Co-op City Times 10/24/20

NY Early Voting: October 24 – Nov. 1, 2020 Co-op City’s Early Voting Poll Site: Truman HS Must use back entrance labeled “Exit 21” and proceed to the gym

Vol. 55 No. 43

Smoke detector installations resume

Saturday, October 24, 2020

$1.25

Grand Reopening of Dreiser Auditorium

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

After immediately suspending the mandatory smoke detector installation program in March due to the pandemic, the program resumed this week throughout the community to ensure the safety of shareholders and Riverbay staff members.

A new New York City building code requirement calling for carbon monoxide detectors in all new and existing multi-family homes, apartment buildings and hotels, as well as a series of fires in Co-op City, influenced the start of the program.

In April 2019, Co-op City shareholders started receiving new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, thanks to a collaboration with the American Red Cross of Greater New York. The project began with Chevron 1 and Tower 35 and then continuing with Tower 33 and Chevron 2B. According to Anthony Barzelatto, Riverbay’s director (Continued on page 2)

A virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the state-of-the-art Dreiser Auditorium was held yesterday at 6:30 p.m., followed by performances by The Unique Band NYC and The EZ Soul Band, the first acts to grace the brand new stage. The celebration was broadcast live on the Riverbay Crawler, channel 12 on MATV and channel 591 on Optimum, as well as on Facebook Live. See next week’s Co-op City Times for full coverage.

Photo by John Alexander

Management Report

Personal responsibility and residents’ quality-of-life

Living in New York City Management Report and multifamily housing as dense as Co-op City can be trying for some residents in the best of times. During the pandemic, with more people working from home, kids at home engaged in remote learning, and everyone being told to socially distance, what would be a small annoyance in normal times, can become a frustrating problem and lead to conflict with neighbors and complete strangers.

We know more people are home. Information that we maintain at the power plant showed that our peak electrical usage on the hottest days of this summer, which generally occur in the late afternoon, required that 22 megawatts of power was needed in the community. In 2019, the peak usage at these times was no more than 18 megawatts.

Another consequence of more people being home all the time is, unfortunately, a disturbing increase in quality-of-life complaints to CCPD. I find myself shaking my head more and more at what I am seeing and hearing. Management is here to maintain the buildings and grounds, but we are increasingly being expected to referee and mediate disputes that could be solved by residents taking a deep breath, counting to ten and assuming more personal responsibility as shareholders in a cooperative development.

Data from CCPD for the period from March-October this year, compared to the same period in 2019, show some disturbing trends. Noise complaints are up

Bob Klehammer

(Continued on page 3)

SNAP eligibility expanded (see pg. 6)

Absentee ballot applications due October 27 Early Voting in NYC, Oct. 24-Nov.1

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Election Day is quickly approaching and so is the October 27th deadline to apply for absentee ballots due to COVID-19.

According to Vote.nyc, applications can be completed online, by email, fax, or snail mail. Voters should, however, be mindful that despite the deadline, the USPS cannot guarantee timely delivery of ballots applied for less than 15 days before an election. All absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3 to count in the election. Voters can bring their completed ballots to polling sites as soon as October 24, during the early voting period.

(Continued on page 2)

NY Early Voting Poll Site Schedule

The early voting poll site for Co-op City shareholders is Truman HS located in Education Park, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475 (must use back entrance labeled, “Exit 21,” to the gymnasium).

All polls are closed on Monday, November 2, for Election Day preparations.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

During Early Voting, polls are open according to the following schedule: Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, October 26, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, October 27, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, October 28, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday, October 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, October 30, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.s Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voters must wear a face mask and observe social distancing while at the poll location. Voters who have received their “Fast Pass Tag” which is bar coded for contactless voting should bring it along when heading to the polls.

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Installations

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

of safety, “This is a mandatory requirement by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that we must abide by.”

As of July 2019, 5,002 alarms were installed throughout Co-op City, including Buildings 35, 34, 1A, 1B, 2A. The goal was to start in Buildings 1 and 35 and then work inward from both ends and eventually meet in the middle. Although the project was initially expected to last only six to seven months, several events have caused delays – including the pandemic.

Residents are receiving brand new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide units that are 100 percent sealed, have un-removable batteries and a 10-year service life. The installation time varies from unit to unit, depending on the number of bedrooms and safety information required. On average, each job takes about 20 minutes. Smoke detector devices are installed in each bedroom and a combination detector (carbon monoxide and smoke) in the common area.

Cooperators must wear a mask to be serviced; if they don’t have a mask, Riverbay’s safety educators will have additional masks in their backpacks to hand out if need be.

Installations will take place all week long: Monday and Wednesdays, between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Underscoring the importance of the program, Mr. Barzelatto said that several attempts will be made to enter apartments to conduct the installations, however, in a worst-case scenario, the lock will be drilled out. Residents who can’t make their appointment should call the “Smoke Detector Program” at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3388. (See work schedule at right.)

Ballots

Date

Bldg. 

Monday, October 19, 2020 Monday, October 19, 2020



10B 10C 

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Tuesday, October 20, 2020

10C 11A

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Wednesday, October 21, 2020

11A 27A

3 – 10 2-9 

Saturday, October 24, 2020

11A

11 - 26

Saturday, October 24, 2020 Saturday, October 24, 2020 Saturday, October 24, 2020

11B 27A 27B

2-4 10 - 26 2-4



Sunday, October 25, 2020 Sunday, October 25, 2020



11B 27B 

Monday, October 26, 2020 Monday, October 26, 2020

10C 11A

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

5 - 26 5 - 26 



 

12 - 26 2nd 



Voters completing the absentee ballot application must select “Temporary illness or disability” due to the risk of COVID-19 as the reason for the absentee ballot request.

Even if you request an absentee ballot, you may still opt to vote in person come November 3 or during Early Voting, which, in New York, will take place from Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2020.

For more information about absentee voting, please visit https://vote.nyc/page/ absentee-voting.

20-26 2 -11 



(Continued from page 1)

Num. of Floors

19 – 26 2nd 

11C

2 -13





 11C



14 - 26

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

3

NYC Health + Hospitals to host free virtual workshops to prepare New Yorkers for open enrollment periods This week, NYC Health + Hospitals announced a series of free virtual health insurance workshops to prepare New Yorkers for the upcoming open-enrollment periods. Collaborating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the workshops are geared to help the general public, community and faith-based organizations, and caregivers understand available health insurance options as they prepare for the open-enrollment periods for Medicare and New York State of Health – the state’s official online marketplace.

The workshops will also be available to NYC Health + Hospitals financial counselors, physicians, nurses and social workers so they can assist patients in navigating the health insurance portals.

Although this is the seventh consecutive year that NYC Health + Hospitals and CMS are partnering to bring free workshops to NYC communities, it is the first time that the workshops will be virtual to allow wide participation while keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mitchell Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, said: “Information on accessing affordable, quality healthcare has become more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating health insurance can be intimidating, but we’re grateful to be able to partner with trusted organizations to help our communities make better informed decisions for them and their family members. For those looking to apply for health insurance, our staff can help you get connected with information, and for those not eligible for coverage or unable to afford it, we

Management

(Continued from page 1)

almost 53% (2,053 last year compared to 3,138 this year). Some of these are evident, such as loud music, but others are trivial, such as small children walking around in their own home.

Other trends are even more disturbing. We have issued 108 community complaints (CC) for loitering primarily in stairwells of the buildings. This is a 218% increase over the 34 CC’s we issued last year; each of these complaints carries a $100 fine. There were also 17 CC’s issued for smoking in a public area of the buildings, a 325% increase from the four such CC’s issued last year, each carrying a $300 fine. Besides smoking being bad for your health, it is perhaps the worst contempt for your neighbors to subject them to second-hand smoke.

There are also increases in community complaints being issued for other offenses such as public urination, defacing property and unauthorized access to building roofs. We are also seeing more discarded masks and gloves being thrown on our grounds rather than being disposed of properly in trash cans we have throughout the community or better yet, waiting until you get home and putting them in your own garbage.

We are living in a difficult period, I get it. That is even more of a reason to show empathy, charity and understanding to your neighbors and fellow citizens of Co-op City whether you know them or not. We can do better, we must do better.

I urge you to pay attention to your actions and consider their impact not just on your own health and self-interest, but your neighbors’ as well.

can help you get enrolled in NYC Care or NYC Health + Hospitals’ Options.”

“With open enrollment coming up, training our community partners, community members, and health care providers about Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance is as important as it has ever been,” said Frank Winter, partnership manager, CMS New York Regional External Affairs Office. “During this unique time, we want to make especially sure that our partners and enrollees have the best information to make sound decisions about their health coverage during open enrollment.”

During the virtual workshops, health insurance specialists from CMS will provide updates on Medicare parts A, B, C, and D, Medicaid basics, preventive services, enrollment assistance and resources for the uninsured, and more. These workshops are open to everyone including community partners, faith-based organizations, caregivers, community members, and NYC Health + Hospitals’ staff.

The schedule of the workshops is as follows: • Wednesday, October 28, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Visit Eventbrite and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-health-hospitals-cms-health-insurance-101-virtual-workshop-tickets-125401907481 • Thursday, November 5, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Visit Eventbrite and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-health-hospitals-cms-health-insurance-101-virtual-workshop-tickets-125404336747 • Wednesday, November 18, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Visit Eventbrite and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-health-hospitals-cms-health-insurance-101-virtual-workshop-tickets-125407203321 The next open enrollment period for New York State of Health, when residents will be able to either change their insurance plan, or enroll in health insurance for the first time, will begin on November 1, 2020. For people with Medicare, annual enrollment period began as of October 15, 2020 and ends December 7, 2020.

During this time, Medicare participants can select a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan. They can also switch plans if they are already enrolled.

Plastic bag ban back in effect

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

A ban that began earlier in the year is now fully back in effect this week as all plastic carryout bags will effectively be banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax.

While the ban was actually law earlier this year, the enforcement of it was delayed due to a lawsuit from plastic bag manufacturers and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now at checkout lines, customers will have to bring their own bags or pay between 5 to 15 cents for every paper bag used for their items. Those who qualify for WIC or SNAP benefits, however, are exempt from this fee.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officially began enforcing the ban on October 19.

“As we have for many months, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to make the switch to reusable bags whenever and wherever they shop and to use commonsense precautions to keep reusable bags clean,” New York State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a press release.

Originally, the legislation was signed into law by Gov. Cuomo last April and was aimed at reducing the harmful environmental impact of plastic bags.

The issue of plastic bags affecting the environment had become so prevalent that the governor even created a task force in 2017 just to address the problem. In their final report, the task force noted: “Throughout New York State, plastic bags have become a ubiquitous sight on the landscape. They can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighborhoods, floating in our waterways and as a general aesthetic eyesore of our environment. Single-use plastic bags are a detriment to the health of communities and the environment alike.”

The legislation wants to push people toward using reusable bags and thus create less plastic waste. Shoppers should be aware that stores will not be required to have bags for customers and some stores may not switch to paper bags entirely, instead only selling reusable bags for purchase.

Some exceptions to the rule do apply as restaurants are still allowed to use single-use plastic bags for takeout. Additionally, stores can use plastic bags for certain items such as uncooked meat, sliced food, prepared food and prescription drugs.

Bags that are sold in bulk, for example, trash or recycling bags, are also exempt from the ban.

A REMINDER ... COVID-19 is still a threat. Some communities are experiencing an uptick in cases. Health experts continue to stress the importance of wearing a mask and observing social distancing. When riding the elevators, no more than 4 to a ride and no more than 5 persons in the laundry rooms simultaneously.

Let’s work together to protect each other.

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Parking Notice – Building 16, behind 650 Baychester Ave. PS 153

Shareholders who utilize the parking lot in front of Building 16 between MS 180 and PS 153 (behind 650 Baychester Avenue) are urged to pay attention to the posted parking regulation which forbids parking from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays – Fridays, except for authorized faculty vehicles. This is to accommodate teachers who are being forced to double park because residents are not moving their vehicles by 7 a.m. as stipulated by the regulation. School officials are in communication with NYPD and the DOT about enforcing the regulation and vehicles will be towed at owners’ expense.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Co-op City’s basketball courts are open

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

The courts are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Be smart, be safe.

Census 2020 Update

NYC Census 2020 confirmed this week that New York City’s self-response rate of 61.8% outpaced other major cities as well as the Census Bureau’s preCOVID prediction of 58% for the New York Metro area, as reported by the Coop City Times last week.

