of officers. I am requesting all members to seriously consider becoming a candidate for office.

As always, we continue to invite all community organizations and churches to join with us. Our mission is to address common issues that affect the quality of life in this community. It has been proven that there is strength in numbers.

Any organization wishing to join, can contact Virginia Stewart at 718-671-4506.

The current list of member organizations, include the following: AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City, American Legion Post 1871, Co-op City Baptist Church, Faith @ Work Christian Church, NAACP Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, Inc. and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church.

The Coalition sadly announces the passing of our vice president, Patricia Bonaparte on September 4, 2021. We extend our sincere condolences to her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during their time of sorrow.

We continue to wish everyone good health and prosperity. Be careful and stay safe.

––Virginia Stewart

Broun Place Townhouse Association Good day, neighbors. We pay tribute to Mrs. Pat Mayo-Bonaparte who recently passed and extend sincere condolences to her family. I knew Pat as a tireless worker for her family, friends and the many organizations she worked with. Surely, she is missed already. We also send condolences to the family of Michael Joseph of Benchley Place. He was a cooperator, civil servant and singer with Bronx County Chorus.

Did you watch the extraordinary coverage of the twentieth anniversary of September 11, 2001? The interviews and video footage were significant as teaching moments in our lives. I bet you remember where and what you were doing when the Twin Towers came down. Hearing the stories, and seeing the photos brought tears and visions of those days. Never forget the people, the heroes of 9/11. I remember Building 17’s Christian Regenhard. Years before he became acquainted with my mom and they helped each other.

Congratulations to everyone for their due diligence as we continue to fight the Delta COVID-19 variant and live in the new reality. The numbers are clear.

The sickest and those who are dying are the ones who have not been vaccinated.

Watch the testimonial TV videos of local folks encouraging you to get the vaccine.

Regarding recycling, discarded furniture belongs on the dumpster pad, not in a bin. Tables, chairs, accessories, lamps and carpeting, too. Mattresses should be covered. Thank you, Robert, for reminding me of the rules.

Here we are, our newest sidewalk problem, is scooters. They are dropped

anywhere when the meter runs out. Now we have two or three companies participating in trial program. Why are they using our streets and not Riverdale’s or Mosholu Parkway? Contact our local officials and get this program modified or gone from Co-op City.

Local building grounds have become filthier and Baychester Avenue extending to Tillotson Avenue, a truck dump zone. Section 5 entrance to I-95 south is another dumping zone. Something needs to be done! The truckers are creating a horrible deposit of waste. Contact Jamaal Bowman, Jamaal Bailey and Michael Benedetto about this. Show you care and get involved.

We are required to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor areas. Yes, even the inoculated are recommended to wear masks indoors and outdoors. Access CDC guidelines to find sites where the vaccine is available: nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Contemplating a restaurant outing? Call ahead. Register with the Riverbay “RUOK” Emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic condition.

Your information is stored confidentially, and only available in an emergency.

5782, Yom Kippur, will have passed by this publication. It is an opportunity to pray for redemption and work for peace. Our school year has begun. Good luck and good health to all our bright young lights. Please submit your tidings to me. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 9 Association Salutations, Building 9 family. We continue to be thankful, grateful and blessed. The Building 9 Diamonds continue to support building activities however we can.

Wear a mask always, wash your hands often, and social distance whenever possible.

This week started New York City’s citywide vaccine mandate for public facing businesses and businesses with more than 100 employees. You must have at least one vaccine dose in order to frequent or work in gyms, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, etc.

Tuesday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m., will be the scheduled NYS DHCR virtual carrying charge increase meeting. The proposed 2% increase would take effect in January 2022. There is still time to write in your opinion of the merits of the increase to george.simon@nyshcr.org. Please check the Co-op City Times for log-in information.

Correction: We have scheduled a Building 9 Association membership for Thursday, September 23, at 7 p.m, under the Building 9 portico. Please see flyers posted on our lobby bulletin boards for more details.

I was remiss in not mentioning in last week’s article that the NYPD 45th Pct. vehicle VIN etching service provided to our community on Thursday, September 2, and facilitated by our assigned NCOs, P O. Neil Anderson and P.O. Hector Basora,was well administered. Also, it has been noted that vehicles blocking

the Garage 2 cross walk have been ticketed. There have been less instances of parked vehicles forcing shareholders into the path of incoming garage traffic.

We appreciate the rapid response to our concerns by our Sector C team!

First Annual Shirley Wells Back-to-school Raffle: On Saturday, September 11, the Building 9 Association Back-to-School Committee held the random name selection raffle drawing via Zoom. The winners of the First Annual Shirley Wells Back-to-school Raffle are: Ismari Teresa Rodriguez, Angel Cruz, Richard, Alaina, Alanna, Camryn, Elise, Ryan, Yaana and Xziyear. Congratulations to all 10 prize winners. Each winner will receive a $50 Target gift card. The raffle prizes were made possible by the generosity of our Building 9 shareholder donors. Thank you to Pam Small, Denita Cox, Linda Holley, Jackie Lattie, Daysi Solano-Ramos, Janet Yarrell, Anonymous, Rosemary Bailey, Michael Collins, Wanda Randall, Ellen Wilkins, Barbara Cloud, Pamela Bryant, Evelyn Mavins, Gabriella Concepcion, Ruben & Shirley McCann, Angela & Judy Battle, Bob & Shirley Johnson, Jerome Wells, Wanda Rodriguez and Harold Stancil.

