Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, is General Election day and voters are heading to the polls to elect the new President and Vice President of the United States of America, their US Senate and Congressional representatives, and other local state-wide officials.
Here in the Bronx, Co-op City shareholders will vote not only for the office of President and Vice President, United States Senator, US Congressional Representative, but also for New York State Senator, NY State Assembly Member, a Justice of the New York Supreme Court and six Bronx County Civil Court judges.
The candidates on the ballot for the Offices of
President and Vice President of the United States are Kamala D. Harris and Tim Waltz, running on the Democratic and Working Families lines; and Donald J. Trump and JD Vance running on the Republican and Conservative lines. Voters will select only one choice.
For United States Senator, New Yorkers will choose between Kirsten E. Gillibrand, the Democratic candidate, and Michael D. Sapraicone, the Republican candidate.
There is only one candidate for Justice of the NY Supreme Court, Matthew Parker-Raso (D).
Next on the ballot, voters will select any six
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Riverbay 2024 Halloween Parade
BY P.M. CAMPBELL
No Legionella Detected in Water Samples Taken in Building 17
BY ROZAAN BOONE
Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPF), an independent laboratory retained by Riverbay Corporation to test the water in Building 17, reported to Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 that no legionella was detected in any of the 75 samples collected in the building.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH) has been working with Riverbay Corporation since early October when residents of Building 17 were notified that two individuals in their building had been
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NYC Finalizes Rules for E-Bike Trade-In Program
BY BRANDON ORTIZ
Mayor Eric Adams announced the final set of rules for the city’s new trade-in program for unsafe electric mobility devices on October 23.
First announced in July of this year, the $2 million program allows delivery workers to trade in their unsafe micro-mobility device for one with a certified lithium-ion battery. Eligible individuals also have the option of trading in unsafe lithium-ion batteries individually for a certified one.
Elder Fraud Awareness and Prevention
BY DANIELLE CRUZ
From scam phone calls and texts, to phishing and spam emails, scam artists are coming up with thousands of new scams each year. While anybody can be a victim of a scam, certain vulnerable populations, like seniors, are more likely to be targeted by scammers. On average nationally, 1 in 10 seniors falls victim to identity theft each year.
According to a report released by the Federal Trade Commission in October, Americans aged 60 years and older reported losing more than $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023. However, because most frauds and scams are not reported, the FTC estimates that the overall cost of fraud may be as high as $61.5 billion.
stopped in at InVite Vitamins, Bagels on Bartow, and Dunkin Donuts for candy, before heading to the FDNY station house on Asch Loop to take
To be eligible for the trade-in program, participants must be New York City residents, at least 18 years old, own an eligible working device and have proof of at least $1500 earned in wages from delivering food in the previous year. Individuals who are selected for the program will receive a “UL-certified e-bike
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The report also found that adults 80 and older reported losing a median of $1,450 to fraud, while adults in their 70’s reported a median loss of $804.
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Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 Be an informed voter! Log in to
• Learn what is on the ballot, candidates and ballot proposal information
• Check your voter registration • Find your polling place location and hours
Riverbay Corporation hosted a Halloween Parade and celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Room 31 of the Bartow Center. Attendees then proceeded to the Bartow Mall where they
candidates for judge of the NY Civil Court. The candidates are Eliezer Rodriguez (D), Deidra Moore (D), Dawn Guglielmo (D), Scott Krompinger (D), Angel Cruz (D), and Diomarys Escano-Bell (D).
Two candidates are competing for the US Congress in the 16th Congressional District. They are George S. Latimer (D) and Miriam Levitt Flisser (R).
For New York State Senate, the incumbent, Jamaal T. Bailey (D), is being challenged by a Republican candidate, Irene Estrada.
For New York State Assembly, incumbent Michael Benedetto (D) is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Juan De la Cruz.
New York City residents are also voting on six proposals on the back of the ballot, so be sure to flip your ballot over.
Proposal 1 (Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment) is an amendment to the New York State Constitution to add protection against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Proposal 1 also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy. Voting “Yes” adds these protections to the State Constitution and voting “No” leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Proposal 2 (Cleaning Public Property) amends the New York City Charter to expand and clarify the Department of Sanitation’s power to clean streets and other city property and require disposal of waste in containers. Voting “Yes” will expand and clarify the Department of Sanitation’s power to clean city streets and other city property and require disposal of waste in containers. Voting “No” would leave the current laws in place.
Proposal 3 (Additional Estimates of the Cost of Proposed Laws and Updates to Budget Deadlines) would amend the City Charter to require fiscal analysis from the City Council before hearings and votes on laws, authorize fiscal analysis from the Mayor, and update budget deadlines. Voting “Yes” would change the City Charter to require additional fiscal analysis before hearings and votes on local laws, and update budget deadlines. Voting “No” would leave these laws uncharged.
Proposal 4 (More Notice and Time Before Votes on Public Safety Legislation) would require additional public notice and time before the City Council votes on laws on the public safety operations of the Police, Correction or Fire Departments. Voting “Yes” would require additional notice and time before the City Council votes on laws respecting public safety operations of the Police, Correction, or Fire Departments. Voting “NO” leaves the laws unchanged.
Proposal 5 (Capital Planning) seeks to amend the City Charter to require more detail in the annual assessment of City facilities, mandate that facility needs inform capital planning, and update capital planning deadlines. Voting “Yes” would require more detail when assessing maintenance needs of City facilities, mandate that facility needs inform capital planning and update capital planning deadlines. Voting “No” leaves these laws unchanged.
Proposal 6 (MWBEs, Film Permits and Archive Review Boards) amends the City Charter to establish the Chief Business Diversity Officer (CBDO), authorize the Mayor to designate the office that issues film permits, and combine archive boards. Voting “Yes” would establish the CBDO to support Minority and Women-Owned Businesses, authorize the Mayor to designate the office that issues film permits and combine two boards. Voting “No” leaves the laws unchanged.
Early Voting has been in progress since Saturday, October 26, 2024. Early Voting continues today, Saturday, Nov. 2, and tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Polls are closed on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.
All Co-op City shareholders early vote at the Dreiser Auditorium.
According to NBC News, as of Friday morning, Nov. 1, more than 2 million mail-in and early in-person votes had been cast in New York – 55% from registered Democrats and 24% from registered Republicans. Bronx residents account for more than 267,903 of the approximately 700,000 early ballots cast in New York City, as of Friday. Overall, New Yorkers have requested approximately 950,000 mail-in ballots, 57% from registered Democrats and 19% from registered Republicans.
Nationwide, as of press time Friday, more than 64M Americans had already voted in the 2024 General Election, representative of about 40% of the total vote cast in the 2020 general election. Democrats account for 41% of mail-in and early in-person voters, and Republicans, 40%.
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, is the last day to vote early in-person.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, is the deadline to return early mail and absentee ballots. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off in-person to your early vote poll site (Dreiser Auditorium, up to Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024) or to the Bronx Board of Election at 1780 Grand Concourse, 5th Fl., Bronx, NY 10457 (up to Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024). Ballots being returned by mail must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
To check your voter registration or find your election day poll site, visit NYCVotes.org or Vote411.org. You may also consult your Voter Guide for information on the candidates, state and local issues on the ballot and for a sample ballot.
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Next 45th Pct. Community Council Meeting, Nov. 7
The next meeting of the 45th Pct. Community Council will be held in Co-op City on Thursday, Nov. 7, in Room 31 of the Bartow Center. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend.
Co-op City Are We Ready?
Preparedness is the key to safety. Governor Hochul, in conjunction with the New York National Guard, Riverbay Corporation, and NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Citizen Preparedness Corps, present a multi-day information session on emergency readiness, including crime prevention, defense training, and emergency togo bags. Join us on one of the following dates to learn more:
November 6, 5-8 p.m.; Einstein Center, Rm. 45
November 7, 5-8 p.m.; Dreiser Auditorium A, B&C
November 8, 5-8 p.m.; Bartow Center, Rm. 31
December 7, 1:30-3 p.m.; Dreiser Auditorium A, B&C
Truman HS Open House
Harry S. Truman High School invites the community to attend their Open House events. The school is located at 750 Baychester Avenue in Education Park in Coop City. Upcoming Open House events will be held:
• Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the Open House, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the school facilities, learn about the school’s academic programs, meet with teachers and staff, and ask questions about the admissions process.
State Comptroller Report Shows Future MTA Budget Gaps
BY BRANDON ORTIZ
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report on October 23 detailing that the MTA is facing steep budget gaps in the coming years.
Despite the MTA having a stable financial year in 2023, Comptroller DiNapoli’s report revealed that the reality going forward is much more unclear. Specifically, the MTA expects to face a budget gap of $211 million in 2024 that is expected to grow to a combined $652 million by 2028.
Among the reasons for why the MTA faces such steep budget gaps, the main one is the slower than anticipated rate of recovery for the MTA from the Covid-19 pandemic, a problem further exacerbated by lost revenue from fare evasion. MTA estimates originally predicted that paid ridership levels would eclipse roughly 86% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, but that estimate has since been adjusted to the end of 2026 to reflect the slow recovery rate.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to pause the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP), also referred to as congestion pricing, this past June has also played a factor in the decreased expected revenue for the MTA. Just in the 2020-2024 MTA Capital Plan alone, the pause in congestion pricing created a funding shortfall of $15 billion and “may create additional operating budget costs from higher maintenance costs ($260 million annually) and higher debt servicing costs ($300 million annually),” as explained in DiNapoli’s report.
Governor Hochul has not publicly set a date for when
To RSVP, fill out the online form at https://forms.gle/Rz346jzPMHaHg22g9, or contact the school directly at (718) 904-5400. E-Bikes ––– (Continued from page 1)
Remember to “Fall Back” 1 hour on Sunday at 2 p.m.
and two compatible, UL-certified batteries,” according to the Mayor’s Office.
Prior to opening applications for the trade-in program starting in 2025, the New York City Department of Transit (DOT) will launch a public awareness campaign to encourage eligible delivery workers to apply.
Mayor Adams discussed the significance of protecting New Yorkers from faulty lithium-ion batteries during the announcement of the trade-in program’s final set of rules.
“My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and that includes new and emerging threats, like the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries,” Mayor Adams said. “Thanks to our new trade-in program, eligible frontline delivery workers who keep our city moving will be able to swap their dangerous bikes and batteries for safe versions for free — this is how we make our city safer and more affordable.”
One of the main reasons for implementing the trade-in program was in response to the proliferation of lithium-ion battery fires happening across the city. There have been 222 fires, 88 injuries, and four deaths linked to or caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries so far in 2024, according to the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Robert
she might unpause congestion pricing but mentioned during a September radio interview with WNYC’s “All Things Considered” that the matter will be revisited in January during the next legislative session. She also expressed her commitment to provide funding for both the 2020-2024 and 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plans. “We will make up the difference. I am committed to making sure that the capital plan is funded,” the Governor said.
The State Comptroller’s report went on to describe the consequences of not properly addressing the funding shortfall created by the congestion pricing pause.
“In sum, the MTA estimates that the operating budget impact from the pause on congestion pricing not being lifted and replacement revenue not being provided in a timely manner could be as high as $640 million by 2027,” the Comptroller warned in the report.
DiNapoli later highlighted that the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan, which was approved by the MTA Board in September, included a projected $33 billion in “unidentified funding.” As for how that funding shortfall will be addressed, DiNapoli acknowledged that the matter “is expected to be closed by funding made available through the State Legislature in the upcoming legislative session.”
Looking ahead to the future of the MTA, DiNapoli reminded the agency that their choices now will have lasting consequences. “The choices the MTA makes now will impact its system for years. Whatever the MTA chooses, the focus should be on ensuring safe, frequent and reliable service to protect the region’s future economic prosperity,” DiNapoli said.
Tucker discussed the need to continue removing faulty lithium-ion batteries off city streets, during the October 23 announcement.
“For three years, the FDNY has been working to stem the scourge of lithium-ion battery fires, and we’ve been attacking the problem relentlessly, Commissioner Tucker said. “Getting uncertified lithium-ion batteries and devices off our city’s streets is critically important, and this trade-in program will help do just that. We are grateful to partner with the DOT on this out-of-the-box initiative that we know will make our city safer for delivery workers, our first responders, and the public.”
Overall, the trade-in program builds off of the Mayor’s “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micro-mobility Action Plan”, which was introduced in March of 2023.
DOT is also in the process of working on additional city improvements for electric mobility device users and delivery workers. Specifically, “DOT is working to install wider bike lanes along its busiest routes, undergoing a public e-bike charging pilot with delivery workers, and educating New Yorkers about safe and legal e-bike use,” as outlined by the Mayor’s Office.
As a reminder for shareholders, in November 2022 Riverbay’s Board of Directors passed Board Resolution #22-58 with a majority of Board
Directors in support of the measure. The resolution stated that “shareholders may not store or charge battery-operated electric bikes, electric scooters or their batteries in apartments, garages, community rooms, or other indoor common areas within any building at Co-op City.” Violators of this resolution will incur a $1000 fine and possible termination of their occupancy agreement. Notably, this resolution does not pertain to electric mobility devices used by disabled individuals.
American Legion Hosts Resource Fair, Nov. 9
American Legion Post 1871 and supporters will host a Resource Fair honoring all who served on Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 45 of the Einstein Center, 135 Einstein Loop. Refreshments will be served.
2-3:30 p.m. – Meet & Greet Community and Resource leaders.
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The number of older adults reporting losses of $100,000 or more has also more than tripled since 2020.
The FTC report also found that some of the top scams impacting older adults were tech support scams, prize, lottery or sweepstakes scams, friend or family impersonation scams, and investment scams.