Co-op City’s self-response rate was 76.1%, approximately 9.1 percentage points ahead of the current national average as of last Saturday, October 17, 2020.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear arguments from the Trump administration on November 30 on the issue of excluding undocumented immigrants from the apportionment calculation for congressional seats. In 2019, the Supreme Court blocked the administration from adding a citizenship question to the census. It remains unclear how the administration will garner the citizenship information they are requesting from the current census data collected. The Census Bureau has until December 31 to deliver the census figures to the president who has asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for two sets of numbers, one from the census and one not.

The US Constitution mandates that apportionment of House of Representatives seats is based on the “whole number of persons in each State,” which has historically been interpreted to mean every resident regardless of immigration status.

In September, a three-judge federal appeals court in Manhattan ruled against the President excluding undocumented immigrants from the calculation to determine congressional apportionment. The appeals court determined that throughout the country’s history, the census count in each state has been used to calculate how many seats a state gets in the House of Representatives and that count has “included every person residing in the United States at the time of the census, whether citizen or non-citizen and whether living here with legal status or without.” In their decision, the judges, two appointed by a former Republican administration and one by a Democrat, agreed that the President exceeded his authority under the census law which also requires the Commerce Secretary to report one set of numbers – the total population of the United States – not two as the President is requesting.

New York City census officials said this week that they remain vigilant and are closely monitoring these developments as they play out through the courts.

They also reported that all possible legal options available will be pursued to hold the Trump administration and Census Bureau accountable should it become necessary to contest the census count numbers on behalf of New Yorkers.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist NOW ACCEPTING GHI!!

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718.671.7226 100 DeKruif Place

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

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Nov. 30, 1938 – Sept. 23, 2020 She has fought the good fight, She has finished the course, She has kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for her A crown of righteousness, Which the Lord, the righteous Judge Shall give her.

Glennie Marie Rich, the daughter of the late Thomas Omega Perry and Julia Placid Mills Perry, was born November 20, 1938, in Franklinton, North Carolina.

After a long and faithful life, she departed to live with the Lord in glory on September 23, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Glennie attended elementary and high school in Franklinton County, North Carolina. After graduation, she relocated to Mount Vernon, New York. She found employment at Selectro Electronics, Inc. in Mamaroneck, New York, where she met her future husband, Elton Fredrick Rich, Sr. They were united in marriage in October 1960 and became the parents of two beautiful children: Cheryl Renee and Elton Fredrick, Jr. Glennie was later employed by Sigmund Cohn (Precision Fabricated Metals) in Mount Vernon, New York as an inspector of precious metal. She retired from the company after 37 years of employment.

Glennie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age in North Carolina, and became a member of Manasseh Baptist Church. Upon moving to Mount Vernon, Glennie joined Grace Baptist Church. Later, when she moved to Co-op City, Bronx, New York, she united with Community Protestant Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member until her death. She became very active in the church and was a dedicated member of the Missionary Ministry, Sister to Sister Women’s Ministry, Bible Study, and the North Carolina Team. She was also a member of The Grandparents of Co-op City.

Glennie was outspoken, but a very kind and loving person. She would help anyone wherever she could. She was a mother to her younger siblings. She loved traveling, shopping and taking care of her grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and their friends, chauffeuring them to school and their basketball games, which she also attended and enjoyed.

She was happy to be called “Grandma” by her grandchildren’s friends.

Glennie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Thomas Omega and Julia Placid Perry; husband, Elton Fredrick, Sr.; brothers, Thomas Omega Perry, Jr., Robert William Perry and Felix Milton Perry.

She will be cherished forever by her daughter, Cheryl Spencer (Anthony Rodriguez); son, Elton Fredrick, Jr.; grandsons, Dante Rodriguez, Dion Rodriguez and Chaz Rodriguez; siblings: Julia Verna Nicholson (James Collins), Bronx, NY; Mary Lena Privette (James Thomas), Franklinton, NC; Ernest Sanford Perry (Patricia), Red Oak, TX; and Carolyn Park Taylor, Franklinton, NC; her dearest cousins: Eloise Rodwell and Antoinette Charles; and a host of family and friends, including Rosemary Oliver (caretaker and a special angel of mercy); and lifelong friend, Carolyn Crafton. `ç `Éà{xÜ In tears I saw her sinking and watched her fade away, My heart was almost broken, I wanted her to stay if just for another day, But when I heard her sleeping so peacefully, pain free; How could I wish her back with me to suffer this again?

I will always have loving memories of my dear Mommy.

Mommy is the name for God on the lips And in the heart of children.

EYE DOCTORS

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

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

5

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Bronx DA’s Office & NYPD hold Gun Buyback today

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, the New York Yankees and elected officials announced a Bronx Gun Buyback event scheduled for today, Saturday, Oct. 24, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at 777 East 222nd Street and Barnes Avenue in the Wakefield section of the Bronx. The program will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone can turn in handguns and assault rifles, no questions asked, and receive a cash card and an iPad. “With so many shootings happening, it’s important to do all we can to take guns off Bronx streets,” said District Attorney Clark. “The police are recovering several guns a day out there, but we also need to get unlicensed firearms out of homes. Children can come upon them and be injured or even killed. This buyback event is an opportunity for people to turn in guns, no questions asked, and receive cash and a useful tool to help their children’s education. Remember, if you are caught with an illegal gun, you face prison time. We hope to get as many guns as possible, but even one could save a life. I thank our partners for helping us with our goal of eradicating gun violence in the Bronx, and I am so grateful to the New York Yankees for donating iPads.”

Commissioner Shea said: “Every day, our NYPD officers work relentlessly to prevent gun violence and to keep illegal guns from victimizing New Yorkers. This gun buy-back event

being carried out with our partners in the Bronx district attorney’s office is a key part of our tireless efforts to work with those we serve to take guns off of our city streets.”

The first 150 participants to turn in operable handguns or assault rifles will receive a $200 pre-paid card, and a free iPad from the Bronx DA’s Office and the New York Yankees. Those who turn in rifles, shotguns or airguns will receive a $25 pre-paid card. Participants can turn in as many guns as they wish but will only receive payment for up to three guns. Only one iPad will be given per person, regardless of how many weapons they surrender.

In the Bronx so far this year, there have been 315 shooting incidents resulting in 377 people being wounded – a significant increase from 2019, when there were 176 shootings that wounded 196 people.

District Attorney Clark stated: “I believe providing iPads will entice more people to do the right thing and turn in illegal guns and at the same time help members of their households.

Children are home now more than ever and, especially in the Bronx, in need of technology that connects them to school and to the world outside their quarantine. Their caregivers are also home now more than ever, because they are working remotely or, unfortunately, because they lost their jobs. Bronx unemployment rates have soared to 25%, the highest in the city.”

Governor Cuomo announces expansion of SNAP eligibility

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

An unfortunate consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been food insecurity for many, but an announcement last Friday from NY’s Gov. Cuomo hopes to address that issue.

During a phone conference with reporters, Gov. Cuomo announced plans to expand SNAP eligibility so that lowincome college students enrolled in career or technical education course work can also qualify for the benefits.

Additionally, the plan includes shortening the SNAP application for those on fixed incomes.

The goal of this initiative is to “encourage greater enrollment among eligible older adults and disabled individuals,” according to the governor’s office.

“From the community college student seeking to advance their career to the senior living on a fixed income, food insecurity and hunger are a reality for a wide breadth of lowincome New Yorkers and we have an obligation to help them during their time in need,” Gov. Cuomo said during the phone conference. “These measures will help a greater number of individuals and families access benefits that will prevent them from facing the dire reality of food insecurity.”

Under the new qualification rules, income-eligible students who are enrolled at least part-time in a career or technical education program offered at a SUNY, CUNY or community

college, will now be eligible for SNAP. Notably, income-eligible students attending an Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in New York and who are also enrolled at least part-time in a career and technical education program, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language courses will now also be included under the new eligibility rules.

According to the governor’s office, data collected on student demographics across New York found that the new eligibility rules would allow an additional 75,000 people to now qualify for SNAP. Following Gov. Cuomo’s directive, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) worked in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to now offer a more simplified SNAP application.

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we continue to help an increasing number of low-income individuals and families avoid the crushing feeling of food insecurity,” OTDA Commissioner Mike Hein said. “These changes will help numerous college students and older New Yorkers qualify for SNAP, ensuring they can more easily afford healthy, nutritious food.”

To learn more about SNAP or the application process, those who are interested can go online to otda.ny.gov/programs/snap.

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

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Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

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

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

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Public Safety alerts cooperators to Social Security scams

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, people may find themselves receiving more annoying telephone calls than usual. Some calls may take the form of telemarketing calls for goods or services we have no interest in. Other calls may be scam calls with no intention other than to defraud the person on the other end.

By being cautious, my readers can help protect themselves against some of the popular and evolving scams involving Social Security and Internal Revenue Service.

Smart cooperators who read this column are always one step ahead of scammers.

Recently, one of my avid readers took the time to send me a letter telling me how she avoided becoming a victim of a Social Security-based telephone scam. My reader told me that she has friends who also received similar calls coming from a “Private Number.” The scammer told my reader that she would receive a $1,000 bonus if she filled out a letter that she will receive in the mail and send it back with a small donation.

The scammer then asked my reader to confirm her name and address. Not a single piece of information given.

This call is a new twist on the “Your Social Security number has been cancelled” scam. Another smart reader foiled a scammer’s plot. Thank you for sharing your story so I can share it here with all of my readers.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety receives updates from various agencies regarding trends in scams. Scam artists are a very clever group of people.

They take their knowledge of human nature and combine it with current information in an attempt to find new victims. Recent studies have shown that certain types of scams, especially internet scams, increase every year. By being aware of potential scams, readers can reduce their chance of becoming a victim.

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

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

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

Public Safety Report

Public Safety Blotter October 11 – October 17, 2020

October 11, 2020 – 99 Dreiser Loop CCPD officers were dispatched to investigate a suspicious male on the second floor of this location. The male was issued a Criminal Court Summons for trespassing.

140 Erdman Place CCPD officers observed and arrested a female, non-resident, for smoking marijuana in a staircase. The resident she was visiting was issued a community complaint as they are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s).

October 12, 2020 – 4240 Hutchinson River Parkway E. FDNY responded to investigate a smoke condition and discovered someone discarded a candle that was still lit causing a minor compactor chute fire. There was no damage or injuries.

Bartow Mall – 2061 Bartow Avenue A female apparently entered the supermarket, stole some items and was caught by store employees. The female then brandished a knife and threatened the employees and attempted to flee. She was captured by responding CCPD officers and arrested. She was processed through the system accordingly.

October15, 2020 – 100 DeKruif Place CCPD officers issued four community complaints and at least one community complaint to a group loitering in the stairway and one person in possession of marijuana.

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 Another scam I heard about and then actually received myself is a Pay Pal scheme. The email states that you are almost finished completing your registration for Pay Pal. The email looks legitimate and it asks you to enter your Pay Pal username and password. It then prompts you to enter your bank account number. When you call the customer service number, it tells you to mail a Green Dot card to an address. A friend of mine did not realize there was a problem until that point. When I received the same email, I investigated the email right away as I was not trying to set up a Pay Pal account. Upon scrutiny, the email came from an email address at e.paypal.com, very close to the actual email address. In any case, when you are doing business with a company known to be legitimate, enter the website into your browser yourself; do not use search engine results or click on a link from an email. Pay Pal is a legitimate company which offers an extra level of protection for online payments but a scammer pretending to be Pay Pal can be a real threat to your financial identity.

(Continued on page 27)

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Buildings and Grounds highlights Director’s Viewpoint

Sonia Feliciano Treasurer Covid-19 created hardships for us as a community and our country. The spread of this disease was rapid as it overburdened our healthcare system to its maximum. We lost friends and loved ones, but we managed to persevere despite it all. We kept our community safe, posting signs to wear masks, organizing food drives, mask and hand sanitizer give-aways. We checked in on our neighbors. Our elected officials supported us and our houses of worship developed guidelines to keep the members safe. We are a stronger community because of it, building stronger relationships.

With Election Day quickly approaching on November 3, 2020, the freedom to vote is an inherent right, one we should be proud of. As a nation, we are that much stronger when communities use that right. We anticipate long lines during the elections but we should not be discouraged. Let’s make it into a meaningful opportunity to vote for your candidate of choice. This year, the voting places will be open early on October 24, 2020 through November 1, 2020. In Co-op City, Truman High School will be one of the polling places for early voting. Please check with the Board of Elections for the locations and times. There will be flyers posted throughout the community. Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd President, once said, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Please exercise your right to vote.

