Co-op City Times 12/26/2020

Vol. 55 No. 52

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Kevin C. Riley projected winner in Special Election in the 12th Council District

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Unofficial results posted on the NYC Board of Elections website from the Dec. 22, 2020 Special Election in the 12th Council District show Kevin C. Riley won the contest with approximately 65.5% or 4,086 of the 6,243 total in-person votes cast in the election.

Second place winner was Pamela Hamilton-Johnson with 1,466 (23.5%) votes, followed by Neville Mitchell with 190 (3%) of votes cast. In addition to the three candidates on the official election ballot, there were Kevin C. Riley five write-in candidates, two of whom are Co-op City shareholders, Bernard Cylich and Aaron Carnegie. Write-ins garnered 8.2% of the votes cast in the special election or 501 votes in totality although the Board of Elections did not break down the figure among individual write-in candidates.

(Continued on page 2)

See inside:

• 2020 Year in Review (see pg. 3) • CCPD Toy Drive (see pg. 11) City Council approves resolution to expand pool of telecommunications companies offering more competitive broadband options to NYers

BY ROZAAN BOONE

“Today, New York City took another major step forward in bridging the digital divide,” declared NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio last Thursday, Dec. 17, following passage by the NY City Council of Resolution 1445-2020 to substantially improve Information Services by bringing in more companies. “With this resolution, we are able to bring in new companies to offer more competitive and affordable broadband option to New Yorkers. As the Covid-19 pandemic has made abundantly clear, New Yorkers deserve access to affordable high speed internet and I thank Chairs Moya and Salamanca for their partnership on this important issue.”

(Continued on page 5)

Christmas Caroling at Bartow Center

$1.25

Mayor de Blasio announces changes to 2021-2022 school year admissions process

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Last Friday, Dec. 18, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced changes to the middle and high school admissions process for NYC Department of Education (DOE) public schools beginning this winter for the 2021-22 school year.

“The COVID-19 crisis has exposed longstanding inequities in our City’s public schools,” Mayor de Blasio said to reporters. “Now, as we rebuild our city, we are expanding opportunities for all public school students and doubling down on our mission to provide a quality education for all, regardless of a child’s zip code.”

These latest steps to advance diversity and equity in admissions decisions will affect students applying to the city’s middle schools and high schools for many years going forward.

(Continued on page 2)

When can you expect your Stimulus Check?

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Monday signified the end to months of long deliberations in Congress over a second economic stimulus package, and arrival of a second round of stimulus checks in mailboxes around the country in the coming weeks thanks to the bill.

Updates to unemployment benefits were included in the new bill as well.

The $900 billion relief measure will provide much needed help for Americans and hopefully provide support for small businesses and various parts of the economy that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill now needs the President’s signature to sign the measure into law. (Continued on page 5)

Management’s new lighting pilot well received Riverbay Management’s pilot program to address lighting around the buildings is a welcome relief to shareholders who have expressed concerns about dim lights around their building which makes it difficult to see the addresses at night.

Riverbay Assistant Executive General Manager Cary Smith III who is spearheading the project, said that the initiative is aimed at not only addressing the calls for better lighting but also to beautify and upgrade the property and facilities. “Our pilot involved one of each type building where the new, energy efficient LED lighting is being installed at both the front and back entrances to the buildings,” said Mr. Smith. “Once the project is completed campus-wide, shareholders can expect clear, bright lights which make it much easier to see building addresses at the entrance points to their building and which accentuate the buildings’ facades by effectively projecting light along the walls for a more even look.” In photo above is the front entrance to Building 7, a tower building, which was done during the pilot lighting program.

Photo by Bernie Cylich

Happy New Year and Happy Kwanzaa!

Riverbay Administrative Holiday Office closings Riverbay Corporation presented Christmas Caroling on Tuesday evening, Dec. 22, in the Bartow Mall, featuring the group “Miracles Sing.” For approximately 45 minutes, carolers entertained the audience many who joined in singing such favorites as “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Away In A Manger,” “O Holy Night,” “Joy To The World, and, of course, “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.”

Songbooks and masks were distributed to the attendees. To view a link to the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/coop cityrb/videos/743041853236131.

Photos by Leandra Alexander-Peters

On Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, Riverbay Administrative Offices will close at 2 p.m. Riverbay offices will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021, in celebration of New Year’s day.

All community centers will also be closed to the public.

For emergency services throughout the weekend, please call:

MAINTENANCE: 718-320-3300, PRESS OPTION 2 PUBLIC SAFETY: 718-671-3050

2

Riley

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

Going into the race, Kevin Riley, 33, was favored to win the election. No stranger to politics, he is a District Leader in the 83rd Assembly District and had the support of many elected officials from the Bronx and beyond, including his mentors, State Senator and Bronx Democratic County Leader Jamaal Bailey and NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, for whom he has worked for the last ten years, first in the capacity of constituent liaison and then as community relations director. Mr. Riley was also endorsed by State Attorney General Letitia James, state Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, Congressman-elect Jamaal Bowman, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a host of others as well as influential labor unions such as SEIU 1199, UFT, Transport Workers AFL-CIO, 32 BJ-SEIU, DC 37, Firefighters Association, NYS Nurses Association, and the NYS Laborers Union, LIUNA-NY, to name a few.

On election night, Senator Bailey tweeted: “Tonight, our community spoke loudly.

We elected one of us to lead in the City Council. And lead he will. Kev, you stayed focused, took the high road and let your work speak for itself. We are proud of you brother! We rise together! Congratulations Councilmember @KevinCRiley!”

Assembly Speaker Heastie also tweeted: “Congratulations to @KevinCRiley @RileyforTheBX on a successful campaign. Your work in our community speaks for itself and tonight it was solidified, you’re the new Councilman of District 12, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Declaring victory on Election night, Mr. Riley himself tweeted: “Tonight I would like to thank the voters of the 12th Council District for giving me the privilege and honor to represent them in City Council. This victory is not only for me, but for each and every single individual who supported me.

“Thank you to my mother, my fiancé, my daughters, Elected Officials, Labor, volunteers and all of the 12th District’s community members. My work is not done and rather is just beginning. Representing the community that raised me and made me the man I am today, is truly humbling.”

A resident of Baychester, Mr. Riley overcame great odds as a youngster and worked his way consistently upward with guidance and support of strong male figures he met along the way who helped guide his path and shape his resolve.

On the NYC Campaign Finance Board website, then-candidate Riley wrote: “…I was born and raised here in the Bronx’s 12th Council District. As a lifelong

Admissions

Bronxite, I have witnessed the greatness of this borough while also seeing what the community needs the most – and this is my motivation. I want to represent this district to bring our community together, a community that I am forever indebted to.

“As we continue to fight COVID-19, there have been many issues that have been brought to the forefront, including food insecurity, job instability, lack of adequate housing, as well as insufficient resources in our public educations system. We need transparency and an accountable leader who will fight for us, and I believe that leader is me.”

Mr. Riley has been visible in the Co-op City community, as he has been elsewhere in the district, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic participating in a number of food distribution efforts along with other elected officials and organizations.

The devoted father of two young daughters, Mr. Riley has an outstanding record of accomplishment and service to his community. He founded “The Dad Gang,” a national organization that celebrates Black fatherhood and helps fathers become better parents. He himself experienced the arrest and incarceration of his father as a youngster and felt, back then, that he too would be doomed to a similar faith. He worked against great odds to uplift and carve a better future for himself.

Kevin Riley also founded a non-profit organization, Music Over Violence, that uses youth voices to help deter and de-escalate violence in the community.

Understanding the importance of mentorship, Mr. Riley is a mentor in former President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. He has also been a Skills Coach with the New York Foundling where he mentored other young men.

For his involvement and advocacy, Mr. Riley has a long list of accolades including a number of service and leadership awards. More recently, he received the 2020 Grandparents Around the World Community Service Award, and was an AT&T and News One 2020 Future First recipient.

Kevin C. Riley will be sworn in as soon as the election results are certified and will serve out the balance of former Councilman Andy King’s term which will expire at the end of 2021. He will then have to run in 2021 for the opportunity to continue serving as councilmember of the 12th Council District which encompasses Co-op City, Baychester, Edenwald, Eastchester, Wakefield and the Williamsbridge communities in the Bronx, NY.

(Continued from page 1)

How are middle school admissions affected?

Under the new changes, students applying to a middle school will not be selected based on any previously used screening criteria.According to the press release issued by the Mayor’s press office, the 196 middle schools that currently do screen applicants will not for the upcoming 2021-2022 admissions cycle. Typically, some schools screen based on grades, student interviews, school-based assessments, behavioral evaluations, standardized test scores and attendance.

During this updated application process, students will be asked to rank their choices on their middle school application. Subsequently, schools that end up having more applications than available spots for their sixth-grade class will use a lotterybased system to decide which students are accepted, according to the mayor’s office.

Students and families can start applying to middle school the week of January 11, 2021, and the deadline to apply will be the week of February 8, 2021.

How are high school admissions affected?

Geographic and district priorities for high school admissions will be “permanently eliminated,” the mayor’s office reported. The phasing out of the previous requirements will start with 48 high schools this year that use district priorities and expand in the next two years to the remaining approximately 250 high schools that have a geographic or district priority in place.

Notably, high schools that use an academic screen may continue to do so but will have to publish their admissions criteria on MySchools.nyc.

Students applying to arts high school will use a virtual audition system in which applicants will have to only submit one audition video online.

The high school application will open the week of January 18, 2021, and the deadline to apply is the week of February 22, 2021.

Do the new changes affect the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)?

Registration for the SHSAT is currently open and closes on January 15, 2021.

Exams will be administered in students’ own respective middle schools in an effort to reduce travel. Families looking to complete their child’s SHSAT registration application can complete it online via the portal on MySchools.nyc, by calling the Parent Support. Hotline (P311, accessed by calling 311) or a virtual Family Welcome Center.

“It is my responsibility to deliver the highest-quality education possible to each child, so that they are prepared for a successful, productive life, and empowered with the skills they need to chase their dreams and lead us all forward,” Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza said. “This year, we have faced the unknown together, and as we look ahead, we know that opening up more of our schools to more of our students will make our system stronger and more equitable for all.”

Be a responsible neighbor! Wear your mask and practice social distancing.

GOT FOOT PAIN?

Following All CDC Guidelines

CO-OP CITY FOOT CARE CENTER The Premier Foot And Ankle Practice In Co-op City!

SECTION 5 • BUILDING 29C 2nd Location 4240 HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY EAST in Section 1 www.footanklerestore.com Coming Soon!

718-671-2233

Available Evenings and Weekends DR. KARIM A. BADAWY, DIRECTOR ALL FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED

• Fully Digital X-Rays

SERVICES PROVIDED ON-SITE:

• Hi-Tech Ultrasound

• Full Range of Vascular Testing

Hi-Tech LASER for Pain, Inflammation, Fungal Nails, Warts

• Caring and Supportive Doctors and Staff Who Listen to Your Concerns • Highly Rated Neighborhood Foot and Ankle Care

HEEL AND ARCH PAIN CENTER. COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT CARE MANAGEMENT. HOUSE CALLS BY APPOINTMENT. Most Health Insurance Plans Accepted: 1199, Aetna, GHI, Blue Shield, Empire, Medicare, United Healthcare, HealthFirst and others.

Affordable Prices Available For Patients With High Deductibles/No Insurance.

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

3

Year in Review, Part 1: January 2020 – June 2020

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND

Editor’s note: The following is an account of significant events occurring in or affecting Co-op City, as reported by the Co-op City Times, during the first six months of 2020. Next week’s issue will feature the highlights of the second half of the year.

two firefighters injured during the blaze. It was reported in local news that the fire was electrical in nature.

FEBRUARY Councilman King holds Co-op City town hall meeting with local officials and city agencies to answer JANUARY Wind turbine crashes onto 500 Baychester lot, questions regarding 500 Baychester Ave. The town hall held on Jan. 29 in the Bartow Center included Bartow Avenue Strong winds and heavy rain Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, members of New York City Planning, New York City were too much for the turbine installed atop the large Department of Buildings, as well as Assemblyman monopole at 500 Baychester Ave. At around 1:30 p.m., Mike Benedetto and New York State Senator Jamaal the top of the wind turbine fell apart, along with an Bailey. Rod Saunders, Riverbay Board’s second vice adjoining pole, and landed on top of a car parked out- president, and Linda Berk, president of the Riverbay Corporation, were also in attendance. side the small shopping center.

The group came together to address growing conThe three storefronts housed in the commercial property at 500 Baychester — Sherwin Williams, 7- cerns regarding 500 Baychester Ave. in the wake of the rezoning proposal 11 and Drug Box — received notice to vacate the and, most recently, the wind turbine collapse that took place on Monday, Dec. 30, premises, which were deemed unsafe by New York’s 2019. The much-needed discussion gave those involved an opportunity to explain Department of Buildings, even though the businesses were their roles in both situations as well as a chance to hear from affected residents.

City’s not physically affected by the collapse.

Councilman King updates residents on animal shelter MOU The Co-op City Times obtained documents showing the property owner had Andy King disclosed an updated look at the Memorandum of Understanding permission from DOB to put the turbine up. The DOB received four complaints (MOU) during a town hall meeting with residents, on items promised to the Coabout the massive new monopole at 500 Baychester on Dec. 12, 2019, and one op City community (as well as other areas of the Bronx), in exchange for the animal on Dec. 13, 2019. The complaints suggest those informing DOB about the new shelter that will make its way to 2050 Bartow Avenue in 2024.

Roughly two years later, residents learn of the progress on the items involving monopole believed it was going to be host to another illuminated sign.

Although documents establish the DOB approved a wind turbine for the property Co-op City. more than a year before it was built, city zoning code states a stand-alone wind 1. $6 million in changes to the Animal Shelter facility at 2050 Bartow: turbine — the monopole at 500 Baychester comes up through the one-story building Original timeline: Adoption Center completed in 2024. on the property and can only exist in an M-3 zone, which is a zone meant for heavy 2020 update: Still on schedule to be completed by 2024.

2. $3 million for Beacon Program at Truman High School: that produce noise and/or pollutants.

As stated above, 500 Baychester industrial uses Original timeline: RFP issued by Q1 2019, Beacon Program in place by Q3 2019 Ave. is zoned C7, conducive to the three-sided LED sign, not, it would appear, to 2020 update: Request for proposals (RFPs) were sent and is still ongoing. a wind turbine.

Councilman King commented on the scheduled delay, “We’re asking our comThere were no injuries reported during the freak incident. munity to stay strong because the commitment is there, just need an organization Legislative Committee hosts NYPD Transit Police The Riverbay Board’s Legislative Committee, chaired by Second Vice President that can get the RFP to run the program at Truman Human High School.” He hopes Rod Saunders, and the office of Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, co-sponsored an to have the program operating by the next school session.

