Co-op City Times 11/23/2024 by Co-op City Times

Nov. 20 Open Board Meeting Held in Bartow Center

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

The Riverbay Board of Directors held an Open Board Meeting at the Bartow Center, Rm. 31, on Wednesday, November 20. Before the Board voted

on several resolutions, shareholders were able to address the Board and Riverbay Management during the Gallery Session.

Approximately 40 shareholders were in attendance and more than 10 shareholders signed up to ask questions, ranging from updates on the convector initiative to safety and quality of life concerns (See Gallery Session on page 1.)

After the Gallery Session, the meeting was called to order by Board President Rod Saunders, who started the meeting off with his President’s Report to the community.

At the start of his report, Mr. Saunders handed the mic over to Riverbay General Counsel Jeffrey Buss, to provide an update to shareholders about the two Legionella cases reported in Building 17.

“The New York City Department of Health has a regulation that says if two or more individuals living at the same address are diagnosed with Legionella within a one-year period, that all the residents of that

building have to be notifed that water use has to be restricted,” Mr. Buss explained. “The owner of the property, in this case it was Riverbay for Building 17, has to undertake a scientifcally valid and statistically valid survey of all the water in the building.”

Mr. Buss went on to explain that after Riverbay was notifed by the New York City Department of Health, the water in 75 different locations in Building 17 was tested for Legionella bacteria and results of the tests conducted

(Continued on page 2)

Riverbay Fund, Dogs, Convectors, & More Discussed at Gallery Session

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The Gallery Session preceding the Nov. 20, 2024 Riverbay Board Business meeting saw a healthy turnout of shareholders in Room 31 of the Bartow Center who expressed a variety of opinions on a wide range of topics.

Among the matters discussed were the Riverbay Fund, convectors, students from PS 153 running through residential buildings and damaging property, Verizon phone service, dogs, laundry room etiquette, increased fnes for anti-social behavior among cooperators, prohibited use of Lysol in the gas dryers, and others. Below is a summary of the

(Continued on page 5)

Report for period ending October 31, 2024

Marvin Walton Executive General Manager Management Report

On behalf of Douglas Elliman Property Management, Managing Agent, I am delighted to present the Management Report for Riverbay Corporation for the period ending October 31, 2024.

This Management Report provides updates with the following elements:

• Staffng – Public Safety Department

• Vacant Apartment Summary

• 2-year Budget Planning

• Convector initiatives

Public Safety Staffng

CCPD current staffng levels remain at (49) forty-nine or 53% short of the budgeted 93 Peace Offcer positions. The new recruitment class of (15) ffteen recruits is slated for graduation from the in-house Academy on Friday, December 6, 2024. Management has begun recruitment efforts for the next class, which is anticipated to begin mid-December 2024. The Human Resources department received over 200 applications of which 182 were identifed for interviews.

(Continued on page 4)

NYC Issues Drought Warning for the First Time in Over 20 years

BY DANIELLE CRUZ

Despite the rainfall that NYC is currently experiencing, the city’s reservoirs are still only at about 60% capacity, compared to their typical 79% capacity. The city’s reservoirs would need almost eight inches of rain to reach normal levels and, according to the National Weather Service, New York City will only receive about 1-3 inches of rain from the storm. Due to the lack of adequate rainfall and the

historically dry fall season, Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought warning on Monday, November 18, and urged New Yorkers to conserve water.

Governor Kathy Hochul also declared a statewide drought watch on Monday. Drought watches are now currently in effect for 47 counties and drought warnings are in effect for 15 counties.

(Continued on page 9)

Riverbay Thanksgiving Closing

Riverbay offces will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29, respectively, in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. For emergency services throughout the weekend, please call:

MAINTENANCE: 718-320-3300, PRESS OPTION 2 PUBLIC SAFETY: 718-671-3050 WE WISH OUR READERS A BE SAFE IN YOUR CELEBRATIONS.

Photo by Danielle Cruz

showed no growth of Legionella bacteria. After those tests came back negative, the DOH sent letters to shareholders in Building 17 lifting the restrictions on the use of water in Building 17.

Mr. Buss also explained that in August 2020, the Riverbay Board of Directors approved the purchase and installation of copper-silver ionization disinfection systems in every single building in Co-op City to control and prevent the growth of naturally occurring Legionella in Co-op City’s potable water.

“There’s been no notice or any indication that there’s any Legionella presence in any of our water systems since we installed the copper-silver system,” said Mr. Buss. “Also, most recently… we had a lawsuit dismissed and thrown water treatment system prevented the person from proving that they contracted Legionella here.”

President Saunders then went on to discuss Local Law 157, which mandates that building owners install natural gas detectors in every apartment before May 1, 2025.

“There’s nothing catastrophic happening at all, and there is no present danger, no clear present danger to shareholders as the reason,” President Saunders said. “We are simply complying with the local law, nothing more.”

In August, the Board of Directors approved the purchase of 15,707 natural gas detectors for Co-op City and this fall, Riverbay will begin installing these detectors throughout the community in compliance with the local law.

Continuing his report, President Saunders spoke about Local Law 55, which mandates that 20% of every parking garage must have electric vehicle charges. they can amend the Local Law or exempt Co-op City from the mandate.

“In Co-op City, we have approximately… 11,000 parking spaces in our garage,” President Saunders explained. “We cannot, we cannot give them, we cannot do 2,200 electric vehicle charges.”

In addition, he shared that the Board is also concerned about the safety of having that many electric vehicle charges inside the garages.

“We think it’s much safer to be outside the garage and we’re going to make but we’re not looking to put 2,200 electric vehicle chargers in our garage.”

Keeping with the upcoming Local Law mandates, President Saunders then shared with shareholders that the Board will soon be providing an update on their efforts to comply with Local Law 97, which established carbon emission limits for New York City’s largest buildings.

“I’m not going to go into it now, but I think that when we have that presentation that’s made by a group that we’re currently contracting with, En-Power, I see that Co-op City, when we’re done with what we propose to do, will be one of the leaders, certainly in New York City, but probably in all of New York State, and you’ll see how we are approaching the climate control issue.”

President Saunders then went on to share that information about how to use the new card machines in the laundry room will be published on the Crawler and in the Co-op City Times

“This was a roll out that we didn’t expect, but it’s here and we’re going to catch up to it right away so that shareholders will have a better understanding on how to use that machine,” President Saunders said.

Moving on to the ongoing issues with e-Scooters in the community, President Saunders said he has spoken with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson to ask her to support putting a pause on the e-Scooter program and

“We have a problem here, because most of Co-op City’s sidewalks are only ten feet wide,” President Saunders explained. “E-scooters take up more than especially those with disabilities and using mobility devices.”

Wrapping up his report, President Saunders then went on to share that they

mercial vehicles parking around Tillotson Avenue.

“RVs are recreational vehicles, they should be parked off the streets or they’re to be parked in trailer parks, but they do not belong on New York City sidewalks,” President Saunders said. “And some of these RVs have been there not just for days, not just for weeks, but some of them have been there for years.”

Board Director Bernard Cylich also spoke up and asked that the Board conlandlords from charging tenants for legal fees without a court order. This law, Director Cylich shared, is costing Riverbay $1.9 million a year.

After his report, Board President Saunders turned the mic over to Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton, who presented a summary of his Management Report and provided updates to the community about the ongoing efforts to staff the Public Safety department, vacant apartments, the two-year budget planning process, and the ongoing convector initiatives. (See full Management Report on page 1.)

slated for graduation on Friday, December 6, 2024. He also shared that Management has continued their recruitment efforts for the next class, which is anticipated to begin mid-December 2024. However, while the Human Resources department received over 200 applications and selected about 82 applicants for interviews, only 16 applicants are advancing to the training academy.

“We have over 50 percent of the people interested, as no shows,” Mr. Walton explained. “They’re not showing up for the interviews. This is happening

Mr. Walton also shared with the community a summary of the vacant apartments in Co-op City for the month of October. He said that as of October 31, the corporation had a total of 225 vacant apartments, yielding a 1.5% vacancy rate, and that the monthly vacancy cost to Riverbay has declined to $123,000, the all-time lowest amount for the corporation.

“So, we’re heading in the right direction,” Mr. Walton said. “Two hundred and eight shareholders have moved out of Co-op City since April 1; 207 applicants have closed on new apartments and 268 apartments were restored and on average it took approximately 24 days to restore an apartment. So, you can see from these statistics, Management is carefully and monthly analyzing and monitoring our vacant count. We would love to get the number down way below $100,000 and we’re on our way.”

Mr. Walton then shared with the community that Management is continuing to plan out the two-year operating and capital budget for the corporation and thanked shareholders again for their input during the planning progress.

To close out his report, Mr. Walton also shared a brief update on the ongoing convector initiatives and said that in December, the Board will be visiting the apartments with the new convectors and hearing from shareholders about how the convectors are performing.

After the Management Report was concluded, the Board moved on to the several resolutions on the agenda.

First up were the lease resolutions, which were presented by Parking & Leasing Director Danielle O’Connor. (See page 6 for Resolutions.)

Casals Place. After a vote, the resolution was approved, with 14 Directors voting yes and one director absent.

The next resolution was Resolution# 24-59, which was for a lease agreement for a space in Bartow. After a vote, the resolution was approved, with 14 Directors voting yes.

agreement for another space in Bartow. After a vote, the resolution was approved, with all 14 Directors voting yes.

After the Board concluded their votes on the lease resolutions, President Saunders called up Riverbay Risk Management Director John Lowe to present Resolution# 24-61. This resolution pertained to the renewal of Riverbay’s Pollution Liability Policy with Ironshore Surplus Lines Insurance Company, for an annual renewal premium of $514,008.63, a 1.74% decrease from the previous year. The renewal would be for 12 months, starting on December 1, 2024 and ending on December 1, 2025.

Mr. Lowe also shared that this will be the sixth year that the corporation has had a pollution liability policy and in the previous years has not had a single claim.

Also, presenting the policy was Chris Alviggi from NFP, a consultant company and the broker for the pollution liability insurance. Mr. Alviggi shared

(Continues on page 3) Meeting ––– (Continued from page 1)

COMBING

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

“Breaking Bread, Building Bonds” Holiday Community Gathering

Bronx Community Affairs Bureau, in collaboration with the 45th Pct. Community Council and Riverbay Corporation, will host a Holiday Community “Breaking Bread, Building Bonds” program tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2-5 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. Admission is free but reservation is required.

This program is a citywide initiative from Mayor Eric Adams to cultivate the diversity of the city and bring New Yorkers together to learn about common bonds, share cultures and traditions and remove silos among communities.

To RSVP, call/text Det. Rivera at (917) 742-2889; Ofc. Marcus at (917) 704-1343 or Ofc. Reyes at (917) 484-8872. For disability accommodations, call/text Ofc. Reyes at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Pajama Movie Night at Dreiser

Put on your coziest PJs and join the Riverbay Fund for a pajama movie night ﬁlled with movies, snacks, and fun on Wednesday, November 27, in the Dreiser Loop Auditoriums B&C. The night will start off with “ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 3 p.m., followed by “Dear Santa” at 6 p.m. You don’t want to miss it.

Co-op City Are We Ready?

Preparedness is 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 to-go bags. Join us on the following date to learn more: December 7, 1:30-3 p.m.; Dreiser Auditorium A, B & C

CO - OP CITY TIMES 2ND FRONT PAGE

Scan QR code to read the Co-op City Times online at issuu.com/cctimes

NYC Launches Civil Service Exam Series

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City is launching a series of civil service exams that would allow eligible applicants to qualify for multiple positions with only one exam.

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis Molina made the announcement on November 15.

With roughly 900 vacant positions open across a multitude of city agencies, this latest effort aims to fill those roles and streamline the process for applicants. The city will administer three public safety combination exams in total with the first exam taking place at DCAS testing centers, located in every borough, on January 10, 2025. Individuals unable to take the first exam will have another opportunity to qualify for a public safety position during the second exam in the spring and a subsequent exam sometime after that.

Importantly, the deadline to register for the ﬁrst Public Safety Exam Level 1 is November 29. Applicants have two primary ways of registering for the exam: online at tinyurl. com/yemwuu2n or in-person at a DCAS Computer-Based Testing and Application Center.

Applicants must pay a one-time $47 application fee, however an individual can qualify for a fee waiver if they are a veteran, unemployed or receiving public assistance. By combining the civil service exams into one, applicants no longer have to pay four separate application fees, which previously totaled $209.

If an individual passes the ﬁrst exam, they are placed on a list with other eligible candidates based on exam score and “may be called for interviews to ﬁll one of the nearly

Meeting –––

(Continued from page 2)

a brief summary of the negotiation process and the lack of insurance carriers that are willing to provide pollution liability insurance due to the potential for third party litigation.

After Mr. Alviggi presented his summary, the Board was able to ask questions about the policy.

Director Lynette Wright asked if the liability against the third-party litigation is what is causing such a small market and if that was also causing a monopolization of the market.

Mr. Alviggi explained that the third-party litigation concerns are due to the potential for environmental justice initiatives and that insurance companies are becoming very concerned about the cost of defending against any claims.

“I can tell you that from where I sit in New York City, environmental attorneys, partner level, charge anywhere from $800 to $1,500 an hour,” Mr. Alviggi explained. “And they don’t negotiate their rates with the insurance companies, like they would in other lines of insurance. So they’re more concerned about spending unending amounts of money and defending the claims to get to a zero parity.”

As for whether or not there is a monopoly on this kind of insurance, Mr. Alviggi said that you could argue that there is one due to the lack of competition, but that he is also hopeful that in the coming years more carriers will be willing to enter the market.

After the Directors asked their questions, Resolution# 24-61 was put up for a vote and passed, with all 14 directors present voting yes.

Next on the agenda was Resolution# 24-63, which was presented by Human Resources Director Inelle Cooper. This resolution pertained to the renewal of the medical and dental insurance policy with CIGNA that is provided to Riverbay Employees.

For the medical coverage rates, there was a 5% reduction in renewal rates, resulting in a total premium reduction of $258,800. For the dental coverage rates, there was a 7% increase in renewal rates, resulting in a total premi-

900 public safety roles currently available for school safety agents, traffic enforcement agents, and special officers,” the Mayor’s Office explained.

Future exams will look to ﬁll vacant public safety positions in the New York City Department of Probation, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NYPD and New York City Department of Correction.

While there is no guarantee every candidate who passes the exam will receive an interview, the eligible hiring list “will remain active for four years to ﬁll new positions as they become available,” a detail highlighted by the Mayor’s Ofﬁce.

Mayor Adams discussed the importance of providing opportunities for New Yorkers to make a difference in their communities through public service, during the exam announcement on November 15.

“The prerequisites to prosperity are public safety and justice, and public safety cannot exist without dedicated members of our community willing to make a difference. We want the best of the best working for New York City — and that includes hundreds of thousands of hard-working residents of the ﬁve boroughs. The new public safety combination exams will help recruit the talented and dedicated public servants we need, while ensuring that applying for a meaningful career makes our city more affordable for everyone,” Mayor Adams said.

Individuals with questions about the public safety combination exams can call DCAS at 212-669-1357 or visit tinyurl.com/4ha8yuwd to learn more about working for the city.

um increase of $11,567.04.

Also presenting the renewal was David Heller, the broker for the policy. He provided a brief summary for the Board and shareholders about the different carriers they reached out to during the process and the status of their quotes.

He also explained that they did receive a number of competitive quotes back from a number of carriers, and that they were able to use that to drive down the renewal price with Cigna.

“They [Cigna] started at 9.7% and we were able to drive that down to a minus 5%,” Mr. Heller explained.

Aetna and Emblem Health, Mr. Heller explained, had also provided a competitive quote but he recommended that Riverbay stick with Cigna due to the “soft dollar” costs involved in moving from one carrier to another and the disruption it would cause for employees to switch carriers.