Highlights of Buildings and Grounds Our Call Center, managed by Lutitia Matthias, has switched to another software platform to better manage the volume of calls that have been coming into the Call Center. Eight new agents have been hired, totaling 21, to manage a community the size of ours. The training is two months and ongoing, allowing the agents to become proficient in maintenance, Yardi, restora-

tion, and finance. It does not end there, as they continue to train in other areas. Most important are our cooperators who have endured long wait and hold times. We expect a reduction of the call volumes as we continue not only to set clear expectations, but to improve service delivery working with our service provider and our IT department. We realize that it has not been easy for the community when prevalent issues have not been resolved. However, we are confident that the backlog caused by Covid-19 will diminish as more appointments are made for services with the worst situations getting priority. As owners, we deserve the best and I believe that we will get this with our new Call Center.

Our Assistant Director of Maintenance Toma Kastrati and his team are winterizing the buildings, closing spigots, vents and eliminating drafts. Opportunities were identified in replacing roof fans that have outlived their life and not repairable. We have replaced 15 so far and further evaluations indicate that more buildings will require the replacement of roof fans. Roof fans allow moist air to exhaust out of the building.

New roof fans are energy efficient. Maintenance is working on Local Law 152 which is the inspection of the gas pipes under the law. This process started on January 1, 2020 requiring that all gas piping systems get inspected by a master plumber. We have completed 10 buildings so far and are working on another 25 buildings. We are doing four buildings per week and expect to have all buildings completed by the second week of December.

Mike Ambo, director of Grounds, and his team, have completed the cutting of grass throughout the development. Benches were painted and restored in Section 1 and Buildings 15 and 16. All toddler and kiddy parks are sanitized twice per day. We are now servicing our snow removal and de-icing equipment in preparation for the winter season. We completed 15,000 sq. ft of destroyed lawn by Section 1 just in time for the winter. We started a project in Buildings 31, 26 and 30,

removing infested trees, and stumps. Sixty-four trees have been replaced so far along with 140 hedges. We will complete these three buildings with a new start of other buildings in 2021.

Danielle O’Connor, director of Parking and Leasing, and team, have completed the power washing of garage #1. Staircases in garages 1, 2 and 3 have been painted. Directional arrows in garage #6 have been painted. We have power washed the Bartow Mall and hope to do the same at the Einstein Mall with weather permitting. We have started repairing the storage rooms in Buildings 33, 34 and 35. We are also working with the Construction department to renovate the coat room in Dreiser in anticipation of the opening of the auditorium.

Our Assistant Director of Janitorial Arthur Taylor and Director Joshua Blake installed new toilet paper, towel and soap dispensers in the laundry rooms. A new garbage truck was purchased to better handle the weight of the dumpsters and to replace aging trucks. Speed reducers have been installed to ensure that the truck is going at a certain speed.

Our CSO Director Vanessa Aldea and her team continue their regular inspections. The smoke detector program is in progress. We are working towards the completion of three buildings until all buildings are completed.

I cannot stress our safety with the wearing of masks, ensuring that only four individuals are in an elevator and adhering to the number of cooperators who can be in the laundry room at any given time. Maintaining safe social distancing must be first and foremost.

“If you see something, say something.” Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your Board director. You can reach out to me on 917-992-7311 or write to me at Riverbay Board, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Shareholders first – We matter!

Building 27 Association

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Hello, neighbors, we continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with the guidelines to wear our mask, to be aware of social distancing at all times. Now that schools are open, let’s hope all goes well, that the children, students, teachers and staffing will remain safe and healthy.

The association wishes all well and the best of health. We have not met as of yet, however, plans may be in the works, yet we have to remain very careful due to the Covid19 virus. However, if anyone has any suggestion, please contact the president, Ms. Thalia Roach; phone number is listed on the bulletin board in each building, A, B and C. Scholarship Fundraising Committee Ms. Margie Delgado, chairperson of this committee, hopes everyone is staying safe and abiding by the rules of keeping safe distance and one day soon we will be able to meet again soon. A meet and greet on the greenway would have been nice, however, the weather may have become a bit too cool.

Early Voting Early voting began today, October 24, to November 1. Plan to drop off your absentee ballot at the local polls. With the uncertainty around this matter, personally, I would encourage one to vote at the local polls and lock your vote into the system. Please, pay attention to the convenient hours on different days.

We all by now are receiving a red, white and blue pamphlet with your voter registration card with the bar code. This bar code will be scanned, thereby allowing a faster time to vote. Please bring the card with you to vote. Read the pamphlet, location and the nine days early voting hours are listed. Location will be at Truman High School on Baychester Ave. Ride the 30 or 38 bus to the hardware store bus stop on Dreiser Loop, walk between the tower building and the townhouses. There will be voting signs directing to the back of Truman/gym to the polls. Nine days to vote early and at Truman, chairs to sit on while waiting. Social distancing is in place. Remember, this is a Presidential and important election.

Proper disposals Tissues, used masks, gloves are being discarded on the garage floors, elevators floors, grounds, and it looks disgusting. Please let us all act responsibly. Let us all keep our buildings and property clean. Please bend down and pick up what you dropped.

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

Pray for the world, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. –Theodore Roosevelt.

–H. Overman

Building 13 Association

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Early Voting begins today, Saturday, the 24th, at Truman High School located at 750 Baychester Avenue. Early voting ends on Sunday, November 1, 2020. See Early Vote flyer for poll hours at Truman HS. Thank you all for joining our October Zoom Meeting. Special thanks to Ms. English for participating. The building association realizes that pre Covid-19 shareholders have busy schedules and now under this new normal most are staying as close to home as possible. Life goes on and our aim is to keep you aware of what is taking place in the community and keep you abreast of any changes that have been made. Based on your requests, we invite representatives to our meetings to address your questions and concerns.

Reminder: Please make sure we have your e-mail address if you want to be included in the meeting and any of our future Zoom events.

As of this printing, we don’t have a date from the “Masketeers,” but we hope to be giving away masks and sanitizer refills shortly.

For Halloween, we will have treats in the lobby for those who live or visit our building. Check the lobby bulletin board for more information. Additionally, on Saturday, October 31, families can participate in the Riverbay Ragamuffin Halloween Parade. Line up begins at 10:30 a.m. and Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. Prizes for the Best Costume and Best Family Theme.

The flyer will be posted in the lobby.

The NCNW will be hosting an Economic Education Development Program on Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. The topics will be about how Covid19 has impacted Family Courts and The State of Diversity in the Education workforce. Information on how to join us is located on the posted flyer in the lobby.

Unfortunately, the court case about the Census went back and forth until it was abruptly ended on October 15, 2020. Co-op City was touted as having the highest response numbers in the Bronx and for that I am proud of us and our civic awareness.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at (daddpeterson@aol.com) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Thanks for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Early Voting Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson Secretary Early Voting starts today, Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Same hours on Sunday and next Saturday and Sunday. That’s easy. So is finding out the weekday early voting hours between the weekends. (Mon. & Fri., Oct. 26 & Oct. 30, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tues. & Weds., Oct. 27 & 28, noon - 8 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) But getting to the Early Voting poll site? Now that’s the not-so-easy part.

For all of Co-op City, the early voting poll site entrance is a blue door described as “exit 21” located in the gym in the rear of Truman High School. If this is your first venture to the poll site, you might find it hard to get to. In fact, saying that the poll site is located on Baychester Avenue is practically a practical joke!

Early voters must enter at the rear of Truman High, between the school and the track. And no matter how you try to get to, or get close to, the poll site entrance at Blue Door 21 — by foot, by bus, or by car — each method will prove challenging in its own way.

Walking: Education Park is enormous. It’s made up of a five-school cluster attached one to the other in such a way that you have to circle around an elementary school and a middle school to get to the back of the high school. There is no short cut. Do not go to the front of Truman High. No one will let you in no matter how much you beg and it’ll cost you nearly a mile hike for trying.

Another obstacle is the track. That, too, is humongous.

If you venture forth on foot, take a sherpa with you or at least a smart phone. (Or check your lobby flyer/map before heading out.)

I took my phone with its seven-day free-trial distance-measuring app for my reconnoitering to and from Blue Door 21. Walking from Dreiser Loop South, I saw some decals leftover from June (maybe last November?) pointing toward the poll site. I didn’t see

any pointing from the direction of Asch Loop and I walked that route twice. On the first walk through Section 3, I stuck too close to Bldg. 17 and ran into two short sets of steps. If you’ll be coming from that direction and want to avoid that obstacle, follow the path nearer Bldg.19. It’s longer but flatter.

If super flat is what you wish, the way for you to go is either up Donizetti Place from Baychester Ave., into the parking lot behind P.S. 178 and up the side of I.S. 181, or up its twin path on Truman’s other side, passing by P.S. 153 and M.S. 180.

Hopefully, we’ll get a fresh batch of decals and signage before “show time.”

Busing: Many of our cooperators will be taking the bus for the first time since March in order to get to our difficult-to-reach Early Voting location at Truman High. Co-op City’s got a heck of a lot of buses.

But which ones get voters closest to the poll site?

Three bus stops are fairly close to (but still quite a walk from) the poll site entrance. They are Asch Loop at Alcott Place, (Alcott), Dreiser Loop South between Defoe Place and DeKruif Place, (Dreiser) and Baychester Avenue at Donizetti Place, (Donizetti).

Walking from Dreiser, following the path between Bldg. 6 and the Defoe townhouses, is the shortest path, logging in at about a fifth of a mile. The Alcott walk is also .2 miles with stairs or .3 miles without. And the Donizetti route, the flattest path, is also a three tenths of a mile walk.

Dreiser and Alcott are the most scenic paths but Donizetti — to the north of Truman — ties in the flattest path competition. The other flat path starts at the driveway south of Truman and north of Aldrich at Baychester. (The Aldrich stop is a whopping 4/10 of a mile to the poll site so fuhgedaboudit.)

So which bus to take to Dreiser, Donizetti, or Alcott?

The Bx23, Bx26, Bx28, Bx30, Bx38, or the Q50?

The Bx23 — our “circulator” — serves all of Co-op City, stopping at all three of the bus stops (Alcott, Donizetti, and Dreiser) closest to the Truman poll site. Just be mindful of which Bx23 you choose if you don’t want to wind up at the Pelham Bay Park 6-train station by mistake.

Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 would do best to take the Bx2354321 to Dreiser South and the Bx23-12345 back from.

The Bx30 hits all three bus stops (Dreiser, Donizetti, and Alcott), accommodating Carver heading west and south and (Alcott, Donizetti, and Dreiser) Section 5 travelers heading north. (The Bx30 is not for Bellamy voters).

The Bx38, boarded at Bellamy or Carver, stops at Dreiser and Donizetti.

The Bx26 or Bx28 also work for Section 5 voters whose stop choice is Alcott.

The Q50 stops at Donizetti (and Aldrich) but it’s pretty useless for any Co-op City early voter.

Some riders might choose to bypass the (too scenic) Alcott and Dreiser stops, the (too long a walk from the poll site) Donizetti stop or the (way too long a walk) Aldrich stop. Choosing a path of least resistance to Blue Door 21 is important to those who find any stair steps too many stair steps or an extra block, a block too far.

Driving: Driving to the back of Truman is allowed but NOT encouraged. Students and voters use the same pathways, so drive very slowly. Use either of the two roadways flanking the school cluster to get to the back of Truman. Sometimes someone parks illegally blocking the way in or out, so be prepared to improvise. And if you need to rely on GPS to get you there, input 700 or 800 Baychester Ave., never 750!

Next time: Where’s my Election Day poll site?

You can reach me at 718-219-2211 or mpearson @riverbayboard.com.

National Council of Negro Women

Adopt a Nurse – On Saturday, October 17, at 8 a.m., NCNW members delivered two baskets of flowers and goodies to nurse Stacy at Albert Einstein Hospital. One basket was for her and the other basket was to share with the other nurses working in her unit. This is a project that we started a couple of months ago to express appreciation to health care workers in our community who are putting their lives in danger as they minister to us, our friends and families. She was quite thrilled with the gifts!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Here are just a few ways we can help women in need this month: 1) Screening, access & treatment, 2) Education, 3) Support and 4) Hope. We at NCNW Co-op City Section are asking you to donate to research and treatment of this disease that affects more than 250,000 women in NCNW with gifts for nurse Stacy 2020 the US each year. Also remember that one out of every 100 breast cancers are diagnosed in men. Breast cancer rates are about the same between Black and White women but Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate. As an organization of predominantly Black women, we are asking support from all our members and friends to fight this disease. Please make a donation to MakingStrides.acsevents.org and look for our team name: Friends of NCNW Co-op City Section.

