Co-op City Times 06-08-24

2024 Riverbay Board of Directors Election Supplement,

Candidates Debate Dog Policies and Carrying Charge Increases at Third Candidates’ Forum

BY DANIELLE CRUZ AND ROZAAN BOONE

The third and final Candidates’ Forum for the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election was held on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in the Bartow Center. The forum was moderated by Board Directors and co-chairs of the 2024 Election Committee, Anika Green-Watson and Claudia Sampson.

Eleven of the 12 certified candidates were in attendance. Each candidate was given a chance to present a minute-long opening statement and they were given a minute and a half to respond to the six questions asked.

The following is a summary:

Q. What is your plan for enforcing the rule that dog owners must pick up behind their dogs and keep their dogs on a leash?

Kyshawn White: Our plan is very simple. We have been

Election Night Countdown and Community Celebration!

Dear neighbors,

The 2024 Riverbay Board Election Committee is excited to invite you to a special Election Night Countdown event! Join us as we gather to monitor the progress towards reaching quorum and celebrate our unique community with a fun-filled evening. Vote in person – Shareholders who have not yet voted in the Riverbay Board Election will have a chance to vote at the event. YesElections will be onsite with a voting kiosk.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, June 14, 2024

Time: 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Location: Bartow Community Center Courtyard – lower level outside of Room 31

Activities and Highlights:

• Music: Enjoy sounds from our DJ, guaranteed to impress neighbors of all ages.

• Delicious Food: Savor a variety of tasty treats, catered by some

of our favorite local eateries.

• Family Friendly: Bring the whole family for summertime fun!

• Raffles and Giveaways: Participate in exciting raffles and giveaways throughout the evening for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

This event is not only about counting down to quorum, it’s about coming together as a community, celebrating our shared values, and enjoying a wonderful evening with neighbors. Wear red, white, and/or blue to showcase your Co-op City spirit. Your presence and participation are key to making this event a success.

Please join us for an evening of entertainment, community, and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there and counting down to quorum together!

Warm regards, —2024 Riverbay Election Committee

placed into a corner because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, that we have to have pets in Co-op City. But what we should do is implement a plan to make it a dog inclusive community. That way, we can impose rules and restrictions, fines and even fees for people who have pets and animals, that we can be able to control their movements. We can be able to have public safety be able to fine them if the animals are acting in a way or doing things like littering or defecating in particular areas and they’re not picking up on them. That way, it will give us greater control over those who have dogs within our community by making it a rule, accepting them, but then being able to have oversight over everyone who has an animal and has a pet in Co-op City.

Kevin Foggie: One of the things I think that would help alleviate the problem is if we would have more patrol by CCPD. If we’re limiting the actual places where the animals can go, if

Deadline to Return 2024 Board Election Ballots is Next

Fri., June 14

2,276 Ballots Still Needed for Quorum

BY ROZAAN BOONE

The deadline for Co-op City shareholders to return their 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election ballot is next Friday, June 14, 2024, and as of press time yesterday, approximately 55% of the required 5,035 ballots had been cast in this year’s election.

YesElections, Riverbay’s independent election vendor, reported as of Friday that 2,759ballots had been received and counted – 1,796 paper ballots and 963 electronic bal-

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Riverbay is initiating a pilot program this summer to test the efficacy of a new convector unit in the B-line apartments in Building 14 – a part of Management’s ongoing Convector Initiative to identify a suitable alternative to the convectors originally installed in Co-op City apartments.

Riverbay Maintenance Director Michael Sanders and Assistant Maintenance Director Toma Kastrati spoke with the Co-op City Times this week to discuss the pilot program.

The pilot will involve replacing the living room convectors of the B-Line apartments in Building 14 from the second to the thirty-third floors. Current projection from the Riverbay Maintenance Department has the convector pilot program beginning sometime this July.

New convectors will feature

Visual of the convector unit

Co-op City Community Fair!

The annual Co-op City Community Fair was held on June 1 on the Greenway. Starting at 12 p.m., hundreds of shareholders bought food, clothes, toys, and other goods. Local artists and vendors took the opportunity to share their work with the wider community.

Photos by P.M. Campbell

COMBING

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

Board Election Ballots Due Friday

2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election ballots are due on Friday, June 14, 2024. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by June 14 to count in the election and electronic ballots must be received by YesElections by 9 p.m., also on June 14. There are two options to vote – by mail or electronically at “riverbayvotes. com.” In addition, YesElections will have a voting kiosk at the Election Night Countdown event to be held in the Bartow Courtyard next Friday, June 14, from 4-8 p.m.

Election Committee

Notice to Building Associations, Certified Clubs & Organizations

The 2024 Riverbay Board Election Committee reminds building associations and certified community clubs and organizations that the election Rules and Regulations prohibit the use of their Riverbay-provided facilities for election-related and/ or campaign-related activities in the ongoing Riverbay Board of Directors election.

Building Associations and certified clubs and organizations may not use their meeting rooms or other gathering spaces provided by Riverbay Corporation to host candidates’ meetings or forums, or for campaign-related activities,

CO - OP CITY TIMES

2ND FRONT PAGE

Coopcity.com Live Chat Feature

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Co-op City’s website includes a live chat feature that can connect shareholders directly to a Riverbay representative.

Shareholders can go online to coopcity.com and scroll down to the bottom of the Home page to find the new live chat feature.

“The live chat is a form of customer messaging software that allows customers to speak directly with a Riverbay representative,” said Lutitia Matthias, associate director of the Riverbay Call Center. “Live chat is a messaging system which works as a pop-up chat window within the Riverbay website. By offering an instant way of asking questions, we are meeting the shareholder’s needs and helping them to a better customer journey.”

After scrolling down on coopcity.com’s main page, shareholders will see an English and Spanish queue on the right hand side of the page that they can click on and begin typing in their questions into a small pop-up window.

The pop-up window will be where shareholders can communicate directly with a Riverbay representative about any concerns or questions they might need answered.

Shareholders will be able to access the live chat feature

on any desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet device.

The live chat feature is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Shareholders can also call the Riverbay Call Center at 718-320-3300 and select Option #2 to speak to a Riverbay representative who can assist with issuing work orders for apartments.

Specifically, the Riverbay Call Center can assist shareholders with work orders related to maintenance, plastering, painting, flooring or tiling, as explained on the “Shareholder” page on the website under “Call Center.”

NYC Announces Additional Investment In NYCPS

By BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) will receive additional funding on top of their allotted budget after the city announced a new set of investments on Tuesday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Schools Chancellor David Banks and New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard came together this week to announce the $52 million investment. This investment will be split into two areas of focus, $32 million will be used to sustain specific programming previously funded through federal Covid-19 stimulus dollars, and the remaining $20 million will be used to expand hours for the Summer Rising program.

Part of the announcement also detailed how the city would be continuing the Hold Harmless policy that secured funding for schools with decreased enrollment. The policy was first implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic era and will be sustained using a $75 million investment from the city. Schools with decreased enrollment during an academic year are subsequently allotted less money from the NYCPS overall budget in the following fiscal year. However, the Hold Harmless policy ensures that the approximately 15% of NYCPS schools with decreased enrollment do not see any budget reductions.

As for how the $32 million in funding will be used, here is a breakdown from the Mayor’s Office:

• $10 million to support teacher recruiting efforts to comply with class size caps put in place by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022.

• $6 million for “Restorative Justice programming designed to reduce the reliance on suspensions or punitive discipline across city schools.”

• $5 million for digital learning resources for students and teachers.

• $4 million to support kindergarten through second grade literacy tutors and sixth through eighth grade math tutors at certain schools with a demonstrated need.

• $4 million for computer science education programs and efforts to improve accessibility for such programs.

• $2 million for “Civics for All” resources, such as “materials, professional learning, and student-facing programming focused on culturally responsive civic education models where students demonstrate the necessary skills and disposition to protect and expand democratic ideals.”

• $1 million to support the “Family and Community Engagement” initiative, which is designed to engage and empower parents of NYCPS students.

The $20 million earmarked for Summer Rising will extend (Continued on page 12)

If you elect to vote only for quorum purposes, then do not vote for candidates and/or the referendum.

lots. According to the Riverbay Corporation By-Laws, one-third of shareholders must vote in order to achieve a quorum and validate the annual Board election. This year’s quorum is 5,035.

Shareholders who have questions about the ballot are asked to contact the YesElections Help Desk by phone or email using the information above.

Eligible shareholders of record as of April 1, 2024 are voting to fill up to six seats on the Board. There is one vote per residential unit.

The 2024 certified candidates are Jacqueline Smith, Mary Pearson, Aaron Carnegie, Shanauzelda Montgomery, Bernard Cylich, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Corazon Fernandez, Sheila Richburg, Kyshawn White, Kevin Foggie, Leah Graham and Andrea Leslie.

Shareholders filling out paper ballots are cautioned to not vote for more than six candidates, as instructed on the official ballot. Shareholders voting electronically will receive a warning if more than six candidates are selected and the process will not move forward until the error is corrected.

This year’s Board election ballot also includes a referendum question for an indoor smoking ban of marijuana and cannabis products within all residential apartments. Shareholders are voting “Yes” or “No” on the question which requires a majority of shareholders agreeing to implementation of such a ban.

Additionally, for those who do not wish to participate in the Board election or the referendum, there is an option to cast your ballot for quorum purposes only.

Please note that if you vote for candidates and/or on the referendum question, you should not check the option to vote for quorum purposes only. Conversely, if you check the box to vote only for quorum purposes, you cannot also vote for candidates and/or on the referendum. You can either choose to vote for candidates and/or the referendum, or cast your ballot for quorum purposes only.

Ballots can be returned in one of two ways. They can be mailed in the postage paid, pre-addressed envelope provided with the ballot, in which case the envelope must be postmarked by June 14, 2024 to be counted in the election. Or, shareholders may choose to vote electronically using an iPad, computer or smartphone. To do so, type “riverbayvotes.com” into the address bar on your browser, enter the unique PIN and Code from your ballot, and follow the onscreen instructions. Electronic ballots must be received by YesElections by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14.

Election ballots cannot be returned to Riverbay Corporation, given to a Riverbay staff member or dropped into the carrying charge boxes in the three community centers.

Election information and updates are printed in the Co-op City Times and posted on the Riverbay Crawler. Shareholders are encouraged to tune in regularly to keep up with election-related news.

The Crawler is accessed on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Optimum).

Three consecutive election supplements introducing the candidates and their views were published in the Co-op City Times beginning on Saturday, May 4, followed by May 11 and May 18. This week, the third supplement is republished for those who missed the initial printing on Saturday, May 18. (See pages 26-35 in this issue.) The first two supplements were reprinted in the Saturday, May 25th and June 1st issues of the newspaper.

In addition to the physical newspaper which is delivered to building lobbies and community centers on Saturdays, the Co-op City Times can also be read online at issuu/com/cctimes or by clicking the link at the bottom of the Home page on the corporation’s website at coopcity.com. For faster connection to the issuu.com platform, you may scan the QR code affixed to the delivery bin in your building lobby. Alternatively, you may read the paper on X, @coopcitytimes.

A summary of the Q&A session from the third Candidates’ Forum held on Wednesday, May 29, in Room 31 of the Bartow Center, is published on page 1. All three forums are being rebroadcast on the Riverbay Crawler at 7 a.m.-2 p.m and 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m. daily. They are also available on the corporation’s YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7, where viewers can watch all three forums at their leisure.

At the YesElections portal at riverbayvotes.com, shareholders can view short videos and bios submitted by the candidates to further familiarize the community with their candidacy and platforms.

If the required number of shareholders vote by June 14, the Election Committee will review and certify the results on Wednesday, June 19, and the official results will be posted publicly on Thursday, June 20. The deadline to file electronic challenges to the election results is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 21. The new Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 26, and begin serv-

ing their three-year terms.

According to the 2024 Election schedule, should the required number of ballots, 5,035, not be received by 9:00 p.m. on June 14, the voting period will be extended from 9:01 p.m. on June 14, until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, or until the quorum is attained. The election results will then be reviewed and certified by the Election Committee on Monday, July 8. The deadline to file electronic challenged to the election results in this scenario will be Wednesday, July 10, at 5 p.m., and the newly elected Board members will be sworn in on Wednesday, July 17.

The 2024 Election Committee reminds building and townhouse associations to enter the building lobby and townhouse greens decorating contest. Three prizes will be awarded to the best decorated as determined by shareholders’ votes. See information on the Riverbay Crawler and on page 9 in this issue of the Co-op City Times. To enter the contest, please contact the Election Committee at Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com for the rules.

The Committee is also planning an Election NIght Countdown event to be held on Friday, June 14, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Bartow Courtyard. YesElections will be present with a voting kiosk for shareholders who have not voted by then or who need assistance casting their ballot. There will also be food, music and giveaways. (See page 1 for details.)

The 2024 Election Committee is co-chaired by Board Director Anika Green-Watson and Director Claudia Sampson. The other members of the Committee are Diane Alleyne, LaVonne Barksdale, Jewel Crawford-Duncan, Dorothy Davis and Debra Jones. The Election Committee is assisted by Riverbay General Counsel Jeffrey Buss.

VOTE

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 82

COMMUNITY. DIGNITY.

CARE. Values I learned from my parents as we moved from Puerto Rico to New York.

The Bronx is no stranger to crisis, but for decades, the Albany establishment has only catered to the whims of the few.

Let’s build the Bronx my family came here for— with affordable healthcare, fully-funded schools, and without fear of being priced out of our homes.

I’m Jonathan Soto. If you’re ready for the last to become the first, JUNE 25 TH IS OUR SHOT TO PROVE THE BRONX SHALL LEAD THE WAY.

EARLY VOTING JUNE 15–23

Letter to the Editor • –

Support for Pickleball Courts

To the Editor:

I would like to thank shareholder Joe Cassese for writing a favorable letter to the editor entitled “Pickleball, a family friendly, low impact game” which was printed in the June 1, 2024 issue of the Co-op City Times. I met Joe that Saturday; I was one of the many players enjoying the day, playing this life-changing sport. That may seem extreme to say, as a player, I can attest to the numerous times players who have been introduced to this game have spoken those very words, “Pickleball changed my life.”

Pickleball is a social, friendly, competitive and strategic game. The novice just wants to get the ball over the net. The intermediate player begins to see the court differently, ball placement, body position are integrated into your game. The advanced player incorporates all of the above to strategize offensively and defensively. I have encouraged basketball players to try this game, because the elements cross all sports. All of these elements enhance our brain activity and bodies physically. Movement is critical to aging. Pickleball crosses multi-cultural lines and having something positive to share with other people is good for the heart.

There is a Pickleball etiquette we learn as players. Your age or mobility is not a barrier to playing pickleball safely or if you prefer to be a spectator, all are welcome. My letter is to support courts at Asch Loop. There are surface areas that need attention. The installation of painted court lines will work well. We can use portable nets.

I would like to thank our Board President Sonia Feliciano for spending a few minutes chatting with us on Saturday as she walked from the garage through Asch Loop courts, packages in hand, regarding this matter. The conversation has started and I am encouraged this ask is feasible and will enhance our quality of life.

—Ruth Sharma

CCTimes Non-Delivery Number

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

Important Notice to clubs, and religious and community organizations

The articles of recognized organizations are published weekly at no cost to your organization, but at a considerable cost to Riverbay, in order to inform your members and the community at-large about your organization’s programs, services and events, not as editorial space for personal comment, opinions, or to make political endorsements or critical comment during the Board election.

There is limited space in the paper each week as well as limited resources and funds, but every effort is made to accommodate the many certified clubs, religious institutions, and other community organizations that submit articles for publication.

To better accommodate everyone, weekly submissions to the Co-op City Times MUST NOT exceed 500 words. Articles that do not conform will be edited for content and space availability. At the same time, articles that significantly stray from their purpose of informing the community of the respective organization’s programs, services and events will also be edited or omitted altogether. Remember also that the deadline for submission of articles from clubs, religious institutions, community organizations and building associations is 3 p.m. each

Monday. Articles that are received after this deadline will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as space allows.

The deadline for Directors’ viewpoints is 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Submissions must be emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or hand-delivered to Room 21 in the Bartow Center.

Remember to pick up the Co-op City Times on Saturday morning from the newspaper bin in your building lobby and read it for important news affecting your homes and community. When removing newspapers from the bins, please take from the top of the bin and leave the rest of the newspapers neatly stacked in the bin. Pulling a newspaper from the middle or bottom of the stack results in an untidy mess.

You may also read and follow the Co-op City Times online at http://issuu/com/cctimes, or by scanning the QR Code here to be connected.

Co-op City Times

Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Danielle Cruz Managing Editor

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow New Media Producer

Sheldon Green

Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell Media Assistant

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

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

Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, NY 10475.

Public Safety Report

Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse

Domestic violence and domestic abuse are pervasive issues that affect individuals regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, or location. These forms of violence can have profound and long-lasting impacts on victims, their families, and communities.

Domestic violence refers to a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. While Domestic abuse is a broader term that encompasses domestic violence but also includes non-physical forms of abuse such as emotional, verbal, financial, and digital abuse.

Types of domestic violence include physical abuse, hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair-pulling, etc. Sexual abuse involves coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact without consent. Often overlooked are emotional abuse, undermining an individual’s sense of self-worth, economic abuse, which is defined as taking or attempting to make an individual financially dependent, and psychological abuse which is causing fear by intimidation, threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends.

Domestic violence often follows a cyclical pattern, which includes an Increased tension, communication breaks down. The abuser becomes abusive, which can be physical, emotional, or other forms. The abuser apologizes, gives excuses, blames the victim, denies the abuse occurred, or says it wasn’t as bad as the victim claims, followed by calm. The incident is forgotten, no abuse is taking place, often referred to as the “honeymoon phase.”

International legal frameworks play a crucial role in shaping national laws and policies on domestic violence. Key instruments include:

• The United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993) which fines violence against women and calls for comprehensive measures to address and prevent it.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men through ensuring women’s equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life.

Domestic violence laws vary significantly across countries. Some examples include:

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides comprehensive provi-

Domestic Violence

The Department of Public Safety reminds shareholders that if they are threatened or are being subjected to Domestic Violence, help is available. To get help, call 1-800-621-HOPE for the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, or 311 and ask for the Domestic Violence Hotline.

May 28, 2024

900 Baychester Avenue – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without his permission.

Carver Loop/Co-op City Blvd. – A non-resident reported returning to her parked vehicle and observing that it was removed from the parking space without her permission by an unknown individual. NYPD was notified.

Opposite 99 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported returning to her parked vehicle and observing that all four tires and rims were removed from the vehicle by an unknown individual without her permission. NYPD was notified.

May 30, 2024

120 Bellamy Loop – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door without her permission.

Side of 150 Dreiser Loop – A

sions for addressing domestic violence, including funding for services, protections for victims, and legal support.

In the United Kingdom, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides a statutory definition of domestic abuse, new protective measures, and stronger laws against perpetrators while in India, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 offers protection and remedies for women facing domestic violence.

Immediate Support Services at home to provide immediate support, information, and crisis intervention is the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), you may text the word BEGIN to 88788.

Safe Horizon offers temporary housing and support for victims. To get help from Safe Horizon, call one of the 24-hour Hotlines (se habla español):

• Domestic violence victims: 800-621-HOPE (4673)

• Victims of crime and their families: 866-689-HELP (4357)

• Rape & sexual assault victims: 212-227-3000

If you need access to medical care and counseling services, hospitals and clinics are staffed with special services for domestic violence victims and you may also contact the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) for psychological support. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call a local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or 911 if it is safe to do so.

Legal assistance can include restraining orders and protective orders.** Legal mechanisms to protect victims from abusers include access to lawyers who specialize in domestic violence cases and advocacy organizations.

Third parties affected by domestic abuse include reporting mechanisms such as police and law enforcement and anonymous hotlines

Victims may fear social ostracism. In some cultures, domestic violence is normalized or accepted. There may also be a lack of awareness about the signs and consequences of domestic violence.

Economic barriers keeping victims from reporting their abuser are, a financial dependence on their abusers, limited access to jobs and education and the high costs associated with legal proceedings and representation.

Domestic violence and abuse are complex issues that require a multi-faceted approach to address effectively. Legal frameworks provide the foundation for protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators, but societal, economic, and cultural factors also play significant roles. Comprehensive support systems for victims, as well as education and resources for bystanders, are essential in creating a society that does not tolerate domestic violence.

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY

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

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

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

cooperator reported returning to his parked vehicle and observing that it had been vandalized by an unknown individual causing various damage to his vehicle. The cooperator also notified NYPD for report purposes.

170 Dreiser Loop – A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door without her permission.

May 31, 2024

4100 Hutchinson River Parkway – A food delivery employee reported parking his scooter in front of the building while making a food delivery. Upon his return, he observed that his scooter was removed from in front of building by two suspects.

June 01, 2024

99 Asch Loop – Two cooperators reported having parked their vehicles in Garage 4 on the 3rd floor and upon returning to their vehicles observing that the side view mirror was removed by person(s) unknown without their permission.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please visit these following sites:

www.Indeed.com https://indeedhi.re/ 3SgTKEr

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

www.ZipRecruiter.com https://bit.ly/3Se8bdw

Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at any site Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grand Opening!

Buffalo Wild Wings is holding a Grand Opening in the Bartow Mall on Friday, June 14. Earlier this week, the company advertised free wings for the first 100 patrons. That offer has been suspended due to public safety concerns. Please stay tuned to the Crawler and the Co-op City Times for new advertising from Buffalo Wild Wings. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Education Information Forum to be held in Bartow Center

Join State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on Thursday, June 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Community Center for an Educational Information Forum. Participants in the forum will hear from Commissioner Rosa and other educational leaders on various topics such as: workforce development, graduation measures, project-based learning, school safety and legislative and budget priorities. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will moderate the discussion and doors open officially at 4 p.m. Participants will be a part of the conversation surrounding the growth and potential of education in the Bronx and statewide.

Fire Safety

Co-op City buildings are fire-proof. If there is a fire, stay inside your apartment unless instructed to do otherwise by fire personnel. To keep smoke out, use towels and masking tape and open windows only if the fire is above you since smoke rises. You may also go out onto your balcony if it is safe to do so, until help comes.

If the fire is inside your apartment, leave immediately, and alert your neighbors. Close the door behind you but do not lock it. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Co-op City shareholders are mailed their fire safety plan at the beginning of each year, per city code. Please read this information and be prepared. Also, discuss fire safety and meeting points with your family members in the event you have to evacuate.

Mattress Disposal

The City of New York requires all residents to fully cover all mattresses or box springs in a sealed plastic bag for garbage disposal and collection. This rule was intended to prevent the spread of any bed bug activity.

Please note that mattresses that are infested by bed bugs must first be exterminated prior to covering for disposal. Please contact the Call Center, (718320-3300, for an appointment with the exterminator. This is a free service provided by Riverbay Corporation.

Under the rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring in a proper bag will result in a $100 fine imposed by the City. In addition, Co-op City residents who violate this rule may be subject to a Community Complaint with related fines and legal fees. (The City of New York and Riverbay do not provide mattress or box spring bags or covers.)

Plastic bags to cover mattresses and box springs are available at department stores, home improvement centers and large moving companies. They can also be purchased online.

Please follow this rule when disposing of mattresses and/or box springs. These covered items should then be brought to the basement Ash Cart room where they will be picked up for proper trash collection.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter.

Co-op City is Your Home!

Get involved with your building association, join a community group, write a Letter to the Editor about quality of life concerns and participate in the annual Board of Directors election!

Convectors ––– (Continued from page 1)

a digital remote and temperature control where the user can select their preferred temperature and the convector automatically enters a sleep mode once that desired temperature is reached. Conversely, the new convector unit can also automatically exit the sleep mode and resume cooling or heating an apartment if it detects a change in temperature.

Equally important, the new convectors feature two sensors that are able to detect if the unit is leaking. One sensor will be on the tray of the convector and the second sensor will be on the floor. Should any sensors detect water, “the unit is going to turn off the (convector) valve and it’s going to turn the unit off, and that will prevent leaks coming from the convector from the coil,” Sanders said.

In the event that the new convector detects a leak, a digital screen located on the top of the convector will alert the shareholder of the leak so that the shareholder can then alert Riverbay’s Maintenance Department to address the leak.

The new convector units being tested is completely sealed, meaning rodents or insects would not be able to enter an apartment through the convector, according to Kastrati.

Overall, the goal of the pilot program is to gather data on the new convectors in an effort to determine if the new units “will mitigate floor damage,” and if they are compatible with Co-op City’s convector system, Sanders also said. The Maintenance department aims to complete installation in July so that they can collect data during months with high AC usage and subsequently during heating months.

Rochdale Village, a housing cooperative located in Queens with a similar convector system, has installed the new convectors in almost every apartment in their complex and provided Riverbay with key information on the process.

In an open Board meeting on May 21, Riverbay Executive General Manager Marvin Walton detailed exactly how Riverbay was taking advantage of the more than half decade that Rochdale Village spent on researching and developing the right convector for their system.

“We found out that Rochdale Village has gone through the process. They spent five to almost six years developing a really good convector that’s fifth generation. It has all the bells and whistles that we were working towards here. So we picked one building, we reviewed our data, and we found that Building 14, the B-line, is the line here that has had the most leaks in the last three years. So we decided to pick that one line and we can only install one for them, and it depends upon the outcome…If it’s positive, then we can come back and say, ‘Hey, now let’s move throughout the community and let’s do this’,” Mr. Walton said during the open Board meeting.

“Rochdale Village’s system is very, very similar, their environment is very similar to ours and we don’t think that it’s necessary to continue to, you know, just delay the time when we have shareholders who are suffering from leaks and now we’re entering the AC season,” Mr. Walton went on to say.

Convector leaks in the summer are caused when the unit’s coil is cooled for air conditioning purposes, causing condensation to form and water to drip from the coil. Sometimes, blockages in the convector can also cause leaking in the apartment.