Special thanks to our Back-to-School Raffle Committee: Linda Collins, Wanda Randall, Linda Holley, Evelyn Mavins and Elizabeth Manning. Ms. Manning is also our raffle drawing facilitator and our raffle winners photograher. Thank you, Rosemary Bailey, for picking up the pizzas for our pizza grab-n-go event.

“Poverty is what happens when people give up caring about one another.”

––Linda Collins

16

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Rod Saunders

My Continued Opposition to the 2% Carrying Charge Increase The Riverbay Corp. Fiscal Year 2021/2022 & 2022/2023 Budget and Five Year Capital Plan was not initially approved by the Board, as the vote actually ended in a virtual tie vote. With one Director changing their vote, the Budget and Capital Plan was approved. The vote was not an overwhelming approval of the Budget.

I objected to its approval. The vote to approve the 2021/2022 & 2022/2023 Budget, with the inclusion of the $10.2 million for the Waterfront Park, is the reason why DHCR is being asked to approve the 2% increase in carrying charges to shareholders.

Currently, (DHCR), under New York City Rules & Regulations (NYCRR) – Subchapter A of Chapter IV of Subtitle S of Title 9, Part 1700, and specifically under Part 1728 Budget and Fiscal, is charged with overseeing the Corporation’s ability to manage its fiscal responsibility in determining as to whether or not the proposed 2% carrying charge increase is necessary, or indeed adequate.

The 2% increase should not be imposed on a working class residential community such as Co-op City, during a pandemic.

The number of families here who became delinquent in their carrying charges during the first 12 months of this pandemic rose 300%. New York State was the state hit hardest by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Initial Waterfront Park Approval Subsequent to a presentation to the Riverbay Board of Directors, at a Board Business meeting (December 17, 2019) by an engineer as to what a concept of a Waterfront Park could look like, the Board voted on Resolution 20-02 at its January 29, 2020 meeting, to have Management provide plans, development times, estimated budget costs, and community participation for the proposed 4-acre Waterfront Park for use by Co-op City residents.

The Resolution further resolved that Management provide the requested plans to the Board within sixty (60) days of the effective date (Jan. 29, 2020) of the Resolution, and further, that a survey of the shareholders be included in with the upcoming March carrying charge statements. That

Building 19 Association Hello, Building 19 family. I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend.

I want to inform you that the Building 19 Association is resuming its business this month after being on summer break since July. On behalf of the executive board, I want to welcome our members back and I hope you were able to enjoy the summer.

The Association had two meetings scheduled this month. Due to a scheduling issue, the committee meeting that was supposed to be held this past Tuesday was cancelled. The date for October’s committee meeting will be announced later this month. The Association will still hold its next general meeting this month as scheduled next Friday on September 24. Due to the recent news about the Delta variant of COVID-19, the suspension of using the association room for meetings is still in place until further notice by Riverbay. So, the Association will continue to hold its meetings virtually. Two issues that the Association wants to address at the general meeting are the update about express elevator and the recent problems associated with the sole working one and the electric bike pilot program that is impacting northeast Bronx communities like Co-op City. We want to hear from you about these two topics.

Continue to stay safe and I look forward to seeing you at next Friday’s general meeting.

––Leon Tulton

vote was a unanimous approval.

When the surveys went out, COVID-19 had not yet begun to fully undertake its disastrous toll among the Co-op City community. Of the more than 15,000 occupied apartments here in Co-op City, it was reported that 4,339 responded. Of the 4,339 who voted in the pre-Pandemic survey, 3,739 voted their approval of the Waterfront Park, and 600 voted against it.

Increasing Your Carrying Charges – Like it or Not The survey never asked if the shareholders would want the proposed Waterfront Park, if it meant that it would culminate in an increase to their carrying charges! It would also be prudent to point out that the 4,339 surveyed represents less than 29% of Co-op City’s occupied apartments.

As a reference point, 29% shareholder participation falls short of what’s considered a Quorum for the Riverbay Board elections (33%), and the 3,739 yes votes (25% of shareholders) were “pre-COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Based upon an estimated and budgeted $10.2 million for the cost of developing a Waterfront Park (plus another $2.5 million for the cost of building modular offices for our employees), as well as other expenditures, (D)HCR is considering accepting, or raising our paying of a 2% carrying charge increase.

Why I voted No I voted no for at least two reasons. First – I believe the 2% increase is wrong. Second – on the evening of August 12, 2020, I asked Riverbay Corp.’s Executive General Manager if Management had solicited any other bids as they were required to do under Resolution 20-02, the answer was no, Management had no participation in the selection of the engineer.

Will DHCR’s Decision Be Contrary to The Actions of Our Elected State Representatives?