3. Rezoning to modify C7 amusement park district (signage in front of 7-11): open meeting on Jan. 16, 2020, in the Bartow Center. Commanding officers of the Original timeline: Start public review by Q4 2019 NYPD Transit Police joined the meeting to hear concerns about their interactions 2020 update: Rezoning is currently going through the Uniform Land Use with Co-op City commuters regarding fare evasion.

Although the agenda focused on Transit police officers assigned to the community Review Procedure (ULURP) and waiting to be voted on (Continued on page 4) to prevent fare beating and their handling of Co-op City bus riders, during the meeting, guests as well as members of the committee, learned that Transit police are mainly deployed to subways – not buses.

The Eagle team is a group of MTA security personnel, who are not officers, although some are retired law enforcement. They cannot make arrests, but patrol bus routes with the ability to issue summonses to riders who avoid paying their bus fare.

At the end of the meeting, Director Saunders acknowledged that another meeting is needed to resolve the issues cooperators are having with the MTA, specifically on the buses.

MTA drops plans for limited service on BXM7 Assemblyman Michael Benedetto reported to the Co-op City Times on Thursday, Jan. 16, that the MTA dropped all planned changes for the BxM7 Express bus that were going to result in limited service on the route.

In November 2019, release of the MTA’s final proposed bus redesign plan for the Bronx showed a reduction in service for the BxM7. The express bus from Coop City to Manhattan would have ended as early as 3 p.m. on weekdays and included limited weekend rides.

According to the Queens’ redesign plan, the new proposed route QT50 (Queens Temporary, not to be confused with the current Q routes), will depart from Pelham Bay (6 Train line) and end at LaGuardia Airport. The MTA plans on reducing redundant bus lines throughout Queens borough.

Board approves fire, public bathroom, Local Law 11 improvements in open session The Riverbay Board of Directors approved the purchase and installation of a fire alarm system for the Einstein Community Center in Section 5, voting 9 to 3 with 2 abstentions and 1 director absent, approving the $596,400 contract.

A resolution for a contract to continue exterior building and balcony work pursuant to Local Law 11, which is already underway on the 10 buildings of Section 5, was approved by a vote of 12 to 2 with 1 director absent.

The Board approved the contract for renovation of the four public bathrooms in the Bartow Community Center at a cost of $533,100 plus a 10% contingency of $53,310. A vote of 11 to 3 with 1 director absent approved the resolution.

Triboro rail a possibility as bus plans finalize According to reports, the proposed Triboro rail line, would connect the outer boroughs of the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn with each other, and would originate in Co-op City.

Co-op City resident dies in fatal fire on Monday, Jan. 20, in Building 12. The fire claimed the life of an 85-year-old male, leaving his 45-year-old daughter and

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

4

Year In Review

by the New York City Planning Commission on Feb. 5. City Planning is proposing to change the C-7 zoning to a C8-2. As many residents may know, a lot has happened regarding this parcel of land since the release of this MOU on Nov. 3, 2018. After the vote at the City Planning Commission, the rezoning application moves on to the City Council for a public hearing, followed by another referendum.

4. Addressing safety concerns at “Dead Man’s Curve” at Bartow Avenue under the Hutchinson River Parkway: Original timeline: NYS DOT’s projected timeline is to begin construction in November 2020.

2020 update: According to Councilman King, lighting at “Dead Man’s Curve” was installed. Further development to make the area safer will begin in June 2021.

5. Bus-offloading at PS 153 in Section One: Original timeline: NYPD enforcement to start immediately, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to report back on signage by 12/1/2018.

2020 update: NYC DOT followed through with adding new signage to the area. Unfortunately, neither residents nor Councilman King were given notice, resulting in drivers receiving tickets for parking in this location. According to Councilman King, “The DOT apologized for not notifying the community of the change. They are going to redo this whole process all over. They said that they’re going to take the signs down and communicate better in letting the residents of Co-op City know when the signs are going to be put back up.” He also suggested that those residents who have received the hefty $150 fine should get in contact with his office so he can see if he could get it nullified.

6. Arts and Music Youth Programming at Coop City: Original timeline: Initial meeting with city agencies, Councilman King, Riverbay Corporation, and other relevant stakeholders by 12/1/2018 to develop the project scope.

2020 update: Mr. King, along with Riverbay Board President Linda Berk, confirmed that there would be a youth center housed at the old bingo hall on Bartow Ave. He said, “I’m glad to announce that Riverbay has come to an agreement with Renaissance Youth Program to establish a youth, music, and arts center in the old bingo hall.” Riverbay will come into a long-term agreement with the community-based organization to run the site, while the city has made a commitment of $2M and “whatever additional monies necessary” to renovate the property.

7. P.S. 153, M.S. 180 and IS 181 playgrounds: Original timeline: Initiate meeting with CM King and SCA to discuss potential project and schedule by Dec. 15, 2018 2020 update: All three schools are still scheduled to receive their new playgrounds in time for the beginning of the next school season, while M.S. 180 will start construction in the next 30 days. “They’re pulling the permits to do their playground as well. The goal is to start the new school year with new playgrounds,” said Councilman King.

8. Senior Breakfast Program: Original timeline: To be included by the City Council in the next budget, June 2019 2020 update: Proposed June 2020 start date will be operated by JASA. King: 500 Baychester developer sees the light The LED signs at 500 Baychester Ave. will soon be removed and the 200-foot monopole that once hosted an ill-fated wind turbine will become what Bronx Councilman Andy King called a “beacon” for Co-op City.

Councilman King held a news conference during which he announced 500 Baychester LLC has agreed to remove the LED signs and, because the cost to take it down would be high, according to Mr. King, convert the turbine monopole into an art installation controlled by, and in tribute to, local entities.

500 Baychester to remain ‘amusement park’ zone for now as the City Planning department of NYC re-

moved the proposal to change the 500 Baychester zoning from C7 to C8-2. The withdrawal means the zoning for 500 Baychester will remain C7, a designation meant to host amusement parks and the only such zone in New York City other than Coney Island.

The Coalition of African-American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City pay tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. in recognition of Black History Month.

Councilman King facing new ethics charges following suspension just three months after serving a 30-day suspension and having a monitor assigned to his office. King is facing a new set of alleged ethical violations. Should they be found true, Mr. King could be thrown off the City Council, as Speaker Corey Johnson said he’s seen enough.

Board considering adding additional garage to Section 5. According to the proposal, the plan would be to build the garage at three possible sites: behind Building 31, between Building 35 and 28, or another area in Section 5 to complete the garage.

Baychester owner still fights for signs despite King’s promise during a press conference held on the sidewalk alongside 500 Baychester Ave. where the councilman announced the owner, Baychester Retail III LLC, agreed to take down the two LED signs on the property as well as turn the 200-foot into a “beacon” and art installation that would, according to Mr. King, let everyone know where Co-op City is on the map.

Baychester Retail III is currently slated for two court appearances, both aimed at keeping the LED signs already on the property.

Plastic bag ban in effect in NYC.

(Continued from page 3)

MARCH Riverbay implements plan and operational adjustments to help protect residents and staff as the number of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) begin to increase across the city.

Councilman King announces new JASA breakfast program for all Co-op City seniors.

He said the program would extend JASA’s ability to provide meals to seniors. Fortythree thousand dollars ($43,000) is allocated to the breakfast program that is funded through June.

The Riverbay Call Center continues to improve and streamline service despite system setbacks and challenges.

The 2020 Census begins survey outreach.

Riverbay cancels all meetings in centers and encourages social distancing among shareholders and staff.

APRIL COVID-19 testing site officially opens in Bay Plaza, thanks to local and state politicians.

The mobile, drive-thru testing center is in the parking lot of AMC theaters, with entrances heavily guarded by New York State Troopers, only allowing those with invitations to enter.

The City of New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced the closing of $1M for Co-op City, “locking in long-term affordability” for current and future residents. The $1M loan is a part of HPD’s Multi-Family Preservation Loan Program, requiring Co-op City to be compliant with the New York State Mitchell-Lama Program for a 30-year term. The loan will go towards current lobby renovation projects throughout the Co-op City community.

Co-op City begins ‘Claps because we care.’

Census count in progress amid COVID-19 outbreak.

Annual Riverbay Board election delayed due to

COVID-19.

New Co-op City website, Coopcitynyc.com, is now live.

Councilman King and City Meals deliver 7,500 meals to Co-op City seniors.

MAY Riverbay Power Plant delivers reliable heat, hot water, and electricity to Co-op City residents despite pandemic.

2019 Income Affidavits due on July 31, 2020.

Elevators among Phase 6 of Riverbay’s modernization project are nearing completion.

The completion of Phase 6 elevators takes place during a time when fewer shareholders are in and out of the buildings because of the Stay-at-Home order issued by local government during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

MTA offers overnight service for essential workers. Titled the “Essential Connector Service,” the MTA is offering a limit of two free rides from home to work and back during the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. window for all essential workers and first responders during this pandemic.

Virtual annual shareholder meeting and virtual open board meeting took place on May 27.

Cigarette-related compactor fires on the rise in Co-op City. The number of smoking-related fires and incidents have steadily increased in buildings amid the current stay at home order due to COVID-19. More specifically, smoking-related instances in building staircases have increased, leaving Riverbay concerned and encouraging residents to practice fire and smoke safety to prevent future occurrences.

CCPD makes major arrest of thieves possibly linked to a series of car-related thefts in area.

Dog waste stations are installed throughout the community.

Members of the American Legion Post #1871 laid a wreath during their annual, but socially distanced, Memorial Day ceremony.

JUNE The MTA prepares to return to regular service as NYC prepares to begin Phase 1 reopening.

Protests erupted across NYC when Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a curfew because of riots and looting due to the untimely death of George Floyd.

Store owners around Co-op City and Bay Plaza closed their doors early on Tues., June 2, and some even boarded up their storefronts.

Absentee ballot applications due by June 16 for the June 23, 2020 primary elections.

Sisters organize Black Lives Matter protest in Co-op City. On June 7, Pearl and Emerald Fletcher, life-long residents of Co-op City, organized the wellattended protest in Co-op City, starting at Truman High School.

Board defers Sept. 1, 2020 carrying charge increase to January 2021.

The NYC Department of Health (DOH) holds virtual townhall to inform residents of Legionnaires in Building 24, after advising Riverbay Management of two reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in the building between June 2019 and June 2020. Until the results of those tests are known, DOH advises Building 24 residents to take precautionary measures, especially those who may be at risk for Legionnaires’.

NYC enters Phase 2 reopening.

Political newcomer, Jamaal Bowman, unseats Congressman Eliot Engel during NY primaries.

Verizon

5

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

The resolution was sponsored by Councilmembers Rafael Salamanca and Francisco Moya, at the request of Mayor de Blasio. It passed by a vote of 46-1.

The resolution stated, in part: “Whereas, by executive order 25, dated August 23, 1995, the Mayor has designated the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (“DoITT”) as the responsible agency for the granting of telecommunications franchises; and “Whereas, pursuant to Section 363 of the Charter (the “Charter”) of the City of New York (the “City”), the Commissioner of DoITT has made the initial determination of the need for franchises for telecommunications services; and ...

“Whereas, the Council has determined that the granting of such franchise will promote the public interest, enhance the health, welfare and safety of the public and stimulate commerce by assuring the widespread availability of telecommunications services; “Whereas, the City and the Council recognize the pressing need to expand broadband access opportunities to all New Yorkers, particularly more affordable broadband options; “The Council hereby resolves that:” it authorizes DoITT to grant non-exclusive franchises for the installation of cable, wire and/or optical fiber and associated equipment in the inalienable property of the City to be used in providing one or more telecommunications services ... in the City.

According to the resolution, the public services to be provided under the franchises “shall be one or more ‘telecommunications services,’ defined for the specific purpose of Resolution 1445A as transmission of voice, data, information service and/or video signals, or any other form of wire communications or radio communications, and may not include cable television services, mobile telecommunications services and public pay telephones.”

The resolution goes on to lay out the logistics of the RFP process and more granular details of the agreement between the City and the franchises including provisions encouraging the franchises to provide low cost affordable, high speed, broadband internet access to residential and commercial customers, provisions to restrict or prohibit assignment or other transfer of a franchise without prior written consent of the City, provisions to ensure proper and sufficient oversight by the City of the franchise’s performance of its obligations to the public, as well as remedies to protect the City’s interest if a franchise fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

News of the City Council vote to expand the pool of companies authorized by the City to provide telecommunication services came almost three weeks after Verizon settled a 2017 lawsuit filed by the City of New York charging the company failed to live up to a promise to expand its fiber optic roll out citywide in violation of its cable TV franchise agreement. At that point (circa March 2017) Verizon said it had brought its fiber network to only 2.2 million of New York City’s 3.1 million households, citing the high cost of wiring buildings. As of July 2019, Verizon had brought its FiOS service to 2.7 million New Yorkers. The city now estimates it has about 3.5 million households.

In settling the lawsuit, Verizon agrees to bring its high speed FiOS fiber-to-thehome service to 500,000 households within the City by July 2023, prioritizing New York City Housing Authority buildings and low income areas which have been largely underserved. In fact, a city report issued in 2015 found wide gaps in Verizon’s deployment which disproportionately impacted less affluent, outer city boroughs.

DoITT Commissioner Jessica Tisch said following the settlement: “This settlement will make sure that Verizon builds out its fiber footprint more equitably throughout New York City — especially in low-income communities that have historically been underserved by internet service providers.” She added that the agreement attacks that unfair imbalance, and recognizes that high-quality internet is “a necessity, not a luxury.”

The mayor’s office explained that under the settlement, Verizon must prioritize the least connected “Community Districts” and ensure connectivity to all NYC Housing Authority buildings, according to the following schedule: from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, at least 225,000 residential dwelling units; from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, at least 150,000 residential dwelling units; from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, at least 75,000 residential dwelling units; and from January 1, 2023 to July 16, 2023, at least 50,000 residential dwelling units.

Community Districts with the most to gain from the settlement include those hardest hit by the pandemic, with low median household incomes and fewest options, if any, for affordable broadband, and include the Bronx 2 communities of Inwood and Hunts Point; Bronx 5 communities of Fordham/Morris Heights, Mount Hope, University Heights; and Bronx 7 communities of Bedford Park, Fordham, Jerome Park, Kingsbridge Heights, Norwood and University Heights.

According to the Mayor’s office, “At a minimum, Verizon will make connections available to 125,000 additional households in these Community Districts, which means that if a resident requests paid FiOS service, Verizon will be required to make it available generally within seven days.”