After Mr. Heller presented his report summary, the Board had a discussion where it was decided that they would go into a brief executive session in order to further discuss speciﬁc details and issues about the insurance policy and beneﬁts.

After returning from their executive session, the Board then went on to vote on Resolution # 24-63. The Resolution was passed with 13 Directors voting yes, one director voting no, and another director absent.

Next up was Resolution# 24-64, which pertained to the vision insurance provided to Riverbay employees through EyeMed. After the resolution was read, a vote was called and the resolution passed with 14 Directors voting yes.

Last up was Resolution# 24-56, which pertained to the renewal of the Life, Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance provided to Riverbay employees.

After reading the resolution, a vote was called and Resolution# 24-56 was passed. Twelve Directors voted yes, two Directors abstained, and one Director was absent.

Management Report –––

(Continued from page 1)

Vacant Apartment Summary

Beginning in September 2023 Management began publishing the Corporation’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) monthly in the Management Report. KPIs provide the community with a quantiﬁable measure of performance over time for a speciﬁc operational area of the Corporation. Included in these KPIs is a summary of the vacant apartments. As of October 31, 2024, the Corporation had a total of 225 vacant apartments yielding a 1.5% vacancy rate. Below is the status of the vacant apartments for the reporting period:

Management tracks vacant apartments and ensures apartments are restored timely. The Legal team assists with returning abandoned apartments to the rightful ownership of the Corporation. The Sales Team retrieves the next applicants from the Mitchell-Lama Automated Waiting List (AWL), confirms that required documentation is in order and then arranges for showing of vacant apartments within the area of preference identified by the applicant. The AWL web-based system enables the NY State-supervised housing companies (such as Riverbay Corporation) to store and process applicant information more efficiently and remain accountable.

As of December 18, 2023, the Corporation no longer shows unrestored apartments to applicants. This process improves the time between “retrieving” applicants from the AWL to “closing” the sale of the apartment. Another benefit from this process is more timely recognition of revenue (equity) for the Corporation. This process is contingent upon the time it takes to receive final approval from DHCR as well as the applicant securing adequate financing to close on the sale of the apartment. The Deferred Equity Program ended as of January 1, 2024 for new admission applicants. It is still an option for transferring applicants.

The table below provides monthly stats on vacant apartments and the progress towards the sale of apartments. It is important to note the monthly vacancy loss that was $177K at the beginning of the ﬁscal year (April 1, 2024) and as of October 31, 2024, the monthly vacancy loss has declined to $123K, the all-time lowest amount for the Corporation. As of the reporting period, 208 shareholders moved out of Co-op City, 207 applicants closed a new apartment sale, and 268 vacant apartments were restored, and on average, it took 24 days to restore an apartment.

Management appreciates the opportunity to partner with Shareholders and the Board Directors to work to reduce vacant apartments in the community.

2-Year Budget Planning

The Board Directors and Management are progressing along with estimating and determining the 2-Year Operating and Capital Budget for the Corporation. Upon completion of this process and approval by the Board Directors, the ﬁnal comprehensive budget will be shared with the community and a ﬁnal submission to DHCR in February 2026. We appreciated the input on Capital improvements needed in the community from the building and townhouse association leaders. Community engagement was the true essence of the budget planning process.

(Management Report continues on page 11)

Co-op City shareholders are not tenants

Take pride in your community by being a good cooperator! Throwing garbage, objects or cigarettes from apartment windows or balconies is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive a community complaint ﬁne.

Deepest Condolences

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ismay Dunn, a long time Co-op City resident from Section 2. Ismay was born on March 9, 1934, in Jamestown, SC to the late David and Daisy Cheese. She departed this life peacefully, surrounded by family, at home in the Bronx, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Ismay loved and was ﬁercely protective of her family. She was a person of many skills and worked various jobs–factory, domestic, waitress, clerk typist, keyboard and keypunch operator. However, most of her career was spent as a lab technician in the Pathology Department of Monteﬁore Hospital, from where she retired in 1999. Even after retirement, Ismay continued to work as a Home Health Aide until she was almost 80 years old.

Ismay leaves to cherish loving memories her children: Patricia Dunn-Jones (Ronald), Sharon Cornick, Micheal Dunn (Tracey) and Tara Waring, as well as 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, four sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends.

—Aaron Carnegie (Nephew)

––– (Continued from page 1)

opinions and concerns expressed and the responses given.

Opening the Gallery Session, Riverbay Board President Rod Saunders thanked shareholders for attending the Board meeting, which began promptly at 7 p.m.

The frst speaker, Barbara Rose, expressed disappointment about conditions around Dreiser Loop. In September, after she spoke out about cleanliness of the area, Management responded. “They did a very good job a few weeks ago. It took some time to get it done, but I thank you,” she said. “However, Dreiser Loop now, they need some disciplinary action. The guys hang around, … they’re vaping, doping, smoking, carrying on, and I can ... I’m going to say it straight…I’m ashamed to say I live there. You need more policing around there. It’s disgusting… It took six weeks to get the place clean. And then I have to call.”

Board President Saunders said he personally walked over to Dreiser Loop where he and Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III surveyed the area and had it cleaned. Responding to Ms. Rose’s call for more Public Safety presence to deter loitering, he explained that Public Safety staffng is currently low, but a new upcoming graduating class of offcers may lend some assistance to better control the area. The Board President also added: “Now, I’m going to be very honest with you, I’ve been there 47 years and Co-op City remains the quality of life that we all expect, that you expect, and I don’t know if we can live up to your expectations but having said that, Ms. Rose, … we’re going to do the best that we can to ensure the fact that everyone’s quality of life is respected.”

Shareholder Bruce Gitelson asked for an explanation about the convector projects to be published in the Co-op City Times.

“What I’d really like to know is, is anybody going to publish something in the paper that says, hey, this is what we’re going to do for the convectors, this is how much it’s going to cost, this is when it’s going to start, and this is when it should be completed?” asked Mr. Gitelson. “… are we going to get any information from the Board in the paper that says this is what the convector transition is going to look like.”

Riverbay Board President Saunders explained that convectors are currently being tested. “We’re looking at the living room because the living room convectors will take care of the largest part of the area. And also, that’s where the leaks are causing the greatest amounts of expense to shareholders when there are leaks in their foors, and it expands beyond the living room into the foyer,” said the Board President. “So we’re looking to do the convectors frst in the living room.”

According to Mr. Saunders, the corporation is looking at one major type which gives the option to adjust the heat and air and costs approximately $1,000 each. “We understand that this particular convector is good enough so that you get no leaks, not that it lets you know when it’s leaking, it does that, but it also stops the leaks.

So we should be able to give you better cooling and better heat as well as stop the fooding. Now, the problem here is that there are 15,372 apartments, so the frst phase, if we were to do this, that would be the frst number. Just for one [$1,000]. To do all of them, sir, would be 65,000 convectors. I could not tell you, nor I don’t think anyone in Management would tell you, what it would take to do 65,000 convectors, but right now, we’re looking at what happens with the frst 15,372 if that’s the route that the Board can go in, if that’s the route that shareholders can go in.”

Board President Saunders further stated that the second and more important part of that answer, is convincing the State Legislature about the importance of the Power Plant to the community. “Without the Power Plant, we would be spending money and not have a convector to use,” he said. “So, while we may give you an opportunity to tell you what kind and how many, if we don’t get word that we can save our Power Plant frst, it’s all going to be moot.”

Mr. Gitelson reiterated his request for an article to be written in the Co-op City Times explaining what the problems are, what Riverbay will do, an estimate of the cost and where the money will come from.

“The goal is that shareholders have a right to understand what the problems are and when they may see some help or have to live with what they have now,” Mr. Gitelson followed-up, to which Board President Saunders replied, “Well, I know there’s been articles in the Co-op City Times explaining where we are, so the Coop City Times has done their job. But when there’s more information to be given to the shareholders, I’m sure that Management and Co-op City Times will be very forthwith in giving you that information.”

Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin Walton encouraged Mr. Gitelson to read the Management Report published monthly in the Co-op Times in which detailed updates on the convector testing initiative are given.

Shareholder Junius Williams applauded the Public Safety department for doing a good job despite being short-staffed. He also expressed concern that both the Riverbay Board and Riverbay Corporation share the same legal service.

Board President Saunders then called up shareholder Daniel Azizzo who thanked Board members for their service to the community before asking about the current relationship between the Riverbay Board and Riverbay Fund. Addressing Board President Saunders he said, “You wrote a wonderful article in Co-op City Times about the history of the Fund, but can you tell us how many members of the current Board are on the board of the Riverbay Fund? Are there any Board members who are on the Riverbay Board who are also on the Riverbay Fund Board?”

Board President Saunders responded: “The way the revised bylaws were written back in 2021, the idea was that Board members would roll off the Board at their

(Continues on page 8)

Board of Directors’ Meeting - November 20, 2024

First Reading - Resolution #24-62

SUBMITTED BY: Andrea Leslie SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, on September 14, 2022, the Board awarded Contract #3727A via Resolution #22-41 to TF Andrew Carpet One for the purchase of Ceramic Tile & Other Bathroom Products; and WHEREAS, Change Order #1 is being requested for a six-month extension of time with no additional cost being requested (see attached memo); and WHEREAS, there are funds still available in contract 3727A and the extension is being requested to continue to seek the best ceramic tile products for the best pricing

First Reading - Resolution #24-66

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Leah Richardson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, on October 3, 2018, the Board awarded a 5-year contract to Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. (Enterprise) for leasing and maintenance of vehicles; and WHEREAS, Management recommends continuing the leasing and maintenance agreement with Enterprise for Riverbay, in accordance with the Corporation’s approved budget, with yearly recycling of no more than 25 new vehicles per year. (See attached Recommendation memo); and WHEREAS, Riverbay has seen more improvements in the automotive ﬂeet and the continuation of the program will help in maintaining increased productivity, de-

First Reading - Resolution #24-67

SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury

SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, on October 3, 2018, the Board awarded a 5-year contract to Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. (Enterprise) for leasing and maintenance of vehicles; and WHEREAS, Management recommends continuing the leasing and maintenance agreement with Enterprise and requesting a contract for the repairs, permits, registrations, inspections and accessories for the new and current vehicles (See attached Recommendation memo); and WHEREAS, this contract will be in addition to the leasing and maintenance agreement; and handle all repairs not inclusive to regular vehicle maintenance of the ﬂeet as well as permits, registrations, inspections and ac-

for a new contract; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conﬂict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713. NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #1 for Contract #3727A with TF Andrew Carpet One for a six-month extension of time be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract or change order and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

creased accidents and driving safer; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conﬂict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract #4118A with Enterprise Fleet Management for leasing and maintenance of the Riverbay automotive ﬂeet for 2-years at the not to exceed cost of $1,594,227 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract or change order and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

cessories; and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conﬂict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract #4118B with Enterprise Fleet Management for repairs, permits, registrations, inspections and accessories of the Riverbay automotive ﬂeet for 2-years at the not to exceed cost of $276,982 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract or change order and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

See page 19 for more Resolutions

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

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

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

The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

CCTimes Non-Delivery Number

If the Co-op City Times is not delivered: Call 407-666-8317 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Public Safety Report

CCPD Emergency Services Unit

BY SGT. JOSEPH VARGAS

CCPD: Auto Tips for Honda Vehicle Owners

The Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCDP) reports a spike in Honda CR-V thefts from inside the community’s eight parking garages and on the streets. CCPD offers the following tips to help deter thieves from stealing your Honda vehicle.

The Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) is comprised of several units. You may be familiar with, and may come in contact with, the Patrol Unit. Additionally, CCPD has ofﬁcers who are specially trained as part of the CCPD Emergency Services Unit (ESU). ESU provides specialized support and advanced equipment to other CCPD units as well as medical assistance to all of the Co-op City community.

• Lock your car: Always lock your car, including when you’re driving it.

• Don’t leave valuables in your car: Don’t leave items like laptops, cameras, or cell phones in your car.

• Park in a well-lit area: Park in a well-lit area or secure parking lot to make it less likely for thieves to target your car.

• Don’t leave your car running unattended: Never leave your car running when it’s unattended.

Our Emergency Service Officers are certified New York State Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) equipped with certification in basic life support, Narcan application, mental health first aid, CPR, AED and first aid. The unit is active seven days a week, 365 days a year and is available day and night to respond to medical emergencies that may occur in our community. Our trained EMTs are required to have several hours of experience working with NYC 911 and St. Barnabas Hospital EMS prior to serving on the CCPD ESU. Before being assigned to our medical team, officers must also pass a series of rigorous hands-on practical examinations, written exams and, of course, the New York State EMT Certification Exam.

CCPD’s ESU officers, in addition to being responsible for routine policing of our community, are called upon to respond to all medical emergency calls, such as cardiac events, blood pressure concerns, diabetic emergencies, injuries, trip and falls, and even wellness checks. ESU officers are among the first to respond to natural disasters, hazardous conditions, and those experiencing mental crisis.

The Emergency Services Unit is directly linked to the free “R U OK” telephone reassurance program offered by CCPD to members of the Co-op City community. The program provides a way to check on the wellbeing of senior citizens and homebound residents of Co-op City who may require assistance, or who might face medical emergencies while alone at their home. If a phone call to the home leads our ofﬁcers to the impression that a check-in is required, ESU is dispatched to the home to provide or connect the shareholder to care. ESU technicians can also connect senior cooperators with JASA Health Services.

ESU Officers are trained on how to conduct an emergency forced entry into a home or vehicle, when necessary. ESU is dispatched to calls about hazardous conditions like flooding or fallen trees from a natural disaster, and the scene of motor vehicle accidents. ESU may also be dispatched to provide additional support to help find a missing child or to the scene of civil unrests.

To get in touch with this service or to learn more about how the CCPD Emergency Service Unit can be of service to your household, please contact us. The Co-op City Public Safety Department’s Emergency Service Unit is a team of Peace Ofﬁcers who take on new levels of responsibility in CCPD’s pursuit to improve Co-op City’s quality of life and keep the community safe.

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

Public Safety Blotter

November 10 – November 16, 2024

November 13, 2024

2100 Bartow Avenue – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle by the Power Plant and observing that their vehicle had been removed from the location by an unknown person(s) without their permission. NYPD was also notiﬁed by the cooperator.

99 Bellamy Loop – A cooperator reported returning to their parked vehicle inside of Garage 6 and observing that an unknown person had struck their vehicle, causing scratches and a dent to their vehicle.

November 14, 2024

120 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported being unable to access their mailbox due to an unknown person(s) destroying the mailbox.

Maintenance was also notiﬁed for the repair.

4220 Hutchinson River Parkway – A cooperator reported that a delivery person had removed a tablet without their permission from within their apartment and left after the delivery was completed.

140 Darrow Place – A cooperator reported that a conﬁrmed delivered package had been removed from the lobby area by an unknown person(s) without their permission.

November 16, 2024

120 Debs Place – A cooperator reported that an unknown person had removed items from inside a conﬁrmed delivered package that was in the lobby and had then retaped the package.

• Install a tracking device: A GPS tracker can help you locate your car if it’s stolen, and you can remotely activate an alarm.

• Install an anti-theft device: An anti-theft system can prevent your car from being driven without entering a combination of buttons.

• Install ignition immobilizers: You can ask a car dealer near you if they sell or can install these accessories.

• Use an OBD port lock: An OBD port lock prevents criminals from using special decoder tools to gain access to your car’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) port.

• Etch your VIN onto your windows: Having your VIN etched onto your windows discourages thieves from paying to replace them.

• Steering wheel lock: While these aren’t foolproof, they discourage thieves who will likely move onto another car without a steering wheel lock.

Tips to Secure Your Vehicle from Key Fob or Relay Theft

• For starters, if you have a vehicle with a push-button start, don’t leave your key fob in your car. We can’t stress this enough. It sounds silly, but thousands of drivers have done this and had their vehicles stolen. In some larger cities, like New York City, car thefts doubled from 2019 to 2020, and the excess thefts were mostly all due to owners leaving key fobs in their vehicle.