In conclusion, I would like to point out the following: 1. The Waterfront Park is the driving force behind the 2% increase, in my estimation.

2. Many Co-op City residents are currently still

behind in their carrying charges as a direct result of COVID-19 3. Unemployment resources from both the State & Federal government are beginning to run out, leaving many without a safety net, and an increase of any amount will only add to their woes.

4. Prior increases in shareholders carrying charges have been to pay for badly needed capital construction projects, not recreational parks that will only cost more money to clean, protect, and maintain.

5. Governor Hochul called the NY Senate and Assembly back to an “Extraordinary” Session to pass a badly needed extension to the eviction moratorium bill (S50001).

6. Gov. Hochul, upon the swearing-in of the new Lt. Governor, made the Emergency Rental Assistance Program part of his portfolio of policy issues because NY is woefully behind in approving applications for rental assistance. Co-op City residents are among those who are in that category.

If the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the NY State Senate, and State Assembly all agree on the need for rental assistance, and a moratorium keeping NY residents (both residential & commercial) from being evicted from their homes & businesses precisely because of the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, why should (D)HCR want to agree to raising the carrying charges on more than 15,000 families, to include building a “non-essential” Waterfront Park that only 3,739 (25%) of shareholders thought was a good idea?

Based upon what I have written here, I am respectfully requesting that every shareholder who is aligned with being against the 2% increase in our carrying charges which includes funding for a “non-essential” capital project, then please do not give in, but rather mail in your comments to reject the proposed 2% increase. The Waterfront Park can be a consideration when we are all on a more solid financial foundation, and the development of the Waterfront Park can be re-introduced no less than 3 years from now, with bids and services in compliance with all existing and applicable rules.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Building 25 Association Due to the increased spike in the Delta variant, Riverbay has suspended in-person building meetings until further notice. However, on Tuesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. our building president, Denise Gerrald, will be conducting our first building meeting with the Zoom virtual app.

If you do not already have the Zoom app, log onto the following website: zoom.us, click on “launch meeting,” enter Meeting ID: 896 3717 8149, Passcode: bldg25.

If you do not have access to Zoom, use your phone to dial in: 1-646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 896 3717 8149, Passcode: 770722.

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

Our next building association meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. So look out for posted notices near elevators. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with the following message: “There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air.” –Rudolfo Anaya ––Wanda Bailey

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Our first general meeting with our new executive board was successful. Thank you, Dorothy Byrd, Nelson Sweeting, Virginia Stewart, Francine Reva Jones, Hattie Overman, Lillian Odom and Geraldine Williams. We appreciate your labor of love and dedication to the membership.

To the members, mere words cannot describe our expression of gratitude in your continued support and participation. Thank you. It’s in unity that we make a difference.

Membership: Contact Joanne Harris or Dorothy Byrd for dues and membership.

Outing/trips: Anyone interested, contact Dorothy Byrd for information.

Holiday Luncheon: Marina del Rey on December 16, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Donation: $100. Tickets are on sale now! Contact Daisy Young, 718-671-6122; Jay McKenzie, 201-310-2972; Beverly Waller, 718-6712978. Vaccination is required.

Scholarship Fund: All applicants for the 2020 academic year who have received applications, the deadline is October 16. Please submit all completed applications via mail drop in room 19 at 177 Dreiser Loop .

Any questions, contact Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458.

Update: Praise the Lord , Phyllis Wilkerson has been discharged and is home. Welcome home, beloved friend. May the Lord continue to strengthen you and heal you.

Health corner: Plant Power Metro New York network director Lianna Reisner was most impressed by the outcome at our informational session at our meeting. Thank you all for your interest in wanting to learn about plant-based food choices, which are healthier and beneficial to our overall health. Looking forward to future workshops.

Prayer request: Let us continue to pray for the shut-in, the sick, and those who have had loses. Reach out to members you know are going through difficult times. We have members we have not seen or who are unable to step out to gatherings. They are not forgotten.

Each one Reach one.

Encouragement: Retirees, many people make promises and fail to keep them for different reasons.

Put your trust in God. He never fails. He promises to be with you, to protect you, to be your strength, to answer you, to give you peace, and to always love you.

His promises are YES and AMEN. ––Gladys Baez

Spanish-American Community Club

17

Cooper Place Association

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well.

The Spanish-American Community Club family is always in our thoughts.

Due to the current COVID-19 environment, our club president, our Executive Board chairperson and both Boards of Directors have decided that it is in the best interest of our members to delay the resumption of our club meetings and events.

We know this is a very disappointing turn of events, but the health and safety of our club family is of the highest importance. We will keep you posted as the situation changes.

Several members have asked about the TV and gift basket that were scheduled to be raffled off last year.

We have not forgotten! The Board of Directors will meet some time this month to conduct the raffle. The winners will be contacted and arrangements made with them for the delivery (or pick-up) of their prizes.

Wishing you safe and healthy days ahead.

––Carmen Rodriguez

Greetings, Cooper residents!

The Cooper Place Association will hold its October meeting on Tuesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please email cooper.townhouses@gmail.com for the meeting details. We hope to see you all there.