“Internet access is an economic right in New York City, no matter your ZIP code.

Tech giants will not stand in our way to deliver high-quality broadband to New Yorkers – they must be a part of the solution,” said Mayor de Blasio. “COVID19 has further exposed the inequalities in internet access while changing the way New Yorkers work, learn, and live. We will continue to hold any corporation that fails to deliver on its promise to New Yorkers accountable.”

Verizon also will report quarterly on their progress, and the city will make the list of newly eligible households public.

“This brings a finality to this longstanding litigation,” Verizon said through a company spokesman following the settlement, pointing out that the company has already begun working to live up to the new promise it has made.

Safe Riverbay Avoiding Dryer Fire • Don’t overload the dryer.

• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.

• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturer’s instructions state “dry away from heat.”

• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturer’s instructions allow).

• Don’t dry items that have come in contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.

–Riverbay Safety Department

Clothes dryer don’ts:

Stimulus

(Continued from page 1)

However, the situation is still developing as President Trump made his intentions clear late on Tuesday in a video posted to his Twitter account in which he asks Congress to increase the amount of the stimulus checks from the current proposed $600 to potentially $2,000 per person and $4,000 for couples. “I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple,” the President said in the video. While President Trump alone does not have the power to increase the amount of the stimulus checks, his support of increasing the amount is worth noting as multiple news outlets report there is some support for $2,000 checks in Congress should another vote occur.

How much can I expect from my Stimulus Check? * Individuals who had a 2019 adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 will receive a $600 stimulus check. * Individuals who filed as head of their household in 2019 had a 2019 adjusted gross income of up to $112,500 will receive a $600 stimulus check. * Couples (including those whose spouse died in 2020) earning up to $150,000 a year combined will receive $1,200 plus an additional $600 each for any dependent child 17 years old and younger.

When can I expect to receive my Stimulus Check?

According to US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, individuals who received their first stimulus checks via direct deposit could see their second check as soon as next week. “The good news is this is a very, very fast way of getting money into the economy,” Mnuchin told CNBC on Monday. “Let me emphasize – people are going to see this money at the beginning of next week.”

Individuals who received their check via the mail can expect to wait a bit longer similar to how physical checks were distributed during the first round of stimulus checks.

How does the bill affect unemployment benefits?

Under the new stimulus package, Congress extended the window in which people can collect federal unemployment benefits to last until March 14. Those collecting unemployment benefits can expect $300 per week. Essentially, jobless workers who receive state unemployment benefits will get an additional $300 from the federal government.

Does the new bill affect eviction moratoriums?

Eviction moratoriums will be extended until January 31, 2021. To be eligible for the benefit, renters must provide evidence that they either experienced a significant loss of income or exorbitant out-of-pocket medical expenses. Additionally, individual renters who do not expect to earn more than $99,000 in the 2020 fiscal year qualify, as well as couples who file taxes jointly and will earn less than $198,000 combined in 2020. The CDC has provided a downloadable form for people looking to qualify for the moratorium eviction benefit. The form can be found online at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf How are student lenders affected under the new stimulus package?

No explicit changes were made to the federal student loan forbearance program under this bill. However, this month the US Department of Education extended the forbearance program to January 31, 2021.

“The bottom line is that that’s a lot of good help for New York,” Senate Minority Leader and New York State Senator Chuck Schumer said to reporters after the final vote. He is confident that the aid would be going “to New York workers, to families, to renters, to small businesses and direct funding of course to people.”

The following are a few highlights affecting New Yorkers from the current iteration of the stimulus package: * A proposed $4 billion in dire emergency transit relief for the MTA. * A proposed $42.7 million for John F. Kennedy airport and $22 million for LaGuardia airport. * A proposed $810 million in vaccine, testing and tracing funding for New York City ($135 million for vaccine distribution and $675 million for testing, tracing, isolation support and mitigation). * A proposed $251 million in emergency rental assistance for New York City in addition to the extension of the federal eviction moratorium until Jan. 31, 2021.

6

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Building 22 A&B Association

Building 30 A&B Association

We, the building association, wish you and your family a very safe and happy new year.

2021 is giving us hope with two vaccines which are being administered. Please take your flu shot also. God bless everyone.

Happy birthday to all. Sympathy to all who lost loved ones. Prayers to the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something.

—Betty Leak

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. Hoping that those who celebrate Christmas had a happy holiday.

Those who celebrated Hanukkah had a joyous holiday.

Suggested, all decorations should be down by January 4th.

Hope everyone came out to vote.

Hopefully by May, we will be able to open the association room.

—Linda Werner

Building 21 Association

Donizetti Building 4 Association

2020 Annual Dues rules and tamperproof lockbox collection Greetings of the Season to you and yours! Our annual (i.e., yearly) 21 Association dues remain only $10. We have secured a black Drop Box, under 24-hour surveillance in the laundry room. This box is up only temporarily. Please place your annual building association dues of $10 into the box in an envelope with your building and apartment on the outside of the envelope. The box is located on the right side of the television. You can see it if you are able to see the laundry room camera from your TV. It is a secured tamperproof lockbox and will be checked daily. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Annual Dues and donation envelopes Look for your donation envelope from the Building 21 Association. The association needs funds in order to continue our efforts towards a better quality of living in our building.

Our focus will be on future endeavors for the 21 Association.

No mask, No entry Remember only four (4) persons to an elevator with a mask properly covering your face and nose. We must think of others, to protect ourselves and each other. The number of new infections continues to rise. Even if you are entering the buildings and elevators alone, molecules are airborne that you or someone else can breathe in. You too are carrying molecules and bacteria as well. That is not necessarily a bad thing but, to protect each other, we all must put on our masks properly. During this pandemic, please cover mouth and your nose. One or two in our lobby or an elevator without masks is too many; can affect and infect many. Think of your neighbors and yourself.

21 Association contact information Phone us at: 347-504-1821 or email us at: 21association@ gmail.com. Happy Kwanzaa! Practice the first principle, Umoja (oo–MO–jah) which means Unity; to strive for and maintain unity in the family, “community,” nation, and race.

Whatever you celebrate at this special time of the year, enjoy a very happy holiday season, be safe and well, you and yours.

Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD… —Michelle Marbury

It has become painfully obvious that although we would like to celebrate the holiday season in a joyful and traditional way, we must resign ourselves to the fact that we will have to be very creative this year Please don’t let the logistics of family, friends and neighbors diminish your holiday spirit.

Let modern technology serve as a vehicle to check on the individuals you hold dear. Also, please continue to follow your health and safety protocols. So, we can all remain safe.

Building 4 cooperators, thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Our annual holiday collection for Building 4 workers was a rousing success.

During this time of year, it is important to take a moment for reflection. Therefore, I leave you with this poem: Twas the Night before Coronavirus

by Pastor David H. Grisham The night before Coronavirus, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Rubber gloves were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that the virus would never be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of school closings danced in their heads.

And mama sneezed in her ‘kerchief, and wore my mask, We had just bunkered into our small cul-de-sac.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The emergency lights on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of neon to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but an ambulance and eight neighbors in fear.

With a big burly driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment someone was sick.

More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: Now Coughing! Now Hacking! Now Headaches and Sneezing! On, Fainting! On, Dizzy! On, Feverish and Wheezing!

Get off your porch! To the hospital halls!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and stay safe all.

—Dawn Mitchell

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

(718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic.

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

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

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

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

Please Note: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and organizations are due on Monday by 5 p.m.

Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

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

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

7

CCPD welcomes a safe New Year 2021 Most people will be glad to say goodbye to 2020 as we welcome the New Year 2021. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year with brighter times on the horizon.

As we welcome the New Year, 2021, the Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and healthy New Year. It is also a good opportunity to make readers aware of the goals this “Public Safety Report” within the Co-op City Times strives to achieve. The Public Safety Report has been written by Lieutenant Pam (Ruiz) Apollo since April of 2007.

Many of my dedicated readers have taken time to send a letter, an e-mail or let us know in person or by phone that they like the articles. Continued feedback on what you would like to see in future articles is always welcomed. Please send any suggestions to CCPD, Attn: Lt. Apollo, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475. Many of the topics you have read in articles this year have been suggested by readers who feel their neighbors can benefit by being made aware of situations that can become problematic. The articles address potential hazards and give information about how to recognize a threat and how to take steps to protect themselves against that threat. I am always happy to hear from my readers who have recognized a potential scam instead of falling victim to it.

The “Public Safety Report” tries to focus on safety and well-being for the residents of Co-op City. Articles attempt to focus on events that have occurred, information relative to the time of year or incidents in the media. Certain topics are repeated with an updated focus. Criminals may think they are getting smarter, but the public has become even smarter and more observant. Any criminal who repeatedly commits similar crimes in the community will get caught. The many windows of Co-op City help to serve as the eyes and ears of the community. I would like to commend the shareholder who called CCPD early in the morning of Tuesday, December 22. The shareholder reported suspicious persons lurking on the street on the side of garage 8. When CCPD responded, we discovered that three wheels had been removed from a vehicle on the street. Thanks to this call, we recovered the wheels which were off the vehicle secreted in the general area for future recovery by the thieves. As this article is going to press, we have left word with the shareholder to recover their property. Thank you for seeing something and saying something.

The readership of the Public Safety Report article in the Co-op City Times is as diverse as the population of Co-op City itself. The ages of my readers range from 10-110. Our avid readers range from elementary school students, friends I attended school with in Co-op City, to parents and grandparents of my friends. I would also like to wish all retired members of our Riverbay family good health for the coming year. The Department of Public Safety also sends our deepest condolences to those who have lost friends and family members during the past year.

The articles are written to appeal to persons of all ages. The articles try to take into account the diverse population of the community. By recognizing, respecting and celebrating our differences, we become even better than the sum of our parts.

Co-op City strives to be a community where neighbors care about one another.

Maintaining a high quality of life takes every shareholder making sure all of their family members and guests are following the rules of the Occupancy Agreement as well as the laws of New York City and New York State. Looking out for your neighbor or just smiling and saying “hello” creates a neighborhood with strong sense of community. A strong sense of community deters crime and creates a positive environment. A special shout-out to the building associations throughout the community.

Have a safe, healthy and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021. Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season. For those of you traveling, have a safe trip. Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions when driving. “Drunk Driving” and “Buzzed Driving” enforcement is heightened December and January every year. Penalties for Drunk Driving are very high and can affect your insurance premiums and ability to obtain insurance for years. Leave your car at home and utilize public transportation, a ride share service or a designated driver for parties or celebrations where you plan to drink even one alcoholic drink. There is no amount of alcohol that is safe or legal when you are operating a motor vehicle.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is using the phrases, “DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER,” “THEY’LL SEE YOU BEFORE YOU SEE THEM” and “YOU CAN’T HIDE IT, IF YOU DRIVE DRUNK, THEY WILL CATCH YOU” and “BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING.” To learn more, go www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober. On this website, you can learn how you can help to eliminate drunk driving and prevent unnecessary deaths. Every day, 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This is one death every 50 minutes. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. Observant cooperators can be the first step in helping to fight crime in the community. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

Public Safety Report

Public Safety Blotter December 13 – December 19, 2020 December 13, 2020 – 120 DeKruif Place One male was arrested by CCPD officers after it was determined his presence at this address violated a court order of protection. As a result, he was arrested and charged with marijuana possession and criminal contempt which is violating a court issued order.

December 14, 2020 – 120 Donizetti Place A male and female were arrested as a result of a physical altercation which led to the parties assaulting each other. As a result, both were arrested and booked for family related offenses.

140 Alcott Place A compactor fire brought the FDNY to this location. A combination of the FDNY and built-in sprinkler system were able to extinguish a blaze that had ignited within the compactor chute.

would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. I look forward to seeing more of my avid readers around the community in 2021.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It is also important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Someone who appears to be healthy may have a physical or developmental disability.

Don’t forget to say “hello” to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street, while observing 6-foot social distance, of course. The exception is please don’t open building or garage doors to persons you are not sure belong in the building or garage. A special shout-out to those buildings with active building associations; thank you for all that you do to provide a strong sense of community among your building members.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment.

Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members.

People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and (Continued on page 22)

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

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

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com

Candidates may review full position description and apply directly at either site.

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

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Sonia

Feliciano, Treasurer

Strength and character of our community Dear fellow shareholders, Hoping that you and family are

well.

I am proud to say that I am a member of the Coop City community. The past year has not been easy for many of us – home schooling, work at home, job insecurities, loss of friends and loved ones – has created a difficult situation for many of us. The world has changed, gatherings for many of us that are normal are almost non-existent. However, the strength and character of the Co-op City community has been overwhelming.

A thank you to the elected officials who participated in the food drives, mask giveaways to the community, and the building associations and Riverbay staff who joined in to make this about the community.

I want to thank Bishop Angelo Rosario for getting the resources needed to provide thousands of masks and the boxes of food that were delivered to those in need. These selfless acts put the community first and it is appreciated.

As chairperson of Buildings and Grounds, the value that our presidents, representatives and Management

team stimulate drive, engagement and awareness of what is happening around us. This team of fine women and men are the eyes and ears of the community that drives action to matters that require attention.

The CDC website which I encourage you to review gives information from public health, travel and managing stress during these challenging times.

It is important that we take advantage of these resources and that they are shared amongst those who are close to you, friends and neighbors, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html A special thank you to Marie Smith. Marie not only is a partner in Buildings and Grounds, she facilitates NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).

This organization provides resources for those individuals in need. Education and community awareness is an important aspect of the work that they do.

In 2020, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) voted on introducing a National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Hotline through the use of a 988 number that takes you to a National Crises Center for support. T-Mobile has already adopted this change in November 2020 and it is expected that all

We are shareholders, not tenants!

Become involved in your building association!

The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!

We’re Hiring Life Insurance Agents Excellent Compensation Qualifications: • Minimum one year: Life Sales Experience • Checkable references • Maturity • Integrity • Goals driven Please call (718) 671-8000 The Wright Agency at Allstate 1435 East Gun Hill Road Bronx, N.Y. 10469 Please only apply if you are capable of earning $75,000 plus

telecommunications carriers will follow by July 2022.

The number is easy to remember, but if you have someone who can benefit from support now, the hotline is 1-800-273-8255.

Our main focus for the rest of this year and into next year is to continue to stay safe by wearing your masks, keeping socially distant and maintaining a positive attitude. We have individuals who are isolated and this is a great opportunity to call someone and, if possible, pay them a visit. Human interaction is good medicine.

The greatest part of a community is involvement.

Community involvement not only builds relationships, but it empowers us to have a say in the decisions that affect us.