Building Association Lobby and Townhouse Decorating Contest for the 2024 Riverbay Board Election!

Dear Building and Townhouse Associations,

As we gear up for our upcoming election, we are excited to infuse a spirit of community and creativity into the process. To make this election season engaging and enjoyable, we are thrilled to invite your association to participate in a Lobby Decorating Contest!

Here is how it works:

Theme: The theme of the contest is “Red, White & Blue.”

Participation: Building and Townhouse Associations are invited to decorate building lobbies and townhouse greens according to the theme using any materials or decorations they see fit.

Voting: Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite building.

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the top three buildings based on the number of votes received.

This contest isn’t about winning; it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the Board election process and display our collective creativity.

We believe that building participation will add excitement to our election season and strengthen the sense of community within Co-op City.

If your Association would like to participate, please reach out to the Election Committee at Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com for a copy of the rules. We will provide further details and guidelines to ensure a fair and enjoyable contest for all.

Let’s make this election season one to remember by adding a splash of color and creativity to our building lobbies!

Looking forward to the community’s enthusiastic participation!

Best Regards,

2024 Riverbay Board Election Committee

Director’s Viewpoint Angelo Rosario, Second Vice President

My Endorsement is for Team Impact

Blessings, fellow shareholders, I have lived, worked, and faithfully served my beloved Coop City for over 40 years, and I feel honored and privileged to support the six distinguished members of the Impact Team who will represent our community and the common good. I’m not one to use catchy sound bites and slogans to get attention.

There’s no time to waste casting stones at those with whom we may have differences of opinions. There’s an existential threat to our democratic institutions. Co-op City is a microcosm of the Nation and the world. Rather than further divisions within the community, we must unite as one to find common grounds so that our community can thrive, not just survive. Let’s put people before profits, diversity of thought before divisiveness based on partisanship, and collaboration before conflict. These are my reasons for endorsing Team Impact: Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Sheila Richburg, Ezekiel Springer, Jr., and Kevin Foggie.

First, for more years than I can recall, I have partnered with Bernie Cylich, a committed community organizer, union advocate, and affordable housing evangelist who’s championed many civil rights and social causes. We’ve co-chaired the Construction, Power Plant, and Restoration Committee for several years ensuring that the best minds address the root causes of defective ground pipes and convector leaks. As a retired electrician, Bernie has been an invaluable subject-matter expert in areas such as the need to replace our aging electrical system throughout the community. His expertise and institutional knowledge are irreplaceable. He’s been there when we needed to refinance our mortgage to get a lower rate and a $124 million surplus to help us pay for much-needed capital improvements. I may not always agree with Bernie, but we’ve found a way to reach a middle ground and solve the difficult problems which is why I ask that you re-elect Bernie to the Board.

Now, Andrea Leslie is a true servant leader who works diligently to ensure that many of our “at risk” seniors and residents struggling to pay their bills remain in their homes. In her signature quiet and calm way, Andrea advocates through her day job with a NYC agency to safeguard against elder abuse and neglect. Her temperament is easy-going

and unassuming yet courageous. Indeed, she embodies the phrase, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” which has served her well when she chaired the Audit Committee for several years and played a role in helping Riverbay hire an Internal Auditor after a six-year hiatus. Both Andrea and Bernie voted against Board resolutions that approved nonunion labor contractors. Their principled behavior serves as a testament to their willingness to swim against the currents even when the Board voted for resolutions they opposed. This demonstrated their conviction to support the unions of which there are many residents here in Co-op City, both current as well as retired. Andrea, like Bernie, are two invaluable assets to our community and deserve to be re-elected.

What can I say about Mary Pearson that hasn’t been said? Mary has a big voice and an equally big heart. She’s unapologetically proud of who she is and represents seniors quite well. She’s willing to put her shoulder to the wheels and do the heavy lifting even when the deck is stacked against her. Mary wins many battles such as the fight against the illegal billboard on Baychester and the soonto-be Metro-North Station in Section 5. She’s no shrinking violet. Mary loves Co-op City and will fight to make sure we get every penny we can when we have the right people like her on the Board.

I have seen Sheila Richburg in action as president of the NCNW Co-op City Section. Undoubtedly, Sheila will bring the right mix of leadership and policy-making to the Board as she has done while creating and implementing initiatives such as health fairs, youth celebrations, and wealth-building seminars. The Board needs Sheila’s unique blend of emotional intelligence, compassion (she’s a registered nurse), and clear-eyed thinking. She is a visionary and extremely passionate about keeping Co-op City affordable and safe!

Then, there’s Ezekiel Springer, Jr. or “Zeke” as he likes to be called. As president of Building 32 Association, Zeke works 24/7 when not at his day job

as a Quality Control expert responsible for making sure that the highest standards are met before programs are broadcast just as they are met while ensuring that residents are getting the highest level of service they deserve. Ezekiel is setting a high bar at work, and as president of Building 32 Association, is proof-positive that he’ll be an exceptional Board director because of his “can do,” and “roll-up your sleeves” approach to problem solving. I believe Zeke will spend less time talking unless it’s to ask questions, and more time seeking to solve tough problems facing Co-op City.

Last, but certainly not least, Kevin Foggie gives 1,000% to everything he’s tasked to do. As a 50year resident of Co-op City with a spouse and three children, Kevin’s fully invested and prepared to step into the breach and do the hard work required. He’s a keen listener and data-driven. He enjoys taking complex language and making it simple and easy to understand. Goodness knows we can use that skill to simplify the ginormous amount of information we’re asked to read and respond to before and at our Board meetings and vendor presentations. Kevin has an even keel and the right disposition to listen, mediate, negotiate, and apply the right amount of persuasion to remedy disagreements while standing his ground. He’s actively involved in Building 19’s Association and understands issues from the ground up. Kevin strikes me as a peacemaker, a trait that will play a key role on the Board.

Vote for the Impact Team: Bernie Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Sheila Richburg, Ezekiel Springer, Jr, and Kevin Foggie. Voting is online or by mail. Vote by June 14!

Blessings to you and your families and thank you for your support!

Forum #3 ––– (Continued from page 1)

we have enforcement there, they would be the ones then that would actually enforce the fines and things of that nature. In order to help everyone, so that there’s a balance, I strongly suggest that we create some type of doggy park where everything now is localized in one central area. That’s easier to control than trying to send the CCPD to five sections, all buildings, at all times. So, if we can sort of localize it, get it so it’s constrained in a specific area, then we can monitor more actively the leash, the defecation without picking up and things of that nature. So, it’s something we’ll have to work together with, we’ll have to come up with a solution, but we want to minimize just allowing them to do whatever they want, whenever they want. Increase the patrol, enforce the leash, do the reporting, let CCPD do their job.

Leah Graham: I was on the Board for six years, from 2010 to 2016, and during that time I was in charge of the Dog Committee, and it was a very effective committee. It included shareholders who owned dogs and shareholders who did not. And one of the things that we came up with working with Riverbay, is we were assigned a park right near the Little League, somewhere on Co-op City Boulevard. But because all of the information that we put together, we even prepared a newsletter called “Ruff Ruff” so that we could engage those individuals who had dogs. Unfortunately, it didn’t pass the Board. So here we are again. And as my colleague Dr. Kyshawn White is saying, is that if we transition from being a no dog community to allowing dogs, because they’re here and it’s growing, we can control the size, how many, the leashing laws and many of the other programs. And that’s because, the Community First Team, we are strategic planners. We do this every day in our business. We know how to hit the ground running and to help this community. One of the things that we would do is we would work with the Legal department to help review some of these policies and increase them… One of our platforms is to enhance the dog policy.

Andrea Leslie: One of the things that I think that we need to be doing is we have to realize that we’re living together and I think that shareholders who have dogs feel some hostility from shareholders who don’t have dogs. If you see something and say something when you hear a dog, you see a dog, reporting is a major part of it. Public Safety cannot do anything if they’re not getting reports. I know people complain, but I think we need to partner with getting detailed information when Public Safety has to report... There are many rules and regulations by law that prevent us from doing certain things. If someone is disabled, we can’t force them to clean up. There are a number of things that we have to educate ourselves more on, what those requirements and regulations are before we’re arguing as to what we can and cannot do before we start doing so. We are working on getting the dog park and I don’t think that that’s going to be the solution because everybody is probably not going to take their dogs there. And we also need to have Public Safety be more active. When we have more patrol people, we will have more action to resolve that issue.

Jacqueline Smith: When we first got together, we discussed this. We practiced what we’re preaching. We did the research. We heard from the shareholders as we walked around and we were letting them know we’re running, so we did the research. We, Mitchell-Lama’s, already have policies in place. We’re the only Mitchell-Lama who doesn’t. NYCHA has a policy, luxury buildings. So, we put together a six-point strategy. We’ve already written it, discussed it and ready to work on it with the current Board members and present it to the Legal department. We’re just a little bit behind times, which is okay. Change is not easy. People grew up here. We didn’t have dogs, but unfortunately, as we all know, we lost that lawsuit and we have dogs. But there’s already a plan that we have come together, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog park, because the dog park should be a referendum on your general ballot. Because that’s a major in-

vestment and you would need several, according to the research that we have done, because we are Mitchell-Lama and the same rules that apply when you are disabled apply to dog parks. See, that’s the whole thing, when you wanna build something and use shareholders’ money, you gotta do the research. You wanna make sure that when we start building, when we start investing money, that we don’t come back with change orders and so forth. Mary Pearson: Even if someone has an official Riverbay acceptable dog, authorized dog, they still have to follow the rules. And the rules are, can’t be off leash, can’t excessively bark and can’t be aggressive. Those are the three things. Poop scoops. Yeah, that’s nice. We should all make sure that everyone poop scoops. But if you see a dog off leash, if you see a dog being aggressive or, you know, just yapping its head off… you can’t approach the person. First of all, it would be infringing on the person with the disability that is officially allowed to have a dog. But it’s also, it could be dangerous… In Section Five, our beautiful waterside park was called a dog park by this man that told this woman, well, you can come in, but they’re playing and it is after all a dog park. And that happened twice to the same woman, even though she found out, of course, it is not a dog park. I do believe in having dog runs, but not just one. It should be in every, each of the three sections, being Dreiser, Bartow and Einstein. I think it’s good for the dogs, it’s good for the owners.

Aaron Carnegie: I’m glad my fellow candidates have joined me in my idea of actually flipping the policy for dogs in this community… In order to have the correct enforcement, you have to actually flip the script. You cannot sit here because CCPD is not going to approach someone right now who has a dog because they don’t want to seem like they’re infringing on their disability. But now if you allow everyone to have a dog, what will happen is they have to have a tag and you make the policy that they have to show that tag. And when CCPD can go up to them, they have to have that tag or else they will get a Community Complaint. Now, in terms of the other issues… You can’t do a dog park, as Mary said, you can’t do one. If you have one, where are you going to put it? You can’t put it just in Section 5 because people over here, what are you going to walk over to Section 5 for your dog, that doesn’t make any sense. And the people in Section 5, are you going to walk over here to use the dog run? No, that’s not feasible. The other thing is, who’s going to clean it? You have a dog run, yes that’s nice, but dogs are going to use the bathroom in the dog run. What if your child, you put your child in there to let the dog loose and guess what, they fall down. There’s diseases in there. Remember when we had the sandlot? Do you remember the diseases we had in there? We don’t want that again.

Shanauzelda Montgomery: There are so many different variables when it comes to speaking about someone’s emotional pet, whether it’s legally emotional pet or they’ve designated the pet emotional. But I think they always say, if you can’t beat them, you join them; we need to embrace some things that are just inevitable. I say we have incentives for them. If we have plastic bags going around the track… maybe we should have some plastic bags inside the buildings designated so when you leave your building with your dog, you can grab a bag and do just that in case the bags are used from outside and they run out. We can also do a dog convention where we’re going to Dreiser Loop and Einstein Loop and maybe… once every other month, where we invite dog owners. We invite to register your dog, people who are there to give dog tags, to give registration, to buy dog items, to buy just different things for the dog. To let the community know those of you who do have pets, however that you feel about your pet, a lot of people feel that their pets are their children, but I also convey the message of non-dog owners because we also deserve the same amount of respect that dog owners are asking us to give. So, I think if we just incentivize certain things. I just think a convention where you’re inviting all of the pet owners, different pet

products, where they can just come together and purchase things, dog tags, leashes.

Bernard Cylich: You know, some of us are taking up this issue antagonistic. Let’s understand this. There’s over 300 owners of dogs, I believe at least, if not more. Now, the owners are cooperatives. They’re co-owners. And we’re not trying to win them over. And you can’t approach them and win them over antagonistic. I think Shana has a good idea. I think we should explore that. We have to win those folks over to get them to understand that they are co-owners and they need, like us, to protect their property. And I think that’s the way to win them over. You’re not going to win them over with a cop after every dog. We don’t have enough police officers as it is. So, I believe this is the way to approach. We have to win them over and let’s understand that they are also cooperatives. And they can be won over by indicating, stressing that they are co-owners and they have to engage in protecting their property, not just ours. And I believe that’s the way to win them over and solve this problem.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: I agree with most of what’s been said here that basically dogs are here to stay. If you can’t beat them, join them. Basically, shareholders on both sides need to be vigilant. Shareholders without dogs, be vigilant, make sure that your neighbor is doing right with their dog. There’s laws already in place. I don’t know if we need to add more laws, we just need to enforce them. And as far as enforcement goes, it goes kind of back to the CCPD invisibility issue. So CCPD needs to be more visible in areas where we know people take their dogs. And again, if you see something, say something, but not to the dog owning shareholder, say it to CCPD. I understand that there’s possibly money, like $53,000, for a dog park or parks. I agree that there needs to be more than one, having one is just ridiculous. So, there’s money there, and I think if we have a dog park, or several of them, that at least the dog owners will know that we care and that we want to work with you. So basically, let’s work together on this.

Corazon Fernandez: I agree… Dog parks are a necessity and having specified areas within the sections, not just Section Five, but within the sections to help damage control. Because I have children and I have my kids walking on the grass and I don’t want them to step on poop. Most of the times, I’ve caught it twice already, they’re stepping on poop… Building presidents should be proactive on having shareholders understand that rules are to be implemented. Shareholders should be fined. The same way where when we are in the garage and we’re parking funny, we get fined for some randomness in the garages, is the same way someone who has a service dog and the service dog is not cooperating should be fined. Dogs, yes, they should be registered. I believe there was a point in time, I think if you were having a service dog, you had to register it with Co-op City. That has to be implemented. ASPCA, when you see the ASPCA buses, maybe… if the budget allows, a rep should be there to help license these dogs.

Q. Name one or two ways that you think shareholders and residents can be more seriously committed to voting in our elections.

Kyshawn White: One of the ways that shareholders can be more engaged in community elections is to have their voices heard. Over and over again, one of the main reasons why I’m running today, is the huge backlash shareholders in my Building 24 as well as other buildings that I’ve been around that have discussed their frustration with the fact that they do not feel that their voice is heard. One of the things that we as a Community First Team, Leah Graham, Jacqueline Smith along with Shana Montgomery, want to implement is that at every Board of Directors meeting, we set aside a particular time just to hear from the shareholders and not to discuss business. We want to be responsive to you, our fellow shareholders. We want to make sure that your voice is heard, that you are represented, that we are not just thinking in a bubble

(Continued on page 15)

the day by two hours to a new extended time of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the funding will restore Friday service for middle school Summer Rising students, meaning they will have programming from Monday through Friday.

In late April, Mayor Adams announced that the 2024-2025 City Budget committed $514 million for NYCPS, a majority of which was used to protect all programming previously buoyed by Covid-19 federal stimulus funds.

Mayor Adams discussed the significance of the additional investments for NYCPS during the funding announcement on June 4.

“We know that when we invest in our children’s education, we invest in our city’s future. That’s why we are giving back to our young people and to their working parents. Today, we are investing $32 million to protect important long-term school programs that had been funded with short-term Covid-19 stimulus funds, $20 million for extended programming for Summer Rising, and $75 million to hold schools harmless against enrollment declines so that schools and principals can proceed with certainty and continuity. We know that it takes a city to raise a child, and today, we are giving our young people a chance to learn and grow their talents and imagination by investing in their future,” Mayor Adams said.

Speaker Adams echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing how the latest investments support students and working families while also mentioning the future work that still needs to be done.

“Education is the great equalizer, and programs like Summer Rising and restorative

justice will help support our students’ educational journeys, while supporting working families. Holistic support programs for students can help bridge the gap in learning loss from the pandemic and equip students with the resources to recover. There is still work to do in our education budget, especially on early childhood education programs, and we look forward to continuing this work with the administration and all stakeholders to deliver the meaningful investments that our children and families need to succeed,” Speaker Adams said.

Schools Chancellor Banks later underlined the important role public schools play in communities across the city and expressed his appreciation for the city’s investment in its youth.

“Our schools are not only places of academic excellence, but community centers, buildings filled with mentors and trusted adults, and classrooms dedicated to developing the future leaders of our city,” Banks said. “I commend this administration for putting our students first by investing in essential programs like Summer Rising, restorative justice, tutoring, and teacher recruitment. And by implementing this ‘hold harmless,’ the city is demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our school communities.”

On May 28, NYCPS released the annual Class Size Reduction Plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The plan combined $45 million in Contract for Excellence funding from the NY State Foundation Aid program with $137 million from the yearly budget, totaling $182 million to implement class size reduction strategies. Schools considered “high-need” will receive a larger portion of the $182 million in funding.

The main goal for this year’s iteration of the Class Size Reduction Plan is to “improve the percent of classes at or below the new class size caps by 3% across all districts,” according to NYCPS. In other words, the plan is aiming to increase the number of schools with classroom sizes that fall under specific class size caps.

DELIVERING FOR CO-OP CITY

RE-ELECT CONGRESSMAN JAMAAL BOWMAN

I’ve served Co-Op City Familes for ten years as a middle school principal and know our community well. This is why I’ve delivered on every campaign promise to Co-Op City in just one term in Congress:

Refinanced $126 MILLION for Co-Op City to replace critical convectors

Won $500 MILLION to build a Metro North stop for the North East Bronx

Secured the life-saving Co-op City vaccination site during the pandemic

Brought $500,000 for waterfront improvements

Now that I can represent Co-op City again, my vision is to keep Co-op affordable while building for its future by:

STRONGLY ENDORSED BY

Keeping our Congressional office open

Ensuring completion of Co-op’s Metro North stop

Fighting to protect and expand Social Security

Fighting for permanent federal funding through legislation like the Affordable Co-op Act

PAID FOR BY JAMAAL BOWMAN FOR CONGRESS

You made history by electing me as the first Black representative of this district. Together, we’re going to beat back MAGA billionaires trying to buy our seat and make history—again.

Director’s Viewpoint Michelle Marbury, Assistant Treasurer

Greetings! Our job as shareholders: Vote in Board Directors who will stay true to the oaths they take. Cooperators who do not participate in the community form their opinions from rumors spread on Facebook and other means of social media. This causes a breakdown in communication and results in a vicious cycle of misunderstandings. Social media has its place when used truthfully and dutifully. But an informed decision can only be achieved through involvement in your community. That means Building Association meetings, Open Board meetings, live forums, clubs and organizations, all of which are available to you here in all sections of our beautiful campus. In short, make sure that your vote comes from a fully informed decision that you are making.

Join me, Sonia Feliciano, Kevin Lambright and Bishop Angelo Rosario: Here are my 6 choices in alphabetical order:

Bernie Cylich has a mind for numbers and stats. He knows the very necessary anecdotes needed to help the Board as a whole reach its decisions on monumental costs and data. It doesn’t hurt that Bernie is one of the electrical engineers that facilitated turning on the lights here in Co-op City when it was built.

Kevin Foggie is a pastor and the example of what we want from all shareholders. He has investigated our changing needs by getting involved with the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing. He understands the structure of our corporation, what is needed from Management and how to achieve our goals. I love the fact that he understands that we as a community must stop seeing ourselves as renters and start seeing ourselves as owners! Now that is the impact that a Board director should bring to this corporation.

Andrea Leslie has a keen awareness of what’s ahead of us. When a shareholder and family experienced a terrible fire in Building 3B, Andrea used her platform not to boast about herself, but she asked the hard questions, “How do we budget for fire recovery?” How do we balance our financial needs and improve basic safety needs and can we afford to? Andrea sees the uniqueness of our community as a way to benefit our community. Her tenure on the Board speaks to her positive impact in the boardroom and consequently on our community.

Mary Pearson is the consummate community activist. The only time you don’t see her very detailed viewpoints is during election time. Mary pushes Management and vendors until she and the Board have a full understanding of the task at hand. She is an invaluable member of the Board and we need her respectful veraciousness in the Boardroom.

Sheila Richburg will be an asset to the Board. Only three weeks after Sheila moved here to Co-op City, she became involved in the community. I met her while serving and attending the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing meetings and she is now in charge of the organization’s Membership Committee. I have witnessed first-hand her commitment as president of the National Council of Negro Women and attended events and meetings under her tutelage. Sheila’s attention to detail is commendable and will be a definitive asset to the Board.

Ezekiel Springer Jr. – Exceptional personality which connects with the people. That spirit will connect in the boardroom. When I met Ezekeil, he was not only a budding author and editor for the A&E channel, he was secretary of the Building 32 Association. That was back in 2022 when we ran for the Board together. Ezekiel has stepped up to the plate again; this time as president of the Building 32 Association. The point I am making here is documented growth of a shareholder who GOT BACK UP and said to his neighbors, shareholders and friends, “Don’t let security fears and carrying charge hikes price us out of our community.” This is the caliber of person we want and need repre-

senting us in the boardroom.

Our Votes are Our voice

Our votes are our fingers on the pulse of what happens on this exquisite property on the northeast tip of the Bronx that we get to call our home. All 15,372 family representatives cannot be in the Board Room, so we choose 15 Board directors (i.e. 1-per every 1000 shareholders) to be, our voice. This is a privilege that people who pay “rent” don’t get!

I can hardly wait to serve with these 6 extraordinary individuals. Now I need you, the community needs you, to do your job as a shareholder. Vote in the Riverbay Board Election. Why, because it is the structure upon which our corporation was built. You

RIMISAC

FAMILY HEALTH & PHYSICAL

THERAPY

signed up for that responsibility when you became a shareholder. Your involvement and mine is not only necessary, it is imperative to preserve the sanctity of “our corporation.” I am only one person, humbled to represent you in the Board Room; I have given you my recommendations for the 6 seats available to sit beside me and represent you and “our corporation” in the boardroom. Now it is your turn. Take my recommendations with you to the kitchen table and mark your ballot. After reading this article, make darn sure that 10 others have read it as well.

Our numbers are Our strength. Kindly get involved. I can be reached at mmarbury@riverbayboard.com

Michelle Marbury, for the Impact Team

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amongst ourselves without considering your feelings towards how you would like Co-op City to be governed. We are running today because we want to represent you. We represent you. We are one of you and we want to make sure that your voice is represented in every meeting, over every discussion. We want to apply our expertise to every problem, but we want your voice to resonate in our minds so that your decisions are made because it affects you.

Kevin Foggie: I think one of the ways that we can encourage the shareholders to be involved in the voting is communication. If I’m elected to the Board, what I would like to do, I would set up a business email account whereby first, once you go through the protocols of like your building association, you’re reading the Co-op City Times, taking advantage of the suggestion boxes that are around the community, online suggestions and things of that nature, I would like to set up an email with my personal name, however I would do it and this way you can contact me at any time and at least I would respond in a timely fashion and I would get the information back to you. This way at least you know your voice is being heard, someone is listening and responding. Now will you get an answer to every problem that you have? Maybe not but at least you’re being heard, and you’ll get back some type of feedback to show you that we are concerned. We’ll give you names, we’ll give you departments, we’ll give you phone numbers, whatever’s necessary so that you understand it’s not just going on deaf ears. So please, you wanna be involved? We’ll make the resources available to you. Access them, use them, use us, we work for you.

Leah Graham: Like my colleague, Dr. Kyshawn shared, our goal is to make your voice heard. We represent you and by electing us we already have a platform. We are already ready to hit the ground running for you. Remember, I served on the Board for two sessions. I ran three years, you liked what I was doing, you elected me again, right? We want to continue that effort. As it relates to our elections, we would want to make it a big deal. Voting should be a big deal. It is so quiet, sometimes people don’t even know it’s an election. And how do we do that? We would need to revamp that 13-page election rules that have strangled us as candidates in engaging you around the communities. I remember the time when we used to engage and have parades, and it was a big deal and it was fun. And now these rules have really restricted how we can get involved with you. So, by electing Community First, we already have a plan. We are strategic planners. This is what we do every day for a living. We want to bring this community back to life with you. The last thing is, is enhancing new cooperative orientations. That would include that information as well.

Andrea Leslie: I would like to introduce and make important from the very beginning at the sale process. I’ve been through the sale process and the importance of voting is not stressed there. I think it’s very important to stress it from that point on, orientation, to make sure that everyone understands their responsibility as a shareholder to vote. That is not being done. We’ve spoken about it before… I’ve snuck into orientations. I had to sneak into orientations to introduce myself as a Board member to new coming shareholders, so they understand what the Board’s responsibility is and that they need to vote. That’s some of the things that I think needs to be done. I think we already are doing things. Our website, we now have a chat that shareholders can share. We have to encourage more. Everybody is not wanting to read the paper, but the newspaper is online and communicate in that way the importance of voting.

Jacqueline Smith: Part of my research, believe it or not, was speaking to my mother. She’s 81 years old now, she retired to Alabama. She was an original shareholder. I said, “Mommy, what made all of you turn out to such big numbers in Section Five every time anything went on?” She said, “Well, first of all… Management would just come to the community center once a month, not a town

hall meeting. Whoever was in charge would send two managers from two departments once a month to the community center and we could go across the street and tell them.” I asked my team, would they be willing to look at that as an idea? She said, second of all, we had biannual meet and greets at the Dreiser Community Center. They would invite all the vendors, the churches, everybody that had anything to do with Co-op City. We’d all go, meet the new people. The old timers would go because they have new ideas, all the stores, everybody would be there. Third, I asked my team if they’d be willing to write this resolution with me to bring back the Community Relations Committee. The Community Relations Committee was the committee where shareholders could serve on the committee and bring their ideas to the committee that they had for Co-op City. And the Board member would bring those ideas to the Board. That’s how you build community engagement. You have community engagement events where you put your work and money behind it.