Tech Support Scams
Have you ever received a phone call, email, or pop-up telling you that there is a serious problem with your computer or cellphone? Before you continue the conversation, or click on a pop-up, be aware that scammers will often pretend to be from a well-known tech company and use lots of technical terms to confuse and convince you that the problem with your computer or cellphone is real. What they are really looking for is access to your money, personal information, and data.
According to the FTC if you get a call from someone claiming that your computer has a problem, hang up. Any tech support call you don’t expect is a scam, even if the number looks legitimate. These scammers will often use a fake caller ID to look like a local business or trusted company and trick people into picking up.
If you get a pop-up message on your computer or phone prompting you to call tech support, ignore it. If you are worried about your tech potentially having a virus or any other problem, call the security software company directly. You can also download legitimate security software to scan your computer for any malware or viruses and delete anything the software says is a problem.
You should also never give someone your password or allow anyone remote access to your computer, which will give scammers direct access to all the information stored on your computer. If you have shared your password with a scammer, make sure to change that password on every account that uses it. Remember to also use unique passwords.
If a scammer convinced you to pay for a fake service, ask your bank to reverse the charges, and check your statement for any charges you did not approve. You should also keep checking your statements monthly to make sure the scammer does not try to re-charge you.
Prize, Lottery or Sweepstakes Scams
Another way scammers will often trick individuals is by calling, emailing, or sending a letter to tell you that you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize. They will then ask you to pay them or give them your account information to receive the prize.
Scammers will often pretend to be from well-known companies that run real sweepstakes or even pretend to be a part of the government to sound official. But no real sweepstakes company or government agency will contact you to ask for money so you can claim a prize.
If you are unsure if the prize is real or a scam, contact the sweepstake company directly to find out the truth. Make sure to look up the company’s contact information yourself, do not rely on the person who reached out to you to provide you with the correct contact information.
Also never click on any links, text messages, or pop-ups that claim you have won a prize or sweepstakes. Clicking on those links can allow the scammers access to your personal information or allow them access to download malware onto your device.
According to the FTC, there are three ways to tell if the prize is a scam or not.
The first sign is that you have to pay to get your prize. Real prizes are free. So, if someone tells you to pay a fee to get your prize, you are dealing with a scammer. And if they ask you to pay by wiring money, sending cash, or paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency to get your prize, do not do it. Scammers use these payments because they are harder to track, and it is almost impossible to get your money back.
The second sign that you are dealing with a scammer is that they will tell you that paying a fee will increase your odds of winning. But real sweepstakes are free and winning is by chance. It is illegal for someone to ask you to pay to increase your odds of winning. Only a scammer will do that.
The third sign is that they will ask you for your financial information. You should never have to give someone your bank account or credit card number to claim any prize or sweepstake. If they ask for this information, do not give it to them.
Friend or Family Impersonation Scams
Scammers have also started to pose as family members or a close friend and will call claiming that they need money to get out of trouble.
If you ever receive a call or a text from someone claiming to be a family member or a friend, the FTC cautions against trusting them, even if it sounds like your family member or friend. Scammers are good at faking it and will play with your emotions to get you to act quickly to help your family or friend. They are counting on you to pay without stopping to verify the emergency with another family member or friend. Some scammers will also use artificial intelligence to clone your loved one’s voice. They might also pretend to be a lawyer, police officer, or doctor to make the emergency sound more convincing.
If you do receive a call from someone claiming that your loved one is in trouble and in need of money, here are some tips from the FTC on what to do. Firstly, resist the pressure to send money immediately. Instead, you should hang up or tell the person that you will call them right back. If you do not feel comfortable hanging up, try asking a question only the real person would know the answer to, like “What kind of dog do you have?” or “Where did you spend
Thanksgiving last year?”
Secondly, you should directly call the person who is supposedly in trouble or message another family member or friend to verify if they are in trouble. You should always verify with someone else, even if the caller says to keep it a secret.
Investment Scams
According to the FTC, in 2023 older adults report losing approximately $538 million to investment scams.
Investment scammers will often convince you to invest in the financial markets, cryptocurrency, real estate, or precious metals and coins. They will claim that these investments will make you rich quick and are risk-free. According to the FTC, these scams will sometimes offer free training or seminars, but quickly lead to hefty fees for additional training or coaching that promise to increase your success.
If you are pitched a program that promises to help you invest your money, you should first do your own research and resist the pressure to commit quickly. Scammers will pressure you to act fast by telling you that space is limited or that you are getting a special deal.
You should also look up the name of the company or program and look for any reviews or complaints. Other people’s experience with the company can also let you know if it is an investment scam.
You should also be wary of anyone who downplays the risk of an investment or who acts like you do not need to worry about potentially losing your money. Scammers want you to think the opportunity is risk-free, but it is not.
Scammers will also reach out to people through social media and offer opportunities to invest in cryptocurrency. They will then they direct you to a fake website and after they have gotten your money, they will shut down the website and disappear with your money.
The FTC also cautions that you should never pay someone who insists that you pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, a payment app, or a gift card. You should also never deposit a check and send money back to someone.
Remember to never give any sensitive personal information to anyone outside of your family or trusted advisors. If you are the victim of a scam, you can report it to the FTC by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling the FTC’s Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357.
You can also contact the New York State Department of Consumer Protection at www.dos.ny.gov, or the Attorney General’s Office at www.ag.ny.gov to report it.
To help filter out unwanted scam phone calls, you can also to place your personal phone number on the Do Not Call Registry by calling 888-382-1222 or visiting www.donotcall.gov.
Parade ––– (Continued from page 3) photos with the firefighters. Later, the group returned to Room 31 for treats provided by the offices of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, City Council Member Kevin C. Riley, and MMCC. Children and parents then participated in musical chairs, raffles for circus tickets, and a film screening.
Photo by PM Campbell
Halloween Skating Party
By P.M. CAMPBELL
The Riverbay Fund held a Halloween Skate Party, in collaboration with Riverbay Corporation, on Oct. 31 on the Bellamy Loop basketball courts from 4-8 p.m. Participants were encouraged to bring their own skates or borrow a pair. While rain has been a concern for previous skate events in Co-op, Thursday night’s weather drew people out to the court. Over the course of the event, 560 children and adults received wrist bands before they entered onto the basketball court.
Riverbay Fund Vice President Claudia Sampson explained that skates shared by Frankie Waters made the event accessible to people who do not own skates and have never learned to skate. Council Member Rafael Salamanca surprised organizers with treats and beverages for the event. Though there was no costume contest, skaters compared outfits as they danced to music provided by DJ Rob Scott.
“They want to see more, but unfortunately, this is the final skating event of the year,” said Ms. Sampson. Though not everyone stepped into skates, participants of all ages took part in the festivities and made the most of Halloween night.
Photos by PM Campbell and Brandi Simpson
Legionella ––
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diagnosed with Legionnaire’s Disease within a 12-month period – one in October 2023 and the second in September 2024. How and where the individuals contracted Legionella is unknown. However, DOH protocols require testing of a building’s water supply whenever two or more individuals living at the same address are diagnosed with the illness within one year.
In accordance with this safety requirement, DOH ordered Riverbay to submit a water sampling plan, followed by independent testing of the water in the building.
At that time, Riverbay Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III reported: “We are providing all documents on our plumbing, floor plans, reports from the copper-silver ionization system in the building and other reports as required by DOH.”
In all, 75 samples were collected by SPF from the building’s water supply as well as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and showers in residential units in Building 17 over a 2-day period. No legionella bacteria was detected in any of the samples.
“The fact that no legionella bacteria was detected is a testament to the decision by the Board and Management to install a state-of-the-art water treatment system to protect residents,” said Mr. Buss.
On October 7, DOH held a conference with Building 17 shareholders in the Dreiser Auditorium to discuss the two legionella diagnoses and to provide shareholders with information on the bacteria as well as health guidance especially for those who may be susceptible to the disease.
At this point, Riverbay awaits word from DOH to determine if any further testing will be required.
Riverbay’s Succession Rights Summarized for Clarity
Riverbay Corporation has summarized New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal’s (DHCR) rules and regulations on succession rights to avoid misinterpretation.
DHCR has specific rules governing the transfer or assumption of ownership of apartments within Mitchell-Lama developments, which are spelled out in 9NYCRR Part 1727-8.1.
The Succession Rights Policy is intended to help a cooperator be aware of the protection provided to a family member or a ‘life companion’ in the event a cooperator moves or dies. DHCR regulations provide that eligible persons may continue to live in an apartment after the death or move-out of the cooperator. Riverbay’s policy follows DHCR rules.
It should be noted that while new ownership can only be assumed if the primary owner of the apartment moves out or passes away, according to the rules and regulations, only persons who meet all of the regulatory requirements may obtain leases and stock certificates in their own name as successors.
As a general rule, whenever there is a change in the number of persons living in the apartment, Riverbay should be notified within ninety (90) calendar days of any such changes through the use of an Interim Affidavit Form, which can be obtained from the shareholder’s respective Cooperator Services Office (CSO). This is important for those occupants to potentially have succession rights at some point in the future. The annual filing of the Income Affidavit accomplishes this, as well as filing an Interim Affidavit in between annual filings.
If the primary shareholder moves out permanently, any member of the shareholder’s family or life companion may apply for succession, and if approved by DHCR, sign a new lease, and be issued a stock certificate. However, this person must meet certain requirements.
• They must have resided with the shareholder in the apartment as their primary residence for a period not less than two years; or for one year if the succeeding shareholder is a senior citizen or disabled person, immediately prior to permanent vacating of the apartment by the shareholder.
• In cases where the shareholder occupancy is less than two years before the primary shareholder passed, the succession applicant must have lived in the apartment from the inception of the tenancy.
• The succession applicant must have been listed on the Income Affidavit and/or Interim Income Affidavit during the relevant period of time.
Per DHCR rules, the “relevant period of time” must be documented by two (2) annual affidavits i.e. annual affidavits for the two prior years before the shareholder passed or permanently vacated. Or, interim affidavit plus annual affidavit for the two prior years before the shareholder passed or permanently vacated, if the successor moves in between annual filings.
DHCR’s rules define “family member” as a husband, wife, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, father, mother, stepfa-
ther, stepmother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sonin-law or daughter-in-law of the primary cooperator.
DHCR’s definition of “family member” also includes any other person/s residing with the primary owner in the apartment as a primary resident who can prove emotional and financial commitment and interdependence between such person/s and the primary owner.
“Primary residence” is defined as the housing accommodation in which the person actually resides and maintains a permanent and continuous physical presence. Proof of such residency must consist of the Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavits together with other evidence, for example, certified copies of tax returns, voting records, motor vehicle registration and driver’s license, school registration, bank accounts, employment records, insurance policies and other pertinent documentation.
“Life companion” and “extended family” is defined as any other person residing with the shareholder as a primary resident who can prove emotional and financial commitment and interdependence between such person and the shareholder. Evidence of this can be the Income Affidavit or Interim Income Affidavit filed by the primary shareholder, as well as evidence of longevity of the relationship; sharing of or relying upon each other for payment of household or family expenses; joint ownership of bank accounts, personal and real property, credit cards, loan obligations, sharing a household budget for purposes of receiving governmental benefits; engaging in family type activities by jointly attending family functions; and formalizing of legal obligations by such means as executing wills, naming each other as executor and/or beneficiary, granting each other power of attorney, etc.
The other path through which a successor can be named to the apartment is through death of the primary shareholder. If this is the case, the lease and shares of stock for the decedent’s apartment shall be surrendered to the Riverbay Sales Office by the decedent’s estate or survivors for redemption.
If there are no legal disputes, Riverbay will sell or transfer the shares to any member of the decedent’s family or life companion as long as they meet all of the succession requirements stipulated by DHCR’s rules and regulations.
Any family member or life companion of a shareholder seeking approval to remain in occupancy after the cooperator moves or dies should submit a written request within ninety (90) days to Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10475, Attn.: Succession Rights.
It is imperative that shareholders understand that no other types of stock transfers or lease amendments are allowed except those directed by statute or an appropriate tribunal or court of law.
Co-op City residents may visit the “Resources” page on the Riverbay website at www.coopcity.com and scroll down to “Legal” for a copy of these succession rights.
Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 28
Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your lease automatically renews for an additional three (3) year period. You need to do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior to lease expiration.
Building 28 A, B, C 100, 120, 140 Einstein Loop
Current Lease
Expiration Date: January 31, 2025
New 3-Year Expiration Date: January 31, 2028
Co-op City Times
Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Danielle Cruz Managing Editor
Brandi Simpson Junior Associate Editor
Ralph Henriquez Production Manager
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
John Crow New Media Producer
Sheldon Green Multi-Media Advertising Manager
Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant
P.M. Campbell Media Assistant
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Public Safety Report
CCPD Reminder: “Fall Back” this Weekend
The Public Safety Department reminds cooperators to “Fall Back” for safety as we set our clocks back for the end of Daylight Saving Time.
This Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, when we set our clocks back an hour and gain a little extra rest. But more importantly, this is a critical reminder to review and refresh our home fire safety measures. As we head into colder months, here’s how to use this weekend to make sure your home is ready and
The smoke detectors installed by Riverbay do not need any type of maintenance other than replacement at the end of the 10-year period. For people outside of Co-op City, reading this column online or in print, it is a good habit to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks. Do not forget to “Fall Back” and change your smoke detector batteries. For those in Co-op City, it is also important to make sure the fire decal with your apartment # on it remains in position. The Fire Department utilizes these stickers to locate an apartment, especially when there is smoke in the hallway. If you have any issues with your smoke detector or fire decal, contact your Cooperator Service Office at 718-320-3300 and use the prompts to access the correct office.