Economic, Education & Professional Development—On Sunday, October 25, NCNW will be hosting a free virtual discussion on important issues affecting our education and justice systems. We are all navigating uncharted territory together, governments, citizens and school systems alike. The Education discussion will examine the state of racial diversity in the educator workforce. Angela Kessler, M.Ed. will discuss education as a profession, how we can help educators develop skills and what public policy changes would assist the workforce. The United States Dept. of Education has found that having just one Black teacher in elementary school significantly increases the chances that low-income Black students graduate high school and consider attending college and decreases the risk of dropping out. Acting Supreme Court Justice J. Machelle Sweeting will discuss the challenges that the family court system is facing during this pandemic. The ability of the courts to deal with all aspects of family-related matters has been severely impacted by current restrictions and lockdown. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to families everywhere. It seems that we all have been facing a “new normal” in just about every aspect of our lives. Join our virtual meeting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Zoom Meeting ID: 814 7505 9032, Password: EEPD, Mobile: 646-518-9805.

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

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Co-op City Democratic Club

The CCDC is encouraging all United States citizens to come out and vote, vote, and vote again because our future really does depend on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris winning this election.

Please do not be fooled by the polls predicting that the Biden Team is winning, because it may just be another disinformation ploy as in 2016. It seems that the talking heads are all anxious to see Joe’s Team win but the numbers are much closer than we think and as happened in 2016, Trump can win as a result of people staying home thinking the battle is won. It is not; they are just about neck and neck. In addition, Trump has proven he will say and do anything to win. He already has his supporters chanting 12 more years at his rallies. This is the President who lied to the American people, and did nothing about the pandemic while we lost over two hundred thousand lives to the virus. Guess who desires to get rid of Obamacare and for 4 years has offered no alternative? This is a man who has no respect for women and people of color, fattening his own pockets is his primary goal. This is the President whose supporter/appointee had mail sorting machines dismantled and slowed down mail deliveries to suppress our votes in this election. How about all of his staff and supporters who have been indicted for crimes and are now in jail? This is simply not a man we can trust to lead our country and be respected around the world.

Vote for Joe and Kamala and the entire Democratic line of candidates. We know Joe and Kamala will not lie to us. They have programs to help the American people, to address climate change and health care. They will not cut our Social Security and will restore respect on the world stage not only for our leaders and country but will demand respect for and protect our military personnel and especially our veterans.

Vote early. Make your plans for the day and vote with a friend. Make sure to get young people and seniors out to the polls. Above all, vote Democratic and color the bubbles in the upper left corner of your ballot. We cannot take anymore of Mr. Trump and his lies. VOTE EARLY beginning on October 24th at 10:00 a.m. in the back of Truman High School.

Be well and be safe. Vote like your life depends on it because it really does.

—Shirley J. Saunders

Building 30 A and B Association

Hope that all my fellow cooperators are well.

Don’t forget to vote. Early Voting starts today in the back of Truman High School.

During this pandemic while it’s not possible to have life as normal, we will still be giving out candy on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 5 till 7 p.m. in the lobbies of Building 30A and Building 30B. For those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or new arrivals, our congratulations. For those who experienced a loss, our deepest condolences. Those who are under the weather, get well soon.

—Linda Werner

Rivers Run food distribution

At a food distribution event held at the Rivers Run Community Garden on Co-op City Blvd. in mid-September, volunteers prepared bags of fresh grown food to hand out to neighbors. Billed as “A Place to Grow,” the community garden was recently recognized by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. when he saluted the work of local gardeners who are contributors to local Food Justice Programs.

Photos by Deborah Levine

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

If you are like most, we are managing as best we can during this pandemic and moving through what I deem as “phases.” Isolation can be an issue, so it has been good to at least see many of you coming and going, even if just in passing. To gear up the association a notch, we are planning our first Zoom meeting for Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. If you wish to attend, please send an email to assocbldg14@gmail.com and the meeting link and information will be provided.

Please email any questions or concerns in advance and, where possible, I will get responses to share at the meeting.

Our agenda will comprise updates of happenings impacting the building and community and hearing from you. Additionally, Marie Smith, former Riverbay Board member, Co-op City resident and facilitator for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), will be our guest speaker. Undoubtedly, we are all going through tough and stressful times. COVID-19, losses of loved ones, jobs and businesses, and bizarre politics likely weigh more heavily than one might realize.

We look forward to learning valuable information and of useful resources about mental health that Marie will share.

To gain some normalcy for the children, we will decorate the lobby this weekend for Halloween. If interested in helping, please send an email. We will also give out candy on Halloween from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the building lobby.

Reminder – Early voting starts today, Saturday, October 24. Stay safe and be kind.

—Josie Fergusons

NAACP #2210

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People #2210 Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.” And, we’ve been doing it since 1909.

Focus Areas: Federal Advocacy, Education, Economic Opportunity, Criminal Justice, Health, Environmental & Climate Justice.

NAACP 111th Annual Convention; Theme: “We Are Done Dying.”

BeyGOOD & NAACP; Hello Alice & NAACP; “Black Voices Changes Lives” Campaign; “Stop Hate for Profit” Campaign…For all NAACP statements, go to NAACP.org.

COVID-19 has not gone away! What you do as an individual impact all of us.

We are all in this together. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing. To check the rate of COVID in area schools, go to https://school covidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home.

Presidential Election: Early Voting begins Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1, located at the Truman High School. Plan to vote & VOTE! Prepare before you go in the booth and cast your vote. Make your voice heard and VOTE! 2020 Co-op City Branch Notice of September, October Meetings and November Election have been mailed. Executive Committee officers’ positions: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer and member-at-large; term of office is 2 years effective January 1, 2021-December 31, 2022.

If you did not receive email invitation to join the Zoom Meeting, email the office and the link will be sent. Branch Election Membership Meeting, Sunday, November 22, at 3 p.m. via Zoom and Dial-In. We look forward to and need your participation.

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

“We must protest peacefully, demand persistently, and fight politically. But most of all, we must vote in November!” –Derrick Johnson —Brenda Brown

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Our newly renovated Dreiser auditorium Director’s Viewpoint

Francine Reva Jones Assistant Secretary Dear shareholders, Today is October 24 and early voting begins today from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the same times tomorrow, October 25. On October 26, voting is from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On October 27 and 28, voting is from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. On October 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Oct. 30, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, voting is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site for our early voting is at Truman H.S. November 3 is Election Day and you may vote from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. at your designated polling place. Some cooperators will be voting in our newly renovated Dreiser auditorium.

I was pleased for the opportunity to help in voter registration drives with the NAACP Co-op City Branch and the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing over the past few weeks. It was surprising to see the number of folks who needed assistance. Remember that Americans are still experiencing voter suppression, such as cuts to early voting, shutting down of voting sites, mass purging of voter rolls, etc. However, Americans are standing strong as they stand in line for hours in order to vote early. You can help by reminding your neighbors, friends and family to Vote! Vote! Vote! For voting information, visit: www.vote.nyc or www.nyc.pollsitelocator.com or call 866-868-3692.

Dreiser auditorium The Dreiser Center auditorium renovations are fabulous. I am an original shareholder and a member of several Co-op City organizations. During the early days, the Dreiser auditorium was new and beautiful, and sometimes, even though the expected number of guests did not amount to enough folks to fill the room, many renters wanted to rent the Dreiser auditorium because it was the most attractive place. Over years of use, how-

ever, the quality and appearance deteriorated into tattered, worn out curtains, areas that needed painting, broken partition doors, no one able to use the patio, etc.

The Board discussions around the auditorium renovations began approximately three years ago. Every few months, we would broach the topic again and expand the need for what the renovated auditorium should include. It was decided that the auditorium would need to be a “state-of-the-art” facility. Therefore, it has a new stage with a back stage area for performers to utilize. It has advanced lighting and sound.

A large screen was constructed on each of the two side rooms (Aud. A and C) for better visibility from anywhere inside the auditorium. And, two screens were erected on the exterior wall in the hallway. Another kitchen is being installed for the convenience of those using the room on the left side of the auditorium. The selected materials and colors look great. The wood floors in the auditorium and the exterior hallway were refurbished and look like new. The outdoor patio was reconstructed for our use and enjoyment.

Although the restrooms are not connected to the auditorium, it was decided that anyone attending a function in a “state-of-the-art” facility would want to use upgraded restrooms as well. Therefore, the three Dreiser Center restrooms were renovated. The next step is to beautify the side corridors in order to match the beauty of the 2nd floor entrance hall. The ground floor coatroom also needs an upgrade. I believe that all cooperators will be pleased with the job thus far.

After years of eagerly awaiting the completion of the renovated auditorium, I was delighted to receive an invitation from the executive general manager for a tour of the new facility. I found it to be amazing. I hope that you were able to take the virtual tour yesterday. If so, I’m sure you will agree that an outstanding job was done. I hope that all cooperators will enjoy the events that they attend there. All cooperators should take care of our newly renovated auditorium in order for it to last for decades to come. Anyone attempting to mar or destroy it should

Building 10 Association

this virus in our community.

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

Laundry room etiquette – Please New Cooperators – Welcome all remove your laundry from the washers new cooperators. We look forward to and dryers promptly at the completion of seeing you at the next general memthe cycle. Keep our laundry clean. You bership meeting. can report broken machines at www.

Car Thieves – According to the cscsw.com or call 877-264-6622.

45th Precinct, over 2000 cars that were Reminders – Remember to turn on left running have been stolen. Rememyour car headlights when driving in ber, even if you are making a quick the garage and please follow all direcstop, turn your car off, lock it and take tional signs. Please discard used face your keys with you. Car thieves are masks and gloves in trash receptacles. looking for opportunities.

Please wipe up spills in hallways, eleHalloween Candy Collection – We vators, and lobby floors. will be accepting candy donations for Facebook – The Building 10 AssociHalloween from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the ation is on Facebook!! The page is “BuildBuilding 10 Association room (located ing 10 ‘ABC’Association.” Like our page in the rear of Building 10B) on the foland get notified of all the happenings in lowing date: Wednesday, Oct. 28. and around Building 10.

Halloween Candy Giveaway – The Email Address – The Building 10 Halloween candy giveaway will be held Association’s email address is Buildon Saturday, October 31, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Building 10 Association room. ing10Assoc@gmail.com. Please use the email or Facebook to contact the buildVote – We have an especially imporing association with your concerns and tant election on November 3rd. We need suggestions. to vote like our future depends on it We would like to wish all October because it does. Early, in-person voting begins today, October 24. Visit https:// “babies” an incredibly happy birthday.

To the homebound and sick, we wish vote.nyc for more information on your you a speedy recovery. early voting location.

To all who have lost a loved one Covid-19 – Covid-19 is still spreadrecently, we give our deepest condoing in our community. Remember, when lences. you wear a face mask, you protect othHave a great week. ers. When I wear a face mask, I protect you. We must work together to combat —Jewel Crawford-Duncan

be admonished or reported so that this structure may remain as beautiful as it is for as long as possible.

Yesterday, October 23, there was be a ribbon-cutting ceremony which I regret being unable to attend. I am required to quarantine upon returning to NY from a homegoing service in SC. However, I was with them in spirit.

2020 Census In my last viewpoint, I stated that the deadline date chaos had finally been resolved. At that time, the deadline for responding to the 2020 Census was October 31, 2020. However, the deadline date was changed again to October 15. I have never seen so many changes for such an important national endeavor. Nevertheless, the responding time has ended. I understand that there was a good response from Co-op City residents, but it could have been better throughout the Bronx. I trust that we will retain our current number of representatives and continue to obtain the essential services that we need. Thanks to all of you who responded.

Take COVID-19 seriously The pandemic is still with us. Please wear a mask, wash your hands or use sanitizer and practice social distancing.

Garage safety For the safety of everyone using the Co-op City garages, please turn on your headlights when driving in the garages and please drive in the correct direction. Shortcuts can be dangerous.

Black Solidarity Day 2020 The African-American Association members and friends will observe Black Solidarity Day on November 2nd. No work! No school! No shopping! The Black Solidarity Day Organizing Committee is planning a day of absence with a day of edu-tainment via Zoom. It will include topics such as health, education, criminal justice, and more. If you like to join us, please register for Black Solidarity Day Virtual Rally at https://bit.ly/2GYnrt7 If you would like to share your ideas or issues, you may contact me at fjones@riverbaycorp.com and 718671-5957.

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

African-American Association

Zoom-in with us tomorrow! On the next AAACC Power Meeting: Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m.

Remember: Membership is only $15/year for a single membership and $25/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call us at: 929-430-3255. The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Black Solidarity Day A Day of Absence!!! Monday, November 2nd. NO WORK! NO SCHOOL! NO SHOPPING! The African-American Association of Co-op City, in support of the Black Solidarity Day Committee, asks you to join us in a Day of Absence. Mark your calendars. We look forward to your support. Need information? Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929-4303255.

Election 2020 facts General Election – November 3, 2020 Early Voting Period – Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 Absentee Ballot Applications accepted no later than October 27th Note: Absentee Ballots were mailed out on or about September 18th Bronx Board of Elections, 718-2999017 Absentee Ballots: Need information?