• One of the best key fob theft products is a Faraday bag or a signal-blocking pouch. These products utilize RFID-blocking fabric to prevent thieves from mimicking your key fob’s signal. (They can also be used to protect your credit cards from skimming.)

• Some auto brands allow you to turn off your key fobs wireless signal. Check your owner’s manual to see if and how this can be turned off

• Thieves can also gain access to your car by hacking usernames and passwords for your vehicle brand’s smartphone app. Always use a strong password and be wary of any public Wi-Fi. If you really need an on-the-go connection to the outside world, you could get a Honda Accord with Wi-Fi.

• Honda’s Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock feature keeps your vehicle more secure by removing you from the equation. Simply put your key fob in your purse or pocket and walk away. Your Honda will automatically lock the doors and activate the alarm system. All you have to do is keep your key fob on you.

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.Indeed.com https://indeedhi.re/

www.Glassdoor.com https://bit.ly/3SgI9Go

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 Leslie Peterson, First Vice President

Strengthening Our Middle Class Status

One of the favorite holidays of the year, Thanksgiving, is almost here. I do not think I am alone when I say there is much to be thankful for as another year comes closer to being over. As the story goes, Native American spirituality, traditionally and today, emphasizes gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of the human need for communion with nature and others. Thanksgiving as a holiday originates from the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return. Let us embrace that philosophy and encourage peace on earth.

In our community, we, at Co-op City, have a reputation of interaction, fellowship, care, concern and overall cultural enlightenment and sensitivity. For the privilege of living here, I am thankful. Happy feasting…

Throughout the country, everyone is saying, “We no longer have a middle class,” “the middle class is being forgotten.” Well, many of us in Co-op City have always thought of ourselves as the middle class but are we. By deﬁnition, the Mitchell-Lama Program provides housing across New York State that is affordable to middle income families. The program was created by the Limited Proﬁt Housing Act in 1955, which was championed by Manhattan State Senator MacNeil Mitchell and former Brooklyn Assemblyman Alfred Lama. Mitchell-Lama housing is all privately owned and managed. Be clear, we have a middle class and we will not allow ourselves to be forgotten. Do we take the road less traveled? How will it affect Co-op City, our home.

Well first, let’s discuss what is the middle class. The middle class is, by definition, situated between the upper and lower classes. There’s no single, universally agreed-upon definition, as its boundaries vary across countries and cultures, and even change within a single country. Generally, it’s characterized by several factors:

Income: Middle-class individuals typically earn more than the working poor but less than the wealthy. The speciﬁc income range is subjective and depends on the cost of living in a particular area.

Gallery ––– (Continued from page 5)

Education: Middle-class individuals often have at least a high school diploma, and many hold a college degree or other post-secondary education.

Occupation: Occupations range widely, but are often white-collar jobs (like ofﬁce workers, teachers, nurses, etc.) or skilled blue-collar jobs (like electricians or plumbers).

Lifestyle: The middle class typically owns a home (though this is becoming increasingly less common), has access to healthcare, and enjoys a relatively comfortable standard of living. They might own a car, take family vacations, and have some savings. It’s important to understand there’s signiﬁcant diversity being middle-class since some families are closer to the upper bounds and others closer to the lower bounds. The shrinking of the middle class is a signiﬁcant concern often discussed in political and economic circles.

We at Co-op City can be instrumental in rebuilding or strengthening our middle-class. While there is no single solution, we need to concentrate on making sure we have a steady stream of employable individuals. This can be accomplished by promoting education and job training. This includes vocational training and apprenticeships. To secure our homes, we will have to impress upon our elected ofﬁcials the need to address the high cost of housing, especially the unfunded mandates with restrictive deadlines and ﬁnes that further defeat the purpose and statements they espouse about wanting affordable housing. Policies need to be revisited with careful consideration of potential downsides for maintaining affordable housing. Sounds like a tall glass of water but not so if we stay focused and work together for common goals. Managing a development this large is a massive undertaking. We must look at the picture holistically. Coming up with innovative ways to comply with regulations while moving us forward is the goal. In Residential Sales, we will try to expedite the selection of cooperators established under the Private Housing Finance Law and governed by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Currently, intra-project transfers are given priority for available apartments over other waiting

election. And since 2021, there’s been a full cycle of all 15 Board members. And I have not appointed any members of the Board to the Riverbay Fund that exists. So to my knowledge, there should be no members of the [Riverbay] Board on the [Riverbay Fund] board.”

Mr. Azizzo then asked Board President Saunders from which of Riverbay’s accounts did the Board President authorize the $150,000 allocated to the Riverbay Fund?

Board President Saunders emphatically stated that he has taken no such action, adding: “That, in fact, may have happened, so where that came from, back in 2016, the Board passed a resolution understanding that the Fund board and the Riverbay Board of Directors are the same, were the same people back in 2016. Understanding that there were expenses that had to be incurred by the Riverbay Fund that was reimbursable, so the Board voted to give the Fund money and when the reimbursement came, the money would come back to Riverbay Corporation.”

Mr. Azizzo stated that he believes the Riverbay Fund should be nurtured because of its ability to apply for grant monies from outside sources that can then be used to beneﬁt the Co-op City campus and shareholders.

“The reason I say that again is because I called [Congressmember] Ocasio-Cortez’s office about that one and a half million dollar grant for the Youth Center and the Washington office called me and she explained that the one and a half million dollars was for a project that was going to cost the Riverbay Fund $18 million,” Mr. Azizzo said. “…So, she said that Riverbay Fund, because it’s a non-profit, can raise money through grants through political leaders, through foundations, and so forth. I think the relationship that you have with the Riverbay Fund should be one where you both work together because every dollar that they get from, for example, the Ford Foundation or the Rockefeller Foundation, is money that will be used here. So hopefully, the relationship will be a strong one because it’s very important, and as far as the Bingo Hall, she said that the million and a half dollars...”

Board President Saunders interjected: “If I may, I actually disagree with you, and I will say it again. The Riverbay Fund was set up so that Riverbay Corporation would have a not-for-proﬁt. Not that it should be a separate entity, but the Letter of Incorporation was for the Riverbay Fund to be an arm of Riverbay Corporation, and Riverbay Corporation, the Riverbay Board, has not voted to give any of its property for any reason to any entity.”

Mr. Azizzo said that the ofﬁce of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez explained that

list applicants. As such, one of every four available apartments is set aside and offered to an applicant on the outside waiting list. Those applications from the outside must be returned and completed, together with a nonrefundable processing fee to Riverbay. HCR rule, not management.

When an application is received, it is time and date-stamped consecutively and recorded in order of receipt in the AWL and issued an application number. Once all preliminary requirements are satisfactorily completed, when a unit becomes available the prospective applicant is notified based on their AWL (Automated Waiting List) number. Such notification may be by telephone but must be confirmed by mail.

The notiﬁcation letter will also state “acceptance of the application by Riverbay is contingent upon approval by the HCR division.” Applicants are advised that failure to respond within 10 business days from the date of the letter is indication they are no longer interested, resulting in removal from the list.

Eligible applicants shall be given one right of refusal of an apartment without forfeiting their standing on the waiting list. A second refusal shall result in their removal from the waiting list. Upon the acceptance of an apartment and prior to occupancy, Riverbay submits the eligible application with applicable documents to HCR for approval, noting the application number and any priority, together with income veriﬁcation, credit reports, copies of the notiﬁcation of availability and the response thereto, and any other supporting documentation necessary to establish eligibility. NOTE: Possession of the apartment may not be given prior to HCR written approval. As you can see, it is a tedious process and yes, results in delays that ultimately impede the process. We hope to get our applicants and succession approvals addressed more promptly.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. –Margaret Mead I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

the $1.5M that the Fund was eligible to receive in federal grant money was not just for the Bingo Hall but for any property that the Riverbay Fund chooses.

“No, the Riverbay Board has not authorized any use of any property that we own,” said Board President Saunders. “That is why, or one of the reasons why, the Riverbay Fund and the Riverbay Board were incorporated to be one and the same.”

“Is that still the same?” Mr. Azizzo asked.

“No, so that is an issue that we will settle, but not tonight,” said Board President Saunders.

Next, Board President Saunders recognized Board Secretary Bernard Cylich, whose position is that the Riverbay Board and Riverbay Fund are indeed two separate entities.

“In fact, the reason why there was an established Riverbay Fund, in order to be eligible to get grants as a non-proﬁt institution,” said Director Cylich. “Riverbay Corporation cannot do that. So Riverbay Corporation Board directors can’t dictate to Riverbay Fund what to do, then, of course, the entire separation becomes meaningless.”

He explained that in 2016, the Riverbay Board approved Resolution 16-62 to allocate up to $150,000 annually to the Riverbay Fund as long as they provide detailed documentation of how the money is spent on a monthly basis. “That was the agreement. There is nothing in stipulation in the Riverbay Corporation laws or Riverbay Fund in relation to their two bodies,” he said. “That’s separate… otherwise the Riverbay Fund applying for non-proﬁt grants will be null and void. So therefore, that’s how we established it.”

Board Secretary Cylich argued that when Resolution 16-62 was adopted in 2016, there was no stipulation on what kind of organization the Riverbay Fund would be “because,” he said, “it’s not the business of our corporation.” For example, he used a personal example, as chairman of the community group, Coalition to Save Affordable Housing.

“Somebody doesn’t like my organization, the corporation doesn’t like how we conduct our business and suddenly we can’t get a grant for $1,500 that we did just the other day for a free concert here,” said Director Cylich. “So clearly, there’s clear separation …”

Referencing Resolution 16-62, Director Cylich said that the Board, as a whole, agreed to grant up to $150,000 to the Fund as long as they met various qualiﬁcations (Continues on page 10)

(Continued from page 1)

“Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in Hudson Valley and New York City area counties being elevated to drought warning status and a statewide drought watch,” said Governor Hochul in a press release. “Across the state, local water restrictions and educating New Yorkers about how to help conserve water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve.”

A drought warning is the second of three levels of water conservation declarations from the city. After a drought warning is declared, city agencies are prompted to ramp up their water conservation efforts and prepare for an emergency. Some of the water conservation measures being taken by government agencies under the current drought warning are: Department of Sanitation.

• The FDNY and NYPD are closing ille-

• The Parks Department is limiting water present.)

• New York City public schools will educate students on water conservation.

• City agencies and the MTA are reducing the washing of their vehicles.

The drought warning also means that New Yorkers are expected to reduce their water usage. According to the DEP, some ways individuals can help conserve water are:

serves are not where they need to be to complete the project in the spring. In the coming days, the city will begin the process of reopening the aqueduct to resume the project next year.

As conditions evolve, the city may also declare a drought emergency, which involves escalating requirements and restrictions on government agencies and New Yorkers to reduce water usage.

come with a great deal of restrictions,” said Mayor Adams while answering questions from New Yorkers on News 12 some basic steps and tips, you know, not running the water while brushing your teeth or shaving or not having a shower run for a long period of time and just simple things we can do. And it matters. It goes a long way.”

• An open hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, which wastes 1.4 million gallons of drinking water in a 24-hour cycle.

• Toilets are, by far, the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor

• • while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.

Department of Environmental Protection’s $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project.

down temporarily, as part of a major repair project to address massive leaks in the aqueduct system. As a result, the DEP announced that they were going to increase

erage rainfall over the last few months, receiving only .81 inches of rain this past October, compared to historical averages of 3.81 inches of rain for the month.

around the city.

The last time New York City had declared a drought warning was in January 2002, which then escalated to drought emergency in April 2002. During that time, the city had imposed mandatory water conservation measures, including bans on washing cars, spraying sidewalks with hoses and watering

These dry conditions, combined with windy weather, have also allowed for brush to the FDNY, from October 29 to November across the city, the highest number of brush

The FDNY also released a public service announcement highlighting key safety

• If you smoke outdoors, always dispose of your cigarette butts and matches properly. Discarded lit cigarettes can ignite dry grass

• when enjoying the parks. This will help protect

• are illegal across New York City and should never be set off.

• properly. Items like glass bottles can concentrate sunlight

• On November 9, Mayor Adams also announced a citywide ban on grilling in

said Mayor Adams. “Getting through this drought will take all of us working together, and every drop counts, so let’s keep doing our part to save as much water as we can.”

New York State Drought Map.

Photo credit: NYS DEP

Stages of drought response in New York City.

Photo credit: City Hall

Director

’s

Viewpoint Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary

Stuff You Might Want or Need to Know

Income afﬁdavits. I didn’t pay much attention to the headline in the November 9th issue of the Co-op City Times: Income Veriﬁcation Letters to Be Sent Out to Select Shareholders But by the time I saw the November 16th edition’s headline – Finance Provides Guidance to Complete DTF-505 Form for Tax Transcripts – it had my full attention.

I had already received one of those select letters and had started searching for the needed papers. At first, I planned to drop by Finance in the Bartow Administration Office on Friday, the 15th, for help filling out the form. But I was heading over there on Monday anyway, so I put it off. But thanks to the Finance department’s written guidance in the 11/16 issue, I was able to complete the form and drop it in the mail on Monday, the 18th. In the nick of time? Maybe.

If you too were one of the Select Shareholders to receive the verification letter and have put off filling it out and submitting it because you didn’t know what to do with it either, and didn’t see the November 16th advice, call or drop by the Finance office or go to issuu.com/coopcitytimes for the info.

If neither of those options works for you, here’s a recap of the instructions to ﬁll out the form.

Part A. Enter your name, your Social Security number, your Joint Taxpayer’s name (such as your spouse, roommate, adult child), their Social Security Number, your address, and your phone number.

Part B. Check the box under Column A which is labeled: Income Tax. To the right, under Column B, ﬁll in: 2020. To the right of that, under Column C, ﬁll in: 2020 Income Tax

Skip the next ﬁve boxes.

See: If the copies must be certiﬁed mark an X here. Do it. To the right of that, in the line marked: Reason for request, ﬁll in DHCR Audit

Gallery ––– (Continued from page 8) for the funds.

Skip Part C.

Part D – Certiﬁcation. Print your name(s), sign your name(s) and ﬁll in the date.

Mail it to: NYS TAX DEPARTMENT, DISCLOSURE UNIT, W.A. HARRIMAN CAMPUS, ALBANY, NY 12227-0870.

The instructions say that once you get your transcript back from Albany, you must bring it to the Riverbay Finance department by December 31, 2024. The instructions also say it might take 6 to 8 weeks to receive the needed document.

According to those rules, I might already have been late by mailing it on the 18th of November. So if you haven’t ﬁlled out the form yet, you better do it soon, because it could cost you a bundle.

311. Recently, I overheard someone saying they called 311 because of some negligence on some staff member’s part.

Did you know when you call 311, there’s a good chance that Riverbay will get a ﬁne?

Of course, anyone is free to call 311 but since you’re the one paying part of that ﬁne, perhaps you could call Management or call the Call Center or call CSO before you dial 311. Give our staff a chance to correct the problem before making that 311 call!

Reparations. Last November, the Reparations Commission Bill A7691/S1163A, spearheaded by Sen. James Sanders and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, had passed both chambers (state senate and assembly) and was waiting for Governor Hochul’s signature. She had until the end of the year, or it would have been back to square one for the bill.

Gov. Hochul signed it, it became law, and the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies was formed. Nine commissioners were appointed to serve on the committee, including Coop City’s Rev. Dr. Deborah D. Jenkins, appointed by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“Evidently, we don’t know what the status is right now between the Riverbay Corporation and the Riverbay Fund because the president declared that he will not sign any checks to the Riverbay Fund but that’s illegal because it’s violating the decision of the will of the Board directors when they adopted 16-62 and it has not been rescinded,” said Director Cylich. “There was an attempt to rescind it this past September and it was voted down.”