No matter which type of smoke detector you have, it is also a good idea to review fire safety with your family. It is always good to have a plan and make certain all members of the family are familiar with it. Every family should have a plan in place for when they are at home. When traveling, make an alternate plan for your temporary accommodations. Also, make certain that children away at school have a plan in place for their living quarters. Be sure your college student has working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their college dormitory or apartment.
Buildings in Co-op City are fireproof. This means that a fire will not travel from one apartment to another. Unless the fire is in your apartment, or if directed to leave by emergency personnel, in most cases it is safest to stay within your
Public Safety Blotter
October 20 – October 26, 2024
October 20, 2024
920 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from in front of their apartment door by an unknown individual without their permission.
2063 Bartow Avenue – CCPD responded to a call from Rite Aid about a suspect who had removed items from the establishment without paying and left the area. CCPD conducted a canvas of the area and apprehended the suspect who was still in possession of the stolen items. The suspect, a non-resident, was placed under arrest, processed and charged with larceny.
October 21, 2024
Opposite 99 Carver Loop –While exiting Garage 3, CCPD observed a vehicle with all four tires missing, the front side passenger rear window broken, and the front passenger side window vandalized. CCPD conducted a canvas of the area, ending with negative results. The owner of the vehicle was not able to be notified.
100 Einstein Loop – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown person without their permission.
October 22, 2024
120 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without her permission.
October 24, 2024
99 Erskine Place – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle inside Garage 8 and ob-
serving that their vehicle had been removed from the garage by an unknown person(s) without their permission. NYPD was also notified. The investigation is ongoing.
120 DeKruif Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown person without their permission.
October 25, 2024
Side of 4100 Hutchinson River Parkway – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle and observing that the vehicle had been removed from the parking space by an unknown person(s) without his permission.
99 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle inside Garage 2 and observing that their vehicle had been removed from the garage by an unknown person(s) without their permission. NYPD was also notified. The investigation is ongoing.
99 Bellamy Loop – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle inside Garage 6 and observing that their vehicle had been removed from the garage, by unknown person(s) without their permission.
100 Benchley Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown person without their permission.
October 26, 2024
120 Alcott Place – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown person(s) without their permission.
apartment. If it becomes necessary to leave your apartment, close the door but do not lock it. Take your keys if you can safely reach them. Never go back into the apartment for anything unless deemed safe by emergency personnel. Call 911 and Public Safety (718671-3050) from a safe location. Go to an established meeting place so that you know all family members have gotten out of the home safely.
Always feel a door before you open it. If the door feels hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed; call 911 and Public Safety (718-671-3050). Place wet towels at the bottom, sides and top of the door to keep smoke from entering. If it becomes necessary to travel through smoke-filled areas stay close to the ground, where there is less smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth. Provide wet towels for all family members. If clothing should catch fire, do not run and fan the flames. Roll around on the ground to smother the flames.
Reinforce Fire Prevention Habits
Good habits are key to reducing the risk of fire. Use this weekend to check in on these daily fire prevention practices:
• Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended: Cooking-related fires are a major cause of household fires, so always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Store Matches and Lighters Securely: Make sure matches and lighters are stored out of reach of children, ideally in a locked cabinet.
• Switch Off Space Heaters When Unattended: Only use space heaters when someone is present to monitor them, and ensure they are at least three feet away from flammable materials.
Understand Why Fire Safety is Vital
Recent data highlights that heating equipment, unattended cooking, and electrical issues are some of the leading causes of home fires, particularly during the colder months. Thousands of preventable fires lead to loss of life and property each year, underscoring the importance of these simple steps to ensure a safer home environment.
Daylight Saving Time
Various states are considering eliminating the twice-yearly time changes. The time changes disrupt sleeping patterns, which can potentially lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.
Remember if you plan to consume
OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY
For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com.
Please note: emails should be sent to both parties.
Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for instructions.
There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
For employment opportunities, please visit the following sites:
www.Glassdoor.com
www.ZipRecruiter.com https://bit.ly/3Se8bdw
Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at any site Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.
Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.
Director
’s Viewpoint Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary
VOTE
Early Voting. The first weekend of Early Voting was a record breaker. More than a quarter of a million New York City voters turned out to cast their ballots in those first two days.
There’s still this weekend to Early Vote in the Dreiser auditorium from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And it couldn’t be easier. As long as you’re registered, just give the poll worker your name and they’ll print you a ballot.
You can find a sample ballot posted in any poll site, but if you’d like to see one in advance – Google: Vote.NYC. Click: Find Your Poll Site (insert your address). Click: Please click Here for a sample ballot. Click: View Sample Ballot
Just remember, whoever you want to vote for, just vote for them once. Some candidates are listed under two different parties, such as the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party or the Republican and Conservative lines.
Then, remember to flip the ballot and vote YES or NO on the proposals.
Proposal #1 is a NYS equal rights amendment. Though primarily included to strengthen abortion rights in the state, this proposal aims at ensuring equal rights and protections for a wider range of NYS citizens. Currently, New Yorkers are protected against discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed or religion. This proposal seeks to protect against unequal treatment based on these categories as well: ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Proposal #1 is on the ballot to be added to the NY state constitution.
Proposals #2 through #6 are Mayor Adams’ Charter Revision Commission’s proposed changes to the city’s constitution. The City Council also intended to put its own recommendations to the voters, but, according to the rules, the mayor’s choices come first.
Totally other Co-op City voting. Most of the Riverbay Board gathered with Management to do some voting of our own, a week ago Wednesday. I’m sure you remember the community and the Board were asked to make suggestions as to how our leftover refinance money – plus the new $50 million in our capital fund money-bucket – should be budgeted.
We were given a dozen pages of small print, filled with mostly very expensive repairs that we need to do (replace our circuit breakers) or needed to do (ADA doors) as a requirement for the 2022 refinance. Those pages were broken into two time frames for completion, years one to 10, and years 11 to 20. But since some of us are very far from being spring chickens, we didn’t worry too much about years 11 to 20. We stuck instead to what could fit into the 2-year Budget that starts on April 1, 2025.
Other projects we need to squeeze out of the capital funds are local law (LL) requirements like LL11 façade work – which is finished for now but will be coming around again before we know it – and LL126 garage repairs.
Next came digging into 25 detailed pages of capital project suggestions, most of which weren’t They were suggestions but mostly not capital project suggestions. But not to worry, 41 of the suggestions were capital projects listed under the Buildings, Grounds, Garages, Community Centers/ Malls and Other Items headings of Funded from Capital Needs Assessment. Of those 41 items listed in the big-buck summary, 17 had asterisks, indicating *Funding Insufficient. That group of troublemakers was moved onto intimidating page 9, with its inch and a half wide swath of red under the heading Funding Allocated Sufficient? Yes/No atop a column of 17 NO’s.
Then we were tasked to choose. Which of these 17 incredibly necessary and pressing projects will be tackled and/or completed between 4/1/25 and 3/31/27 – thanks to
that extra $50 million gift from the state?
We chose garage concrete repairs, garage elevators, portico work, high-rise lobby renovation, and townhouse masonry. Kicking other important items on the list of 17 down the road, we saved room and budget money for a couple of hadda haves: the Bartow elevator and the Einstein bathroom renovation.
Fingers crossed, some allocated millions might be freed-up by LL97 grants, so don’t fret, you listof-17 wallflowers. The money is out there.
Last chance voting where again? We can still Early Vote in Dreiser today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then on Election Day, this Tuesday, 11/5/24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., we vote at one of five poll site locations: DREISER Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop; BARTOW Center, 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31; TRUMAN High School, 750 Baychester Ave.; DISNEY School/P.S.160, 4140 Hutchinson River Pkwy East; or EINSTEIN Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45.
Bartow: 15A, 15B, 18, 19, 20A, 20B, 20C, 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B, and the Adler, Asch, and Broun Townhouses.
Truman: 16A, 16B, and 17.
Disney: 26A, 26B, 26C, 27A, 27B, 27C, 30A, 30B, 31A, 31B, 33 and the Earhart Townhouses. Einstein: 28A, 28B, 28C, 29A, 29B, 29C, 32A, 32B, 34, and 35.
Go get ‘em, Tiger.
VOTE!
Have a good week, everybody. Feel free to contact me. MPearson@RiverbayBoard.com/718-2192211.
Goose Island Seniors
Clocks fall back one hour on Sun., Nov. 3, at 2 a.m.
The Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island Inc. will be closed on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day. We want to thank all veterans for your service and we honor and remember those who died.
Shopping Trip – Lancaster, PA, Sat., Nov. 16. Price: $135 includes lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord, Tanger Outlets and more. Call: 646-579-1701.
Wind Creek Casino – in Bethlehem, PA, Tue., Nov. 19. Price: $70. Bonus: $25 slot play. Bus pick-up at Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:15 a.m.
Motown Holiday Party – Windows on the Lake in Long Island. Thu., Dec. 12. Wait list only. Price: $145. $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Price includes luncheon and show. Balance due Wed., Nov. 13.
Holiday Toy and Coat Drive – at Sec. 5 Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Price $25, includes Holiday brunch, entertainment and more. Call: 646-579-1701.
Goose Island Holiday Party – Fri., Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. in our club, Rm. 39, at 135 Einstein Loop, Section 5 center. Members only. Covered dish. Bring something or $20 at door.
2025 MGM Casino and Blackeyed Sally’s, CT. – Thu., Feb. 6, 2025. More information soon.
2025 Uptown Motown Show at Tropicana AC – Thu., Mar. 27, 2025. Price $160. Bonus $25 slot play and $20 for food. $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Balance due Mar. 26, 2025.
$180, includes luncheon and show. $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Balance due Wed., Mar. 26, 2025.
2025 Holiday Hills Senior Day –Tue., Aug. 19, 2025. Price: $150. $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Balance due Jun. 25, 2025.
Notary – with Yvonne Menefee. Mon.-Fri., 11 a. m.-4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm.39. Call: 718-379-9613. Bingo – Mon., Wed., and Fri., from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 each additional card. 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments.
Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Dominoes, movies, socializing and more. Refreshments.
To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of November: Mildred Dobson, Myrna Witherspoon, Olivine Durant. Florence Middleton, Loretta Woodard, Mae Dukes, Stephen Werner, Veronica Simmons, Elaine Jones, Lourdes Suarez and Grace Stubbs. Birthday cake celebration will be on Fri., Nov. 8.
We are collecting $30 dues for 2025. Down-payments accepted.
Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love to everyone. Call her at 718-7531816.
Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center, 718-3799613, Stephen cell 347-847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@ optonline.net. $StephenCarlSr. Good health to all. —Stephen Roberts, Sr.
How To Recognize Phony Debt Collection Calls and Texts
Debt collection scams can be one of the most frightening and persistent scam types. Victims often report that scammers harass them or their family members for weeks or even months, both at home and at work, trying to get them to pay a debt they don’t even owe. BBB receives numerous reports of con artists changing tactics just to get the information necessary to collect information or cash.
How This Scam Works
court. The person speaking is polite at first and appears to have your best interests at heart. They seem like they sincerely want to help avoid the court date. To fix the situation, all you need to do is make a reasonable payment, perhaps even divided up into several installments.
Deepest Condolences
The scammer calls or texts and says that they work for a loan company, law firm or government agency, and claims to be collecting an overdue payment for you or a family member. After replying that you or your family member don’t owe money, the “debt collector” starts threatening to file a lawsuit, have wages garnished, request an arrest warrant, or arrange for a court appearance thousands of miles from home. All of these claims are nerve-wracking, leaving the person answering the phone not even sure they owe money in the first place.
One consumer reported their experience with a debt collection scam to BBB Scam Tracker: “Family member was contacted being told that this company was looking for me to deliver papers to me. I contacted the company and was told that a loan from [company name redacted] had been taken out in my name back in Nov. 2012. I had no clue about this loan but was told that I was going to be served with papers and have a class three felony on my record if convicted of defrauding a bank institution if I didn’t settle the matter today.” This consumer reported losing $1,489.
If you receive a phone call like this, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Despite these threats, these “debt collectors” don’t have any legal power. In most cases, the alleged overdue loan doesn’t even exist. Don’t give in and pay the money you don’t owe, otherwise, they’ll call back for more.
The “good cop” version: An unsolicited call comes through from a debt collection agency. The caller claims there is an unpaid debt from long ago that is about to go to
No matter how kind the caller seems, don’t fall for it. If you make the payment, the person you spoke to on the phone will take the money and disappear. Any future efforts to contact them will be in vain.
How To Spot and Avoid Similar Scams
• Ask the debt collector to provide an official “validation notice” of the debt. In the U.S. and most of Canada, debt collectors are required by law to provide this information in writing. The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement of your rights. If the self-proclaimed collector won’t provide the information, hang up.
•Ask for proof of the debt and of the agency calling. If you do owe money and aren’t sure if the caller is real, ask for their name, company, street address, and telephone number. Do not provide any bank account, credit card, or other personally identifiable information over the phone. If the collector is legitimate, they should have details on the accounts in question.
• Just hang up. If you don’t have any outstanding loans, hang up. Don’t press any numbers or speak to an “agent.”
• Never provide payment to someone you don’t know. If you’re being urgently asked to provide payment over the phone to someone you don’t know, hang up. Scammers often ask for payment through wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, or digital wallet apps.