Thank you for your continued support and allowing me to represent you. It means a lot to me to hear from you either by email or phone.

I can be reached via email at sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com or 917-992-7311.

Wishing you all a Healthy and Happy Holiday and may we work together to bring in the New Year on a positive note.

Shareholders first – We matter!!

Building 25 Association

Happy New Year to one and all from Building 25 Association.

As the New Year ball falls at the strike of midnight, it will be the time to reflect on the tough times we all endured the past year and look forward to a prosperous New Year with safety, health and hope.

If anyone is home quarantining, please let CSO know so that they will not send any employees to your apartment, unless it is an emergency.

There are no plans to bring back the lobby attendants at this time. We will provide an update as we receive it.Regular daily mail delivery will not be delivered to individual floors, so please make every effort to pick up your large packages in the lobby.

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

Latest update to resuming our building meetings due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. so be on the lookout for the telephone number and dial-in code posted near the elevators. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with a favorite New Year’s resolution: “Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.” —Michael Josephson —Wanda Bailey

Building 2 Association

Greetings, neighbors!

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa! Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for the holiday season.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who contributed to the holiday collection for our building staff. Due to your kindness and generosity, the holiday collection was a big success. Thank you for showing your appreciation to the building staff for their excellent work throughout the year and especially during this difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New neighbors, welcome to your new home in Building 2. We look forward to welcoming and meeting you in person when our monthly building association meetings can resume. Happy Birthday to all December celebrants. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones. We pray for the repose of the souls of our neighbors and friends we lost during 2020. To those recuperating from an illness or surgery, we pray for your speedy and complete recovery.

We have made it through nine long months of this pandemic, so do not give up now. Please continue to wear a mask on the building premises, in the elevators and laundry room and, continue to take the necessary precautions so that you, your loved ones and neighbors remain healthy and safe. Vaccine help is on the way and at some point, we will be able to put this pandemic behind us.

Wishing you Joy and Peace now and throughout the New Year!

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors. We continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy. Trust we all are complying with the guidelines to wear our mask, to be aware of social distancing at all times. The kids are back in school; let’s pray, keep our fingers crossed, that all will work out well, that learning will progress, and for continued safety and healthy well being of the children, school staffing, and all involved.

Happy Holidays to all – We wish all to be safe and healthy and enjoy the holidays, but most of all, take care of you and those around you by wearing the mask, social distancing, and keep washing and sanitizing your hands. Perhaps next year we will all be better for it. Trust today we are enjoying our gifts, joy and happiness has been shared and all is well. It appears in the midst of sorrow, a troubling year, somehow we are receiving the strength and grace to hold on. In the midst, Zoom came on the scene, a blessing in disguise and we are meeting more people than ever, meetings, entertainment, church services, concerts, etc., you name it. We won’t even have to venture out.

Building 27 Association – We want to thank the Building 27 executive board for remembering our building porters/postal clerks and lobby attendant. The association did not collect the yearly $5.00 dues for this year 2020 due to Covid19. However, because of the cooperators’ faithful giving every year, we were able to let our building staffing know we appreciate their work during this time of crisis.

We continue to wish them and their families to be safe and healthy.

The Ramp – In last week’s Co-op Times, pg. 9, we were advised by the NY State Dept. of Transportation of the I-95 direct access to Co-op City via a new ramp from the Hutchinson River Parkway to Bartow Ave. Copies of the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) statement (DDR/EA/D4 (f) is available for review by the public at Baychester Library, 2049 Asch Loop, phone number: 718-379-6700. Available for download at dot.ny.gov/bhmi, or one may contact Community Board 10, 718-892-1161.

We, with sadness, announce the death of our dear matriarch, Ms. Beatrice Chaderton of Bldg. 27C; she was approaching 100 years old, January 2021. Our sincere sympathy and condolences to her family and friends.

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

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

–H. Overman

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Neighbors, join Broun Place’s executive board members, Vivian Burrus, Rev. Grace Emanuel, Lillian Richardson and myself, Eva Lazaar, in celebrating the season, make the best, safest holiday possible. Our two good news stories are shared again. A conscientious market cashier checked her work and an order went from $126 to $77. Her register wasn’t working correctly. Then a Con Ed worker helped when I forgot my cane. The worker offered to watch my wagon and wouldn’t take a tip when I returned. Thank you, I am grateful to these two holiday angels.

Do you have a holiday story? Please don’t forget to acknowledge our excellent Grounds staff. They did an astounding job moving the snow.

We are also grateful for being in an area with great medical availabilities and COVID-19 testing sites within walking distance. The site for information is: https:// www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page, all your questions can be answered there. Channel 12 and cable 591 are running an infomercial made here on the Dreiser Loop COVID-19 testing site. You should get tested. President-elect Biden recommends a one-hundred-day period of steady mask wearing. Hopefully, numbers will decrease.

Two stories from the midwest. A lone woman in Franklin County, Kansas, was walking Highway 59. The highway patrol picked her up and heard she didn’t have a drivable vehicle. In the end, they donated and were able to give her a van and pay insurance. Here is a Kansas son’s obituary for his father who died of Covid19. “He died in a world where many of his fellow Americans refuse to wear a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another.” He wrote: “COVID-19 is not fiction.”

Review your weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a face mask (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep 6 feet between each other and wash hands frequently.

On December 22, Co-op City had a special election for City Council person Andy King’s seat. There were many candidates. The Co-op City Times did a great job publicizing this election and its candidates. Hope you voted!

Scams are on the rise. The recording says, “Credit card banks are lowering your annual interest rates.” Another, “Emergency, your car warranty has expired, press one to speak with a representative.” Another, “We apologize for our error on your electric bill.” These are examples of scams. We suggest getting on the “Do Not Call List” to help stop scam calls.

The community newsletter from the Community Relations Department can be requested by emailing that department. Catch the Tuesday evening shows. Broun Place neighbors, Saturday mornings, pick up your personally delivered Co-op City Times. Reminder, dispose of pedestrian litter in the corner cans.

Thank you to everyone who says “Good morning” and “Excuse me.” Thanks to all the Riverbay staff for kindness throughout the year.

You are encouraged to join or renew your Broun Place Association membership.

Dues are just $12 annually. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Black Forum of Co-op City

9

Emergency Food Pantry – 920 Baychester Ave., Bld. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 - 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours.

All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required. We also ask that all guests use the markers on the ground to help practice physical distancing. Registration for new pantry guests is currently closed at this location. New registration dates will post when available. This location is open on Tuesday, 12/29, and closed on Thursday, 12/31.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This is only a distribution point. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Re-certification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry and who pick up food packages at the 920 Baychester Avenue location are required to recertify at the pantry starting in January 2021. A valid ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021. Members of a household listed on an application must present themselves at recertification. They must present an ID. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also re-certify to continue in the program.

Income eligibility for emergency food support – The federal government now requires that new and returning guests sign an Income Eligibility Form to receive food. It declares that the food recipient’s household income must be at or below 200% of the federal income poverty levels. Additional details about the eligibility requirements are located on the form. Distribution of the form begins December 2020.

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

Please be safe during this holiday season.

—D. Illis

10

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Mary Did I miss Hannukah? Hannukah came early this year. Well, relatively early. Since 1986, as part of my bread and butter musical career, I’ve been “doing” Hannukah. That’s 34 years of watching the holiday try to sync up two, maybe three, calendars to keep the season, seasonal. Keeping Hannukah within the late autumn/early winter ballpark, requires that the Jewish calendar, with an eye on the lunar calendar, add a leap month seven times within every 19-year cycle.

(And you thought February 29th was hard to handle.)

That makes Hannukah land sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas on the secular calendar. And that’s why you might hear, “Hannukah’s so early (or late) this year!” every few years or so.

The Chinese calendar does something similar so that Chinese New Year falls between late January and early February. Easter does something similar falling any time between a chilly March 22 to a mild April 25, according to a formula set by the full moon. Ramadan is a more free-spirit of a religious holiday in that it doesn’t even try to stick to one season. Each year, the Eid al-Fitr or “Festival of Breaking the Fast” falls ten or eleven days earlier than the preceding year. It takes about 33 years to come back around to someone’s favorite Ramadan time of year.

But back to Hannukah…For the symmetry, 5757 was my favorite year. The first day of Hannukah 5757 fell on December 17 in 1996 but the first night fell on December 16, kind of like Hannukah eve. That’s when the first Hannukah candle is lit and lit for a purpose.

The menorah candles don’t just sit there. They burn for a reason. Each candle is associated with a quality every self-improving person strives for in life. Though each candle has a purpose, only one candle has a name.

And speaking of names … The holiday decorations manufacturers (and Google) seem to have conspired to declare Hanukkah the correct spelling of the holiday. The traditional Chanukah spelling is grudgingly allowed but Hanukah, Chanukkah, Hanukah, and

Pearson, Secretary

Warm early winter wishes

my aforementioned personal favorite are barely tolerated and the verboten Hanuka, Channakah, and Chanuka usually get spell-checked. The list of spelling variations actually goes on, but I draw the line at eight – one for each candle of the nine-candle menorah.

The ninth candle, the one that’s usually in the middle of the menorah, is different from the regular eight Hannukah candles. It’s the one that has a name. It’s the shamash or shammash or shammas. (Here we go again!)

It’s the candle used to light the other eight, one more each day, right to left, until all nine candles burn on the last night, and last day, of the eight-day holiday. Together they burn for: faith, freedom, courage, love, charity, integrity, knowledge, and peace. But nobody seems to know that but the author of the Hannukah book I found about 33 years ago, and me.

Candles are a common theme threaded throughout the northern hemisphere’s late fall and early winter holidays. Candles, light, fire – all kinds of warmth delivery systems, along with joyous noise-making and communal and familial gatherings to share food and gifts, and to give thanks, figure large in the festivities of many peoples during celebrations of dwindling and rejuvenating daylight.

From India’s Diwali with clay lamps and fireworks to Halloween Jack-o-lanterns, Mexico’s Day of the Dead’s candlelit altars, Thanksgiving feasts, Hannukah menorahs, primordial winter solstice ceremonies, Christmas lights, Kwanzaa kinaras, New Year’s revelry, Three Kings’ Day’s Star in the East, and even on to Valentine’s Day – these holidays all celebrate replacing the cold and dark with light and warmth.

A recap of solstices and equinoxes. In our hemisphere, at the start of spring, about two thirds into March, we have the vernal (or spring) equinox. The lengths of the daytime and nighttime are equal on that day. The daylight hours grow longer until we make our way two-thirds into June to the first day of summer, aka the summer solstice. Throughout the summer, the days grow shorter and shorter but no one notices because

it’s nice and warm. That continues till we reach the autumnal equinox aka the first day of fall, around September 20ish, and we start noticing it’s getting nippy.

Where’s the daylight going?? The days get shorter and chillier as we reach the longest night of the year – the winter solstice – around December 20ish. That’s when the noise and bright lights and gathering together really kick in, all to chase away the cold and the darkness as we face the long-dreaded winter days ahead.

Yet every winter, each new sunrise brings a few more minutes of daylight and a skosh more hope.

For safety sake, most unfortunately, there won’t be much gathering together this year. But nothing’s stopping us from reaching out by phone or by mail or by Zoom or by Amazon to family, friends, neighbors and our extra-hard-working staff.

Kwanzaa! Of all the holidays of any season, Kwanzaa, with its seven principles, most matches the cooperative spirit of Co-op City. The kinara’s candles shine for those principles of cooperation, mutuality, collaboration, and community. The candle lighting ceremony starts with the middle black candle. [Founder Maulana Karenga’s Seven Principles – summarized.] Light the black candle for unity (of family, community, nation, and race). Next, light the inner red candle for self-determination (to be defined, named, and used by others no more). The inner green candle is lit next for collective work and responsibility (to build together and ease each other’s burdens). Then alternate lighting the red candle for cooperative economics (to share ownership and profits), the green for purpose (to uplift the community), red for creativity (to build a more beautiful and beneficial community) and green for faith (in each other and in our common struggle).

Kwanzaa begins today and runs through January 1, 2021.

Happy Kwanzaa, New Year’s and Three Kings’ Day! Happy New Year!

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

Building 13 Association

Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at (daddpeterson@aol.com) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

Happy New Year mitted citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the A new year brings along with it a fresh look at things only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or eto accomplish, an opportunity to reflect on the year past, a new page in which to write another chapter of mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: our lives. If the previous year has taught us nothing else, it has illuminated what a community can do and overcome when they are there for each other. Set a goal to become more active in your building and community, determine what motivates and concerns you and commit to seek change.

Building 13 wants to wish the entire Co-op City community of family, friends and staff a safe, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year. Blessings in the New Year.

We always have fun and this year will be no different Today, Saturday, December 26, 2020 celebrate and have a good time. Put on your thinking cap and your music cap and ZOOM with us tonight from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Make sure you have your wine (or drink of choice) by your side in case you want to move to the beat of our resident DJ Val. It’s after Christmas and Hanukkah, the start of Kwanzaa, but before the New Year, let’s toast the arrival of 2021!!

Make sure to check the lobby bulletin board for information on joining the fun. If we have your e-mail address, you should have received your invitation. If you are interested in joining future Building 13 meetings, make sure we have your e-mail address.

Please make sure to continue complying with the recommended city and state safety guidelines as well as the Co-op City guidelines and wear a mask on the premises, socially distance and wash your hands often. Remember elevators should be occupied by no more than four (4) people and the laundry rooms, by no more than five (5) people.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, com-

WE’RE BACK!

11

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Velocity Track Club

On Sunday, December 20, VTC (Velocity Track Club) competed in the Armory Youth Solstice Invite sponsored by NYRR at the Armory in Fort Washington, NY. Due to the COVID protocols, the place was not packed, but the competition was great. The meet was well organized and all COVID-19 protocols were followed.

The following events were contested: 55 meters; 55 meters hurdles; 200, 400 & 800 meters; Long Jump and Shot Put. Medals were awarded to the top three athletes in their event/division.

VTC had 29 athletes compete and 16 out of the 29 athletes earned 19 medals, Velocity Track Club at the Armory Meet over 50%!

The following athletes were blessed with medals: Cameron Joseph, Lyon Achigbu, Drea Santiago, Bryce Hickman, Romel Barrett, Savannah Minter, Dakota Hickman, Brianna Burrell, Steven Monegro, Olyvia Burrell, Talia Dixon, Pierce Parker, Kenese Irish-Bramble, Saniah Caldwell, Karly Jackson and Royana Murray!

Congratulations to those who participated, you all are winners!