Director Cylich went on to say that the Riverbay Fund is now in the process of trying to obtain money. He reported that the Fund applied for reimbursement from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) “and they’re still in process of doing that,” he said. “That’s how we operated before. In the past, the Riverbay Fund would apply and receive up to $100,000 from the City of New York to offset the expenses that they incurred providing various programs for this community.”

“Now mind you, the City of New York says we will reimburse you for your expenses; they’re not giving the money up front, so therefore, the Riverbay Fund has appealed to the Riverbay Corporation to provide the upfront money and subsequently when they do get money reimbursed, they’ll forward it to Riverbay Corporation,” he went on. “Now the problem is if they don’t have the upfront money, they can’t carry out any programs and therefore they’re locked down and therefore who’s going to be suffering this position of the Board? The community.”

Board Secretary Cylich, a former treasurer of the Riverbay Fund, told shareholders that the Riverbay Fund bylaws stipulate that the Riverbay Corporation president can appoint two Board members to the Riverbay Fund and they have veto power on the board but the Board president currently has not done that. Therefore, there is no representation of the Riverbay Corporation on the Riverbay Fund

“The president of Riverbay Fund has requested repeatedly to meet with the president of Riverbay Corporation to try to reconcile these differences and come to some kind of a conclusion where we can operate and contribute to the community …” said Director Cylich.

Riverbay Board President Saunders clariﬁed: “The Riverbay Board has no inclination to dissolve the Riverbay Fund. The Riverbay Fund in 2021 voted to become a separate entity. The resolution of 2016 was written for a Riverbay Board and the Riverbay Fund as part of the same entity. Once that’s separated, it became a different situation. I would also like to point out the discretionary fund, something that you haven’t heard, but since it was brought up, I’ll clear it up. The Riverbay Fund annually gets monies from DYCD, the city agency for youth. It helps us to do some of the summer programs that we give … The 2018 to 2019 Board, well actually the 2017 to 2018 Board, was the last Board that was able to collect DYCD funding. So no funds have been collected by the Riverbay Fund as it is now, from

New York is only the second state – California being the ﬁrst – to pass a bill to form such a commission to, “...study the lingering impacts of slavery,” as worded in a March 2024 racial justice article on the New York the Liberties Union (NYCLU) website.

The article describes reparations as “A way to make amends for slavery and the ongoing harm to Black New Yorkers” and includes a startling statistic culled from a Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture article from 2015: Some might think of New York as a “free” state, where slavery wasn’t allowed. But in 1730, 42 percent of New Yorkers owned enslaved people, a higher percentage than in any other city in the country except Charleston, South Carolina.

Learn more about the introduction of the bill in a June 2023 Spectrum news segment by Cheryl Wills and Dana Perez, at https://ny1.com/ nyc/all-boroughs/in-focus-shows/2023/06/17/ sen--james-sanders-and-assemblymember-michaelle-solages-discuss-reparations

It’s expected that the Commission will be wrapping up the year-long study and presenting a report shortly. The ﬁrst of two public hearings was held in Buffalo, NY, last week and the second will be held on Monday, December 16, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, NY. Hopefully, a more speciﬁc address will be listed before then.

Disability and Accommodation Committee I’m so pleased so many of you want to join the D&A CMTE this year. I’ll be sending out information in the next few days about how to join in via computer or phone. We’ll be meeting virtually on the ﬁrst Monday of each month starting with December 2nd.

Have a good week, everybody. Feel free to contact me, MPearson@RiverbayBoard.com/718219-2211.

the 2018-2019 season, which means that every dollar that they spent has not come from discretionary funding, but it’s come from the shareholders. And all I have said in doing this is, it is time to stop. It is time to stop spending your money exclusively and it is time for the Riverbay Fund to come back to the Riverbay Board. That’s all that I have said. We will hash that out.”

Director Mary Pearson said that the discussion on the Fund was illuminating to her because she was unaware that there were no designated Riverbay Board directors currently on the Riverbay Fund board.

“Two designated directors from the corporation Board are supposed to serve on the Fund board,” said Director Pearson. “I fought when I was on the Fund board. The reason I ended up staying longer than other people is because I lost my election in 2022, and I’ve been ﬁghting the bylaws. What kind of bylaws say that the person that was not selected by the community should be the one who’s allowed to serve on the Fund? I thought that was absurd. There’s a lot of other things in the writing of the bylaws that just, month after month after month, I was told, oh, no, you have to do this ﬁrst. Oh, no, you can’t do that. First, you have to go to the committee. Oh, not today, not that committee. It’s a different committee. And I kept saying the Fund is ripe for future abuse. And I stopped saying that, and I started saying, it’s ripe for abuse right now because these bylaws need to be changed.”

Nevertheless, Director Pearson reported that the Riverbay Board voted for all those changes twice. “I felt that it was like nobody’s doing any work,” she said. “This is the time, the IRA, the Inﬂation Reduction Act, the Build Back Better, the infrastructure. This is where the money is now. It may be gone in January. January 20, unless the money is out the door and doing a project, nothing is going to happen.”

She also took issue with the statement that convectors would be obsolete without the Power Plant. “We just have to fund, we have to fuel the Power Plant with ConEd electricity instead of our electricity. So our prices, our maintenance, will go way up because ConEd charges twice the amount that we can make our own electricity. That’s why there’s a push for all this solar, a push to avoid fees.”

Director Pearson said that is why Co-op City has a vested interest in keeping the Power Plant up and running by getting grants, doing return on investment projects to avoid additional expenses. “If we don’t have the Fund to help us or to get the Board to have a grant writer on the Board to help the Fund ﬁnd these avenues, nobody’s going to be doing the work,” she advised the Board. “We need somebody paid to sit there and do the research and ﬁnd out what’s out there.”

Next, shareholder Virginia Feliciano spoke about students from PS 153 for the past 1½ months running through her building and kicking in doors, causing damage which she was told she is responsible for. Her neighbor, Ms. Ann Purnell, corrob(Continued on page 14)

Report ––– (Continued from page 4)

1. Express Plumbing

Installation of an electronic leak detection and shut off value in convector

Current Status

$5301.04

The electronic leak detecton and shut-of value was installed in Building 10B, Apt. 4B. This device is designed to detect leaks that may occur from a build-up of condensaton in the convector. Once the water in the drip pan reaches a certain level, the device will actvate and shut of the valve, stopping the chilled water from circulatng in the coil, mitgatng potental fooding in the apartment.

• Management will be installing two (2) motorized shut-of valves with leak detecton in occupied apartments. These valves will shut the water fowing through the coils in the convector once a leak is detected. The Maintenance team will periodically check in with the shareholders to see how the device is performing.

• Management obtained a quote ($3,534.00) from Express Plumbing to install the two (2) shut-of valves in apartments. Management is coordinatng with the two (2) shareholders where the valves will be installed and monitored by the Maintenance department.

Shut-of valves were installed in 11A/12C and 16B/12F; the valve will automatcally shut of the water fowing through the coil, if a leak is detected. The Maintenance department will monitor these convectors and will stay connected with shareholders to see if any issues arise from the installaton.

A Canada-based company shipped a free unit (8,000 BTUs) to be tested in an apartment. It is proposed that this unit will replace an existng convector and include a water sensor and a 2-way shut-of valve that will prevent fooding in an apartment. The unit shipped was a base model without the water sensor and 2-way shut-of valve.

PHASE 1 – Conduct test to determine if the unit fts and operates in our current environment. The base model unit was installed in the living room of the model apartment Building 19, Apt. 23F on June 6, 2023. RESULTS: This unit operates in our current environment without any issues observed thus far. The Maintenance team will contnue to monitor and do all necessary testng to complete this phase. The Maintenance team antcipates that the unit will be monitored through September 2023.

• The Maintenance team contnues to monitor the apartment once a week. Thus far, the apartment temperature has been maintained around seventy degrees with only one unit operatng. There were no leaks from the unit. This is a one-bedroom apartment.

• Phase 1 completed. Will monitor the heatng through the winter. Unit performed well in our current environment during the cooling season.

PHASE 2 – Order a larger unit (12,000 BTUs) from vendor that will include dual shut of valves, water leak sensors and a larger/deeper condensate tray. This unit will be installed in the model apartment and will be monitored by the Maintenance team to ensure it fts and operates in our current environment, and performs all its features. The Maintenance team will monitor the unit for the winter season through March 2024. Test tme for this phase is estmated at 6 to 8 months.

A sample product was installed in Secton 1 Maintenance Ofce to observe the features for evaluatng the functonality. The company is working on a dashboard that will support the operaton of the unit.

Kelvin Systems, Inc. presented it to Riverbay Management team on Friday, June 30, 2023. The presentaton provided an overview of a radiator monitor and the proposed retrofts which include replacing the current toggle switch with a GFCI outlet, installing a foat switch that is to be placed in the condensate drip tray to send an alert when the drip tray level rises, and a radiator sensor that will monitor the convector coil temperature and report informaton to a Cloud dashboard and database. Management plans to purchase fve (5) radiator monitors at a cost of $400/unit ($2,000) which will be installed in apartments and will be monitored by the Maintenance team for performance.

• The device is currently being evaluated in apartments. Management is working with shareholders to identfy additonal apartments to test the device. This device could provide reportng/alarm benefts.

• 4 units have been installed. Kelvin is arranging to install 3 more units, two (2) of which were free of charge.

• Maintenance will contnue to be evaluated as issues arose with connectvity and were resolved by the vendor.

• This system does not have a leak detecton device. Some issues came up during testng with connectvity and the unit was not responding. The vendor is addressing this mater.

Co-op Times Thanksgiving Deadline Notice

Riverbay’s administrative offces will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, respectively, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Because of the holiday shortened work week, all community organizations must submit their club articles before 9 a.m. this Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Material received after this time will only be considered as space allows for publication in the Saturday, Nov. 30th issue of the Co-op City Times Directors’ viewpoints are also due before 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Submission should be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

We wish our readers a memorable and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

• The 12,000 BTU unit is currently in transit to Riverbay at no cost. This unit will come complete with two 3-way motorized Belimo valves to shut of water to the coil in the event of a leak or break. This unit will be installed in the living room of the 3-bedroom model apartment in Building 34 in Secton 5 and monitored in our current environment for the upcoming heatng season.

• The unit was received with two motorized shutof valves and a water detecton device. It is currently being installed in the 3-bedroom model apartment (living room - 34/32E). Installaton will be completed by the week ending 10/14/23. This will be monitored weekly to ensure it operates correctly in our current environment.

• The Maintenance department is monitoring the units, and they are performing as expected. No leaks have been detected.

• Winter monitoring is proceeding as planned, with adequate temperatures measured in the apartments using only living room units. Measurements were taken on 1/18/24 with outside temperatures 28 degrees, room temperatures were as follows:

• 19/23F temperature was 73 degrees and 35/32E temperature was 69 degrees.

PHASE 3 – Based on the data collected from phase 1 and phase 2, the Maintenance team will meet with the Engineering team and will design a unit that would meet any additonal requirements needed. The goal is to build a unit for our current environment with sofware and performance for Co-op City’s high-rise buildings. This unit will be designed to save energy and provide the same comfort, eliminate localized condensate leaks, and coil failure leaks. Management will also explore if there is government funding available for this type of large-scale program. Time for this phase is to be determined.

PHASE 4 – Designed unit completed and ready for ordering when all requirements are met. Management will examine historical data to determine a line of living rooms that have had multple leaks in a building for units to be installed. The labor needed for installatons will be assessed and determined during this phase. The Maintenance team will monitor units installed in apartments beginning with a cooling season in the current environment for performance. The test tme for this phase is to be determined.

PHASE 5 – Roll out a larger scale install throughout the campus. This will involve preparing a RFP to obtain optons and prices to furnish and install units in various quanttes. The installaton of the new units is projected to reduce convector leaks, foor repairs, and asbestos abatement. There will also be increased comfort in the apartments along with cost savings on energy. Time for this phase is to be determined.

• This unit contnues to perform well in the current environment. Management will be exploring additonal features in the unit that would maximize its performance.

Report continues on page 12)

Ultra-Thin Hydronic Fan Coil Unit

3. Aqua Solanor, Inc.

Report –––––– (Continued from page 11)

4. Artic Heat Pumps

The vendor will provide a 12,000 BTU convector like the one being evaluated at no cost to Riverbay. We will assess this unit in our current environment to make sure it performs all its features.

• The unit was installed in the Maintenance Shop and is being monitored.

• Unit is performing well in the current environment, but it does not

5. Gil Bar

pected delivery is within a month.

tenance department.

• Unit is performing well in the current environment, but it does not

6. Verano $65,000.00

Slim Fan Coil (Units currently being installed at Rochdale Village)

installed in occupied apartments and the Maintenance department will conduct ongoing monitoring of the units. will measure and make all arrangements for the units to be installed.

• With consensus from the Board Directors, Management is preparing a contract with the vendor to install thirty-two units in the living rooms of end of the month. The units will be installed in Building 14 on the “B” line. one week.

will monitor units in our current environment during the cooling season and under our current environment. They are performing well; Management will

ment. No defects have been detected.

Management Report

–––––– (Continued from page 12)

RIVERBAY CORPORATION FISCAL

YEAR 24/25 BUDGET OVERVIEW

The budget summary (see page 15) gives a snapshot of Riverbay Corporation’s Budget vs. Actual performance for Fiscal Year 24/25 for period beginning April 01, 2024, and ending September 30, 2024.

INCOME

At the end of September 2024, actual carrying charges were slightly greater than anticipated by 4.2% or $4.6 million. Other income was less than anticipated by 7% or $1.916 million.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

Departmental Expenses:

Total departmental expenditures, which includes salaries, fringe benefts and other expenses associated with the day-today departmental activities involved with providing direct and indirect services to the shareholders, were down 5% or $ 3.75 million.

Vacant positions in several departments, especially the Public Safety department, continue to contribute to the positive variances in the departments. Although some departments reported positive budget variances in payroll, there were some negative budget variances in the operating budgets. Below are few examples of these variances:

• Power Plant is $986,000 over budget due mostly to unforeseen expenses associated with the Ric Wil underground piping and front-loaded chemical treatment costs.

• Construction is $40,000 over budget due to an increase in cost for Roof Repairs.

• Extermination is $57,000 over budget due to exterminating supplies.

• Automotive Services is $42,000 over budget due primarily to increased vehicle maintenance costs.

• Maintenance is $376,000 over budget due primarily to increased plumbing supplies, doors, and convector parts.

• Safety is $72,000 over budget due to increased environmental remediation costs.

• Grounds if $15,000 over budget due to purchases of supplies and equipment costs. (Seasonality purchasing)

• Computer Services Department reported a negative (114.3%) budget variance of $1.1 million for June 2024. As explained (Management Report continues on page 15)

Director

’s Viewpoint Daryl Johnson Assistance From NYC is Available

Assistance From NYC is Available

Unfortunately, some of our cooperators are having trouble living here for a variety of reasons. So, I want to make sure that our cooperators are receiving good information to help them with their situations.

Tough Times – Don’t Give Up

Currently, some of our cooperators are in Housing Court for several reasons. So, let’s review some of the cases. Then, let’s see if there are programs that are sponsored by NYC that can help them. To start, we’re dealing with 248 cases that involve nonpayment of carrying charges. Similarly, we have 23 court cases that involve stipulations.

At times, employees might face some serious employment issues. For example, a lot of people went to some of the best schools to get their credentials to work in the technology industry. Then, they joined several tech companies. Next, it was not unusual for these employees to work a tremendous number of hours every week.

So, how did some of these tech companies reward these employees? Well, according to a published report, they laid off 124,000 workers during this year. Now, you might think that some of these companies may have suffered tremendous losses. Right? Well, not really. Some of these companies actually made a lot of money because of the efforts of those employees. But, then, those companies had to deal with strong investors and stock prices. Thereafter, those company ofﬁcials had to reduce their workforce.