• Reach out to any institutions you’re loaning from to verify the information. If you currently have loans taken out and aren’t sure if the caller is real, call the banks or loan companies on your own and verify if what the caller states is true. Look up their customer service phone numbers on your own, and never use a phone number that
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Annie Inez Beal Sinclair, May 30, 1948 – October 23, 2024 – sister, mother, grandmother and Co-op City resident. Ann was a God-fearing woman and a singer extraordinaire. A celebration of life is being planned and more details will be forthcoming. Please keep Ms. Sinclair’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn this deep loss.
a potential scammer is using or provides you with.
• Check your credit report. In the US, check with one of the three national credit reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian). In Canada, check with Equifax Canada. This will help determine if there are outstanding debts or if there is suspicious activity.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. If the scammer has personal information, place a fraud alert with the three national credit reporting companies. This practice is also known as “zombie” debt and can be used as a phishing technique for personal information. Read up on the signs of impostor scams, which are becoming more and more common.
If you need to contact a collection agency to dispute a debt, request a debt validation letter or ask the collection agency to cease contact, you may use the templates on Consumer.gov.
For More Information
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, please report it to BBB ScamTracker. Sharing your experience can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.
Drones, Tech, and Real-World Impact: Skydio Workshop Inspires Truman Students
By DAVID ROUSH
from assisting in search and rescue operations to monitoring large events.
On Thursday, October 24, Truman High School students got a firsthand look at the future of technology when Skydio, a top drone company, brought an interactive workshop to campus. Around 200 students from computer engineering, robotics, and media communications gathered to explore how cutting-edge drones are being used in public safety and infrastructure projects. With support from the NYPD and MTA Bridges and Tunnels, Skydio’s team showcased drones in action, demonstrating real-world applications that go far beyond recreation.
“It was so cool to see how drones can actually help people and fix things,” shared sophomore Isabel Barletta. “It made me want to learn more about the engineering side, not just using tech but actually building it.”
The workshop highlighted how the MTA uses drones to increase worker safety by inspecting bridges and tunnels without exposing crews to dangerous heights or conditions. The NYPD, meanwhile, relies on drone technology for public safety,
The 2024 Presidential Election is days away and many have already voted for the candidate of their choice. Every vote is important and will be counted, so be sure to cast your vote!
Our Tour Committee has been working just as hard on the trips for 2025 as others worked for the candidates. The first trip in 2025 will be Thursday, March 27 to see the Uptown Motown Tribute Show at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City. This is a one-day trip with free slot play and food credit with all taxes and gratuities included for the price of $159 per person. Our second trip is three days and two nights to the marvelous Finger Lakes, New York. We depart on May 13 and return on May 15, 2025. The Finger Lakes in New York have many interesting and exciting places to visit. There will be excursions to Belhurst Castle, Willard Memorial Chapel, Finger Lakes Winery Tour and Tasting, a scenic lake cruise and Finger Lakes Gambling and Racetrack.
Students also got the rare opportunity to go hands-on with some of the highest-tech drones in Skydio’s fleet, learning to pilot them alongside Skydio’s experts. The NYPD joined in by demonstrating some of their own autonomous technologies, giving students an up-close look at tools used in high-stakes situations.
New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also dropped by to see the students in action. Senator Bailey even took a turn flying a drone, sparking conversations with students about drones’ impacts on safety and privacy and discussing ways to shape future legislation around these rapidly advancing technologies.
Media Teacher David Roush emphasized the value of the experience, adding, “It’s essential for students to see how technology like this can be used beyond just shooting video or for hobbies. Real-world applications show them the potential to impact industries and communities.”
AARP Chapter #4997
The cost for all this and more is $599 per person and includes all transportation, lodging and taxes. Some meals are included. Our third trip is a one-day trip to the Tomasello Winery near Atlantic City on Thursday, July 27, 2025. We will visit the winery for a wine tasting, sumptuous luncheon and then on to Atlantic City for hours of fun at the casino. You will receive a coin bonus, food voucher and all the amenities for the casino. The cost for this day of fun is $139 per person. Our last planned trip for 2025 is an eight-day, seven-night cruise leaving from New York on board the Queen Mary 2, from October 3 to October 10, to Canada and New England. There are varied prices for this cruise, but all details can be obtained by contacting Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962. Please note, all trips depart from Dreiser Loop near the H&R office and there is insurance available and suggested for any trip that you book.
Our office hours are Monday – Thursday, 11a.m.-3 p.m., at 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 0, second floor. Contact: 718-320-1946, aarp4997@gmail. com. Please stop by and ask questions, get flyers and get involved. Our next general membership meeting is on Monday, November 18, at 1 p.m., in the Dreiser Loop auditorium. We will have a guest speaker. Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088, is continuing to register new/renewal applications, or you can do it in the office. From Mrs. Wilson, Health and Wellness contact at 718-671-5493, advises that she has not received any unpleasant news from our members on health issues. Please contact her for any information you would like to share. Personal health and safety are always a primary concern, so contact your health providers and follow their instructions for your health and those around you. We are here to serve – not to be served.
––Ann Purnell
Media senior Damon Dunbar gets an up-close look at a Skydio drone.
NYPD Det. Victor Mevo shows off a drone used by police. Photos by Juan Rodriguez
Community Protestant Church
Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-671-4416 or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org. Worship Schedule
Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. on the Conference Call Line, 712-432-3900, Access Code: 343284#.
Every Wednesday – 7 p.m., Bible Study Online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom.com or dial one tap mobile 646-931-3860 or 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.
48th Pastoral Anniversary Service
Sunday, November 3, at 11 a.m. Guest Preacher, Rev. C.L. Washington III, pastor, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Nyack, NY.
Last Sunday was a day full of celebrations. It was an entire day of love shown to those who show love and take care of us. During morning worship, Sister Julia Nicholson, president, and the Missionary Ministry celebrated their anniversary with their theme, “We Live by the Grace of God Each Day,” with guest preacher Elder Karen Scott of Emmanuel Church for All People, Harlem, NY. Elder Scott powerfully delivered the message, “We Are on a Mission,” drawn from Hebrews 4:16
That afternoon, the Nurses Ministry invited Apostle Mary Freeman, pastor, Emmanuel Church for All People, to preach and sing, “Act With Greater Intention to Meet the Needs of Others,” Matthew 25:42-46. Nurse Almertha Pelotte-Byrd, advisor, and the Nurses Ministry orchestrated a surprise tribute to our very own Nurse Emeritus Sister Joyce Fowler. Nurse Fowler is a well-known professional and has been a beacon in the medical field for over 50
years. She has served as pastor’s personal nurse, CPR instructor, and teacher and is still a trusted and valuable member of the CPC family. Presentations were made, and love was shown by nurses from churches all across New York City, three past presidents from the United Missionary Baptist Association (UMBA), the Nurses Auxiliary, Nurse Deborah Henry, president, AARP Peachtree Chapter 4977, and their members. In response, Rev. Mark Fowler said he is thankful for a mother who taught her children how to lean in, study hard, and live a giving life.
To all of our sick and shut-in members, please know that we are praying for you and for your speedy recovery. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are in a season of mourning. Our sincerest sympathies to Sister Rose Hillian and family on the death of her husband and our member, Brother Harold Hillian, and to the Sinclair family: Dorian, Anthony, Janel, and T.J., on the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sister Ann Sinclair. We all know Sister Sinclair is singing with the angels.
We send our happiest Happy Birthday wishes to everyone celebrating their birthday this month.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ––Lexa M. Mingo
Newsong Church
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.” Daniel 7:1 NIV
The world as we know it won’t last forever. Time will not march on without interruption. Daniel saw a vision of the last days and a ruler who will rise to power deceiving many, and claiming to be “god.” This antichrist will lead many away from God and cause worldwide destruction and suffering. It will be the end of day.
Daniel however, also sees Jesus sitting on a throne, ruling and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is in complete control and His Kingdom has no end! The choice we must all make is which kingdom will we be part of?
Join us Sunday as we continue our series in the Book of Daniel. About us
Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in this world! No matter what you’ve been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out we’re located at 135 Einstein Loop!
Sunday Worship Experience (11 a.m.): Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God, and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church!
Newsong Deaf Church, Rm.35: Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!
Kidsong, Rm. 49: We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!
Against The Flow: Every Friday, at 6:30 p.m., in Rm. 42. ATF is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At ATF, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus.
So, what are you waiting for? There’s a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and find hope. Come and find healing. Come and find freedom.
Contact Us
Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42
Phone: 917-342 2559
Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org
Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323
Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org
Social Media: Facebook/IG/X: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC
—Pastor Mike Tolone
Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment
“Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things” President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997, and every president has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November. National Family Caregivers Month celebrates Americans providing care for their loved ones suffering from chronic illness, disabilities, or the frailties of old age. The proclamation “encourages all Americans to pay tribute and support those caring for their family members, friends and neighbors in need of assistance.”
Family caregivers may not have the loudest voice in a room. They may not be assertive, famous, or the center of attention. They may not win an election or seek fame. Family caregivers are humble, giving and caring and will set aside themselves for the benefit of others. They are tenacious and have endurance, faith and hope. They quietly go forth, touching the lives of all needing care. They are the gifts that God has placed on this earth to be constant reminders that “the greatest among us is that of a servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
COME has achieved its mission daily of recognizing, supporting and appreciating family caregivers in the community and afar. We empower caregivers with knowledge and resources to navigate the healthcare system and the importance of self-care. Although most caregivers view their work as rewarding, many experience significant stress and negative health impacts. Family members who care for individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are at risk. Evidence shows that most caregivers are unprepared for their role and provide care with little or no support. Yet, more than one-third of caregivers continue to provide intense care to others while suffering from poor health themselves. Caregivers forsake their needs for the needs of others. It is during November and every day that Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, Inc. (COME), along with organizations throughout the country, empowers family caregivers to act on behalf of their loved ones, believe in themselves, take frequent breaks, reach out for help, and speak up for their rights. COME continues to take on the challenge of transforming the role of family caregivers from one that lacks knowledge, most often stress and burnout to one of preparation, confidence and improved quality of life.
We believe caregivers need caring too! In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, along with our lead sponsor and supporters, will host its 18th Annual Family Caregivers Recognition celebration on Saturday, November 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the beautiful Maestro’s located at 1703 Bronxdale Ave., Bronx, NY. Are you feeling lucky? Win a oneweek stay in a four-bedroom suite that sleeps up to 12 in Williamsburg, VA. Beautiful accommodation. Travel dates: July 12 – July19, 2025. Visit the website for more information: www. comeoutreach.org.
Please join us for our November “Let’s Talk” 45-minute monthly Zoom. Presenter: Essen Health Care. Be enlightened about all the resources Essen provides to our community. You do not know what you do not know!
––Diane Cooper
Director’s Viewpoint
Daryl Johnson Co-op City Town Hall –– Bronx Of cials
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, several Bronx officials held a meeting inside of our Dreiser auditorium. So, let’s review some of the major points that we discussed during this meeting. Taking Care of Business
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Riverbay, and other Bronx officials presided at this meeting. And, one of the issues that we discussed was about the safety hazards of having bicycles and scooters on our sidewalks and other areas of our community.
Previously, the NYC Department of Transportation issued a press release, 21-015, dated April 14, 2021, that stated that three companies—Bird, Lime, and Veo—were selected to bring e-scooters to some of the eastern areas of the Bronx. This press release also stated that the “DOT and the three companies will work with local communities to site e-scooter parking corrals and educate the public about the pilot, including its safety, equity, and accessibility components.”
Now, those plans may have sounded good at the beginning of this program. But, the amount of bike and scooters that have been strewn onto our sidewalks is out of hand. So, some people might think that the answer to this problem is to simply issue fines to these riders. But, can these riders simply say that someone else threw these vehicles on the ground? If yes, then what challenges can be made to contradict those statements? Can photos, videos, or willing witnesses be produced to counter the statements by these riders?
Let’s stretch this matter out and say that the answer is yes. So, do you honestly think that most of these riders are going to pay their fines? But, before you answer, I need for you to understand that drivers owe more than $1 billion to NYC for parking and speeding tickets. Moreover, without a care in the world, there are some people that are still driving around with suspended licenses for a variety of reasons.
So, let’s look at this situation from a different perspective. For instance, have you ever seen anyone leave their personal bicycle lying on the ground, unprotected, in any area of NYC or anywhere else? On the other hand, do you ever notice that most people will chain their bicycle onto a pole or a bike rail? Why? Well, the reason is that these riders care about their personal bicycle.
So, during this meeting, I suggested to our Bronx officials that it would be good if these companies could consider selling these bicycles and scooters
to their riders at a discounted price. Then, this problem about dumping bicycles and scooters all over the place will stop.
Buses Behaving Badly
There were complaints about all of the bus lines in Co-op City. And, the complaints were mostly about the timely arrivals of these buses. Example, two buses will arrive at the same time. Why? Phone apps can easily tell the location of buses and their estimated arrival times. Therefore, how is it that bus dispatchers can’t use these same apps to control these buses?
This way, the buses can be spaced out in a manner to stop the long wait times. And, these complaints can be reduced. Now, in my opinion, the bus that offers the worst service in Co-op City is the Q50.
Why? Well, one of the problems was just listed in the above-cited paragraphs. And, the second problem is that it seems like there is little coverage if a driver doesn’t show up for their shift. Why? How come other drivers can’t cover a route for drivers that called out for a variety of reasons?
Bottom line: We need for our politicians to meet with the MTA to discuss these problems. Then, we need for the MTA to train their dispatchers and their drivers to operate their buses in a far better manner.
Afterschool Programs
I spoke to our politicians about bringing some free or low-cost afterschool programs to our community. This way, parents can save a lot of money in childcare expenses. For the most part, our rooms are empty almost every day. So, it would be great to see them filled up with several programs for children.