Velocity Track Club had two athletes earn USATF New York Athletes of the 2019-Year awards on Sunday, December 20, on a Virtual Award Ceremony. Due to the pandemic, the Annual Banquet was postponed until 12/20/2020. Cameron Joseph was awarded Track & Field 8 & Under Girl Athlete of the Year, and Tiarra Jackson was awarded Track & Field Race Walking Girl of the Year! This is an outstanding accomplishment!

Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for profit. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards helping our children. Support our youth, so they can continue to do great things!

For additional information, please go to our website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email WATCLT @AOL.COM. —Coach Winston Dinkins

CCPD’s annual Toy Drive organized by Lt. Delvalle and Officers Bradley and Alicea was one of the largest thus far, thanks to the generosity of shareholders. This year, CCPD officers delivered the donated toys to children at the PATH Intake Center, Westhab Shelter and Montefiore Children’s Hospital, all in the Bronx, NY, bringing holiday cheer and brightening spirits.

Photos courtesy of CCPD

EYE DOCTORS

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

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

CCPD’s annual Toy Drive delivers joy this Holiday Season

BECAUSE YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST!

Under the Direction of

Dr. Gary Fishman Dr. Simon Wu

and

N EYE EMERGENCIES! Get seen and treated by an Ophthalmologist same day, without the long wait of an ER!

Paul F. Oliveri, i Esq. Esq E Wishing good health for you and your loved ones

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR: N Cataracts N Glaucoma N Dry Eyes N Diabetic Eye Disease

Oliveri & Schw wartz, P..C. will contin nue to provide our clients, prospe ective clients, your fr f iends, co-workers, relatives, family members and ne eighbors with accessibility to o our legal ser vicess, while taking nece essar y precautions to o protect our clientts and our stafff.

MULTIFOCAL AND ASTIGMATISM CATARACT LENSES

LASER CATARACT SURGERY

COMPLETE EYE EXAM N

The Latest Technology for Diagnosis and Treatment for Adults and Children.

N

We’re here when you need us, and a can be reache ed 24/7

EFFECTIVELY Y IMMEDIATTELY Y,, WE WILL NOT RE EQUIRE NEW CLIENTS TO VISIIT OUR OFFICES

Including UNITED, HEALTHFIRST,

MEDICARE, MEDICAID

CONVENIENT HOURS: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Same Day Appointments Available! Hablamos Español.

All NEW matters c can initially be handle ed over the phone and d online.

2100 Bartow Ave, Suite 216C, Bronx NY 10475 1086662

CALL US AT AT 212-987-110 00 or 800-427-9 9546 TEXT US ATT 929-600-4992 EMAIL US S ATT I n fo @ O l i ve r i A n d S c h wa r t z . c o m

Get a Second Opinion Of Your Eye Condition.

ALL INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED

www.visionny.net

7 1 8 - 8 6 2 - EYES ( 3 9 3 7 )

12

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Kevin Each and every passing day, I constantly think how fortunate we are to be alive surviving this pandemic.

Yes, it is hard to maintain any amount of normalcy but we do it. Every one of us knows someone who has suffered a loss from this pandemic. Yet we still fight to survive and we move forward with hope and prayer that we will reign victorious. Our situation in Co op City is not unlike many around the world. We as a community are fortunate that we are able to maintain structure and a level defensive ground.

The Challenges As most of us are aware here in Co-op City, we have been able to maintain at least 75% operational normalcy. We do this while other communities are at less than 49% operational. Most of our success is due to you, the shareholders. Without the cooperation of our shareholders, your Board of Directors and Management would not be able to successfully implement and execute positive initiatives that keep us moving forward. Together, we are more than just survivors; we are an example that other regulatory entities are watching and learning to use around the world.

Meanwhile here on the front lines, there is still so much work to be done. We are getting it done but circumstances seem to always hinder our efforts. As a Board, we are still working close with Management to safely complete projects.

The Work As assistant treasurer, I am able to see firsthand what comes in and what goes out of our community.

I am constantly looking for ways to increase what comes in while decreasing what goes out. I am not a lone ranger in this task because I know and under-

Building 35 Association

The Building 35 tower of power executive committee would like to say “Thank you, fellow Cooperators,” for donations of over $2,000.00 that was shared with our porters and lobby attendant. We are very fortunate to have a crew that keeps Building 35 clean. If anyone missed the collection box, you can give directly to them.

This has been and continues to be a challenging year. Many families in Building 35 have lost loved ones. We must remember that we can cast our cares to our higher power and He will sustain you. Let us hold on to our faith and keep our face to the sunshine.

I will be passing the torch to our youngest executive board member, Keyon, to be the next Building 35 president. I look forward to mentoring him and hope that he can get more cooperators in his age group involved.

If you recently voted, thank you. What has been demonstrated is that elections can occur, regardless of the pandemic.

Happy New Year! Stay safe! Continue to live your best life!

–Evelyn M. Turner

Lambright, Assistant Treasurer

Thankful to be alive!!!

stand that it takes many minds to render success.

As vice president of the Riverbay Fund, I recognize the importance and need to secure grants, recreation, culture, education, etc. to our community.

As chair and co-chair of five (5) increasingly relevant committees on the Riverbay Board, there is no question that I am dedicated to doing my part. I ask that we, as a community of cooperators, continue to follow all safety tips. I ask that we check on our neighbors (especially elders). Don’t be afraid of being labeled nosey or intrusive when you ask someone if they are ok. You never know if you can make a positive difference in your neighbor’s life unless you ask. Check to see if your building association is having a Zoom meeting. Encourage your family to wear their mask

before leaving home. If you have a reusable mask, make sure you clean it daily before your next use. It is always best to have several so that you will always have a clean one.

Keep in Touch These are times when we need to keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbors. There are people who want what we have and look for opportunities to take it. We must protect and defend one another and our property. Remember, this all belongs to us. If you see something that seems suspicious, do not hesitate to call Public Safety. I look forward to your correspondence and feedback. I can be reached at: klambright@riverbayboard.com or by phone at 646-7218185. Thank you and continue to stay blessed.

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Retirees’ Holiday Raffle

The Retirees continued to spread holiday cheer as they awarded prizes to six members who won their Christmas raffle this past week.

Photos courtesy of Delores Debnam

National Council of Negro Women

13

Membership – NCNW Co-op City is

by Cupcake Brown. The death of Cupcake’s mother takes her down a spiraling turning 50 years young! The Co-op City path of life events. Join us on Saturday, Section of NCNW, Inc. is committed to January 9, at 3 p.m. via Zoom to discuss service for the betterment of our immehow Cupcake beats the odds. The third diate community and the society in which Book Club chat in our children’s series we live. will be a mommy and me event on SatInterested in health, education, cultural urday, January 16, at 3 p.m. We will be programs, voter registration, visiting shutdiscussing “Dancing with Butterflies: Disins and planning fundraising events? Email us at Ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com NCNW playing Santa at covering Mindfulness Through Breathing” Westhab Shelter

by Adrienne Barr. This beautifully illusfor more information or to request a Section members are reminded trated mommy and me book encourages readers to manmembership application. that both section and national dues are now due. National age anxiety with an easy-to-read story. Pre-order your dues ($50) can be paid online by visiting NCNW.org hardcover, personalized autographed book, coloring or by mailing a check made payable to National Council pages and a bookmark. For more information and to of Negro Women, Inc. Receipt of online payment of register, email NCNWCoopCitySocial@gmail.com. national dues should be sent via email to 2nd Vice PresCivic Engagement — Thank you to the candidates ident of Membership Akeisha Neely at NCNWCoopC- and the staff members of the Capital Preparatory CharitySocial@gmail.com. Checks for section dues ($25) ter School who participated in our “District 12 Meet should be made payable to NCNW Co-op City Section. the Candidates’ Virtual Forum.” There were two cerBoth checks should be mailed to NCNW, Inc. Co-op tified candidates and five write-in candidates that parCity Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. We also ticipated in our event. The two students were Tyron have a new PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/do- Brown and Isabella Robles. nate?hosted_button_id=NZF3GRVSU5946.

Medicare Workshop – Thank you for attending Youth Committee – Just in time for frigid weather, the virtual Medicare Workshop facilitated by AARP, members of the Youth Committee stopped by the West- highlighting Medicare changes for 2021. Please rehab Shelter to drop off items donated during our 16th member our important Health Committee Women’s Annual Winter Accessory Drive. The committee would Health initiative. Our section “Making Strides like to thank our section members for their support of Against Breast Cancer” Team link is still open for the drive. Your support allowed us to donate hats, scarfs, donations. Using the following link, https://secure.acgloves, socks and toys. Most importantly, we were sevents.org/site/STR?pg=team&fr_id=97708&team_ able to support families and give them a gift of hope id=2556057 remember to log into “Friends of NCNW Co-op City Section. during this holiday season.

Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas to all!

Book Club – The Book Club is excited to announce —Joyce Howard the new adult book for 2021 will be “A Piece of Cake”

14

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

– Francine Reva Jones, Assistant Secretary

Healthy Holidays!

Season’s Greetings to my friends, before he could satisfy the offer between Co-op City neighbors and the entire Co-op City and the NYC Mayor’s Office. community. First of all, a big “thank The offer that the Mayor’s Office made to Co-op you” is extended to the essential Riverbay Grounds City for building the animal shelter in Bay Plaza was: department staff who did a fantastic job of snow reThe former Bingo Hall in which the City Council moval last week from the lanes, sidewalks and streets would commit to up to $2 Million towards the renoso that cooperators could move about like normal. vation and outfitting of the space for a youth center; Also, thanks to the Riverbay Community Relaa Beacon Program for youth at Truman H.S. begintions department, the churches and organizations for ning in 2019; a program providing meals for the eldfinding creative ways to continue the community proerly; fixing ‘Killer Curve;’ playground upgrades at grams and living our lives.

P.S. 153, P.S. 160 and M.S. 181; and adding a leftCOVID-19 Relief turn signal light at Conner Street and Boston Road.

We are in the midst of the holiday season and, alCooperators are aware that some of these items have though the Pfizer vaccine is being administered, and gone unfulfilled. I believe that the Co-op City comthe Moderna vaccine is on its way, new cases of the munity expects the new Council member to honor COVID-19 continue to surge across the country. It this promise. has been reported that there is a new strain of the virus Holiday Season in the United Kingdom. Governor Cuomo has sugI hope that cooperators who celebrate Hanukkah gested banning travel from the UK, called for testing and Christmas had a wonderful holiday. Kwanzaa bebefore traveling, and complained of the lack of leadgins tomorrow. It is a seven-day celebration beginership from the nation’s capital. Cuomo has always ning December 26th through January 1st. It was crebeen in the forefront of the issues regarding COVID, ated in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, professor and while there is nothing coming from the White House. chairman of Black Studies at California State UniIt has been reported that #45 is still attempting to versity. In the language of Swahili, Kwanzaa means overturn the 2020 Presidential election. “first” and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. The After months of collaborating, the House and then Nguzo Saba means “Seven Principles” which are valthe Senate agreed on a $900B stimulus/relief packues of African culture that contribute to building and age that will possibly reach Americans next week. Inreinforcing community among African-Americans. dividuals making $75,000 per year or less will get We focus on one of the seven principles on each of $600 and each child will get $600. Jobless workers the seven days in the following order: will get an extra $300 per week in federal cash through UMOJA (Unity). To strive for and maintain unity March 14. The legislation also extends employment in the family, community, nation and race. benefits to self-employed individuals, gig workers KUJICHAGULIA (Self-determination). To define and those who’ve exhausted their state benefits. Also, ourselves, name ourselves and speak for ourselves $284B will go to loans through the Paycheck Proinstead of being defined, named, created for, and spotection Program, $20B to small businesses, businesses ken for by others. in low-income communities and $15B for struggling UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility). To live venues, i.e., movie theaters and museums. build and maintain our community together and make NYC Council Special Elections our sisters and brothers problems our problems and Congratulations to the winner in the NYC Counto solve them together. cil race. I trust that the winner will provide leaderUJAMAA (Cooperaship to the 12th District in a reliable, honorable and tive Economics). To build equitable manner. Andy King was the former City and maintain our own Councilman. His time on the Council was terminated stores, shops and other

Section 4 Partnership

Gratitude and thanks Last year at this time, the Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City gave thanks for outings and gatherings that because of the pandemic this year we thought might put people in danger. So with sincerest gratitude, we give thanks for another year for families to reconnect to each other in the safest way that they can gather. We give thanks for another Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and a brand New Year.

One day soon we’ll bring back the Ice Cream Social and The Christmas Caroling Parade Float. Thanks to the volunteers who gave out masks on our behalf and for your safety. Thanks to the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for the donations.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Building associations, committees Each Co-op City Board committee is chaired and co-chaired by a Riverbay Board member. Each building can and should be represented in these committees. When you “show up” in person or by Zoom or Webex, this will give you information to take back to your respective building association. Each building association should be represented in your respective and collective “Section’s Association,” if one exists. For example, the Section 5 Association is comprised of all of buildings and their associations in Section 5, and so on. You then share the information you retrieve from the committee meetings with your neighbors and fellow shareholders at your building association meeting. This is how shareholders and residents should receive information about the community, besides reading the Co-op City Times, hint-hint…At the next committee meeting, you bring your feedback and hopefully you will have answers and positive responses to your needs. But “The Building Associations,” each one in each building, is where it begins.

Do you see how this works? Let us make this community work, together.

About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in CO-OP City that makes up the sectional geographic which is referred to as CO-OP City’s Section 4 (i.e., Building 20 - Asch Loop; Building 21 - Bellamy Loop; Building 22 - COOP City Boulevard; Buildings 23, 24, 25 - Benchley Place; the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Town Houses and the Broun Place Townhouses. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com. Phone: 347-915-4939.

Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals A FORCE FOR GOOD. —Michelle Marbury

businesses and to profits from them together.

NIA (Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to our traditional greatness.

KUUMBA (Creativity). To do always as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

IMANI (Faith). To believe with all our heart in our struggle, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our people.

The Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. held its 24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on December 12th. We were honored to have Congressman-Elect Jamaal Bowman to address the community. Our friend and neighbor Elder George Crouch, affectionately known as the Co-op City Mayor, was the Griot. The children reciting the Kwanzaa Principles were young sister Aaliyah, and young brothers Amadi, Malcolm and Mosi. The MC, Ebony Lambright, and our two technicians, Michelle Marbury and Kevin Lambright, did a fantastic job. The libation, singers, dancers and Pledge for African People, were amazing. Please practice the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics – and support African-American vendors.

We must strive to live as normal a life as possible while adhering to the mandates to protect ourselves and our families from the deadly Coronavirus. So, everyone, please wear a mask, stay at home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing. Also helpful is to keep fit with daily exercise, adequate sleep and maintain or improve your immune system. Keep your family and friends in prayer.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you on the Board of Directors. I can be reached at: 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbaycorp.com.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

NAACP

Mission Statement: “Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.”