Now, let’s look at just a few other companies that have recently announced some layoffs: Amazon –14,000; Boeing – 17,000; CVS – 2,900; Verizon Communications – 4,800; and Visa – 1,400. Also, Microsoft’s net worth is over $3 trillion. However, they announced in June 2024 that they will lay off 1,500 employees. Now, I can go on and on. But, as you can see, a lot of folks are hurting right now.

However, NYC has a lot of good programs that can help our cooperators. For instance, NYC’s website states that the Department of Social Services

Gallery –––

(Continued from page 10)

and the Human Resources Administration “has helped more than 150,000 New Yorkers secure housing … including remaining in their homes and avoiding eviction. … The site continues that these programs “can help you connect to rental assistance programs. …”

Bottom line: Some folks might be too proud to even think about getting assistance from NYC. But, life can be rough if you don’t have a job and you’re facing an eviction. So, please consider changing your thoughts about getting ﬁnancial assistance from NYC. Also, please understand that you along with everyone else have contributed their tax dollars to operate these programs. Therefore, you helped out NYC. So, don’t you think that it’s fair for NYC to help you? Of course! Also, you need to know that there are people in our community that care about you and your family. So, please pick up your phone and call 311 so that you can receive information about their programs.

Legal Holdover Cases

Unfortunately, some of our cooperators have exhibited intolerable behaviors here. Thereafter, Riverbay had to take legal action for an eviction against them. And, now, we currently have 95 holdover cases in Housing Court for a variety of reasons. Typically, a lot of information isn’t published in the Co-op City Times about some incidents that have occurred between some cooperators. So, let’s take a brief look at what goes on in a small number of cases here.

For instance, one case was so bad that the allegations would probably disturb your inner peace for the rest of the day. And, shockingly, the cooperator’s actions in front of her neighbor’s door were allegedly captured on a door camera. So, that case is in the hands of our Public Safety department and our Legal department.

There are several cases of neighbors arguing in a terrible way with each other. Then, some of those cases escalated to threats of violence—in the hallway. So, Public Safety had to be called. Also, there are still a lot of complaints about excessive noise in some apartments. Example, during October 2024,

orated the complaint stating that she found out the students are from the Education Park elementary school and come into the building after school dismissal.

“They bombard the elevators, they ride up to whatever ﬂoors they decide to attack at the beginning of the day, they get off, they bang on the doors, they kick on the doors, they throw things at the doors. And now her door, which is next door to mine, … her door does not lock securely,” said Ms. Purnell. “The ﬁrst time she reported, and she has been calling Public Safety. First time she reported it, they told her it was her responsibility. She rang my bell. I told her it was not her responsibility. I did report it. I reported it today outside, they spoke with her. They’re going to come now to see about getting her a new lock. But now the whole door’s out of line. The door does not lock securely. That is not the way that we’re supposed to be living in Co-op City.”

The two shareholders said that they spoke with CCPD’s Interim Captain Frank Torres and with Maintenance during the pre-meeting session with Riverbay departments and a locksmith and maintenance were to respond to see if the lock can be replaced and the condition of the door frame.

“The door is coming apart,” said Ms. Purnell. “But at the same time, these kids come in every day. They do not live in our buildings. They do not live in Co-op. And they come from basically the elementary school.”

Executive General Manager Walton advised the community that other similar complaints have been received and CCPD is putting together special patrols at designated times to address the situation.

Shareholder Cheryl Martin used her time to let the community know about her experience with her Verizon phone service. She said oftentimes her home line has static, forcing her to shout or to resort to her cell phone. She said sometimes there’s no ring tone when calls are coming in yet someone else picks up the phone identifying themselves from either from a medical alert equipment or pest control company.

Board President Saunders sympathized with Ms. Martin about the poor service she is experiencing but pointed out that since Riverbay does not own or control Verizon’s service, the matter would have to be addressed with Verizon. Nevertheless, he said that he would speak with someone at Riverbay to see how or to what extent there may be anything to Riverbay can do to have Verizon settle the matter.

Ms. Martin implored anyone else with the same issues to speak up and let Riverbay know.

Director Kevin Lambright shared that he has done installation work for both

238 calls were made to Public Safety because of noise allegations. Then, after conﬁrmation, our ofﬁcers issued 19 community complaints to some of our cooperators.

Bottom line: We need to treat our neighbors in a better way. To start, don’t make a lot of noise in your apartment. Can you, at least, say hello to your neighbors? Then, of course, always show kindness to your neighbors.

Example: Would you ever call Public Safety if you knew that someone was breaking into your neighbor’s apartment? On the other hand, would you want your neighbors to call Public Safety if someone was breaking into your apartment? So, please consider these points. Then, please make a goal to treat your neighbors in a better way. Thank you.

Please call 311 if you need assistance with paying your carrying charges. Also, please ask the operator about other services that NYC offers. For instance, they have several food and other programs that can really help you and your family.

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.

companies Ms. Martin mentioned, Optimum and Verizon.

“Here in Co-op City, in the basement of every building, is where a lot of those connections are,” said Director Lambright. “Riverbay is not allowed to touch that box. Neither is Optimum. That’s Verizon’s box. So Verizon is responsible for doing any repairs or anything that has to do with wiring. The problem is Verizon doesn’t want to do that kind of work anymore. They want everybody to sign up with their broadband and use telephone that way. So, it is their responsibility. Riverbay is not allowed to touch those boxes. It does not belong to Riverbay.”

Speaking on her own behalf this time, Ms. Purnell returned to the mic to speak about two quality of life issues. The ﬁrst, the safety issue raised earlier in the evening by Ms. Feliciano about students coming into their building and acting out after school, which concerns many seniors such as herself. “We cannot stay in the house after two o’clock in the afternoon until these little ‘darlings’ go home, okay?” she said. “I realize that Co-op City is short-staffed with the police department. I do respect that, but you do need to see if there’s something else that can be done to protect the people who live here.”

Secondly, Ms. Purnell said that at her building association meeting held the previous night, the issue of dogs came up and she was looking for clariﬁcation.

“Our contract between Riverbay and the shareholder says that we can have service dogs, if I’m not mistaken,” said Ms. Purnell. “So now that we have this inﬂux of the kennel club, they are all reporting to be service dogs, which we know they’re not, but you cannot do anything about them because of the way the agreement is written. Is there such a thing as a one-page addendum that can be made or added to our writing that says there are just no pets. If you have no pets, then does that allow Riverbay to go after the different types of dogs to have more control over what kinds of dogs and the dogs that you have and how many dogs you have? Is that correct?”

Board President Saunders conﬁrmed that the occupancy agreement says that Coop City is a no-pet community. He then invited Riverbay General Counsel Jeff Buss to expound.

Mr. Buss said that the controlling legal issue is set by federal and state law which trump the Riverbay occupancy agreement. Therefore, changing the language to say “pets” which is what the agreement currently says, or “dogs” or “service animals” would not help address the issue. He explained that under various federal laws and (Continues on page 25)

Management Report

–– (Continued from page 13)

in last month’s report, the Department was over budget due to invoices totaling approximately $495,000 for furniture and equipment that had been encumbered in August 2023. SHI International billed these invoices and remain as open purchase orders. To date, these invoices have not been paid due to ongoing negotiations between Riverbay and SHI International. As long as these purchase orders remain open, the Department will continue to show this negative variance.

• Asbestos and flooring materials costs continue to be below budget.

Corporate Expenses:

Corporate expenditures are over budget 16% or $7.4 million due mostly to 2024/25 accrued water costs.

Debt Service & Fees:

Debt service & fees were under budget by 0.3% or $61,000 due to greater than expected replacement reserve fees and mortgage insurance premiums required payments.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

Overall, the grand total actual expenses of $143,484,000 which include departmental, corporate and debt service were greater than anticipated against the grand total actual income of $140,040,000 which yielded a deficit of $(3,444,000) Also, the year-to-date budget for grand total expenses was $139,678,000 which was more than anticipated when compared to the year-to-date budget grand total revenue of $137,547,000 which yielded a negative variance of $(2,132,000).

Photo Packages Available

Bring the little ones for a special visit with Santa. Receive two FREE gifts when booking online. LEVEL 3, IN THE MALL

UNWRAP YOUR BEST HOLIDAY AT THE MALL AT BAY PLAZA

NEW YORK CITY’S LARGEST SHOPPING DESTINATION WITH OVER 150 STORES AND RESTAURANTS

Building 28 Association

On Saturday, November 16, Building 28 Association had an amazing turnout for the meet and greet potluck/turkey raffe (pictured at left). We had food, music, refreshments and amazing desserts. I am so proud of our building. Congratulations to our Turkey winners. Lawyer, Brenda, Dora, Jennifer, Maria, Harriett and Esther! Thank you to all who helped and contributed! Thank you also to all the shareholders who bought a ticket and made a dish. It was a village effort, especially behind the scenes. Rosie, Bobby, Nadine, Kimberly, Nydia (you get me) Brenda Bonner and Brenda Brown. Thanks to Tanya’s mom, Tanya Cruz-Cooke, Aaron Carnegie and Jasmin for checking in to see how we were doing! If anyone is interested for the holiday package, please reach out to us at building28association@gmail.com. We need foor captains and volunteers! Let’s do it!!!

––Idalia Reyes

Velocity Track Club

On Sunday, November 17, Velocity Track Club New York had two athletes compete in the USATF Region 1 XC Championship at Ocean Breeze Facility in Staten Island (pictured at right). USATF Region 1 consists of athletes from Adirondack, Connecticut, Long Island, Maine, New England and New York. All athletes had to qualify for the USATF Region 1 Championship at their association championship. Therefore, most of the best athletes from the region were in attendance!

The top 30 individuals and top fve teams in each age division received lovely medals and advanced to the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships at Shebyville, IN. Velocity was blessed with one medal thanks to Ezmerelis, who also punched her ticket to the USATF National Junior Olympic Championship by fnishing in 15th place in the 9/10 Girls age division. Winter (eight and under age division) made great progress in her frst season competing in track and feld. To advance to the USATF Region 1 Championship with only three months of training is a great accomplishment. Both Ezmerelis and Winter both broke their PR (personal record) at the meet. Great job, ladies!

Our next meets are at the Foot Locker XC Meet in Boston and Armory Youth Invitational at the Armory on Fort Washington Ave. in NYC on Saturday, November 30.

—Coach Winston Dinkins

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Letter to a Caregiver

Thank you. These are two words you may not hear often enough.

Dear son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, partner, or relative,

When was the last time someone asked you how you felt? Does anyone really care about you? Does it bother you that people walk up to you, hug and kiss you, and then say it was for me (care recipient)? I know that it is not easy to look at me and imagine that there was a time when I once took care of you. I know that there are times when I can be diffcult, but this is how I deal with my losses. I often think about the good times in my life and may even speak them out loud; this is my attempt to hold on to the way I used to be.

I may not be able to speak; I may not be able to see or even recognize you at times. But believe me, I can feel the love, compassion, kindness and patience you constantly and unselfshly give me. You are not easily angered and have never kept an account of wrongdoings. You have been there to protect me and keep me from harm. I want you to know that it is you that gives me hope. I can trust you and know your love will never fail me.

I care about you. I appreciate all you do. I love you with all my heart. You are so very special to me; you are a gift from God. It would give me great joy to know that you take care of yourself just as well as you take care of me. I will be okay. Take time out for yourself. Treat yourself to something special; smell the fowers, watch the sunset, listen to the birds sing, and do not be afraid to ask for help. I know that you are doing the best you can, and you are doing a great job. I just wanted to tell you that I love you and thank you for taking such good care of me.

Diane Cooper

Resolutions ––– (Continued from page 6)

First Reading - Resolution #24-68

SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson

SECONDED BY: Jacqueline Smith

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, the Procurement department solicited eight qualifed vendors to submit bids for the Distribution of the Co-op City Times; and WHEREAS, one (1) proposal was received and reviewed in detail by the Project Manager; and

WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends REB Distribution Corp. as the lowest responsible bidder (recommendation attached); and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any confict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract # 4115 with REB Distribution Corp. for a not to exceed total of $177,000.00 plus tax over 2-years be approved by the Board as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

Lease Resolution #24-58

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, E Afful Wellness Care has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 140 Casals Place, Unit B, Bronx, New York, to be used as a medical offce; and WHEREAS, the term of the lease is fve years with one fve-year renewal option with a 4 month rent concession and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 140 Casals Place, Unit B, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and E Afful Wellness Care, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s management is hereby approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White, Wright ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Lease Resolution #24-59

SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson

SECONDED BY: Kyshawn White

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Irfan Mohammed has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 2043B Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York, to be used as a Verizon wireless and related services; and

WHEREAS, the term of the lease is fve years with one fve-year renewal option with a 3 month rent concession and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 2043B Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Irfan Mohammed, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s Management is hereby approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White

ABSTAIN: Wright

ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Lease Resolution #24-60

SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Peterson SECONDED BY: Kyshawn White BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Manny Deli Corp. d/b/a Capri IV Deli has requested a lease from Riverbay Corporation for the premises at 2073 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York, to be used as a Deli; and

WHEREAS, the term of the lease is fve years with one fve-year renewal option and annual rental rates are within the provisions of Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lease agreement for the premises at 2073 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York, by and between Riverbay Corporation, Owner, and Manny Deli Corp. d/b/a Capri IV Deli, Tenant, containing the terms as negotiated by Riverbay Corporation’s Management is hereby approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 as amended by Resolution #95-44; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is authorized to sign the lease agreement and related documents on behalf of Riverbay Corporation.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White, Wright

ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Amended Insurance Resolution #24-63

SUBMITTED BY: Monique Coleman SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay provides medical and dental insurance to Local 153, Management, and PBA employees and the present medical and dental insurance for such employees ends December 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Management has reviewed all quotations in collaboration with our broker and is pleased to report that we were able to successfully negotiate key improvements:

• Medical Coverage Rates: A 5% reduction in renewal rates, resulting in a total premium reduction of $258,800.

• Additional Benefts: Cigna has agreed to continue to provide a wellness fund to Riverbay and has confrmed that there will be no disruption to employees in terms of doctor access or pre-approved prescription drugs.

• Dental Coverage Rates: A 7% increase in renewal rates, resulting in a total premium increase of $11,567.04. There will be no disruption to employees.

WHEREAS, Management has reviewed all quotations with our broker and recommends renewing the present medical and dental insurance with CIGNA Insurance. Medical coverage will provide a 5% decrease and dental insurance will be a 7% increase of the renewal rate for the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the funding for the HRA claim funding will be maintained at the current level: and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any confict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: In accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16, as amended by Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19, Management recommends approval of the proposed medical and dental insurance renewal with Cigna, with a 5% reduction in medical rate and a 7% increase in dental rate from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White, Wright NO: Cylich

ABSENT: Graham PASSED

See page 20 for more Resolutions

Co-op City Times Photo Submission Guidelines

When submitting club articles with pictures to the Co-op City Times, please DO NOT EMBED picture/s in your Word document or your email text. Send the picture/s as a HIGH RESOLUTION 300 DPI ATTACHMENT for proper print reproduction. If emailing images directly from your phone, select “Actual Size.” All submissions must be emailed to: cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. Thank you for your cooperation.