We should also try to bring in programs for adults. For instance, we can have programs that involve fitness, health, employment assistance, art, dancing, computer instruction, etc. These programs can be conducted during the morning hours.
Bottom line: A lot of cooperators recently had their carrying charges increased by at
least $100 a month. So, is it possible that they’re suffering in silence because they’re finding it hard to make ends meet? Yes! So, we have to step up and help them.
Close
We need to have a bigger meeting with our Bronx officials and the Mayor’s office. This way, we can make agreements on all of the above-cited issues during the time that we meet. Then, our community can operate in a far better manner. Let’s do it!
Contact Information
Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard. com.
I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message.
Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else.
Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
UNWRAPS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY
7th Annual TREE LIGHTING EVENT
LEVEL VILLAGE ENTRANCE AT THE MALL
Friday, Nov. 22 • 5pm
A free interactive Tree Lighting event and Santa’s Arrival
Featuring our enchanted holiday princess, multi-talented elves, a stilt walking toy soldier, The XFactor Drumline, and a parade with Santa. Music, dancing and giveaways for children with DJ Omar.
FREE TURKEY GIVEAWAY
GIVING THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY
Pick up your ticket on Friday, Nov. 22
At the Tree Lighting event at 5pm or after Nov. 22 at Guest Services on Level 1 in the mall. One per family. Tickets are limited. Tickets available through Nov. 26.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, Nov. 23 • 10am
Two free holiday shows at 10am & 1pm
Featuring kids entertainment by Magic David Levitan. Magic, kids participation and comic fun.
Beginning Nov. 11, pick up your free Breakfast with Santa ticket at Guest Services on Level 1 in the mall. For children 12 and under. Tickets are limited.
Dr. Miriam Levitt Flisser for Congress
More than 50 years ago, I came to America from Eastern Europe as a child refugee and grew up in The Bronx. I attended public schools, graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, and commuted to college at NYU’s Bronx Campus, continuing my education at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I have been a lifelong volunteer at Montefiore Hospital, from my teen years through today; I am also a current volunteer for FEMA.
I know that in our population diversity there is great strength, because we have shared goals: economic security, quality education for our children and staying safe in our homes and on our streets.
It’s too bad that Washington politicians have put ideology ahead of common sense and made Americans less prosperous and less secure.
When I served as a village mayor, I learned to listen and build consensus. As a Public School medical director, I kept classrooms open despite COVID. In Congress, my only personal and political interests will be yours: a brighter, more secure future for all.
Dr. Miriam Levitt Flisser will go to Congress to fight every day on behalf of Bronx families and tackle the tough issues we care about most.
IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER: Legal Immigration makes America a great nation - illegal immigration undermines our safety, our health care system, our school system, and our justice system. We should welcome properly vetted immigrants who come here to seek a better life - but protect our national security and our community’s safety by securing our borders.
ECONOMY AND INFLATION: It is clear to anyone who goes into a supermarket that your dollar buys less. We need to return to common sense economic policies - incentivize people to create jobs and to buy American, instead of current irresponsible and reckless spending policies. Sensible economic policies will make your dollar go farther.
PARENTAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTING CHILDREN: Our schools should
teach math, English, history, science, and art - not gender theory and sexuality. And parents have a right to know what is being taught to their children. We should not allow minors who cannot vote or drive to decide to have gender transformation surgery, and we should not allow schools to be the decision makers for our children.
Elect Dr. Miriam Levitt Flisser as your Representative to Congress. Early voting begins on October 26 miriam4congress.com
(left) Tricia Lindsay, Attorney, Civil Rights Advocate, Candidate for NY Senate District 37 (center) Miriam Levitt Flisser M.D., Your candidate for United States Congress, District 16 (right) Scooter Scott, Public Activist, Tuckahoe NY
Paid for by MIRIAM L. FLISSER FOR CONGRESS
Building 12 Association
Greetings, all! October has truly been an uplifting month. The Building 12 Association has made significant progress in keeping the lines of communication open between shareholders and Riverbay management. Our meeting in September provided shareholders with the right tools to move forward concerning some of their maintenance issues. As of today, nearly everyone who attended the meeting and spoke about a concern has had their issues resolved, leaving shareholders satisfied with the results.
Building 12 is most definitely an active building. We have very involved shareholders who are happy with the way things are going and are very excited for what’s yet to come. Our annual dues collection has been very successful so far. Dues are used for our activities, decorations, festivities and anything needed to support our building. If you have not paid yet, please submit your contribution via our cash app account ($bldg12association) or contact Building President Tanya Clark-Ingram or KaTrina (Treasurer) ASAP.
We would like to give a special thank you to our Building 12 decorators Freddie Rodriguez and Richie Barreiro. They have done an outstanding and an exceptional job with our lobby this year! These are two talented men who have volunteered their time to provide a very spooky themed welcome area for your enjoyment. We can’t wait to continue to see the surprises that they have in store for our lobby for the upcoming Holiday season. Welcome to our committee, and thanks again for all you do!!
Don’t forget to VOTE on election day. It is our right and a privilege!!
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments. Contact us via email: Building12Board@gmail.com, Facebook: bit.ly/ Building12CooperatorsAssociationFB, or Instagram: bit.ly/Building12CooperatorsAssociationIG.
—Tanya Clark-Ingram
Cooperators United
Greetings, fellow Building Association and Townhouse Association presidents.
Our next general membership meeting will be held on Monday, November 18, at 7 p.m., in the Bartow Center, Rm. 31. This decision was made to avoid conflicting with the Thanksgiving holiday week activities. Light refreshments will be served.
We had a very nice turnout of 19 presidents at our October 28 meeting. I thank each one who took the time to attend.
The membership was advised that the most recent revision of the Building Association Room Lease Agreements was negotiated by the Cooperators United leadership last summer. The revised version of the room agreement will be sent out by Management beginning November 2024. Review the agreement. Please complete the executive board composition portion and return it to Ms. Vanessa Aldea. It is suggested that you copy the blank executive board composition page so that you will have it on hand to report changes to your executive board.
Also, it was discussed that the newly mandated gas detectors will begin to be installed in apartment kitchens next month.
Our guest speaker for October was Riverbay Board of Directors President Rod Saunders. He discussed New York City Local Law 97 (2019) mandates as it pertains to green initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of New York City generally and Co-op City specifically. There are various stages of implementation all the way to 2050. Failure to meet the mandates is tied to financial penalties, which can be significant for Co-op City. Our unique position as a “City within a City” puts us in a unique position to request exemptions from the financial penalties or exemptions from some of the mandates themselves. Board President Rod Saunders gave us examples of ideas to reduce Co-op City’s carbon footprint in a responsible and cost-effective manner. The ideas may require professional consultants like engineers and may need approval from city and state agencies. We must have a vision for our future. Importantly, the Riverbay Corporation and the Riverbay Board are being proactive in protecting our property and our pockets. Board President Saunders suggested that when the Riverbay Board of Directors has more concrete plans for reducing our carbon footprint and how to meet the designated mandates, he will invite Cooperators United to meet with the Riverbay Board for an update on planned initiatives for a proposed electric vehicle battery charging park, solar panels on the garages and community center rooftops, etc.
There was extensive discussion surrounding the Riverbay Fund as it stands today. The question-and-answer period was limited to questions only, not position statements. I invited those with differing opinions about the status of the Fund and/or statements about the Fund to contact Board President Saunders directly. It is certainly the responsibility and prerogative of each Building Association and Townhouse Association president to research presented information for clarification and verification.
Of course, every shareholder has the right to contact their elected Riverbay Board Directors for more information and clarification.
—Linda Collins
Join me in welcoming Renaissance Youth Center Music and Dance program back to Coop City! Through its strategic partnership with the Riverbay Fund, Renaissance Youth Center (RYC) has begun its Music & Dance classes in Co-op City! RYC has a long history of providing classes in our community, and the Riverbay Fund is happy to report that they have successfully registered 97 students. The first cycle of 8-week classes started four weeks ago in Dreiser Community Center. The cost is FREE for the whole cycle since RYC has secured funding this year from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). The second cycle begins on November 23.
RYC classes offer instructions to youth ages 6-18 in vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and dance. These classes empower youth and get them excited about having a creative outlet to express what they are passionate about. No prior experience with music is required. It teaches all the fundamentals of music and dance in an engaging and fun way!
RYC has become a fixture in our community, with a dedicated staff and quality programming well-received throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. They now reach over 4,000 young people per week through music classes, STEAM after-school programs, tutoring, sports, and civic engagement programs like Renaissance Youth
Public Safety
– (Cont’d from page 7)
alcoholic beverages, be sure not to operate a motor vehicle, designate a driver who will not drink or call a taxi or an Uber or Lyft. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt, obey speed limits and avoid distractions when driving.
Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all people.
Stay safe as you “Fall Back.” Always remember, “If You See Something, Say Something.” Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at 718-6713050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank everyone who has called in suspicious activity. Observant cooperators are a vital part of the law enforcement process.
As you gain an extra hour this Sunday, take a few moments to run through these fire safety practices. A quick check now could make all the difference, keeping you and your family safe as the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder. Enjoy the extra hour and the peace of mind that comes with a safer home.
Co-op City Department of Public Safety: (718) 671-3050
Tips/Concerns/Comments: info@ccpd.us
Follow on X: @CCPDnyc Visit us at: www.ccpd.us
Council.
Riverbay Fund Re-Structured to Better Serve Our Community – Here Are the Facts:
After many decades of mission creep, the Riverbay Fund sought to establish its own brand identity and distinguish itself from the Riverbay Corporation’s Board. As a non-profit entity or 501(c)3 entity formed in 1980 and restructured in May 2021 with a new strategic plan that included: A new board structure and bylaws accepted by the Riverbay Corporation Board by a vote of 10-4-1 to accept them.
Their goal was to operate more professionally and provide more useful programs and services to our community. For decades, based on a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, there were specific duties, responsibilities and obligations delineated to which both entities had agreed, and part of the new strategic plan was to put those conditions in writing in an MOU to avoid confusion. The agreement between the Riverbay Fund and the Riverbay Corporation allowed the Corporation and the community at-large to benefit from Riverbay Fund’s non-profit designation. The Corporation was able to receive a few annual grants including:
• $100K from the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), that unfortunately the Corporation never recouped, and two recent federal awards
• $500K Community Projects Grant for restoring a section of the waterfront along the Hutchinson River, and
• $1.5 million to begin building the Northeast Bronx Youth Center, projects that remain available to the Corporation and our community.
Fully cognizant that neither of these two federal grants were sufficient to complete these costly projects, the Fund has continued their work soliciting additional funding from our elected officials. In March 2024, the Fund applied for $17.5 million from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Congressional Directed Spending initiative. Although we didn’t receive that grant, the Fund remains focused on
applying for grant funds that will benefit the Coop City community. Please understand that every dollar received in grants is a dollar saved by Coop City shareholders. The Fund seeks to be fully self-sufficient and not dependent on those unaligned with their vision and mission. The Fund continues to remain optimistic about fundraising from other entities which is needed to reach their planned goals. The Fund has continued to sponsor worthwhile endeavors over the years aside from the Renaissance Youth Center Music & Dance Program, such the African American Association of Co-op City’s Spelling Bee, the American Legion’s Memorial Day Commemoration, Game Over Basketball Tournament in Bellamy Loop, the upcoming September 3rd Community Fair & Fireworks Display, the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in September and my favorites, Tunes on Tuesday, and Wicked Wednesdays!
In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more about how you can join and become actively involved with the Riverbay Fund. The Fund’s Governance and Nominating Committee reviews applications to join. The entire Fund votes on the Committee’s recommendations. The Fund’s mission is to “build the power of community through partnerships that connect cooperators to resources and each other.” To reach their goals, the Fund invites residents, businesses, corporations, philanthropies, and individuals who can be an ideal source of great ideas and help to attract much needed funding and resources to benefit our beloved Co-op City.
Don’t forget to vote!
All elections are important, but our federal, state, and local election will determine policy on issues important to all of us. Early voting ends on November 3rd. Absentee ballots are due November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day. Find the time, bring a friend, and bring a young person who has never voted before.
Feel free to contact me at mcoleman@riverbayboard.com to share your thoughts and comments.
The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle
177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Rm. 2.
Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The clergy and members of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
The members who participated in the congregational meeting and election held this past Sunday provided a much-needed service to this church. Thank you! There will be a follow-up congregational meeting on November 10, following the service. At this meeting the ballots will be counted and the results announced.
The intent for next Sunday is “Precept and Practice.” Jesus was asked about what works of God we should practice. He answered: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” (John 6:29) When we are struggling and find ourselves in situations that seem to us to be impossible to resolve, we only need to “believe on Him” for Jesus tells us that “all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23)
Sunday, November 3rd, 2024:
• 11 a.m., Holy Communion Service
• Fellowship with light refreshments following the service
Bible Lessons:
• James 1:19, 20, 22-25, 27
• John 6:28, 29, 33-35, 37, 39, 63
Prayer: “God, the fountain of all wisdom, we pray Thee that the words which we hear this day with our outward ears may through Thy grace be so grafted inwardly in our hearts that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of Thy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
—Rev. Dorian Miceli
National Council of Negro Women
NCNW Co-op City Section – We will be having our regular membership meeting on Sunday, November 10, the second Sunday in the month. The meeting will offer in-person attendance or Zoom access. We will be meeting in Rm. 11, in the Dreiser Community Center, at 3 p.m.