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Good day, fellow cooperators. Follow Those of you who filled out an apCovid-19 protection protocols. It’s no plication to receive your Official Ballot joke or scam. Sunday morning, Channel in the mail have probably received your 2 featured Grammy Award winner ballots; check your mail carefully. ReCristopher Cross, singer of renown member, once you receive your Official Ballot, place your VOTE by filling it “Sailing” fame, and many other acout. Place it in the envelopes provided. claimed pieces. He and his partner went You can take your completed ballot by through months of documented illness hand to the Bronx Board of Elections, and recovery. As a result, he suffered a located at 1780 Grand Concourse. Take chronic illness. Now, he requires a cane the elevator down to L4, or deliver your to walk. He reported his horrible expecompleted ballot to your polling site rience on TV. BTW, Broun Place association president and her husband took during the early voting period. You can their second Covid-19 test and results call the Board of Elections at 718-299are negative. It is important to keep test9017. The phone number for the Absening. Test results are required for so many tee department is 718-960-0730. You can also mail in your vote. emergency possibilities.

The African-American Association Reports are in every day showing the sponsors the following programs: number of Covid cases increasing. Yet, Belly Dance Classes with Xonia if you look in our basketball court by Wilson – Contact Xonia, 646-301-9438 Garage 6, those not playing are not wearEvening Line Dance Classes with ing masks.

Cynthia Dixon – Contact Tidings this week: Wedding anniversary congratulations to longtime former Cynthia, 917-903-7073. cooperators, Mary and Michael Jaye, Salsa Class with Keith and the 41st anniversary of our moveWitherspoon – Contact in to Co-op City. A warm welcome to Keith, 917-561-6211. new residents of Broun Place. Our exYoga & Pilates Classes ecutive board members are Vivian Burw/Meena Sharpe-Hicks – rus, Rev. Grace Emanuel, Lillian Contact Meena at 917-863Richardson and myself, Eva Lazaar.

1507.

Healing Drum Circle – Contact: Ms. Thank you, Co-op City Times, for all Jones at 718-671-5957 the early voting information including Each one of us divided by all of us location and date info.

The Covid-19 numbers in several equals a force for good.

NYC neighborhoods are on the rise.

—Michelle Marbury Wear your mask; we can’t say it enough.

Wearing a face mask, washing hands, keeping six feet apart are our most protective options to fight Covid-19. A $50 fine can be served by the MTA if you are caught without a face mask. The basketball court sign says, mask required!

Did you know, the best masks to use are N95’s and the light blue variety with pliable nose guards? Free Covid-19 tests are available in Bay Plaza or in Dreiser Loop’s testing center. Keeping six feet

apart is better than being six feet under!

Section 4 Partnership president and Board member, Ms. Michele Marbury, submits valuable information to the Coop City Times. Please read her columns.

November 2nd, a special boycott day will be held. Read her column to support this event and its purpose.

Last Tuesday, Broun Place was rep-

Halloween decorations adorn Broun Place townhouse cluster.

resented at the monthly Building and Grounds meeting. Dumpster pad and planting problems were raised. Please submit a note if you have a complaint or compliment.

See last week’s front page ad for the Dreiser Auditorium reopening information! A Zoom concert is scheduled.

Don’t miss it October 27th.

Take a bus to the Botanical Gardens or Bronx Zoo. Both have autumn events.

You can still take advantage of the Farmer’s Market here next to the firehouse, Wednesdays till November 25.

You are encouraged to join or renew your association membership. Dues are just $12 annually.

VOTE, it is every citizen’s job to vote.

Reference the instructions in the Co-op City Times. Trust using “absentee/mailin” ballots. And, get on the “Do Not Call List.” Most scam calls don’t get through when you join the “Do Not Call List.”

Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Velocity Track Club

VTC Velocity Track Club (VTC) is showing signs that we are ready for the AAU Cross Country National Championship on December 5th in Tallahassee, Fl. On Sunday, October 18, we traveled to Holmdel, New Jersey to compete in the Shore AC Cross Country Series #6. This was one of the top five hardest courses which we competed on in the country. It starts off with approximately 500 meters incline and has multiple hills afterward. Medals were awarded to the top five athletes and ribbons to 6th to 10th place finishers.

VTC had 11 athletes participate and all 11 earned awards. We were blessed with 10 medals and one ribbon. More importantly, six out of the 11 athletes broke their personal record. The following athletes earned awards: Lyon Arhigbu, Pierce Parker and Talia Dixon took first place in their division. Bryce Hickman, Sachin Ramharak, Kenise Irish Bramble, Rakae Thomas and Kenia Irish Bramble took second place. Romel Barrett took third place, Justyce Moore took fourth place and Sania Grant took sixth place.

Congratulations to all athletes!

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support our youth so they can continue to do great things! For additional information, please go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email WATCLT@AOL.COM. —Coach Winston Dinkins

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

These Drivers Need to be Shipped Out of Here Director’s Viewpoint

Daryl Johnson Lots of cooperators are going online and spending lots of money on merchandise that they think they’re going to receive. Then, after waiting, they discover that their package was delivered—to the 1st floor lobby.

Good Drivers, Bad Drivers Some of the good drivers that conduct business with one of the largest online stores in the world have told me that all of their drivers are supposed to deliver packages to the apartments in our buildings. So, the good drivers will make an attempt to deliver packages to our apartments.

On the other hand, there are some bad drivers that will simply take all of the packages in their vehicle and stack them up into the lobbies of our buildings.

Thereafter, some of those packages will never make it into the hands of the people that purchased them.

Then, our Public Safety Department will receive a lot of calls for missing packages.

So, now, it’s time that we develop some strategies to put a stop to this nonsense. Typically, some people might think that they’re going to be home all day to receive their packages that might arrive at any hour. However, the game has changed—big time. And, now, some drivers are doing everything possible to avoid doing their work in a proper manner. Therefore, without a care in the world, they’re simply dumping packages into our lobbies.

Therefore, I want you to consider if it makes sense to continue to have packages delivered to your apartment when you know how some drivers are delivering packages to our community. If your answer is yes, then continue to roll the dice on getting your packages to your apartment. However, will you complain to everyone and Public Safety after your packages are delivered to your lobby and you know that a free-forall will occur shortly afterwards?

Now, sure, it is an absolute disgrace that these thoughts have to be placed into a viewpoint. However, this is the way that some people have chosen to work and act in our supposed civilized society. So, like it or not, the expression is valid: “It is what it is.”

On the other hand, there is another expression that we must use here: “It’s not what they do. It’s what you do.” Therefore, let’s turn the tables around so that your packages are never delivered to our lobbies. First, please consider having your packages delivered to a locker if you’re going to do business with one of the largest online retailers. They have lockers throughout our community. And, all of their drivers must place your packages inside of a secured locker. Period.

Too difficult? Then, you need to consider shopping at other stores. Thereafter, have your packages delivered by responsible delivery services that will not leave your packages in our lobbies. In other words, their workers have an overall good reputation for delivering packages to our apartments. Not home? They will have good alternatives for you to retrieve your packages.

Bottom line: Please also consider supporting the stores in our community. They need our money to survive. And, we can pick up our packages at the cash register and go home without any problems.

Call Center – Email and Other Options Our Call Center receives about 800 – 1,000 a day.

However, they only have about 24 employees that must deal with this huge volume of calls. So, do you think that some callers will incur some phone problems here?

Absolutely.

Therefore, do you think that Riverbay can improve their communications if they introduce email and other options to our cooperators? Surely. In other words, why would anyone want to be the 100th caller on a telephone line? Why would anyone want to receive a return call about five hours later for a matter that can be handled by a quick email?

Bottom line: We need for our Call Center to get an immediate email address. Furthermore, they need to get a voicemail system so that our cooperators can

leave clear messages concerning service requests. Also, there should be options to communicate via our web page. Thereafter, we can consider other options as well.

Then, our call volume will drop and Riverbay can deliver better service to all of our cooperators.

Scammed More than 12 million people are unemployed right now. Therefore, is it possible that they’re trying to make some money by selling some of the items in their home? Absolutely. So, they’ll advertise their items on popular apps and on online sites. However, they might not know that thieves are waiting to see those items so that they can scam those sellers.

For instance, a NJ woman lost over $1,700 when she tried to sell a table set. The table set was going for $900. However, an alleged scammer sent her a $2,630.33 check for the table along with some supposed shipping fees. Thereafter, he told her to use two separate apps to return the excess money.

Then, amazingly, take a guess what this lady did?

That’s right, she allegedly used those two apps and sent the man $1,730.33. Shortly thereafter, her bank allegedly told her that the man’s original check was no good. So, she allegedly lost her money.

Lastly, she then decided to Google the man’s phone number. And, that’s when she discovered that he had allegedly scammed other people.

Close Thieves are anxiously waiting to see your online ads. Also, people might pull out a gun when you meet them. So, please make sure that you’re prepared for this nonsense before you go online to sell anything.

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.

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Building 21 Association

Last Zoom Meeting was a blast… …well attended, but we need more of you. There is no excuse. You are missing too much great information. Make sure you are on our mailing list by sending us an email. It is the only way you are assured to receive the credentials for future Zoom Meetings. Your participation is necessary for us to continue moving forward productively in spite of this pandemic. We are a resilient community. You must contact us at least two weeks before each meeting. (Our contact information is below).

Look for your donation envelopes Hello, 21’ers! Look for your donation envelope from the Building 21 Association.

The association needs funds in order to continue our efforts towards a better quality of living in our building. Our focus will be on future endeavors for the 21 Association.

The 2020 General Election… What you need to know…

You can call the Board of Elections at 718-2999017. The phone number for the Absentee department is 718-960-0730. Those of you who filled out an application to receive your Official Ballot in the mail have probably received your ballots; check your mail carefully. Remember, once you receive your Official Ballot, place your VOTE by filling it out. Place it in the envelopes provided. You can take your completed ballot by hand to the Bronx Board of Elections located at 1780 Grand Concourse. Take the elevator down to L4, or deliver your completed ballot to your polling site during the early voting period. You can also mail in your vote.

Election 2020 facts General Election – November 3rd Early Voting Period – October 24-November 1st Absentee Ballot Applications accepted no later than October 27th Note: Absentee Ballots were mailed out on or about September 18th Bronx Board of Elections, 718-299-9017 21 Association contact information…

Phone us at: 347-504-1821 or email us at: 21association@gmail.com. Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. Stay safe and well.

—Michelle Marbury

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Partnership

An Unsung Hero in the Face of Cancer – Youth Caring From birth, Tim was a creatively, unbelievably, incredibly, extremely different type of child. His heart was always in a mode to help others, even strangers he didn’t know!

Back in 2007, his family was hit with the news of his mom having Stage 3 Breast Cancer in her right breast. It was hard for the entire family, but they all knew they had to be strong for her. Tim was a freshman at Christ the King High School and he promised his mom she will never be alone, and he fought with her every step of the way. She had two surgeries and he prayed and he prayed and continued to stay strong throughout her battles and maintained those A’s. With no hesitation, he gave his mom her weekly after-chemotherapy needles. Daily, he would check on her, show up to her chemotherapy appointments after class with her favorite snacks and made sure she had everything comfortable for her treatments.

His mom’s biggest prayer was to beat cancer and witness her children all graduate from high school/college. Well, the first victory was in the books! His mom won her first battle with cancer in 2007.

In Sept. of 2014, her cancer returned, this time in her left breast, but it was stage 1. Through it all, Timothy remained focused and in May of 2015, his mom was able to see her son graduate with his bachelors from Marymount University! After learning the news, Tim declared, you beat it once and you will beat it again. He did everything his mom needed and stood by her side. This treatment was not as harsh but his loving, caring attitude towards her remained the same. From taking her to her appointments, to giving her meds and making sure she remained mentally strong and prayed up.

Once again, the great news came, and his momma won round 2.

Was that it for Momma Brisco? Well, unfortunately no! April of 2020 came around and from another routine scan the cancer returned this time back to her right breast. At this point, it was more of a challenge to deal with because, I mean, how much can one take? Tim kicked into high gear much more than the prior two times and said, “Mom, this will be a 3peat!” After going through a double mastectomy, Tim took some time off from his job and stayed with his mom to help nurse her back to some sort of norm and gave her the meds, fed her breakfast, lunch and dinner. He is a classic gentleman and he amazes me with his strength and willpower. Once again, I am happy to say Mrs. Alethea Brisco is a 3Peat Cancer Champion! That’s Tim’s story.

Do you know a youth caregiver? Nominate them for the Leon David Caregivers Award. Our 14th Annual Caregivers Recognition Gala (Virtual) will take place on November 21, 2020. Please visit our website, comeoutreach.org.

—Diane Cooper

Building 25 Association

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Vote! Vote! Vote!