And we’ve been doing it since 1909.

Focus areas: Federal advocacy, Education, Economic Opportunity, Criminal Justice, Health, Environmental & Climate Justice.

NAACP 111th Annual Convention theme: “We are done dying.”

Democracy wins! Democracy must work for all of us.

• NBC UNMASKED Series: NAACP Holds Town Hall on Vaccine Safety.

• Donations to NAACP Empowerment Programs are tax deductible, and for NAACP statements, go to NAACP.ORG. COVID-19 has not gone away! What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this TOGETHER. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing.

Due to COVID-19 and at the request of the NAACP and Riverbay Corporation, we have not had gatherings of any kind (health & safety reasons) in Einstein C.C., room 36, since March 13, 2020. Riverbay Corporation has recently informed me that no one should be in

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People #2210

Good day, Co-op City!

The People First Democratic Club (PFDC) would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. PFDC is here to educate our community. It is essential that we understand all the different government levels (city, state, and federal), how they work together, and what offices are working together at these levels. Before we get into the Office of NYC Mayor in this edition, you must save the following dates for upcoming events in the New Year: January 5, 2021, Coat Drive Giveaway: In partnership with Kevin Riley and the Riverbay Corporation, more details to follow; January 6, 2021, our first PFDC meeting via Zoom; and

the room for any reason until further notice.

The NAACP Branch in Co-op City would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Blessed Kwanzaa. Congratulations to all the members of the newly formed executive committee. During this brief pause, we are restructuring and preparing for the new term. We are anxious to see everyone and hope you join us when we resume our meetings on the fourth Sunday of the month. Our next Zoom meeting will be held on January 24, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Stay safe and have a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Membership dues: New, renewal or gift an annual membership; go to NAACP.ORG. or send a request for application using post office mailing address. Annual dues: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10. Checks/money order made payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City Station 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution in any amount, it is most appreciated. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

“The civil rights movement didn’t begin in Montgomery and it didn’t end in the 1960’s. It continues on to this very minute.” –Julian Bond —Brenda Brown than 40 City agencies and members of City boards and commissions.

• Prepares and administers the City’s annual budgets and financial plan.

• Manage the City’s relations with federal, state, and local governing entities • Power to veto local laws enacted by the City Council • Appoints Criminal Court Judges, Family Court Judges, and Interim Civil Court Judges • Responsible for the City’s economic development and infrastructure.

• Powers relating to land use and City contracts and collaborates with City, state, and federal agencies PFDC is asking you to please stay safe during this holiday season. Please do not do any unnecessary traveling as the COVID number is once again on the rise. Mask up, wash your hands often, and use hand sanitizer. Let’s keep our community safe!

Are you interested in joining PFDC? If so, e-mail us at people1stdc@gmail.com to request an application.

Annual fees: $25 for individuals and $30 for a family. Must be at least 16 to join.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” —Aristotle —Al Quattlebaum

People First Democratic Club

January 22, 2021, NYC Mayoral Forum: Sponsored by the PFDC.

The topics will be Parenting and Education moderated by Dr. Shawn Best, University Director for the CUNY Black Male Initiative.

Please submit your questions to people1stdc @gmail.com.

Here are some essential responsibilities of the NYC Mayor: • Chief Executive Officer of the City of New York.

• Appoints and removes commissioners of more

Greetings, fellow cooperators. room in the basement. Building 10 is our building, let New cooperators – Welcome all new cooperators. us take care of it.

We look forward to seeing you at the next general Questions, comments and suggestions – You can membership meeting. contact the building association via email at BuildHoliday gift collection for Building 10 workers: ing10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, The Building 10 Association executive board would “Building 10 “ABC” Aslike to extend our sincerest thanks to all who consociation.” Like our page tributed to this year’s holiday gift collection for our and get notified of all Building 10 work staff. We also thank those who gave the happenings in and generously of their time and energy in support of this around Building 10. effort. Again, thank you!

Deepest condolences Lobby decorations – Thank you to all the volunto the family of Mr. Tony teers who decorated the lobbies of Building 10.

Alcide, the Maintenance Suicide prevention – If you or someone you know Supervisor for Section 2. is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the Mr. Alcide was caring and number to call for help in NYC is 1-888-NYC-WELL helpful, he will be missed.

(1-888-692-9355). The National Suicide Prevention We would like to wish Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. all Dec./Jan. “babies,” an If you see something, say something – For emerincredibly happy birthday. gencies, call Co-op City Police at 718-671-3050 and To the homebound NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. and sick, we wish you a Covid-19 – Covid-19 is still spreading. Wear a speedy recovery. mask, wash your hands and social distance. We can To all who have lost beat this virus…together. a loved one recently, we Compactor room – All cooperators are reminded give our deepest condothat boxes need to be broken down and recyclables lences. need to be rinsed with water to reduce vermin before Have a great week. being placed in the compactor room. All other items –Jewel Crawfordmust be taken down to the area near the Ash Cart Duncan

Building 10 Association

15

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

Hope For 2021 We are about to leave 2020 and enter a new year. Oh, what a year it has been! Take a deep breath, exhale and let go of your fears, worries, hurts, and pains. There were things that you were able to control, things of which you had no control, and things that this year may have taught you.

Your neighbor is just not the person who lives next door to you. Your neighbor may live on your block, borough, state or even another country. We all have something to give, a donation, a phone call, a meal, warm coat and gloves, toys, a listening ear, encouraging words and prayers. Trauma and tragedy are a universal experience that impact us all, some more than others. Caring is a natural human response that is demonstrated by healthcare, essential workers and family caregivers who have sacrificed their lives for others. The love of family is something to treasure.

Human touch, hugs and embrace are a power of healing. Change is a constant. Change brings out creativity.

Change can take you to a level you did not know you had the capability to achieve.

Let’s enter 2021 with a sense of hope! Hope that we will soon arrive at the new normal.

Hope can differ depending on the person doing the talking. When people speak about hope in a spiritual context, it might mean believing good things will happen with faith in a higher power, they might direct their hopes outward in prayer. For others, it might mean always looking on the bright side and seeing challenges as opportunities. In other words, always “hoping for the best.”

Having hope is important to the very act of being a human being. “Hope is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough to reveal the path ahead and ultimately the way out.” Having hope links your past and present to the future, “planning and motivation and determination” to get what one hopes for. To have hope is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way, it not only can help make a tough present situation more bearable but also can eventually improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates you to take the steps to make it happen.

Whether we think about it or not, hope is a part of everyone’s life. Everyone hopes for something. It’s an inherent part of being a human being. Hope helps us define what we want in our futures and is part of the self-narrative about our lives we all have running inside our minds. We are strong. We are proud that we can be together, even when apart. We have learned the power of sacrifice, community and hope.

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship and Empowerment wants to wish you all a safe and pleasant Merry Christmas! Please feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns. Info@comeoutreach.org, 718379-3159.

—Diane Cooper

16

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Daryl

This year, 2020, will probably go down as one of the worst years in the history of this country. However, this year is not over—just yet. So, let’s look at what’s happening now and see how this year is going down.

Some Serious Issues Coronavirus Disease – On December 19, 2020, there were more than 17 million cases of the coronavirus cases in our country. Then, more than 316,000 people had died in the U.S. from this disease. In NYS, there were more than 838,000 cases of this disease. And, more than 35,000 people have died from this disease.

Currently, the FDA and leading medical professionals are promoting two vaccines that can possibly end this coronavirus nightmare. The first vaccine that was produced came from a company named Pfizer.

A projection from Wall Street has estimated that Pfizer could make about $975 million in 2020 from their COVID-19 vaccine. Then, they could possibly make about $19 billion in 2021 from this same vaccine. So, lots of people and I are hoping that this vaccine will work out well to end this coronavirus disease. So, that statement could be considered good news.

However, some people are saying that they will not take any COVID-19 vaccine. And, they will go back in time and produce stories about drugs, experiments, pharmaceutical companies, etc. For instance, on September 2, 2009, the United States Department of Justice issued a statement about Pfizer.

And here are the exact words that were used in their statement: American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. and its subsidiary Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc. (hereinafter together “Pfizer”) have agreed to pay $2.3 billion, the largest health care fraud settlement in the history of the Department of Justice, to

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

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

General information – The Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

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

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

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

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

Sabbath ends on Sat., Dec. 26, 2020, at 5:26 p.m.

Candle lighting for Fri., Jan. 1, 2021, 4:19 p.m.

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

To all members Happy Birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in January. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in January, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

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

—Bruce Gitelson

Johnson

2020 – It’s Almost Over

resolve criminal and civil liability arising from the illegal promotion of certain pharmaceutical products.

Continuing, Pfizer has agreed to pay $1 billion to resolve allegations under the civil False Claims Act that the company illegally promoted four drugs – Bextra; Geodon, an anti-psychotic drug; Zyvox, an antibiotic; and Lyrica, an anti-epileptic drug – and caused false claims to be submitted to government health care programs for uses that were not medically accepted indications and therefore not covered by those programs. The civil settlement also resolves allegations that Pfizer paid kickbacks to health care providers to induce them to prescribe these, as well as other, drugs.

Now, I didn’t publish this information to shed some bad light on their present vaccine. No, I want everyone to make their own decisions about their health and the substances that they choose to take. However, my personal opinion is that people should be able to review a company’s history along with other material and then voice their opinions about what they found. Now, let’s move on.

Moderna, started in 2010, is another company that’s producing a vaccine that will hopefully end this coronavirus outbreak. A published report stated that they only made $60 million during 2019. However, Wall Street is very optimistic and excited about this vaccine. So, Moderna is expected to make between $10$15 billion in 2021 and in 2022.

Unemployment Unfortunately, a lot of people all over the U.S. have lost their jobs. So, yes, a lot of people are really suffering. For instance, as of November 28, 2020, more than 20 million people filed for unemployment benefits in the previous four weeks. Then, during December 2020, it seems like more than 800,000 people have applied for unemployment benefits on a weekly basis.

Housing Crisis Previously, the CDC issued an order to halt evictions across the country until December 31, 2020. The main purpose was to let people stay in their homes during this coronavirus outbreak to prevent transmission of this disease. So, you would think that some people would not be getting evicted before the end of the year. Well, some people found out that was not necessarily the case.

For instance, a county sheriff in Pensacola, Florida served an eviction notice to a man on the day just be-

fore Thanksgiving. He was only getting $275 a week in unemployment, and his car was repossessed. Regardless, the lawyer for the landlord argued that the CDC order was unconstitutional. And, the judge ruled that the CDC order amounted to an “unlawful taking” of private property—rental income—from landlords by the government.

Other judges in some states have followed this same line of reasoning. So, now, it’s possible that tens of millions of people could face homelessness if the government doesn’t step in to avoid this crisis.

Manhattan DA’s Investigation Intensifies A recent report stated that the Manhattan DA has issued new subpoenas for the president’s business records. Also, they’ve allegedly questioned witnesses about certain business transactions. So, we’re going to wait and see if criminal charges will be brought when the president leaves office.

Another Carrying Charge Increase Starts on 1/1/2021 Here are the carrying charge increases that we’ve received since 2010: 2010, 5%; 2011, 3%; 2012, 3%; 2013, 1%; 2015, 4.5%; 2017, 1.9%; 2018, 1.9%; and 2019, 1.9%. Additionally, we were supposed to receive another 1.9% increase on September 1, 2020.

However, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, this last increase will be issued on January 1, 2021.

Personally, I’m against all of these increases because we need to reduce our expenses.

Be Careful Please do not drink and drive a vehicle. And, please do not get involved in any road rage incidents.

Close – Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH) I hope and pray that 2021 will be a better year for everyone. So, please have a safe, enjoyable, and a Happy New Year.

Thank you.

Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

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

Family Owned and Operated

• Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

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

Personalized & Professional Care • 54 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 www.mccalls.net • director@mccalls.net 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, N.Y.

NOW WEBCASTING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABROAD

Serving all cultures & faiths

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

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

You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436-6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and peace!

—M. Chambers

African-American Association Happy Kwanzaa!! from the African-American Association of Co-op City…

It’s the 1st day of Kwanzaa, “Umoja.” Here is a brief history of the 7 days of Kwanzaa celebrations and the meaning of each principle.

Kwanzaa Celebration The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity: Umoja (oo–MO–jah) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah) To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs: Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917903-7073 Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917863-1507 Join the African American Association of Co-op City…

Membership is $15.00/year for a single membership and $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call: 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

—Michelle Marbury

DIVORCE - BANKRUPTCY • ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • IMMEDIATE FILING

• FREE CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS

“COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE FEE”

633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses

DAVID BRODMAN,Esq.

718.239.7110

17

Community Protestant Church

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

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

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

For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. via Conference Call at (712) 432-3900, Access code 343284, #.

Noon day prayer at CPC … On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for Noon Day Prayer at CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

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

Happy New Year As we wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year, our church family offers Robert Brewster Beattie’s suggestion for a Happy New Year: “To leave the old with a burst of song, to recall the right and forgive the wrong; “To forget the thing that binds you fast to the vain regrets of the year that’s past; “To have the strength to let go your hold of the not worthwhile of the days grown old.

“To dare go forth with a purpose true, to the unknown task of the year that’s new; “”To help your brother along the road, to do his work and lift his load; “To add your gift to the world’s good cheer is to have and to give a Happy New Year.”

Reminder: Flu vaccine now available.

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

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

—Evan G. Mitchell

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

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation – All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

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

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

Temple door is currently closed until February.

Zoom Service: Sunday, 11 a.m., Bilingual Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English). Pray and Reflection Service Friday, 8 p.m. (English), 4.12 Youth Services Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

—Marta Medina

18

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint –

Leslie Peterson

Happy New Year A new year brings along with it a fresh look at things to accomplish, an opportunity to reflect on the year past, a new page in which to write another chapter of our lives. If the previous year has taught us nothing else, it has illuminated what a community can do and overcome when they are there for each other. Set a goal to become more active in your building and community, determine what motivates and concerns you and commit to seek change.

“I see New York as a gorgeous mosaic of race and religious faith…” –David Dinkins Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is an African American and Pan-African seven day cultural holiday that celebrates family and community. The name “Kwanzaa” comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits” in Swahili.