Social Justice Committee – Last Saturday, October 26, NCNW Co-op City Section, in association with the NCNW North Bronx Section, NAACP Coop City Branch, NAACP Williamsbridge Branch, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Tau Chi Sigma Chapter and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter, presented a program, “Elevate Your Vote; Protecting Democracy, Empowering Communities” from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The program took place at the Community Board 12 Building at 4101 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY. This in-person program took place on the first day of early voting in New York State. There was much discussion about the effects of Project 2025 if it is ultimately put into effect in our country. We discussed voter registration information such as the rights of ex-felons to vote and the necessity of living at your present address at least 30 days prior to the election. Also, we discussed the six proposals that are on the back side of each ballot.
Health Committee – Our Co-op City Section joined with the North Bronx Section and the East Bronx Section of NCNW on October 27 for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. We hope that some of you came out to support our teams. To make donations to breast cancer research, please go online to “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer NYC” and donate to “Friends of NCNW Co-op City, East Bronx & North Bronx.”
NCNW Youth Section – Members of our Youth Section are moving full steam ahead with the NCNW Youth Section High School/College Summit in partnership with the Northeast Bronx YMCA on Saturday, November 9, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The YMCA is located at 1250 229th Street, Bronx, NY 10466. Our youths have a full program packed with confirmed colleges, youth resources, performances, and raffles/ giveaways. There will be guest speakers who will present information on topics such as: the high school admission process, the college admission process, S.T.E.A.M. Scholarships, student loans, TAFT, FAFSA, Financial Aid, and understanding S.A.D., “The Causes and Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.” We ask that you support our Youth Section as this will be their first program! Please save the date! Social Media – Remember you can find us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.
Vote like your children’s lives depend on it!!
—Joyce Howard
Building 27 Association
Hello, neighbors. Fall is here and the leaves are very colorful. Thankful for beautiful flowers and trees. There is something about nature that can really give one a boost and it costs you nothing.
MetroCard Bus – The MetroCard Bus is scheduled to be at Einstein Loop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, near Einstein Community Center.
Voter’s Guide – Please read this guide as it gives information to guide one in voting. Early voting ran from October 26 to November 3 in Dreiser Loop. Check the Co-op City Times for the schedule of dates and time. Bring your fast pass tag with the bar code, which will move the voting process along faster. Election Day is November 5 at your assigned poll site.
Two-Sided Ballots – The voter’s guide has six ballot proposals that New Yorkers will vote on. Please study and make the decision. You may take the voters guide with you to the poll site.
Emergency Readiness – Including crime prevention, defense training and emergency to-go bags will be presented on the following dates: November 6, from 5-8 p.m. in Einstein, Rm. 45; Dreiser Auditorium A, B and C on November 7, from 5-8 p.m.; and Bartow Center on November 8, from 5-8 p.m., Rm. 31.
Happy birthday to all celebrating this month. To those in bereavement, you have our sympathy. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card, as she is excellent in sharing good will. Also notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has deceased or transferred to a nursing home.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be change until it is faced.” –James Baldwin. ––H. Overman
Church of the New Vision
Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastor’s Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914522-5039.
Our scripture verse for 2024 is: Hebrews 12:2 NIV, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.”
Sunday service at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Masks are required.
Noon Day Prayer Line, 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study: 7-8 p.m. The conference line number: 646769-9900; Access Code: 3099388# Please mute your phone.
October 27, Worship Service Theme: “To Whom Much Is Given; Much Is Required”
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-21 NLT, “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I as giving you today for your own good. Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today. Therefore, change your hearts and
stop being stubborn. For the LORD your God is the God of gods and LORD of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice.” (Continue reading 19-21.)
Saturday, November 16: Church of the New Vision and Amen Ministries, Inc. invites the community to a “Health & Healing” free event; includes refreshments and a Gospel Concert, 10-3 p.m. For more information and assistance in registration contact: Pastor Adolphus: amenministriesrev314@gmail.com/315-639-7587 Health navigator: Shamika: Adolphus-chl.amenministries@gmail.com, or Loretta Scott: ljscott_2000@ yahoo.com
We look forward to you registering and attending. July 6-13, 2025: Celebrity Beyond, an eight-day/ seven-night cruise from Miami. Ports of Call: Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Inside Stateroom, $2656 pp; Ocean View, $2847 pp; Infinite Veranda, $2785 pp. Deposit of $500 per stateroom to reserve your room by October 13, 2024. Includes: cruise, air*, taxes, fees, transfers, Wi-Fi, drink package and gratuities. (*Air rates may differ based on departing airport.) Contact: Hermena Smith at 718-708-5035 or info@churchnewvisionbx.org to request payment link.
We continue to pray for a speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.
Please mail contributions, tithes and offerings to: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Thank you.
––Brenda Brown
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church
St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. Email: stJosephe@ aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844. Priestin-charge: Fr. Simeon Johnson, cell phone: 917-2274303.
Greetings! Good news! We are finally back to normal. We now look forward to welcoming everyone to our newly renovated church space. In-person worship service for the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, November 3, at 9 a.m., as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at 12 p.m. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-4366344, Access Code: 508-898, followed by the # sign. Just a reminder about your pledge cards. If you have not yet completed your pledge cards, kindly do so as soon as possible. These cards reflect our financial pledge and are used to update our proposed budget as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.
All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day will be celebrated tomorrow, Sunday, November 3. On Sunday, November 10, all the men in St. Joseph’s, as well as the community, are invited to celebrate Men’s Day with us at the church. We will have a guest speaker, and refreshments will be served at the end of the service.
On Sunday, November 17, we will celebrate our very first Family and Friends Day. Please invite your parents,
grandparents, children, grandchildren and friends. Fundraising Activity
Our last fundraiser for the year is a bus trip to Caesar’s Casino, Atlantic City, on Saturday, November 30. The trip includes a day of fun, games, shopping and relaxation on the boardwalk. A few seats are still available on the Deluxe motor coach, which leaves from Dreiser Loop (front of the Rehab Center) at 8:45 a.m.
A donation of $65 is required and is payable in two installments. The first payment of $35 is due now and the balance of $30 is due by October 30. If you have any questions, please contact June at 347-457-8249. If June is not available, please see Janicia (Jan) in church on Sundays or on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. No refunds after October 30. If you have any questions, please speak to June.
Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our bereaved members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones.
Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. If possible, please visit them, call them, or send them a card.
Birthday Greetings: Best wishes to everyone who is celebrating a birthday this month.
We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.
Grace and Peace!
––Merville Chambers
Broun Place Association
Good day, neighbors. Halloween greetings to all. Thank you to our neighbors for their Halloween décor and celebrating Indian summer. Hope your Halloween 2024 was fun. I wouldn’t trade our weather for Florida ever, how about you? We have to economize on water use and hope for rain.
As a result of speaking with our New York State Assemblyperson Michael Benedetto at Tuesday’s town hall, we learned why the street corners have been dug up and reconstructed. All praises to Mr. Benedetto for getting back to us. Answer, the corners had to be redesigned to comply with ADA codes.
Now there are more questions, but we’ll put them aside for now.
We attended the Town Hall hosted by our borough president, Vanessa Gibson. Thank you to her for providing great box dinners.
But where were more neighbors? This was an important opportunity to ask questions that could be answered by the diverse panel that was in attendance. The input from the Blue Angels group was very interesting. Again, we needed more questions from cooperators. Surprisingly, a question about e-bikes not being allowed in Co-op was asked. E-bikes work well here. It’s where they are left that is wrong.
Hope you have planned to vote. Not voting is not an answer. We always urge our neighbors to exercise their vote. Now you must vote in person, please do that. Call our local politicians with questions or ask Google. That’s a great option.
The basketball courts at Bellamy and Broun Place are being abused by garbage. Teach your children to take pride in our streets and use the plentiful pedestrian waste cans. Bottles are not urinals, but some are using them as such and leaving them around.
A new mail scam regarding motor vehicles is being circulated. It looks believable but read carefully. Our piece of mail referred to a car we don’t even have. It wanted us to call to update the coverage and give private information like the vin #’s. Don’t do it.
We urge you to patronize Dreiser Loop and Bartow stores. They look forward to your patronage. Before you spend extra on travel, walk and browse, shop around. We will miss Staples. Our association hopes everyone received their issue of the Co-op City Times. Call the following number to report non-delivery, 1-407666-8317. Call, Saturdays only, from 9a.m.1p.m.
Recycling bins are at the garages. Recycle your gently used things into the bins next to them. For Broun Place, it’s Garage 6. We bring lots for recycling and recently saw the pickup truck emptying the bin.
Please keep your dogs quiet. Leashing is required. Dog owners must clean up behind their dogs. To report a problem, CCPD’s phone number is 1-718-671-3050.
Wise words for this week, “Remember, If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present,” by Lao Tzu.
—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Building 13 Association
It’s Happening Today! Section 2 and Riverbay Community Relations Murder Mystery Party – November 2, Dreiser Center, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thank you to all who will be attending, and we plan to have a great time. We also appreciate the organizers and the actors for their participation and dedication as we try something different, and fun filled.
Our next building meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, at 7 p.m., in the association room, located in the rear under the portico. Notices are posted with guest information and other agenda items. If you would like to help decorate for the holidays, please let us know. Our vice president will also be seeking volunteers to help assist with the donation collection. More information to follow. Don’t forget to check the bulletin board in the lobby so you don’t miss out on community events.
Vote early to avoid lines. The last days for early voting are Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. Polls are closed on Monday and open again on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Building 13 – Election District 065, Assembly District 82. Our voting poll site is Co-op City Dreiser Loop Community Center.
When voting, please flip the ballot over and vote on the six proposals –
Proposal 1 is statewide and proposes adding anti-discrimination provisions to the State Constitution. Proposals 2 through 6 address Charter Revisions and could significantly impact the responsiveness, transparency, and accountability of city government to New Yorkers. The City Council has a page that in a very succinct way tells you about the proposals. Go to: https://council.nyc. gov/2024-ballot-proposals/
Halloween Trick or Treat – Thank you to all who donated wrapped candy for the October 31, 2024, distribution. We are grateful to those that assisted distributing treats on Halloween in the lobby.
Local Law 157 – Remember gas detector installments are an additional protection measure for you, your family and your neighbors. Your compliance ensures our safety. This work must be completed by May 1, 2025. Safety Director Mr. Barzelatto explained how and when gas detector installation will proceed. Please make arrangements to be available when you receive our building’s scheduled appointment time.
“It’s better to walk alone than to walk with a crowd going in the wrong direction.” –Malcolm X
Visit our Facebook Page at “Building 13 Association Inc”
Contacts – Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370, or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.
—Leslie Peterson
Co-op City United Methodist Church/ IEMU de Co-op City
Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds
Come and Visit Us – We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. Services are held in person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745), or Facebook Live (UMC Coop City). —Pastor, Rev. Sara Girón-Ortiz.
“The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33: 10-11 NIV
As we approach election day, many are feeling anxious about the future of our country, the economy, and global conflicts. However, God does not want us to live in fear. He calls us to trust Him rather than worldly leaders. Our hope as a nation does not depend on political candidates and their promises. Instead, it is rooted in our relationship with God. Therefore, our nation needs a spiritual revival, and there is an urgent need for others to hear and believe the message of the Gospel.
Today’s passage reminds us of God’s sovereignty over the nations, His all-seeing vision, and His faithfulness to His people. Most importantly, it reassures us that God is in control. Nothing and no one in creation can overpower Him or thwart His plans. What God intends to accomplish, He will do without
the possibility of failure. Rather than relying on human promises, the Lord’s people can trust in His Word and His omnipotent authority.
For Christians, this is a call to action. We must pray for our nation to seek God and to repent of our wicked ways. We should also pray for God to equip us and give us the courage to share the good news of the Gospel. With every life transformed by the Gospel, there is greater hope for our families, communities, and nation.
If you are feeling stressed about the upcoming election, take your concerns to God in prayer. Ask for His guidance and wisdom. Pray that your perspective aligns with Jesus’ worldview, influencing how we react when everything seems out of control. With Jesus’ perspective, we can understand that everything is unfolding according to God’s plan. God has the final word, and Jesus reminds us that He has overcome the world.
Come and Receive a Blessing: All are Welcome!
Tuesday: English Bible Study at 6 p.m., via Zoom (904 4685745)
Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10 a.m.
Food Pantry: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Upcoming Events – Save the Dates
Sunday, November 3: Bilingual Service at 11:15 a.m., Communion. All are invited to participate.
50th Anniversary of the Church/ Thanksgiving Celebration at Pine Restaurant (Bronxdale Ave.), Saturday, Nov. 23, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee applies. See Karen or Jennie for more info.
—Grace Abadia
Building 6 Association
Happy Saturday, neighbors. I Pray when you read this it finds you in great standing. It’s November, which is known for Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Election Day, Diwali, Hanukkah, and the start of Advent.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 5. Our polling site is the Dreiser Auditorium, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Go to vote.nyc for up-to-date information, we want to be the best informed voters.
Wednesday, November 13, is our second General Meeting, in Dreiser, Rm. 1, from 7-9 p.m. Our special guest speaker will be Riverbay Interim Deputy General Manager Joshua Blake. If you have any questions or suggestions, please submit them in advance to President Lassiter (347-366-7690), so everyone gets a chance to be heard and express their grievances. Till then I pray for safety over all. God speed.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” –Archbishop Tutu
—Lauren
K. Lassiter
The NAACP marches to defend democracy and combat racism and discrimination in communities across the country. We meet the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. The NAACP Co-op City Branch October Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The NAACP is non-partisan and is not endorsing a candidate nor party, but the organization is political and wants people to know how to navigate the process.