Neighbors, when walking through the Co-op City community, have you noticed the different themes that neighbors have displayed in the yards of their townhouses and beyond. There are statues of assorted angels, there was a beehive, some even created their own oasis, and if you blink, you might miss a secret garden hidden behind those white picket fences.

This bears repeating, Building 25 Association is trying to put together a plan to meet out on the Greenway to catch up and provide information on current events, and eventually, we will conduct virtual meetings. This is the time to update your email address on our association email, building25ca@gmail.com, so when we are ready to put our plan into motion, everyone will have access to current information.

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

Due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go-ahead to resume using our meeting room to conduct building meetings. We will give updates as we receive them. In the meanwhile, wear face masks and continue to practice safe distancing. During this shut down, should you have any comments or concerns, you can log onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com and address your comments or concern to anyone or all members of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treasurer, continues to postpone the collection of our building association annual dues until further notice.

Closing with the following word of the week, “MARDY.” Pronounce; (in-ˈdijə-nəs). Meaning: grumpy or moody; sulky. Sentence: She’s behaving like a typical mardy teenager, refusing to tell us what’s wrong.

–Wanda Bailey

Coalition of African American Churches & Community Organizations

Dear Coalition members & friends, We hope that this message finds everyone safe and healthy. We extend warm wishes to those who are ill and heartfelt condolences to all who have lost loved ones. Our prayers and wishes are offered to our founding member, George Crouch, for a full recovery from his illness. Covid-19 has prevented our organization from conducting regular meetings and events. Regrettably, we will have to cancel our Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December. We will also suspend the annual dues usually collected in October until further notice.

At this time, we would like to officially welcome two community organizations to the Coalition. They are the American Legion Post 1871 and Faith at Work Christian Church. We cordially invite all Co-op City community organizations to join with us in our mission to address common issues of concern in our community and to enhance our quality of life. We also sponsor family-oriented educational and entertaining programs. Please contact Virginia Stewart at 718-671-4506 for a membership application. The Coalition organization also includes the following: African American Association, Co-op City Baptist Church, NAACP #2210, Retirees of Dreiser Loop and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. We are anxiously awaiting the time when we are able to come together again. In the meantime, continue to wear your masks, wash your hands and socially distance so that we can all continue to be safe and healthy. Also, remember to vote.

—Harman Leacock

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

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718.239.7110

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Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

So what should we be doing?

Director’s Viewpoint

Michelle Marbury BLACK SOLIDARITY DAY A Day of Absence!!! (MONDAY) NOVEMBER 2, 2020. NO WORK! NO SCHOOL! NO SHOPPING! The African-American Association of Co-op City, in support of the Black Solidarity Day Committee, asks you to join us in a Day of Absence. Mark your calendars. We look forward to your support. Need information? Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929-430-3255.

The new Dreiser Center – What it should mean to our community Everything about the “new” Dreiser Center is stateof-the-art. What will be disappointing is if we don’t take more pride in this endeavor and insist that our magnificent property look as good as the inside of the magnificent theatres we now have access to. The long awaited, newly designed, newly refurbished Dreiser Center will be one of the Poll Site locations of the General Election, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

When people come to visit us, they should see beautifully manicured grounds, well-kept buildings and clean facilities. We know that we have excellent buildings and grounds personnel, but we must do our part as well. Do you pick up trash when you see it lying next to the garbage an instead of inside it? Do you make sure your children and grandchildren use the receptacles instead of throwing it on the ground? Do you keep your service dog off of the green spaces?

If you see a crowd of people engaged in misappropriate affairs, will you call the authorities? Will you

Black Forum

use the whistleblower program to root out wrong doers? These actions on our part as shareholders and residents will make the difference and give you what so many of you say you want from this community.

Second to none The system at the new Dreiser Center is 2nd only to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden or the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ (an indoor-outdoor amphitheater where the grounds are spectacular and as much a part of the show as the stars you pay to go and see). That is what we must strive to achieve. This is not hard. You just have to want “better” for the place that you have chosen to live the days of your life.

Probably the most important election in US History; what you need to know…

You must postmark, apply online, email or fax a completed application for the general Absentee ballot by October 27.

You may apply in-person by November 2, 2020.

Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, 2020 and received by the Board of Elections no more than 7 days after Election Day to be counted, under the law.

You may drop off your ballot in a secured ballot box at any NYC BOE, Early Voting Site, or Election Day Poll Site no later than 9 p.m. on Election Day. Don’t forget to sign your ballot before you return it.

You can call the Board of Elections at 718-2999017. The phone number for the Absentee department is 718-960-0730.

You can take your completed ballot by hand to the Bronx Board of Elections, located at 1780 Grand Concourse. Take the elevator down to L4, or deliver your completed ballot to your polling site during the early voting period. You can also mail in your vote.

The office is closed from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. We reopen Nov. 5.

Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Blvd. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours.

Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30- to 31-day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required.

We also ask that all guests use the markers on the ground to help practice physical distancing. Registration for new pantry guests is currently closed at this location. New registration dates will post when available.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Senior Farmers Market Coupons – Senior Farmers Market coupons are distributed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during normal business hours while supplies last. The distribution occurs at the 920 Baychester location. The coupons are worth $20 and are valid towards the purchase of fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs at participating farmers markets in the five boroughs. They must be spent

by November 30. Recipients of the coupons must be 60 years of age or older.

Please bring proof of age (i.e. ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license). Recipients who already received coupons this year cannot receive additional ones. The NYS Department of Agriculture and markets cross-check submitted applications.

Applying for more than one booklet of coupons could prevent a recipient from receiving coupons in the future.

Defensive Driving Class – The agency we contract with to teach the class will remain closed until January 2021. They made the decision this week. Thus, we must cancel our November and December classes. This is disappointing because of the inconvenience it imposes on our students. The classes have been a fixture in the community for almost fifteen years. Please consider taking the online class through Empire Safety Council, https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com. Use the promo code “WRIGHT” for a discount. We will post any updates to the class schedule as they come.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.

Please stay safe.

–D. Illis

No mask, No entry Even if you are entering the buildings and elevators alone, molecules are airborne for you or someone else to breathe in. You too are carrying molecules and bacteria as well. That is not necessarily a bad thing but, to protect each other, we all must put on our masks properly. During this pandemic, no one wants to see your nose. Please cover it up! When your children sit in and leave the basketball & tennis courts, be sure they remember to put on their masks. I say this with love. Too many residents, guests, delivery personnel, etc., are still entering our buildings and getting on elevators without masks. One or two in an elevator without masks is too many, can affect and infect many. There is still no approved vaccine to combat Covid-19. We must think of others to protect ourselves and each other.

In Memoriam, Prayer and Well Wishes To those who have lost loved ones, we give pause to their memory and pray for the strength of each family as you carry on for those who remain. Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone.

We wear masks so that one day, we will lose no more souls to Covid-19.

So what should we be doing?

Volunteer to be your floor’s Floor Captain, join a club, attend your building association gatherings, Zoom Meetings, etc. Wear masks and gloves. Co-op City community, shareholder, resident, it has never been more important to be involved in this community. A tiny bit from each of us can save lives and save a community. Thank you for reading my viewpoint.

I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com.

Let’s all do our part!

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

Building 33 Association

Greetings to all Building 33 shareholders and their families. Hope all is well for your families. 2020 has been a tough and eventful year and this is only October.

Early Voting starts Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, November 1, at Truman High School gymnasium, back entrance across from the tennis courts and football field. Make your plan to Vote Early.

Sat., 10/24/20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sun., 10/25/20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mon., 10/26/20 – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tues., 10/27/20 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wed., 10/28/20 –12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thur., 10/29/20 – 10 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fri., 10/30/20 – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sat., 10/31/20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sun., 11/1/20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The fall is when the Building 33Association starts to collect building dues of $8.00 from each apartment. This money will go to Christmas tips to the building porters, Christmas tips to the USPS team who deliver our mail, and our Lobby

Attendant (on furlough since March 2020 COVID-19 shut down) usually gets a Christmas tip. This has been our way of acknowledging the essential workers who keep our building clean, presentable, and functional. Collection envelopes will be placed at each apartment door.

The following Building 33 Association Fall activities will be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions: 1. Halloween Candy Bag give-away.

2. Halloween lobby decorations.

3. Thanksgiving lobby decorations.

4. Christmas lobby decorations.

5. Santa in the lobby.

6. Christmas candy bag give-away.

B-E-Careful...Wear a face mask every time you leave your apartment...Wear plastic gloves...Wash your hands often to kill germs...Get your flu vaccine!

The Building 33 Association will continue these articles to be in communication with our shareholders. Watch our bulletin board in the lobby for more information.

–Alethea Cherebin

19

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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

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Appointment Hours: Mon. & Wed.: 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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20

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

The educated voter

Director’s Viewpoint

Leah Richardson I encourage all residents to do your homework and research the candidates. This is an extremely important election. Be an educated voter…your vote matters. We need all young voters to flood the polls and make a difference.

This year’s election will probably be the most controversial election we’ve had, and we must make sure we get this right. New York State has 29 electoral votes in the presidential election. In addition to the presidential race, there are: • 27 congressional seats seeking re-election.

• All 63 seats in the New York State Senate are up for election.

• All 150 seats in the New York State Assembly are up for election.

Common mistakes that could get your mail-in ballot challenged, disqualified, or not counted at all 1) Improperly filling out your ballot: When you get your mail ballot, carefully follow the instructions that come with it. Like the multiple-choice standardized Scantron tests you took in high school: • Ballot scanners can accept only certain colors of ink.

• Ballots that are filled out properly.

• Ballots can’t have stray marks or multiple choices filled in for the same office.

Please use black or blue ink. Fill in the oval. I think it’s critical for voters to follow the instructions more than anything. If you’re voting in person, and your ballot doesn’t go through the machine, it will get kicked back and say there’s something wrong – either a double vote, overvote, or something like that. In a vote-by-mail system, you don’t get that second opportunity, so those ballots must be adjudicated.

Important questions Seniors (50+) should ask the candidates Any candidate who hopes to win must address

the concerns of voters 50-plus and I encourage all to ask questions so they understand where the candidates stand on important issues when making their decisions.

• How will you ensure that current and future Social Security benefits are not cut as part of deficit reduction?

• How will you protect Medicare to ensure seniors continue receiving the affordable health care they have earned?

• How will you cut prescription drug prices for all Americans?

• How will you make sure seniors can access safe and affordable long-term care?

• How will you help Americans over the age of 50 recover economically from the effects of the coronavirus?

2) Forgetting to Sign your Envelope • When mailing ballots, please, please, please, DON’T FORGET TO SIGN YOUR BALLOTS AND SIGN THE OUTER ENVELOPE. ALL voters are required to seal and return their ballots in both an inner secrecy envelope and an outer envelope. Your ballot will be rejected if you forget to SIGN the outer envelope.

3) Using a different signature from what your state has on file Many states now use signature verification to confirm the authenticity of voted ballots, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In this process, election officials cross-check the signature a voter used to sign their ballot envelope to see if it matches the voter’s most recent signature on file with the Election office, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or another government agency. This process is important so as to ensure the integrity of mail ballots, however, it can lead to ballots being challenged or rejected. Young people and first-time voters, please be careful how you sign the ballots.

One study shows in Georgia, too, young voters, first-time voters, and Black voters were far more likely than others to have their ballots rejected for

Greater Love Refuge Ministries

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Spiritual Food for Thought: Shore up places of vulnerability that could be exploited.

Repent for all unrighteousness of thought or deed. Pay particular attention to prejudicial injustice. The truth is that any place of weakness can and will be exploited by the enemy.

Choose to walk in love towards everyone.

Bishop-elect Landrum, co-Pastor Carol Landrum, and the Greater Love Christian church family invite you, to worship with us virtually on GoToMeeting.com each Sunday morning. The morning’s schedule is as follows: New Millennial Life Application Bible Study (ages 18-35): 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ** Adult Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School – ages 7+: 10:45a-11:30 Sunday Morning Worship: 11:30 a.m.

Join the classes and morning worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https:// www.gotomeet.me/GreaterLove. Church You can also dial in using your phone: United States: +1 (786) 535-3211 Access Code: 463-256-381 **New Millennial Class meets on Zoom: Mtg. # 5906971593, no pswrd. needed

Morning Worship with Greater Love’s Deacon Board – All are invited to join tomorrow’s Virtual Worship Service at 11:30 a.m. hosted by Deacon Board. Walking Deacon Alecia Benjamin will bring the Scripture teaching and Deacon Harvey Fullwood will preside over the service.

Greater Love’s Prayer Line is held each Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 -2:00 p.m. and on Thursday night from 9 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Dial-In number is 351-999-3024.