Mary Pearson: Okay, we’re trying to, of course we all want to increase community engagement and have people come together, but we can’t have 15,000 times whatever number getting together anywhere. Not even in our spacious grounds, but we’re talking mostly about now, right? About how do you increase voting? How do you get people enthusiastic about voting? And we need to codify the election rules. They need to be set in stone. They can’t change every year. People have to not be so confused. Well, when does it start? When does it end? It’s all different times, it’s different lengths. The number of extensions can change year to year. One year, it’s three extensions. Last year, only one was an automatic extension, which caused a lot of problems… The number of candidates, usually five, this year is six. Or you can vote for zero, voting just for quorum. Nobody’s really mentioning it so much, but adding the referendum, do you want to ban smoking in individual apartments, or do you not want to do that? Referendum should be just so often used for anything that is discretionary. Do you want a dog park, like someone said? Yes… Aaron Carnegie: There’s only one thing we have to do. We have to change the rules of these elections. As someone indicated already, we have over 14 pages of rules that we have to know, memorize and recite back in Latin or whatever. So, we have to change the rules. I’m a building president. There are about seven building presidents in this room by my count now. I can’t go, as a candidate, to their building association meetings and say, “Hi, I’m running, ask me whatever questions you want.” That should not be. That’s how you engage in this community. That’s why we have these forums. But guess what? After this, this is it. This is the third one. So, what happens for the next three weeks or so? Nothing. When we could have been going out and actually campaigning like the political politicians do, going to the building organizations and introducing ourselves to those who do not know who we are. And another thing, if you’re running for the Board, people should know who you are. Because we should already be on committees and giving information back to building associations, like I’ve been doing for the past three, four years.

Shanauzelda Montgomery: The first thing, like my teammate, Dr. Kyshawn White and Leah Graham said, it’s about the community. And last year, community members that did vote felt their vote was disenfranchised. They felt that their voice was taken away. So, if you want to gain the community’s commitment to continuing with being part of the election process, you have to not leave them out. No one spoke to the community members that actually voted before they discarded their votes in the first place. For whatever reason, we didn’t meet quorum, we had an opportunity to extend the vote, but the decision was made for the cooperatives who already voted. So, if you’re asking us and you’re asking the community to get involved and to continue on with the process of our elections, you have to make sure that they are part of the process. You can’t tell them to be part of the

process when it’s time to vote, but when it’s time to make decisions to continue the process, then all of a sudden you want to stop it and you want to make closed-door decisions. It has to be all or nothing. It can’t be your way or the highway. If you want the community to be involved, the community that did vote last year, you should have put them together in Dreiser Loop or in Einstein Loop and let them know, listen, this is what happened, this is the process and this is why we feel we are not continuing the vote, that we’re stopping it before we reach quorum. You can’t have it both ways. They need to be involved more.

Bernard Cylich: You want to have the community come out and vote? I’ll tell you what… in the Amalgamated Housing Co-op in the West Bronx, they are going to implement a 45% carrying charge increase. You want the vote to come out? People to come out? Let the Board vote a 45% increase. You’ll see people coming out, voting us out. Fine. However, to be realistic, I, over the years, proposed two things that we need to do. I remember when one time we had those machine ballots in the lobbies and the people walked by and I said, “Aren’t you going to vote?” And they sneered at me. Sneered at me… Why? This is one time you want me to participate. I’m a co-owner and you want to participate in an election which I don’t know is running. Why? We have to change it. The only way I can propose we change it is we re-establish a Congress. Co-op City Congress, where we get representatives from all the buildings in one room and they deal with issues that are non-fiduciary responsibilities like buildings and grounds, youth, public safety. All these issues they can deal with, come back with proposals because they’re dealing with the cooperatives in the building…

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: The issue with voting, there’s a malaise throughout the country about voting and things have to change. I agree that we have to change the rules of this election and make it more so that we can go out and about and meet you guys and talk to you guys in the ways that you need us to meet you. But also, at the same time, with new people coming into the community, we have to stress that you are a shareholder, not a renter. People, tell your neighbors, tell them, you are a shareholder, not a renter. As president of Building 32 Association, we put a suggestion box in our laundry room. And that was helpful. Also, during our meetings, we told our members of the association to give us information on what is going on, what complaints that you have. And we’ve taken those complaints and we’ve taken them to the CSO office, and we’ve seen positive results. And also, let’s have, as people said, let’s have more events, fun events, one fun day is not enough. But use those as a Trojan Horse, sort of, for stressing the vote and community engagement.

Corazon Fernandez: I do agree, suggestion boxes are actually a really good thing, but they need to be seen. They need to be placed where shareholders can see it, so that way they know it’s use for them. We have TVs that do advertising, right? When this comes around, that TV should have a voice. It should have a sound, because people are impacted by hearing, so if I could hear an advertisement, you’ve got me. I’ve probably got you, right? Now, door to door petitions. Sometimes you need to have and to gain trust, because you don’t know me from a hole in the wall… But I want to see you. I want to knock on that door. And I want you to open and I’m going to tell you, “Hi, how are you? My name is Corazon Fernandez, please vote for me.” And that’s how it has to be.

Q. What skills do you possess that will help Co-op City solve the important financial issues we are facing?

Kyshawn White: Over 16 years, I worked with the Deutsche Bank Trust Company of America’s and Corporate Investment Bank. Part of my job was to secure financing, mergers and acquisitions, development, packaging of securities, developing, working with municipal agencies, the State University of New York, the School Construction

(Continued on page 17)

Lots of people are using artificial intelligence programs to learn new languages and for research purposes. But, as you continue to read, some people are using artificial intelligence to terrorize and to take advantage of other people.

When in Doubt, Check it Out

Not too long ago, a couple in their seventies were asleep in their Brooklyn home. Then, their phone rang after midnight. So, the wife checked the caller ID and noticed that her mother-in-law’s name was being displayed. The wife, however, didn’t answer the phone because she thought that the call was accidentally made.

The phone rang again. And, the wife answered the phone and allegedly heard her mother-in-law say: “I can’t do it. I can’t do it.” Her husband then took the phone and heard a man say: “You’re not gonna call the police. You’re not gonna tell anybody. I’ve got a gun to your mom’s head. And, I’m gonna blow her brains out if you don’t do exactly what I say.”

The husband then asked the man what he wanted. The man then demanded to have $500 sent to him via an app named Venmo. The man received the money. So, the husband asked if his mother would be released. Suddenly, the man allegedly brought a female voice into the conversation and asked for another $250. So, the husband complied and sent $250 to this thief. And, that’s when the thief hung up the phone.

Then, about 25 minutes later, the husband was able to reach his mother. The husband then asked his mother if she was okay. His mother, calmly replied, “Yes, I’m in bed. Why?”

Oops! The husband then knew he had been taken for $750. And, unfortunately, the thief is probably using artificial intelligence to clone other voices just to continue his crime spree.

Bottom line: I love my community. Therefore, I decided to publish this information to help everyone recognize what thieves are doing to steal money from people. For instance, thieves can clone a voice in just a few seconds from a social media post. Thereafter, they can type in a few sentences into a program. Then, it’s on!

Thieves can also hack an email account. Then, they can send out bogus messages to request money from everyone on an email account. So, I want to encourage everyone to please review this material with your loved ones. What should they do if they receive a call during the middle of the night about you? What should they do if an insane caller demands money because they claim that you were in an accident or that you are being held by crim-

One of the Worst Scams Ever

inals?

These questions and situations should be discussed periodically to make sure that everyone knows exactly what to do to avoid these types of problems.

More Dog Complaints

Co-op City is a wonderful place to live. Yes, like other communities, we have our problems. Nevertheless, as a board director, I want to make sure that we effectively deal with our problems. For instance, I recently received several calls about dogs going crazy for extensive periods of time inside of their owner’s apartment.

In several cases, some dogs were barking in an aggressive manner all day long. And, this relentless noise affected their neighbors in a terrible way. Regardless, some dog owners could care less about their dog’s behaviors or the health of their neighbors.

However, are there laws in NYC that can be enforced if a dog is a nuisance? Fortunately, the answer is yes. For instance, can a landlord initiate a case to have a dog evicted from a community if a dog disturbs their neighbors by barking all day? Yes. What about letting a dog do their business in a stairwell? Yes.

Some dog owners think that it is okay to let their dog act out when they’re on an elevator and other cooperators try to get on that elevator. And, some of these dog owners think that their dog should be able to get close to other cooperators and bark at them. Look, this type of conduct is outright wrong. Therefore, I want to encourage our cooperators to immediately call Public Safety at 718-6713050 and report this nonsense. Then, our officers can review the tape and take action against the dog’s owner.

Bottom line: We must put a stop to dog owners not cleaning up after their dog. And, we must stop dog owners from letting their dog bark all day.

Do Not Throw

Anything Out of a Window

Recently, someone allegedly threw a bottle of urine out of their window near the

entrance of building 25. (Building 25 is across the street from the baseball fields on Co-op City Boulevard.) Then, our workers had to clean this entire area. So, I want to let the person that allegedly committed this horrible act to know that their actions could have killed someone. Thereafter, criminal charges could have been brought for their actions.

Close

Let’s demonstrate in a positive manner that we’re going to take care of our community.

Thank you.

Contact Information

Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard. com.

I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else.

Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Forum #3 –– (Continued from page 15)

Authority, along with many other Fortune 500 companies and with progressing and procuring financing. Conversely, for the past 16 years, I have served as a pastor of Second Providence Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. We have just completed a $32 million construction project building a brandnew, state-of-the-art church facility, as well as housing within the same structure. I am quite adept at managing and overseeing the budget procurement process, of also having oversight over vendors and construction companies as well as developers in the project and oversight of quality control in a building process. I understand that from front to end, part of one of the things that I had to do. And what I will bring to Co-op City is the same level of quality and excellence and budget control that I brought not only in my role as an investment banker, but also as my role as a pastor who is accountable to the congregants of my congregation.

Kevin Foggie: Skill sets can be very subjective, so let me explain what I bring to the table. I’m a behind the scenes kind of guy. What do I mean? I’m an information junkie. I will take the numbers. I create the spreadsheets; I create the PowerPoint presentations. I’ll take the information that my team will give me and put it in a format that’s easy to read, easy to understand and easy to explain. Though I don’t have accounting experience, that is not my forte. My forte is gathering all of the information and making it palatable so that you can understand it. Because we can sit here and give you stats, numbers, all day and after a while, it just becomes information overload. My job is to present it in a format that’s easy to see, easy to read and easy to understand. So, I bring my technical skills to the team as it relates to that. So, when we get together and you hear all of the verbalization that you’ll hear, I’ll take the verbalization and just show you pictures because I’m a picture guy. I’m a visual guy and that works.

Leah Graham: I have over, I don’t know, about 30 years in the analyst profession. I am a program analyst. I have over 20 years combined experience in management, budgeting, contracts acquisition and I’m a certified instructor. I have been your Board director for six years from 2010 to 2016 and during that time, I chaired your Budget Committee and I also helped facilitate you having televised Board meetings. I also got approval for us to have orientations for new Board directors. So, I was what you would consider a hard-working director. I visited many, many building association meetings and my skill set is really business focused. I am very result driven. What I do every day, I work at a headquarters level. I’ve been at that level for many years and all I know is positive results. I am a person that will move the needle. I am a person that’s very caring, compassionate and I’m very engaging. Anyone who knows me, even as a building president, know that I say hello to everybody. I love people, I love this community and me and my team will take care of you.

Andrea Leslie: I don’t have an accounting background, but I’m able to listen. I’m able to analyze information presented to me as a Board member. We are not responsible for day-to-day operations. We do go through the process of screening and making sure that the managers we choose is presenting the information to us that we need in order to analyze, to make a decision with you in mind. That is what I bring to the table. We are not going to just, because we are presented with information, just swallow that information. We go through a process of analyzing the information that we’ve gotten… Before our Board meeting, we have a briefing session to ask every question that we can in order to gather enough information to make appropriate decisions for you. That is what I am willing to do. That is what I do when we get information. We don’t just make a decision. I’ve been on the Board when we just hear yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and nobody asks any questions. I’ve been there. That’s not what we do. That’s not what I do. I make sure I ask until I understand before I make a decision. That is what I do. That’s what I bring to the table.

Jacqueline Smith: I am an administrator, social worker, associate teacher. I bring to the table analytical abilities, research capabilities. The primary re-

sponsibility of a Board member is fiduciary. That is the truth. We are supposed to be able to look at that budget and find the pork. That is one of the oaths we take. I may not have an Accounting degree, but I definitely can do it good enough... What I’m most proud of, though, is I myself am responsible for… shaping a city agency, a whole division, implementing a reform around juvenile detention in New York City. I was able to be a change agent. I shifted the culture. I have the dedication when I believe in something to put my back in it, giving my all, passion, late nights, research, working with people, compromising, collaborative, creativity. That’s why I love my team. All of those skills and all those desires I have.

Mary Pearson: I have been a working New York City musician for about 33 years. I retired last year because I was sick of singing through a mask and decided it just wasn’t worth it. I had my own business for those 33 years. I booked myself. I booked other people. I was a concert producer, a plane producer. That takes a lot of skill. It takes a lot of numbers. It takes a lot of dealing with different personalities and all of them rotten because it’s music. Then I got on the Board and I started working on certain committees that saved the community money. The Insurance Committee we couldn’t do much with the premiums, but we could do something with the commission… with Monique getting them to freeze the commission even though the price of the policies kept going up. And then a phone call that I had for a couple hours with one of the guys and the next morning he lowered his commission an extra four points than he had promised. So, I’ve saved the community money that way. I also was on the committee to reevaluate the rooms, when the rooms were open to outside renters, so we wanted to recoup some of the money from Dreiser’s auditorium and the smaller ones.

Aaron Carnegie: You can have all the degrees you want, you can have all the experience that you gain, but if you lack common sense, you will still lead us to ruin. Right now, I’m a building president. I’m a proven leader. I was on the ad hoc committee; I was actually one of the chairs of the MTA committee. I’m an innovative thinker. Now, am I perfect? No, I am not, nor do I claim to be. Do I have a lot of ideas? Yes, I do. Those of you who know me know I have a lot of ideas. Will they all work? No, but I’m gonna say it and I’m going to try because guess what, when you’re in a room full of 15 people, maybe that idea sparked something else, it sparked something else, and now we have a way to save money that no one was thinking of. So that’s what I bring to the table.

Shanauzelda Montgomery: We were asked the same question at the first forum and I ran down a list of things that I feel I’m proud of that I’ve accomplished and things that I can bring to the Board, especially critical thinking skills. Now it’s, we know the different responsibilities that the Board needs to do in order to make this community work. We need to represent c-op members. You have to have critical thinking skills in order to represent the cooperators and represent the shareholders and represent this community as best as you possibly can. My degrees and my 24 years of education, as well as working for records management, with a team of 10 and doing contracts, working on contracts, being a NYSTRS delegate, a NYSTRS delegate for the New York State Teachers Retirement System, as well as United Teachers, I’ve done all of that. But what is really important is how do we treat our community when we have the opportunity to be at that table? And it seems like we haven’t treated our community fair. We haven’t done what we should be doing for our community. And that’s why the Community First Team is ready to get in there and to get our hands dirty, to find out the areas that are lacking. Why did we have an 8.1% increase when it was told that to HCR it’s 2.1. How can the numbers be so skewed and so off? And those are the things that we’re gonna look at.

Bernard Cylich: You know, with this community, as well as many other communities, we’re facing an existential threat by the powerful insurance companies. Every year they come to us with double digit

increases. Whose wages are increased double digit? And yet they come here and they threaten us. In fact, if we don’t get it, we don’t purchase their program, we’ll be stuck because HUD and HCR demands that we carry insurance. My proposal is that we convene this, the Board convene a citywide meeting with all the co-ops and all other renters to put together a program to stop this gouging. And I propose we offer a national program. In Britain, you know who offers insurance? The post office. We can do it too here, but we have to get together and we can’t be fighting individually… If we’re gonna win by fighting these insurance companies alone, it ain’t gonna happen. We gotta build a coalition and I’ve done that before, so I don’t have to spell it out, my record of that. But that’s what I would propose to the Board and I actually did propose it, but we didn’t have time to consider it. That’s where we’re gonna win. We ain’t gonna win by fighting individually every time.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: I’ve spent the last 25 years in network television quality control. So, my job is to analyze what is wrong and what is right with government broadcast signals to make sure that the broadcast signals adhere to government standards. So, I have a good eye, I have a good ear. I also means test standard operating procedures as part of my job, so I can also means test what is going on in the board room. I’m no accountant, I’m no bookkeeper. My skill is to just make sure product is correct and good to go. And lastly, I work with my wife in creating a budget in our home, as I’m assured you also create budgets for your home. And by creating our budget, I’ve been able and we’ve been able… to not only keep our home solid, we’ve been able to keep our home thriving.

Corazon Fernandez: I work for the federal government and I can see for good management and future waste. But I’m not here to be Management, I’m here to be a Board of Directors, right? Board of Directors are the ones who implement policies and ideas and the way we do that is through you, the shareholders. We go through the shareholders, listen to your concerns, and voice them back to management.

Q. What would your strategy be as a Board member to help manage costs more effectively to avoid significant increases in carrying charges in the future?

Corazon Fernandez: That’s a great question. I mean, truth be told, wouldn’t the public want to know, though, too? I mean, how can I affect it, sitting down right now as we are, but with Management. As we are, we have to come together and strategize. We have to figure it out, you know. And again, that strategy being … I want to say, I’m going to have to pass on this one. I have to think on that one.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: …One thing we can do is to try and mitigate this 8.1% deal … we have to reach out to our state and local government. Local government can help us with the Water Board because our water bill went up ridiculously and the federal government has to help us with insurance. Our insurance doubled and basically now with the fires in California, flooding in Florida and in the Gulf, insurance companies think they have us over a barrel and they’re doing whatever they want. They’re having their way with us throughout the country and Co -op City is no different and that’s … one of the reasons why ours doubled and I perish the thought what that fire is going to … happen to our insurance when that all gets counted. … Also, we can look at, you know, increasing revenue. We can maybe look into ground leasing areas here in Co-op City that we’re not using. Maybe we can lease it to outside businesses and companies and get revenue that way. I have more but I’m out of time.

Bernard Cylich: You know some folks think we’re living in a bubble. Now we’re not living in a bubble. We’re subject to all the inflationary pressures around us and we have to consider them when we prepare a budget. Let me give you one example. We’ve cut the payroll by 39% ... we’ve gained two million dollars, reducing use of … certified asbestos maintenance. We’ve increased revenue from equity increases, from surcharges, from the Power Plant,

(Continued on page 19)

Director

’

s Viewpoint Leslie Peterson

It is election time. Not just for the Riverbay Board of Directors but also for several of our political representatives. Riverbay Elections are being held now until June 14th. After that date, our local primaries begin with early voting commencing June 15th through the 23rd and final election day being June 25th.

REMINDER: SAVE THE DATE – June 22nd for Section 2 Summer Fun Day. The NYC Puppetmobile will present “Cinderella Samba,” a Puppet Show at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

When it comes to voting, the lack of enthusiasm is widespread throughout the country. Why does it seem like there is a lack of interest and concern for the well-being of our community? Have the desire for verbal combat and waning integrity taken over? This behavior can result in: low voter turnout, shareholders not attending community meetings, less support of local organizations and a host of other issues. Do any of them seem familiar?

When individuals feel that their participation won’t make a significant difference, they may become disengaged. Community apathy becomes widespread.

To address community apathy, let’s build connections, organize community events and activities that promote social connections and a sense of belonging. Let’s celebrate our history, culture, and values to reinvigorate our community. By addressing the causes of community apathy and implementing strategies to increase engagement, I am sure we can build more robust communities that thrive despite challenges and become a stronger development together.

WHY VOTE? Whether it is a national, local or community election, there are many benefits that should provide incentive to participate in the process. By voting you: shape your future, hold leaders accountable, protect your rights, make your voice heard, influence policy, build a stronger community, encourage diverse representation, prevent abuse of power, exercise your citizenship and inspire civic engagement.

During the voting period for the Riverbay Board Director positions that are available, sitting Directors not currently a candidate for office are allowed to include whom they support in one of their viewpoints. To be transparent, I was asked prior to the election for support and I agreed. I am taking this opportunity to support the Community First Team along with Aaron Carnegie who is running independently. In earnest, many candidates were impressive but I must consider what I think is nec-

Why Vote

essary and needed at this time to move us forward. I have managed a complex. I am familiar with various aspects of the process of running and managing a multifamily development, both people and employees. Each of the individuals in the Community First Team, Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery, Kyshawn White and Jacqueline Smith, come with specific skill sets that when put together make a dynamic team. There are a lot of moving parts that make the wheel go around and I believe collectively with the team on board and hopefully the team to come on board will continue to make Co-op City the place thousands of folks want to make their home.

Sales Committee: I want to thank the Residential Sales and Restoration (vacant units) Committee members for their voice, thoughts, support and commitment. Not only were we a team with Management but we were able to propose a resolution that would allow the Sales department to offer units where improvements were made to a unit by the former resident. The unit will, in all other areas, be restored. Certain items deemed marketable by Management can remain and be offered to the applicants purchasing the unit. If the purchaser agrees, the item can remain.

The resolution, if passed by the Board, will then be sent to our regulatory agency HCR for their approval. Keep your fingers crossed. This is a win for both the shareholder vacating the unit and for Riverbay who may not have to then remove cabinets et al that are in perfect condition.

Extra kudos goes to our Executive General Manager Marvin Walton, who is very proactive and when approached, was very receptive to this idea. Additionally, this committee, along with Management, supported showing only restored units to the potential purchaser, requested more inspections of completed units, and supported decreased days to complete a unit and more units completed in a timely manner all of which we saw come to fruition with the Restoration department on top of it all. Along with everything else mentioned, we were also advocating for the sale of upgrades to shareholders in occupied units, although a bit more complicated. Our Assistant Ex-

ecutive General Manager Cary Smith was working along with us on that task. We hope to have that accomplished by the Fall.

Councilman Kevin Riley’s Resolution 02322024: Support increasing the income eligibility for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE and DHE. At a recent meeting during Councilman Riley’s presentation at the Community Conversation meeting, he informed us of a community petition he would like us to sign in support of Resolution 0232-2024. They are asking for support for this resolution which would request the New York State Legislature and Governor to pass S2960/A.5741 to provide for annual adjustment of the maximum income threshold eligibility for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE and DHE by any increase in the consumer price index. What do these acronyms stand for? SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption), DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption), SCHE (Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption – property tax), DHE (Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption). Passage would allow more to qualify.

Councilman Kevin Riley’s Resolution 02522024: Councilman Riley is also circulating a petition requesting support for his resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and sign legislation which would create unlimited transfers within the two-hour (2 hour) period of paying the MTA subway or bus fare for pay per ride users.

NOTE: I have forwarded the petition to each Building and Townhouse president.

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

Forum #3 –– (Continued from page 17)

but there’s a limit where we can go and cut back payroll because then it’s going to affect our quality of life. No, what we have to do is work with it collectively with other co-ops facing similar problems and try to together formulate a strategy to get the city and state responsible for the well-being of these middle-income housing companies. They’re all suffering from the same malaise, increasing cost that’s gone beyond their ability to retain it as a middle-income family housing companies.

Shanauzelda Montgomery: First, we need to look at how did we get into this situation in the first place to where we’re getting so many increases back to back. We really need to look at the books. We need to look at the accounting. What’s happening with the money? We know the money that’s coming in. How is the money going out? And why is there so much money going out? Why are we paying so many people so much to do so little? So we need to find that out. We need to strategize. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe when George Latimer was here, someone asked him about insurance charges or water bill and he said that we should get the government involved, that there were programs or different things that we can go for and we need to call on our local officials and people to get involved. Why can’t they get involved now? Don’t wait for us to vote for you. Get involved right now. Also, I read in the paper just recently, but I also spoke with City Councilman Andy King and he said that we were trying to, and he’s been trying to do this for years, to make Coop City an historical landmark and someone wrote about that in the paper. I don’t know how feasible that would be, but that’s definitely something we can look at because we get enormous tax breaks and we get so many other things that come along with it. And I know some people are breathing hard about that. However, that’s definitely something to look into because I’ve been here 24 years and no one has ever talked about making Co-op City an historical landmark. I’ve never heard that before. Aaron Carnegie: … Co-op is actually very unique. There’s no other place like it in this country the size that we are. We have our own unique challenges. What we need to do is find alternative sources of income. We right now have a 501c3. We all know it as the Riverbay Fund. It is not functioning properly. It needs to be revamped so that it goes after the funds that we should be able to get and not have it come out of our pocket. For instance, when they recently redid our lobby doors, that was to make them more ADA compliant. They got one million dollars, or used one million dollars of the grant that they have. That should’ve been, all of it should’ve been a grant, not just one million. We have to start going after the big money grant. We can’t just do it where it’s, you know, 30,000 here, or like the dog park, 53,000 there. That’s not enough, that’s small change. We’re Co-op City, we’re 15,000 apartments, we’re almost 50,000 people here. We can’t do that, we have to start going after the big bucks for the $10 million grant. So like I said, we need to start thinking outside the box, and we need to start looking at alternative sources of income.