On Saturday, October 26, in collaboration with several affiliate organizations, the Town Hall-Elevate Your Vote was held at the Community Board 12 Office, located on White Plains Road. We thank all who participated, especially our invited guest who graciously accepted the invitation, Dr. Mark Naison, Professor of Black History at Fordham University. Early voting was held at 177 Dreiser Loop Community Center. For this election, you will be voting for President, Vice-President, US Senate, US House/Congress, State Senator, State Assembly, Supreme Court Judge and six Bronx County Court Judges. Do not forget to flip your ballot over!
Remember to complete both sides of your ballot. Voters will have the opportunity to decide six ballot proposals. Proposal 1 is statewide and proposes adding anti-discrimination provisions to the State Constitution. Proposals 2 through 6 address City Charter revisions and could significantly impact the responsiveness, transparency and accountability of city government to New Yorkers. NAACP suggests voting “yes” to proposal 1. For detailed information on the proposals, read the information provided by the New York City Council at: https://council. nyc.gov/2024-ballot-proposals/.
Proposal 1: Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights
Proposal 2: More Enforcement and Regulations by Sanitation Agency
Proposal 3: Wasteful Spending, Slower Results and Less Budget Transparency
Proposal 4: Blocking Public Safety Laws
Proposal 5: Meaningless and Misleading Capital Planning Changes
Proposal 6: Changes to Unrelated City Operations
Back To Civics Workshop: Thank you for all who have attended the workshops. Part three of the Civic Engagement Workshop is scheduled for November 19 at 7 p.m. It is facilitated by Civic Engagement chair, Felix Omozusi. The workshops are held at the NAACP office located in Einstein Center, Rm. 36. You do not have to be a member to attend.
At the general membership meeting held on October 27, the Election Supervisory Committee of five was selected. Aaron Carnegie agreed to be the chair of this committee approved by the membership. Ballots will be sent both electronically and by mobile phone to members in good standing by the NAACP National Office. The branch election date is November 12, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP – Our membership campaign is ongoing. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10; or Silver Life, $750. Make checks/money orders payable to: NAACP Co-op City, mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the office phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com.
––Brenda Brown
Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo
Ministering Without God’s Presence
We are living in incredibly spiritual times. People are concerned about horoscopes and signs. They collect crystals and light candles to ward off the demonic without realizing that they are participating in evil. Anything used apart from God to ward off evil attracts evil.
Acts 19:13-16 “Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out. Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
What happens when your intelligence, your physical strength, and your abilities are superseded by satanic power? If you do not have the backing of the Holy Spirit to help you stand you will inevitably fail. We are no match for any demon apart from God’s power.
1. They tried to invoke the name of Jesus, but they did not know him. Ministering without God’s Presence leads to a lack of credibility and false leadership.
2. They were hucksters, peddling truth but living a lie.
The spirits got tired of them and beat them down. The spirit world is not one to meddle in unless you are called by God.
3. They were co-opting Paul’s references to Jesus.
They thought that ministry came through name-dropping and elevated status.
4. They had no relationship with Jesus.
They knew Jesus’ name by proxy, and they thought that was enough. They were distant but claimed proximity and the demon decided to test them.
5. They had no authority from Jesus.
They were never sent, commissioned, or called to the work. They usurped authority and, therefore, were ready to deceive and be deceived.
6. The demon knew who was affiliated with Jesus.
In the spiritual world, our affiliations are well known. No amount of trickery, superstition, or truth evasion will fool the demonic or angelic.
7. The demon had no respect for them.
The demons had a field day with these men to demonstrate what true spiritual power is.
Schedule (147 Dreiser Loop)
1st Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday: Spanish Service at 9 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: Prayer at 10:30 a.m. and Bible Study at 12 p.m.
Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
Young Adults, third Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
Blessings in Christ.
—Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.
Section Five Association
Hello, neighbors. I trust your summer was good and all you wanted to do was accomplished. Kids are back in school. We wish the children a safe school year.
Section 5 Association – at the meeting held on October 17, Speaker Jamaal Yapp updated us on events and provided fliers. He provided fliers for an educational event/ballot initiative that was held by Councilman Kevin Riley on October 24, at 2049 Bartow. Fliers were given to the building presidents to be posted in their buildings. Cooperators were encouraged to attend and learn about the six ballot proposals to vote on. John Theather also spoke at the meeting about entertainment in Co-op City. Riverbay’s Board of Directors were also invited to the meeting. We thank Board Directors Rod Saunders, Leslie Peterson, Jackie Smith, Mary Pearson and Leah Graham. They all introduce themselves and the reason why they decided to run for the Board of Directors. We were also at liberty to ask questions.
Election Day, November 5 – PLEASE VOTE.
Voters’ Guide – Please bring along your fast pass tag with the bar code, which makes the voting process faster. Please read the voters’ guide. Sample ballots and so much more information is provided about why you vote and who you are voting for. Watch and read the six proposals listed on the ballot and make your decisions before you go to the polls, you are allowed to take the vot-
Building 33 Association
er’s guide with you to the polls. These proposals pertain to amendments of the State Constitution. If you agree to amend, then vote “YES,” if not, vote “NO” to leave the State Constitution as is.
A presentation on emergency readiness, crime prevention, defense training and emergency to-go bags will be given at the Einstein Center, Rm. 45, on November 6, 5-8 p.m.; the Dreiser Center Auditorium, on November 7, 5-8 p.m.; and the Bartow Center, Rm. 31, on November 8, 5-8 p.m.
SCRIE/DRIE – JASA Social worker Julisa Grimes is available once a week. You can make an appointment by calling 929-399-1371.
The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, is also available for information regarding 501c. OMNY Cards will be in effect very soon, and we will look into other options. For SCRIE/DRIE, Ms. Arthur is available to offer assistance. All shareholders are eligible for the STAR Program, but you must register.
We offer our sympathies and condolences to all families who lost a loved one.
We wish all the best of good health. Happy birthday wishes. One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, at: Section5association10@gmail.com or 914-709-5395.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King H. Overman
Building 19 Association
Good day, shareholders.
The building association extends its gratitude to the shareholders who generously contributed candy for the Halloween treat bags. We take great pleasure in engaging in activities that bring joy to the children. The delight expressed by the children upon receiving something as simple as a candy bag is truly remarkable. Therefore, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who made donations.
The collection of building dues will commence shortly. The association aims to sponsor various activities for the building’s shareholders; however, the feasibility of these initiatives is contingent upon the total amount collected and the level of participation from all members. Following the collection of the dues, a meeting will be convened to discuss the shareholders’ preferences regarding the allocation of the funds.
An upcoming election holds significant importance. With the availability of early voting, there are no justifiable reasons for individuals to abstain from participating in the electoral process. It is imperative to fulfill one’s civic duty by casting a vote. Additionally, it is essential to encourage eligible children, particularly those over the age of eighteen, to engage in voting as well. A concerning trend has emerged on social media, wherein young individuals express skepticism regarding the efficacy of their votes. It is our responsibility to address and rectify this mindset, as the failure to participate in the electoral process may result in the election of an undesirable candidate, ultimately leading to adverse consequences for those who choose not to vote.
It is important to note that six proposals on the ballots will require your attention and consideration before casting your vote. These proposals hold significant importance. If you are uncertain how to approach your voting decision regarding these proposals, seeking guidance from someone knowledgeable is advisable.
We would like to express our gratitude to the shareholders residing on the 20th floor. A resident from your floor has informed me that the maintenance of your area is exemplary. I hope that the remaining residents of our building can emulate this standard. How we maintain our living environments plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions of our homes. The objective is for all individuals to take pride in their surroundings and to recognize the importance of this issue. We also would like to kindly request that dog owners refrain from allowing their pets to urinate on the pillars located under the portico of the building. The odor is quite unpleasant, and no measures are being taken to address this issue. I wonder if this concern is of significance to you. For residents without dogs, the smell is particularly bothersome. I urge you to consider the comfort of your neighbors.
If anyone has an issue you would like to address, please contact us and we have you in our prayers if you are going through a difficult time.
Take care and walk good.
Andrea D. Mayo
Greetings, Building 19 Association, Some members of Building 19 walked for Making Strides for Breast Cancer at the Bay Plaza Mall on Sunday, October 27. We thank Building 19 for helping reach our donation goal on behalf of the American Cancer Society. These funds help with
research, education and patient support. It is especially important to acknowledge our survivors who we are proud to be walking with, keeping hope alive that a cure will be found to eradicate this dreadful disease. If you know of someone who is going through this challenge, embrace them, reach out, hug them and fellowship with them. We are all in this together and only together will we prevail. Shareholders First – We Matter. Sonia Feliciano
Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities
Bartow OAC Trips – Nov. 5, Bronx Terminal Market Mall, $6. Nov. 13, Stew Leonard’s, $6. Nov. 19, Trader Joe’s, $6. Nov. 20, Amazing Saving & Shoprite, $6. Nov. 21, Walmart (North Bergen NJ), $12. Nov. 22, Costco, $6. Pickup at 10 a.m. for all trips except Walmart, which is at 9:15 a.m.
Co-op City Older Adult Centers and NORC Program Thanksgiving Day Luncheon – Friday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Einstein Center, Rm. 45. Tickets $8. On sale at all three centers.
Common Pantry is scheduled for Tues., Nov. 26, 9 a.m.12 p.m. For new applicants contact JGrimes@JASA.org, or call 929-399-1371 on Tues. & Thurs. Waiting list only.
Bartow OAC – Fundraising Raffle. Prize: 65” TV. One ticket for $2, or three tickets for $5. Drawing December 20. Tickets on sale at the Bartow OAC only.
BARTOW CENTER CLOSED
(NORC) Line Dancing w/ Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m., every Monday
Walk w/Odessa
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m. (1st & 3r d Tues.)
Health & Wellness w/Ann 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.
Smart Phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.
Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Bereavement Hour w/Dorine (1st Wed. ONLY per month),12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Line Dancing w/Cynthia Wed. & Fri., 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
Dominoes w/Jose, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Arthritis exercise w/Damion, 1011:15 a.m.
Visual Arts w/Laura, (via Zoom) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Knitting/Crocheting with w/ Lynne & Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Card Games with Frankie, 1-2 p.m.
Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Massage Therapy
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.
Line Dance with Cynthia 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 2-4:30 p.m., back of the JASA NORC office Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m., will meet in Dreiser, 2nd Fl., Rm. 4
Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Bingo on Saturdays
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., in the back of JASA NORC of fice
Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., Nov. 6. Call JASA NORC for an appointment at 718-320-2066, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bartow OAC – Drama w/Dazee presents “There’s an Amen in Every Corner,” A Daisy Windley Production. Fri., Nov. 22, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tickets $7. On sale at Bartow OAC only.
Caringkind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main office every third Monday of the month, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation and other services. Please call 646-7442921 for an appointment.
Line Dance w/Sassy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. A Bingo w/Gay Brown 1:20 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Rm. 4
Menu fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guests. All meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice.
Payments for trips can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and 2-4 p.m. only. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation. Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.
Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. All meals served with margarine & fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.
At our monthly meeting on Oct. 22, the Building 2 Association announced its 501(c) (3) status, expanding our commitment to community engagement.
Upcoming Events and Initiatives:
Chess Club – The Chess Club, Checkmate Society, meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our next meetings are on Nov. 13 and Nov. 27. Come by for an evening of fun and mental challenge!
Food Pantry – Our fresh produce food pantry runs every first and third Saturday of each month. The next distributions are scheduled for November 2
Building 2 Association
and 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome!
Pink and Sip – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our recent Paint and Sip Fundraiser to support Living Beyond Breast Cancer October 26 was a tremendous success. A huge thank you to our chair and the hospitality team. Election Reminder – Early voting opens on Saturday, October 26, through November 3, with Election Day on November 5. Do not forget to flip over your ballot to vote on six key proposals.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween!
––Adelina Martinez
African-American Association of Co-op City
There is still time to VOTE early!
Tomorrow, Sunday, November 3, is the last day to vote early, before the General Election on Tuesday, November 5. Let’s Go!
Did you know? Voting Blacks Massacred: In response to an attempt by African-Americans to exercise their legal and democratic right to vote, at least 50 African-Americans were murdered in a brutal massacre in Ocoee, Florida on Nov. 2, 1920, in what is now called the Ocoee Massacre
Here is a description from the Zinn Education Project about that time: “Ocoee On Fire: The 1920 Election Day Massacre: A quiet Florida citrus town became the scene of a gruesome racial cleansing that purged the entire Black population for over 60 years.”
Prominent local businessman July Perry was among the 1920 Ocoee massacre’s victims.
Sadly, this is just one of countless massacres in U.S. history. That was just 104 years ago, the little-known story of America’s deadliest Election Day Massacre. Not so long ago.
YelloPain – “My Vote Don’t Count:” This video will help reach the next generation, to exercise their right to vote. The brilliant rap video from artist/rapper YellowPain will help everyone understand this all-important process. Google: “YelloPain – My Vote Don’t Count.”
Proposals, Proposals, don’t forget the Proposals!: The 2024 election is just around the corner, and it’s essential to remember that ballot proposals can have a significant impact on our lives.
Key Ballot Proposals:
Proposal 1: The NY State Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex.
Proposal 2-6: Mayor Adams’ proposals, which cover topics like sanitation enforcement, budget transparency, and public safety.
Black Solidarity Day 2024: African-Americans committed to observing: “No Work, No School, No Shopping.” The thought was that our absence would make an impact. BSD will occur on November 4. The leaders are planning a BSD rally on November 3, at Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, from 3-7 p.m. and are expecting 1,000 people to attend.
Coming Events!
November 16 – Open Mic/Fundraiser, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Rm. 15.