Insurance Resolution #24-61

SUBMITTED BY: Monique Coleman

SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Pollution Liability Policy is presently with Ironshore Surplus Lines Insurance Company, for a limit of $25,000,000 per occurrence/$25,000,000 aggregate with a $250,000 deductible, at an expiring annual policy premium of $523,091.94 inclusive of terrorism, surplus lines taxes and fees for the policy period 12/1/23 to 12/1/24; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Elliman’s (DE) Director of Risk Management evaluated various brokers to compete against the incumbent pollution liability broker, NFP Property & Casualty Services, Inc. (NFP). HUB International Limited (HUB) was selected by DE to market and solicit a competing pollution insurance carrier premium quote. Unfortunately, no insurance carrier was willing to entertain HUB with a quote competitive with the expiring pollution policy premium; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Risk Management now recommends renewing the Pollution Liability Policy with Ironshore Surplus Lines Insurance Company (see attached handout) for a limit of $25,000,000 per occurrence/$25,000,000 aggregate with a $250,000 deductible, for an annual renewal premium of $514,008.63 (a 1.74% decrease) inclusive of terrorism, surplus lines taxes and fees for the policy period 12/1/24 to 12/1/25.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves placing the Pollution Liability Policy with Ironshore Surplus Lines Insurance Company for an annual renewal premium of $514,008.63 for the policy period 12/1/24 to 12/1/25.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White, Wright ABSENT: Graham

Insurance Resolution #24-65

SUBMITTED BY: Monique Coleman

SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay provides Life, Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance to Local 153, Local 282, Management, and PBA employees and the present Life, Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for such employees ends December 31, 2024; and WHEREAS, Management has reviewed the quotation in collaboration with our broker and recommends extending the current Life, Long Term Disability (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance with New York Life Group Beneﬁt for the period January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. We are pleased to conﬁrm that there will be no increase premium during this time, and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conﬂict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: In accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16, as amended by Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19, Management recommends approval of the proposed Life, LTD and AD&D insurance extension with NYL, with no increase to the renewal rate for coverage from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Watson, White

ABSTAIN: Smith, Wright

ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Insurance Resolution #24-64

SUBMITTED BY: Monique Coleman

SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: November 20, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay provides vision insurance to Local 153, Management, and PBA employees and the present vision insurance for such employees ends December 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Management has reviewed the quotation in collaboration with our broker and recommends renewing the current vision insurance plan with EyeMed for the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. We are pleased to conﬁrm that there will be no increase to the renewal rate for coverage during this time, and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conﬂict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: In accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16, as amended by Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19, Management recommends approval of the proposed vision insurance renewal with EyeMed, with no increase to the renewal rate for coverage from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Saunders, Smith, Watson, White, Wright

ABSENT: Graham PASSED

Broun Place Townhouse AssociationNational Council of Negro Women

Good day, Broun Place neighbors. Wishing all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Our neighbors have begun decorating for the December holidays. The Association will be taking photos of your holiday decorations and sharing joy. We love feeling the holiday spirit and sent a photo in for this week (at left)

The news is the Garage 6 front elevator is repaired. Residents can resume using the front elevator. Bravo for that news.

Yesterday, an audience of about a hundred enjoyed the Bardekova Ensemble in Rm. 31 at the Bartow Community Center. Thanks to all who provided and set up this concert. It was impressive. The members were truly reed instrument virtuosos. The program carried you through some Baroque music all the way to twentieth century music. We need more cultural opportunities for cooperators. But, the listening and viewing experience would be better if the group were centrally located in the room, with the seating around the group in a semi-circle, not chair on chair in a rectangle.

Back to community issues, the e-Bike situation is out of hand. Too many are just left anywhere. There needs to be a meeting of concerned folks, companies and public safety administrators to oversee and create regulations. We thank Public Safety again for coming to our rescue and moving an e-Bike to the garbage dumpster pad where it was not an obstacle to pedestrians or folks using a motorized wheelchair. This help is appreciated. Something needs to be done to protect residents from the hazards of these bikes.

Use water sparingly. Perhaps by this writing, our weather will have included a couple days of showers, it is in the forecast. There are ways to economize your use of water. Watch the amount of water you use to clean your dishes and clothes. Perhaps fushing the toilet should be monitored too.

Surprise. Yesterday, we discovered the path at the bottom of the Broun Place cluster, near the Greenway, is now blocked off. This is on the opposite side of the area leading to Adler that had been blocked off for a year. Is this a new pipe-break underground, as there is ground water on the paths bordering the Greenway?

We urge you to patronize the Dreiser Loop and Bartow stores. They look forward to your patronage. Before you spend extra on travel, walk and browse our centers, shop around.

Our association hopes everyone received their issue of the Co-op City Times Call the following number to report non-delivery, 1-407-666-8317. Call on Saturdays only from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Recycling bins are at the garages. Garage #6 has a bin at the front and rear. Recycle your gently used things. It helps you and those who need it. Recently, we even saw a pick-up truck emptying the bin.

Dog owners please keep your dogs quiet and clean up behind them. To report a problem, CCPD phone number is 1-718-671-3050.

The new black pedestrian garbage pails look great. We appreciate them and hope they last as long as the red ones.

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Building 13 Association

This article is being printed a few days before one of the favorite holidays of the year, Thanksgiving. I do not think I am alone when I say there is much to be thankful for as another year comes closer to being over. As the story goes, the friendly Native American Wampanoag people taught the struggling colonists, English colonists known as Pilgrims, how to survive in what the Europeans called the New World. Everyone got together to celebrate with a feast in 1621. The tradition of breaking bread together has continued over several hundred years. In our community, we at Co-op City have a reputation of interaction, fellowship, care, concern and overall cultural enlightenment and sensitivity, and for that privilege of living here, I am thankful. Happy feasting.

NCNW National – Our national body distributed a “NCNW 2024 Post Election Survey” to all fnancial members of NCNW. While participation in this survey is highly valued, it is voluntary. NCNW promised to fully protect our anonymity and the confdentiality of our responses within the limits of the law. They promised that our valuable insights will inform our efforts to strengthen democracy and empower voters. There were just a handful of general questions about what was important to us in this election and they promised that our responses are private and confdential.

NCNW Co-op City Section – Our Health Committees’ Sisterhood Saturday Walks (pictured at left) will be ending until the spring on Saturday, November 30. These group Saturday morning walks from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the greenway close to 177 Dreiser Loop are a shared mission of health, unity and Black girl power. Walking more is one of the simplest and most effective exercises that we can do for our health’s sake, and it’s so much more fun in a group. We will resume our Saturday Walks in the spring. November is diabetes awareness month (cont’d) – Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes and other health problems. You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese, are age 35 or older, have a family history of diabetes, are African American, Native American, Asian American, Latino or Pacifc Islander, are not physically active, or have prediabetes. Managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes related health problems. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs. A is for the A1C test that health care professionals use to measure your average blood sugar level. B is for blood pressure. C is for cholesterol. Ask your health care team what your ABC goal should be. Lifestyle habits such as planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep and not smoking may help you manage your diabetes. Remember to take your medication that may be prescribed even if you feel healthy. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight. Diabetes medicines, devices, and offce visits can be expensive. A social worker or a member of your health care team may be able to help you fnd community resources or fnancial help for diabetes care. Happy Thanksgiving! – Since 2024 is a leap year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the last possible date: Thursday, November 28. This won’t happen again until 2030. Enjoy your celebrations!

Social Media – Remember you can fnd us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: “NCNW Co-op City” and email: ncnwco. opcity@gmail.com

—Joyce Howard

Congratulations to Nelly Rodriguez (pictured at right) who was the winner of our free turkey raffe for members attending the monthly meeting. Also, congratulations to Charlene Johnson who was the winner of the 50/50 raffe. We want to thank all who volunteered to help decorate, participate in collections and discuss our holiday party. We hope to have the dates for both posted in a few days. The date set for our “After and Before Party” is Saturday, December 28. For those new to Building 13, we try to be respectful of other commitments so our party is after Christmas but before the New Year. We have voted to cater our event but will probably ask for donations of desserts.

Our last building meeting served as both the November and December meeting combined. Again, we thank Director of Restoration Edgar Perez and Assistant Director of Maintenance Toma Kastrati for attending and taking information from shareholders to address some concerns and/or to help move the work process along. Additionally, an area that was not well lit was addressed by Maintenance the very next day. Cooperators also received an update about the convector pilot ongoing in Building 14-B line, which was info that was shared previously by Management in the Co-op City Times Emergency Preparedness – There is one more NYS Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness readiness session in the Bronx scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 2 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. Registration is required to attend the event. To register, visit www.prepare.ny.gov or go online and enter Citizen Preparedness Training. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit

It’s Happening at Truman: Assistant Principal Brian Artzt with the Bronx Health Sciences High School will be having their fnal open house date on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. They are located on the third foor. They also offered in-person private tours from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. Just call to schedule a tour: (718) 904-5450, ext. 63662.

“It is 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 718-3201370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, Fall is here and unfortunately wildfre has come our way. Let us all be very careful.

MetroCard Bus – The MetroCard bus is scheduled to be at Einstein Loop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on December 30.

Cooperation – I take this opportunity to thank Building 27 President Aaron Carnegie in offering his concern and help. I thank him for writing the November 16 article. All appropriate thanks were given to our dedicated cooperators in celebrating Halloween.

Happy Thanksgiving – May there be bountiful reasons to be thankful and grateful.

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; she is excellent at sharing goodwill. Also, notify her of any illness, or if a neighbor has become 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

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 four to six clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. We will not place food in black bags because they pose a safety hazard. 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 Thursdays from 11a.m.-1 p.m. The groceries are supplied by and distributed by Black Forum. Religious affliation is not required. Masks are a must!

NOTE: Because of budget limitations, only guests living in zip codes 10475 and 10465 will receive service, although 10465 guests can only get a one-shot package of groceries. Also, new client registration and re-certifcation for returning guests into the pantry program is currently closed.

New client registration and re-certifcation for returners

The Black Forum Food Pantry will reopen for registration and recertifcation in January 2025 for 10475 residents. All current pantry guests must recertify to continue receiving food assistance. Additionally, guests who have never registered or previously registered but did not recertify in 2024 are eligible to sign up.

To register or recertify, individuals must be 18 years or older and present a valid NYC ID (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s License, or NY State Non-Driver’s License. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identifcation, and Access-A-Ride identifcation are not accepted. All household members must be present with valid identifcation and reside within the 10475 zip code. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the offce.

Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 should register or recertify at 920 Baychester Avenue. Section 5 residents should go to 2350 Palmer Avenue.

Guests should bring clean shopping bags and a sturdy shopping cart when registering/recertifying. Offce Closure

The 920 Baychester location will be closed on November 28th and 29th. Guests who were scheduled to pick up food on these dates were instructed in the last publication to come on November 21st or 22nd. If you were unable to pick up your monthly package on those dates, you are welcome to visit us again when we reopen on December 5th at 11 a.m. Guests can also visit after December 5. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com

—D. Illis

Building 26 Association

Thankfulness and Community: A Season of Gratitude and Giving

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives and for me, one stands out above all – our incredible community and the neighbors who make it truly special. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the joy of meeting more and more residents, all with a shared passion for service and involvement in our neighborhood. It’s a beautiful and heartwarming feeling to see this collective spirit come alive.

With that in mind, I am excited to invite everyone to our next general meeting on Tuesday, November 26, at 7 p.m. Join us as we share updates, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in a 50/50 raffe. This meeting will feature a guest speaker, Aaron Carnegie, who will provide valuable insights on the convector project and the online affdavit system program, detailing what we can expect moving forward. Your presence and engagement are vital as we continue to grow stronger together.

As we move into the holiday season, there are many ways we can all contribute to spreading joy. One major initiative this year is our Toy Drive, which will help make the holidays brighter for the children in our community.

If you’d like to donate to the Toy Drive, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to our general meeting or scan the QR code at right to access our Amazon Toy Drive Wish List. We will be accepting donations until December 11, so don’t hesitate to share the code with friends and family. Let’s spread holiday magic far and wide this year!

In addition, we are excited to announce Photos with Santa, a delightful event that was a hit during last year’s tree lighting. This year, we’re hosting it in advance on December 7, so families can have a special, dedicated experience. Spots are flling up quickly, so be sure to register soon (use QR Code at left) to reserve your place!

Lastly, we invite everyone to join us for our second annual “Light It Up” Tree Lighting Event on December 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Einstein. This event will feature a mini concert, delicious treats, and the warmth of our community coming together to kick off the holiday season. If you’re interested in volunteering or performing at the event, please reach out to us via the contact information below.

This season is a reminder of the strength we draw from each other and the incredible things we can achieve when we come together. Let’s continue to build on this spirit of unity, support, and gratitude. I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming events as we celebrate the joy of giving and the beauty of community.

Happy Thanksgiving! Email us at: CoopCityTA26@gmail.com

—Tanya Cruz-Cooke

Section Five Association

Hello, neighbors.

No meeting will be held in November 2024.

Halloween Event – We thank all buildings that participated in bringing joy to the children by providing candies and goodies. There were plenty of photos in color of the children’s costumes. We thank the Co-op City Times.

Building 33 Association

Good day, shareholders, We hope everything is going well and that you are prepared for turkey day! There has been a lot happening, and the collection of building dues has been delayed. By the time this article is published, we should have collected dues for at least two days.

In the meantime, the Building 33 Association hopes you enjoy your Thanksgiving and that everyone has a fun and safe holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving – May the warmth of Thanksgiving fll your home. Give thanks, give cheer, not only on Thanksgiving but all through the year. Building 26 is very active and creative in bringing about events for the community. As we look ahead for the holidays, Photos with Santa will be on December 7, at 10 a.m., at 2420 Hunter Ave., 26B Association room. Registration is available via this QR code, and price is $10; you may call 860-821-0475 for information.

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, is available for information regarding 501c. OMNY Cards will be in effect very soon, and we will look into other options. She is able to offer SCRIE/DRIE assistance, and 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 914-7095395.

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. —Coretta Scott King

––H. Overman

Rivers Run Community Garden

Although the garden is closed to the public until next year, we are still working to update the beds. There will be a work day on December 5, starting at 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in helping to paint and fence beds, please join us.

Our annual holiday party will be held on December 12 at the Dreiser Community Center, Rm. 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Mark your calendars for this event flled with food, music, and fun for all. If you’d like to help with setup or cleanup, please come early.

Sometimes I can’t believe we have been open for 11 years, and some people in Co-op City still haven’t heard of the garden. I just enjoyed the sweet juices of a Co-op City-grown persimmon while thinking about how to spread the word. At $5 a piece in supermarkets (if you can fnd them) I am grateful for the opportunity to taste its deliciousness, because it might not have made it into my cart otherwise. We are so important to our community and the future, and we will work to spread the word that we are here.

Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only grow fruits and vegetables but also grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run Community Garden, located on Co-op City Blvd. next to the baseball feld, is a movement towards improved mental and physical health. We provide all types of workshops, including nutrition, meditation, edible and medicinal wilds identifcation, planting, construction, and crafting. We are the outdoor classroom for local schools, daycares, residents, and neighbors. We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us.

Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a waiting list for beds. Members who actively fulfll the 20 hours of volunteer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801.

—Gail Sharbaan

Remember to check on your elderly neighbors, as the holiday season can be particularly challenging for them.

For anyone who is going through a tough time, we are keeping you in our prayers.

Shareholders with dogs, please ensure that you clean up after them and train them not to urinate on the pillars beneath the building. Additionally, keep the compactor rooms, laundry area and elevators clean.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Take care and walk good.

––Andrea D. Mayo

The NAACP marches to defend democracy and combat racism and discrimination in communities across the country. We meet on the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. The NAACP Co-op City Branch offce hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The NAACP is non-partisan, not endorsing a candidate nor party, but the organization is political and wants people to know how to navigate the process. Our next meeting will be held on November 24, in the Einstein Offce, at 3 p.m. Come and break bread with us as we give thanks and plan for the future.

The branch election was held on November 12. Ballots were emailed to eligible voters by the NAACP National Offce. Congratulations to the incoming NAACP offcers: President: Leslie Peterson, 1st Vice President: Tracy Edwards-Overton, 2nd Vice President: Tremaine O’Garro, Secretary: Brenda Brown, Assistant Secretary: Terry Gavin, Treasurer: Anika Green-Watson, Assistant Treasurer: Jewel Crawford-Duncan.

Back to Civics Workshop: Thank you to all who attend the Civic Engagement Workshops. The date for the next workshop, TBA. Members will decide if we should postpone the December workshop and move it to January 2025. Kudos also are extended to our facilitator, Civic Engagement Chair Felix Omozusi. He has been doing a fantastic job keeping us informed and engaged. The workshops are held at the NAACP offce located in the Einstein Center, Rm. 36. You don’t have to be a member to attend.