Mary Pearson: Hi, I am Mary Pearson, and I have three things I want to get in with 30 seconds each. Okay, insurance. The insurance is handled on the state level. About 38 states have things in place, a vehicle that is like COBRA for health insurance but for property insurance. Well, there goes that 30 seconds. We have it here, but for single-family homes and up to four-family homes. You pay $75 on $50,000 worth of insurance. We have about $900,000, that would add up to $900,000 for our insurance policy that we pay $7 million for.

We have to gather everybody, every market, rate, rent, co-ops in the entire state to get that vehicle. People are working on it, we should work harder. Our Power Plant saves us and earns us money. It could become obsolete unless we get some grants to do some experimenting with geothermal, different kinds of geothermal. You don’t have to go to the center of the earth. And then the... That’s it. And the convectors…

Jacqueline Smith: … My name is Jacqueline Smith, Community First. The first thing I think I need to do is understand... they’re lying there. Management is responsible for insurance. We hired Douglas Elliman, Mr. Marvin. They are responsible for looking to insurance in the Risk Management department. They should be in there every day, every moment of the day, looking for ways and means and reporting back to the Board. I don’t have any insurance experience. I never worked for AllState. That’s my understanding of a management company when I hired them. But we can have a Budget Committee whereby the 15 Board members have an opportunity, beginning in September when the session begins, to review this budget all the way until you get to March of the next year and you have the vote on it. To give all 15 of them, regardless of the skill set that you bring them to the Board with, they have an opportunity to look at it. I agree with that. I’m so glad to hear we’re hiring a Compliance Officer. I’m not here to be combative, but I said you don’t know you have integrity until you have to use it. It was never explained to me how a project went from $30 million to $60 million. Now that’s just the facts. Now, did we hire the proper staff when the project began? You know, we have people on the Board. We hired architects. Did we hire proper people to go on the scaffolding? These are the strategies, making sure that we’re hiring the proper people. And we must look at whether or not we have someone on the payroll who can write grants.

Andrea Leslie: … I’m Andrea Leslie, and I ask that you vote for myself, Kevin Foggie, Bernie Cylich, Mary Pearson, Sheila Richburg, and Ezekiel Springer Jr. … Part of what I think that we need to do, a major issue that has cost us a lot of money, is we have an aging infrastructure, and in the past, there’s not been a lot of maintenance and paying attention to the decay of some of our infrastructure. And now, of course, it’s getting to a point that we have to replace things, repair things, and those things cost more the longer you put them off and that is a cost that ends up affecting our budget. We need to create a maintenance program that we make sure that our infrastructure is closely paid attention to, that we don’t allow it to decay, because that would cost us down the road. Another thing that we need to do is really still take a look at different departments and make sure that we have cross-trained staff that we can implement and have them work, making sure that there is duplication in departments so that we can eliminate and prevent workers from doing the same thing in different departments. That is part of the plan already…

Leah Graham: Planning, planning, planning. If you vote for Community First and Aaron Carnegie, you will get planning, planning, planning. Now I have a list here because I’m a project analyst, so here we go. My strategy would be one, is to provide ongoing budget reviews. Ongoing. We would reestablish a Budget Committee and bring some of the talents in the community to the table. We would enhance the oversight to the managing agent to ensure that we establish guardrails on overspending. We would create earmarks, again, planning. We know Local Law 11 is every five years. We need to plan for that, right? We were forced to hire the right people. With that Local Law 11, it went from $37 million to $77 million. I don’t know who was fired but one of the people wasn’t even experienced to provide oversight. Hire a contracting specialist or a contracting officer who knows how to prevent low bidding and multiple change orders, minimize increasing our payroll burden. And lastly, asking our elected officials to help with this asbestos law policy.

Kevin Foggie: Kevin of the Impact Team. One of the things I think is going to be absolutely necessary is you must review the financial reports. We can’t wait until a crisis comes to then realize we don’t have the money we’re under and/or over budget. What I suggest is one of two things. Either you hire an expert that we retain that understands the economics, inflation rates, the same way that they do the stock market, the same way that they watch

the Federal Reserve, and everything that’s associated with the economy running, we can use that model here. And one of the things I think might help, I don’t know if we can do it, but I believe in investing in the workers that are already here. We keep hiring outside contractors. If we can find a way to train a certain group of people in the very things that we’re going to hire an outside contractor for, but we afford that skill set to labor that’s already here, that’s an incentive for them to do well for us. They can become certified electricians and everything else that’s needed. So we need to constantly look and review the budget, make changes when necessary, and invest in the laborers that we already have.

Kyshawn White: Kyshawn White, Community First Team. The first thing is Co-op City operates in as much like a small city within itself. We have about 40,000 residents. We have about 320 acres of property. We have a budget of around $260 million, 94% of which comes from our carrying charges. We have to begin to look at our budget in ways to grow that 6% that does not come from carrying charges to enlarge that number, to begin to shrink back on the actual amount that the carrying charges represent of our budget. We have to begin to look at innovative ways of having corporations and others invest as we’re looking for ways to innovate and to modernize our electric power plant to look at ways that we are bringing in revenues to increase, to invest in our community, as well as our social programs that are here. Corporations have billions of dollars every year that they give away to communities just like us. We have to begin to start to think outside of the box at those areas of revenue that we can bring in that will begin to lower the burden. Also, we have to begin to look at our managing agent and have our managing agent do an in-depth review of many of the people who are representing. A few weeks ago, I was at a Board meeting where one of the people who got up and represented and talked about the convectors had no clue of what they were talking about and we were going to spend millions of dollars to implement that.

Q. How will you work with others to bring solutions to the community?

Corazon Fernandez: First and foremost, … for me, working with others, I mean as the shareholders. I have to make sure that I’m letting the shareholders know exactly what’s going on, making them aware, implementing petitioning, also going to elected officials, trying to see how I can get elected officials to join forces from the community, because that’s what we do, each other to have a better relationship and thank you.

Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: I’m pretty much already doing that as a building president. I’m talking to our Association members. I’m talking to people in my building and I’m taking their concerns back to my CSO office and, like I said before, we’re seeing positive results. It’s been helpful and I’m also attending Section 5 meetings as all the building presidents of Section 5 do and we come together and we discuss Section 5 complaints and issues that shareholders have within Section 5. And also with that, I go to the CSO meetings, … and I take that to the CSO and building manager, and they hear our complaints, and they hear our issues, and they give us good feedback, and they give us good information back, it’s a nice back and forth, and we get things done. maybe not to the extent that we fully need, but there’s communication there, and if you don’t know me already, you know I’m a good communicator. People that know me, they know I like to talk, so this is actually like keeping me in check, actually. But the communication is there, I’m already doing it as building president with CSO and building managers.

Bernard Cylich: Over the years, I’ve initiated various coalitions and been part of it, and let me just briefly go over. In 1974, I joined the Legislative Committee of the Co-op City Council, and I presented a proposal that we go to Albany and demand that they consider not implementing the Co-op City Times / June 8, 2024

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Director’s Viewpoint

Lynette Wright

Moving Onward and Upward – Election Endorsements

Good Day, Co-op City, Last week, we concluded our election forum, where we learned about the candidates, their vision for our community, priorities, and past experiences. After careful consideration, I believe it is best that we vote with our wallets and that the following candidates would be the best choice as directors for the Riverbay Board:

Leah Graham

Leah is an analytical, detail-oriented powerhouse. She was a Board director during a time that there were threats of maintenance increases. She is highly concerned about our procurement process, and I think her 20 years of experience in contracts will be beneficial to bring back to the Board. Her perspective on budget is like mine in establishing reserves as well as knowing the importance of having cash-on-hand to handle day-to-day business. Her business experience and knowledge will be an asset to the Board in making fiscally sound decisions while balancing the care and awareness of our wallets.

Kyshawn White

I was pleasantly surprised at Kyshawn’s responses and spirit during the forums. He was on-point with his comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the need to address our aging infrastructure while also advocating and organizing for fair legislation; current government policies are stressing our funds beyond our financial means. He, too, has experience in budget and understands how to view improvements to our infrastructure to produce an affordable, long-term return on investment. His background in corporate banking and understanding of finance is a sorely needed asset to the Board. He was honest about the 8.1%: It’s here, but what we do next will be the most important part of ensuring it doesn’t happen like this again. He also presents a quieter position, taking in all the information before speaking. We have a few larger personalities already on the Board; his conscientiousness and reflective nature are welcome.

Jacqueline Smith

I’ve worked with Jacqueline not only on the Say Nay to the MTA Ad-Hoc Committee and Legislative Committee but also during her 10 months on the Board in 2022/2023. Jacqueline combines her orga-

nizational strengths with community concerns. As a resident for 50 plus years, she knows what Co-op City was, what it has become, what it can return to, as well as what it has the potential to be. During her time as a Board director, she advocated for accountability of Management, and putting shareholders first. While her strength overcame her with choice words during a heated conversation after eight directors voted “No” to extending the election a second time, she took the time to heal, reflect, apologize, and is ready to continue what she started. Her desire to use a strength-based approach to shift current shareholder culture, and get shareholders involved to take control of our community is more of what is needed.

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Shanauzelda’s priorities were shown to be budget and community safe. She appears willing to compromise with others without compromising her integrity. I feel that her years of experience in contracts will also aid the corporation in maintaining affordability. Her responses assured me that she takes the position seriously and connects that our money needs to go towards our benefit. Some of her responses also alluded to the need for evaluation of work in staffing, which is a common practice at every organization, and how shareholders’ opinions need to be respected within this. Shareholders are also stakeholders; their opinion is valuable, especially because we pay for it. Regarding community safety, we need more shareholders on the Board to push for CCPD getting out of the cars and on to the pavement.

While I don’t agree with every perspective that any of the four candidates have, I believe that there is enough common ground to have dialogue. Diversity in professional experience and thought is essential to having a robust Board. There are many people who are “passionate” but that doesn’t make them qualified (there’s a huge difference between qualified and eligible). We need to get past passion and start looking at skill. In the management of an approximately $280,000,000 budget and during a time that we are at our most fragile, we cannot risk replacing promises and passion over competency. Prior to this fiscal year, we had been in a seven-year deficit. Before I arrived in 2022, the corporation went from $69,000 in surplus to a -$18,000,000 deficit. Neither is anything to be proud of for a business of this size. I am confident

that with Leah Graham, Kyshawn White, Jacqueline Smith, and Shanauzelda Montgomery, we can steer the community to a fiscally healthy and sustainable state.

This year, you can vote for 6 candidates if you should choose to. I leave the additional two choices up to you. The only thing I ask is that you vote with your wallet.

The Smoking Referendum

I absolutely support a ban on smoking in residential apartments. We are informed of the impact that smoking has on health, whether it be from cigarettes or marijuana. And while I have no issue with someone smoking when it only impacts them, the problem is that anything burning impacts everyone around them. This is especially true for people living above the person as smoke travels upward. I have heard the argument that we should not dictate what residents do in their apartment. The rebuttal to that is: 1. Smokers dictate when non-smokers can be in their apartment; they force them to pay increased medical bills from respiratory issues; they dictate lifespan when it is shortened from non-consensual exposure to second-hand smoke. 2. Policies tell people what they can do in their apartments all the time. Should we also get rid of the noise rules that we have in the buildings? Should your neighbor blast music at 2 a.m. because it makes them feel better with disregard for every person on and around that floor? Policies ensure that we all have fair communal living without inconveniencing or, in some cases, ruining the quality of life of others. This referendum serves to provide the same. I hope that we can support this together.

Please stay vigilant. The viruses are still around. Summer is fast approaching. People are still wearing their masks and that is a good thing.

The Riverbay Candidates’ Forum – Is being rebroadcast on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum). Tell your neighbors and friends to listen to the candidates, the three forums were the best candidates’ forums in our opinion. We must embrace the freedom to vote when called on. We should easily meet the 5,035 plus quorum on the first count. Therefore, seize every opportunity to vote by June 14, 2024.

Resolution#24-26 – This resolution will include a vote on whether Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments. The resolution is on the ballot and shareholders must vote for it to become a policy of this corporation.

Section 5 – NAACP Co-op City branch will have a workshop, via the Youth and Education Committee, “How to Apply for Student Aid: Importance of Filing for Financial Aid: Priority Deadlines. The workshop is on Saturday, June 15, at 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at the NAACP office, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 36. RSVP now at naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com or call 646-254-4065. Please leave name, telephone number, age and email.

Section 2 Summer Fun Day – Will be Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Location: Intersection of Casals and Carver Loop. Further information can be found in the Co-op City Times

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, gave information regarding 501c; OMNY Card will be in affect very soon, and we will look into other options; SCRIE/DRIE, she is able to offer assistance; and all shareholders are eligible for the Star Program, but you must register.

We offer our sympathies and condolences to all families who lost a loved one. We wish all the best of good health. Happy birthday wishes. One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, at Section5association10@gmail.com or 914-709-5395.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” –Henry Ford H. Overman

Forum #3 –– (Continued from page 19)

61% carrying charge increase. In 1986, I organized a lobby to Albany, and we collected 8,000 signatures against a 49% carrying charge increase. In 2010, we initiated on the Board to establish restoring bus service cuts, and we collected 8,000 signatures. In 2019, I again initiated in the Board a coalition to … re-establish the bus service cuts, restore the bus service cuts, and we accomplished that. So all my participation in the community has been coalition building, and we thought that we’re going to do it. We succeeded, some, of course, we did not. And of course, we did not give up. And we will not give up, I will not give up..

Shanauzelda Montgomery: Leadership skills, when you’re put into a leadership position, leadership should be subservient. We should be back for the shareholders. The hardest thing that Board members, I believe, when coming together, is there are so many different, I don’t wanna say egos, maybe some, but there are just so many different ideas, so many different talents, so many different things that everyone wants to bring about, everybody wants to write a resolution about something. Everyone has things on their mind, ideas that they want to implement in Co-op City. So I think the biggest thing is coming together and even though we have various ideas, different things that we wanna do for the community, is we all need to be one voice. When we come together in that board room, we need to be one voice. And I think that seems to be lacking when you vote on certain things and resolutions are presented and people have these strong ideas of who they think they are. … Presenting resolutions, are you presenting ideas based on what would benefit you or what would benefit the community? And I think when people come together they have to make sure that they’re coming together for the best situation at hand, not for personal gain or, you know, for personal pride or this is about the community. And I think once you understand that when those doors are closed, we have decisions to be made based on the community not based on individual wants and needs. So working together, that should just come naturally.

Aaron Carnegie: Similar to Ezekiel, like I said, I’m a building president. I was also the co-chair of the ad hoc committee. My role as a building president is to bring information to my association. My role is to educate, to engage with my building. Right now, I’m currently on a couple of committees for Riverbay. I’m on the Construction Committee, Power Plant; being on those committees you have information. You’re given information that is vital to the shareholders. That’s why I always encourage shareholders to go to their association meetings. A lot of Association meetings only have 10 people going when we have a building 300 or 500 in my case. You need more people going to these association meetings and listening to the information that is given to them because a lot of us, not just myself, but a lot of us are going to these committees and we’re getting information that is not shared with you until it’s after the fact. If you come to the association meetings, you will get it prior to, let’s say, an open Board meeting. So, like I said, my role is education, and that’s why I’m on these committees to bring the information back to the shareholders. Mary Pearson: I am a professional complainer, but I’m also a full-time explainer. I’ve written hundreds of viewpoints to try to demystify the budget when it’s printed. How, what are the little details of SCRIE? How are we, who’s eligible for it? Not the main things, not 62 years old and no more than $50,000 in combined, but the little things, like how much do you take off from utilities? How much can you earn? What points are your earnings? Anyway, I write all the time, I write about saving Ramp C, trying to explain why it was important to do it. It failed. Not only did it fail as one of three roads leading into Section 5, leaving us pretty much like an island without boats. Nobody who was not living in Section 5 could actually understand why it was such an important road to save, but we weren’t even able to save a remnant of it when Metro-North comes. It would be important to

have that extra remnant. We can still get it through I-95, both ways, south of the tracks, access to the railroad station.

Jacqueline Smith: …Jacqueline Smith, Community First. I’m really excited about the fact that the Community Relations Committee might come back if myself or my team makes it. And if we don’t make it, and they do and I don’t, I still would serve on the committee. You see, it’s at that committee where the ideas of the shareholders will be heard. Historically, that was the committee, it was disbanded, and like we say in the event business, most of that business was given to the Fund, all right? I have the ability, I know how to write grants. I’m a certified grant writer. I have to first find out, I think there’s somebody on the Riverbay payroll that is supposed to be writing grants, but I can write grants. We can, and I can say this, there’s green money out there. We can get money to revamp the bottom of Dreiser and this courtyard. So for me, when I was on the MTA committee working on the bus routes along with some of the people on the dais, …, my role was going out and encouraging you to do the survey. So, we could take the data and present it to MTA. I really enjoy that. I have a lot of skills, but I like being a social worker. You know, I might not make as much as my sister who’s a lawyer, but I enjoy social working. I enjoy working with people. I like to help, and I think that the Community Relations Committee is gonna be instrumental in bringing this community back to life…

Andrea Leslie: …The first thing that I’m asking for your vote for myself, Andrea Leslie, Bernie Cylich, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Mary Pearson, Sheila Richburg, and Kevin Foggie. The first thing that I do is make sure that I keep you uppermost in my mind when I’m making a decision, because I know that every decision that I make in that board room is going to affect you in some way. I come into that board room with an open mind, willing to learn, willing to listen, being respectful of others so that we can work together to accomplish the goal of making sure that this community is physically sound, our infrastructure is repaired and in good condition, and we have good community service.

Leah Graham: Yes, so if you elect me, Leah Graham, and my Community First Team, some of the things that I would do to bring about solutions in our communities would be one, I would support Jacqueline’s Community Relations Committee, bringing that back. One, I would support holding gallery-only sessions, not including you guys during our meetings, hearing only you and having some responsive actions based on what you’re sharing. Also, if you were to elect me, I would pick up that stick as I did before and I would continue to be that hard-working director that all of you guys loved and responded to me about. I would continue to collaborate with the other hard-working directors and offer solutions that would improve this community. I would also respect your vote during every election. I would also respect the employees that work here and continue my positive working relationship with the different department heads that are here. I would continue being an active Building 23 president, where I have 33 floors with over half of them being floor captains. I will continue to invite others to my building meetings, as I have done and continue to do, and I would re-establish the Budget Committee and include the community. It is important for Community First to be here for you. Thank you.

Kevin Foggie: Kevin of the Impact Team. You know as a pastor we do a lot of preaching and teaching and we come with a lot of skills that we use to run a ministry but what I find the most beneficial skill set is listening. Listening. When you understand that you’re not an island all by yourself, when you understand that it takes a community, it takes a team, my thing that I’ve learned at peril, if you will, is learn to ask questions. Don’t assume that you think you know because you think you know. To bring solutions to the community, I need to know what the community is thinking. I need to know how you’re processing the data because once

we now open up that channel of communication, and don’t think that because we have the degrees, because we have the title, and everything else that’s associated with it, it doesn’t mean we have all the answers. What I’m looking for is to hear what you can help bring to the community. Then collectively, we work together. So, working with you means hearing what you have to say, and then getting back to you in a timely fashion by phone call, emails, and things like that.

Kyshawn White: Dr. Kyshawn White of the Community First Team. My colleague here has stolen a lot of my thunder. I guess it’s the preacher in us or the pastor in us that has this common bond of listening and being able to hear. First step is being able to build proper coalitions to be able to get things done. It’s the first to listen and hear you, the cooperatives, your concerns, your needs. Then to be able to listen to others. The Bible says in Proverbs 11-14, that in the multitude of counselors, that there is vinegar. Listening to the voices of others, hearing their opinions and their feelings, knowing what needs to be done, and listening not to respond, but listening to actually hear what is going on. A lot of times we try to listen just to give a response, but we don’t really try to hear what the problem or the situation is. We have to be active listeners and that helps to build coalitions. And I think that that is what exists in the Community First Team. So what we’re asking you to do is to cast your ballot and your vote for myself, Kyshawn White, for Jacqueline Smith, for Shana Montgomery, and for Leah Graham, because we will listen to you. Thank you.

Q. What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing Riverbay and how would you address them as a Board member?

Corazon Fernandez: For right now, Corazon Fernandez, I’m here with you, vote for me, and thank you for your time. The pressing concerns right now is the gas cut-offs, electricity shutdowns, hot water turn-offs, ongoing air conditioning troubles. The waiting for a phone call back for a maintenance issue, just even waiting for service anyways is a pressing issue. And at this point in time, right now, I’m just a Board member. I’m trying to be a Board member, right? You guys, shareholders, you’re the first one. How to fix this is with you. And how we go about it is with Management, because Management is the one who has the final say. I bring in the concerns. We bring in the concerns. The Management has the final say. We figure out a budget and plan it out but right about now, it’s all about the shareholders. And thank you. Thank you. Ezekiel Springer, Jr.: Zeke here. Zeke Springer, the Impact Team. Concerns that I have, of course, that I’ve stated them already. Affordability. We need to stick the government onto HCR so that we can be on the same page with HCR and have the government twist their arms a little bit and also have the government twist the arms of the insurers, the liability insurers. Also, safety. I think we need more cameras in and around Co-op City, cameras in stairwells, more cameras in the lobbies that point in useful directions and also in the larger world and on our streets within. And also, visibility with the CCPD officers and make sure that we are able to fill those 39 open positions with CCPD. Fill them and keep them filled with incentives for these officers, because, yeah, once they get their license, they go bye-bye to New Rochelle, Westchester, all of that. And lastly, the convectors. There is the pilot program that’s going on. Convectors, it is the bane of our existence here in Co-op City. I’m liking what’s happening with the pilot program. Hopefully, we will find a solution with one of the six companies that we’re working with.

Bernard Cylich: To echo what as you said, in regards to the convectors, that’s one of the issues that you were concerned with when I first came on the Board. And we, as chairman of the Construction Committee, we came with a proposal, the first proposal that began to hopefully solve the problem. And since that, managers picked up and they came up with five other proposals, and it’s a pilot

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Forum #3 –– (Continued from page 21)

program, and we don’t know the results till after the season. The second issue, as I talked about before, is regard to the existential threat of the insurance companies threatening us with enormous increases in the premiums… the way you go every year is doubling there, it increases. And the only way I see it, I will do is by re-electing, … I will initiate, work with the Board to initiate a city-wide meeting here with all the co-ops throughout the city, and perhaps another two. And maybe it has to grow into a national level, because this is a national issue, really, for every working family who owns a household, it’s called a co-op.

Shanauzelda Montgomery: Shanauzelda Montgomery, Community First Team. There are so many issues that are plaguing Co-op City right now, we really need to get inside and find out what’s happening with Co-op City. What’s going on with finances, like I said before, that’s one of the biggest things. Why are we continuously getting these high increases? What’s going to be for the future of Co-op City? How can we stop pretty much the bleed that’s happening here? Community engagement is so low right now, people are so disengaged that they just turn around like I was told today, we only have maybe 400 votes, or something to that nature. We really need to just get the community back engaged into what we’re doing. We need to be more visible with our actions, with what’s happening behind the scenes. I think people are just left to their own devices like, nothing is going to change, I don’t care about what’s happening, I just give up. What happens is, eventually you become priced out of the community. As much as we would like to think, oh we have the best bargain in town, how long will we continue to be the best bargain in town? We have to really find out what’s happening with our finances because like they say, money does make the world go around, and when you are financially unstable, you can’t think, you can’t breathe, everything around you collapses. So I think we’re collapsing and we have the solutions to try to bring this community back alive.

Aaron Carnegie: We’re starting to lose people, starting to get empty in here. So I won’t bore you with a long, old answer. One of the main concerns that we have here is safety. Now, people say because CCPD is invisible. Well, the problem is we don’t have enough CCPD. Unfortunately, in 2023, the Board, that budget was, they didn’t use for a recruiting class. Well, if you don’t use a recruiting class, you got people leaving, but you have no one coming in… We have no one coming in until we get through this recruiting class. And now the problem is we’re supposed to have 40 people show up for the process; 25 showed up, I think three failed. It was an agility course that literally you had to carry someone walking and doing I think a light run, three people failed it. So now it takes 18 months to go through that recruiting class. So we will not have new CCPD officers that are the ones that are being trained now until December of 2025. So ladies and gentlemen, we cannot continue to have Board members, and we must always, always, always have a recruiting class coming in each year because we will lose officers for one reason or another.

Mary Pearson: Okay, what’s the biggest problem facing us? Insurance, absolutely. We need a public option. We should all work toward that. We need our convectors for many reasons. If we get the living room convectors, which is the plan right now, we’re getting the 32 convectors in Building 14, line E. They’ve been designed for us. They are not the same convectors that are in Rochdale but all of the important research that went into getting Rochdale convectors has also gone into ours plus, because the guy who’s supplying the 32 convectors for the price of $65,000 would be able to supply 15,000 convectors for the price of $37.5 million. We happen to have 40 million earmarked, left over from the 88 million that is left over from our refinance that we had our hands on $114 .5 million. If we had not, the finance, we all had to have our carrying charges raise 57%. That didn’t happen. That was a big dodge-the-bul-

let moment. And thank you to everyone who was involved in doing that.

Jacqueline Smith: Douglas Elliman is one of the most prestigious real estate companies in the country. They should have the expertise of a bigger Rolodex than Riverbay can ever have. And they are responsible to getting all their partners together and work on the insurance property, okay? I think one of the biggest things we have to look at is our operating costs through the roof. Now, I’m not quite sure what’s left in earmark, but I can tell you that the brickwork in the townhouses has not begun. So I don’t know where we’re going to get the money to start working on 15,000 apartments and a convector. I need to take a look at those financials because the money that was earmarked for the brickwork of the townhouses that was taken out of the 21/22 budget was promised to return. I think the biggest issue we need to look at that is the responsibility of the Board is policy. We need to take a look at HR. What is the sense in sending someone to my house two years ago, hired a vendor, came in for two days, fixed the roof, fixed the flooding in the closet, the black gook, and now the bucket that I told you about at Dreiser is still in the foyer. We have to look at the work that’s being done. We have to look at supervising to line people, managing to line people, and the work we do get under control. Thank you. Andrea Leslie: I believe that our major problem is our aging infrastructure and how we go about financing that. We have taken out, we have refinanced in order to do that and to make sure that we are sticking to creating a five-year capital project, five-year plan for capital projects in order to not have us go back to the situations of we undo something and find out that there’s a whole lot more that needs to be done that we initially tried to fix. And if we do that, we will be saving money. We will not be spending, our costs will not go on, be overrun because we’re paying attention to our maintenance, our infrastructure. And one of the things is not to everyone a great issue, but we do have a large senior community here and this community center has been needing an elevator. We don’t have one. Section 5 has one that goes up to the second floor. We need one here. And we started that project before the vendor went out of business, but that is something that I think we need to be working on to improve the activities of our seniors so they’re able to move about more easily.