In this meeting, we will review the bylaws, future meeting rhythm, the fall/winter schedule, and update the contact list. Anyone who wishes to serve in a leadership position will be able to express interest at this time. Please bring a friend.

Shareholders affected by the Cooper Place gas outage in units 1-16, thank you for continuing to comply with all apartment access requests to facilitate the timely resolution of this issue.

Notices have been slipped under the doors of all impacted units.

Contact Information If you would like to reach out to the association, please use cooper.townhouses@gmail.com.

––Anika Green

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” –Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation. All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.). Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256 or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Remote Schedule for Sundays. Come and receive

a blessing. We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com.

In-person, 10 a.m. bilingual Sunday service at the church starting July 4. Service can also be viewed via Facebook and Zoom.

Pray and Reflection Service: Tuesday, 12 p.m.

(Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English) Sunday School: 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The food pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued, up-to-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

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18

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Anika Green-Watson

Committees, Capital, and a Carrying Charge Increase Greetings, neighbors! My favorite time of year is upon us.

Schoolers are back to learning, we are already seeing signs of a break in weather, and one of the markers of living in the Northeast (fall foliage) will soon appear. It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve been a Director for nearly 100 days. As I promised at the start of my term, I have been working hard to get up to speed quickly. Several of you have already taken me up on my offer to reach out to me directly and it’s truly one of the best parts about this position.

Getting involved – As summer comes to an end and I settle in on my new role, I can’t help but think of how fortunate we are to have this large development filled with talented people. I applaud anyone in the community who is looking for ways to get involved.

Each year, after the President of the Board appoints chairpersons to each of the Board committees, the chairpersons solicit members from the community to serve on those committees. This process is currently still underway for some committees for the 2021-2022 year.

Board committees are an important part of our community’s advisory function. If you have expertise in a committee area and want to participate, I urge you to get involved this way. This year, I’ll have the pleasure of heading the Procurement & Inventory Committee. I am looking for residents who have experience in this area. If you have not already expressed interest, there is still time to join. Simply send an email to the address listed below and I will respond with next steps.

Let’s Talk Capital – As expected in a community with 50+ year old infrastructure, top complaints from

residents relate to maintenance for aging apartment units including, but not limited to, the convector system. Every year at the onset of warmer months, the Call Center becomes inundated with reports of leaking convectors. This is a pain point that has persisted for many years and residents are ready to do something about it.

In addition, the community is mid-cycle for muchneeded Local Law 11 (“LL 11”) updates to building facades. Structural updates not covered by LL 11 are forthcoming and will require additional capital expenditure. The approved 2Y budget contains projections for LL11 work as well as projects such as: sidewalk replacement, commercial space upgrades, and the outlier, a waterfront park. The projected cost of the waterfront park is listed as $2M in the year ending December 31, 2022 and $4M in the year ending December 31, 2023. Due to their substantial initial costs, irreversibility, and long-term impacts, capital expenditure decisions deserve our close attention.

Potential 2% Carrying Charge Increase – To help fund the waterfront park, the Board proposed a carrying charge increase of 2% to begin on January 1, 2022. In the 12-month period ending March 2021, the budget had a surplus of roughly $13.2M. The projected surplus at the end of Year 2 of the budget is $1.4M. Aside from the 2% carrying charge increase, the budget also included increases in parking rates and hall closet & basement storage rates, all effective April 1, 2021. Furthermore, it calls for an increase in the equity amount by $2,000 per room which would have an impact of more than $10,000 for some new

shareholders, effective September 1, 2021. Given the long list of structural updates that are required to keep the community running, I don’t believe that $6M to begin a waterfront park should be included in the same conversation as badly needed capital projects.

Successful management begins with a Board that maximizes the budget effectively, listens to shareholders’ voices, and serves independently to do what’s right for the community. Conversations that minimize how much of an impact 2% would have on a per room basis distort the prolonged budgetary implications of the overall package, approved by the Board and presented to HCR, and don’t address that the absence of a waterfront park in the budget lowers the increase requested for 2022.

What you can do about this – Make sure you understand the information being provided about the increase and participate in the process. HCR will be hosting a virtual carrying charge conference on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion about the proposed 2% increase. You can either attend the virtual conference or write in. HCR will use the information gathered from shareholders during the comment period to determine if it will recommend a carrying charge increase to the commissioner. Additional information on how to join the conference or email your comments can be found in the HCR article of the Co-op City Times this week.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my viewpoint. If you wish to contact me, you can reach me at awatson@riverbayboard.com. Have a great week!

AARP Chapter # 4997

Goose Island Seniors

From President Mickens…

Our prayers and blessings are being sent to all the American people still devastated by the horrific storms and fires around our country. We send our condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and their valued life possessions. In the Northeast, we do hear that government aid is on the way and we pray that is of some comfort. Saturday was the 20th anniversary of the fateful 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States. Always somber and moving, this year was a little worse because so many family members reading names were not even old enough to remember when their loved ones perished. They only had memories as told by the family and that was sad. May they all find peace in the fact that we will not forget.