Food Drive: Our annual Thanksgiving family gift bag giveaway is slowly approaching. Each year, our Two Fish & Five Loaves Ministry blesses families in need with food items to prepare a complete meal. Won’t you join us in this effort by contributing non-perishable items that will help to feed a family? Drop off times are on Thursday between 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. & Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Simply ring the church button and leave items off in the designated box outside the door. We will present to extend a warm greeting keeping in mind safe protocols.

VOTE!! Remember, it’s your civic duty as an American to vote, and a precious American right. Remember that your vote always counts – not just in close elections, but in every election. You don’t have to be an expert on the issues to cast a vote. But with the proper research, you can vote confidently this election season. Your vote matters – make your voice heard.

—Pastor Carol Landrum

mismatched signatures or for being incorrectly completed in 2018, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/5-mistakes-that-can-disqualify-your-novembermail-ballot-and-how-to-avoid-them/ar-BB18E6GD 4) One major mistake voters make is sending your ballot back too late One of the most common reasons mail ballots are rejected is that they arrive too late or lack a postmark.

It is imperative that you mail your ballots back on time. We all know that the postal service (snail mail) can be cumbersome at times. Not only do we have to deal with ballots being mailed to us late, we also have to depend on the postal service to deliver the ballots to its destination in a timely manner. The post office is going through an organizational change and mail service may be compromised. To avoid any confusion, please mail your ballots back as soon as you get it.

There are several ways to ensure your ballot. If you are a last-minute person, I would suggest that you go in-person to a post office branch and have your ballot envelope postmarked.

You can also drop your ballot off at the Board of Elections, all early voting site locations from Oct. 24 – Nov. 1, and at your designated polling sites on Election Day. The drop off box has red, white, and blue colors. The top of the box contains a slit opening with instructions in white that say, “DROP OFF YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT HERE.” These dropboxes are aimed at reducing reliance on voters mailing absentee ballots via the Post Office to avoid delays.

For more information, please contact the Board of Elections at (718) 299-9017 or https://vote.nyc or https://www.vote.org.

Thank you for taking the time out to read my viewpoints. As part of my ongoing community service, I am proud to be working in this year’s important election to assure that the polling sites are running proficiently. Please feel free to contact me at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com or 917-495-0585.

Section 4 Partnership

The next gathering of the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City will be Sunday, November 1, via Zoom at 3 p.m. Join us… Get involved… email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939. Let’s show up! Virtually! Let’s get it done! Help us continue this positive effort and reap the benefits of a united community.

Election 2020 facts General Election – November 3rd Early Voting Period – October 24th November 1st Absentee Ballot Applications accepted no later than October 27th Note: Absentee Ballots were mailed out on or about September 18th Bronx Board of Elections, 718-299-9017 Absentee Ballots Many of you have received your Official Ballot in the mail.

Remember, once you receive your ballot, place your VOTE by filling it out. Place it in the envelopes provided. You can take your completed ballot by hand to the Bronx Board of Elections, located at 1780 Grand Concourse. Take the elevator down to L4, or deliver your completed ballot to your polling site during the early voting period (i.e., October 24 - November 1). You can call the Board of Elections at 718-299-9017. The phone number for the Absentee department is 718-960-0730. You can also mail in your vote, postage free.

Section 4 Partnership Mission Statement The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction. The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

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

—Michelle Marbury

Church of New Vision

21

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020 Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodge and the New Vision congregation greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; always giving thanks for His goodness and mercy that He has given unto us as we stand in faith by His grace in this time and season that we are living in. We thank God for meeting the very needs of our lives and we pray that we continue to walk by faith and not by sight, and that all things will work together for our good according to His word. Let’s stay prayerful as we watch and wait for our change to come.

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

Sunday, October 18, Worship Service theme: “Trust and Obey” The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

For Youth Sunday School, call (712) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign.

For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call at (712) 432-3900, access code

Traditional Synagogue

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9:00 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:53 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, Oct. 30, at 5:33 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All members Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in October: Marilyn Sherman and Bruce Gitelson. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in October, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

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

–Bruce Gitelson

Scripture: Proverb 3:1-6 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Amen (Proverb 3:7-11) Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the bereaved families. May the love of God embrace, heal, strengthen, comfort and give you peace. (Psalm 23) Announcements: Early voting begins Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1. Plan to vote, prepare before you go in the booth and cast your VOTE! Co-op City Houses of Worship present “A Spiritual Community Reawakening,” noon – 4 p.m., Saturday, October 25, Section 1 Greenway and Saturday, November 1, Section 5 Greenway. Come join us in

strengthening & building our community through the power of prayer, praise & worship.

Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – “Morning of Hope and Healing.” We all have experienced the loss of a loved one, needed to lift the spirits of a grieving family member, friend, or perhaps endured loneliness or sickness of your own. This presentation will help guide us through bereavement recovery and life changes due to the pandemic. Join us as we discuss and share how to weather the tough times. Register for this FREE virtual or phone discussion by Wednesday, November 4, at: https://www.churchnewvisionbx.org (scroll to Upcoming Events). You will be sent a link via email and/or telephone number to join the meeting.

Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, wear a mask and stay safe! Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

–Brenda Brown

343284, #. Everyone is invited to call in and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday to be in the presence of God. Noon Day Prayer at CPC on Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for Noon Day Prayer at CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

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

Sunday, October 25, 11:00 a.m. – You are cordially invited to join us in celebration of our Nurses’ Ministry Anniversary.

In his sermonette last Sunday, Pastor Owens’ text came from Matthew 14:27-30, “…Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I: be not afraid.

Peter … said, Lord, … bid me come unto thee on the water. He said, Come. … And Peter … walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying “Lord save me.” His topic was “Surviving When the Waves Rise.” He said we are in the midst of a quiet

storm – joblessness, home foreclosures, children out of school, the pandemic, etc. He offered three keys to surviving our storms: 1) Do not yield to fear. 2) Keep your eyes on Jesus. 3) Never lose faith. Stay in the boat. Jesus is the Captain and he will lead us safely to the shore.

Reminders Vote. General Election: November 3. Early Voting: October 24th - November 1st.

Flu vaccine now available.

Be safe from Covid-19. Practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

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

–Evan G. Mitchell

Community Protestant Church

Open Door Ministries “If I only had Time”

(Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

We waste time, we have no time, we try to make time. Time is important and expensive. Once we run out of time we also run out of everything else and have nothing left. We ask, How much time do I have? The questions should be, How much time have I wasted?

The foolish person wastes their time, while the hopeless person does not care about their time.

Gollum: This thing all things devours: Birds, beasts, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel; Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, And beats high mountain down. [Time] Moses reminds us in Psalm 90 that our time is limited and we should ask God for wisdom to understand the length of our days and how we should live them out.

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

God has a specific time to act. He does not act quickly but neither does He act slowly. He knows His business and when is the appropriate time to act in any situation. He sent Jesus at the perfect time for the spread of the gospel. Roads were built, there was a common language, and people were receptive to the Word of God as spread by the Apostles.

Galatians 4:4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Ephesians 1:9 God has told us his secret reason

for sending Christ, a plan he decided on in mercy long ago; 10 and this was his purpose: that when the time is ripe he will gather us all together from wherever we are—in heaven or on earth—to be with him in Christ forever.

God also strategically places us where we can be most useful for his ends and purposes. Queen Esther was reminded of this by her uncle Mordecai when she became fearful.

Esther 4:14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, God will deliver the Jews from some other source, but you and your relatives will die; what’s more, who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?”

God prepares a time for judgment and retribution.

When revealing His will to Abraham, God allows him to see a snippet of why He allows suffering. God gives an opportunity for repentance while some are still filling their quota of sins to be punished.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord does not delay as though He were unable to act and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is extraordinarily patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Contact Open Door Ministries by text 917-3344407 or email opendoorministries.net.

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

New York State early voting begins today, October 24th!

22

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Be vigilant and proactive

Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson Early Voting begins TODAY, Saturday, the 24th, at Truman High School located at 750 Baychester Avenue. Early Voting ends on Sunday, November 1, 2020 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it has been celebrated under the theme “Give Hope.

Save Lives.” I lost my sister years ago to breast cancer when treatments and early detection methods were not recommended at a young age. I often think how fortunate we are that women (and men) are becoming more knowledgeable about the importance of medical exams and what to look for during self-examinations.

Take control of your health and be a strong advocate for yourself. To those who have lost a loved one, my condolences, and to those who are survivors, I am joyful. Continue to be inspiring and strong.

The countdown is on for Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The news of various incidents surrounding the upcoming election is fast and furious.

There are clusters in the city where the Covid-19 numbers are rising. With so much going on, let’s not forget we are marching forward. You must wear your mask when entering the premises, elevators and laundry

Goose Island Seniors

Zoom Social Meeting – Due to emergency construction in our club room, the Zoom Meeting has been rescheduled to this Thursday, October 29, at 5 p.m. If you have not received your invitation, you may email or text me your name and email address.

Please text or call 347-847-1941 or send email to goose.island@optonline.net.

Words from the Goose Island President – The Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. is still temporarily closed. We will remain closed for the rest of 2020 and until it is safe to reopen. The purpose of our club is to bring together the seniors of Co-op City through socialization and recreation. I have scheduled a date to socialize on Zoom. You will need internet on a cell phone, tablet or computer to listen and view each other. You have to download the Zoom app. It’s free from the internet or App Store. If you want to join in the Zoom Social Meeting, I have to send you an invitation link through email or text.

Please text, email or message me your name and email address so I can send you the link needed to join in.

This is our first time doing this. I hope it will be successful. Stay safe, the virus is not gone. Please continue to protect yourself by staying home. If you have to go out, wear a mask and gloves and keep social distancing 6 feet apart.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of October: Joan Macafity, Marilyn Sherman, Bess Manger, Felicia Curia, Sandy Roque, Edward Delgado, Eleanor Alberti and Edith Rosado.

Sick or Shut-in – Mary Hunt is out of Rehab and doing well at home. God has answered our prayers.

Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center. She would like to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

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

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

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

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered.

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

–Stephen Roberts, Sr.

rooms and remember to socially distance. These are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Please comply with these reminders and remember, “we are in this together.”

The installation of the new washing machines in all buildings has been completed. A few adjustments have to be made to the glass on some. Covid-19 has created a shipment delay but the glass will be addressed upon arrival. The topic of concern remains the number of machines and frequency of repair needed. Management is aware and they are taking measures to address the situation. Please be vigilant and report machines that are inoperable. To establish a paper trail, I have chosen to e-mail the company when I come across this situation. If you have a signal, by all means use the app. Remember, do not assume someone else made a report. Be pro-active.

Kudos to Rivers Run Community Garden for receiving a Certificate of Merit from the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on Saturday, October 17, 2020, Food Justice Day. Congratulations to the other gardens who also were hailed. Rivers Run extends appreciation to our borough president for recognizing the efforts of the Rivers Run Community Garden and its members without whom it would not be possible. They have done extraordinary work.

The NCNW will be hosting an Economic Education Development Program on Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. The topics discussed by a Justice of the Supreme

Court and Educational Consultant will be how Covid19 has impacted Family Courts and the State of Diversity in the Education workforce. If you would like to join the Zoom meeting, ID: 814 7505 9032, Passcode: EEPD, and for additional information, e-mail bronfoxx@yahoo.com.

If you are looking for something to view, consider watching “Critical Thinking” directed by John Leguizamo. It is a true story about Mario Martinez, the determined high school teacher whose unwavering belief in his students set in motion the rise of the Miami Jackson High School chess team. The movie is about the unlikely group of high school students who became one of the winningest teams in the nation.

Led by Coach Mario Martinez, Jackson’s team of mostly low-income, Black and Hispanic students, became one of the best teams in the nation.

I am writing this before Friday, the 23rd, the scheduled virtual unveiling of the Dreiser auditorium. It will be aired on channel 591 and I hope it is repeated so if you missed it on Friday, you will still get to see the new state-of-the-art space.

“If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” –Congressman John Lewis I am pleased to be of service to the community. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com or by telephone at 718-320-1370.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Vote, Vote, Vote…If you applied for a Mail-in Ballot, mail it. If you plan to Vote Early – Vote Early!

Get the time schedule and follow it. If you plan to Vote in-person – Vote…find your location. It’s up to you.

Reminder: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, please send it to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm.

19; Bronx, NY 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam.

Or, you can email us at dreiserretirees@verizon.net.

Down the road, we are planning to be in touch via email.

Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regarding illnesses and bereavements.

Attention! The Retirees need experienced parttime, freelance drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorsement with at least 3-years’experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

–Delores Debnam

Family Owned and Operated

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

Amid ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus COVID-19, McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home is closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC and is fully committed to providing the funeral and memorial services you expect without interruption, in a clean and hygenic environment.