Leah Graham: Pressing issues is whatever your issues are, the community. One of the key issues that I know the community is facing is this increase that’s coming in July. This 8.1% increase is coming. And this is why we’re asking you to please vote with your pocket and vote Community First because this increase is not going to go away. It’s not going to stop. Who are on fixed incomes that do not qualify for SCRIE that will be negatively affected by these ongoing increases. We have to get a handle on the spending. We have to create some guardrail. We have to hold the managing agent more accountable, provide some oversight, and evaluate. Another thing is resuming my relationship with HCR. So if you voted me in, I would resume that relationship because I did have one, and it was a positive one. I had one with the Finance department and the Procurement office, and we did work collaboratively, and we did make results. We did have results. The other thing is always funding public safety. We must always fund public safety. That is crucial. Also, bring back the garage attendants. We keep hearing that from you so we have to find the money, and we can find the money.

Kevin Foggie: Kevin Foggie, the Impact Team. I’m gonna let my colleagues talk about the monies and the budget because it is a big issue. So we’re all gonna have that. I believe in balance. If you become extreme and you only deal with one specific issue, it becomes topsy-turvy. So here’s my personal issues, and I hope that you have the same ones. Number one, in the electronic business, we call it MTBF, which means Mean Time Between Failure. What that simply means is everything has a life cycle, which means it’s going to fail. I’ve lived

here for 50 years plus, and I know that there are just certain things that need to be replaced. Why are we waiting until they fail to replace them? That is just not common sense. So with that, I would like to find out what the age are of all the equipment, Power Plant, generators, whatever they are. Because even today we had the water shut down, I forgot it was going to be shut down so it’s just a problem. The second thing is, why do I have to wait, or anyone, for upgrades in your apartment by emptying it for a new shareholder? Why can’t I get the same upgrades now? Those are my issues.

Kyshawn White: Kyshawn White … About a year ago, I stood where many of you cooperators are standing right now, sitting right now. Coming to a meeting, voicing my concerns and my problems, seeking to get help, hoping that something would be done. Instead of that, we got a vote that was canceled. We got increased carrying charges and the opposite effect of engaging more of us as cooperators. We actually lost more because we disregarded the integrity of the vote of ourselves as cooperators. I want to restore that confidence back to you because it begins with you to holding the Board accountable to making the Board responsive to your needs to be able to not say that we’re going to stop these large carrying charge costs but to begin to look deeply at them and to begin to get some sort of maintain and cost control as well as bringing back your voice and responsibility to engage all of us to work at this. Second thing I want to say very quickly, Co-op City is its own zip code. Many of the things that are being implemented right now if we don’t get a hold on our elected officials and hold them accountable with the ridiculous mandates that they’re putting into many of these city ordinances and these green laws, we are going to be wasting millions and billions of dollars on convectors and equipment that they will deem obsolete very shortly.

Following the Q&A, each candidate was given an opportunity to present a closing statement.

Stay tuned to the Riverbay Crawler for the rebroadcast of Candidates’ Forums #1, 2 and 3, at 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m. daily. The Riverbay Crawler is on channel 12 (MATV) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum). The forums are also on the corporation’s YouTube channel where they can beviewed 24/7, https:// bit.ly/3h6CrF7.

Broun Place Townhouse Association

At Broun Place this week, gardens and patios are shining thanks to the work of our grounds man, Daniel, and the work of our cooperators.

The fair on June 1 was perfect in terms of weather and how it came off. Our concern was cooperators not coming out in the numbers expected. Where were you? The booths were very diverse, lots of different foods, crafts, medical related and politicians. The walk and talk was lots of fun. We wonder if a Section 5 Fair is planned? Broun Place residents were out on June 1; Lillian and Jesse were participants, just to name two.

Cooperators, you should know there is much to learn by watching master antenna Channel 12 and the community news station on Optimum channel 591. There is a webinar that teaches what a Mitchell-Lama housing development is, the positions and roles, how it operates and answers any question you could have about a Mitchell-Lama. You should watch it.

Next, it is very important to view the recordings of the Riverbay election forums. Live forums are completed now. The viewing quality on Optimum channel 591 was fine but not on the master antenna version. The audio was a real problem. However, give it a try and read the Co-op City Times to get the correct information about the election and rebroadcast times. The Co-op City Times has all the information on the candidates and has published the conversations. Broun Place Townhouse Association is planning to enter the decor contest. The inquiry email has been sent. Congratulations to all the graduates and players moving up and prepping for what is next.

Healing wishes to all who are recovering and healing after illness or surgery. It does get better and does take time. The Covid-19 that I was diagnosed with on March 25 left me with low stamina and raspy voice. I have not fully recovered. Neighbors, just beware and get vaccinated; it is a new lifestyle.

Regarding dogs, steady barking and aggressive behavior is not allowed and dog owners are required to pick-up after their dog. The CCPD phone number

is 1-718-671-3050. Having a dog or cat is a responsibility. We will be having a meeting soon; a flyer will be distributed. We are looking forward to that. Let me know who you would like to invite. Perhaps an outdoor afternoon meeting might be agreeable, so let me know.

Remember: “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself.” “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” both attributed to Ronald Reagan. There is this to consider: “In the end, whatever remains of one’s life –family, friends, those are going to be the things for which you’re remembered,” Dan Rather, CBS news anchor.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

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Chicken

2024 Riverbay Board Election 2024 Riverbay Board Election

2024 RIVERBAY CANDIDATES

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Wednesday, April 17

Monday, April 22

Saturday, May 4

Saturday, May 11

Saturday, May 18

Saturday, May 18

Monday, May 20

Wednesday, May 22

Saturday, May 25

Wednesday, May 29

Saturday, June 1

Saturday, June 8

Friday, June 14

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 20

Friday, June 21

Wednesday, June 26

2024 Board Election Schedule

Certification Date for Candidates

Candidates’ Orientation Meeting, Bartow, 8 p.m. (Virtual)

Publication by Co-op City Times of first Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of second Election Supplement

Publication by Co-op City Times of third Election Supplement

First Election Forum, 3 p.m., In-person & broadcast live from Dreiser Audit.

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting begins

Second Election Forum, 7 p.m., Einstein Center, Rm. 45, In-person & recorded for rebroadcast on the Crawler

Re-publication of first Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Third Election Forum, 7 p.m., In-Person & Broadcast live, Bartow, Rm. 31

Re-publication of second Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Re-publication of third Election Supplement in the Co-op City Times

Election Period ends at 9 p.m. (If no quorum, see Extended Voting period)

Election Committee Public Meeting to Certify and Announce Final Count of Ballots (In-person & Live Broadcast, 7 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center)

Public & Electronic posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Deadline to file electronic Challenges (5 p.m.)

Swearing in of Newly Elected Board Members

Candidates’ Statements appear on pages 27-32

NOTE: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE CANDIDATES AND NOT THOSE OF RIVERBAY CORPORATION.

BALLOTING

Voting will be conducted by mail-in or online ballot

Monday, May 20 –Friday, June 14, 2024.

BALLOT RETURN PROCEDURE

To ensure the integrity of the election, ALL mail-in ballots must be returned DIRECTLY to YesElections in the stamped, pre-addressed envelope provided with your ballot. Under no circumstance should your election ballot be mailed back or delivered to Riverbay Corporation, or enclosed with your carrying charge payment.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Friday, June 14, 2024 Online votes may be cast beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 20, and ending at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024. Please follow the directions included with your ballot to cast your vote online.

Election Committee Notice – Ask the Candidates

There will be three official Candidates’ Forums in the 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors election. The Election Committee is accepting questions from shareholders to be asked at the forums. If you would like to ask a question at the May 18th forum, you may submit it by email to Riverbay2024Election@Riverbaycorp.com, or fill out an election question form at https://tinyurl.com/ycy7e4rd and either submit it electronically

or print and submit it to CSO by the close of business on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The submission must include your name, building, apartment number and the question to be asked.

The three Candidates’ Forums will take place on: Sat., May 18, 3 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium; Wed., May 22, 7:30 p.m., Einstein, Rm. 45; and Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m., Rm. 31, Bartow Center.

Extended Voting Schedule

Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 14, 2024 Continue election (as of 9:01 p.m.)

Friday, June 28, 2024 Election period ends at 9 p.m.

Monday, July 8, 2024 Election Committee Review and Certify Final Count of Ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.)

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 Public and Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Wed., July 10, 2024 Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election, 5 p.m.

Wed., July 17, 2024 Swearing in of Elected Board Members, Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.

Additional Extended Voting Period (if no quorum)

Friday, June 28, 2024 Continue election (as of 9:01 p.m.)

Friday, July 12, 2024 Election period ends at 9 p.m.

Wed., July 17, 2024 Election Committee Review and Certify Final Count of Ballots (Bartow, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.)

Thurs., July 18, 2024 Public & Electronic Posting of Official Results, 10 a.m.

Friday, July 19, 2024 Deadline to file Electronic Challenges to Election, 5 p.m.

Wed., July 24, 2024 Swearing in of Elected Board Members, Bartow Center, Rm. 31, 7 p.m.

Corazon Fernandez

It’s my third but hopefully not my final article to residents, vote for Corazon Fernandez. There’s been severe voter apathy in our community. Why? I believe the lack of interest, enthusiasm, or participation in the Riverbay electoral process is a deliberate phenomenon to keep status quo. Keep those in power to stay in power. In my opinion, several factors contribute to voter apathy:

1. Lack of Trust: Lost confidence in political system, disillusioned, perceived corruption, broken promises, or a feeling that your vote doesn’t make a difference. Vote Corazon Fernandez.

2. Feeling of Powerlessness: Your vote won’t impact the outcome of an election. This feeling of powerlessness will discourage people from participating in the electoral process. Cure? Vote for change! Vote Corazon Fernandez. If the Riverbay Board of Directors was really interested in combating voter apathy here are my two simple fixes. (1) Stop leaving our community newspaper in building lobbies. Ensure delivery to every resident like what’s done in the townhouses. Consider mailing. Voter/shareholder apathy much more costly than mailing, in my opinion. (2) Stop having some outside election service conduct our annual elections. I believe this should be done in-house in every building to reengage and energize the residents to vote. Vote Corazon Fernandez.

Considering all mentioned concerns today and in my prior two articles I propose the appointment of new Riverbay directors. Prioritize progress and finances of residents above all else. Stop the Runaway Rent/Carrying Charges. Conduct detailed independent audit of the last two mortgage refinancing deals to carefully inspect proposed capital fixes vs actual capital fixes. Let’s build new garages, enhance outside revenue, cut waste, remove anti-social/subletting neighbors and take back our streets and greenway at night. Vote Corazon Fernandez for Change. Siempre adelante!

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

I’m Ezekiel Springer Jr., candidate for the Riverbay Board. In 2005, I fell in love with Co-op City. That’s why I wish to keep Co-op City safe, affordable, and livable.

Who am I? In January 1990, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. John’s University, with a B.A. in Communications. I’m a solid communicator, possessing the temperament to communicate clearly with people from all walks of life, especially in the boardroom.

After graduation, I stepped into film and television. I’ve worn many hats: Editing, Quality Control, Lead Technician, Digitization, International Distribution QC, and Technical Evaluation. As technical evaluator, my job is to observe programming and ensure the image and sound meet broadcast standards, and Standards and Practices’ approval.

How does this qualify me for your vote?

Since 2001, I’ve been involved with Quality Control/Technical Evaluation. This position has given me eagle-eyes and dog-like hearing. I’ve learned to see through baloney. I’ll listen to shareholders and ensure their needs are met in a timely fashion. I’ll observe Management and ensure they adhere to our standards.

Management has promised transparency. I’m encouraged. As a Board member, I’ll listen to Management’s suggestions, observe their actions, then hold Management accountable.

Although the budget has been posted in the CC Times, I promise to fight for more of a Budget vs. Actual Spending document to ensure we’re spending wisely.

Community policing is a great way for CCPD to get to know shareholders. There are 39 open positions; the next graduating class will have 24 recruits. We must ensure that an important part of community policing is walking the beat outside of patrol cars. Shareholders will feel safer while providing a better relationship.

On May 20th, elect the Impact Team, Sheila Richburg, Kevin Foggie, me, Ezekiel Springer. Then, please re-elect Mary Pearson, Andrea Leslie and Bernard Cylich.

Corazon Fernandez

Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Again, community of shareholders, I will only support initiatives that improve our community and ensure that it remains under shareholder control. As we prepare for an exciting period of growth and development, change is inevitable. Therefore, we should welcome change and use it to our advantage. As shareholders, we ensure our community’s health and well-being. We must work together to address the problems we can no longer ignore. Accepting yearly increases will eventually make it unaffordable for many. Unaffordable yearly increases can lead to financial strain and hardship for many community members. This can result in a decrease in the overall quality of life, as well as potential displacement. We must prioritize our community’s long-term sustainability and affordability by electing a Board of Directors who will consider these factors and work towards solutions that benefit all shareholders. Therefore, we need to vote and elect an experienced Board of Directors who can help us achieve our goals.

The Community First Team will take the following steps:

• Conduct annual budget reviews using outside audits to identify cost-cutting areas and set future goals while ensuring financial stability.

• Control spending by setting clear budgetary limits, regularly monitoring expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures to allocate resources wisely.

• Improve Board Accountability to shareholders to ensure that all Board members are held accountable for their actions and that decisions are made in the community’s interests.

• Find alternative revenue streams to support additional community financial support, such as government grants or subsidies specifically targeted at cooperative housing.

• Enhance community safety and security by investing in crime prevention measures, such as restoring community policing (CCPD) to full capacity to combat rising crime rates and improve neighborhood safety. Monthly discussions and updates with CCPD. This includes restoring garage attendants and looking into community “Watchmen” programs.

Aaron Carnegie

As I approach my final appeal for your vote in the upcoming Riverbay Board of Directors election, I want to reiterate the crucial need for innovative income sources within our community. Throughout this campaign, I’ve consistently emphasized the urgency of exploring alternative revenue streams. Unlike my opponents, I’m not just highlighting the issue—I’m presenting a tangible plan for progress.

One key facet of my strategy is the introduction of revenue-generating events tailored to Co-op City. Specifically, I am spearheading efforts to bring a vibrant food festival to our community. This initiative is not merely a hopeful idea; it’s a well-researched, financially sound proposal that aligns with existing successful models in other parts of the city.

The mechanics of this plan are straightforward yet impactful. Each vendor participating in the festival will be charged a reasonable fee, ranging from $400 to $500. This pricing structure is standard for events of this scale and ensures fairness while contributing significantly to our revenue goals.

The potential financial windfall from this endeavor is substantial. With a target of 100 vendors, I anticipate generating between $40,000 to $50,000 per day of the festival. This influx of funds is not just a short-term boost but a sustainable income stream that can be reinvested in vital community initiatives, maintenance projects, and amenities that benefit all residents of Co-op City.

It’s worth noting that similar successful events are already thriving in neighboring areas like Fordham Road, showcasing the viability and appeal of such endeavors. By leveraging our community’s strengths, resources, and potential, we can replicate and exceed these successes, ensuring a brighter financial future for Co-op City.

My vision goes beyond rhetoric—it’s a blueprint for action and prosperity. I urge you to vote for me, as together, we can empower Co-op City with sustainable income solutions and a thriving community spirit.

Shanauzelda Montgomery

Aaron Carnegie

Mary Pearson

Dear neighbor,

The Impact Team wants what you want for Co-op City: to work together to keep our community clean, green, and lean. All of that takes money, but more importantly, it takes a spirit of co-operation, caring, and pride.

Keep it affordable, keep it safe, keep it well maintained. And keep in mind – the best deal in town is more than a carrying charge number. It’s not about doing it on the cheap. That’s not what living in a co-operative is about.

Enhancing each other’s lives, looking out for each other, making life a little easier and a little better for each other – that’s what living in a co-operative is about.

When Riverbay Board directors are sworn-in, they pledge to “work cooperatively ... to develop and oversee policy for the good of the entire Co-op City community.”

The Common Good and the Golden Rule rolled into one – that’s Co-op City. Efficiency serves the common good. The golden rule handles the rest. Efficiency is achievable through deliberate thinking and consideration of the Bigger Picture. Only then – with proper communication, fairness, and respect for residents and staff alike – can we experience all the good parts of the best deal in town.

That’s the recipe for an even better Co-op City. Together, we’ll continue to build on past ideas and incorporate innovation. And now (thank goodness!) we’ll do it with a helping-hand from Governor Hochul and our NYS legislators.

Get to know Sheila, Zeke, and Kevin. Appreciate the “institutional knowledge” of Bernie and Andrea. Each member of the Impact Team is dedicated to a thriving Co-op City.

And each has a particular set of skills to put to work for you.

Mine? Passion, persistence, and attention to detail (aka pickiness) on many, many issues.

Thank you.

Sweet wishes, Mary Pearson/Co-operator

I remember it like it was yesterday, a wide eye little girl who touched down from the South Bronx. The year was 1971 and the surrounding area called Section 5 had a lot of empty lots with some completed co-op apartments. My new playground was a huge mound of dirt, milk machines in the building basements and a grocery store inside Garage 7. Right in front of my eyes, a neighborhood was developing. What memories!

With that vision in my head, a deep love for Co-op City; I’m ready to serve. My name is Jacqueline Smith, I am running as a candidate for a seat on the Riverbay Board of Directors.

Through the years, I have served on several Riverbay committees and always felt a sense of community pride. During my committee experience, I had the opportunity to observe cooperators come together to formulate solutions to situations that, left unchallenged, would severely devastate our community. Through unity, being stronger together, those committees yielded fruitful, successful results. Wow, what Riverbay used to be doesn’t have to be a memory!

Vote for my team, Community First Team.

Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery & Doctor Kyshawn C. White. Unified, we are stronger together when we put Community First!

My Goals as a Riverbay Board Director

Reinstated Co-op City’s Community Relations Committee

Implement CCPD Community Policing

Enhanced Dog Policy

Accomplishments

Legislative Committee – Improved dialogue with elected officials

MTA Ad-Hoc Committee – Fighting for Co-op City bus routes

Best & Brightest Committee – Saluting Co-op City students’ academic excellence

2017 Co-op City Election Committee

NYC Union Delegate

Finance Chairperson for – Non-for-Profit

Co-op City Toastmasters International

National Council of Negro Women, Co-op City Section

MSW, Fordham School of Social Work

Hunter Graduate School of Social Work – Management Development Program Bellevue Hospital Center – Certified: Think Trauma Trainer

Jacqueline Smith

Jacqueline Smith

Mary Pearson

Andrea Leslie

We recently experienced a fire in Building 3, certainly a scary event for many. We hope all who were affected, directly or indirectly, are obtaining help they needed.

Even though I have had emergency preparedness training in the community, and we now have a Safety director, the fire made me realize that we have much more to do to help cooperators prepare for such emergencies. I plan to work more closely with our Safety department to increase the accessibility of evacuation stair chairs and to improve exit signage. While the city Fire Department requires us to put into practice a number of fire safety measures, we may be able to take additional safety steps unique to our community.

As a corporation, we need funds for such emergencies, but how do we balance our financial needs with basic safety needs, when some shareholders call for freezing our carrying charges? How do we budget for fire recovery and how do we determine the amount of fire safety funding to include in our budget? Can we afford not to? Those are not easy decisions to make.

I pledge to keep the well-being of our community foremost in all my deliberations when working together, as a team player, with the Board of Directors and Management to improve our quality of life and our safety.

I pledge to continue my efforts to keep Co-op City the best deal in town, and to make our corporation safe and financially sound.

Re-elect Bernard Cylich, Mary Pearson, and myself, Andrea Leslie, and elect Sheila Richburg, Ezekiel Springer Jr., and Kevin Foggie, the Impact Team.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Leah Graham

Dear cooperators and friends,

My name is Leah Graham. Starting May 20, 2024, please make your vote count.

Vote for individuals with specific knowledge and experience. Knowledge and experience in the Riverbay board room is what this community needs and what you deserve. Strategic planning to address enhancements for your safety and security is what your carrying charges include. You deserve a Board who understands this concept and who can deliver what our community has demanded, expects and requested for over a year. Are we speaking into a vacuum? Nothing has changed. I hear you loud and clear and by electing me and the Community First Team, we will listen and deliver.

It makes no sense that our Public Safety office requests have not been addressed. We want to see more officers in and around our community. It makes no sense that we do not have attendants in our garages. It makes no sense we have not engaged all the talents within Co-op City to enhance activities and programs for all in our community. It makes no sense, that we have not identified alternative streams of revenue for Co-op City. It is time for a change.

Electing Community First, you will get an experienced team, eager to collaborate with hard-working directors and offer business solutions to ensure our community and corporation thrives. We know the financial strain of carrying charge increases, especially for those on fixed incomes that do not qualify for SCRIE.

Co-op City is a $200 million corporation that deserves individuals like me, and the Community First team elected. We have experience in budgeting, finance, management, community relations, information technology and contracts. The Community First Team will serve this community and corporation with integrity and transparency.

Respectfully.

Andrea Leslie

Leah Graham

Sheila Richburg

Greetings to my fellow cooperators of our beloved Co-op City community. I am honored to earn your vote to serve as Riverbay Board director. As stated, I have a history of competent and dedicated service to this community from the third week after moving here 13 years ago. Research has proven that yes, past behavior is the most accurate predictor of future performance.

Thank you to our elected officials for supporting and investing in our community by allocating $50 million of State funding for our Corporation to be used for capital projects and $1 million for operating expenses.

I look forward to participating in the forums scheduled over the next few weeks to answer community questions. Please tune in to these forums and make sure to exercise your voting right. Let’s show our community spirit and strive earnestly for quorum.

I commit to the fiduciary duty if elected to approve a fiscally sound budget utilizing any cost saving opportunities. Efficiency is one of the answers to keeping carrying charge increases as low as possible. My past experience with maintaining a sound personal budget and overseeing a responsible budget as president of a community-based organization is an exchangeable skill that will prove beneficial.

I pledge to work collectively in committee to explore innovative solutions and alternate sources of revenue without sacrificing the quality of life here. My goal is to provide effective oversight to maintain the delicate balance between affordability and financial health.

In conclusion, I humbly ask for your vote during this election. Your vote is key to choosing the candidate/s to ensure successful oversight of our cooperative.

Vote, Sheila Richburg to serve as your Riverbay Board director, from the Impact Team.

Team members are Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer and Kevin Foggie.

Thank you.

Dear members,

I am honored to present myself as a candidate for Board of Directors. With over five decades of residency within this community, I share a deep understanding of the needs, the challenges and desires we face for the optimal quality of life that we expect as shareholders.

My commitment is clear: to be an advocate for the shareholders, demanding accountability and ensuring responsibility of the Management and its employees, who are financially compensated for their duties.

I firmly believe in the power of unity paralleled with transparent communication. If I am elected, I pledge to ensure that your voices are heard and that the decisions made by the Board truly reflect the needs of our community, apart from any personal agendas. I am confident that together, we can do better and will accomplish the objectives that we set.

My name is Kevin Foggie, and I have resided here in Co-op City since 1971. I have attended the schools here in Co-op City, and together with my wife, we have nurtured three beautiful children, each of them currently making their positive contribution to society.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of serving you on the Board of Directors.

Elect the Impact Team: Bernard Cylich, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer Jr., Sheila Richburg and myself, Kevin Foggie.

Sheila Richburg

Kevin Foggie

Kevin Foggie

In the changing environment of the Co-op City community, the Community First Team stands firm in our belief that adapting policies to meet the changing needs of our residents is paramount. We are dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of cooperators not just during election season, but consistently throughout our tenure.

Our agenda encompasses several crucial areas of focus:

First and foremost, our primary focus is to safeguard the voting rights of shareholders in all forthcoming elections. Your voice holds paramount importance, shaping the decisions within the Co-op City community. Every shareholder’s right to vote is inviolable, and no one should ever be denied this fundamental privilege. Recognizing our nation’s troubled history with voter disenfranchisement, I am committed to ensuring that your rights as shareholders are protected without fail. I stand as your advocate, steadfastly championing your voice within Co-op City. In my opinion, not extending the election a second time was a travesty and should never have occurred. I am fully committed to working tirelessly to ensure that such occurrences are prevented in the future.

Lastly, we prioritize stabilizing and halting future increases in Carrying Charges. One strategy to protect our seniors and fixed income cooperators is to advocate to our elected officials in City and State government for the creation of new operating subsidies. By identifying savings in operational subsidies, we can maintain stability in carrying charges and allocate funds for renewable tax exemptions within our operating budget. Our commitment is to uphold responsible governance practices, safeguarding against unfair burdens on fixed-income seniors and cooperators through the imposition of additional charges.

We urge you to support the Community First Team, comprising of Kyshawn White, Leah Graham, Jacqueline Smith, and Shanauzelda Montgomery, as we tirelessly strive to serve the best interests of Co-op City.

Under the Mitchell-Lama program, 95,000 cooperative apartments have been constructed, including Co-op City, providing affordable homes for middle-income families in integrated communities. Built in the1960’s-70’s, many face infrastructure problems that, if not addressed, may become unlivable. With no financial relief from Washington, Albany, or City Hall, housing Boards have difficulty funding the needed repairs, while maintaining homes affordable. Further exasperating these problems, the City keeps adopting costly, unfunded mandates and continues to raise sewer/water bills.