Coming Soon: We are currently making arrangements for upcoming workshops. We will discuss wills and estate planning, as well as fnancial literacy for our youth. Economic equity is crucial to racial equity. An inclusive economy means everyone can contribute and earn with fair access to resources and opportunity. Our youth need to understand the economy as workers and consumers, but also as owners with the same access to resources and chance at success as anyone. Additionally, our legacies need to be protected. When it comes to wills and estates, designating benefciaries and regularly reviewing them is important. Naming benefciaries in your will, life insurance and fnancial accounts is a key part of ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you’re gone. Besides making sure your assets get to the people you choose, planning can help minimize income, gift and estate taxes. We want to extend our condolences to all who have lost a loved one and wish a speedy recovery for those who are on the mend.

Our Membership Campaign is ongoing. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fght for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10; Silver Life, $750. Make check/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36, Bronx, NY 10475. To leave a message, call the offce phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com.

––Leslie Peterson

NAACP

Building 22 A&B Association

We want everyone to please have a healthy and blessed Thanksgiving. It is time to start getting ready for the holidays, decorating, shopping, making travel arrangements and keeping safe. We will start decorating the lobby the week after Thanksgiving. All volunteers are welcome.

Please continue to read the Co-op City Times for all activities.

To show your appreciation for the porters,we will be collecting donations on these dates:

Week #1: Building 22A – Tues., Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.

Building 22B – Fri., Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.

Week #2: Building 22A – Tues., Dec. 10, 6-8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Building 22B – Wed., Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13, 68 p.m.

Dates are posted in the lobby. Please donate. Thank you.

Compactor Rooms: Please keep this room clean; with more cooking and packages, there will be more garbage. Please follow instructions.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please return to get your clothes on time, everyone is busy. Pick up fabric softener sheets, thank you.

Happy birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved ones. Please check on the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. Our blessings to all.

—Betty Leak

Please Refrain From Littering. Keep Co-op City Clean! Thank You!

Building 2 Association

Greetings, neighbors. Happy Saturday to all.

Building 2 Association’s November monthly meeting was on Tuesday, November 12. At this meeting, we were privileged to have guest speaker Diane Cooper RN, M.ED, GNP, AGCM, founder and Executive Director of the Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, Inc. This dynamic and well-informed person shared with us valuable information about being a caregiver and the many alleys that it entails. She successfully opened our awareness and empowered us to air our questions and concerns on this subject. We humbly applaud and thank her for her professional knowledge and time.

Food Pantry – Our next food pantry distributions of produce are scheduled for December 7 and December 21 starting at 11:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Chess Club – Our Checkmate Society group will meet on Wednesday, November 27, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Many thanks to General Manager Dean at PC Richard and Sons for their donation of a TV. This will provide quality chess instruction to children and adults as well.

Event Reminder – On December 5, the 45th Precinct will hold its Community Council Meeting at 3335 Country Club Road, Villa Maria, at 7:00 p.m. Please show a united front and represent for Building 2 Association group. Our next general meeting for the month of December will be held on Tuesday, December 17, with an invited guest. On behalf of our Building 2 cooperators, we wish all the November babies a joyous and blessed happy birthday. And to everyone we wish for a safe and bountiful Thanksgiving.

––Adelina Martinez

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors. I hope when you read this, it fnds you in good standing. The holiday time is here and I am reminding you all to get your updated Flu/Covid/RSV booster shots at your local pharmacy. We look forward to family gatherings flled with happiness, joy and fun times. Let us all be mindful of our neighbors who are by themselves. I invite you to sprinkle some kindness by sharing meals, performing wellness checks and fostering community pride.

I am very pleased to let you know that the Building 6 bylaws were unanimously approved by the entire body of the association.

On Saturday, December 7, we have our Managing Mental Health Workshop facilitated by LCSW Angel Gavilanes from 12-2 p.m. The event is free, so just RSVP by calling president Lassiter. The workshop is being held in the association room located in the back of the rear portico.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 11, in Dreiser, Rm. 1 from 7-9

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

p.m. with special guest speakers Riverbay Interim Deputy General Manager Joshua Blake, Diane Cooper from COME and Mrs. Pat Johnson, vice president of Building 2 Association.

The annual holiday mixer is Saturday, December 21, from 5:30-10 p.m. in Dreiser, Rm. 4; the event is a potluck so please share what you are bringing in advance so there will not be duplicates. You can contact president Lassiter, 347-366-7690, or Vice President Gilliard, 917-613-2520, to make arrangements. Also, remember collections dates for the Building 6 personnel holiday bonuses are Fridays, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 ,in the front lobby.

Neighbors, if you see something, please say something. Call 718-320-3300 and press #1 or call 911. If you experience bouts of depression or any mental health issues during these holiday times, dial 988. The hotline is open 24/7. As always, I pray for safety over all. God speed.

––Lauren K. Lassiter

Building 10 Association

New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.

Tag Sale – The Building 10 Association is looking for new or gently used items for our fundraiser Tag Sale. We will be accepting household items, books, sports equipment, musical instruments and more. The Tag Sale will be held on December 14 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. in the Building 10 Association room located in the rear of 120 Debs Place. Please contact Jeannie at 917-566-7804 or Jewel at 917-488-5237 for more information.

Tip of The Week: Car Theft Prevention – To prevent car theft, always take your keys with you, close and lock all windows and doors, never leave your car while it’s running and never leave anything visible inside your vehicle. Cooperators are urged to report all unusual or suspicious activity to Public Safety (718-671-3050) and the NYPD (911) immediately.

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 notifed 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. “Keep your face towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.”

Have a great week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

some state laws, both mental health and physical health are disabilities. “And so what you’re seeing is a sensitivity to the needs of people who might be depressed or whatever,” said Mr. Buss. “And if they have a medical note or certification saying that they have a condition, they’re allowed to have a dog also.”

Mr. Buss said in the late 1990’s, Riverbay was sued by the federal government on those same issues.

Mr. Buss added: “And every now and then, when efforts are made to enforce the policy more aggressively, the federal government steps in and claims that we’re violating the law. So I think there’s a lot of interest in trying to find a solution. And I’ll say this, if you are here or you’re a resident and you have a dog, you have to clean up after your dog. You have to keep your dog on a leash. You cannot allow your dog to bark incessantly. And you can lose your dog and you can be fined and you can be eventually taken to court if you don’t pay the fines. So there are responsible dog owners here and they have to follow those rules.”

rectors will address laundry room etiquette in their viewpoints published in the Co-op City Times. “There have been some very serious issues about that. It’s sort of a change in the mannerisms, the way things are done in the laundry room, but I think it does need to be addressed. So that’s a quality of life issue that we can talk about.”

Ms. Purnell disclosed that she is a responsible dog owner whose animal has a license from Riverbay and proper documentation. She then asked if Riverbay can pursue those owners who have unlicensed animals, do not provide documentation and annual Rabies shot updates?

General Counsel Buss responded that whenever dog complaints are given to Riverbay, they are passed along to CCPD or CSO for investigation. Depending on the outcome, the shareholder is given a notice to cure and if they don’t, they are taken to landlord tenant court in a holdover proceeding.

“I don’t know off the top of my head how many of those are currently pending, but there always are multiple holdovers for unauthorized animals,” Mr. Buss said.

Rev. Michael Miller also addressed quality of life issues such as laundry room etiquette, throwing items out of windows and not curbing dogs.

“People still putting their dirty clothes in the carts, people still putting their dirty clothes on the folding tables. This nasty habit has to stop,” said Mr. Miller. “You have people who put their clothes in the dryers and washing machines and go upstairs and it’s a long time before they come down. I get it; sometimes we multitask, you know, the phone, and we’re not aware and we try to time coming downstairs and this happens to everybody but we have to try to be aware that we … live here together, let’s cooperate, let’s not catch attitudes, because I come downstairs to do my laundry, not to take somebody else’s clothes out the dryer; that’s their job… so if we can just cooperate, it’d be so very nice.”

On items being discarded through windows, Mr. Miller asked the Board to sponsor a resolution to increase fines for shareholders who violate the community’s rules. “I mean hit them where it hurts for those people who violate throwing things out the window, hit them in their pockets very bad because someone might get hurt … I just hope that you can do something to please to try to curtail this behavior,” he said. “This is a very disgusting behavior in our community.”

Lastly, Mr. Miller said there’s a debate on social media about spraying Lysol in the dryers.

Riverbay Interim Deputy General Manager Joshua Blake stated that Lysol should absolutely not be used in the dryers.

“You’re not supposed to spray Lysol in any of the dryers,” stated Mr. Blake. “These are gas dryers, and we already had two or three fires in the complex. We need to stop that. We put posters in the CCTimes. This is prohibited and if we do catch somebody, they will be held accountable. So, once again, we cannot have Lysol in the dryer.”

Riverbay Board President Saunders informed shareholders that Board di-

The Board president added that as for throwing things out of the window, “that has always been taken very seriously by Management and CCPD. That is extremely dangerous. And I’m here to tell you that if we found someone who knew someone who was doing that, not only would you be talking about heavily fining, I think we’d be talking about going to court for eviction. That is a very serious crime.”

Board Director Lynette Wright noted that discussions about increasing fines have started but not yet finalized. “If we have an update, then we’ll give it to you once that happens,” the director informed shareholders.

Director Daryl Johnson reminded

shareholders that previously in his viewpoints in the Co-op Times, he discussed the need for the corporation to connect with a company that can develop smart machines.

“So you use your laundry card, and if you come down there late, you get charged over time,” said Director Johnson. “So you can put your laundry in there. The machine should be able to tell you exactly when to come downstairs. You make a choice, or whatever happens, to come down there late. I’ve seen people ready to fight each other, because somebody took their clothes out the laundry machine. I’ve had to intervene in several cases like that. But it’s time that we, this Board, steps up, all of us, step up … Once you get hit with an overtime fee, and we can make it significant … That, in my opinion, will curtail that practice.”

“I believe everybody wants a better quality of life, but about two years ago, I had made a suggestion. It wasn’t met well… but it was to take the fines, not necessarily increase the fines, but take the fines and split it between Riverbay and the shareholder who took the picture or reported it to Riverbay, anonymously, and then give them a number so that Riverbay can identify the person, but not the person who committed the infraction,” said Director Lambright. “… I believe what would happen is, if someone had their dog out and they didn’t clean up after their dog, they’re going to think twice that there’s a whole bunch of windows, a whole bunch of people watching, and all you have to do is take a picture of them with the infraction and send it in to Riverbay, and if it’s a $100 fine or a $200 fine, half of that fine would go to Riverbay, the other half would go to the person who reported it, and that would change everything here.”

Director Lambright continued: “Everybody wants to complain and say, oh, Public Safety, and where are they, and how come they didn’t do this? We are shareholders, we are cooperators. What that means is that we cooperate with each other. We have to live together, and the only way to do that is to, well, the only way to stop people from doing the things that as Rev. Michael Miller was talking about, is to hit them in their pockets. That’s the only way to do it… it may not stop 100%, but we’ll get at least 60 or 70% of satisfaction out of it.”

Shareholder John Gale’s question was about the Riverbay Fund which was already answered. He also took the opportunity to praise the annual fireworks show presented by the Riverbay Fund which he said was one of the best he has ever seen.

At 8 p.m., Board President Saunders stopped the Gallery Session, which had gone over its allotted time by 30 minutes, so the Board could get to the Business meeting. (See report on page 1.)

Photo by Rozaan Boone

Greetings, retirees and friends.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

First, we would like to wish every one of you an incredibly Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you celebrate the holiday with your loved ones and friends. The Retirees of Dreiser Loop are thankful to have you all as members and friends of our organization.

Annual Holiday Luncheon – Tickets are still available 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 frst-paid, frst-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.

Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA, Thursday, February 14, 2025. Tickets are $65 with a $25 slot-play-giveback. The bus pick up is in front of H&R Block, leaving promptly at 8:30 a.m. Return drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop. Contact Serita at 347-564-5722 for more information.

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Overnight – May 29-30, 2025. Additional information will be announced soon.

Happy Birthday – We wish all our November celebrants an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – Please keep those who have recently suffered a loss in your thoughts and prayers.

Good and Welfare – Our healing thoughts and prayers go out to those who may be ill and/or recuperating from surgery. Please 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 general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 1 p.m., in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium C.

––Georgianna Rodriguez

Goose Island Seniors

Motown Holiday Party – Windows on the Lake in Long Island, Thu., Dec. 12. Waitlist 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 Section 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 Resort World Casino – in Monticello, NY., Thu., Feb. 6, 2025. Price: $70. Bonus: $25 slot play and $15 for food. Black-eyed Sally’s and MGM Casino is cancelled

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 Wed., Feb. 26, 2025.

2025 Hunterdon Hills Playhouse “Swing” – in Hampton, NJ., Thu., May 1, 2025. Price: $180, includes luncheon and show; $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Balance due Wed., March 26, 2025.

2025 – Holiday Hills Senior Day – in Prospect, CT., Tue., Aug. 19, 2025. Price: $150; $50 deposit to hold seat on bus. Balance due Wed., July 2, 2025. 2026 Norwegian Greek Isle Cruise – May 18-27, 2026. Price: $3,293-

AARP Chapter #4997

Members, friends, family, neighbors and concerned citizens, the new day is dawning with speed that is unprecedented. The elections are over, and the results are in and the changes are underway.

At AARP, we continue to be proactive and will share any news from the National or State organizations as it becomes necessary. This is the time to be more active in our local community and support the groups in our area.

Our Tour Committee has publicized two of the four trips scheduled for 2025. The frst trip—March 27, a one-day trip to see a show, “Uptown Motown Tribute Show,” at the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City. The cost is $159 per person and you have a slot play, food credit and taxes included. Second, from May 13-15, we have a three-day—two-night excursion to Finger Lakes, New York. Motor coach transportation, lodging and some meals are included. There are outings planned for the group while you are there. Some are trips to Belhurst Castle, Willard Memorial Chapel, Finger Lakes Winery Tour and Tasting, Scenic Lake Cruise and Finger Lakes Gambling and Racetrack visit and more. The cost of this trip is $599 per person. Third, we have a July 17 day outing to the Tomasello Winery and Atlantic City. The frst part of the trip will be for wine tasting at the Tomasello Winery, then lunch and on to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. At the casino, you will receive a coin bonus and a food voucher to use while you try your luck in the casino. The cost is $139 per person. For all trips with AARP, insurance protection is available for you to purchase when you make your reservations, and it is recommended for your protection. Our fourth trip is a cruise on the Queen Mary 2, and the dates are October 3-10, 2025. Flyers will be available for all trips in our offce, and you may contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370; or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962. All trips will depart from Dreiser Loop near the H&R Block offce; individual times to be scheduled later.

Our next General Membership Meeting will be held on Monday, December 9, at 1 p.m. in the auditorium in Dreiser Loop on the second foor. This will be the last meeting for 2024, and we will have a fellowship-type meeting. Our offce hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, second foor, Rm. “0;” 718-320-1946; aarp4997@gmail.com. The offces are closed for Thanksgiving on November 27, 28 and 29. From Mrs. Wilson, Health and Wellness, we are advised our members are moving forward on their recovery journey and we continue to keep them in prayer. Please call her at 718-6715493 for any news you want to share in this article.

Remain vigilant with your personal health and safety.

Correction: In the November 11th issue of the Co-op City Times, the price for our Finger Lakes Trip was misprinted. It should be $599 per person not $99 per person.

––Ann Purnell

3,945. Call 646-579-1701.

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. Call: 718-379-9613. Bingo – Mon., Wed., and Fri., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 for each additional card. Twelve 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.