During the holiday, families celebrate with feasts, music, and dance, and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the seven

principles. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Three Kings’ Day is Christian feast day and always celebrated on January 6. Celebrated most in Spain and Latin America, but also across Europe, “El Dia de los Reyes,”as it’s called in Spanish, marks the adoration of baby Jesus by the three wise men and commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi or the three wise men. Parades and performances are also typical on Three Kings’ Day. For families in Spain and Latin America, Three Kings’ Day is as important and as widely celebrated as Christmas. In Mexico, bakers make a “rosca del rey,” a sweet bread meant to represent a King’s crown that is a mile long. The bread often has a baby Jesus doll hidden inside. From Spain to Puerto Rico to American cities like Miami and New York with significant Spanish speaking populations, Three Kings’ Day is often

Goose Island Seniors

Happy Kwanzaa to all African Americans celebrating life. May everyone have a Happy and Healthy New Year.

The 2021 membership cards have been mailed out to all members of 2020 for free. We will not make you pay dues for 2021 but if you wish to donate $5, $10 or $15, it will help keep our club room for when we open again. We have been closed since February and had no activities or socializing except for our Zoom meetings in September and December. The pandemic has gotten worse and it will be wise to stay closed and keep the seniors home at least through the winter. Riverbay has ordered us to stay closed until further notice so we have to wait on them to give us the word. We have just enough funds to cover us for 2021. We have cancelled the cable but left the phone on. Someone brought up in the Zoom meeting that if we cut off the phone we may lose our phone number which we had for years. The insurance, of a little over $1,000, must be paid because the room is ours and must be insured whether we use it or not. It will also be ready for when we return. We have some of the best people in our club and I love you very much. Try

to stay safe until then. This is all for 2020. I hope for a better year in 2021.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of December: Jesus Christ, Janie Williams, Barbara Hines, Brenda Brown, Adelle Lawrence, Barbara Owens, Ada Snyder (deceased) and Sheila L. Linder. Happy Birthday to Novella White on January 1st. The January birthdays will be posted in next week’s article.

Sick and shut-in – Marvine Hollman is in the hospital. Let’s say a prayer for her. Barbara Hines is doing much better. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president), sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center. She will love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

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

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

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

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered.

On behalf of my officers and myself, stay safe.

—Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

From our house to yours: Glorious excitement from our Retirees as we graced six members who won our Christmas raffle (see pictures on page 13).

Chaplain extended prayers over our members and their families, reminding them that Christmas is ALL about Christ. He has not left us; He is Love. Let not fear overcome your faith no matter what you are going through. We are honored to serve you. Special thanks to the ladies who have co-partnered on this mission.

To YOU, our members – You are not forgotten, we are here for you. Continue to check the paper for further updates. We are sure you all had a blessed Merry Christmas. We love you ALL. Blessings …

Heartfelt Condolence to the family of our Honorary Member, Beatrice Chaderton, who passed last week.

Please contact Josephine Flowers, Good & Welfare coordinator, 718-320-0539, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is

sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Reminder-2: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, please send it to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm.

19, Bronx, NY 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Or, you can email us at dreiserretirees@verizon.net. Down the road, we are planning to be in touch via email.

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

—Delores Debnam

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING! 718-671-3050 Co-op City Public Safety

honored.

Cheers to our diversity. Let’s all ensure our quality of life, health and safety remains integral.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” –RALPH WALDO EMERSON I am pleased to be of service to the community. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com or by telephone at 718-320-1370.

Building 19 Association

Hello, Building 19 family. Merry belated Christmas! I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy it with their family.

Today marks the first day of Kwanzaa, a cultural event that is celebrated by many African Americans during a seven-day period starting December 26th and ending on January 1st. Each day represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

One of the seven principles that will hold a special meaning to me this year is faith. As you know, the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on many people, especially economically. I was worried that the association would not be able to successfully collect enough money for the porters like we have in previous years. Hearing stories of how some people are tightening their financial belts due to the pandemic, I lost faith that this year would be a good one for the porters.

However, like that scene from the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” when the town came together to help George Bailey with their donations, a miracle happened. The association received money for the porters.

Even when last Friday’s deadline passed, the association continued to receive more donations. In fact, we received so much from you, my fellow cooperators, that we surpassed what we collected last year. Your generous donation in spite of the economic impact of the pandemic is nothing short of a miracle. As I type this portion of the article, I am trying not to cry because your collective act of generosity is truly moving and has restored my faith in people once again.

For that, I thank you, my Building 19 family. This past Monday, the association presented the donation to the porters, which they were very happy about and appreciated the gift from the building. Thank you, everyone, for helping to make the porters’ Christmas a very merry one.

Some cooperators reported to me that they did not receive the pandemic go-bags containing three face masks that was distributed on Friday, December 4th.

The bags may have been removed the next day during the time when there was a lot of activity occurring in the building when the Riverbay inspectors came to our apartments to install and inspect the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not get a bag and you would like one, please call me at 917-442-9526.

Our next association virtual committee and general meetings will be held Tuesday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m., respectively.

Information on how to attend the Zoom meetings will be posted on fliers in the lobby a week before the aforementioned dates. So be on the lookout for the information soon.

On behalf of the executive board of the association, I want to wish you a belated Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year. Let us hope that 2021 is a much better year than this one.

—Leon Tulton

19

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Mon., Dec. 28

No Activities

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

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

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

Wed., Dec. 30

Bartow

Tues., Dec. 29

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Health and Wellness, 10 a.m.

-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola, 1 p.m. 2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour 2:00 -3:00 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 1

Thu., Dec. 31

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

Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and Phone)

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

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

Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org

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

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

Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 Passcode: 045708 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 One Tap Mobile: 1-929-205-6099 Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of the month, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Conference call: 929299-1045, Code: 1386

Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. w/ Ms. Margaret Kempe and students (Pay it Forward Engineers) at Scarsdale HS. Virtual game day, different games each week incl. Bingo. Please call 718-320Computer learning Zoom Meet- 1345 to register and receive Zoom info.. ing w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., https://zoom.usj/2959552471 11 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, call JASA ?pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJ office w/your name, email & phone.

N0hUVnVFZz09 Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us /j/ Meeting ID: 295955247; 93681329040?pwd=VGlHQWFRYW Passcode: 259554; d3SHkwOEd6aXRmaFIvZz09; Dial in: Dial in:1-929-205-6609 929-205-6609; Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040; Passcode: 259554 Meditation w/ Charles Tyler Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting link https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Must call or email to register: Passcode 770292 929-399-1387

Health and Wellness 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone)

Smartphone/Tablet Class w/Ralph 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Call Main Ofc., 718-320-2066, to register. Please give your telephone # & email address

New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Day.

No Activities.

No Activities.

No Activities.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

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

AARP Chapter #4997

From President Mickens: For the New Year, 2021, consider becoming a member of AARP. Call 1-888687-2277 (English) or 1-877-342-2277 (Spanish). Then consider joining our local Peachtree Chapter 4997 here in Co-op City. We are located in 177 Dreiser Loop, room 0, 2nd floor, 718-320-1946. We are closed at this time due to the virus.

Keep in touch with each other; remember to continue to wash your hands, wear your face mask (including in the elevator and on public transportation) and maintain social distancing.

Heartfelt Condolences to the family of our longtime member, Beatrice Chaderton, who passed away last week.

Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

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

Reminder: Our monthly Membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is CANCELLED until further notice. No word from Riverbay re the Community Center opening.

—Delores Debnam

Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for the Upcoming Virtual Activities – December 2020/January 2021 No activities on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 – New Year’s Day, Happy New Year!

Join Zoom Yoga Class w/Sierra available every Tuesday until Dec. 29 – 9:15-10:15 a.m. Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98404647097?pwd=RXg2WCtqNzlEa0JLVWtWN3VWa1JPZz09.

Dial in: 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Tai Chi classes – Every Wed., 11-12 p.m., Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09.

Mobile: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Zumba Classes on Saturdays – 1-2 p.m. Co-op City Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92928109097?pwd=Z1lwMHFNcDNRSGZZZ20vTmlZSmtLQT09. Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097; Passcode: 374977, Mobile: 929.205.6099.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sunday, 1-2 p.m., Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98867100439?pwd=e VhjY3Jzb3FpNjdDOVRwbjYOUmFWdz09.

Dial in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

Meditation Class – GPC, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., third Thursday of the month starting Jan. 2021. Dial in number: 929.299.1045, Passcode: 1386.

NEW: Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number. Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93681329040?pwd=VGlHQWFRYWd3SHkwOEd6aXRmaFIvZz09.

Call in: 929-205-6609, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554.

Light Housekeeping service is available w/Kris Agency. Housekeeping service is for 4 hours at $15 an hour. If interested, call the JASA office, 718-3202066.

JASA activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-320-2066 and give us your email address.

Sex Education – 1-2 p.m., Jan 21, 2021. https:// zoom.us/j/94340275929?pwd=RjRZTVVlZUhDNjQ3MGVGU05ZUFFtUT09 Meeting ID: 943 4027 5929, Passcode: 192010, Dial in: 929-205-6099.

Bereavement Group Changes – Starting Jan. 2021, the bereavement group will be meeting on the first and third Wednesday of the month, 12-1 p.m.

NEW: Smartphones and Tablets Learning Technology w/ Ralph – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m.

Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/2959552471? pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJN0hUVnVFZz09 Meeting ID: 295 955 2471, Passcode: 259554.

JASA Bartow and Einstein senior centers present “I Have a Dream,” a MLK Presentation – Readings and Tributes in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fri., Jan. 15, 2021; 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96621378242?pwd=Q1hr UldLdzBxUUNGRnlxVXRwcnoyZz09.

Meeting ID: 966 2137 8242, Passcode: 668219.

Dial by phone: 929-205-6099.

“TEA and TALK” with Kelly starting Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Moderator: Kelly Ardama will lead a discussion related to hot trending topics, discussed over tea. Dial in at: 929 205 6099, Meeting ID: 945 0739 5832, Passcode: 415390.

Please Note: JASA Bartow Senior Center Common Pantry Food Distribution cancelled until further notice.

20

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Michelle

Marbury

It is my privilege and pleasure to serve you…

Truly a privilege even in 2020 Greetings, cooperators, shareholders and residents of this magnificent community. As we approach end of this turbulent year, I looked for reasons that made 2020 special. Being alive in 2020 is special because it is the only year you are likely to live through wherein the first two digits match the second two digits. This happens once every century. So hoorah, Co-op City!

It’s the 1st day and 1st principle of Kwanzaa When I think of Kwanzaa, I think of community.

Did you know? The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba (pronounced: en-goo-zoe sah-bah), are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle. Today’s principle: Umoja (oo–MO–jah) means Unity; to strive for and maintain unity in the family, “community,” nation, and race. For more history of Kwanzaa and the remaining six principles, have a look at the African American Association of Co-op City’s article, just a few pages away in this edition.

As we look back…

Against the backdrop of the global coronavirus pandemic, the events of 2020 brought new challenges no one was prepared for, changing the way we live and how we connect with each other. Through it all, we have been there weathering the storms in our uniquely landscaped community. From key moments in politics and news to the entirely new ways we experience sports and entertainment.

News events that moved us From the economic effects and catastrophic loss of life brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic to new effects from the climate change crisis, the transfor-

Church of New Vision

mative moments in the Black Lives Matter protests, and a highly contentious US election, 2020 was as sobering as it was defining.

In sports: The “wins” that inspired us For the fans, sports have always been an inspiration and a distraction, but this year it took on renewed importance. Leagues around the world had to find new ways to keep audiences connected to the teams and athletes they love during trying times, all while stadiums remained empty and the playing field became a new platform for conversations about social and racial justice.

Art has elevated us The live entertainment industry came largely to a halt, but stay at home mandates pushed creativity to new heights. Celebrities and musicians found renewed connection to fans with live streaming. Studios discovered innovative ways to produce and distribute content that was more inclusive. Film festivals, fashion weeks and more evolved with our new normal and brought us all closer to the arts we love.

The icons that left us In a year when loss of life seems almost routine, 2020 has reminded us of the impact of our icons.

Whether it’s a congressman leading us through “good trouble” (John Lewis), a firebird U.S. Supreme Court Justice (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), an NBA legend (Kobe Bryant), or a visionary rock guitarist (Eddie Van Halen), 2020 has shown us that though our heroes won’t live forever, their legacies will.

Looking ahead: January 5, 2021, a reminder…

Georgia is holding two runoff elections for U.S. Senate on January 5, 2021, as no candidate received a majority of votes in either November 3, 2020, elec-

From the Pastor’s Desk: On behalf of the Church of New Vision, we wanted to take a moment to send a note to let you know we are thinking about you during this special time of the year. While many are focused on the pandemic and what might be the politically correct thing to say or do in this wonderful holiday season, we remain focused on the “Christ” of Christmas.

We know that it can be challenging to go through the holiday season without the opportunity to come out to services at the church to fellowship with one another or even visit family. However, we want you to know that God is with you at all times. He will surely be your source of strength and comfort this year as He has in years past. So, with that in mind, we want to take this opportunity to thank God and pray that you and your family have a Blessed Merry Christmas, as we as a church family celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we look forward into the New Year 2021, our verse of the year is 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen.

Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge: We welcome you with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we share the Word of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube; type in “Kenneth Hodge.” Wednesday prayer service, 7:00 p.m. via telephone conference line by calling 1646-769-9900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please MUTE your phone so all can hear with clarity.

Sunday, December 20, Worship Service theme: “Emmanuel God With Us.” Scripture: Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Amen. (Matthew 1:18-23) Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the bereaved families. May the love of God embrace, heal, strengthen, comfort and give you peace.

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

—Brenda Brown

tion. Georgia was the only state to hold two U.S. Senate elections in 2020—one regularly scheduled election and one special election to fill the rest of retired Sen. Johnny Isakson's (R) term. Encourage your friends and family to get out to the polls and vote.

For as long as it takes, we must comply During this pandemic and for as long as it takes, please cover your mouth and your nose with a mask.

It pains me to say again, too many residents, guests, delivery personnel, etc., are still entering our buildings and getting on elevators without masks. One or two in an elevator without masks is too many, can affect and infect many.

“To lead people, walk beside them; as for the ‘best’ leaders, the people do not notice their existence.” – Lao Tzu Volunteer to be your floor’s Floor Captain, join a club, attend your building association gatherings, Zoom Meetings, etc. Wear masks and gloves. Your energy to do the right thing could shape this community for the better. You could be the one. Choose…

We wear masks so that one day, we will lose no more souls to Covid -19…We give pause to the memory of those we have lost. We pray for the strength of each family as you carry on for those who remain.

Those who are lonely, please know that you are not alone. Will you please wear your mask? Thank you for reading my viewpoint. It is my privilege to serve and represent you. You can contact me at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com. Happy Holiday Season!

Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Epiphany! Happy Healthy 2021!

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

Newsong Church Jesus is the Lamb of God 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. –Matthew 2:11-NLT Have you ever given a gift that just bombed?