The Board in Amalgamated Houses, Northwest Bronx, our nation’s first cooperative housing built in 1927 – to fund repairing infrastructures – has proposed raising carrying charges by 45%. Many cooperators fear the unaffordable increase would drive them into the ranks the 60,000 + NYC unhoused.

During the A/C season in Co-op City, damage caused by flooding resulting from backed-up condensate water due to clogged convector drains, is costing Riverbay $7M to $9M annually. A consulting engineer that Management hired has projected that to correct the convector system could cost a prohibitive $1.2 billion.

Recently, the state legislature and Governor Hochul signed a law earmarking $80 million for infrastructure repairs in M-L cooperatives ($51 million would go to Co-op City). The measure, which promises to bring us financial relief, represents Albany’s pledge to ensure the preservation of middle-income M-L housing.

Our Impact Team joins Riverbay President Sonia Feliciano in congratulating our elected officials, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, State Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, for sponsoring and guiding its adoption. That $51 million will go a long way in beginning to address our needs. However, it is only a down-payment for upgrading our infrastructure.

Elect the Impact Team; vote for Sheila Richburg, Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, Ezekiel Springer, Jr., Kevin Foggie, and myself, Bernard Cylich.

Bernard Cylich

Bernard Cylich

Kyshawn White

Kyshawn White

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO THE RIVERBAY CORPORATION’S 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

A. GENERAL RULES

1. The Election Committee of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter, the “Election Committee” or “Committee”) shall be established during the month of January of each calendar year, or as soon thereafter as feasible.

2. The election of Directors of Riverbay Corporation will commence on Monday, May 20th, at 6:00 a.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, 2024 (hereafter “Election Day”). If an official mail in ballot is received before May 20th, 2024 it shall not be disqualified based on timeliness and, if otherwise valid, shall be counted. The Election Committee reserves the right to extend voting hours. The Annual Shareholders Meeting will occur virtually and if possible, in person, on Monday, May 20th, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

3. The election will be for at least five residents to serve on the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation, and as many as may be needed to fill any expired terms.

4. The election shall be supervised by the Election Committee.

(a) The Chairperson(s) of the Committee, (hereinafter “Chairperson/s”) shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Riverbay Corporation (hereinafter “Board”), who is not a candidate in the election. The Chairperson/s shall be appointed by the President of the Board (the “President”), and approved by the Board.

(b) The Chairperson/s shall recommend to the President the appointment of such additional residents as the Chair/s deem prudent for membership on the Election Committee.

All members shall be resident shareholders, appointed by the President and approved by the Board.

(c) The Committee shall be assisted by Riverbay’s General Counsel.

(d) No member of the Committee or their immediate family shall in any way engage in any campaigning either for or against a candidate or slate of candidates. Committee members shall, to the extent reasonably possible, refrain from publicly commenting upon any issue in the campaign and shall not engage in any activity that may create the appearance of partiality.

The Chairperson/s of the Committee shall refrain from writing viewpoints during the period commencing one week prior to the Date of Certification and continuing through the date of the election, including any extended period.

(e) A member of the Committee who violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4)(d) or whose family member violates the provisions of Paragraph A (4)(d) shall immediately be removed from the Committee.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting a member of the Committee or a member of his/her immediate family from voting.

5. There will be one vote per occupied unit by residents who were shareholders of record on April 1st, 2024 Quorum shall be determined based upon one share per occupied unit and not based upon a percentage of dwelling units.

6. Voting, by mail or electronically, shall be deemed to be “in-person” and will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th, 2024 and conclude at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, 2024, unless extended in accordance with these Rules. If an official mail-in ballot issued by Riverbay is received before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th, 2024 it shall not be disqualified based on timeliness and shall be counted if otherwise valid.

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate’s stock certificate, occupancy agreement, and the current Occupants Annual Affidavit of Family Income.

Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Director.

2. No more than one resident shareholder of a single unit may be a candidate for the Board; and no more

Adopted March 26th, 2024

than one resident shareholder from a single unit may concurrently serve as a Director.

3. No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certified or on the date votes are counted. If a candidate is indebted to Riverbay on any of those days, the candidate will be disqualified. In addition, all candidates must remain current throughout the election period for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to Riverbay until the candidate is sworn in if elected. A candidate shall not be indebted to Riverbay for purposes of this rule if their monthly carrying charges and maintenance are fully paid by the 10th day of the month in which it is due. At the close of business one day prior to the certification of candidates and weekly thereafter, Riverbay’s Finance Director will provide a written list to the Chair of the Election Committee of all candidates’ indebtedness to Riverbay, if any.

4. Prospective candidates may, after signing the required authorizations for background checks and upon verification that they are current on their indebtedness to Riverbay, be certified as candidates for election to the Board if they:

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their financial obligations to the Corporation,

• do not hold a political party position or public office subject to the New York State Election Law,

• have not been convicted of a crime against the Corporation,

• have not been removed from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, or from employment with the Corporation for cause; and

• are otherwise in compliance with the requirements and qualifications of the Corporation’s by-laws, governing documents and their occupancy agreement.

(a) Prospective candidates shall sign and complete a Statement of Intent in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and submit the executed Statement of Intent to the Election Committee by email, addressed to Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024. In the event that the prospective candidate lacks access to email, then the prospective candidate shall return the completed Statement of Intent to the Public Safety Department, attention Riverbay 2024 Election Committee. On the following business day, the financial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated.

(b) A candidate who is current on a written arrearage agreement shall be considered current on charges to Riverbay if such candidate is not otherwise indebted to Riverbay.

(c) In addition to the Statement of Intent, prospective candidates must also execute and return with the Statement a document acknowledging the candidate’s receipt of the Rules, the candidate’s agreement to abide by the Rules, and an authorization to perform a background check of the candidate by the Riverbay Legal Department.

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

1. The Committee will verify a prospective candidate’s eligibility as valid or reject them as invalid by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. Notice of the Committee’s certification will be published in the Co-op City Times on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.

2. The Committee shall hold a virtual briefing on the Rules for all candidates or their designees on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

3. A random drawing will be made to determine the order of placement of candidate statements and free campaign ads in each of the three election issues of the Co-op City Times and the order of speakers at each candidates’ forum. Candidate names on the ballot will automatically rotate. The name of each candidate on the ballot must correspond to the name of the candidate as it appears on his/her occupancy agreement and

signature card, or the name by which each candidate is commonly known.

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

1. Except as provided in Rule E (3), no audio and/ or video equipment, other than personal electronic devices, may be used at Election Forums, outdoors in Co-op City, or in building lobbies, elevators, or common areas, by candidates or by those campaigning for candidates in connection with the election.

2. The posting of all campaign signs, literature and other material (posters, gummed stickers, etc.) in Coop City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, lobbies, elevators, bulletin boards, walls, doors, garages, vehicles, commercial stores located on Riverbay property, and common areas.

(a) Residents, employees, candidates and their supporters may remove any improperly posted non-electronic campaign material, as a service to Co-op City, and the Committee will cause a notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times

(b) Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, remove or modify any electronic campaign material or data posted to any website, social media platform (eg. Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) or similar electronic forum, under the Candidate’s control, if the Committee, in its opinion believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive, or constitutes a personal attack on another candidate. Examples of a personal attack include, but are not limited to, comments upon a candidate’s physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, gender, race, mental state, mental capacity, or false assertions of criminal acts. In addition, Candidates shall, if requested by the Committee, disassociate themselves from, and request that any third-party or third-party website, account on a social media platform, or similar electronic forum, cease and desist from the publication of any emails, materials or posting relating to the election or any candidate for election, if the Committee, in its opinion, believes that said material is false, defamatory, deceptive or constitutes a personal attack on a candidate.

(

c) Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee.

(d) Candidates and/or their supporters shall not use robo-calling or similar systems to contact shareholders for campaigning or election related purposes.

3. Except for the material prepared and published by Riverbay as described herein, all campaign material used, posted, transmitted or distributed by or for a candidate must include the name, address, or post office box of the person or organization who issued such email or campaign material, and in the case of an organization, the name of the chairperson or treasurer.

4. Campaign literature may be slipped under apartment doors between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and campaign handouts are permitted.

5. The unauthorized use of the Riverbay logo in any form is prohibited for use in or on campaign materials.

6. No member of the Election Committee, the Board, or any of Riverbay’s employees, management staff, or contractors, can participate in, or receive any prize(s) or award approved by the Board during the election period for the purpose of increasing shareholder participation in the election.

7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riv- (Continued on page 34)

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

(Continued from page 33)

erbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election.

8. It is inappropriate for any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contractors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, to make campaign contributions or pay campaign expenses, whether in cash or in-kind, of persons running for the Board. Directors of a corporation act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the corporation and are required to place the corporation’s interest above their personal interests.

Accepting campaign contributions from parties who contract with the corporation creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest and, in most circumstances, an actual conflict as well. Any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind from any person or entity doing business or soliciting business from Riverbay, including but not limited to the managing agent, or any vendor, union, commercial tenant, professional or contractor, their employees, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, will be disqualified.

9. No campaigning shall commence until after prospective candidates have been certified. This includes, but is not limited to distribution of campaign materials, canvassing, public meetings, etc. Any campaigning occuring prior to certification will lead to disqualification from the election.

E. USE OF CO-OP CITY FACILITIES FOR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

1. There shall be three official candidates’ forums conducted in person, if possible, and virtually. The first forum shall take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the Dreiser Auditorium. The second forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Einstein Auditorium. The third forum shall take place on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Room 31 at Bartow.

(a) The Committee shall televise the forums over Riverbay’s public access channel and re-broadcast them on the web throughout the election period using Riverbay’s Webex account. The transmission by Riverbay of any statement made by any person at the forum shall not be an endorsement of any such comment or statement by Riverbay and Riverbay shall not be responsible for, nor shall it indemnify, any person or candidate who makes any false or defamatory statement.

(b) All certified candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee. If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson(s) with the reason for nonparticipation, the Chairperson(s), with the permission of the candidate, may take such reasonable accommodations as may be required to enable the candidate to participate, or alternatively announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience.

(c) The Committee shall establish rules and procedures for the civil conduct of all forums, including the establishment of time limits for questions and answers, the limiting of participation, the editing of statements, and the muting, either visual or auditory, or both, of individuals, including candidates, who, in the opinion of the Chairperson, are disruptive to the orderly conduct of the virtual forum or who engage in personal or malicious attacks, or who make defamatory statements.

2. The use of any outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gatherings related to the election is prohibited.

3. No candidate or organization may use the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one

time, or for campaign rallies or activities, except as provided herein.

4. At no cost, Riverbay will publish pictures of each candidate and up to three (3) different narrative statements or articles by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, May 4th, 2024 issue. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All candidates’ articles will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right to delete any material which in its exclusive opinion contains libelous statements, personal attacks, or material misstatement of fact.

(a) In conjunction with the statements described herein, Riverbay will also publish at no charge a ¼ page campaign ad by each candidate in successive print and electronic issues of the Co-op City Times beginning with the Saturday, May 4th, 2024 issue. The same ad will be used in each of the issues and will appear opposite each candidate’s article for that week. The Editor shall set the deadlines and technical standards for these submissions. All ad copy will be reviewed by the Committee prior to publication. The Committee reserves the right not to publish, or to delete any material, which in its opinion constitutes a libelous statement, personal attack, or material misstatement of fact.

(b) Starting on the day candidates are certified and continuing during the period of the campaign, board members who are not running for election shall be free to write Viewpoints of a “non-political” nature, except that a board member may endorse candidates in one viewpoint only. It shall not be deemed to be “political” for a non-candidate Board member to describe the activities and achievements of the Board as a whole, including the activities of any incumbent candidates. In the event Board members wish to publish a joint Viewpoint, they may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board.

(c) Management shall not endorse any candidate or slate of candidates.

However, information of a non-political nature, for example, relating to the operation, management, finances or maintenance of the property, or to an emergency may be published by Management during this period of time.

(d) In the event that an article appears in a print or electronic publication other than the Riverbay sponsored publication, which is currently titled the “Co-op City Times,” in which the actions of the Board as a whole, or of an individual Board member are challenged, the Board, or the individual Board member who is challenged, shall have the right to respond in the Co-op City Times to such challenge, without regard to whether the Board member is a candidate in the election and without regard to the political nature of the comment. Any such response shall be limited to the subject matter of the challenge.

(e) Similarly, a candidate who is not a Board member may respond to a challenge directed at the conduct or action(s) of that individual candidate.

5. Campaign ads other than those provided by Riverbay may be placed in the Co-op City Times, subject to Paragraph D(3), but must be paid in full by money order or certified check at least 48 hours before the normal deadline of an issue. The Committee will review all paid campaign ads prior to publication and reserves the right to reject any copy which, in its sole judgment, contains libelous statements, personal attacks or a material misstatement of fact.

6. (a) The election of directors to the Board is a right of residents of Co-op City.

Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity that raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees’ work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that may

be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees to influence the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be an abuse of an employee position include soliciting donations for candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position.

(b) Candidates who encourage, accept, or knowingly benefit from such prohibited participation are subject to disqualification by the Committee.

(c) This policy does not affect employees’ right to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or their right to refrain from any or all such activities.

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

1. Voting will be by mail and by online, electronic ballots. The form and content of the ballot shall be approved by the Election Committee.

2. In accordance with Riverbay’s by-laws, only one vote per occupied residential unit, cast by a resident shareholder of record residing in said unit, shall be counted.

3. All ballots, including electronic ballots, must be cast by an eligible, residential shareholder of record, and verified by such means as the Election Committee determines to be reasonable, in its sole discretion.

4. Any eligible, resident shareholder of record residing in an occupied unit may vote, but only one ballot may be cast by a unit, regardless of the number of shareholders of record residing within said unit.

5. Mailing, tabulation, collection, processing, initial counting and preservation of election ballots shall be conducted by an independent, third-party company, selected by the Board pursuant to a written contract, duly approved in accordance with all corporate and regulatory requirements. A copy of any such contract, as well as the name and address of any such independent third-party, shall be published in the Co-op City Times

6. One ballot will be mailed by the independent third-party on or about May 20th, 2024 to each residential unit occupied by one or more eligible residential shareholders of record at the address set forth for said shareholder(s) of record on Riverbay’s books and records as of April 1st, 2024.

7. In the event that more than one ballot is received from a single unit, only the earliest dated ballot, or the first electronically recorded ballot, shall be counted. All other ballots received from said unit shall be disregarded, but preserved until five (5) days after the period to challenge the election has passed.

8. Unless the voting period is extended or modified by the Board of Directors and/or the Election Committee, any mail-in ballot must be postmarked no later than June 14th, 2024. Any electronic vote must be transmitted and received no later than 9:00 p.m. on June 14th, 2024.

In the event that the voting period is extended or modified by the Election Committee for purposes of obtaining a quorum, the Election Committee may count any valid ballot cast by a shareholder eligible to vote during the modified period, electronically or by mail without regard to the postmarked date.

9. All ballots received, including disqualified ballots, shall be preserved until the time to challenge the election has lapsed.

10. The initial count, as recorded by the third-party independent company, shall be provided to the Election Committee no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024. The initial count shall set forth the total number of ballots cast, the total number of votes received by each candidate, the total number of votes cast for each candidate by building, the number of votes disqualified and the basis therefore, and the total number of ballots required for a quorum.

11. The Election Committee shall, in an open, public meeting to be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, certify the final count of the election ballots.

12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board (Continued on page 35)

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

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that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total number of votes disqualified, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, and the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows:

(a) The five candidates who have received the highest number of votes will be certified to the Board as having been elected to full three-year terms.

(b) The candidate receiving the sixth highest vote shall be certified as having been elected to a vacant Board seat, if any, which will have the longest unexpired term.

(c) The Committee shall continue the certification of candidates by certifying the candidate with the next highest vote for each vacancy by the longest unexpired terms, if necessary, until all vacant seats on the Board are filled.

13. Unless an extended schedule is in effect, the Election Committee shall cause the official Certification of the Election to be publicly posted by 10:00 a.m. on June 20th, 2024 or if the Certification has not yet been completed, as soon thereafter as possible after the conclusion of the Election Certification Meeting. Posting may be by electronic means.

14. If a quorum is not reached, the Committee may extend the voting period for two weeks at a time, up to an additional twenty eight (28) days, or implement an extended voting schedule, during which time shareholders eligible to vote in the election who received a ballot but did not cast a vote, shall be allowed to cast their ballot. If a quorum is not reached at the end of the extended voting period, the Board may, in its discretion, either extend the voting period for an additional extended voting period, schedule a new election, or cancel the election. Until such time as a quorum is obtained and a valid election conducted, existing Directors shall continue to hold their office.

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

1. The Committee may recommend the disqualification of a candidate for violation of these rules, or impose an administrative charge, not to exceed $300.00 per violation, on any candidate that it determines has violated, caused or knowingly permitted others to violate these Rules. The Committee may do so on its own initiative, or upon the complaint of another candidate or resident. However, the Committee is under no obligation to initiate a proceeding under this Section, or Section H, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, believes it to be appropriate.

2. No candidate may be disqualified for election to the Board unless the Committee has provided the candidate with notice of its intention to consider the candidate’s disqualification for election, and conducted a hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section H below.

3. The Committee may impose an administrative charge, without conducting a formal hearing in accordance with Section H, if the Committee has provided the candidate with notice that it may impose such a fee, the reason the Committee is considering imposing a fee, and an opportunity for the candidate to appear before the Committee to contest the imposition of an administrative fee.

4. Notification of the Election Committee’s decision to impose an administrative fee will be delivered both electronically and personally to the candidate at the email address and street address provided by the candidate to the Election Committee.

5. Upon delivery of the notification of a fine, the candidate is indebted to Riverbay and payment is due on the third business day following personal delivery of the notice. Failure to pay shall render the candidate ineligible for election.

6. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee to impose an administrative charge, and may, within three (3) days of delivery of said determination to the candidate, request a review of such determination by the Board. The Board, in its discretion, may affirm, modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, without explanation, to review the Commit-

tee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee.

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

1. Any aggrieved resident or aggrieved candidate may challenge the certification of a candidate for election, or the results of the election, or the election of any one candidate, based upon election irregularities or the failure of a candidate to meet required qualifications, by notifying the Chairperson/s of the challenge, by an email addressed to Riverbay2024Election@riverbaycorp.com.

2. The challenge must be in writing. Such a written challenge must specifically set forth the reason and the factual basis for the challenge. Any challenge by the Committee shall be on written electronic notice to the candidate, or candidates impacted by the challenge, delivered to the candidate/s by email and personally at the addresses provided by the Candidate when they are certified.

3. A written challenge by a candidate or shareholder eligible to vote in the election must be delivered electronically to Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21st, 2024. The written challenge shall state the factual or legal basis for the challenge. Failure to file a timely electronic challenge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21st, 2024, shall preclude consideration of the challenge by the Committee. In the event a quorum was not obtained by the June 14th, 2024 close of the Election Period, the time to file an objection to the Election shall be extended until one (1) business day after the Election has been certified, to 5:00 p.m. on said day.

4. Should the Committee find the challenge to be without merit, it may dispense with a hearing and reject the challenge in writing.

5. If, after reviewing the challenge, the Committee determines that the challenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certification of any candidate or candidates, or the results of the election, the Committee may hold a formal hearing, virtually or in-person at the discretion of the Committee, to review the challenge.

6. All hearings under this Section H shall be scheduled upon prior notice to the challenger and to the candidate(s) whose qualifications, certifications, or election are being challenged.

7. The hearing shall commence no later than five (5) business days after the Committee’s receipt of the challenge. The Chairperson may request that a member of the Committee recuse him/herself from the hearing if such committee member has a conflict of interest.

8. Upon notice of a formal hearing by the Committee, the challenger or candidate whose certification is being challenged may submit electronic affidavits to the Chairperson/s, setting forth the charges and facts upon which the challenge is based. Such affidavits and supporting documents shall also be delivered by the challenging party, to the opposing party’s email address, at least one day before the scheduled hearing.

9. At the hearing, either party may present live, or virtual testimony supporting the challenge, subject to cross-examination.

10. The proceedings shall be recorded; however, any person or party requesting a copy or transcript of any such recording shall be responsible for the costs of producing said recording or transcript.

11. No witness will be allowed to present testimony except under oath as administered by the Chairperson/s. No witness will be called on behalf of a challenger, unless the challenger has submitted an affidavit from the witness prior to such testimony providing the sum and substance of the witness’s testimony and served said affidavit upon the Committee and the opposing party in the manner set forth above. The challenger/s shall also be required to appear at such a hearing and may be subject to examination by the Committee or the challenged candidate/s.

12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident par-

ticipant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

13. At such a hearing, the Chairperson/s shall be the presiding officer and shall make any ruling with respect to the procedure to be followed, or the testimony or evidence to be introduced. The Committee need not follow formal evidentiary rules applicable to the Courts of this State. In the event a member of the Committee present shall dispute any such procedural or evidentiary ruling by the Chair/s, the Chair/s may be overruled by a majority vote of those members present. After testimony by a witness for either party, the opposing party shall have the right to question the witness.

14. At the conclusion of such a hearing, the Committee may uphold or void the election results, disqualify the candidate for a violation of these Rules, apply other sanctions as s,et forth in Paragraph G (1) of these Rules, or dismiss the charges brought. In order to void any election result, or to disqualify a candidate, such violation must be deemed to be material by the Committee in light of the number of votes cast for the candidate and the number cast in the election.

15. If a candidate who is disqualified received one of the highest vote counts, the disqualified candidate shall be ineligible to take office. The candidate who received the next highest count will be certified to the Board in their place. (If more than one candidate is disqualified, the next candidate or candidates with the highest vote will be certified.)

16. The decision of the Committee shall be addressed to the Board, shall be in writing, shall state the basis for its recommendation, and shall constitute the Committee’s final certification of the election results, or the qualification of a candidate.

17. The Board, by majority vote, shall determine whether to confirm or reject the Committee’s determination. The Board shall make any such determination within ten (10) days of the date of any written recommendation of the Committee. The Board’s failure to determine the issue within ten (10) days shall, except for good cause shown, be deemed an acceptance of the Committee’s recommendation.

18. Any candidate or resident aggrieved by the Board’s final determination shall have the right to seek judicial review of the Board’s determination, provided that any such Court challenge must be commenced within ten (10) days of the Board’s decision, or within ten (10) days of the Board’s failure to render a decision.

19. The Committee may call for a recount of all ballots cast, if it is determined by the Committee that such an action is wairnnted. Such recount of the ballots must be completed, and the result certified by the Committee to the Board, within four days of the date the Committee determines such recount is necessary. The results of this recount, upon certification by the Committee, will constitute the final election results.

20. The Committee may call for a new election if the Committee has determined that material irregularities cast doubt on the election results, or in the event the number of votes cast did not constitute the legally required quorum. Such a new election must take place in accordance with these rules on a date within thirty (30) days after the final decision on the challenge and such election held among the previously qualified candidates.

21. By participating in the election process, candidates, prospective candidates, shareholders, and their respective agents, representatives or supporters, agree to fully comply with and be bound by these Election rules.

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 26th, 2024

Building 21 Association

Our next Building meeting is Thursday, June 27! We are having a live and in-person meeting in our gathering room in the back of the Building 21B lobby. It will begin at 7 p.m. sharp! We would like at least one member from every family come and represent. We will have a guest speaker so please arrive on time. A reminder that this is your community. We must stay informed and engaged! Your building association is where you can start to be engaged in your community.

We are seeking 11 volunteers to help us with spring cleaning our gathering room. Only the actual volunteers will be privy to the rewards that await them. Email us your name and contact number to be placed on the list for Thursday, June 13. You must be 16 and older. Only the first 11 volunteers will be chosen and two alternates.

Riverbay Board Elections are ongoing, so please make your vote count by voting on time!

We need floor captains on every floor. Consider volunteering to be a floor captain on your floor.

Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome – you can place dues and/or suggestions in our lockbox located in the laundry room (next to the television). Our yearly dues are $10. Our regular monthly meeting is every fourth Thursday of each month. You may contact us at our email at 21association@gmail.com. May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe.

––Jarasia Wilson

Building 13 Association

This is a reminder, the Riverbay Board of Directors ballots have been mailed and the voting period is now open through June 14. Please vote. Note, there is a question being asked for which community input is of value. This has to do with smoking on the premises. Take the time, watch the forums, submit your questions and vote

NAACP College Financial Aid: Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at the Einstein Loop Office, Room 36. The NAACP Co-op City FAFSA workshop will be headed by a high school guidance director and college advisor. Please RSVP by June 8 to naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com or call 646-234-4065. Include contact information.

Summer Fun Day: SFD is scheduled for June 22, 2024, from 12-5 p.m. in the Carver Loop area of Section 2 and open to all who wish to participate. Fifty white T-shirts will be given to the first youths in line beginning at 12 p.m. We thank Councilman Kevin Riley and DYCD for their support in making this event happen. Appreciation also to Assemblyman Benedetto, who always supports this fun-filled day as well as Bob’s Discount Furniture and McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral for their generous support uniting this community.

We also want you to come and watch the special puppet show, “Cinderella Samba,” that will be presented by the NYC Parks puppet mobile at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The flyers inviting you to see their show on our Summer Fun Day will be distributed shortly. Come and enjoy the festivities as we dance, sing, play games and create lasting memories of Co-op City. Hear the beats by DJ Sid Nice, One Man Band Juan Ortego and the steel pan music of the islands. Archery, yes, a bow and arrow are worthy of a try. See how good you are and hit the bulls-eye. Carnival games and the obstacle course await your presence. Bring your food or get a taste and of course free ice treats to the first 50 youths with a free raffle ticket. Save the date and join the fun.