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718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

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Serving all cultures & faiths

23

Bartow

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Mon., Oct. 26

No Activities

Body in Motion 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. exercise class via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Tues., Oct. 27

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Damion Arthritis Exercise class, every Tues., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9828183332 5?pwd=bERyOXIrZXlENWR4V2 RKU0NmdzAwdz09 Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Mobile +1-929-205-6099

Wed., Oct. 28

Health and Wellness, 10 a.m.

-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola, 1 p.m. 2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour, 2 p.m. 3 p.m., via phone only: 929-299-1045, Code: 1387

Thu., Oct. 29

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

“Creative Hour with Sister Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on how to make Floral Arrangements. Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915-3777-954.

Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org Computer learning Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. https://zoom.usj/2959552471 ?pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJN 0hUVnVFZz09 Meeting ID: 295955247; Pass code: 259554; Dial in number: 1-929-205-6609

Must call or email to register for all other activities: 929-399-1387

Fri., Oct. 30

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

Arts with Laura 10 a.m. -12 p.m., via Zoom and phone

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Passcode: 855423 Music Therapy, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom call-in number: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 One tap mobile: 1-929-205-6099 Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi 2nd Wed. of the month, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Conference call: 929-299-1045, Code: 1386 Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. in collaboration with Ms. Margaret Kempe and a group of her fellow students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale High School. Virtual GAME DAY, where different types of games will be played each week including Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 to register for the class and to receive Zoom information

Meditation w/ Charles Tyler 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

To join the Zoom meeting, go to: Smartphone/Tablet Class https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 w/Ralph until Nov. 5, 1–2 Must call or email to register: +1-646-876-9923 US (New York) p.m. Call main office, 718-320929-399-1387 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 2066, to register. Please give your phone # & email address Health and Wellness 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. via Zoom or phone

Stretch and Tone with Ola 1 p.m. -2 p.m. via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 NORC Aerobic Classes Every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9868235869 1?pwd=dS9ublovZ01mRVVYbEhCYng2SkZHdz09 Mobile: 929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691 Passcode: 849150

No activities are available

Concerts in Motion 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

To join the Zoom meeting, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82906 881632 Dial in by phone: 646.558.8656 Meeting ID: 829-0688-1632

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

AARP Chapter #4997

From President Mickens: All members, when you go to VOTE, remember to take a small folding chair, your meds, water and a snack. VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! Stay safe, continue to wash your hands and wear your face mask including in the elevator and on public transportation.

Heartfelt condolence to President Mickens on the loss of her aunt.

Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family

member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

FYI: We are updating our mailing list. If you have a change of address, home phone number or cell phone number, please contact Jean: 718-379-3742; Deborah: 718-379-6312 or Frances: 718-671-5493.

Reminder: Our monthly membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice. No word from Riverbay regarding the community center opening.

–Delores Debnam

Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – October/November 2020

Common Pantry – Tues., Oct. 27, in the Bartow Mall at 9:00 a.m. Please bring your ID. Zoom Yoga Class w/Sierra available every Tues. until Dec. 29, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98404647097?pwd=RXg2WCtq NzlEa0JLVWtWN3VWa1JPZz09 Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Tai Chi classes – Every Wed., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd= MDhCa1U5d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09 Mobile: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Tues. Zoom Meetings: https://zoom.us/j/97716014126?pwd=KzhyNm5oe WVjanVxbDhOdEg3QVlOdz09 Meeting ID: 977 1601 4126, Passcode: 889698; Mobile: 929.205.6099 October 27: Falls Prevention, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

November 3: How to prepare for doctors’ visits, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thurs. Zoom Meetings: https://zoom.us/j/92318123299?pwd=TzQ3MlZPN 2hNUTRWc1RONDVDUmV0QT09 Meeting ID: 923 1812 3299, Passcode: 477180; Mobile: 929.205.6099 October 29: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., What is Eczema?

November 12: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Lung Cancer November 19: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Bladder Health Zumba Classes on Sat. – Starting Sat., Oct. 24, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Co-op City Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92928109097?pwd= Z1lwMH FNcDNRSGZZZ20vTmlZSmtLQT09 Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Pass Code: 374977, Mobile: 929.205.6099.

Light Housekeeping services available w/Kris Agency. Housekeeping service is available for 4 hours at $15 an hour. If you are interested in receiving this service, please call the JASA main office, 718-320-2066.

Dreiser Senior Center Breast Cancer Awareness Month in collaboration with non-profit organization, SHARE. Wednesday October 28, 2020 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86588442934 Meeting ID: 865 8844 2934 Music w/DJ Woody starting Thurs., Oct. 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/94721808282?pwd= T3E5ZUJSWWNHeTdOc2F1 Meeting ID: 947 2180 8282, Pass Code: 720990, Mobile: 929.205-6099.

Medicare Presentation – Tues., Nov. 17, 11 a.m.

- 12 p.m., https://zoom.us/j/93883720976?pwd= aFZRR3BDTE56UW1GMXpQbnlOdS83QT09 Phone number: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 938 8372 0976, Passcode: 247212.

Social Security Presentation – Fri., Nov. 13, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Dial-in number: 929.299.1045, Code: 1386.

Niagara Falls State Park Virtual Tour – Fri., Nov. 13, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Niagara Falls State Park, recognized as the oldest state park in the United States, contains the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. To register, call Ann Moncrieffe at 929-399-1387 or email amoncrieffe @jasa.org for link to participate.

JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Center will be offering a 7-week Chronic Pain Management Workshops on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. starting November 17, 22, December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29.

This will be a virtual class via phone or video, TBA. Gantry Plaza State Park Virtual Tour – Dec. 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Gantry Plaza State Park in in Queens, NY. It is a 12-acre state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City. The park is located in a former dockyard and manufacturing district, includes remnants of facilities from the area's past and newly renovated waterfront. To register, call Ann Moncrieffe at 929-399-1387 or email amoncrieffe@jasa.org for link to participate.

24

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

Faith In God Church & Bible Institute Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

25

Pastor and Evangelist Vernon Little greets everyone in the name of Jesus, that name which is above every name. We want you to know that you are welcome in this house of the Lord! It is His house by ownership: it is our house by stewardship: and it can be your house by membership; so come on in and join with us.

May God bless you in this house!

Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior are encouraged

by Him to share the good news of His gospel with others. We see this in the gospel according to Matthew 5:13 - 16. It says: 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it

on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Invitation: Sweet Hour of Prayer is today at 3 p.m. Sunday school is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Our Sunday Morning Worship Service is at 11 a.m. We have clothing items available that were donated to the church. If interested in picking some up, stop by the church in the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday. Every third Sunday following the morning worship, we serve Holy Communion.

Vernon Little has an EP titled ‘Words To Live By.’ It’s a fusion of gospel, R&B, and rap. He also has videos on YouTube. His music encourages, inspires, and informs.

We are located at 171 Dreiser Loop in Section 1. Our phone # is (347) 2764925. Jesus loves you and so do we!

—Evangelist Vernon Little

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

Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. To join, use the Zoom information shown above. Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at 12 p.m. You can join using the Conference Call Line, 563-999-2090; Pin: #660065.

Friday Noon Prayer is held at 12 p.m.. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer Service is held at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Sunday School for adults is held at 9:00 a.m. Use Conference Call Line shown above to join in. Sunday School for children and youth are held as follows: Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) 802-5451, PIN/ACCESS: 2788906 Juniors (9-11years old), 3:30 p.m., ZOOM: (516) 259-9274 (no access code required) Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m., FCC: (701) 802- 5230, PIN/ACCESS: 3559529 Flu season is coming, don’t forget to get your flu shot. If you have not had

Shingles, you should also consider getting the Shingles vaccine.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. This is a very important election, everyone needs to vote. Early voting in NY begins tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, and will end next Sunday, November 1. The Co-op City Early Voting site is Truman High School located at 750 Baychester Avenue. Back entrance, “Exit 21.” Please consider voting early to avoid crowds. The schedule for Early Voting was in the October 17 edition. You should have received NY Fast Pass Tag in the mail recently; this tag can be attached to your keyring for contactless voting.

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

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

—Hattie L. Lucas

Co-op City Baptist Church

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, Bronx, N.Y. 10475; Tel. 718-324-0334. All services are held online. Call 978-990-5475. Access code: 8548095.

Sunday morning service starts at 11 a.m.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service every morning at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. Effective Fervent Prayers change things. Somethings are bound to happen when we pray.

Friday: Prayer meeting and worship service will start at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: God has an eternal desire for fellowship with humans and has ordained fellowship among believers.

God created Adam and Eve, the first human community, making fellowship possible. He demonstrated His interest in entering that community by visiting their home, the Garden of Eden.

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, ‘Where art thou?” Genesis 3:8-9 This event revealed God’s desire to fellowship with people under normal circumstances.

God visited the Garden of Eden regularly to be with Adam and Eve, however, one day when God went on His routine visit to be with them they heard His voice and hid themselves from His presence. God called and said, ‘Where art thou?’Adam responded by saying, I heard thy voice in the garden, and was afraid because I was naked, and hid myself. Although it is impossible to hide from God, Adam and Eve attempted to do so not realizing that His eyes are watching us every day.

However, in spite of their sin, God did not abandon Adam and Eve after they disobeyed Him and ate from the tree that He told them not to touch. Instead, He made coats of skins and conversed with them, and discussed the consequences of their sin, and announced an arrangement that would result in the possibility of full reconciliation between people and God. However, God said to the serpent: I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise his heel.

To have sweet fellowship with God, we must walk in the light.

1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

The intensity of God’s desire to fellowship with people is demonstrated by His willingness to give His only begotten Son to make reconciliation possible between humans and Himself.

St. John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Therefore, let us remember that God sent His son that the world through Him might be saved.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

26

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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Public Safety

27

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020 (Continued from page 7)

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

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

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

Caller identification can also be manipulated to seem like the caller is local or from a valid entity. Let’s show scammers that 718 area code with 379, 320, 671 and 862 exchanges will not fall for their scams. We are “Co-op City Smart.”

Another type of scam is a “sweepstakes-based” scam. In this case, the victim receives a real looking check. New technology makes it possible for this forged check to appear realistic. The quality of the forged check is so realistic that it can even fool banks or check cashing establishments. The problem comes in when the bank attempts to retrieve the funds associated with the check and finds that there are none. By this time, the victim may have already wired money to another state or country attempting to receive an even larger sum of money. Unfortunately, the victim may be responsible for the funds received from the fraudulent check.

Remember, a legitimate contest or sweepstakes will never make you pay money to receive your prize.

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

The mere mention of fraud somehow makes potential victims more likely to believe the scam artist. It is not impossible that a bank could call you in the event

of fraud but a legitimate bank employee would not ask you for your account number, Personal Identification Number or other personal data. If you receive a request like this, call your financial institution using a telephone number that you are sure belongs to your bank or inquire in person. Banks and other financial institutions are happy if their customers do not readily give out their banking information.

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

Those of you wishing to make donations to a worthy cause, make sure that the agency to which you donate is legitimate. In the past, scammers posing as charities attempted to solicit donations for a variety of situations. It is unfortunate but this is, unfortunately, a fact of life. Be certain the charitable organization you select is, in fact, using the funds for the intended purpose. It is unfortunate that scammers will take advantage of a tragic situation.

If you fall victim to a scam notify the New York State Attorney General at 1 (800) 771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us/ and the Federal Trade Commission at 1877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov/. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up an Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) specifically for the purpose of reporting internet crimes. Their website is www.ic3.gov/.

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

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to always practice social distance and wear masks or face coverings in public. It is important to wear a face mask or face covering any time you leave your apartment. People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to help spread Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest guidance provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health. Stay safe and stay healthy.

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28

Co-op City Times / October 24, 2020

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$2500 $4995 ANY Wilsonart Laminate choice (wilsonart.com) Includes Installation

Oak, Maple, White w/Countertop PLEASE DON’T OVERPAY FOR YOUR KITCHEN. PROFESSIONAL DESIGN & INSTALLATION

ALWAYS INCLUDED!!

Full Height Closet Doors and Organizers!

Waterproof “Wood Look” Luxury Vinyl Plank ANY ROOM: $1200-$1600

Add on: 1) Quartz countertops with stainless undermount sink/pullout faucet $2000 2) White subway backsplash $500

Shower Doors $475 INSTALLED

Dura Ceramic Flooring Vinyl for Kitchen $1200

Vanity 24” any color No Plumbing $325 INSTALLED w/White Marble $450 INSTALLED

DON’T LEAVE YOUR HOME IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

WE COME TO YOU!

NY STATE COVID-19 PROTOCOL COMPLIANT.

— We Beat ALL Competitor Pricing! — JasonLash@Co-opSales.com • Se Habla Español Licensed & Insured #1188270, NYC Better Business Bureau, NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs