Vol. 56 No. 34
Saturday, August 21, 2021
$1.25
Chairpersons of 2021-2022 Board Committees Appointed BY ROZAAN BOONE
At last week’s Riverbay Board business meeting held on Wednesday, August 11, the Board voted by consensus to approve chairpersons of the 2021-2022 Board committees based on recommendations submitted by the Committee on Committees chaired by Board Treasurer Claudia Sampson, and co-chaired by Director Anika Green-Watson. The Riverbay Board’s Committee on Committees was adopted by resolution in January 2017 to define the process by which Riverbay Board Committees are formed and operate. The committee met in July to finalize its recommendations for committees and their respective chairs. The list was then submitted to Riverbay Board President Bernard Cylich and the Board voted on Aug. 11 to accept the assignments. “The Committee on Committees reviewed committee chair requests submitted by Board directors at our July 12 and July 28 meetings before submitting our recommendations to Board President Cylich,” stated Director Sampson. Riverbay Board President Bernard Cylich noted: “Committees of the Board are integral to the functioning of the Board of Directors. While unlike the Board, they have, with the exception of the Cooperators Appeal and the Election Committees, no powers or authority of the Board, nevertheless are essential investigative arms of the Board the Directors. They regularly inform the Board on matters concerning their designated subject matters and draft recommendations for the Board’s consideration and adoption. However, they also review
E-Scooter Program Rolls into Co-op City
how Board policies and directives are implemented and are given authority to organize and implement certain specific activities approved by the Board. An example was the work of the Board’s Ad Hoc Committee to Restore Bus Services. The organizing and work of the committee was instrumental in successfully winning restoration of our bus services after a nine year battle.” The 2021-2022 Board Committees and their respective chairs are: • Buildings and Grounds Committee – Sonia Feliciano • Construction and Power Plant Committee – Bishop Angelo Rosario • Disabilities/Accommodations and Dog Committee – Andrea Leslie & Mary Pearson • Information Technology Committee – Michelle Marbury • Procurement & Inventory Committee – Anika Green-Watson • Legislative Committee – Rod Saunders • Parking & Leasing Committee (Including Commercial and Storage) – Leah Richardson • Residential Sales & Restoration – Leslie Peterson • Security Committee – Kevin Lambright • Smart City Committee – Claudia Sampson • Budget Committee – Board as a whole • Labor Committee – Board as a whole The ad hoc Legislative Committee is now a standing Board committee and (Continued on page 11)
Comment Period for Carrying Charge Increase ends September 21 HCR accepting written comments; Virtual Conference also Scheduled BY ROZAAN BOONE
Corral at Dreiser Center with seated e-scooters.
Photo by Warren Mitchell
BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
Electric scooters officially rolled into Co-op City on Tuesday, August 17, thanks to a new pilot program launched by the city in the East Bronx. The program, led by the Department of Transportation (DOT), is partnering with three e-scooter companies, including Bird, Lime, and Veo. Residents can find e-scooter parking “corrals” throughout Co-op City’s Sections 1, 2, and 5. Both seated and unseated e-scooters are available in the community. Riders must download the app and register with ID and payment information. An in-app safety training along with a safety quiz is required before reserving the vehicle. Also, riders must be 16 or older, and those under 18 must wear a helmet. (Continued on page 9)
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots to be Offered Starting Next Month BY BRANDON ORTIZ
COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots will be offered starting next month, pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning how to effectively roll out the booster shots, stating in a press release this week that the department is prepared to begin administering the booster shots starting September 20. Individuals will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster shot eight months following their second vaccine dose.
(Continued on page 2)
NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is currently accepting written comment from shareholders on the proposed 2% carrying charge increase scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2022. DHCR has been reviewing the 2-year budget (2021/2022 and 2022/2023) approved by the Board of Directors at its April 5, 2021 meeting through Resolution 21-08 after several months of negotiations between the Board and Management to lessen financial burden on shareholders. The proposed 2.0% carrying charge increase would raise the monthly per room charge by $4.67 to $238.02 effective January 1, 2022 to maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2023 and provide the current level of services for shareholders. In addition to the increase in the monthly maintenance fee, HCR has (Continued on page 4)
Apply for SCRIE/DRIE to Help Defray January 2022 Carrying Charge Increases BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
As New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) reviews Riverbay’s current application for a carrying charge increase, the corporation encourages eligible residents to apply for SCRIE/DRIE to help offset the potential hike. Eligible Co-op City shareholders registered with the city’s Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs may be able to avoid paying the monthly carrying charge increase, if HCR approves the increase scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2022. According to the official website of the city of New York, SCRIE and DRIE are a part of the NYC Rent Freeze Program. Both programs give “an exemption against future rent increases for eligible seniors and disabled persons living in rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, Mitchell-Lama and other eligible apartments,” including Co-op City. Currently, only 190 shareholders in Co-op City are taking advantage of DRIE, and only 1,203 senior shareholders are active in the SCRIE program. Both programs will help protect qualified shareholders from future carrying charge increases.
(Continued on page 3)
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Booster
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021 Continued from page 1)
“The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. We have been analyzing the scientific data closely from the United States and around the world to understand how long this protection will last and how we might maximize this protection,” the HHS said in the department’s official press release. “The available data make very clear that protection against COVID-19 infection begins to decrease over time following the initial doses of vaccination, and in association with the dominance of the Delta variant, we are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease. For that reason, we conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability,” the HHS goes on to say. Data compiled about COVID-19 vaccines so far has shown that the vaccine loses effectiveness over time. The antibody titers or levels needed to fend off a COVID-19 infection, especially from the contagious Delta variant, decrease over time, according to the data. “Higher levels of antibody are associated with higher levels of vaccine efficacy,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden, said to the media this week during a COVID-19 daily briefing session. “The booster immunization increases antibody titers by at least tenfold.” Seniors and essential workers, who were the first demographics to receive COVID-19 vaccines, would likely be the first groups eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine booster on September 20. Seniors and health care providers at longterm care facilities would be eligible for the booster shot on September 20, too. Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients will eventually need a booster shot as well, according to the CDC. The CDC plans to release more information on a booster shot for Johnson & Johnson recipients in the next few weeks as the department continues to analyze the data. The HHS wants the process of administering booster shots to be as convenient as possible. Booster shots will be administered at the same sites where people initially received their first two doses, Jeffery Zients, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, told reporters this week during a daily briefing. “It will be just as easy and convenient to get a booster shot as it is to get a first shot today. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue working closely with states, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and national and community-based organizations to ensure Americans know they should get a booster shot eight months after their second shot,” Zients said during the daily briefing.
DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist
• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • We accept most health insurance plans • Evening and Saturday appointments Se Habla Español
Call:
718.671.7226
100 DeKruif Place Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Co-op City Times 2nd COMBING
FDA & CDC Recommend Third Vaccine Dose for the Immunocompromised
BY BRANDON ORTIZ
Find out what’s going on in Co-op City here...
STEM Basketball Hackathon If your child loves basketball, coding and pizza, bring them to the Bellamy Loop basketball court for Ballin’Tech, tomorrow, Sunday, August 22! The fun starts from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event is FREE. Laptops will be provided for free, first come, first served. You may also bring your own laptop to join any Coding class. Registration is required. Go to https://basketball-hackathon. eventbrite.com. The Bellamy Loop Basketball Courts are located at 140 Bellamy Loop in Co-op City. This event is sponsored by GameOver.
Veterans Appreciation BBQ Agatha House Foundation and Riverbay Corporation are co-sponsoring a Summer Celebration BBQ for veterans on Wednesday, August 25, 1 p.m. at the Co-op City Little League field. This event was previously postponed due to inclement weather. All veterans are invited to attend as we express appreciation to all who served. To RSVP, call (646) 335-2334.
Back to School Giveaway Circle of Christ Church, in partnership with Riverbay Corporation, have scheduled a Back-to-School giveaway on Friday, September 10, 5:30 p.m. The program will be held on the Section 1 Greenway near the stage. Non-perishable food, hand sanitizer, masks, school supplies and much more will be distributed.
Co-op City Double Dutch Now on Saturdays only, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., boys and girls of all ages, from zero – 82, are invited to participate! If you are interested, come to the Section 1 Greenway stage near 140 Benchley Place. All attendees must wear a face mask and practice social distancing. This activity is sponsored by Riverbay Corporation and the National Double Dutch League.
Front Page
Late last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated the emergency use authorization (EUA) for both the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19. This latest update to the EUA will allow certain immunocompromised individuals to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine shot. Notably, the expansion of the EUA for the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine only applies to certain immunocompromised individuals, which is an important distinction. Additionally, the EUA update should not be confused with the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement of their plan to provide COVID-19 booster shots for the general public starting September 20. (See page 1.) In fact, “this additional dose intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series is not the same as a booster dose,” according to the CDC website. The CDC and FDA both recommend that certain immunocompromised individuals should receive a third COVID-19 vaccine shot. “The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease. After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines,” Acting FDA Commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, said last week in an online press release. Here are examples of individuals the CDC and FDA recommend receiving a third COVID-19 vaccine shot: ● Individuals who are actively receiving cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers ● Organ transplant recipients who are taking medication
SCRIE/DRIE
to suppress their immune response ● Individuals who have had a stem cell transplant in the last two years or who are currently still taking medication to suppress their immune response ● Individuals with a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency syndrome ● Individuals with an advanced or untreated HIV infection ● Individuals who have an active treatment that involves high-dose corticosteroids or drugs that may suppress their immune response For people who may be unsure if their medical condition qualifies them for a third COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends that they discuss their questions with their respective healthcare provider. Immunocompromised individuals are eligible to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine shot at least four weeks after their second dose. If an individual received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine they should get that same Moderna vaccine for their third dose. The same principle applies to someone who got the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Mix and matching between the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not recommended, according to the CDC. Data compiled so far has found that individuals who receive a third vaccine dose experience similar mild to moderate side effects as they did when they received their first two doses. The most common side effects reported were fatigue and pain at the injection site. Not enough information is known yet about immunocompromised individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine. Therefore, there is no current FDA EUA or CDC recommendation for a second dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for immunocompromised individuals. Vaccine locations across New York City can be found online using vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
(Continued from page 1)
Board Treasurer Claudia Sampson, who was involved in bringing this vital service to Co-op City, previously told the Co-op City Times: “The NYC Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) Program, helps eligible shareholders, in our case, stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. Senior shareholders and those with disabilities can apply for SCRIE/DRIE if they: • Are head of household and at least 62 years old or 18 years and older with a qualifying disability • Have a household income of $50,000 or less • Live in a rent-regulated, stabilized, or controlled apartment or Mitchell-Lama/Limited Dividend housing company (like Co-op City); property must be the primary residence of at least one applicant. • Spend more than 1/3 of your income on rent Once eligibility has been determined, be sure to gather the following documents to complete the application: • Picture ID with proof of age • Tax return, W-2 or 1099 statements • Income documents for all household members for the prior year • Social Security Disability (SSD) award letter (if applicable) • A letter from your management indicating current and prior rent amounts • Copy of DHCR Commissioner’s Carrying Charge Increase Order Residents looking to recertify their SCRIE application can do so in September (once the HCR Commissioner’s Carrying Charge Increase Order is issued), requiring all applications to be postmarked by December 3, 2021. Documents needed for
the SCRIE recertification process: • Proof of Pension – a copy of 1099-R for 2020; • SSI/SSP (OTDA) Statement for 2020; OR one (1) bank statement for the year 2020 showing the SSI/SSP monthly deposit; • 2020 Federal or State Tax Return (all pages); • Proof of 2020 unemployment weekly benefits amount, if applicable; • HRA (public assistance) Budget letter for the year 2020, if applicable; • Household Monetary Contribution letter year 2020, if applicable Once the SCRIE/DRIE application is filed, the city will notify Riverbay of approved residents. When the carrying charge increase is implemented by the housing company, per HCR’s Orders, the resident’s carrying charge should remain at its current level. In turn, the Department of Finance will send Riverbay Corporation a credit towards its property taxes, compensating the housing development for the carrying charge increase it would have received from the SCRIE/DRIE participant. Co-op City shareholders are advised not to apply for SCRIE or DRIE online via the NYC Department of Finance website. Instead, mail completed applications to the address provided on the applications. Although both SCRIE and DRIE applications are available on the web, application forms can also be obtained from the Riverbay Finance Department by emailing RiverbayFinance@ Riverbaycorp.com. For more information about SCRIE and DRIE programs administered by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), to get an application, or schedule a virtual appointment, call 3-1-1 or HPD at 212-863-8494, or visit https:// www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/tools/drie-forms.page.
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Increase
(Continued from page 1)
already signed off on a couple of other charges that were also approved by the Board in Resolution 2108. These charges, implemented on July 1, 2021, include parking rates (10%), which have not been increased for the past four years; hall closet rental (40%), last increased in August 2008; and basement storage fees (25%). These funds are all earmarked for capital repairs. Equity for Co-op City apartments, last increased in September 2019, was also approved by HCR and will become effective September 1, 2021. The equity increase applies to new sales only and will increase the per room cost by $2,000 to $7,500. These funds too will be allocated for Riverbay’s ongoing 5-Year Capital Projects Plan, and, according to HCR, deposited into a separate account for this sole purpose and with accounting for the use of these funds properly maintained. The equity increase does not affect current shareholders transferring to smaller apartments and those acquiring apartments through family succession. Previously, the state supervisory agency accepted comment from Co-op City shareholders on the increase in fees for services (See Co-op City Times, Saturday, May 8, 2021). At this time, HCR is soliciting comment from shareholders on the 2% carrying charge increase slated for implementation on January 1, 2022. The 30-day comment deadline is Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Written comments, postmarked on or before September 21, 2021, can be mailed to: George Simon (george.simon@nyshcr.org) New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Financial Operations, OHP 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 Comments can also be emailed to george.simon@ nyshcr.org and must be received by September 21. HCR has scheduled a virtual carrying charge conference to hear directly from Co-op City shareholders, the housing company, and other interested parties on the corporation’s finances, the proposed carrying
STEM
Basketball ball
Do you like basketball? Do you like coding? Do you like pizza? https://basketball-hackathon.eventbrite.com Sign Up Required Fun starts 11am - 3pm Sunday August 22nd Bellamy Loop Bball Courts in Co-Op City
Laptops provided for FREE, First Come First Served. **Bring Your own Laptop to Join Any Coding Class 140 Bellamy Loop Bronx, NY 10475
charge increase and time frames for implementation. The meeting will be hosted via Webex at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Shareholders will be able to join the conference virtually by logging on using their computers, mobile devices as well as by telephone. (See log-in information at the end of this article.) The HCR notice stated that Riverbay will make provisions for interpreter services for hearing impaired shareholders who wish to attend the virtual September 21 carrying charge conference. However, written requests for such services must be submitted to Riverbay at least two weeks before September 21. These requests should be mailed/emailed to: Riverbay Corporation, ATTN: Finance Department, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, or emailed to RiverbayFinance@Riverbaycorp.com. HCR policy requires notice of their correspondence and budget projections to be served on shareholders and posted conspicuously in residential building lobbies and in the management office. They were also published in the Co-op City Times, the official publication of the Riverbay Corporation, on Saturday, August 14, 2021. During the 30-day period, shareholders or their representatives can request to see the corporation’s financial records. These records are at the Administration Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. HCR correspondence to Riverbay Board President Bernard Cylich states that following the conference, “Comments will be reviewed by DHCR accountants, attorneys and housing management representatives. After receipt of comments, additional analysis may be made of financial aspects of housing company operations and the financial schedules may be revised in the light of information obtained.” HCR staff will then make a carrying charge increase recommendation to the commissioner. However, HCR Commissioner Ruthanne Visnauskas will make the final determination on the necessity for an increase and, if so, in what amount. In making her decision, the commissioner will consider the extent to which the present carrying charges are sufficient to enable the corporation to meet its expenditures, the
vacancy rate, size of the waiting list, economic impact the increase would have on shareholders and market demand for apartments in Co-op City. Once the commissioner makes a final determination, she will issue a Carrying Charge Order which will state the amount of the carrying charge increase, if an increase is indeed issued, and the commissioner’s basis for the decision. The commissioner’s order will also include any miscellaneous charges deemed necessary. The order will also state the effective date of the increase. The Commissioner’s Notice will be published in the Co-op City Times. Directions for joining the Virtual Carrying Charge Conference held by HCR Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 6:30 p.m. Meeting ID: 146 155 5199 Meeting Password: HCrJy2p9Xp5 (42759279 from phones) To join from mobile devices: 1. Go to https://riverbaycorp.webex.com/riverbaycorp/j.php?MTID=madb84f72de55e6b40e725abff92ff7dc 2. If requested, enter your name and email address 3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password 4. Click “Join” 5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen To join by audio/telephone: Call the number below and enter the access code. +1-415-655-0001 US Toll To join from a video system/application: Dial: 1461555199@riverbaycorp.webex.com You may also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your event number To join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business: Dial: 1461555199.riverbaycorp@lync.webex.com.
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
It’s
HAPPENING in Co-op City!
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Tony Lewis & Friends invoke Hits of the 80’s & 90’s to Audience Delight
On Tuesday, August 19, Tony Lewis and Friends performed at Co-op’s “Tunes on Tuesday” summer concert series. Presented virtually from the Section 5 community center, the concert captured the feeling of “hanging out at a band rehearsal in somebody’s basement.” At any given moment, the men on the horns would call to the drummer asking “What’re we doin’ next?” to be met with an energetic response from the audience. In honor of the late Dennis Thomas – DT from Cool and The Gang – the band performed a variety of covers ranging from Digital Underground to The Sugarhill Gang in their own animated style. ––Caption and photos by Phillip McCoy
Gladys Mitchell and Friends Light up Wicked Wednesday with some “Truly Needed” Staples
At this week’s “Wicked Wednesday” summer concert series, Gladys Mitchell and Friends took center stage. Due to the unpredictable weather, the concert was moved indoors to the Section 5 community center. However, while there was “a lot of rain [this summer], it’s not gonna wash us away.” Managed by Lewis and Kirk Music Productions, the group radiated a vibrant energy. Accompanied by Kwame Alston Clark, they delivered a gifted night of R&B. With songs like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” they spread some “Truly Needed” love for “Everything Going on Now.” ––Caption and photos by Phillip McCoy
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
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 writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can the–authenticity of•– the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed – verify •be–typed. • • letters – • –must – •Co-op – City Times – • by –• – •every – •Monday – •–to350 •be–words. • –Ideally, they should All be• in the office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, 3 p.m. considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.
Letters to the Editor
Federal Funds Could Be Better Spent
Convectors – A Modest Proposal
To the Editor: Congressman Bowman stated a resident survey indicated Co-op City residents overwhelmingly want a waterfront park? I was at the meeting and it was overwhelming we were against this. The main reasons I am against the park is because I believe additional criminals will come, we will pay for the upkeep, and we have more parkland than we need. It’s as I said at that meeting, politicians always seem to have a hand in useless projects. In my opinion, use the money for the bingo hall renovation, invest in garbage trucks that pick up containers and unload on the spot as opposed to running these containers back and forth to the dumpsite. We have enough crime here. I believe it will get worse with this park idea and where are you going to park your car is another issue. Write to your congressman and let him know your thoughts about this park. ––Nick Liberati (Note: The Riverbay Fund conducted a survey in July 2020 to which more than 4,300 shareholders responded indicating they approved of development of a waterfront park in Co-op City. Of those responses, 86% voted in favor of the park, while 14% or 600 voted no. Of the 86% of respondents who favor the waterfront park, 61.17% said they would like picnic areas along the waterfront; 60.67%, a playground/water park; 48.86%, exercise stations; 38.25%, performance space; 30.76% would like river access to be included in the park’s design; 28.40% want a tennis court; 26.56%, volleyball court; 20.22% preferred other features not listed in the survey; 18.40%, a skateboard park, and 18.21% favor a dog run.)
To the Editor: The problems caused by our convector flooding has been a recurring topic every year since I moved to Co-op City in 2007 and before that too, I suppose. The cost to repair the damage caused by the floods for materials and work hours and the awful disruption of normal routines to shareholders whose apartments are affected, is legend here. I take a couple of hours to clean my convectors each year following Riverbay’s instructions and so far, aside from the two or three times I’ve asked Maintenance to send someone up to clear the drain in the lower tray where water is building up, I’ve had no serious flooding. I have noticed, however, when cleaning the convectors that the upper trays are rusting and the water carried to the lower tray has a rusty sediment which you can see building up on the lower tray. There is rust too that is flaking off the upper metal trays and making its way to the lower tray and down into the plumbing. The rust coming from all the buildings’ convectors could be building up in the exit pipes causing clogging and flooding. So, here’s my modest proposal – after the cooling season when there is no condensation from the cooled air, we could choose one building to test and first flush all the convector exit pipes from top to bottom and then use a rust inhibiting paint to paint over the metal upper trays in the convectors. If it’s done carefully, I believe it could eliminate the rusting and perhaps the flooding problem and Co-op City wouldn’t have to spend $250 million to buy new convectors for 15,000 apartments. If my idea actually works, we could possibly eliminate the flooding problem for maybe the cost of a hundred gallons of paint and the man hours to do the work. Perhaps this idea is the result of my spending too many hours indoors these days but I think it’s worth considering and I’d appreciate any feedback from Management or the Board or any other cooperator on its feasibility. ––Bruce Silberman
Maintaining the Beauty of Nature To the Editor: I want to express appreciation to Mr. Mike Ambo, director of the Riverbay Grounds Department, and his staff and let them know how grateful I am regarding planting of the lovely bushes, flowers, trees, and for reviving the grounds of Co-op City after completion of Local Law 11 façade repairs in my section. It is amazing, the work that was done to restore our lovely flowers and grass. We now also have two ground keepers in Section 5. I also hope our former groundskeeper is doing well and resting. Mr. Ambo, thank you for making sure our grounds are maintained in such a beautiful and healthy fashion. During the surge of the 2020 pandemic, the flowers kept blooming, the beauty of nature is really what kept hope alive within me. God bless your gifts, skills and talents in maintaining the beauty of His nature, Mr. Ambo. I am always commenting about the well-kept grounds and flowers because I love and stand in awe at the beauty of what man cannot make, but only be good stewards over. ––Hattie Overman
REMINDER—Co-op City Times Board Election Survey ends Aug. 31, 2021 Shareholders who have not yet responded to the CCTimes Board Election survey are urged to do so before it expires on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. The survey can be filled out on page 9 of this issue and mailed/dropped off to the CCTimes office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Rm. 21, Bronx, NY 10475. It can also be scanned in and emailed to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com or completed electronically at SurveyMonkey.com by using the QR Code attached here to easily connect. We are hoping for a good representation of opinions on the election process and factors that influence shareholders’ participation. Building associations and clubs/organizations can assist by pulling up the survey on a mobile device and allowing neighbors/members to fill out the survey. It takes less than 5 minutes. We thank those who have participated. Your feedback is invaluable.
Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community. (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief
Toriea McCauseland
Junior Associate Editor
Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager
Ralph Henriquez
Production Manager
John Crow
New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes 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, New York 10475.
If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-697-6381 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
CCPD maintains a high quality of life in the community by enforcing laws BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO The Co-op City Department of Public Safety works proactively to ensure a high quality of life in the Co-op City community. This is accomplished by strictly enforcing New York City Penal Law and Administrative Laws. Two of the most common laws enforced for this purpose are Public Consumption of Alcohol and Disorderly Conduct. A person can be charged accordingly when more than one of these violations are committed. Within Co-op City, these laws are enforced by both the Co-op City Department of Public Safety and the New York City Police Department. Enforcement of Quality of Life goes on all year long but the summer provides some additional concerns for the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. The purpose of this article is to ensure that everyone stays safe and has fun without interfering with the high quality of life people have come to expect within the Co-op City community. In some cases, what may seem like just a group hanging out having a good time can lead to gang activity or other crimes. The New York City Administrative Code states that it is illegal for anyone to consume alcohol in a public place within New York City. Enforcement of this law is essential to maintaining a high quality of life within Co-op City. Consumption of Alcohol is a violation of the Administrative Code and a Universal Summons may be issued by Public Safety officers when this violation is observed. According to the Administrative Code, no person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage or possess with intent to drink or consume an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place. A public place is defined as a place to which the public has access including highways, streets, roads, sidewalk, parking area, shopping areas, place of amusement, playground, park or beach located within the city. Premises licensed for sale and consumption of alcohol and their private property are excluded. Block parties or feasts with permits are also exceptions to this law. The New York State Penal Law gives the officers of Co-op City Department of Public Safety the ability to make arrests for persons observed to be acting in a disorderly manner with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. Arrests for Disorderly Conduct can be made when certain specified behaviors are observed by Public Safety officers. Disorderly Conduct is a violation of the law. A Universal Summons may be issued. The New York City Penal Law states that a person is guilty of disorderly conduct when they engage in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior. A person who makes unreasonable noise or uses abusive or obscene language or makes an obscene gesture in a public place can be charged with Disorderly Conduct. Disturbing a lawful assembly or meeting of persons also constitutes Disorderly Conduct. Anyone who creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose is also guilty of disorderly conduct. Persons who obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic or who congregate with other persons in a public place and refuse to comply with a lawful order of the police to disperse are also guilty of Disorderly Conduct. By enforcing Disorderly Conduct around the buildings, malls and garages, the Public Safety Department eliminates loitering. By keeping the malls and buildings free of loitering, a high quality of life is maintained. The issuance of a New York City Universal Summons is considered an arrest. A Co-op City Community Complaint is also issued for Anti-Social Conduct to residents for any arrests within the community. This fine starts out at $300.00.
Public Safety Report
Anonymous calls to Public Safety
From time to time, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, we understand that some people are apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question. Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to
accept these calls and investigate accordingly. If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor. Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taken place and, in most cases, who the individuals involved are. Thank you for your cooperation. ––Riverbay Management
Fines double for each repeat violation. The fees can be automatically added to the monthly carrying charges. After numerous Community Complaints, a family may face eviction. This is another tool which is utilized to maintain a high quality of life and a low crime rate within Co-op City. This explains why it is important for cooperators to call the Department of Public Safety when they observe any suspicious activity. It is also important that parents make certain that children and guests refrain from loitering or engaging in disorderly conduct. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State. Some schools and camps may be open, drive safely. Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Share the road safely with bicycles, skaters and pedestrians. Bicyclists must respect pedestrians. If you see anything suspicious, notify the proper authorities. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings when six-foot distance is not possible. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to help spread Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Check with your doctor and see if getting a vaccination is the right choice for you. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.
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 There are no contract opportunities to list this week. Please check back. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Claudia Sampson, Treasurer
Director’s Viewpoint –
COC to Strengthen Oversight of Board Committees On January 25, 2017, the Riverbay Board adopted Resolution #17-03 that established a Committee on Committees (COC). The Resolution affirmed that “the Committee [on Committees] shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and it shall consist of three or more members of the Board” with the following power and duties: 1. The Committee shall advise the President on the appointment of chairs of other committees. 2. The Committee shall consult regularly with the chairperson and members of other standing, special, or ad hoc committees to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the established mission and purpose. 3. The Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Board concerning the responsibilities, structure, size, and scope of committees, including proposals to dissolve, create, or merge committees. 4. The Committee shall inform the Board of any vacancies on any committee existing longer than sixty (60) calendar day. 5. The Committee is authorized to propose resolutions in connection with the creation, merger, or dissolution of any committee, in consultation with the Legal Department. 6. The Committee shall meet regularly, as needed, and shall report regularly to the Board of Directors regarding the execution of its duties and responsibilities. In compliance with the Riverbay Corporation’s By-Laws Article III, Section #8 – Committees, which reads, “The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time, appoint such committees as it deems desirable, with each committee to have such duties as may be specified in the resolution establishing such committee. Such duties may be amended or abolished by the Board of Director at any time,” the Committee on Committees, comprised of five (5) members — Anika Green-Watson, Claudia Sampson (appointed chair), Francine Reva Jones, Leslie Peterson, and
Sonia Feliciano, met on July 12th and July 28th to review requests submitted by directors to chair committees. Using a rubric system suggested by Director Green-Watson to ensure that selections were based on an impartial and fair process, the COC was able to finalize the chair designations. At the Emergency Board Business Meeting on Wednesday, August 11, Director Claudia Sampson presented to Board President Bernie Cylich the final Committee on Committees’ 2021-2022 Board Recommendations Report dated July 28, 2021. The selected chairs of the Committees accepted by President Cylich and a consensus of the Board are as follows: • Buildings & Grounds – Sonia Feliciano, chair; sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com • Construction and Power Plant – Bishop Angelo Rosario, chair; arosario@riverbayboard. com • Disabilities/Accommodations & Dog – Andrea Leslie & Mary Pearson, chairs; aleslie@ riverbayboard.com, mpearson@riverbayboard.com • Information Technology – Michelle Marbury, chair; mmarbury@riverbayboard.com • Procurement & Inventory – Anika GreenWatson, chair; awatson@riverbayboard.com • Legislative – Rod Saunders, chair; rsaunders@riverbayboard.com • Parking & Leasing (including Commercial & Storage) – Leah Richardson, chair; lrichardson @riverbayboard.com • Residential Sales & Restoration – Leslie Peterson, chair; lpeterson@riverbayboard.com • Security – Kevin Lambright, chair; klambright@riverbayboard.com • Smart City – Claudia Sampson, chair; csampson@riverbayboard.com The committees’ chairs will select co-chairs of their respective committees at their meetings which are slated to resume in September, more than likely after Labor Day. Shareholders interested in joining the above committees are encouraged to contact the chairs directly by email (listed above), or by
Congratulations, Christian! Congratulations to my cousin, Christian Penister, now in his 3rd year at East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine. Christian was recently among the university’s “Pirates Profiles.” Christian earned his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry from East Carolina University in 2019. His goal is to serve as a pediatric dentist in underserved communities. We are very proud of Christian and wish him the very best and much success as he completes his studies. ––Marjorie Helms
NYPD Day of Play in Co-op City
Officers from the 45th Precinct came to Co-op City on Wednesday, Aug. 18, for a Day of Play. They invited Co-op City youth to the Section 5 basketball courts from 4-7 p.m. for some friendly competition as they got to know and learn from each other. ––Photos by Phillip McCoy
writing the Board chairs at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, New York 10475. Furthermore, pursuant to Board Resolution #1703, Section 5, that states “[t]he Committee [on] Committees is authorized to propose resolutions in connection with the creation, merger, or dissolution of any committee, in consideration with the Legal Department,” the COC is considering additional changes to improve effectiveness of the Board committees. These include, but are not limited to: * reorganizing the Construction, Power Plant & Restoration Committee by merging Restoration with the Residential Sales Committee, and creating a Construction and Power Plant Committee; * dissolving the Contract Compliance Committee and making it a committee of the Board as a whole; * merging and renaming the Disabilities & Accommodations Committee to Disabilities/ Accommodations and Dog Committee; * renaming the Inventory and Purchasing Committee to Procurement & Inventory Committee; * making the Legislative Committee a Standing Committee, and * creating an ad hoc Smart City Committee. Additionally, since the agenda for every Board Business meeting must include a Report of Committees, according to Resolution # 05-111 passed January 11, 2006, these reports should provide (1) a description of how the committee undertook its work; (2) the facts uncovered or information obtained; (3) the findings or conclusions derived from the facts or information; and (4) proposed resolutions or recommendations. Finally, and most importantly, all of the Board›s standing committees, according to Resolution #05-68 adopted on September 7, 2005, with “the exception of the Cooperators Appeals, are not delegated with any power or authority from the Board. Therefore, these committees, shall investigate, discuss and report back to the Board their recommendation regarding their subject matter.” Continue to enjoy the summer. Stay safe and well. I can be reached at csampson@riverbayboard.com.
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
NYC Requires Vaccination Proof for Activities BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND With cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant continuously rising and vaccinations steadily decreasing, NYC residents now have to be “carded” to be indoors. As of Monday, August 16, New York City residents must show proof of vaccination to enjoy indoor dining at restaurants, and to visit gyms and various other indoor venues. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the mandate is an effort to encourage more residents to get vaccinated. “It is time for people to see vaccinations as literally necessary to living a good, full and healthy life,” he said. Although outdoor activities are still favorable during this time and safer, transmission rates are still higher indoors. Mayor de Blasio said, “If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things.” Along with the new mandates, New York City also offers residents ways to show proof of vaccination via apps instead of carrying their vaccine cards. For example, the apps NYC Covid Safe and Excelsior Pass can store digital copies of residents’ vaccine cards and be readily available to display them when asked. NYC Covid Safe is the City’s new app. It is a camera app that allows users to take a picture of their vaccine card and store it in the app. However, the Excelsior Pass is New York State’s passport app and verifies the information against the city and state vaccination records. According to the Department of Health, more than 2.5 million New Yorkers have downloaded or printed out an Excelsior Pass since its launch. Although NY city and state have their vaccine registry via the apps, the Biden administration has said they will not create a national vaccine passport due to privacy concerns. Enforcement of the new mandates will begin on September 13.
e-Scooter ––––
(Cont’d from page 1)
As far as cost, each company has varying pricing plans, but generally, it costs $1 to unlock an e-scooter and $0.39 per minute for useage. The app provides users with instructions on where to find the e-scooters, along with instructions on use and parking. The app suggests that riders should operate scooters in the same manner as a bike. E-scooters should be returned to a designated parking corral once the rider finishes their trip, or parked on the sidewalk out of the path of travel. The DOT’s pilot program is an effort to improve mobility by increasing transportation options in neighborhoods that are underserved by public transportation. In 2020, e-scooters became legal under state and local laws. The law also limits the max speed for e-scooters to 15 mph. Furthermore, those with mobility challenges are not left out of the e-scooter program. During the launch, participating companies will provide customers with accessible options that will be available for long-term rentals as well as a home delivery option. Next year, in Phase Two, the program is set to expand to other areas of the Bronx, adding thousands of additional bikes to the borough. Scan here to complete the Co-op City Times survey on the Riverbay Board Election. If possible, help your neighbors to complete the survey. Survey Deadline: August 31, 2021.
Deadline EXTENDED: Tuesday, August 31, 2021
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –
Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary
More BxM7/Less Covid-19 BxM7. Our express bus riders continue to be subjected to arbitrary cancellations including some very inconvenient late run cuts. On Saturday, 8/14, alone, between north and southbound trips, 10 runs were cut, including the 1:30 a.m. last bus to Co-op City and the 12:00 a.m. last bus to Manhattan. Same thing on Sunday. Neither of the last buses scheduled to run, in either direction, ran. Then on that Monday morning (8/16), the heading-to-work southbound 7:00 a.m., 7:10 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. were all cut. But get a load of this. The alert notice read: “Earlier, we announced that the Co-op City-bound trips at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. would not run; however, our bus dispatchers made staffing adjustments.” They wanted a medal? “Aren’t you going to thank us for not inconveniencing you as much as we originally planned?!” [BTW. Wherever you spot the misspelling of our complex as Co-Op City, do point out that there is no capital O. It’s Co-op, Co-op, Co-op City!] You can receive cancellation alerts, by text or email, by signing up at https://mymtaalerts.com/LoginC.aspx. After receiving daily alerts of the many, many cuts, you may be inspired to express your feelings to the MTA. You can indirectly email the MTA through their website at https://new.mta.info/customer-feedback. You could send an actual letter to MTA Bus Company, 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004-2207. Or you can reach them by phone. Dial 511 and when prompted, say "Subways and Buses" and then after another prompt, say "comments and concerns." Feel free to borrow my outrage if you’d like, to say or write: “Cutting several BxM7 express bus runs throughout the day is inconvenient. Cutting the last run of the day is unconscionable!” And for Section 5 express bus riders, while you’re expressing your displeasure by pointing out that public transportation should actually serve the public, you might want to mention the Where’s Waldo of our BxM7 bus stop. Here, once again, for your complaining convenience, are the BxM7 bus stop details. Due to the construction of pedestrian islands impeding the turning capability of the BxM7, the bus stop was temporarily moved in November 2020 from one side of the street
at Einstein Loop/Elgar Pl. to HRPE/Einstein Loop South. Preparations to return the bus stop to the other side of the street at Einstein Loop/Elgar Pl., are now all but complete. So when will the new bus stop be employed? It’s been nine months, and counting, and the “temporary” move of the bus stop remains a mystery acknowledged only by a tattered flyer taped up at the coming when? location. In all that time, no one even bothered to put an asterisk in the online timetable to indicate the change, to, you know, keep the public properly informed? Since the BxM7 cancellations haven’t let up, don’t let up on our state legislators: Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, 718-320-2220, benedettom@nyassembly. gov; and Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, 718-547-8854, bailey@nysenate.gov. Delta Variant As of last Tuesday, there is no indoor D, E, F allowed (Dining, Entertainment, Fitness) for anyone who cannot provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19. And don’t try forging the document either. According to the Mayor, it could get you up to seven years in jail, and that’s one indoor environment no one’s hankering for. For the first few weeks, individual proprietors will need to do all the awkward enforcement of the new regulations but starting September 13 city marshals will begin handing out $1000 fines to the establishments. Don’t blame the new rules on the proprietors, the enforcers, the elected officials or anything or anybody but the Delta variant. We must keep the variant from mutating into even more of a monster, and we do that one shot at a time. Everyone over 12 can choose to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and protect those under 12 at the same time. Threats and incentives to get hesitant people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated have been described as using the “carrot or the stick.” (That $1000 fine is one big stick!) If you want to enjoy what NYC has to offer, get the shot, says
the Mayor, then party hearty (or is it hardy?). That’s a carrot. The hundred bucks? That’s another big carrot. As of August 12, 50,000 New Yorkers had already taken the mayor up on his offer. According to the press release, “23% of those who selected to receive $100 are under 18, 36% are 18-34, 38% are 35-64, 3% are 65-74 and 1% are over 75.” Clearly, the incentive is reaching its targeted audience, age-wise. In some circumstances (the wording isn’t totally clear so I’m not 100% sure), one vaccination may get two bites of the apple, er, the carrot. A referral bonus initiative is also in the works. Community and faith-based organizations can apply to encourage the unvaccinated for love and money. Each organization can enlist up to 200 vaccination recipients for a total of $20,000…that’s each organization. Our Co-op City fully vaccinated numbers, though above average for the Bronx, are still well below average for the city. Individually, our religious organizations have already stepped up, but what an important group undertaking it would be for our community if they joined forces! Details and applications can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus. If a pastor in Delta-hotbed Florida can finally launch an aggressive vaccination effort, any community can. His hard-hit church in Jacksonville lost six parishioners to the coronavirus within a two-week period. The church had already been requiring masks. The fallen were described as otherwise healthy with no pre-existing existing conditions, four were under the age of 30, and all six were unvaccinated. The pastor, inspired to take action, explained, "These are actual people that I know, that I have pastored. One 24-year-old kid, I've known him since he was a toddler.” I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211 or by email at mpearson@riverbayboard.com.
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Committees
(Continued from page 1)
the newly formed Smart City Committee will be an ad hoc committee of the Board. Each committee chair will select their co-chairs from among their Board colleagues, and members from among shareholders who send in requests to serve on respective committees. The Committee on Committees will continue discussions about a number of changes to better focus, and improve effectiveness, of Board committees. Some of those changes include reorganizing the former Construction, Power Plant & Restoration Committee by merging Restoration with the Residential Sales Committee and creating a Construction and Power Plant Committee. The former Contract Compliance Committee will be dissolved and instead be a committee of the Board as a whole, similar to the Labor Committee and the Budget & Finance Committee. Other changes to be discussed is merging the Disabilities & Accommodations Committee with the Dog Committee and renaming the new committee the Disabilities/Accommodations and Dog Committee, and renaming the Purchasing and Inventory Committee to Procurement & Inventory Committee. Riverbay Board committees, comprised of Board directors and shareholders, meet during the year to provide policy recommendations for the Board’s consideration. Many of these recommendations are either approved by the Board after discussion or are fine-tuned by the Board before being forwarded to Management for implementation, if they are determined to be beneficial to the larger community and cost-effective. Serving on a Board committee is, therefore, one way for shareholders to influence quality of life in Co-op City. “According to Resolution 05-68 adopted on September 7, 2005, with the exception of the Cooperator Appeals Committee, standing committees of the Board are not delegated with any power or authority from the Board,” said Director Sampson. “Therefore, they shall investigate, discuss and report back to the Board their recommendations regarding their subject matter.
The Committee on Committees will continue to work closely with the standing committees to make sure they focus their discussions on their mission statements in order to advance substantive recommendations to the Board which will serve the needs, and better the quality of life, of Co-op City shareholders.” Except for the Audit Committee, any sitting Board director may attend the meetings of any committee(s). While the aforementioned committees remain under the purview of the Riverbay Board, some will continue under the oversight of the Riverbay Fund also to improve efficiency. The Committee on Committees continues work on restructuring the Riverbay Fund committees and will announce details once completed. “The Committee on Committees has been hard at work this summer completing its annual review of Board committees and the applications to chair those committees,” said Director Green-Watson. “As a product of this review, the Committee prepared recommendations to streamline the list of committees, while maximizing director participation. Committees are a pragmatic and efficient way to manage the work the Board does, and I feel strongly that the changes made this year will go a long way to improve the function and oversight of Board committees overall.” In addition to Directors Sampson and Green-Watson, other members of the Board’s Committee on Committees are Directors Sonia Feliciano, Francine Reva Jones and Leslie Peterson. Shareholders interested in serving on a Board committee(s) may contact the chair of the respective committee or the Riverbay Corporation Board Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Membership is limited and all appointments will be determined by the chair of each committee. “Cooperators are invited to volunteer to join and participate in the essential and exciting work of committees by submitting their committee preference to the Riverbay Board of Directors office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475, or by sending an email to
African-American Association Greetings from the African-American Association of Co-op City (AAACC). Summer is going fast but there is still warm weather to enjoy. When time permits, pull out your calendars… Save these dates: Sunday, September 19, at 3 p.m. General Membership Meeting. Topic: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration with The Coalition of African-American Churches and Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. Friday, October 8, 7-9 p.m. – Swearing-in of new officers; General Meeting Sunday, October 17, 3 p.m. – General Membership Meeting Sunday, November 21, 3 p.m. – General Membership Meeting Saturday, December 11, 3 p.m. – Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Famous African-Americans born on this day (Information excerpted from Wikipedia) Wilton Norman “Wilt” Chamberlain (August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional basketball player who played as a center, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He played for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the University of Kansas and for the Harlem Globetrotters before playing in the NBA. Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress and singer. Devine is known for numerous roles across stage, television and film. Usain St. Leo Bolt, (born 21 August 1986) is a retired Jamaican sprinter,
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widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, and chef. At age 14, Kelis was admitted to New York’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Kelis has been recognized at the Brit Awards, Q Awards, NME Awards, and Grammy Awards ceremonies. Join the African-American Assn. Become a member to be allowed entry into our gatherings. Platforms until the pandemic is completely over are presented via Zoom Meetings and Webinars. Remember: Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and only $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. The African-American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation (Contact respective instructor as indicated below for updates): Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073. Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211. Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507. Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. ––Michelle Marbury
to the chair of the committee they wish to serve on,” Board President Cylich added. (See also Director Sampson’s viewpoint on page 8 for additional information on the 2021-2022 Board Committees.)
Riverbay Board Committees 2021-2022 Audit Committee – Andrea Leslie, chair Budget & Finance Committee – Board as a whole Buildings & Grounds – Sonia Feliciano, chair Committee on Committees – Claudia Sampson, chair; Anika Green-Watson, co-chair; Sonia Feliciano, Francine Reva Jones, Leslie Peterson Construction/Power Plant Committee – Bishop Angelo Rosario Procurement & Inventory – Anika Green-Watson, chair Cooperator Appeals – Leah Richardson, chair Disabilities/Accommodations and Dog Committee – Andrea Leslie, Mary Pearson, chairs IT Committee – Michelle Marbury, chair Labor Committee – Board as a whole Legislative Committee – Rod Saunders, chair Parking & Leasing Committee – Leah Richardson, chair Residential Sales & Restoration Committee – Leslie Peterson, chair Security Committee – Kevin Lambright, chair Smart City Committee – Claudia Sampson, chair
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –
Daryl Johnson
CCPD – A Good Force For Our Community It was 93 degrees on Friday, August 13, 2021. And, apparently, Con Ed became worried about not being able to meet the electrical demands throughout NYC. So, they requested some energy from Riverbay, Then, unfortunately, some of our cooperators blew a fuse. Check That Disrespect On Wednesday, July 13, 1977, at approximately 9:30 p.m., we had a blackout in NYC. Then, something horribly bad flipped inside of a lot of people throughout NYC. Thereafter, like a scene out of a horror movie, thousands and thousands of people ran out of their homes and into the streets to break into and to loot lots of businesses. Next, some people started huge fires in several communities. At that time, Con Ed said that lightening hit a transformer at Indian Point. Thereafter, like dominoes, lots of generators failed because they couldn’t handle the heavy demands for power. Then, by morning, several neighborhoods throughout NYC were completely destroyed. So, lots of people looted and destroyed supermarkets, clothing stores, appliance stores, and other businesses in many areas. Now, do you think that it’s possible to have another blackout throughout NYC? If yes, do you think that it’s possible for lots of people to run outside and go completely crazy? If your answer is yes or even maybe, then do you think that our community could be severely damaged by a blackout? Now, we hope that nothing bad will happen here or anywhere. However, think, we are surrounded by stores—lots of them. So, realistically, do you think that lots of people would travel up here to loot and cause a lot of problems here? Absolutely! Therefore, can you see how important it is for us to work with Con Ed to avoid a blackout in NYC? Typically, Riverbay will shut down at least one elevator in each building at a specific time. Then, all of the laundry rooms throughout Co-op City are supposed to close at a specific time. Inconvenienced? Yes. However, we have a contract with Con Ed. So, we will get a lot of money for exporting energy to Con Ed. Then, on the other hand, we will get financially penalized if we can’t export power to Con Ed. You had to wait for an elevator? Yes. So, you couldn’t get upstairs as fast as you wanted. Laundry rooms? Now, here is where we had a big problem with some of our cooperators and our Public Safety Officers. Question: Did Riverbay send out a robocall in the morning to let everyone know that they would
be exporting power, closing one elevator, and closing the laundry rooms at 5 p.m.? Yes!!! Therefore, everyone was supposed to be out of the laundry rooms before or at 5 p.m. so that our officers could lock the laundry room doors at that time. However, they were delayed because some cooperators still had their laundry machines going at 5 p.m. Then, our officers had to go to other buildings to lock their laundry room doors. However, our officers were faced with similar problems. Meanwhile, other cooperators went downstairs to do their laundry after 5 p.m., while our officers were traveling to other buildings. So, yes, there were problems. However, what happened next is just wrong. For instance, there are allegations that some cooperators confronted some of our officers. Then, the behavior from some of our cooperators was described as abusive. Thereafter, some cooperators called the Public Safety office demanding to speak to the person in charge of closing the laundry rooms. Why? Look, that robocall about Con Ed needing power was serious. So, the laundry rooms had to be closed. Now, please put yourself into the position of our officers for just a brief moment. Then, ask yourself how you would feel if you had an assignment to lock up all of the laundry rooms at 5 p.m. Then, some cooperators at several buildings were giving you a hard time about leaving the laundry room. Now, again, please remember that a serious robocall went out to everyone earlier in the day. Regardless, some cooperators wanted to call the managers to keep the laundry rooms open. Look, showing respect here in Co-op City means that we should try our best to work together in a positive manner with everyone. Now, yes, you might not like the fact that a mandate was made to close the laundry rooms at 5 p.m. However, think, does that mean that we should be rude and confrontational with our officers? No!!! Therefore, please, let’s see if we
Building 25 Association Send condolences to the people in the countries of Haiti and Afghanistan. The Co-op City Times is placed in our lobby every Saturday and is free to members of our community. It would behoove you to read these articles to get information that concerns our quality of living in and around the surrounding area. For example, the article regarding the Express Bus service BxM7 cuts that was mentioned in last week’s paper, we have no train service in our community and bus service is our only means of transportation between Co-op City and the outside communities – this might be information of interest. We wish all neighbors born in August a Happy Birthday; for those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon. Latest update on our building association room meetings, Riverbay has given permission to resume meeting in our association room. That being said, in Fall 2021,our next regular scheduled association room meeting will be held Tuesday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. Look out for posted notice near elevators should there be any changes. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know. Closing with the following: “We need a free press. We must have it. It’s vital.” –the late John McCain ––Wanda Bailey
can make some changes here. Can we treat our officers with respect? Can we follow lawful instructions and leave the laundry rooms in a peaceful manner before or at 5 p.m.? Changes? You don’t like something? Well, that’s why you have 15 board directors here. So, you should be able to share your thoughts with directors in a respectful manner. Lastly, please know that our officers have to respond to a lot of emergency calls. However, they do their jobs in a Courteous, Professional, and Respectful manner. Therefore, I want them to know that we appreciate them and their hard work. Additionally, I want to say thank you to Chief Joseph Riley and his professional team for doing an outstanding job of training and supervising our officers. Then, I want to thank all of our officers for using their professional training and their advanced skills to help our community. Close We have one of the best police forces in the world. So, please, let’s cooperate and work with them. Thank you. Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@ riverbayboard.com. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
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Velocity Track Club Velocity Track Club is truly blessed! We were able to accomplish so much during the 2020 - 2021 track year. On December 5, 2020, eight athletes traveled to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) XC (Cross Country) National Championship in Tallahassee, Florida and won three medals.
Velocity Track Club
On March 12, 2121 twelve athletes traveled to the 2021 AAU Youth Indoor Track and Field Championship in Virginia Beach, VA and won 18 national medals. Plus, eight out of 12 athletes broke their personal record. On Sunday, May 2, we traveled to Paterson, New Jersey to compete in the Transy East Invitational Meet. We had 36 athletes compete and 30 out of the 36 athletes earned a medal. Plus, we won the Girls Team Trophy. On Sunday, June 6, Velocity Track Club competed in the AAU District Championship/Regional Qualifier at Roy Wilkens Park in Jamaica, NY. We were blessed with 59 medals (24 Gold, 23 Silver &
12 Bronze) with 39 athletes competing. On June 12-13, we had 10 athletes compete in the USATF New York Championship and were blessed with 12 medals (5 Gold & 7 Silver). Friday, June 25, to Sunday, June 27, AAU Region 1 Championship @ Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ, we earned 40 medals, (17 Gold, 9 Silver & 14 Bronze). On July 14 to the 17, we participated in the 2021 AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Club National Championship at Satellite Beach, Florida. We won 24 medals and 21 athletes broke their personal record. Plus, our 12 & 14 year old girls took 4th place in the team competition. This was accomplished without all of our 12 & 14 year old girls present. On July 26, we had three athletes travel to Jacksonville, Florida to compete in the 2021 USATF Junior Olympics and were blessed with one medal. On August 1, we had four athletes compete in the 2021 AAU Junior Olympics in Humble, TX and were blessed with a medal. All of this done during the pandemic; we give all the glory to God! Velocity Track Club is officially on a muchneeded break. We will have our Annual Orientation on Thursday, August 26, at Pelham Bay Park’s track at 6:00 p.m. Parent/Guardian must attend orientation
for child to try out for the team. For additional information, please go to website, Velocitytrack.org, or contact Coach Winston Dinkins by email, WATCLT@AOL.COM. Thank you. ––Coach Winston Dinkins
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –
Francine Reva Jones
New Board Committee Chairs Voting Rights March On Saturday, August 28, Americans who believe in the power of democracy and free elections will embark on an historic “March On for Voting Rights” to demand that legislatures across the country end their push for restrictive voting laws and that Congress pass the “For the People Act” and the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” which will ensure free, fair access to the ballot for every American voter. If you are interested in going, call National Action Network: 1-877-626-4651. Board Committees You are invited to join one of the nine Standing Board Committees which the Board approved at its August 11, 2021 meeting: 1. Building and Grounds: Sonia Feliciano 2. Construction/Power Plant: Bishop Angelo Rosario 3. Disabilities and Accommodations: Andrea Leslie and Mary Pearson (Dogs are included) 4. Information Technology (IT): Michelle Marbury 5. Procurement and Inventory: Anika Green-Watson 6. Legislative: Rod Saunders 7. Parking and Leasing: Leah Richardson (Storage spaces included) 8. Residential Sales and Restoration: Leslie Peterson 9. Security: Kevin Lambright In previous years, the Legislative Committee was an ad hoc committee. At this meeting, it was approved as a Standing Committee. There are many ongoing issues that I perceive this committee might take on, including parking for the coming Metro North station, Hutchinson River Parkway exit, and many more. “Smart City” is a new ad hoc committee that you might like to join. It will be chaired by Director Claudia Sampson. The Election Committee is also an ad hoc committee which will be approved later this year. There are a limited number of cooperators who will serve on these committee so if you would like to be considered for a committee, please mail your request to: [Name of Chairperson], Riverbay Board of Directors, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Board Resolutions At the August 11th Board meeting, Management presented two emergency resolutions, both in the amount of $2 Million. Resolution #21-35 will pay for asbestos abatement over a three-year period. Resolution #21-36 authorized the release of budgeted funds that will be distributed among four turnkey companies. The Board approved these resolutions so that the apartment restoration work would continue and the apartments could be sold. Covid-19 According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of the Delta variant are, in general, the same as the symptoms of other Covid-19 strains: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, temporary loss of taste or smell, flu-like respiratory and digestive problems, muscle aches and fatigue. What is so special about the Delta variant is that it is twice as transmissible as the original virus that emerged in late 2019. The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous variants. Some of the CDC guidelines are: ▪ People who have no symptoms can still spread COVID-19. ▪ A face covering is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19. ▪ A state order requires everyone over age 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering to wear one when outside their home if unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. ▪ They strongly recommend wearing a face covering as much as possible when you are with other people in an indoor setting that is not your home, even if 6 feet of distance can be maintained. ▪ Continue to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others even when wearing a face covering. Face coverings A face covering is a well-secured cloth covering or disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth. Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by: ▪ Protecting the wearer, by reducing their exposure to respiratory particles that may contain the virus. ▪ Protecting others, by reducing the amount of respiratory particles that enter the air when someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. At a recent health and wellness gathering that I attended, a health representative talked about the importance of keeping yourself healthy and maintaining a healthy immune system. It has been reported that people with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic pulmo-
nary disease are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. If you choose to take the vaccine, Covid-19 vaccination stations are available citywide. Note that underlying conditions can be controlled or eliminated by taking better care of your health with a sensible diet, exercise and building up and sustaining a strong immune system. Riverbay Board Election Survey The time to respond to the Co-op City Times survey on voting has been extended until August 31st. Please take a few minutes to complete and return it. Building Association Meeting The Building 21 Association’s President Kevin Lambright invited me to their meeting last Saturday. There was discussion about community concerns, such as clean grounds, dogs, cooperator involvement, response to phone calls, etc. During our discussion, someone threw an item from the window and we all heard it drop to the ground. This is such a bad, antisocial behavior and must stop. Moving forward, if your building has a meeting, please talk to your neighbors
about stopping this. Cooperators must watch their children in the event that their children are doing it. The meeting ended with a resident member winning a nice prize and everyone enjoyed an ice cream treat. Marcus Mosiah Garvey August 17th is the birth date of the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr., (8/17/1887–6/10/1940). He was a Jamaican political leader, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and orator who was a proponent of the Pan-Africanism movement, to which end he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). Garvey also founded the Black Star Line, a shipping and passenger line which promoted the return of the African diaspora to their ancestral lands. The UNIA still exists and is doing fantastic things for people of color. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My contact info: 718-671-5957 or fjones@riverbaycorp.com.
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Broun Place Townhouse Association
Good day to all our neighbors. Vaccination is the most important thing you should do immediately. Protect yourselves and others from this monster super spreader disease. By not vaccinating, you are increasing the spread of the disease. There is no truth to this being a hoax or affecting your DNA. It is a public health issue. The best preparation for schools reopening and students attending them is vaccination and masks. The Delta variant is the true enemy. The vaccine offers zero personal harm in comparison to being sick. See the testimonial TV videos of every day folks encouraging you to get the vaccine. We haven’t heard from any neighbors regarding the $25 credit, so everyone who voted has gotten it? Our prize, $500, for having the most voters, is in our treasury. A virtual meeting is being planned. Thanks to our Grounds Department, department head Michael Ambo, and the tree trimming team for their thorough job in Broun Place. We have received positive feedback from our cooperators. Hopefully, the fences that were broken will be replaced. Our next biggest problem in Section 4 is litter. Hold your bottles, masks, gloves, wrappers and containers for a pedestrian garbage pail. Curb appeal is very important. The garbage along the curbs of Co-op City Blvd. and Bellamy Loop contribute to our middle-income co-operative looking terrible and attract mosquitos and rodents. Our building’s grounds have become filthy and have resulted in a horrible mess on Co-op City Blvd. We are neglecting getting tough with stopping litterbugs. Something needs to be done! Chief Riley of Public Safety promises continued support to have folks follow our rules. Do not setup chairs on Co-op City Boulevard sidewalks. The sidewalk is not a picnic site and double parking around Bellamy Loop is illegal. Read the Co-op City Times to get all the current DHCR feedback and reports on the rent increase proposal. Welcome to our new neighbors in Broun Place and we sincerely hope you enjoy life here. Thank you to some for joining and we look forward to more joining and renewing membership in our townhouse association. At only $12 a year, it is a “good deal” to support your association. The deadline for the completion of the election survey published in the Co-op City Times is fast approaching, fill it out and submit. The CDC mask recommendations have changed based on the Delta vicious variant. We are back to wearing masks indoors and crowded outdoor areas. Yes, even the inoculated are recommended to wear masks indoors and outdoors. Access CDC guidelines, to find sites where the vaccine is available: nyc.gov/vaccinefinde,r or call 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Contemplating a restaurant outing, call ahead. Register with the Riverbay RUOK Emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic condition. Information is stored confidentially, and only available in an emergency. The association sends get well wishes and support to all residents recovering from health issues. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever! ––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
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National Council of Negro Women
School Supplies – NCNW Co-op City Section, with the support of donors from our community, has been collecting backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, binders, loose-leaf paper, glue sticks, etc. to give to the youth in our community. The school supplies will be given out in the lower level of Dreiser Community Center on Saturday, August 21, beginning at 11 a.m. until all have been distributed. Thank you to Julia Price and our Community Service Projects Committee who secured a sponsorship and donation from Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program of 100 book bags and other school supplies towards our Section giveaway. Youth Section – We are seeking young girls ages 12-18 to join our Co-op City Youth Section that was recently chartered. The goal of our Youth Section is to provide a community-based group that will prepare our young ladies for leadership roles in school and the community. There will be workshops to develop a strong sense of self, improve life-skills and social skills. The Youth Section will meet monthly to foster a bond and have discussions on topics relevant to our young ladies. Thank you to all of the young ladies who joined our informational meeting in June. The next virtual meeting will take place on Saturday, September 11, from 2:00 -3:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more information! If you have questions or are interested in membership, please email us at ncnwcoopcityyouth@gmail.com. Health Committee – Please save the date for our Annual Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday, September 25, in Bartow Community Center, Room 31, 2049 Bartow Avenue, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more information to follow! Friends of NCNW Co-op City Section will be walking again this year in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 17. We will be meeting at Orchard Beach at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in joining our team for a wonderful day of fellowship and this great cause, please email us at ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. We will be wearing matching shirts and hats to represent NCNW Co-op City Section! Are you interested in joining our NCNW Co-op City Section GIRL TREK Crew as we walk on Sisterhood Saturdays? We will walk to improve our physical as well as mental health beginning at 9 a.m. sharp. The mission of GIRL TREK is to save Black women’s lives through walking and socialization. The global COVID-19 pandemic has and is still disproportionately impacting our Black communities. Our GIRL TREK Crew will safely walk together on Saturday mornings, weather permitting, around the greenway in our GIRL TREK attire/ colors! Please email ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com for more information. Social Media – Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City, and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. ––Joyce Howard
Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment “Sandwich Generation” Middle-aged Americans have found themselves in the “Sandwich Generation” – a generation of people who care for their aging parents with health or age-related issues while supporting their own children. Dorothy Miller, an American social worker, created the term “Sandwich Generation” back in 1981, and was originally referencing younger women in their 30s-40s (baby boomers) who were taking care of both their children and parents. According to the US Census Bureau, the population is growing older. There are now over 50 million seniors. The most concern for baby boomers is the care for their elderly parents. Most often, baby boomers take early retirement to assist their parents while caring for their children. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, “With the responsibility of providing care for multiple individuals of varying ages weighing on their shoulders, caregivers understandably feel overwhelmed, over-stressed and under-appreciated.” Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert, says, “We care for many layers of our family and friends (parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, spouses, partners, neighbors, pets) while working, managing finances and households, and caring for ourselves. A recent study conducted by Cambia Health Solutions titled, “Wired for Care: The New Face of Caregiving in America,” states that the overall profile of today’s caregiver has also changed. They are younger, more digitally savvy, and juggling responsibilities between work and home, which often means putting key life events on hold. This study redefines what this modern caregiver looks like by exploring how caregiving responsibilities co-exist with personal and professional duties and desires. A few findings about the new face of caregivers in America: Av-
erage age: 42 with 36% being 18-34-year-olds; 53% are women; 47% are men; 62% married or living with their partner; 54% of caregivers are employed fulltime or part-time; 58% have a child in the household; and 64% of caregivers are digitally savvy and use at least one digital tool to help manage their caregiving responsibilities. Despite the challenges that being a caregiver can pose, according to the National Opinion Research Centre, eight in ten people reported their time as a caregiver to be a positive experience. Studies show that caregivers generally report solid to high levels of happiness and satisfaction, and feel a great sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and joy by providing for their loved ones. Statistics also show that those in the “Sandwich Generation,” particularly those living under the same roof, foster closer family bonds between the generations. Caregivers, have you ever felt overwhelmed because you do not know where to begin as you seek services for your loved ones? Connecting the dots and making the connections is the key to a successful caregiver’s journey. Please join us for our monthly 45 mins informational session on Tuesday, September 21, at 7 p.m. Topic: Making sense of it all. Please RSVP online at www.comeoutreach.org. C.O.M.E. is here for you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, 718-379-3159. ––Diane Cooper
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –
Rod Saunders
COVID-19 Vigilance and Going Forward Towards 2022 I sincerely hope that my viewpoint this week finds you both in good health and great spirits. I would opine that considering where we were during the summer of 2020, that this year has witnessed more cooperators out and about, enjoying events on our Greenways, and carrying themselves in a much more relaxed manner. In helping our community to accomplish our moving about with more confidence, we do so because of efforts supported by the Board, Management, and our elected representatives. Beginning in January of this year (2021), and continuing until the first week of August, cooperators had neighborhood access to vaccination sites which were located in or near Co-op City’s three Mall locations: Bartow Ave., Dreiser Center, and Einstein Loop. Today (and busier than ever) the North Central Bronx COVID-19 Testing Center continues to offer free tests at their Dreiser Center location. Yes, Co-op City is in a good place right now, however, vigilance is needed. COVID-19 and its variants must be highly respected. Vigilance is Key The resurgence of COVID-19 that we are witnessing proliferating throughout the southern United States has been largely attributed to the variant “Delta” strain. The governors of several southern states have irrationally pitted politics over science and common sense. We have no room for that here, and your vigilance is respectfully required. Once again, I ask you to please consider to always wear you masks in our elevators and in the laundry room with others. Please continue to social distance where possible, and remember to wash or sanitize your hands when handling objects outside of your homes. As of August 2, 189.2 million Americans have taken at least one dosage of a vaccine. If there is going to be a major problem with the vaccinations, then America, if not the world, will have a much bigger problem than COVID-19. Therefore, I would ask those of you who have chosen not to receive
vaccination shots, to please consider doing so. Right now, the decision to, or not to, remains absolutely up to you. For those who have children or seniors to care for, or jobs that are extremely important to them, I recommend that you consider the logistical nightmare of your needing to be quarantined, or worst case, admitted to a hospital. I speak to you as one who is vaccinated, continues to wear a mask in public, and tries to maintain a social distance from others when possible. I know – our elevator situation makes that really hard to do – but there are times when you just have to wait for the next one! All I ask right now is that we all be smart, be safe, and remain well! Going Forward to 2022 As you are all well aware, there is new leadership on the Board of Directors. One of the duties of the newly elected President of the Board is to assign committee leadership. Assisting the President is the Committee on Committees, which was established to consult with the Board President in recommending chairmanships of all of the standing committees. As of August 11th, the Committee on Committees has made their recommendations. I have kept in contact with Assemblyman Benedetto, in particular, with regards to the proposed exit from the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway North into Co-op City for the purpose of accessing the newly proposed Metro-North train station. Additionally, the MTA (August 16th) held a press conference near Fordham Plaza here in the Bronx. They announced their “roll-out” plans for initiating the suspended “Bronx Bus Network: Redesigned.” Sources indicate that the plan is to begin this fall, however, a date was not specified. I’m certain that Assemblyman Benedetto will be working with our community to ensure that Co-op City residents who rely heavily on our buses receive everything (if not more) that the MTA Ad-Hoc Committee fought successfully for back in August of 2019 (pre-COVID-19 Pandemic outbreak). The Board of Standards & Appeals moved the hearing date of Cal# 2019/32BZ to September 22.
This case involves the premises 801 Co-op City Blvd. for which the proposal is to build a 6-story Medical building, and to provide less than the required number of onsite parking spaces for their patients and employees. The Riverbay community and Community Board 10 are adamantly opposed to any reduction in the number of parking spaces being provided by the proposed new medical building, and have expressed those views at a previous Community Board 10 public meeting back in May of this year. In Our Shareholder’s Best Interests Last points. The Board held a meeting the week after the new Board was sworn-in, and new Board officers were elected. Discussed that night were several topics germane to the functioning of the Board as well as the operation of the corporation. During the meeting, I focused on: maintenance and repairs, and the upcoming cable contract provisions which expire in 2024. I sent out a detailed memorandum to the Board about the history of our cable contract back in September of 2020. We’ve lost a year in not having a committee already in place. To be clear again, Verizon lost a lawsuit to the City of New York. Verizon, as part of their settlement with the courts, have to provide some 500,000 apartments with wiring for cable TV & the internet. They contacted Co-op City, however, there’s been no further movement on Verizon’s part. Additionally, there are Riverbay contracts that many of us are not happy or satisfied with. Finally, the Board clearly needs to review the very well prepared Auditor’s Reports, which have been incredibly well prepared beginning in 2016, but have not been analytically reviewed by the Board. Study, review, implement where needed. Maybe this is the moment we begin. Please everyone, continue to have a good summer season, and as I said earlier, please remember to be and stay safe. Thank you for reading my viewpoint, and remember that I can be reached at: rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.
Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations
Greetings, to our members and friends. We hope that this message finds everyone safe & healthy. COVID-19 continues to prevent our organization from conducting regular meetings and events. We hope that we will be able to reconvene in September. Please watch this column for updated information. The first agenda item will be an election of officers. I am requesting all members to seriously consider becoming a candidate for office. As always, we continue to invite all community organizations and churches to join with us. Our mission is to address common issues that affect the quality of life in this community. It has been proven that there is strength in numbers. Any organization wishing to join can contact Virginia Stewart at 718-671-4506. The current list of member organizations include the following: African-Amer-
ican Association of Co-op City, American Legion Post 1871, Co-op City Baptist Church, Faith @ Work Christian Church, NAACP Co-op City Branch, Retirees of Dreiser Loop, and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. The Coalition sends best wishes to our founding member, George Crouch, who has relocated into an assisted living facility. We also extend sincere condolences to Ron & Fran Jefferies who lost their daughter, and to Christina Harkness, whose daughter passed away on June 30th. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during their time of sorrow. We continue to wish everyone good health and prosperity. Be careful and stay safe. ––Virginia Stewart
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
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Building 9 Association Salutations, Building 9 family. We continue to be thankful, grateful, and blessed. The Building 9 Diamonds are excited to be able to come together in support of one another and our association. The Covid-19 Delta variant has proven to be extremely contagious. Please take all available preventative and protective measures to maintain your personal safety. Our children are extremely vulnerable as the virus can be spread to them from adults and other young people in the community. Please continue to wear a mask always, wash your hands often and social distance whenever possible. If, at all possible, please get vaccinated. Many employers and entertainment venues will require proof of vaccination in the near future. The New York State Linda Collins and Vivian Burrus with Excelsior App may be uploaded to harvested Serrano peppers. your phone and may be accepted as proof of vaccination if your information is in the New York State vaccine reporting system. The Building 9 Association’s First Annual 'Shirley Wells' free Back-to-school Raffle is well underway. Thank you to those who have already submitted their students' names. Qualifications: All adult entrants must be Building 9 shareholders, all students must be in grades K-12 To participate, please send shareholder's full name, address, apartment number, and contact phone number along with the full name and grade of your student to Lindab9apres@gmail.com between now and September 5th. The raffle drawing will be held by electronic name selection via Zoom on September 11. Raffle prize gift cards will be awarded to winners in person on September 18, at which time our group photo will be taken. Please see the flyers posted in our lobbies for additional details. The Raffle Committee, Linda Collins, Wanda Randall, Linda Holley, Evelyn Mavins and Liz Manning, would like to thank this week's Back-to-school Raffle donors: Shirley Johnson and Jerome Wells. We appreciate the support of all our Building 9 donors.
The NYPD 45th Precinct Community Outreach program will hold its next Sector C 'Build the Block' event on Thursday, September 2, at Circle of Christ Church, 147 Dreiser Center (lower level) at 7 p.m. The disastrous earthquake that devastated Haiti last week has left over a thousand residents dead and thousands homeless. Unlike the Hurricane Matthew relief effort mounted, the building association is unable to congregate in the lobbies to collect at this time. You may drop off water, non-perishable items, first aid/medical items, etc., at any local NYPD Precinct. We are in the process of securing a guest speaker for our next Building 9 Association 'al fresco' membership meeting. Please monitor the lobby bulletin boards for more information. The Rivers Run Community Garden Serrano peppers will soon be ready for a second harvest. "Poverty is what happens when people give up caring about one another." ––Linda Collins
Building 18 Association Hi, neighbors. A few months ago, it appeared that we were approaching the end of the tunnel, Covid-19 had died down but along came the Delta Variant. Our children are falling ill in numbers and when parents are asked, “Have you taken the vaccine?” Their answer is, “No, but I wish I had now.” Don’t wait for the variant to attack get your vaccine now! For those who have taken the vaccine, enjoy and take advantage of the privilege of the openings of services one step at a time. Please continue to protect yourselves, wear your face mask and wash your hands frequently. Membership We have 106 Membership families. We are still collecting $10.00 per household. You can give it to any member on the association committee. Thank you. Free Ice Cream Give Away On Saturday, August 28, we will be giving out FREE ice cream starting at noon. Come down and join us. To the sick, we wish you a speedy recovery and to the bereaved families, we give our deepest sympathies. Stay safe and be well to everyone. ––Gertie Brown
(718)994-9600 3525 CONNER ST | BRONX, NY 10475 www.co-opcitytire.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm
BE READY FOR SUMMER ROAD TRIPS!
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Black Forum Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens 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. Look at the last date on your pantry card. It determines when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick-up. It is a 30-31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least four clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Masks and physical distancing are required. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver's, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents. Grab-N-Go The 920 Baychester Avenue location is conducting Grab-N-Go distributions on Thursday, August 26, and Friday, August 27, 11:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are invited. The menu includes fresh fruits and vegetables. The distributions will stop at 3:00 p.m. whether or not guests are on the line or if supplies
run out – whichever comes first. The August 26th distribution is for guests who registered or re-certified in 2021 and hold pantry cards. A pantry card issued in 2021 must be shown on this day – no exceptions. The August 27th distribution is for the general public, those who lost their pantry card and for those who did not re-certify in 2021. Guests eligible to come on Thursday but cannot make it can come on Friday. They must present a current pantry card though – no exceptions. Only one representative per household should attend. Guests must have at least 4-6 clean grocery bags and a large cart. Registration or monthly food package distribution will not occur on these days. Please do not leave your carts unattended. The staff will bypass unattended carts or objects when distributing numbers. We also reserve the right to not serve guests who are belligerent or verbally abusive. Let's work together to get our community fed. Donations Black Forum only accepts food from our vendors. Thus, please do not leave food from your home outside our door. That is for the safety of our guests. Thank you for the kindness nonetheless. Contact Us Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Please stay safe. ––D. Illis
Building 13 Association Greetings, everyone! Hope you have been enjoying the summer as best you can and staying safe. Normally, I would begin our articles in September but with everything going on, I wanted to bring you up to date. Thank you to all who attended the special Zoom update meeting we had last week. I hope the information was helpful in answering the many questions I have received about fencing, doors and other items. It was equally as important hearing from you. For a quick recap, let me start by saying Management has been very responsive answering questions about the remaining fencing and sidewalk shedding that remains around our building. While it has been several months since the facade work was completed, there was no further movement. We recently received the Letter of Completion from the DOB (Department of Buildings) so our fencing, along with Building 12’s, should be coming down within the week if it hasn’t started by the time this article is printed. When the Tower building Lobby Door contract is completed, Fobs will be distributed to the building for those 12 yrs. old and above. The method of distribution will be forthcoming when the date approaches. The lobby curtains will be put back up within the next week and the rear foyer floor repair will commence once the fencing is removed around the building. For over a month, we have not had our full complement of porters and in fact for the past few weeks have only two porters servicing our building. We hope to
Building 21 Association Our Meet and Greet with ice cream was last Saturday. Of course, not the turn out we were hoping for. But we would rather have 36 solid members attend than 70 PW-duds. Yes, PWduds. People Who Don’t Understand Dynamics. For those of you who are too busy to look it up: Dynamics: noun 1. The branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces. 2. The forces or properties which stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process; "the dynamics of changing social relations." We had a wonderful time and gave out free ice cream to all dues-paying members and also picked up a few more dues-paying members along the way. Congratulations to the winner of our free raffle this year from Building 21C. All dues-paying members were eligible. The winner won a portable Go-Pro style video camera. donated by: nwc123.com. Building 21, we sincerely hope and pray that you have been keeping yourself safe and healthy. Under these social conditions, we know it’s been hard. However, we would like to thank most of you for paying attention to the safety rules and respecting the space of your neighbors. We have not been able to meet in person for quite some time due to the pandemic. We have, however, met a few times on Zoom. If you know of someone in your building who practices positive apportion, let us know so that we may recognize them at our next meeting. You must contact us at least two weeks before each meeting. (Our contact information is below). Our focus will be on future possible endeavors for our association. There will also be an opportunity for anyone to express ideas or thoughts moving forward. We will also have a reflection on 2020. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Zoom meeting. Stay tuned. You may contact us at our new number: 347-504-1821 or email us at 21association@gmail.com May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe. ––Kevin Lambright
have full staffing shortly. Shareholders expressed a concern about seeing animals going in and out of the holes surrounding the building near the flower bed blocked off by the fencing. Management has been advised and will address the situation. 45th Precinct: Check the lobby bulletin board for details on attending the in-person meeting with our Neighborhood Community Officers on September 2 at the lower level of Dreiser Center. Important Note: HCR is giving the opportunity to express your thoughts on the upcoming carrying charge increase. There is a 30-day comment period. Comments submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than September 21, 2021 or e-mailed to George Simon at george.simon@nyshcr.org. They will also host a virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. See the Co-op City Times and information sent to you for details on how to attend the Virtual Carrying Charge Conference. As always: “If you see something, say something,” and to that I add not just to each other but to CCPD at 718-671-3050 or your CSO Property Manager for your area. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@ yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team. ––Leslie Peterson
Rivers Run Community Garden There is so much beauty that surrounds us at Rivers Run Community Garden – flowers in bloom, the sweet taste of homegrown figs and the smile of a new friend. This September, we are opening our doors to creativity: • Mirrors of Blackness is looking for Black identified participants to join them in creating an interactive theatre experience during the weekend of Sept. 17-19 at the garden. No acting stills are necessary. If you’d like to participate, please call 718-314-6764. Please call soon. If you are a visual artist who would like to participate in our outdoor exhibit, please contact us by September 4th at rivers_run@yahoo.com or 917-232-2982. Space is very limited so be sure to contact us soon. Upcoming Events at the Garden: • Saturday, August 21 – Garden Member Meeting, 1 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, September 17 and 18 – Mirrors of Blackness Workshop, 2-4 p.m. • Sunday, September 19 – Mirrors of Blackness Dinner Theater (interactive), 2-3:30 p.m. • Saturday, September 18 – Garden Member Meeting, 1 p.m. • September 25 (Rain date: September 26), Art Exhibit, 2 p.m. Rivers Run is open: • Tuesdays & Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. to dusk • Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. • Saturdays & Sundays – 12:00 a.m.-5:00 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. Please mail your due to Gail Sharbaan, 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475. 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. Please continue to stay safe. ––Gail Sharbaan
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
21
Pentecostal Tabernacle Co-op City Tabernacle Pentecostal invites everyone to join in worship service online on the following days. Sundays: Worship service starts at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays: 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. Effective Fervent Prayers change things. Come and experience the power of Biblical prayer. God’s power is released through His Word. Come and study the word of God; it can change your life Friday: Worship service will start at 7:30 p.m. To join, please call 720-7409746, Access code: 8876631 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
Newsong Church Free back packs stuffed with school supplies! Hey, Co-op City! Our children’s ministry, Kidsong, wants to help your child bounce back to school! On August 29, Kidsong is going to be giving every child (ages 4-12) a back pack stuffed with school supplies! There will be games, prizes and lots of fun too! When is it? – Sunday, August 29 Where is it? – 135 Einstein Loop What time is it? – 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pre-Registration and face masks are required. Register today @ www.newsongchurchnyc.org/events. We’re here to serve our community, and we can’t wait to see you on August 29th! For more information, email CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org, or call 718-708-8385. Follow us on Social Media. Like us on Facebook @NewsongChurchBX; follow us on Twitter @NewsongChurchBX; follow us on Instagram @NewsongChurchBX. ––Pastor Mike Tolone
St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425 436 6344, access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. Please note that starting on Monday, August 9, until Friday, September 10, there will be no mid-day/noonday services during the week. These services will resume on Monday, September 13. Grace and Peace! ––M. Chambers
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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 of 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 live mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord’s 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 us 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. For further information, call 718-324-0334. ––Rev. R. Sibblies
Faith @ Work Christian Church
120 DeKruif Place (street level). We have not returned to public worship yet, but we are available to support the community. Church telephone: (347) 2027006, email: fatwcc@aol.com www.faithatworkchurch.org. Worship Experiences Reopening Plan (September 5): Saturday Sabbath Bible Class at 12-1 p.m. (beginning September 11). Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. (Masks will be required.) Church Motto: "We are Christ-centered, family-focused with power and authority." Church Mission: To empower, educate and motivate men, women, boys and girls to reach their full potential and live abundant lives through preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come worship with us – where we honor tradition but are not bound by it! All are welcome to join us any and every Sunday because our goal is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in Love, through teaching and preaching the Word of God from the Bible. K-8 Afterschool Reopening, Sept. 13: We will take limited registration for our afterschool with registration beginning August 16th through September 3rd. On Sept. 3rd only, there will be an Orientation and final registration. The weekly fee is $50 and requires a non-refundable $50 registration fee. The emphasis will be on homework help and arts & crafts. Research shows that many art forms are beneficial for socialization and reintegration into social norms. Snacks must be provided by parents. We will pick up students from P.S. 153 & P.S. 178. After COVID-19, we all need a little healing and our children are no exception. We will follow all required protocols for NYS/CDC. To receive an application, contact Pastor Jenkins at (718) 644-0951, or via email: fatwcc@ aol.com. Remember, it's never about us but always about the goodness of the Lord. ––Pastor Deborah D. Jenkins
22 From President Mickens Ladies, gentlemen, friends, family, neighbors and shareholders, we are approaching the end of our summer break. Soon we will be back in the schools, the offices and at our jobs ready to start a new chapter in our lives. I truly hope that everyone has enjoyed the summer season and the new freedoms that we were allowed to enjoy. Our community has showed us some good outside activities and events that both entertained and inspired us. Many things have changed in the State of New York in the last week or so. Our new incoming-Governor Kathleen Hochul will be the first woman governor in New York history and we at AARP national and local look forward to working with her and her administration. The National AARP organization is still at work to improve the state of health care and prescription costs for all members in this country. There is so
Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City Chavurah Temple Beth El of Co-op City will be having services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur this year, 5872. Rosh Hashanah will be on Zoom. Yom Kippur will be in the Dreiser Community Center, Room 6. We need to know who will be on Zoom so we can make sure you have Books. We are using the same book as last year, “Gates of Repentance,” (Red Book). There is no cost for attending any of the services. Services are as follows: Evening Rosh Hashanah – On Zoom Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 6, 8 p.m. Morning Rosh Hashanah – On Zoom Tuesday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. Dreiser Center, Room 6 – For Yom Kippur Kol Nidre evening Yom Kippur, Wednesday, Sept.15, 7:30 p.m. Morning Yom Kippur, Thursday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. Yiskor will be at the end of the morning Service. Public Yiskor, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2:30 p.m. Afternoon, Thursday, Sept. 16, 4:00 p.m. For services on Yom Kippur, seating will be with social distancing. Send me an email or call me and let me know that you will be attending services via Zoom. I want to make sure that everyone is able to join. This is very important. Please let me know if you will be getting on via a computer, iPad or a phone. Please send me an email: RabbiDennisTobin@aol.com, to let me know you will be attending, or call me, 973-7693915. There will also be information coming for the Book of Remembrance. ––Rabbi Dennis Tobin
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
AARP Chapter #4997
much work to be done and we need to stay involved in order to do the job. Our quality of life is worth a little time of volunteering. Reach out to your friends and family to get them involved in the organization, give us some input as to what you might like to see the AARP organization work towards. We accept new ideas and new members. Our renewal/membership drive is still going on and we would like to have the new and old members in our October 2021 meeting in our office. Our membership contact, Ms. Stella Baker, can be reached at 718-862-2906 and can give you assistance with registration. Keep in mind that you don’t have to live in Co-op City to be a member of our chapter. From Mrs. Frances Wilson, our Good and Welfare contact, we hear that there is no additional sad news from our close member families to report and we are again blessed to hear it. If you have any information to share with us, please feel free to contact Mrs. Wilson at 718-671-5493.
Last week, I said that I would not dwell on COVID-19, or the Delta variant and I didn’t. However, schools are opening on 9/13/2021 and many students are still not vaccinated, and the new cases/ hospitalizations are mainly with the under 30-yearold group. That includes students and children unable to get the vaccine on their own. As adults, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the younger members of our families and we can’t let them down at this crucial time in their lives. Montefiore is still making appointments for the vaccine; you can still call for in-home vaccinations; there are still pharmacies dispensing the vaccine and there is always accurate and educated information available. Continue to be safe, healthy, informed and educated to improve the quality of your life. I can be reached, as always, 718-379-3742. ––Ann Purnell
We had a wonderful trip to Atlantic City, August 12. Thank you for coming with us. Sunday Bingo – Tomorrow, Sunday, August 22, at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $6. Mohegan Sun Casino – Thursday, October 21. More information soon. Summer Indoor Picnic – Friday, August 27, at 1 p.m. Vaccinated members only. Cover dish. Bring your favorite dish. You don’t have to make enough for 40 people. Make what you can. Five-dollar donation if you don’t bring food donation. Members can bring a friend. It’s summertime, let’s celebrate. Sight & Sound TV, “Jonah” – Friday, September 3. Every first Friday at 8 p.m. come and watch Sight and Sound TV with us at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. All are welcome. First 60 people only. Must show proof of vaccination; mask required. Five-dollar donation per person. Free snacks. Trip to Villa Roma – Tuesday, September 14, 7:30 a.m. The Cameos, a Doo-Wop group featuring Joey and Doreen Arminio, luncheon and a day of fun, all for $92. A choice of entrées: pot roast, chicken Francese or fillet of Cod, all served with chef’s choice starch and vegetables; $40 deposit, your choice of entrée and your bus seat selection required when making reservations. Must show proof of vaccination. Mask required. Balance due by September 1. Call: 347-847-1941. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Few seats left. Buses
will make our usual three stops: Einstein Loop at 7:30 a.m., Asch Loop at 7:45 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8 a.m. Bingo – Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:15 p.m. Admission: $5 for 3 cards, 12 games and Jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each, for up to three cards. Refreshments. Proof of vaccination and mask required. Temperature taken at entrance. Members only. Become a member: $20/yr. Sunday bingo, August 22. 50th Anniversary 2022 Trip to Villa Roma – Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. Price: $92, $40 to reserve seat. Call 347-847-1941. To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of August: Amy Rindner, Alva Parnell, Elayne Gubitose, Rose Vega, Marvine Hollman, Josefina Diaz, Arcangel Ortiz, Sylvia Polite, Diana Gordon, Ella Thorne, Joann Evans and Angel Rondon. Sick and Shut-in – Edna Trujillo, we miss you. Mary Pilla, former Goose Island president, misses everyone and sends her love to all. Call (718) 753-1816. Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475; phone number is (718) 379-9613. We are open. You may call (mornings) Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; (evenings) Tue. & Thu., 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., or call/text Stephen, (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net. . ––Stephen Roberts, Sr.
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Bartow
Einstein
Room 49 unless otherwise noted
MENU
Dreiser
Room 7 unless otherwise noted
Alternate Kosher Meals are also available
Kosher Arthritis Exercise Class w/Damion every Monday in the Bartow Courtyard 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
No Activities
No Activities
Thurs., Aug. 26
Arts with Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone
(NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https:// zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150, Mobile: 929-205-6099
Non-Kosher
Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler Herb Grilled 10-11 a.m., https://zoom.us/, Chicken Cutlet Vegetable Lasagna Dial-in: 1-646-876-9923, Meet- Orzo w/Vegetables Baby Carrots w/ ing ID: 995 6534 1173, Passcode: Grilled Vegetables Parsley 855423 Whole wheat bread Collard Greens Fresh fruit & Juice
Sweet & Sour Meatballs Arts with Laura, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., https:// Brown Rice via Zoom and phone zoom.us/j/99231696108, Meet- California Blend Vegetables ing ID: 992 3169 6108, Passcode: Must call or email Whole Wheat 503637; Call in: 1-929-205-6099 to register: 929-399-1387 Bread Fresh fruit & Juice
Smartphone/Tablets Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, 1-2 p.m., https://zoom.us/ To register, call JASA office with your name, email address & phone #; Meeting ID: 295955247, Passcode: Bereavement Group, 1st & 3rd 259554, Dial in: 1-929-205-6609 Bodies in Motion w/ Ola, 11a.m.-12 Wednesdays of the month p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/, Meeting 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. ID: 912 6304 7892, Passcode: 237257, One Tap Mobile: +1-929-205-6099 Must call or email to Game Day, 1-2 p.m., register: 929-399-1387 https://scarsdaleschools.zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993 Passcode: 7A5RaD; Mobile: 1-929-205-6099; Passcode/password: 59849
Fri., Aug. 27
Wed., Aug. 25
Tues., Aug. 24
Mon., Aug. 23
Room 31 unless otherwise noted
Arthritis Exercise Class w/ Smartphone/Tablet Class w/ Damion, every Thurs., 1-2 Ralph, 1-2 p.m. Call main of- p.m. Zoom meeting ID: 986 fice, 718-320-2066, to regis- 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 ter. Please give your phone # & email address ZUMBA with Ola 1-2 p.m. Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Meeting ID: 967 1196 0602 Passcode: 526096 Dial-in #: 1-929-205-6099
For information, please call: (718) 320-2066
(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.
23
Weight Mgt. Support Group w/Gigi – 2nd Wed. of the month, 1-2 p.m. Conference call: 929-299-1045, Passcode: 1386 Virtual Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. w/Ms. Margaret Kempe and her fellow Pay it Forward Engineers at Scarsdale HS. Different games played each week including Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 to register and receive Zoom information. Computer learning w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m.12 p.m. To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number; https://zoom.us/ Dial in: 929-205-6609, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554
No Activities Line Dance w/Ellie Coming Back soon! Outdoors Class
Acceptance Meditation with Paola Friday, July 23, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. https://zoom.us/j/4421366695 Meeting ID: 442 136 6695 One Tap Mobile: 929-205-6099
Baked Turkey Breast Chinese style Spaghetti Oriental Blend
Mediterranean Flounder Cous Cous Chicken Cacciatore Steamed Green Orzo Beans Steamed Broccoli Whole wheat Bread Fresh fruit & Juice
Deli Roast Beef Cucumber Salad Coleslaw Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice
Stewed Beef Baked Red Potato Wedges Roasted Zucchini
Apricot Glazed Chicklen Sweet Noodle Kugel Roasted Butternut Squash Whole Wheat Bread Fresh fruit
Curried Chicken Salad Pasta Salad Lemony Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest
ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk
*Menu subject to change without notice. Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161
JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for these Upcoming Virtual Activities JASA office is open for clients by appointment only. Please call 718-320-2066 for an appointment. Notary Services available – Appointment only. Call at 718-320-2066 for an appointment. The Farmers Market Coupons for Bartow will be distributed in the basketball court behind Garage #4, not by the Bartow Admin. office, on Fri., Aug. 27, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Line Dancing classes w/Bartow Swingers on Mon., Wed. & Fri. from 10-11 a.m. on the Greenway by the Stage. Every Tues. – Yoga Classes w/Margarita Titana, 9:30-10:30 a.m., https://zoom.us/, Dial-in: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022. (NEW) Every Tues. starting Aug. 10 – Walk with Ease w/Theresa Webb, 9-10 a.m. Call 718320-2066 to register. How to Better Manage your Chronic Pain – Thurs., Aug. 12, 10-11:30 a.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us; Meeting ID: 876 1353 4024, Passcode: 339198, Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099.
Purple Trail exercises – Every Tues. starting Aug. 17 w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 718-3202066 to register. Take Control of your Chronic Pain – Join Zoom meeting, Tues., Aug. 24 & 31, September 14; 1-3 p.m., https://us06web.zoom.us/. Meeting ID: 452335 9970. To register, please contact Julissa Reynoso, 646-946-1252, or Laura Brea, 646-982-8254. Happiness Meditation w/Paola – Fri., Aug. 20, 11-11:30 a.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web. zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 442 136 6695, Dial-in: +1929-205-6099. Emergency Management w/Ed Powell – Mon., Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https:// us06web.zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 442 136 6695, Dial in: +1-929-205-6099. Elder Abuse presentation with Neighborhood Shopp – Tues., Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 442 136 6695, Dial-in: +1-929-205-6099. Every Wed. – Painting classes, 9-11 a.m., https://zoom.us/, Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting
ID: 920 9563 1147, Passcode: 024057. Every Wed. – Arthritis Exercise/Dance Class w/Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom meeting: https:// zoom.us/, Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268, Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099. (New) Line Dancing w/Ellie – Thurs., 11 a.m.12 p.m. @ the Section 1 Greenway stage. For more information, please call 718-320-1345. Must wear masks and practice social distancing. Meditation Class – GPC (Grandparents), 11 a.m.-12 p.m., third Thurs. of every month, https:// bit.ly/35VESDV, Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462 Every Thurs. – Tablet class w/Ralph, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., https://zoom.us/, Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 969 3895 8487, Passcode: 405723. Every Sat. – Zumba Classes w/Damion, 1-2 p.m. Zoom meeting https://zoom.us/m Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, Dial-in: 929205-6099. New York Common Pantry – is scheduled for Tues., Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Bartow Mall.
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Blessings, RODL, I pray you are all well and maintaining all necessary precautions. It’s unfortunate that there is so much controversy on a health issue and we are taking steps backward because of this. As a retired nurse and community health educator, it’s difficult to understand. As a nation, we’ve been taught how to wash our hands, how to wear a face mask and how to be socially distant. Basic practices we all should have known. Yet we battle with it all. Everything is an issue. Why? Can’t we all do our part in prevention and in protecting others as well. Let’s encourage each other our family, friends and neighbors. This is a serious health problem and we are responsible one to another. Pray. Ask the Lord to give you discernment of spirit and wisdom. God is not a man that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19. Annual Holiday Luncheon – Where: Marina del Rey. When: December 16. Time: 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Cost: $100. (Includes hot and cold buffet, entree, dessert, beverage, open bar, transportation, and entertainment); face masks and proof of vaccination required. Save your seat. Phone reservations are in progress. Contact: Daisy Young, 718-671-6122; Beverly Waller, 718-671-2978; Jay McKenzie, 201-310-2972. Scholarship Fund: Graduates of the June 2021 academic year are eligible to apply for a scholarship. All interested can pick up an application on August 24 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19. Filing deadline is September 30, and must be submitted via mail drop box, Room 19. Any questions, contact Dorothy at 646-842-2458. Encouragement: Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved than you know. Never never give up. Jesus loves you. ––Gladys Baez
Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!
Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City
The High Holidays are coming up soon and it is time to reserve your synagogue seats and make your charity donation. This can be done by calling Marilyn at (347) 449-5005. The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Saturday Morning Services will start at 10 a.m. The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue Services. 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 #: 718379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10:00 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 10:00 a.m. so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, August 21, at 8:36 p.m. Candle Lighting for Friday, August 27, at 7:15 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell Tree Certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-449-5005). Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To All members Happy Birthday to Barbara Rose, Michael Schweiger, Howard and Steven Schwartz. Happy Birthday to all other members who will celebrate their birthday in August. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in August, please send me your names 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
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
25
Iglesia Evangelica Mu de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church
Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation – All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service. We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.). Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256 or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com. Remote Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing: We would
love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com. In-person, 10 a.m., Bilingual Sunday Service at the church started July 4. Also viewed via Facebook and Zoom Tuesday, 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English) – Pray and Reflection Service Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry – The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register. Blessings, ––Marta Medina
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 11:00 a.m. using the following Zoom information: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#. The Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study class is on hiatus for the summer and will resume on Wednesday, September 8. Thursday Prayer Warriors is on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September. Friday Prayer held at 10:00 a.m. will continue through the summer. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line: 563-999-2090, PIN #: 660065. Friday Evening Prayer is on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September. Adult Sunday School is held at 9:00 a.m. and will continue in July and August using the Free Conference Call line shown above.
Open Door Ministries “Coal to Diamond”
2 Corinthians 4:6 God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We carry in our body the death of Jesus, so that his life may also be revealed in our body. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For coal to become a diamond the atoms have to be re-arranged into a new pattern requiring high heat and pressure. The heat breaks down the bonds to free up the atoms and the pressure helps them form in an ordered and tightly packed fashion, resulting in a diamond. Jeremiah 18:3 I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so, the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. The Lord responds to our needs: Loneliness – Hebrews 13:5 God said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Self-Reliant – Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Fear – 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Timid – 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Impatient – Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Hatred – Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Pride – Proverbs 11:2 With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Anger – James 1:19-20 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Shame – Romans 9:33 See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text, 917-334-4407. Blessings in Christ, ––Pastor Luis Ramos
Sunday School for children and youth is on hiatus and will resume in September. COVID-19 vaccination is available for those 12 and older. If you are a Montefiore patient, you can schedule an appointment at www.montefiore.org. Montefiore also has a Covid-19 Hotline, which can be reached at 844-444-2819. Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Continue to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe!!!! God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who f ollow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. ––Hattie L. Lucas
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Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS 718-320-3300 x3384 • cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
MARY KAY CONSULTANT
1-800-479-2667
Cassandra Watson-Gabbidon, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Website: www.marykay.com/cwatson-gabbidon. Phone: 954-861-0475. Mention this ad when you call.
CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH
HELP WANTED
Please see page 7 for information on how to apply for employment opportunities at Riverbay Corporation. SERVICES - SERVICES - SERVICES
• ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • RANGE HOODS We BEAT • VERTICAL & MINI BLINDS • LIGHT FIXTURES Any • SINK VANITIES • KITCHEN CABINETS • SPACE SAVERS • CABINET REFACING Quote! • MATCHING HAMPERS • COUNTERTOPS • BATHTUB ENCLOSURES • CUSTOM CLOSET MIRROR DOORS • CLIP-ON MIRROR FRAMES • CUSTOM WALL MIRRORS
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Grout & Carpet Cleaning Co-op City Resident Specials
Elim in Bugsate
L & L APPLIANCE REPAIR
Bedroom Small – $120 Bedroom Large – $140 Hallway Small – $120 Hallway Large – $140 Foyer S $70; M $90; L $140
Professional Floor Waxing
www.co-opsales.info DONʼT PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE!
NORMAN AND RUEBEN PAINTING & RESTORATION One Coat – You Supply the Paint – 2nd Coat 1/2 price if needed
Vertical, Mini, Wood, Pleats
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PAINTING
Living Room – $140 Dining Room – $90 Kitchen Small – $80 Kitchen Large – $140 Bathroom – $80
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8/21
8/28
INSURANCE
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Five coats of thermoplastic industrial high-gloss, long lasting wax, detergent resisting, non-slip, nonsmell and fast drying! Living Room – $200 Hallway Small – $125 Dining Room – $150 Hallway Large – $200 Kitchen Large – $250 Bedroom – $150
Also: Sanding, Sealing, Priming and Polyurethane; Removal of Carpet, Panel Glue, Wallpaper Paste and Grease.
• Stoves • Washers • Dryers •Lamps • Dishwashers • Refrigerators • Bags • Hoses • Belts • Vacuum Cleaners
Call Norman: 917-945-4892 Call Rueben: 917-736-0114
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2951 Middletown Road, Bronx, NY 10461 (Near Pelham Bay Station)
REUPHOLSTERY
REUPHOLSTERING 718.881.7691
Custom Craftsmen – 40 yrs. experience. Sofas & Chairs upholstered; Slipcovers - Fabric & Plastic; Kitchen Chairs - $8.99 & up. Caning; Venetian Blinds; Drapes - Custom made, Refinishing, Touch Up & Polishing of Furniture.
10/30
CAR SERVICE
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LEGAL NOTICES 9/25
GEORGE’S CLEAN WINDOWS Professional Window Cleaning • FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Cell: 1-203-482-6337 DOMESTIC SERVICE
8/21
Advertise in the Co-op City Times! Call for rates! Ads starting at $8/week! 718-320-3300 x3384
JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE
Jaze Jeanye Creative Artist LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on March 11, 2021. Office : Bronx, County, SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, P. O. Box 159, New York , NY 10475 . Purpose : Any lawful Activity. 9/4 “Notice of Formation of VeneBearBub LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/29/21. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: VeneBearBub, 120 Aldrich Street, 12f Bronx NY 10475. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.” 9/18 LOCKSMITH
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COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR 8/21
Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.
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Advertise in the Co-op City Times! Email for rates! Ads start at $8/week! cctimes@riverbaycorp.com
8/28
CLASSIFIEDS 9/18
CLEANING SERVICES
• Basic Cleaning $100 • Deep Cleaning $150 • Non-Medical Senior Care $90 • 4 Hour Min. + 8.88% tax • Bonded • 7 Days • Cash, Pay-Pal www.spoonercleaning.com 11/27 (718) 320-5112
3314 White Plains Rd., Bronx, NY 10467
Casino Specials
Toll Free: 855-369-9936 ExecutiveExoticLimo.com ExecutiveSecurityProtection.com
SPOONER
8/28
Re-installation of any types of Blinds.
Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors! Serving Co-op City for over 25 years. “When you see me, You’ll know me.” Call Anytime • Seven Days A Week
Call Mike at: 718-974-1290
8/28
PUBLIC SAFETY
Co-op City Department of Public Safety (718) 671-3050 www.ccpd.us If you SEE something, SAY something!
WHISTLEBLOWER ANONYMOUS HOTLINE
If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by the following methods: Go to an independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete an online disclosure form; Call the following independent third party whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); Send an e-mail to: reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Comprehensive Coronavirus Services For Schools, Colleges & Employers Helping Keep Staff, Faculty & Students Safe! Statcare has performed over 100,000 COVID-19 tests. Statcare's Concierge Team provides:
On-Site COVID-19 Tests COVID-19 PCR Test Rapid Antigen Test IgG Antibody Test
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27
28
Co-op City Times / August 21, 2021
Co-op Insurance
The Wright Agency: Serving Co-op City for 40 Years!
Riverbay Requires Current Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!
Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting! Protection To Cover Your Belongings Against: • Fire & Smoke • Water damage from plumbing
We Offer:
• Guest medical protection • Certain personal liabilities
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Other Lines of Insurance:
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Licensed Staff
Anthony Wright Agency Owner
WE ARE HIRING LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS! Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent
Lawrence Newkirk Life Insurance Specialist
Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager
PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION.
Not Pictured: Polly Heckstall Sr. Account Representative; Sandra Goldsmith Licensed Insurance Agent
COURTEOUS STAFF!
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COVID COMPLIANT!
We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City!
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New Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday by appointment only.
1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!
718-671-8000
FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!