Councilman Riley Petitions: One of the petitions is requesting the state consider increasing the income amount for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE, DHE programs that help folks and seniors with their carrying charge. Many of them don’t meet the requirements because their income is a bit too high, often not by much. It also is requesting relief for some of his constituents that are homeowners.

The other petition is requesting the state have unlimited transfers within the two-hour period for bus and subway MTA riders. This would be especially helpful in our two and sometimes three fare zone.

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose”. —Lyndon B. Johnson

Visit our Facebook Page: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com.

Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-3201370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

Leslie Peterson

Section 5 Pantry & Fridge: Produce Parties Every Saturday

Can you feel it? The warm weather is transitioning all around us as we continue to supply the Co-op City community with a variety of fresh and free produce in Section 5’s pantry and fridge. Haven’t dropped by? Well, bring a bag or your shopping cart and be part of our “Saturday Produce Party,” located by the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center for Teens. Our dedicated volunteers will be there with sunny smiles to greet you and distribute a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. Have some time? Come and join the movement! Help the fight to “Drive Out Hunger!” Register/volunteer: @grassrootsgroceryny, or drop us a note via email: coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com

––Yolanda Ramirez

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. We meet on the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances. The NAACP office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Save the Date: June 15, from 3-5 p.m. at the NAACP office at Einstein Center, Room 36. Join the workshop and learn about FAFSA, the financial aid forms. Learn the changes made to the forms along with how and when to complete and submit the application. Mrs. Overton, a high school guidance counselor and college advisor, will facilitate the workshop. Flyers should be posted in your building bulletin board.

UA Local Union #1 Trade Education – Fund Plumbers Apprentice Program re-opens June 10. Earn while you learn, 5-year program with salary, benefits and pension. For more information and application, call: 718-752-9630.

Congratulations to the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP, who won a lawsuit in the U.S. Southern District Court challenging line warming ban in New York State. The lawsuit was brought in 2021.

Congratulations to Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of NAACP New York State Conference, on her appointment to NYC Charter Revision Commission (CRC) by Mayor Eric Adams which will be tasked with reviewing the city charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent in the city’s residents. President Dukes was also appointed vice chair of the commission. Much work is being done in order to get the amendments on the November 5, 2024, ballot.

115th NAACP National Convention – July 13-17, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit: naacp.org/convention.

Primary Election Day is June 25, 2024.

Early Voting period is Saturday, June 15 to Sunday, June 23.

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is June 15, 2024. The primary list of candidates are for federal, state and local offices. For more information, call 866-868-3692.

Your Right to Vote: The NAACP remains committed to ensuring every Black American can cast their ballot in November! We are working to educate, engage and mobilize millions of Black voters throughout the 2024 election cycle.

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Our membership campaign is ongoing. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade your membership. Take your advocacy further by joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10, or Silver Life,$750. Make check/mo. payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the office phone at 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

––Brenda Brown

Last Saturday, Bldg. 13 held a sneaker decorating event. Above, some of the participants showing off their creations.

Photos by Leslie Peterson

Photos by Linda Brown

Building 33 Association

Good day, shareholders. The Building 33 Association would like to thank the shareholders who attended our building meeting on May 30th. We didn’t have any guests, but we discussed a few topics. Number one was voting for the Board of Directors. We also wanted to hear about your positive and negative feedback, suggestions for changes you would like to see, how we can bring about change and your thoughts on the floor captains (we will have a meeting soon). It was agreed that shareholders need to vote for the Board of Directors. If you don’t know the candidates and did not attend the forums, you should be reading about them in the Co-op City Times. The cost of the community paper is included in your maintenance fees. You are paying for the paper! Many questions were asked and the answers could have been found in the paper. Your Building President’s Report, the Board President’s Report, the Executive General Manager’s Report, the Director’s viewpoints, the Police Blotter, and every activity happening here can be found in the paper. The questions asked at the Candidates’ Forums and their answers are available there. You must pick up the paper, read these items, and vote. We can tell by the number of newspapers left in the lobby that you are not reading them as you should. Hopefully, it’s because you are reading online.

As of Friday, May 31, only 1,557 ballots have been received by YesElections. This is ridiculous because we have over 15,000 apartments here. If you have any questions, you can reach us at Building33Association@gmail.com. Please, people, wake up!

You are also concerned about the number of stolen packages in the community. As reported by the Co-op City Police Department, we must stop making our packages available to the criminals who want them. Someone should be available to receive your package when you aren’t at home. Most porch pirates do not live here, so please stop letting in people you don’t know. Everyone should be using a key, key fob, or the intercom. Don’t open the lobby door. If you see anyone suspicious, take note of the clothes and shoes they are wearing, and report them to CCPD!

Loitering, smoking in the stairwells, suspected Air BNB/subletters (which most likely are trying to stay under the radar and not causing problems), and garbage being thrown out of windows, can all be reported to CCPD. Litter outside the building, concerns about the budget, kickbacks, and questionable financial transactions are all reasons to vote and be involved in everything related to your community. It all starts with you!

The Building 33 Association is praying for all shareholders going through a difficult time. It is important that when you encounter your neighbors you should always be kind and respectful. You don’t know what difficulties anyone is facing. We hold you all in our hearts.

To our June babies, Happy Birthday! Take care and walk good!

Andrea D. Mayo

Black Forum

Black Forum Thanks Donors!

Thank you, Co-op City community, for the generous donations to the Black Forum organization. Donations support the Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry. Every dollar keeps our vital services running, helping feed our community for over 30 years. Email or call/text if you would like to donate to the organization: Coopcityblackforum@gmail.com or

Emergency Food Pantry: 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. All guests must present a pantry card, at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. This distribution site is open Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The groceries are supplied by and distributed by Black Forum. Religious affiliation is not necessary to pick up food. Masks are a must! Anyone who does not wear a mask may not be served by the staff at their discretion. This protects everyone.

Registration & Re-certification – Ended in May.

Heads Up! Pantry Closed – We’ll be closed June 18, 20, 21 & 25. We reopen Thursday, June 27, at 11 a.m. See you then!

Schedule Change – Great news! Our pantry is streamlining hours to better serve you. Starting September 2024, grocery distribution moves to Thursdays & Fridays only, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. This allows for more focused support for our guests and volunteers! More information to follow.

Fundraise & Fun! Join us for exciting trips to support the pantry! –Support our community with a fun day out! Your participation in these events help cover the rent, insurance, and supplies needed to keep our Emergency Food Pantry running strong. Help us ensure local families have access to nutritious food and household supplies.

Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Casino. Limited seats available! Buses depart at 8:45 a.m. (Baychester), 9:10 a.m. (Asch Loop), and 9:40 a.m. (Einstein Center). The bus cannot wait for late arrivals. Seats are still available. Cash only, $55 (includes $10 rebate).

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic & Foxwoods. All-you-can-eat seafood, prime rib, and more at The Nordic, plus gaming at Foxwoods (one of the world’s largest casinos!). Tanger Outlet shops are onsite too! $225 total cost. The first ($75) & second ($75) payments have passed. Final payment ($75) is due June 28. All payments must be caught up by June 28. Call if you are interested in the Nordic/Foxwood, but need a payment extension.

Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally & MGM Casino. Enjoy delicious Southern Cajun cuisine and MGM excitement! $120 total cost. First payment ($60) is due by September 6; second payment ($60) is due by October 4.

We accept cash, checks, and postal money orders. No refunds on trip payments. Call 917-209-5334 to book!

Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com

—D. Illis

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors! I hope you when read this it finds you in great standing. June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy.

Also, we have Juneteenth, Pride, and also importantly, Men’s Health month, a time to remind men of the health issues they face and what they can do to take charge of their health. Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider. So, men I implore you to please get your routine checkup.

This past Sunday, the Building 6 Association had its first ever Poetry Slam (pictured). Poets of all ages came and displayed their creativity in Spoken Word! I’d like to thank all who attended and all who stepped up to show how vibrant the Co-op City community is. Thank you, Dr. Gabby, for facilitating this with me. Please stay tuned for many more special events to come over the summer break.

As you all know, our last Building Association General Meeting for the term is Thursday, June 13, in Dreiser, Room 1, from 7-9 p.m. with our guest speaker NYC Councilman Kevin C. Riley of District 12. He will be there to answer any questions from shareholders. If you have questions, I suggest you submit them in advance to President Lassiter, 347-366-7690, so everyone gets a chance to be heard. Also, NYS Assemblyman Michael Benedetto is hosting his annual Juneteenth luncheon in Dreiser in which the Building 6 Association has many tables blocked off. Please RSVP ASAP to President Lassiter before the capacity gets full.

If you haven’t voted yet in the Riverbay Board of Directors Elections, I suggest you do so now. We, as shareholders, need to be engaged in this process. If you don’t want to vote for any specific candidate, please mark off the box indicating that you are just voting to make the quorum, it’s simple and takes less than 5 minutes online or to drop off in the mailbox. We can’t complain about things if we don’t do our part.

Early Voting for the primary elections starts June 15 through June 23. The Dreiser Auditorium is our early voting polling site. I’d like to thank Mr. Marvin Walton, Mr. Joshua Blake and Mr. Miguel Baez for assisting a multitude of shareholders who have experienced severe leaks in their apartments. It takes a village and it’s working. Neighbors, if you have any issues and want to submit a complaint or compliment, feel free to contact me. As always, I pray for safety over you all. God speed.

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” –Desmond Tutu

—Lauren K. Lassiter

Goose Island Seniors

Time Change for Tribute to Whitney Houston – at Tropicana Casino A.C., Thu., June 27. Wait list only. Price: $150. Bonus: $25 slot play and $20 food voucher. Balance due. Bus pick-ups: Einstein Loop, 7:45 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:15 a.m.; and Dreiser Loop, 8:30 a.m.

Wind Creek Casino – Thu., Aug. 13. Price: $65, bonus $25 slot play. Info: 646-579-1701.

The Motown Story – Sat., June 8, at Dreiser Loop Auditorium B. Price: $60, VIP: $75 plus tax. Motown impersonators, buffet included; 3-10 p.m.

Villa Roma Resort – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Tue., June 11. Wait list only. Price: $125. Balance due. Bus pick-up: Einstein Loop at 7:45 a.m., Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m.

Virginia Beach Get-away – Tue., July 9 – Fri., July 12. Call: 646-5791701.

Wind Creek Casino – Thu., July. 18. Price: $65, $25 slot play. Wait list only.

Nordic Lodge Seafood Feast, Tanger Outlet, Foxwoods Casino – Sat., Aug. 3. Price: $220. Sold out.

Resorts Casino AC – Thu., Aug. 8. Price: $65, $10 slot play.

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT, Tue., Aug. 20. Wait list only. Price: $130; $50 deposit to reserve seat on bus. Balance due Wed., July. 17. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors.

Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Sat., Aug. 31 – Sat., Sept. 7. Call: 646-5791701.

Resorts Casino A.C. – Thu., Sep. 10. Price: $65, $10 slot play.

Latin Day at Brownstone – Thu., Sep. 26. Price: $145. $50 deposit. Balance due Wed., Aug. 28.

Las Vegas Trip – Fri., Oct. 11 – 15. Call: 646-579-1701.

Motown Holiday Party – Windows on the Lake in Long Island. Thu., Dec. 12. Price: $145; $50 deposit. Balance due Wed., Nov. 13.

Notary – with Yvonne Menefee. Mon.–Fri. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39. Call: 718-379-9613.

Bingo – Mon., Wed. and Fri., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for three cards; $0.25 each additional card. 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments. Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing and more.

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of June: Rosaura Cruz, Linda Bannerman-Martin, Gloria Fields, Evelyn Jefferson, Joanne Chaney, Valerie Santos, Joan (Jackie) Ross, Charles H. Oruam, Joanne Chaney, Eleanor Gibson, Sheila Mathis and Julia Rivera. Birthday cake celebration Friday, June 21.

Sick and Shut-in – Mary Pilla, our former president, sends her love to everyone. Call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center, (718) 379-9613, Stephen cell: (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. $StephenCarlSr. ––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Greetings, retirees and friends,

We want to thank all those who attended our general membership meeting on Wednesday, June 5. Your attendance made this meeting a success. This was our last meeting prior to our summer break. Our monthly meetings will resume in September.

Entertainment Committee – Tickets are still available for our annual June luncheon to be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the beautiful Marina del Rey. Tickets are $110 (includes transportation on a first paid, first seated basis). Daisy will be in Room 19 on Tuesdays and Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Questions can be addressed to Daisy at (718) 671-6122 or (917) 292-7010 and Jay at (201) 310-2972.

Carnival Cruise 2024 – Sold out. Eastern Caribbean 9 day/8 night cruise traveling to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turks and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) on the beautiful new ship Venezia leaving from NYC on July 16 (cruising through July 24, 2024).

Ace in the Hole – Sold out. Wednesday, August 21. Lunch and a tribute show to Luther Vandross, Barry White, Isaac Hayes, and Teddy Pendergrass. The bus will pick up at 9:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop. Please contact Serita at (347)564-5722 for information regarding all trips.

Membership Committee–Annual membership dues for 2024 are $25. Personal checks payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” can be mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at (718) 655-9170.

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

Condolences – We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Laurance Stevens who recently passed away. Please pray for those who have recently experienced a loss.

Good and Welfare – Please keep those who are sick and/or shut-in in your thoughts and healing prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held in September (date TBA).

––Georgianna Rodriguez

Riverbay’s Website Address is: www.coopcity.com

AARP Chapter #4997

Good morning and welcome to June 2024. This year is almost half gone and we still have so much work to do to make our community, state, country and world a better place to live and grow. Congratulations to graduates from all levels of education. Congratulations and blessings to all the fathers and father figures that we have in our lives and to the birthdays that we celebrate.

June brings a time of change for most of us. Our Riverbay Board of Election ballots are out and the magic number this year is 5,035 ballots by June 14, 2024. With the number of shareholders in our community, there is no reason why we cannot reach a quorum. June 25th is also NY State Election Day. The polls will be open in our normal voting locations and it is necessary for the community to come out and support the candidate of their choice. These results will lead up to the general election in November. Voting is a right and privilege that we should not take lightly.

Our next General Membership Meeting is June 10th in the Dreiser Loop auditorium. This will be our last meeting before the summer break. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and we will be having a relaxed meeting with food and drinks to kick off the summer of relaxation. Our office will still be open from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with the SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) students teaching all who are interested in learning about how to use their electronic devices. The sessions are for one hour and are one-on-one; please bring your device and your charger. Appointments will be pre-scheduled and you can make more than one appointment. The students have an hour’s lunch break and will be available for 6 weeks. Please call 718-320-1946 to ask questions and make appointments.

Unfortunately, according to the Tour Committee, it is necessary for us to cancel our trip to Vynecrest Winery scheduled for June 18. All who paid will be receiving a refund. To reach our Tour Committee, please call Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962.

As you are aware, AARP is a volunteer organization and our elected officers are also volunteers. This has been a particularly difficult year for many of our officers in their personal lives. We have done the best with the staff at hand and thank all who have volunteered to assist us during these trying times. Since the last article was printed, our officers have experienced even more grief than before. Ms. Brown, our Tour Member, lost her son, Tyrone Brown. Our condolences go to her and her family. Ms. Odom, our Treasurer, lost her father at the age of 95, but it doesn’t get easier just because he lived a longer life. We send to her and her family blessings for the time he had and the memories they share. We pray for all who are going through times of distress or loss.

We are here to serve – not to be served.

Ann Purnell

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

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Agatha House Foundation – National Diabetes Prevention Program, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join our 6–9 month program. For more information or to register, call Coach Brittany 917-943-3503.

SUCASA Final Show Poetry Reading and Jazz Music w/Americo Casiano Jr. – Wed., June 12, 122:30 p.m. Limited tickets for this event, pick up your free ticket at the Bartow Center only.

JASA Bartow OAC Juneteenth Celebration –Fri., June 14. Parade starts at 10 a.m. by the library. Ceremony starts at 12 p.m. in Bartow Center, Rm. 31. Free tickets at the Bartow Center only.

New date for Common Pantry is June 25. Location: TBD. Common Pantry will not be taking any new names at this time until further notice.

Bartow OAC – Motown Show at Windows on the Lake, Wed., June 26, $150. Stew Leonard’s, 6/12, $6; BJ’s/ShopRite, 6/21, $6. Please pay for trips at the Bartow Center only.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., June 12 & July 17. Call JASA NORC for an appointment, 718-320-2066.

Dreiser OAC, Apple picking – Oct. 9. Tickets are $35, on sale in Room #7, beginning June 3.

Einstein OAC, Holiday Hill Senior Day – Aug. 20, 8 a.m. Tickets: $124. New pay arrangements: 1st payment, $62, due May 7; 2nd payment, $62, due June 7. Payments for trips accepted on Mon.’s & Fri.’s only between 9-11 a.m. at Einstein OAC.

Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Rep. will be in the Bartow main office every third Monday of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for Alzheimer & Dementia consultation/health care proxy & power

of attorney consultation and other services.

Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC Office on Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop Auditorium A. Notary, JASA NORC Office – Weds. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for appointment. Notary, Dreiser OAC – Weds., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Rm. 7. Call 718-320-1345 for an appointment. Notary, Einstein OAC – Schedule appointments in Rm. 48, Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-671-5161

Please call Einstein OAC: Hair Styling: 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m. Braids, haircuts, shapeup, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure, every Mon., 1-3 p.m. Call 718-671-5161 for appt.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

(NORC) Line Dancing w/Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m. every Mon.

Walk w/Odessa 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure, 12-1 p.m., (1st & 3r d Tues.)

Health & Wellness w/Ann 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

Smart Phone & Tablet Class w/Julesa, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.

Wed., June 12

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa 10-11 a.m.

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine 1st Wed./month, 12-1 p.m.

Line Dancing w/Cynthia Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Dominoes w/José 1-2:30 p.m.

Dinner Hour: 3-4:30 p.m.

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion, 10-11:15 a.m.

Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne and Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Card Games with Frankie, 1-2 p.m.

Dinner Hour, 3-4:30 p.m.

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Manicure, 10:30 a.m-12 p.m.

Line Dance with Cynthia 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Drama Club w/Dazee Windley 2-4:30 p.m., in the back of the JASA NORC Office Dinner Hour, 3-4:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa with Rasheed 10-11 a.m.

Word Games

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Saturdays

1:30-3:30 p.m. in the back of JASA NORC Of fice

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi 9-10 a.m.

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

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

Ageless Facials & Self Care 1-3 p.m., Rm. 35 (Appt. only)

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

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

Creative Arts & Painting 1-2 p.m., Rm. 35

Go Easy on us Computers 2:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Walk Club, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Hair Care 4U, 9-11 a.m.

Appointments only

Spring in Your Step Stretch & Tone w/Ola 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Action Bodies In Motion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Prize Bingo & Board Games 1-2 p.m., Rm. 49A

Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Salsa Dancing, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk With Ease, 1-2 p.m.

Chit Chat, 1-2 p.m.

Coloring for Calmness 9:30-10:30 a.m

Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Let’s Get It On Zumba 1-2 p.m.

Payments for trips can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. only. Funded by the NYC Dept. for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

Chair Yoga Class w/Charles (Virtual) Meeting ID: 863 1492 4183, Passcode: Dr eiser23, 10-11 a.m.

Stay Well w/Denise 10-11 a.m. Rm. 2

Traffic Presentation by NYC DOT 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Game Time, Dominoes, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

SAIL w/Gail - Stay Active & Independent for Life, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Rm. 2 Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m. Aud. A Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m. Rm. 2 Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 347-893-2966, Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300, Passcode: Dr eiser23

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

Su Casa Arts Program w/Gina, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Arthritis Exercise w/Damion 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Auditorium A

Afternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa 1:15-3 p.m.

Drama Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 4

Game Time- Checkers, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Su Casa Arts Program Showcase 1–2 p.m., Rm. 4

SAIL-Staying Active & Independent for Life w/Gail, 1-2 p.m., Rm. 2

*NEW* Body in Motion w/Ola 1-2 p.m., Auditorium C

Game Time- Checkers 9-10 a.m.

Su Casa Arts Show/Father’s Day Celebration Auditorium C 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Movie: “One Night in Miami” 9-11 a.m.

Current Events, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lunch, 12-1 p.m.

Game Time Dominoes 1:15-3 p.m.

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

LUNCH: KOSHER: Turkey Bean Chili, Perfect White Rice, Tossed Salad w/Dressing NON KOSHER: BBQ Pork Chops, White Rice, California Blend Vegetables

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: Chickpea & Vegetable Curry w/Quinoa Couscous, Capri Blend Vegs

NON KOSHER: Baked Asian Style Honey Chicken, Egg Noodles, Steamed Red or Green Cabbage

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper, Rice Pilaf, Steamed Cabbage, Banana NON-KOSHER: BBQ Pork Chops, White Rice, California Blend Vegs, Orange

LUNCH: NO KOSHER

NON-KOSHER: Lemony Chickpea and Kale, Stir-Fry Brown Rice, Cauliflower with Carrots & Parsley

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon, Pearled Barley, Sautéed String Beans, Pear, 15 GRAB and GO. NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish w/Mushrooms and Peppers, Cous Cous, Sautéed Green Bean w/Onions, Banana

LUNCH: NO KOSHER

NON-KOSHER: Baked Fish w/Mushrooms & Peppers, Couscous, Sautéed Green Beans w/Onions

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Brown Rice Pilaf, Cole Slaw, Plums, 20 GRAB and GO. NON-KOSHER: Lemony Chick Peas & Kale Stir-Fry, Brown Rice, Cauliflower w/Carrots & Parsley, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: Pork Spare Ribs, Baked Macaroni & Cheese Steamed Green Greens NON-KOSHER: Turkey Wrap, Coleslaw, Pasta Salad, Apple Sauce

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Chicken, Potato Kugel, Sautéed Zucchini, Apple

NON-KOSHER: Oven Fried Chicken, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Steamed Collard Greens, Banana

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

KOSHER: Chickpea & Vegetable Curry w/Quinoa, Cous Cous, Health Slaw Salad, Orange

NON-KOSHER: Tuna Fish Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, Asian Style Cucumber Salad, Apple

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we trust all is well. A lot is going on, stay alert. Many people are still wearing their masks, which is a good thing.

Building 27 Association – The final meeting before summer hiatus was May 23rd. However, the association will keep you informed of information via the Co-op City Times. Also, check the bulletin board during the summer.

2024 Board of Directors Election – Voting began on Monday, May 20, and ends on June 14. Shareholders, let’s meet the required 5,035 plus certified ballots to meet the quorum on the first count. If you agree, then vote, vote, vote.

Rebroadcast Daily – The Riverbay Board of Directors Candidates’ Forums are being shown on channel 12 (MATV) or channel 591 (Altice/Optimum) at 2 a.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Vote for up to six candidates of your choice. Seize your opportunity to freely vote. Voting ends on June 14, 2024. Let’s meet the quorum of 5,035 plus.

Emergency Resolution #24-26 – Please take note, this resolution will be on the ballot for your vote, that it be resolved the Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments within the Riverbay campus. Please place your vote. If you have not received a ballot, call YesElections at (855) 701-9657.

Juneteenth Celebration – Presented by Assemblyman Benedetto on June 19, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Dreiser Center. You may RSVP through your organizations or RSVP by email by contacting Tremaine O’Garro at ogarrot@ nyassembly.gov; RSVP by phone, 718-320-2220 (please leave voicemail).

Summer Fun Day – Section 2, Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Location, intersection of Casals and Carver Loop. Please check the Co-op City Times for additional information.

Happy Birthday to all celebrating this month. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card, she is excellent in sharing goodwill. Also notify her of any illness, or a neighbor has passed or transferred to a nursing home.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” —Margaret J. Wheatley H. Overman

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

I begin by expressing our condolences to the loved ones of our late president & Male District Leader, James Payne. He is greatly missed by our club, and we will carry on his legacy by continuing our mission and upholding his memory. If you would like to pay your respects to Jimmy, his family will be holding a memorial/reflection for him. It will be open to the community, Sunday, June 9, Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 1-4 p.m.

Election season is upon us, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club is actively involved. You will see us visible in the community, supporting our endorsed candidates and spearheading civic engagement activities. If you are looking to serve the Co-op City community, meet people who are politically minded and looking to make a positive impact, look no further than the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club. Whether you are in High School looking for community service opportunities, a college student home for the summer, a working adult, or a retiree, the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club is open to you. If you are looking to join, our next meeting is June 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Bartow Community Center, Room 28.

Our official endorsed candidates for the Riverbay Board of Directors are the following:

Aaron Carnegie Jacqueline Smith Shanauzelda Montgomery

Sheila Richburg Leah Graham Kyshawn White

Our club does not make endorsement decisions lightly. We feel the above candidates are the most equipped and prepared to represent us on the Riverbay Board of Directors. We assessed every candidate’s experience (including leadership), skill set, stances on key issues, forum answers and history of service to the spaces they occupy.

We want to thank all the Riverbay Board of Directors candidates for having the courage and deep love for our Co-op City community to run. Please don’t let a loss in this election minimize those qualities in any way.

This question wasn’t posed during the forums, but I request of all candidates to ask this of themselves: In the event you don’t prevail in the elections, how will you continue to serve the Co-op City community?

Note we did not limit our choices to a particular slate or group. We chose the most qualified candidates no matter their affiliations. We are one community, and we should always keep that in mind. After the current elections are over, we will still face the same challenges and must work together to surmount them.

Key Dates

May 20th – June 14th: Riverbay Board of Directors Voting Period

June 15th: Voter Registration Deadline for Primary: Last day application must be received by board of elections to be eligible to vote in primary elections. (The club will be having a Democratic Party voter registration and get out the vote drive. See our next article for details)

June 15th – June 23rd: Early Primary Voting (For Congressional, Senatorial, Assembly, Judges & Party Position races). The only early voting site in the 82nd Assembly District Part A (which includes Co-op City) will be Dreiser Community Center Auditorium.

June 25th: Primary Election Day.

––Tremaine O’Garro

Building 25 Association

Hello, Building 25 shareholders! We hope everyone had a good first week of June, which kicked off with the “Fair on the Greenway,” one of our many annual community events during the summer months. Starting June 12, we will see the return of Co-op City Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., until November 26, 2024. Undoubtedly, there will be many opportunities for families and friends to enjoy scheduled events throughout our community this summer.

Congratulations to our Building 25 association president, Denise Gerrald, and her husband, Al Gerrald, on the marriage of their son, Steven, to Dia. Best wishes to the newlyweds for many years of love, happiness and support of each other.

Fire Prevention Presentation from 6-7:30 p.m. There are two dates remaining and we encourage our fellow shareholders to attend this presentation sponsored by Riverbay.

June 11 – Dreiser Loop Auditorium

June 13 – Einstein Loop, Room 45

Election – 2024 Riverbay Board of Directors Election ends on June 14, 2024. We strongly encourage our fellow shareholders to vote by completing your ballot and mailing it before June 14, 2024.

Board of Elections City of New York – Primary Election early voting is June 15 – June 23. Exercise your right and privilege to vote.

Building 25 Cooperators’ Association – Election of officers, president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary and corresponding secretary, will take place on June 25, 2024. Any shareholder who has paid their $5 annual association dues and has attended at least half of the association’s general monthly meetings, is eligible to run for office or nominate someone.

Please Note: Our next general meeting will be Tuesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room under the portico. This will be the last meeting before our building association’s summer recess. Please try to attend this meeting, participate in the election process and share your ideas for future undertakings. Should you have ideas, questions or concerns before the meeting, kindly contact us at bldg25association@gmail.com. There is also a suggestion box in our laundry room.

Sick and Shut-ins: We hope the coming days bring you positive moments to cherish.

Condolences: We offer our thoughts and prayers to our neighbors who are mourning the recent passing of a loved one.

Have a safe and fun-filled week everyone!

Evelyn Herbert

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section – Our final membership meeting of the fiscal year will be tomorrow, June 9, at 3 p.m. It will be a hybrid meeting with in-person members meeting in Room 11 in the Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop. The Zoom link for our virtual members will be sent out by email. This meeting will be very important because we will be voting on our officers who will be leading us for the next two years. Please try to attend in person so that you can cast your votes in person! We have also been asked to wear “something orange” to our June meeting in recognition of “gun violence awareness.”

Harambee Committee – The Harambee Committee is moving forward with plans and enthusiasm for our upcoming Harambee Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course. This year’s theme is “Freedom! To Live! To Serve! To Thrive!” This year’s honorees will be Councilman Kevin Riley, Dawna Michelle Fields, Lynette Wright, Christopher Robinson and our Co-op City Youth Section. Tickets are now on sale for $125 each and can be purchased through Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harambee-celebration-tickets-853970367357 or by making your check payable to NCNW Co-op City Section and mailing to NCNW Co-op City Section, 3300 Connor Street, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475. We are actively accepting journal ads and donations. If you are interested in purchasing a journal ad, please email: coopcityncnwharambee@gmail. com to receive more information on how to submit your request. We are also looking for vendors for this event. If you know any vendors, please provide the contact information to our fundraising committee by email to ncnwcoopcityfr@gmail.com. Any questions, comments, or concerns, please email the Harambee Committee chairs, Akeisha Neely and Lisa Wade-Stewart, at: coopcityncnwharambee@gmail.com

Economic Empowerment Development Committee – The Planning Ahead, Life Insurance and Legacy Planning webinar held on Saturday, June 1, was quite a success. Our speaker, Indya Kellman, financial advisor shared valuable insight in such topics as retirement planning, life insurance strategies, legacy planning and tax-advantaged income strategies. She helped all who zoomed in to prepare for the future and protect what matters most to you and your loved ones.

NCNW National – On Thursday, May 30, a jury of 12 Manhattan residents found former U.S. President Donald Trump guilty of 34 felonies in New York, making him the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted with a crime. NCNW released the following statement in response to the conviction, “In the United States and across the globe, women and girls are subject to all manner of abuse, degradation and humiliation – even by offenders who serve in the most powerful offices in our country. But for today, we draw strength and inspiration from a jury of everyday citizens who … proved that no person is above the law … in pursuit of that holy grail of democracy.”

Joyce Howard

Rivers Run Community Garden

Thank you to the high school students of HS 176 and the third graders of PS 153 for visiting Rivers Run this past week and planting vegetables and flowers. The sounds of laughter and the butterflies released in the garden are still present and appreciated.

Hope you can make it out to the garden this weekend. We have much to show off.

We are still undergoing garden renovations and volunteers are needed. Please join us if you can. There is something magical in hands dirty and happy hearts.

Event Dates (all are welcome):

• Workdays are scheduled according to the weather. If it is nice, come on out!

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

Beginning May 1, 2024, Rivers Run is open:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays – 4 p.m. to Dusk

• Wednesdays & Fridays – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

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

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. Mailing address for dues (checks only): 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475 Gail Sharbaan

American Legion Post 1871

Community Fair

Last Saturday, our Post made its presence at the annual community fair on Co-op City’s Section 2 Greenway. Patriotism was alive and well by all who approached our table and said: “Thank you for your service,” then engaged in words of support. We thank the veterans who allowed us to articulate our presence at the fair: “Why You Should Belong.” Prospective Legionnaires, as you preview our handouts with the same theme, we anxiously await the return of your application form. Hearty thanks to Auxiliary President Frances Wilson. Veterans Appreciation Day at Poe Park Last Saturday, we also provided Color Guard during the opening of the second Annual Veterans Appreciation Day event at Poe Park in the Bronx. The event, sponsored by Orisha Wholeness, is a collaborative initiative from the American Legion on behalf of veterans residing in Bronx County as well as those convalescing at the James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Orisha Wholeness provides educational awareness to veterans and their families. They put forward healthy lifestyles in the veteran community via educational classes, workshops and wholesome lifestyle events. In our own Coop City community, we look forward to bringing this awareness during our upcoming Veterans Day Commemoration.

Save The Date Flag Day in the United States is a day set aside to honor the national flag. The holiday commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. On Friday, June 14 (Flag Day 2024), our Post will be opened from 1-4 p.m. to showcase repeated presentations on the meaning of the flag, explanation of its parts and proper flag antiques “Do’s and Don’ts.” Contact Us

American Legion Post 1871, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 41, Bronx, NY 10475; (718) 3208165; email: post1871@oponline.net; website: https: www.legion.org.

––Antonio Codrington

Above: HS 176 Photos by Doris Sanchez

Above: PS 153 3rd grade. Photos by Elena Marrero

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

Riverbay Board Election – The Riverbay Board Election has begun and will end on Friday, June 14, at 9 p.m. You can vote by mail or online. If you lost or misplaced your ballot, please call YesElections at 855-701-9657 or email help+riverbay@yeselections.com.

Emergency Resolution #24-26 – This resolution will be on your Riverbay Board election ballot. This resolution asks if the Riverbay Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all buildings in Co-op City. Please vote.

Section 2 Summer Fun Day – Save the date! Section 2 Summer Fun Day will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 12-5 p.m. Location: Intersection of Casals Place and Carver Loop. The first 50 children will receive a free T-shirt beginning at 12 p.m. There will be a puppet show presented by the Parks Department, the One-Man Band Juan Ortego, steel pan music, archery and of course DJ Sid Nice to keep us dancing all afternoon. Come out and show us your moves in the salsa contest. Will you be the last one standing in the musical chairs contest? Can you name that tune? We will have these activities and more. Come on out and join the fun. Rain date is Sunday, June 23.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-8796311.

Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988, you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 ABC Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday.

Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy anniversary!!!

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.

To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences.

Have a wonderful week.

—Jewel Crawford-Duncan

African-American Association of Co-op City

Save the Date: Saturday, June 22.

AAACC “Open Mic” Event starting at 4 p.m.

Can you sing? Are you funny? Are you a dancer, poet, novelist, maybe you are a painter? Or a Jack-of-All of these trades? This platform (this mic) is for you! Come, hone your talents and have some fun. Adults only please and language must be kept respectable. This open mic is a fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Support the African-American Association of Co-op City, Dreiser Community Center, Room 15, 2nd floor. We will remind you again with lobby flyers. Until then, mark your calendar and save the new date: June 22 at 4 p.m.

AAACC Meetings and Events

June 22: Open Mic/Juneteenth Celebration, 4- 8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

June 30: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

August 17: Drum Circle – Honoring Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Section 1 Greenway

September 14: Open Mic Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

September 15: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

October 12: Open Mic/Fundraiser

October 20: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

November 17: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser Room 15

December 7: Open Mic/Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15

December 14: Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

Our gift to each member is a complimentary four-night hotel stay or cruise. Hopefully, you will be stimulated enough, refreshed and renewed enough, that you will join us and enjoy your vacation on us, and make an impact just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Why do we gift you?

The African-American Association is offering a gift to each member. The struggle of all people is real and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of our push. Our children must see us helping, supporting and pushing each other into a bright, productive and prosperous future. In the spirit of Dr. King, we must unite in our communities through our organizations. Join the AAACC

$25/year for single membership and $35/year for family or household. Zelle us your payment using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call: 646883-9095. Or mail to the African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes – Contact Xonia Wilson at 646-301-9438

Evening Line Dance Classes – Contact Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073

Yoga & Pilates Classes – Contact Meena Sharpe-Hicks at 917-863-1507

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – Contact Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714.

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

––Michelle Marbury

Church of the New Vision

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2024 is: (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.”

Sunday service is at 11 a.m. All are welcomed.

Masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study from 7-8 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388# Please mute your phone.

June 2 Worship Service Theme: “Put Your Eyes on Jesus Look and Live”

Scripture: (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Save the Dates

The community is always welcomed to attend all activities of the church.

Saturday, June 22 – Summer Fun Day (Casals Place)

Saturday, June 29 – Section Five Association Fun Day

Wednesday, August 14 – “Daniel” at the Sight and Sound Theatre (Sold out)

Saturday, November 2 – Building Fund Banquet at Eastwood Manor

We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15

135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475

Mateo 11:28: “Venid a mí todos los que estáis cansados... y te daré descanso.”

Paz de Dios sea con ustedes.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 les hace una cordial invitación a la comunidad hispana a congregarse con nosotros.

Si usted está buscando una iglesia para adorar a nuestro Señor Jesucristo, si se siente solo, herido, deprimido o si necesita liberación nuestras puertas están abiertas para recibirlos. Cristo está dispuesto y es capaz de liberarte y sanarte.

Él nos ama tanto que dejo su Trono de Gloria para salvarnos.

Juan 14:2: “En la casa de mi Padre muchas moradas hay; si así no fuera, yo os lo hubiera dicho; voy, pues, a preparar lugar para vosotros.”

Nuestra iglesia se encuentra en el centro comunitario de 135 Einstein Loop, Salón #33.

Servicios Ofrecidos:

Lunes: Servicio de Oración por teléfono, 9 p.m. (564-888-5521; Código: 696248)

Martes: Estudios Bíblico por Zoom, 8 p.m. (344-736-7643; Código: 3jEJ2W)

Jueves: Servicio de Oración por teléfono, 9 p.m. (564-888-5521; código: 696248)

Viernes: Estudio Bíblico por Zoom, 8 p.m. (344-736-7643; Código: 3jEJ2W)

Domingos: Servicio de Adoración, 11:30 a.m.

La Santa Cena es el primero Domingo del mes

Que Dios le bendiga y recuerda que Cristo te ama. 135 Einstein Loop, Room 33, Bronx, NY 10475 Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who are weary... and I will give you rest.”

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 cordially invites the Hispanic community to come gather and worship with us.

If you are looking for a church to worship our Lord and Savior, if you feel alone, wounded, depressed, if you need liberation, our doors are open to receive you. Jesus is willing and able to free you and heal you.

He loves us so much that he left his Throne of Glory to save us.

John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

Our church is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, Room #33.

Services Offered:

Monday: Prayer Service by phone, 9 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

Tuesday: Zoom Bible Study: 8 p.m. (344-736-7643; Code: 3jEJ2W)

Thursday: Prayer Service by phone: 9 p.m. (564-888-5521; Code: 696248)

Friday: Zoom Bible Study, 8 p.m. (344-736-7643; Code: 3jEJ2W)

Sundays: Worship Service, 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion is the first Sunday of the month

God bless you and remember, Jesus loves you

––Blanca Santana

First Emmanuel Church Wants to Pray For You and With You

There was a vacuum salesman in Tennessee. He had a unique way of selling vacuum cleaners. He would come into your house and say, “I have got the most exciting vacuum cleaner you have ever seen. It will clean your house from top to bottom.” After saying that, he would reach into his bag and pour dirt on the carpet. Then he would say, “You see that big pile of dirt right there on the floor with all those fur balls and bugs and things, my vacuum cleaner will pick up all those things just like that. And if it does not, I will eat up the dirt myself with a spoon.” His technique worked. He became very successful.

One day he was out in rural Tennessee. He met a lady and said, “I have got the most exciting vacuum cleaner you have ever seen. It will clean your house from top to bottom.” He did his thing where he poured dirt on the carpet. He said, “You see that big pile of dirt right there on the floor with all those fur balls and bugs and things? My vacuum cleaner will pick up all those things just like that and if it does not, I will eat up the dirt myself with a spoon.” Before the man could begin his demonstration, the lady turned and walked to the kitchen. The salesman said, “Lady, where are you going? I have not even done the demonstration yet.” She said, “I am going to get a spoon for you to eat up the dirt because we do not have power out here in these areas.”

Just like the vacuum cleaner, we need power in our lives. Prayer can be a powerful source of power because it connects us to God, the ultimate power source. Somebody once said, much prayer means much power; little prayer means little power, and no prayer means no power. The Bible says, “the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7 Signs all around point to the fact that we are living in the end times. And if ever we needed to pray, it is now.

First Emmanuel Church wants to pray for you and with you. When we say we want to pray for you, it is not because we are forcing religion on you. It is because we believe in God and the power of prayer. It is because we care. So, allow us to pray for you and with you. Feel free to text us your prayer requests on 646-934-9709 or 718-683-7733. We are available to pray with you over the phone or even in your home. You can also stop by the church. We worship in Room 38 of the Einstein Community Centre every Saturday. We are open for service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May God bless you and your family.

––Pastor

Rodney Millin

First Emmanuel Church Newsong Church

Soli Deo Gloria

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” –Jude 1:24-25 (NLT)

We’ve been looking at the five Sola’s that came out of the Protestant Reformation. The first four were Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone & Faith Alone. If these statements are true (and they are) then the final sola is inevitable. It’s all for the glory of God Alone. God loves us and He offers us His salvation. When we accept the gift of His Son Jesus, all we can do is humbly thank Him for His mercy and grace. As His children, we live to bring Him glory. We realize that our life isn’t all about us…it’s all about Him and for Him! Glory to God forever!

About Us: Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, find freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference in this world! No matter what you’ve been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. Check us out we’re located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience

Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church! Our Worship Experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Newsong Deaf Church, Room 35: Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong, Room 49: We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Against The Flow: ATF is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At ATF, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. ATF meets every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Room 42.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and find hope. Come and find healing. Come and find freedom.

Contact Us:

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42

Phone: 917-342-2559

Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; Instagram: @newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC Pastor Mike Tolone

Our Fish-Only Store Carries Specimens for 1-Gallon up to Show-Size Aquariums! New Arrivals Weekly. Plants, Driftwood, Rocks and Quality Foods and Supplies, etc. We use the products we sell! Whether thinking of starting an aquarium, or experienced - pay us a visit! No Parking Meters. Minutes Away. Open Late. Unbeatable Prices! 316 City Island Avenue, 914-303-FISH (3474) “WHERE EVERYONE

enforcement, or you may report it through

anonymoushotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services.com/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); Email: reports@lighthouse-services.com; or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the email or fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight garages.

If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City’s property, please call Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material.

All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

177 Dreiser Loop, Second Floor, Room 2

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

–Matthew 18:20

Notice: A meeting of the membership of the Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Inc. will be held on June 23 beginning at 11 a.m. The membership will vote on the following topics: Church leadership, ratification of the constitution and bylaws, and the sale of church property.

“God is light.” 1 John 1:5 To walk in the light of God means to believe and accept his truth as revealed in his word. Jesus calls us to be “children of light.” (John 12:36) We reveal to the world that we are God’s children walking in his light when we show love towards one another in ways that honor God’s will.

The Second Sunday after Trinity, June 8

• 11 a.m. – Communion Service.

• Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Scripture Lessons:

• (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

• (John 6:47,48,50-58)

Prayer: ‘O Father of Light, in whom is no darkness at all; may our hearts be so irradiated by the glory of Thy divine Love that we may ever shine as beacons amid the stormy sea of life; that through us weary and tempest-driven souls may be guided to the haven where they would be, and may rest in the eternal sunlight of Thy holy Presence; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

––Rev. Dorian Miceli

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-6714416 or email: Administration@thecpcchurch.org.

Worship Schedule

In-person Sunday Morning Worship – 11 a.m.; Sunday School – 9:15 a.m.

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

Every Wednesday – 7 p.m., Bible Study Online via Zoom. Log in on Zoom com or dial One Tap Mobile: (646) 931-3860 or (929) 205-6099. Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Special Services

You are invited to fellowship with us tomorrow at 11 a.m., as we celebrate Men and Women’s Day, “Men and Women Accomplishing God’s Work.” –Colossians 3:14. Hear our guest, Rev. Dianne Asphall, Associate Minister, Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY, preach the word. Ladies, please accessorize your white outfit with a gold scarf or flower. And for the men, black suit and gold tie. Anniversary offering $200.

Summer Worship Schedule

Dress Down Sunday – 10 a.m. begins July 7 through September 1.

Sunday School – The last day is June 30. Class resumes on September 1.

Bible Study – Last day of study will be June 26 and will resume on September 4.

“Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer” – will be on hiatus during the month of August.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sister Lillian Odom on the passing of her father, Mr. James Borden; the Brown family and to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one. To Sister Genesia Baker and all of our sick and shut-in, please know that we are praying mightily for you and for your speedy recovery. Happy birthday to you and a very special happy birthday to Sister Dorothy Niles celebrating 98 years of life this month!

“Let us honor the blood of Jesus Christ every moment of our lives, and we will be sweet in our souls.” –Bishop William J. Seymour

––Lexa M. Mingo

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-3200844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson, cell: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! As we continue to make the necessary repairs to our space at St. Joseph’s Church, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are almost back to normal with our schedule of services and activities and look forward to an early completion of the repairs.

In-person worship service for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, June 9, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Sunday School has officially opened. Please be sure to bring out your children and grandchildren. This is very, very important!

If you have not yet completed your pledge cards, kindly do so as soon as possible. These cards reflect our financial pledge and are used to update our proposed budget, as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our members, families and friends who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones. May you all find comfort and peace in your time of bereavement.

Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

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

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and Peace!

Merville Chambers

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle, 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A.

Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to join in worship service on the following days:

Sundays: Classes start at 10:30 a.m. Worship service starts at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held Wednesday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Worship service will start at 7:30 p.m.

All night services will be held via Zoom until further notice.

To join, please call 646-931-3860, ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#

Focus: Right Living Micah 6: 1-9

“Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains; and let the hills hear thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy and ye strong foundations of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt and redeemed out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord, Wherewith, shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shown thee O man, what is good; and what doeth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name; hear he the rod, and who hath appointed it.”

What God requires of us is to do justly, to follow his order. Christ himself was obedient to death, even death on the cross. Therefore, we should remember that obedience is an essential part of the Christian faith and we should walk humbly before God, obeying his words every day, desiring to do good to everyone and be constant in prayer. Pray without ceasing.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1st Thessalonians 5:22-24.

“Beloved let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God. And knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love… We love Him, because he first loved us.”

First John 4:7-8, 19

—Rev.

R. Sibbles

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City Co-op

City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in-person only and at 11 a.m. in-person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@ gmail.com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Masks are required.

The 11 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at us04web.zoom.us/j/ 9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: (646) 568-7788, Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The church’s free conference call line dial-in number is 857-357-0254, the access code is 660065#. Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.

This week’s events: Tere will be no Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. this week. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service is on Thursday at 12 p.m.; Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service is at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday evening Prayer Service are all on the church conference call line listed above.

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 9, the Ushers and Nurses Ministry will celebrate their combined anniversary at the 11 a.m. service. The guest preacher will be Min. Mark Ross, Associate Minister of New Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. All are welcome to attend.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway Ministry’s food distribution will be on Friday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

On Sunday, June 23, our Youth and Young Adult Ministry will have an 11 a.m. power up worship service celebrating Children’s Day at the church, followed by a concert at 4 p.m. The concert will be held in the Einstein Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop in Room 45. Please note the concert is free. T-shirts are available for $25. The theme of the day is “Moving Forward.” Everyone is invited to come out in fellowship and support our youth all day.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in “Co Op CBC.” This app is open to all.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”–Psalm 46:1

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

––Marilyn C. Williams

Co-op City United Methodist Church/ IEMU de Co-op City

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

Come and visit us. We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual, Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community. Services are held in-person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745); or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). –Pastor David Jolly

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” –Proverbs 4:23 NLT. In Proverbs 4, just before the verse above, a father addresses his son as he shares a list of instructions to guide him in living a righteous life. Now, he is advised to pay attention and listen closely to His father’s words for they bring life to those who find them and heal their whole body.

We live in an environment where we are constantly bombarded with misguided information. As we know, our heart is the core of our being and whatever we pay attention to, our heart will follow. Therefore, it needs to be guarded above all else because it directs our thoughts, words and actions. Also, an unprotected heart is open to deceit and sinful behaviors. As a result, our values, affections, and emotions, which are the more immediate cause of our actions, need care and protection to obey God’s will and submit to His plan for us.

As Christians, we have hope. When our hearts are troubled, we must remember that when Jesus departed from Earth, He left the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth – to live in us and guide us to the truth that comes from the word of God and not from our surroundings. So, let us be thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit and be diligent in praying and seeking God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Come and Receive a Blessing: All are welcome!

Tuesday: Daniel’s Book Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Español at 12:15 p.m.

English at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10 a.m.

For the next weeks, we are committed to Corporal fasting and praying. Please join us once a week to pray for our Pastors and our church.

Food Pantry: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming Events – Save the Dates

Sunday, June 9: Spanish Service at 10 a.m. English Service at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 16: Bilingual Service and Father’s Day Celebration

Saturday, June 22: Join Trinity UMC and us to celebrate Pastor Dave’s retirement and to welcome our new pastor, Rev. Sara Giron-Ortiz, at the Morris Yacht and Beach Club, 25 City Island Avenue, from 2 to 7 p.m. Please see Sister Karen or Sister Pauline for additional information by May 26.

Sunday, June 23: Bilingual Service. Last Sunday for Pastor Jolly and Pastor Martinez.

––Grace Abadia

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-of-Coop-City to donate, or mail to the Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B.

The synagogue will be serving a hot kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.

General Information

The Traditional Synagogue 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 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

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

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

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

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, June 8, at 9:08 p.m.

Candle lighting for Friday, June 14, at 8:09 p.m.

Good and Welfare

We sell tree certificates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. If you want to buy a tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov, to all having simchas. If you’re ill and 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 our members who will be celebrating their birthday in June. Please send me your name and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games

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

—Bruce Gitelson

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

Radical Amputation

Radical amputation is surgery that is necessary when other techniques have failed to preserve a limb and the patient has an advanced tumor.

Matthew 5:29 “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

(Free in Christ - Website) “Eliminate, cut, isolate, or neutralize all fountains that allow, provide, or lead to sin, doing this continually and permanently, severely without leaving residuals and setting physical, technical, emotional, and relational limits as barriers to avoid access to the same sin again.”

1. Self-judgment prevents God’s judgment. Jesus wants us to look at ourselves and judge our behavior and thoughts so that he does not have to. He is saying that thoughts lead to sinful actions and if that sinful action is not curbed in the mind it leads to damnation. Although Jesus was speaking metaphorically about cutting off a body part, He was speaking literally about entering into hell for loving oneself more than God.

2. Our thoughts demonstrate who we are. Continued willful sin in the thought life of one who claims that he loves Jesus, is practical atheism and proof of loving this world more than loving God.

3. Right eye/Right hand. Your good side is of no value if it causes you to sin. There are good losses; approved by God that may make us feel maimed but will lead us to eternal life. There is great value in losing what prevents you from seeing God fully.

4. What can you do? What has God been telling you that you must get rid of? He says, “Cut it out and throw it away,” In other words, there are some things God will not take away from you. You know what is wrong and must forcefully decide to eliminate that thing from your life. The Lord provides deliverance. We have the approval of our Father as we honor him radically.

Matthew 5:48 “You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Schedule – 147 Dreiser Loop

First Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday – Spanish service at 9 a.m. and English service at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday – Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed./Thurs. – Nonperishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m.

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

Friday – Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday – Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Young Adults, third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Blessings in Christ.

—Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

TIPS A 911 CALLER SHOULD KEEP IN MIND

911 Emergency Calls. What Can I Do?

NYPD emergency operators are trained to handle a wide range of calls and incidents. To support a rapid police response, here are helpful guidelines a 911 caller should keep in mind:

Give An Address

The location of the emergency is the first and most important thing operators need.

Answer Questions

Remain Calm

The calmer you are, the clearer you can be, and the better operators can record information.

NYPD emergency operators will ask you for information. You may be asked to repeat some information to EMS or Fire Department personnel.

Describe The Emergency

Are you or is someone else hurt? How? Whether you need medical attention, police response, or other emergency assistance.

Keep Phones Open

Tell operators the number from which you are calling. Use a landline when possible, and if calling from a cell phone, do your best to leave it on.

Foreign Language Assistance

Foreign language assistance is available, and in more than 140 different languages.

Describe The Perpetrators

If you have witnessed a crime or been victimized, get to safety first. As soon as you can, call 911. Describe the suspect or suspects, whether weapons are involved, are they in a vehicle, what make/model or color? Even partial descriptions can be helpful.