In our own Co-op City community, we suffered much flooding and water damage to buildings and property in the general area. Thanks to the staff of Riverbay for the exceptional work, effort and speed to correct the damage done so quickly. Our AARP #4997 Chapter is still attempting to move forward and restore our services to the best normal activities as possible. By the time this article is published, we will have had our September 13 general membership meeting and new information will have been discussed and implemented.

What I can share with the members now is that the National AARP Organization is pulling back concerning in-person meetings with social distancing. In some places, the in-person meeting is possible but spacing and hand sanitizing is of the utmost importance. For our members, vaccination is a real concern since we tend to be older and more vulnerable. It has been recommended that people 65 and over take the booster COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot, which some take every year. The booster has been approved by the CDC. National AARP still requests that masks be worn. Surveys and temperatures should be taken before any in-office meeting and the information must be recorded and saved for possible tracing, should there be a problem. These rules are not just for Chapter #4997, but for all chapters.

Our chapter is still planning on having a general election in early 2022 for all the executive offices. All are encouraged to apply, and you can contact Ms. Stella Baker at 718-379-2088 for the application or to renew your current membership. Mrs. Frances Wilson, the Good and Welfare contact, has stated that once again we have no additional sad news to share and that the recovery rate for the under the weather members and families is good. Should you need to report any information, please call Mrs. Wilson at 718-671-5493. Continue to contact neighbors and friends with a cheery “hi” and make them smile. Be well and stay safe. I can be reached at 718-379-3742 for updates or if you miss our meeting.

––Ann Purnell

To all our Jewish members and friends, we hope you are enjoying the holidays.

Sight & Sound TV “Queen Esther” – Friday, October 1. Every first Friday at 8 p.m., come and watch Sight and Sound TV with us at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. All are welcome. First 60 people only. Must show proof of vaccination; mask required. $5 donation per person. Free snacks.

Wind Creek (Sands) Casino – Tuesday, October 19, in Bethlehem, PA. Price: $45, bonus $30 slot play. For reservation, $45 to hold seat. Call 347-8471941. All passengers must show proof of COVID vaccination. Buses will make our usual three stops, leaving Einstein Loop at 8 a.m., pick-up at Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m. Call (718) 379-9613 or (347) 847-1941.

Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:15 p.m. Admission: $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each, for up to three cards. Refreshments. Proof of vaccination and mask required. Temperature taken at entrance. Members only. Become a member for $20/yr. Sunday bingo on September 26.

50th Anniversary Trip to Villa Roma, 2022 – Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. Price: $92; $40 to reserve seat. Call 347-847-1941.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of September: Mary Harvey, Mary Smith, Ivelisse Santiago, Miledy Martinez, Alma Alequin, Veratta Rhames, Bettie Ward, Lyone Hall, Gloria M. Bobyn, Thalia Roach, Gladys Perry, Joyce P. Wilson, Beryl Hines, Ola Waymann and Carlton Lawrence.

Sick and Shut-in – Edna Trujillo, we miss you. Mary Pilla, former Goose Island president, misses everyone and sends her love to all. Call (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475; phone number is (718) 379-9613. We are open. You may call (mornings), Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; (evenings) Tue. & Thu., 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and Mon., Wed. and Fri.,6 p.m.-8 p.m., or call/text Stephen, (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose. island@optonline.net.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Please be considerate and respectful of all members of our diverse community.

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Bartow

Wed., Sept. 22

Tues., Sept. 21

Mon., Sept. 20

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Arthritis Exercise Class w/Damion every Mon. in the Bartow Courtyard 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Line Dance w/Ellie 10-11 a.m.

Meeting Place by the Jungle Gym @ Einstein Loop, left of Erdman Place

Arts w/Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk w/Odessa 9-10 a.m.

Zoom and Phone) Meeting Place by the Library on (via Must call or email to register: Asch Loop 929-399-1387

Bereavement Group 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12-1 p.m.

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Bartow Senior Center Courtyard

Computer Literacy Zoom Class w/Julesa Grimes 1 p.m.

To register, please email jgrimes@ jasa.org; 9/15, 9/22, 9/29,10/6, 10/13 & 10/20 Bodies in Motion w/ Ola 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 912 6304 7892; Passcode: 237257; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099 Game Day 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993; Passcode: 7A5RaD Mobile: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993

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MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler Time: 10-11 a.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173, Passcode: 855423

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Lemon Sole Orzo Green Beans Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & juice

Vegetable Baked Ziti w/Whole Wheat Pasta Italian Blend Vegetables Steamed Broccoli

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m.

Stuffed Shells Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 992 Mixed Vegetables 3169 6108; Passcode: 503637; Whole wheat Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099 bread Computer learning Zoom meeting w/Ralph is now Tues., 6 p.m.

Fresh fruit & Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 936 juice 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554; Dial-in: 929-205-6609

Weight Mgt. Support Group w/ Gigi – 2nd Wed. of the month, 1-2 p.m. Conference call: 929299-1045, Passcode: 1386 BINGO Time: 1 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 828 4139 6474; Passcode: 194662; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099

Curried Chicken Legs Normandy Blend Perfect White Rice

Yankee Pot Roast Brown Rice Hamburgers Winter Blend Vegetables Baked Red Potato Whole wheat Wedges bread Carrots Fresh fruit & Juice

Fri., Sept. 24

Thurs., Sept. 23

Passcode: 59849 Arts with Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

Arthritis Exercise Class w/ Smartphone/Tablet Class w/ Damion, every Thurs., 1-2 Ralph, 1-2 p.m. Call main of- p.m. Zoom meeting ID: 986 fice, 718-320-2066, to regis- 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 ter. Please give your phone # & email address (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691; Passcode: 849150; Mobile: 929-205-6099 Line Dance w/Cynthia in the Basketball Court, corner of Asch Loop & Alcott Place, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

ZUMBA with Ola 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 967 1196 0602; Passcode: 526096; Dial-in #: 1-929-2056099

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

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

Line Dancing w/Ellie Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. @ the Section 1 Greenway Stage. For more information, please call 718320-1345 MUST WEAR MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Acceptance Meditation with Paola Friday, July 23, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 442 136 6695; One Tap Mobile: 929205-6099

Lasagna Rollatini California Blend Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Italian Blend Vegetables

Hawaiian Chicken Sweet Noodles Kugel Normandy Blend Vegetables Whole Wheat Bread Fresh fruit

Turkey Salad Homemade Rotini w/ Tomatoes & Black Olives Broccoli & Red Pepper Salad

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

*Menu subject to change without notice.

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

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites you for these Upcoming Activities JASA office is open for clients by appointment only. Please call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Drivers wanted for JASA Co-op City senior program, with CDL and without. Please drop off resume at the office or email resume to amoncrieffe@jasa.org or pogando@jasa.org.

Notary Services available at Einstein & Bartow by appointment only. Call at 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Line Dancing classes w/Bartow Swingers on Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 10 - 11 a.m. on the greenway by the stage.

Every Tues. Yoga Classes w/Margarita Titana – 9:30-10:30 a.m. Zoom meeting: Dial-in number: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

(NEW) Every Tues. Walk with Ease w/Theresa Webb – 9-10 a.m. Call 718-320-2066 to register.

Every Tues. Purple Trail exercises w/Damion – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 to register.

Every Wed. Painting Classes from 9 - 11 a.m.

Zoom meeting. Dial-in number: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 920 9563 1147, Passcode: 024057.

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

Line Dancing w/Ellie – Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Section 1 Greenway stage. For more information, please call 718-320-1345. Must wear masks and practice social distancing.

Meditation Class – GPC (Grandparents), 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Third Thursday of every month. Dial-in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

Every Sat. – Zumba Classes w/Damion, 1-2 p.m.

Zoom meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Dial-in: 929-205-6099.

JASA Dreiser Senior Center “Walk with Ease” adventure w/Terry Webb starting Wed., Sept. 22, at 9:15 a.m. Meeting place: Section 1 Greenway at the stage. This event will be for six weeks. The meeting dates are 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 and 10/2. A

gift will be given to participants who complete the six weeks of “Walk with Ease.” If interested, please call the Dreiser office at 718-320-1345 or send an email to pogando@jasa.org. Please register early.

New York Common Pantry – Scheduled for Tues., September 21, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Bartow Mall by Dollar Tree.

Nursing Students from Pace and CUNY available on Tues. and Thurs. by appointments (calls and home/ office visits). Blood Pressure Screening, Tues., from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by appointments. Call 718-320-2066.

Want to learn technology class? Are you interested in any of the wide range of topics to do with smartphones, computers, and smart devices? On Thurs. from 6 to 7 p.m., join the Zoom meeting: dial-in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Would you like to learn how to play chess? On Fridays only. Starting Fri., Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., on the patio behind the library.

To register, call 718-320-2066.

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Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Francine Reva Jones

Losing A Friend and Cooperator I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend, Patricia Mayo Bonaparte. Pat was a very pleasant person who always greeted you with a smile. I thought of Pat as the family matriarch. She always talked about her beloved children and grandchildren and giving them advice and direction. When it came to social events, Pat usually invited the most people or sold the most tickets for an event. Pat’s annual birthday parties were a blast. Even though they were held out in Oyster Bay, I made it a point to be there for I knew there would be lots of fun, food and enjoyment.

Pat’s love of family and friends extended to her love for the Co-op City community. As a community activist, Pat wore many hats. She was the president of her Building 33 Association and, when she was up for re-election and no one was up for the task, Pat remained president. Pat often talked about her experiences of collecting building association dues, leading the scholarship fundraising efforts for the children in her building, and her participation in Halloween and holiday events. She was always involved.

Her activism did not end there. For approximately 20 years, Pat was the vice president of the Harriet Tubman Independent Democratic Club and hosted many of its monthly meetings. As such, she was selected as a representative to the Coalition of AfricanAmerican Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. and elected to the office of vice president. For the Coalition’s Kwanzaa Celebrations, Pat was always willing to cook and serve large dishes of potato salad and chicken. These were her specialties andeveryone knew that they were in for a treat.