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 718-753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, in the Section 5 Community Center. Phone: 718-379-9613. Stephen cell: 347-847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. $StephenCarlSr. Good health to all.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

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. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” Matthew 18:20

This Sunday is the Sunday before Advent. It is a day of devotion to the Holy Spirit where we are called to dispel ignorance and lead others to Christ. Believers can do this by letting the fre of the indwelling Holy Spirit shine forth and be seen by others through spreading the Gospel. We do this to show love towards others and help lead them to spend an eternity in heaven.

The Sunday before Advent: Sunday November 26th, 2023:

● 11:00 a.m. – Communion Service

● Fellowship with light refreshments following the service

Bible Lessons:

● Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14, 18, Ch. 12:1, 3

● Luke 8:4-15

Prayer: O Holy Spirit, breath of life and fre of love, touch our cold hearts, we pray thee, with the glow of that celestial fame, that by thine indwelling power we may shine forth as the sun to enlighten and encourage those our brethren who are lost in the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to thee, who, with the Father and the Son art worshiped and glorifed forever. Amen.

—Rev. Dorian Miceli

Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities

Bartow OAC collecting children’s items for grades 3-5 for Holiday Giveback Program. Slightly used or brand-new children’s coats, other wear, books, bags, and personal items are accepted. Drop-off at Bartow OAC, Rm. 31, Tues., Nov. 26, until Tues., Jan. 7, 2025.

Spanish Classes in the JASA NORC offce. If interested in learning Spanish, please sign up before Dec. 5. Call 718-320-2066. Class will start on Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. Common Pantry – Tues., Nov. 26, & Tues., Dec. 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Not accepting new names at this time.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., Dec. 4. Call JASA NORC for an appointment at 718-320-2066, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bartow OAC Fundraising Raffe – Prize: 65” TV. One ticket for $2 or three tickets for $5. Drawing: De-

cember 20. Tickets on sale at the Bartow OAC only. Memory Matters – Coping w/Memory & Cognitive Changes, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership w/JASA. Meeting weekly on Fridays for 9 weeks, starting Jan. 7, 2025. Education & Orientation, Jan. 14–March 4. Weekly Group Discussions, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., JASA NORC offce. Pre-registration required by Jan. 6. Call 800-272-3900 to request a pre-registration interview scheduling call.

Caringkind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main offce every third Monday of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Alzheimer & Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation and other services. Please call 646-744-2921 for an appointment.

Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC offce, on Wed., 1-3 p.m.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance w/Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Auditorium A.

Notary – JASA NORC offce: On vacation until Dec. 4. Dreiser OAC: Weds., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-3201345 for appt., Rm. 7. Einstein OAC – Schedule appts. in Rm. 48, Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-671-5161. Einstein OAC: Hair Styling, 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m. Braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure, every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call 718-671-5161 for appointments.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS Alternate Kosher Meals are available

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 & 3rd 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./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.

JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi

9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Amazing Savings 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Ageless Facials & Self Care

1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Appt. only)

Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Movies w/Dennis, 1-3 p.m.

Never Too Old to Learn Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

Bridge to Care Arthritis Exercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45

Technology Lab w/Steve 1-2 p.m.

Stretch & Tone w/Ola 10-11 a.m.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Prize BINGO & Board Games, 2-3 p.m.

Art Lounge w/Tijay, 2-3 p.m.

JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING

Chair Yoga Class w/Charles,10-11 a.m. (Virtual), Meeting ID: 863 1492 4183; Passcode: Dreiser23

Smartphone & Tablet Literacy Class w/Julesa, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Elder Abuse Presentation W/ Neighborhood Shopp, 2-3 p.m.

Game Time Dominoes, 9-10 a.m.

Leisure TV, 10-11 a.m. Cardio Exercise w/Gail, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Rm. 2

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. C Leisure Games w/Clara, 1-3:30 p.m.

Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 Computer & Tablet Class w/ Ralph (Virtual) 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Game Time: Jenga, 9-10 a.m.

Bead & Jewelry w/Brenda, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aud. C Birthday Lunch Celebration 12-1:30 p.m., Rm. 4

JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. All meals served with margarine & fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Moroccan Eggplant Chickpea Tagine Stew, Israeli Salad, Beet Salad. NON-KOSHER: Baked Asian Style Honey Chicken, Pasta, Steamed Red or Green Cabbage

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Turkey Meatloaf w/ Mushroom Gravy, Spaghetti, Sautéed String Beans NON-KOSHER: BBQ Pork Chops, White Rice, California Blend Vegetables

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Turkey Meatloaf in Mushroom Gravy, Spaghetti, Steamed String Beans, Tangerine. NON-KOSHER: Baked Asian Style Honey Chicken, Pasta, Steamed Cabbage, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: Baked Fish w/ Garlic Sauce, Couscous w/ Peas & Lemon, Garden Salad. NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish w/ Mushrooms & Peppers, Couscous Sautéed Green Beans w/Onions

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Fish in Garlic Sauce Couscous w/Peas, Garden Salad, Pear (15 GRAB & GO). NON-KOSHER: SPECIAL ORDER Turkey w/Stuffng, Mashed Sweet Yams, String Beans, Cranberry

JASA CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING

JASA CLOSED DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

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 fce

JASA CLOSED DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

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.

JASA CLOSED DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. until fnished: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Dairy-Free Baked Ziti w/Beef, Capri Blend Vegetables, Apple NON-KOSHER: Oven Fried Chicken, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Collard Greens, Orange

Church of New Vision 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 at 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 their computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.

The Gospel Line Dance Class will meet today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Einstein Community Center in Rm. 35. There is no fee for this class. Come pray, dance and worship the Lord.

Kindly note: There will be no Bible Study Classes, Prayer Services and other activities this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. They will all resume next week.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway will be distributed on Friday, December 13, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., in front of 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

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 wishes everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

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

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo De Cristo

At least 20 times in Hebrews 11, the words “By Faith” are written for our instruction. We read a list of people who, despite their failures, are praised for their faith. What is it about faith that draws God close to us? How can we exercise that faith? Why is faith important?

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

What is faith? Believing what we do not see. Trusting that God says the truth despite our circumstances. Looking ahead to the completion of our prayers. Standing ﬁrm when opposing spirits seem to be winning. Seeing chariots of ﬁre surrounding our enemies.

Hebrews 11:13, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”

Our souls cry out to God for more of Him yet we often feel alone. There is a reality of life in which God has us looking to the future because the present does not satisfy us. Why do we sing and pray “I want more of God?” Because we never have enough of him. Never full!

Hebrews 11:16, “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

By faith, these people held onto the promises of God to such a degree that even death could not quench the ﬁre of belief that burned in them. God is not ashamed to be called their God because they believed that he is faithful and true and represented him well on this earth.

Hebrews 11:39-40, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

Although God praised their faith. They are still waiting for the completion of their desires. God in His wisdom has decreed that they will not receive their reward apart from us. God is preparing a glorious reunion that we participate in now, by faith, and soon in reality.

Schedule (147 Dreiser Loop)

First Sunday of the Month Bilingual Communion Service, 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.

Wednesday: Nonperishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 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.

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors 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: 914-522-5039.

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 is 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388#.Please mute your phone.

November 17, 2024 Worship Service Theme: “Victory in Jesus”

Scripture: (2 Corinthians KJV 2:14) “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

Church of the New Vision and Amen Ministries sends their thanks to the community and all who supported the Health & Healing event and the Gospel Concert on Saturday, November 16 (pictured below). The event included biometric blood testing, information and resources on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as food and performances.

Save the Dates

Saturday, December 14 – All are invited to our Youth Holiday Celebration Performance at 12:30 p.m.

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, $2656pp; Ocean View, $2847pp; Inﬁnite Veranda, $2785pp. Deposit: $500 per stateroom to reserve your room. Final payment due March 9, 2025. Package 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 speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and condolences to families who lost loved ones. 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, New York 10475. Thank you.

––Brenda Brown

Photos by Roberto DeJesus

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-Synagogue-of-Co-op-City to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue, 120 Erdman Place.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After service, we serve 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,

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 23, at 5:24 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, November 29, at 4:09 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 Weber 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

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 2053 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-671-4416, or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org.

Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer” at 12:00 p.m. on the Conference Call Line, (712) 432-3900, Access Code: 343284#

Every Wednesday – 7:00 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.

What a time we had! Did we praise God Last Sunday? Was the spirit in the house? Yes, we did and yes, it was! We were blessed beyond measure as our very He spoke on the theme, “Water Walkers,” taken from (Matthew 14:22-32). Rev. Richardson used the paradigm of Humpty Dumpty to reveal why we should put our faith in God. Because when we face the everyday contrary winds in our lives,

Pentecostal Tabernacle

100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 204, Bronx, NY 10475.

All are invited! We would love to have you join us on the following days: Sunday – Sunday School at 10:30 a.m., Worship Service at 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday – Morning prayer and fasting service at 11 a.m.

All night services will be held on Zoom, call (646) 931-3860; Meeting ID: 85748454513, Code: 850684#

Bible Study and prayer meeting every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. Friday – Worship Service at 7:30 p.m. Focus: Prayer of Repentance Psalm 51:1-13 “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness, according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions, Wash me thoroughly! From mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou have broken may Rejoyce. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in me. Cast me not away! From thy presence and take not away thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressor thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

David took personal responsibility for his sin.

In Psalm 51:3 David stated, “I acknowledge my transgression.” The word “acknowledge” means more than just admit; rather, it involves noticing, realizing, or discovering one’s sinfulness so that one becomes aware of his nature and is confronted by its reality. This was the result of Nathan’s declaration: of sin and accepting responsibly for one’s transgressions. He stated that his sin is ever before him. Whenever someone repents, he cannot hide from the sin within him. They will always keep it continually before their mental vision.

David asks God to purge him with hyssop, and it will make him clean and wash him so that he can be made whiter than snow. He is requesting joy and gladness from God that the bones that were broken may rejoice. David knows the relationship that he has with God and cannot afford to lose it because of his sinful nature. He realized that God saw his heart and knows all about the murder and adultery that he has committed. One writer stated that you cannot hide from God; His eyes are watching you.

—Rev. R. Sibblies

God is the only one who can put it all back together again. Then we welcomed Andre Mayers, the son of Sister Janice Hoyett and grandson of Sister Delores Wynn, back into the fold. God is so good, the 19-year-old stepped forward to reinstate his membership as an adult. Rev. Vernell Cooper surely prayed mightily for us and with us during Altar Call. Hallelujah! Burdens were defeated and deliverance was received. We cordially invite you to worship with us, beginning with Adult Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Come. Experience and explore all the new possibilities at Community Protestant, a church of love and understanding.

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 continued heartfelt condolences to all who are in a season of mourning. We send our happiest and best happy birthday wishes to everyone celebrating their birthday this month.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)

––Lexa M. Mingo

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. Priest-in-charge: Fr. Simeon Johnson; cell phone: 917-227-4303.

to our newly renovated church space. In-person worship service for the Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, November 24, at 9 a.m., as well as via teleconference. It is Thanksgiving week and we will also be celebrating Harvest. Please remember to bring in your gifts of food (cans and dry goods), as well as fruits and vegetables. We are reminding you to try and wear something from your native country;

Also, do not forget to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at 12 p.m. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 508-898, followed by the # sign.

Just a reminder about your pledge cards. If you have not yet submitted your pledge and are used to update our budget as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.

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. There are still a few seats available. The deluxe motor coach leaves from Dreiser Loop (front of the Rehab Center) at 8:45 a.m. A donation of $65 is required and payable now. 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.

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our bereaved members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. Please keep them in your prayers.

Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. If possible, please visit them, call them on the phone or send them a card.

Birthday Greetings: Best wishes to everyone celebrating a birthday this month. We 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

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

African-American Association of Co-op City Coming Events!

Today! November 23 – Bronx Rodeo Health Fitness Line Dance Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Dreiser Center, Auditorium A. Cowpokes!

December 14 – Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration, Bartow Center, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Kindly bring an offering of a prepackaged beverage and/or a dessert. We hope you will join the AAACC and the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations at the Bartow Center, Rm. 31, at 3 p.m. Come celebrate Kwanzaa, which is a time when the families of our community come together to honor the ancestors and affrm the bonds between us and the ancestors. It is a time of learning. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture, in an attempt to reclaim the knowledge of our history which was taken from us during the middle passage. Come and enjoy the Karamu, which is a communal feast where all things are ceremonious symbols of our heritage and its rich tradition

Now! Right Now!: We have a new president, with a new agenda, so let’s begin a new to unite through all of our events, clubs, organizations and associations. Let us unite on purpose!

AAACC Membership: $25/year for single membership and $35/year for family/household. 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 Sharpe-Hicks at 917-863-1507. Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – contact Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714.

“Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good.”

—Michelle Marbury

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-flled 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

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” Psalm 34: 1-3 (ESV)

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, the scripture above reminds us to bless God at all times. But what does it mean to bless God? Why and how should we bless God?

To bless God is an act of praise and thanksgiving. The word ‘bless’ is derived from the Hebrew word ‘barak,’ which literally means ‘to kneel.’ Kneeling is a way to express adoration, reverence, or praise. So, to “bless the Lord” involves concrete, physical action. Regardless of your physical posture, this is a call to surrender ourselves in the presence of God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

We praise God solely because He deserves our praise, and that should be enough reason to give Him honor and glorify His name. He is the God above all gods. He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and He created everything. While we praise God for who He is, we also experience many benefts. Psalm 103:2-6 gives many reasons to praise God: He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems our lives from death, crowns us with love and compassion, flls our lives with good things, renews us, and gives us righteousness and justice. This sampling of His benefts should encourage us to bless our Lord even in the midst of dire circumstances.

So, this Thanksgiving and always, let us all exalt His name together. Let’s praise God without inhibitions. Sing, shout, clap, and dance our worship because He is good all the time.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

Come and Receive a Blessing: All are Welcome!

Tuesday: English Bible Study at 6 p.m. via Zoom (904 4685745).

Thursday: Thanksgiving Holiday Upcoming Events – Save the Dates.

• Tuesday, Nov 19 – Advent Teaching with Pastor Sara at 7:35 p.m. via Zoom

• Saturday, Nov. 23 – 50th Anniversary of the Church/Thanksgiving Celebration at Pine Restaurant (Bronxdale Ave.) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Final day of payment on November 17. See Karen or Jennie for more info.

• Sunday, November 24 – 50th Anniversary/Thanksgiving Bilingual Service at 11:15 a.m. Luncheon after Service.

• Monday, November 25 – Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. Trinity UMC, 331City Island.

––G. Abadia

Food Left in Building 8 Lobby

Someone is leaving cooked food in the lobby of Building 8 but it’s a waste of food and a possible health hazard. Food is not supposed to be left out for more than two hours, and after that, there is no guarantee of its safety. If food is being brought in for a particular person, it should be left at their door. Consider that wherever you received the food from, someone else may have beneftted from it instead of it sometimes ending up in the trash.

—Cheryl Martin

Newsong Church

“I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.” Daniel 8:27 (NIV)

In Daniel, chapter 8, Daniel has a vision of the future that scares him. As we look at the condition of our world, it’s easy to feel hopeless, but Daniel has been teaching us that God always has been in complete control and we can place our hope and trust in Him!

Ultimately, this is what Daniel does. The vision that God gave him stressed him out so much that he had to call out of work for a few days. (Ever felt that way? Me too!)

But God’s Word tells us that Daniel was able to get back to doing what God called him to do. How? He stood on God’s Word. The Bible not only tells us what happened in the past, but it prepares us for the future. Yes, the days are dark, but God’s Word tells us we have everything we need to live for Jesus! We can be about the King’s business and trust Him with our future. Daniel realized if you know what the future holds, you’ll know how to live your life in the present!

Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in the Book of Daniel!

About Us – Newsong Church is a life-giving church here in Co-op City at 135 Einstein Loop! We believe every person can know God, fnd freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in this world! Join us and see why God’s family is no ordinary family.

Sunday Worship Experience – Every Sunday at 11 a.m., our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. 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 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. 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 fnd hope. Come and fnd healing. Come and fnd freedom.

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

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).