November 17 – General Meeting cancelled to observe the Bartevova Annual Concert in Bartow, Rm. 31. (Members, let us meet, observe and support these wonderful musicians.)
November 23 – Bronx Rodeo Health Fitness Line Dance Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dreiser Center, Auditorium A. Cowpokes!
December 7 – Open Mic/Fundraiser cancelled. December 14 – Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration.
AAACC Membership: $25/year for single membership and $35/year for family/household membership. Zelle us your payment using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646-883-9095. The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.
AAACC Programs
Belly Dance Classes, contact Xonia Wilson at 646-301-9438.
Evening Line Dance Classes, contact Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073.
Yoga & Pilates Classes, contact Meena SharpeHicks at 917-863-1507.
Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers,” contact Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714.
Secure your Vote! Early Voting ends tomorrow November 3, 2024!
Michelle Marbury
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Magazine
Black Forum
Emergency Food Pantry
920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m., for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. This distribution site is open on Thursdays, from 11a.m.-1 p.m. The groceries are supplied by and distributed by Black Forum. Religious affiliation is not required. Masks are a must!
NOTE: Because of budget limitations, only guests living in zip codes 10475 & 10465 will receive service, although 10465 guests can only get a one-shot package of groceries. Also, new client registration and re-certification for returning guests into the pantry program is currently closed.
Farmers’ Market Coupons
We’re pleased to have distributed Farmers’ Market Coupons and Health Bucks to the community this year. Please note that many farmers’ markets start closing in November. Please use your coupons and bucks as soon as possible. The Farmers’ Market coupons must be redeemed by November 30, while the Health Bucks expire on December 31. We have successfully distributed all coupons and bucks for this year and look forward to repeating the process next year.
Office Closure
The 920 Baychester location will be closed on October 31 and November 1. We will resume normal hours on November 7, at 11 a.m. Guests who normally pickup their groceries at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location can continue to do so on Thursday, October 31.
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on the Black Eyed Sally’s/ MGM Casino trip this past weekend. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal with such a wonderful group of people. We’re honored that you spent your weekend with us and appreciate your support of this Black Forum fundraiser. Events like this enable the organization to continue its vital work of feeding the community, a mission we’ve upheld for over 30 years. We also thank those who couldn’t attend the trip but generously donated in their place. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com —D. Illis
Building 10 Association
Greetings, fellow cooperators.
New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Membership meeting.
Vote – We must vote like our future depends on it, because it does. Early in-person voting continues through Nov. 3. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. For more information, go to www.vote.nyc.
Turn Clocks Back – Do not forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 a.m. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep.
General Membership Meeting – Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Ms. Sheena McNeill, director of Residential Sales for Riverbay Corporation. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served. Tip of the Week: Emergency Preparedness – Riverbay Corporation, in conjunction with NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Services Citizen Preparedness Corps., is presenting several Emergency Preparedness events in Co-op City. You must register to attend. Please see the flyers in the lobby area. Be prepared.
If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311. Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988. You can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.
Questions, Comments, and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com or drop a note in the suggestion box in the laundry. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.
We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday.
Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!!!
To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.
To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. “Giving up is not an option…carry on.”
Have a great week.
—Jewel Crawford-Duncan
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
120 Erdman Place, (back of 27B’s lobby), Bronx, NY 10475.
The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogueof-Co-op-City to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue, located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B.
The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After service we serve a hot/ cold kiddush meal. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.
General Information
The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B. It is handicap
Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends.
Our next Building 9 Association general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14. Our invited guest speaker will be Diane Cooper, who will talk about help for caregivers. At the time of this writing, our Candy Bagging Committee is scheduled to meet on October 28, at 2:30 p.m. Thank you, Barbara Cloud, Janet Yarrell, Ellen Wilkins, Marva Malone, Shirley McCann, and Wanda Randall.
I must thank all members who donated bags of goodies to be distributed on Halloween: Evelyn Mavins, Matse Jenkins, Pamela Small, Barbara Nesby, Barbara Cloud, Darlene Walker-Reid, Shirley McCann, Angela Battle, Marva Malone, Ellen Wilkins, Theresa Gorden, Pam Bryan, and Janet Yarrell.
Our Halloween Candy Distribution Committees will meet in the association room at 3:30 p.m.
Our general membership meeting on October 24 with Joshua Blake, Interim Assistant Executive General Manager, was outstanding.
Not only did Mr. Blake answer questions about his own areas of responsibility, but he also fielded questions for other departments as well.
We thank Mr. Blake for the information he
accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.
The synagogue has a Facebook page, “Traditional Synagogue.”
The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.
The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City.
Sabbath ends on Saturday, November 2, at 6:42 p.m.
Building 9 Association
shared and the solutions he was willing to consider. I thank those who took the time to attend: Wanda Randall, Janet Yarrell, Evelyn Mavins, Barbara Cloud, Linda Holley, Angela Battle, Harold Stancil, Ellen Wilkins, Theresa Gorden, Yvonne Booth, Pam Bryan, Jazmin Rodriguez, Wendy Pimentel, Dianne Bocanegra, Shirley McCann, Sharon Moore, and Linda Collins.
The Executive Board met on October 25. One of the items addressed was the use of our association room for private events such as personal book sales, or other events that do not profit the Building 9 Association, but rather the individual shareholder. Such events are not in concurrence with our Association Room Lease Agreement.
The best availability date for our Building 9 Association Card Party is November 16, at 7 p.m., in our building’s association room, located in Building 9-B in the rear of the lobby. Please join us for Bid Whist, Spades, Tunk, Rummy, and/or other games you may wish to play. We look forward to seeing
Candle lighting for Friday, November 8, at 4:23 p.m.
Good and Welfare
The congregation welcomes donations in honor or memory of a loved one. Any amount is greatly appreciated. For information about the congregation and its services, please call 646-285-1206.
To All Members: Happy birthday to Hillary Webe and all our members who will be celebrating their birthday in November. Please send me your name and I will add it to the list.
Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue, is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.
—Bruce Gitelson
you there. Light refreshments will be served. It is November. Time to plan for Thanksgiving and decorate our lobbies. Building Nine Diamonds, please begin to make time in your schedules now for the weeks and months to come. Our volunteer sign-up list will be on the table at our next general membership meeting on November 14. I thank you all in advance.
According to the Bronx Board of Elections, New Yorkers are voting in record numbers during this early voting period. While voting in the Bronx is slower than other boroughs, we are still voting at record high numbers. We can do better. If you did not vote early, you must vote on Tuesday, November 5. This may be one of the most important elections of our lifetime. Voting has consequences. Not voting has consequences. Your vote matters. Please remember to turn over your ballot to see the 6 ballot proposals.
“For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eye on us.” –Amanda Gorman
—Linda Collins
Co-op City Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m., in-person only, and at 11 a.m., in person and on Zoom. Sunday school classes for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@gmail.com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Masks are required.
The 11 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line 646-568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.You can also go to YouTube, search for “Co-op City Baptist Church” and watch us there.
The church’s free conference call line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.
Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.
This week’s events: Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. on Zoom Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday at 12 p.m. on the church conference call line. On Thursday at 2 p m , the Circle of Grace Knit and Crochet Group will meet in-person at the church, in Rm. 51. Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service at 10 a.m., and Friday Evening Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m., all are on the church conference call line.
The next CCBC Food Giveaway will be distributed on Friday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.
On Sunday, November 17, we will celebrate the Church’s 53rd anniversary at the 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Calvin R. Kendrick, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. All are invited to attend.
Kindly note: The Co-op City Baptist Church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry’s play, “A Bronx Christmas Story,” that was scheduled from Dec 20-Dec. 22 has been postponed. No new date has been scheduled.
The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in “Co Op CBC.” This app is open to all.
“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible Study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.
—Marilyn C. Williams
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Greetings, retirees and friends
We hope everyone had a happy Halloween and received more treats than tricks.
Vote – Please remember to get out and vote. Early voting ends tomorrow, Sunday, November 3. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5. Remember that when we vote, we win.
Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA on Friday, November 15. Tickets are $65 with a $25 slot play giveback. Payment is due now. The bus will pick up in front of H&R Block and will leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. Return drop offs at Einstein, Asch and Dreiser Loops. Serita can be reached at 347-564-5722 for additional information.
Cake Sale Fundraiser – The Scholarship Committee will be holding a fundraiser Cake Sale on Election Day, November 5, in Rm. 19, to benefit their scholarship fund. Mouthwatering homemade cakes (including coconut, chocolate and pineapple upside down cake), sweet potato pie, brownies and a variety of cupcakes will be on sale. Please support us and stop by Rm. 19 in the Dreiser Loop Center, before or after you vote. Bakers, volunteers and donators for this fundraiser may contact JoAnn Harris at 718-379-2298.
Annual Holiday Luncheon – Tickets are now on sale for our annual holiday luncheon to be held on December 12 at the beautiful Marina del Rey from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tickets are $110 and include transportation (provided on a first-paid, first-seated basis). Questions may be addressed to Daisy Young at 917-292-7010, Jay McKenzie at 201-310-2972 or Ted Byrd at 917-797-9230. Daisy will be available in Rm. 19 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m.
Happy Birthday – We wish all our November celebrants an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.
Condolences – Please continue to keep the families who have suffered the loss of loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Good and Welfare – Please keep Serita Grayson in your thoughts and healing prayers. Notify Lorraine Parker at 718-671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths.
Membership Committee – Annual membership dues are $25. Personal checks payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” can be mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Rm. 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.
General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at 1 p.m., in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium C. Pastor Adolphus, Amen Ministries, will be present at this meeting to conduct registration for the Biometric Health Screening to be held on November 16 (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at the Church of New Vision. You may register for this event prior to our 1 p.m. meeting or after the meeting concludes at approximately 2:15 p.m. Please mark your calendars accordingly and plan to attend our meeting on November 6.
––Georgianna Rodriguez
Building 28 Association
Greetings, shareholders:
Our first association meeting was held in the association room (located under the portico of Building “B”) on October 23, at 7:30 p.m. It was a great turn out. Thank you to all. The following topics were covered:
Early voting starts Saturday, October 26 to November 3. Our early voting polling site is in the Dreiser Loop Community Center. Remember to flip the ballot over and vote on the six proposals.
Halloween Candy Giveaway – Follow the Section 5 Spookyville Map and signs to the association room for treats on October 31, at 4 p.m., while supplies last. Face painting (by Eydie Martinez) only available to children accompanied by a parent. Our Spookyville stop on the map is Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun. Fundraiser – Thanksgiving raffles are available for $2 a ticket. The drawing will take place on November 16. We will be raffling two turkeys per building. To get your raffle, request via email.
Meet and Greet Pot Luck Gathering – On November 16, beginning at 5 p.m. Let us know what you will bring via email. This is where we will announce the winner for the turkey.
The holiday collection for our porters will take place the first week in December. We will be in the lobby. Dates to be announced later.
Building Dues – Collection will start in January 2025.
Check the lobby bulletin board for more information on building events.
If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call the Co-op City Public Safety Department at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can contact CCPD at their anonymous tip hotline: 718-879-6311.
Special thanks to Pastor Adolphus for sharing the information and invitation to a free health and healing event on November 16 at the Church of the New Vision. There will be biometric health screenings, glucose testing, blood pressure, and more – plus a gospel concert and light refreshments. Call 315-639-7587 to register. Special thanks to Building 27 Association president, Aaron Carnegie, and Building 26 Association president, Tanya Cruz, for their encouragement, support and sharing information. Thank you for the homemade cupcakes by Bobby Adams from Building 28A and Zahiri from 28A for helping to set up the room. Most of all, thanks to all for a great meeting and for supporting the team. Congratulations to our newly elected officers: Idalia Reyes, president; Brenda Bonner, vice-president; Jennifer Allen, secretary; and Brenda Brown, treasurer. The term of service is effective October 13, 2024 until December 31, 2026. Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the building association via email at building28association@gmail.com.
––Brenda Brown
Pentecostal Tabernacle
The Pentecostal Tabernacle is located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A. Sunday School for all age groups starts at 10:30 a.m. Midday worship service begins at 11:45 a.m.
You are welcome to attend services.
Wednesdays: Prayer and fasting service will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays: Worship service will be held every evening starting at 7:30 p.m.
All night services will be on Zoom, call: 646-931-3860, ID: 85748454513, Code: 850684#.
Focus: Grace is divine power that causes the heart to rejoice and reflects in the lives of those who find favor with God.
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)
The promises of God are given by His grace. Peter explained that the outcome of God’s grace working in our lives is the giving of great and precious promises.
(2 Peter 1: 1-4) “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
At a glance, we may credit these promises to God’s power, but a closer examination of scripture reveals that all scriptural promises are ultimately the result of God’s grace. Apart from his grace, we would not receive any promises from God. It should not be a strange thing for one who has experienced the grace of God to ask for more. Although there are several means of obtaining more grace, one way is through seeking a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ from the study of his word.
Grace allowed us to enjoy God’s unmerited favor and gave us a gift that we did not deserve.
This is the true love of God that supersedes the love of human. As John 3:16 states, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
His love towards us is so strong that He was willing to give up his life for us. 1 Corinthians 13:4 states, “charity suffers long, and is kind, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” It is very important that we try to love one another as God loves.
Love is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1 John 4:8 states, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
Rev. R. Sibblies
CLASSIFIEDS
RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE
If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by one of the following methods:
• Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services.com/riverbaycorp, to complete online disclosure form;
• Call independent third party whistleblower hotline: 1-833-290-0009 (English); 1-800-2161288 (Spanish);
• Email reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject);
• Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).