Being members of some of the same organizations, our paths crossed frequently. Pat was a relentless advocate for senior cooperators to downsize

to smaller apartments without paying more equity.

Like many other shareholders, her children were grown and had moved out. It was an awesome task for the Board to get approval from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

However, during the Berk/Cylich Board administration, we were finally successful in making this happen. Previously, seniors could downsize apartments, but were required to pay the cost of the current equity at that time. Unfortunately, by the time we received the approval, Pat had made other arrangements and decided to remain in her apartment.

I join the sentiments of the community in expressing how amazing Pat was and how much I miss her already. As a mother, cooperator, community leader, and friend, Pat was an inspiration for others to follow.

Hurricane Ida and Climate Change Co-op City was hard hit by Hurricane Ida a/k/a Tropical Storm Ida. It was a deadly and destructive Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to strike the U.S. state of Louisiana on record, behind Hurricane Katrina. So far in the Northeast U.S., at least 51 deaths have been attributed to the storm.

Overall, there have been at least 67 deaths across eight U.S. states related to Ida. There were 11 deaths in NY of those people wholived in basement apartments. Although there was lots of damage to Co-op City property, fortunately, there were no fatalities.

U.S. President Joe Biden has visited some of the disaster areas and has promised to make flood victims whole.

These storms are becoming more frequent and more intense and it has been reported that they are attributable to global warming. Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the

earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.

Solutions to global warming in North America include reducing coal emissions, increasing the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy, greening transportation, and helping developing countries reduce deforestation. During the Berk/Cylich Board presidency, the Riverbay Board did its part to address climate change by installing two electric vehicle charging stations in each of our eight garages.

The Board will continue discussing the implementation of solar energy by installing solar panels. As individuals, we can also help by going car-free, divesting out of polluting activities and changing our diet.

There are many resources available online and I encourage you to look them up to see how you too can help reduce your carbon footprint. For more information, visit: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/2018 1102-what-can-i-do-about-climate-change#:~:text=Limiting%20the%20use%20of%20fossil,all%20 while%20increasing%20energy%20efficiency.

At a recent Retirees of Dreiser Loop meeting I attended, a representative from Plant Powered Metro NY provided nutritional information on plant-based foods you can consume for a healthier lifestyle and to help stem climate change. He is affiliated with JASA. For more information, visit: Plantpoweredmetrony.org.

I hope you enjoyed the summer. Please continue wearing a mask and practice social distancing.Please stay safe and be well.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My contact info: 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbaycorp.com.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Church of the New Vision

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

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

You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-4366344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and Peace!

––M. Chambers

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

By the all-sufficient grace of God, we announce the church has reopened. There will be one service at 11 a.m. and Sunday School will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken. Welcome back. Services can also be viewed on YouTube after 1 p.m.

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

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

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

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen. –Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge Sunday, September 12, Worship Service theme: “We Can Do It.” Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

(John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:9; Psalm 34:19) Church of New Vision extends our deepest sympathies to the grieving families. May God grant you the strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Pentecostal Tabernacle at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, invites everyone to Worship Service on the following days. Telephone number: 718-324-0334 or 646-345-6707. All services are held online. To join, please call 720-740-9746, Access Code: 8876631.

Sunday Worship Service is from 11 a.m -2 p.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Worship service every Friday evening starts at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The Effective Fruitful Christian 11 Peter 1:1-3 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through-the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

Becoming A Matured Christian We become a matured Christian as we develop the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These qualities will develop in our growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

In a letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul addressed the topic of spiritual growth and maturity in

Christ Jesus.

Ephesians (4; 11-19) “And he gave some Apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that he henceforth walk, not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart, who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

Continual progressive spiritual growth is a normal process for all spiritually healthy Christian believers.

As individuals continue to grow in Christian character, their reverence and respect for God continue to increase. This process of growing spiritually brings a believer to full maturity in Christ. God has given to His church the gift of ministry in all its aspects and dimensions in order to perfect this process of spiritual growth for believers. We should continue to grow spiritually every day.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City We invite you all for festival services: Sukkoth on September 21, 22 and 25; Shemini Atzeret on September 28; and Simchat Torah on September 29. These services will begin at l0 a.m., followed

by Kiddush.

Simchat Torah Night Services will be at 6:30 p.m. on September 28 (pending an announcement of confirmation or cancellation during the morning services of September 28).

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

Saturday morning services will start at 10 a.m.

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

General Information – The Traditional Synagogue is in Section 5 at 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 number: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional

Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 7:51 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, September 24, at 6:29 p.m.

Good and Welfare – We sell Tree Certificates, in honor or memory of, a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-4495005. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All Members – Happy birthday all members who will celebrate their birthday in September. For 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, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

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

Beginning next Sunday, September 26, worship service will be held in person at 8 and 11 a.m. Masks will be required and temperatures will be taken. The 11 a.m. service will also continue on Zoom using information shown above.

Adult Sunday School will also be held in the Fellowship Hall between the 8 and 11 a.m. service.

Adult Sunday School will also be available on the Free Conference line at 857-357-0254. The Access Code is 660065#.