Once I bought my daughter a gift that I thought she would love, but she actually played (and had more fun) with the box that it came in.

When the wise men gave Jesus myrrh, his parents must have thought it was very strange.

Throughout ancient history, myrrh was used for many different things, but by the time of Jesus, myrrh was primarily associated with death, it was used to treat the outside of the body before burial. (John 19:39-40) Although this seems like a strange gift to give, just like the gold and frankincense, it too had a deep spiritual meaning. It was a foreshadowing of the death that Jesus would endure as the Lamb of God. This is why Joseph was told by the angel to take Mary as his wife, and to name the baby Jesus, because He (Jesus) would save people from their sins.

(Matthew 1:20-22) The only acceptable currency for the payment of sin is the blood of a spotless lamb. Remember the story of Moses and the children of Israel? God’s people were enslaved in Egypt, and although God sent plague after plague, Pharaoh refused to set Israel free. God sent

Turn On Your Headlights when driving in the parking garages

one final plague to pass His righteous judgement…an angel of death would strike down the “firstborn” of every person in Egypt. The only way that God’s people could be protected, was if each family took a male lamb without any defects, kill it and put some of its blood on the top of their door frame and on the sides.

When the angel got to the house, he would see the blood and “pass over” that house. It was only by the blood of the lamb that they were saved. This was another foreshadowing of God’s saving grace…that one day, He would send His one and only Son into the world, to save us from our sins. (John 3:16-17) Jesus would become the sacrificial “Lamb of God” and it would be his blood that frees us from the slavery of sin!

This wasn’t God’s “plan B” because God never says “oops,” He doesn’t make mistakes.

This was part of God’s plan all along. In fact, Jesus is called “The Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8) Jesus took upon himself the penalty for our sins. 21 Christ never sinned but God put our sin on him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.-2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLV) This Christmas, my prayer is that you receive and treasure the greatest gift ever given to us…The gift of Jesus…Who was born to die so that we can live!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Co-op City Baptist Church

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. for worship service on Zoom. You can join us by Zoom Video, https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

On Thursday, December 31, at 11:00 p.m., we will hold our Watch Night service. Join us as we welcome in the New Year in Worship and Praise using the Zoom information shown above.

Wednesday Bible Study is on hiatus and will resume on Wed., Jan. 6, at 1:00 p.m. To join, use the Zoom information shown above.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is also on hiatus and will resume on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 12 p.m. You can join using the Conference Call Line: 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065.

Friday Noon Prayer will resume on Friday, January 8, at 12 p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above.

Friday Evening Prayer Service resumes on Friday, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

Flu season is here, don’t forget to get your flu shot. If you have not had Shingles, you should also consider getting the Shingles vaccine.

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

GOD will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year to the Co-op City community.

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Hattie L. Lucas

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle, 100Co-op City Blvd., Bldg. 22A, Bronx, NY 10475 welcomes everyone to join in worship service. Tel. 718-324-0334 All services are held online, please call: 720-740-9746, access code: 8876631 Services are as follows: Sunday school for all age group begins at 10:30 a.m.

Worship service starts at 11 a.m.

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

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

Friday Praise and service, 7:30 p.m.

Happy holiday greetings to everyone, may the rich blessings of God be with you all throughout the New Year.

Focus: Protection by peace God provides a covering to equip and protect the feet, the gospel of peace to give stability and mobility that allow the believer flexibility to move and advance as God directs. Believers need to have their feet protected.

Ephesians 6:15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

The enemy is aligned against us whose purpose is clearly defined by the scriptures: “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” –John 10:10 Satan is bent on the complete destruction of every child of God. He will take what he can from us, and what he cannot take he will seek to slaughter and what he cannot kill, he will attempt to ruin to render it unfit for its divine purpose.

Ephesians 6: 10-14, 16-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that he may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We are absolutely engaged in a battle in which our enemy is more than willing and capable of being the aggressor. The armour of God in general and the gospel of peace in particular provide for us safety against his attacks. Our footing is sure, our foundation will never move or crumble. We are protected, God is our shield, our fortress ,our high tower, our bulwark, and our refuge.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion, in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me upon a rock. –Psalm 27:5 —Rev. R. Sibblies

Open Door Ministries “Christmas Future”

(Full sermon at opendoorministries.net)

21

God’s word, the Bible, is sure and true. Prophecies described in it have been fulfilled and we are waiting for others to come to pass. Jesus said that heaven and earth will fade away but God’s word will never disappear. Isaiah says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” This is demonstrated in the birth of Jesus.

Luke 1:26 God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin, Mary, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Congratulations, favored lady!

The Lord is with you!”

God favored Mary to be the mother of Jesus. The angel said that she was blessed among women. Mary was taken aback by this prophecy and obviously did not understand. God’s plans are often difficult for us to decipher and can leave us wondering what God is up to.

29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to wonderfully bless you! 31 Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name him ‘Jesus.’ 32 He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. Four prophecies were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus: 1. Mary’s pregnancy through miraculous means. 2. Mary would have a son. 3. Mary’s son would be great. 4. Her son would be called “Son of God. But three other prophecies are spoken that have yet to be fulfilled. We are in God’s timetable and he is putting everything in place for Jesus’ return.

And the Lord God shall give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he shall reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom shall never end!”

If the earlier prophecies were fulfilled we can believe that the next prophecies will also be fulfilled. It is intellectually and Biblically dishonest to take the first prophecies literally and spiritualize the next ones.

Gabriel said that Jesus: 5. will continue the dynasty of David in Jerusalem. 6. will reign as king over Israel. 7. will reign as king forever.

34 Mary asked, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.” 35 He replied, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God. 36 Furthermore, six months ago your relative Elizabeth, ‘the barren one,’ they called her, became pregnant in her old age! 37 For every promise from God shall surely come true.” 38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared.

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917-334-4407.

Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis Ramos

22

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint –

Leah Richardson

I hope my fellow neighbors and shareholders had a peaceful and relaxing Christmas filled with love and blessings. I hope everyone celebrated safely following the health guidance of health professionals to help stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. As is being stressed, we each have a responsibility to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

Although we’ve heard the news about the rollout of two vaccines, the virus is still a risk. As reported just this week, a variant of the virus has been rampant in the United Kingdom causing health and government officials there to shutdown travel in and out of the country.

I urge everyone to not let their guard down. Wear a mask, continue to social distance and, whenever possible, stay home. Wash and sanitize your hands constantly especially when it is not possible to wash your hands.

Holiday Greetings

Today, December 26, 2020, is the first day of Kwanzaa. For those celebrating, I wish you a Happy Kwanzaa. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja which, in Swahili, means “Unity.” The other six principles celebrated each consecutive day until Friday, January 1, 2020, are Kujichagulia (Selfdetermination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Special Election to elect new Council member As one of the Civic Engagement & Public Policy Committee organizers and moderator of the Candidates’ Forum presented by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Co-op City Section on Saturday, December 12, via Zoom, I must say I was impressed by the number of people who attended. I was also impressed by the candidates themselves, all seven of whom took the time out of their busy schedules to attend and answer questions so

Building 32 Association

Happy Holidays, cooperators! By the time of this printing, Christmas will be behind us. I pray it was a merry and thoughtful one.

Let’s take this time to thank Building 32 Association executive board members Sonja Brown-Clarke (treasurer) and Doreatha Brundage (2nd vice president, A-side) for decorating the lobbies of Building 32. 2020 was a tough year, but these two ladies refused to let the situation dampen their holiday spirits.

Sallying forth, Ms. Brown-Clarke and Ms. Brundage beautified our lobbies for the season, and they did a great job, considering the circumstances. We greatly appreciate their service, even moreso in the current atmosphere we find ourselves. When you see them, show them your appreciation.

Also by the time of this printing, the NYC Election for City Council will have taken place. Congratulations to the winner. The special election was held on Dec. 22nd to fill the seat of Andy King. Co-op City’s very own Riverbay Board member, Bernie Cylich, campaigned as a write-in candidate.

I hope you went out and voted. Don’t be fooled. Voting for City Council is just as important as voting for U.S. President. Keep this adage in mind when it comes time to vote: All politics is local. Through voting, we make our voices heard. Our little/big community has needs. To get those needs met, we must vote.

I voted early. It was quick and COVID-19 guidelines were followed.

Speaking of COVID guidelines: Remember to properly mask up. Wash your hands regularly. And, social distance at least six feet.

Lastly, remember your laundry room etiquette. Clean up your dryer sheets.

Promptly remove all of your clothes from the machines, and be considerate of others.

That’s all for now. So until next time, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

—Ezekiel Springer Jr.

shareholders can get to know them and where they stand on the issues of importance to our community.

By the time the newspaper is printed this week, we should know who the winner and our new Councilperson of the 12th Council District is. I hope the winner fulfills their commitment to the constituents with the same fervor with which they campaigned.

Closing As we get ready to end the year, I hope the New Year brings us better circumstances, a healthier world and we will soon be over the pandemic so we can return to our lives as we knew it. Be safe in your celebrations of Kwanzaa and the upcoming Three Kings’ Day on January 6, 2021. Peace and blessings throughout this holiday season.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Happy Holidays to our neighbors!

Simple message: Please take time to take care of yourself, your loved ones, our neighbors and global community. If COVID-19 has taught us any one thing, it is that we cannot operate as individuals, in silos and without regard to others. Next week, many will be making New Year’s resolutions. I encourage you to think about your legacy, not only within your immediate family but for the sake of the human race – after all, technically, that is the only race.

Let’s put a positive vibe to all that we do. Give others the benefit of the doubt, have patience and commit to doing one act of kindness each day. Laugh more. It is contagious.

Please enjoy the rest of the holiday and get ready to reset for 2021!

Stay safe and be well.

—Josie Ferguson

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City

Dear Coalition members and friends, We thank everyone who joined the Zoom webinar for the 24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on December 12th sponsored by the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. The following is information on the participants.

The Libation was performed by Brother Mfundishi Jhutyms Ka N Heru, a Kemetic Master-Teacher in Harlem. He has been a central figure in the Kemetic Renaissance for 30 years. He teaches Kemetic spiritual science, Medu Ntchr literacy, and Kupigana Ngumi (African combat “martial” arts).

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was sung my “Music Makes Us,” and the NW Tap Connection rendered an excellent performance. The Pledge for African People was written by Dr. Ron Daniels, who heads The Institute of the Black World, Queens, NY. We were honored to have Congressman-Elect Jamaal Bowman to address the community. Our friend and neighbor, Elder George Crouch, affectionately (Continued from page 7) known as the Co-op City Mayor, was the Griot. The children reciting the recommendations on health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kwanzaa Principles were young sister Aaliyah, and young brothers Amadi, As we hear of the announcements of approval of more than one vaccine, people Malcolm and Mosi. The MC, Ebony Lambright, and our technicians, Michelle may be starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic. This is not Marbury and Kevin Lambright, did a fantastic job. Please practice the the time to let your guard down. We have come too far to let all of our hard work Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics – and support go to waste now. Protection from the vaccination will not help the community atAfrican-American entrepreneurs. large until a high percentage of individuals receive the vaccination. Speak to your We cordially invite all Co-op City churches and community organizations doctor about which vaccination is the best for you. We must continue to follow the to join us in our mission to address community issues of concern and to current recommendations for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19. Thank you enhance our quality of life. We also sponsor family-oriented educational and to all of the Co-op City residents who are doing a good job wearing masks and cultural programs. Please contact our president, Virginia Stewart, at 718-671maintaining social distance. For those who can do a better job, please do your best 4506 for a membership application. to follow the regulations. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

The Coalition membership includes the following: The African-American Association, Co-op City Baptist Church, NAACP #2210, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, the American Legion Post 1871, Faith at Work Christian Church, and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church.

Co-op City Department of Public Safety We hope that this message finds everyone safe and well in the wake of the (718) 671-3050 • www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc coronavirus pandemic.

If you SEE something, SAY something!

—Francine Jones

Happy Holidays!

Public Safety

23

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR

RIVERBAY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please see page 7 for information on how to apply for employment opportunities within Riverbay Corporation.

JB RYAN C OMPUTER R EPAIR & U PGRADE

2/29

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

EMERGENCY SERVICE

• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • SINK VANITIES • SPACE SAVERS • MATCHING HAMPERS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES

L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR

• ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners

Breathe Easy

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 NYC License #1233497 Fully Insured

718.792.2655

• RANGE HOODS We BEAT • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • KITCHEN CABINETS • CABINET REFACING Quote!

• COUNTERTOPS • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS

Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials

Elim in Bugsate

Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats

www.co-opsales.info DON’T PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!

CAR SERVICE Casino Specials Atlantic City, NJ Foxwoods, CT Empire, Yonkers Resorts, Queens

Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com

12/26

LOCKSMITH

FAMILY LOCKSMITH AND BLINDS Licensed and Bonded

HIGH SECURITY LOCKS 20% Off Any Lock Job! 12/26

Medeco • MultiLock • Wilson High Quality Labor, Low Price!

CLEANING SERVICE - WINDOWS

GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell:1-203-482-6337

12/26

CO-OP SALES BLINDS!

2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station) 10/2021

•Proms •Sports Events •Weddings •Funerals •Tours •Sweet 16 •Special Occasions •Airports •Casinos Office: 212-531-3792 Mobile: 917-560-6838

Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

1-800-479-2667

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Executive Exotic Limo

PAINTING

718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

12/26

CLASSIFIEDS

NEW STYLE BLINDS

All Colors • Vertical • Minis • Woods • 2 in. Regulars • Wash, Tape, Cord Blinds

12/26

FREE VALANCE & INSTALLATION

UPHOLSTERY

Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

Serving Co-op City for over 25 years.

“When you see me, You’ll know me.”

Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

12/26

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 the following methods:

Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691

Custom Craftsmen – 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers - Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs $8.99 & up. Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made, Refinishing, Touch Up & Polishing of Furniture.

3314 White Plains Rd., STYLISH DECORATORS Bronx, NY 10467

12/26

24

Co-op City Times / December 26, 2020

Co-op Insurance The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!

Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

P r o t e c t i o n T o C o v e r Yo u r B e l o n g i n g s A g a i n s t : • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing

We O f f e r :

• Low Premiums • Protective Device Discounts • Auto-Home Discounts

• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Li nes o f Insu rance: • Auto • Homeowners • Life

Lo w Ra te s Fo r T h e E n t i r e Ye a r !

Licensed Staff

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

America Borda Licensed Insurance Agent

Michael Garzilli Licensed Insurance Agent

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

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

The Wright Agency

PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION. COVID COMPLIANT

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!

Courteous Staff!

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

Tues. & Thurs.: 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

(near Eastchester Road)

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!