The Free Call Conference dial-in number has changed to 857-357-0254; the access code, 660065, will remain the same.

Wednesday Bible Study classes are held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. You can join using the Zoom or Free Call Conference Line.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at noon. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 857-357-0254, PIN #: 660065.

Friday Prayer held at 10 a.m. and will continue through the summer. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer Service is held at 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join using the Free Conference Call.com line shown above.

The Scholarship Ministry will be going to Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota on August 12, 2022, for 11 days and 10 nights and they are inviting you to travel with them.

Price per person, based on double occupancy, is $1,225, which includes 18 meals, 10 breakfast and 8 dinners, and motor coach transportation. You will have 10 nights lodging including four consecutive nights in South Dakota. Book your tour and send along your deposit of $100, due by October 31. You may contact Sister Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-3790541 or Sister Brenda Robinson at 718-671-1271for additional information or to make your reservation.

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

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

––Hattie L. Lucas

National Council of Negro Women Health Committee – Please save the date for our Annual Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday, September 25, in Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 2049 Bartow Avenue, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. In addition to blood pressure screenings, there will be health professionals with information on COVID-19, depression, women’s issues, skin care for people of color, massages, back to school health concerns, CPR training and Yoga demonstrations. Unfortunately, due to indoor flooding, the fair will be in the outdoor space only, which is not wheelchair accessible.

Friends of NCNW Co-op City Section will be walking again this year in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 17. We will be meeting at Orchard Beach at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in joining our team for a wonderful day of fellowship and this great cause, please email us at ncnwco.opcity@ gmail.com. We will be wearing matching shirts and hats to represent NCNW Co-op City Section!

Are you interested in joining our NCNW Co-op

City Section GIRL TREK Crew as we walk on Sisterhood Saturdays? We will walk to improve our physical as well as mental health beginning at 9 a.m. sharp. The mission of GIRL TREK is to save Black women’s lives through walking and socialization. The global COVID-19 pandemic has and is still disproportionately impacting our Black communities. Our GIRL TREK Crew will safely walk together on Saturday mornings, weather permitting, around the greenway in our GIRL TREK attire/colors! Please email ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com for more information.

Civic Engagement and Public Policy – September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Unfortunately, NYC has witnessed many emergency challenges with greater frequency and intensity. The most recent experience was Hurricane Ida. As we hold those families who have suffered loss of life and property in prayer and lift them up with support, we would also like to take time to remind our Co-op City community to take this month to review and develop an emergency plan for you

and your family. There are many sources of information that can assist you with getting started. One site that can be referenced is the NYC Emergency Management website, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ em/ready/ready-new-york.page.

Lastly, we would like to strongly encourage any family experiencing financial challenges with their rental and utility expenses during the COVID-19 crisis to review and apply for The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) as soon as possible.

Unused NYS funds will be returned to the Federal Government by September 30, 2021. For more information, please visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website, https://otda. ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/ or call 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368), MondaySaturday, from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

––Joyce Howard

22

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

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LEGAL NOTICES “Notice of Formation of VeneBearBub LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/29/21. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: VeneBearBub, 120 Aldrich Street, 12f Bronx NY 10475. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.” 9/18

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9/25

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

Public Safety

(Continued from page 7)

location that does not interfere with other shareholders entering or leaving our buildings. Avoid leaving them in the middle of the sidewalk, and do not place them where they may create a trip hazard. As Co-op City has a large elderly population, be mindful that our senior citizens may have a difficult time navigating around these scooters if left in an inconvenient location. Please, be mindful that the scooters should never be brought into one of our buildings or left in a lobby.

The Department of Public Safety would like to remind cooperators that it is a violation of your lease to place food out for animals to eat. A Community Complaint may be issued for littering to anyone who puts food out for any reason. Wellintentioned cooperators may think they are putting food out for stray cats or birds but the food ends up attracting rats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes or other animals which can be a threat to residents. Throwing food out of the windows or leaving food on the windowsill can result in an additional Community Complaint being issued.

Feeding wildlife, such as geese, also tends to change the migration pattern of these animals as they end up not flying south for the winter. Food placed out for animals is often lacking in the nutrition needed by the animals and serves to upset their ecological balance. Please resist the urge to place food out for animals in Co-op City or elsewhere.

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 or sent information via our website.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say “hello” to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street while observing six-foot social distance.

Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

It is still important to wear a mask and practice good personal hygiene.

Wear gloves, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Wear a mask indoors and in situations where six-foot social distancing is not possible. Consult your physician and see if getting a vaccine is a good idea for you and anyone 12 or older who reside in your household. Also, check with your doctor and see if a third or booster shot is recommended.

23

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

RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by one of the following methods: • Go to independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete online disclosure form; • Call independent third party whistleblower hotline: 1-833-2900009 (English); 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); • Email reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); • Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

YOU ALWAYS KEEP THEM SAFE. WITH VACCINES, THEY’LL BE EVEN SAFER. CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

LET’S KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AND OUR SCHOOLS COVID-FREE. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get one, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

24

Co-op City Times / September 18, 2021

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