Co-op City Times 09/25/21

Vol. 56 No. 39

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Shareholders Object to Inclusion of Waterfront Park Funding in 2022 Carrying Charge Increase

BY ROZAAN BOONE

At the September 21, 2021 NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) virtual carrying charge conference with Co-op City shareholders, all of the speakers objected to the increase citing the ongoing pandemic and its related financial impact on their household.

While shareholders oppose the inclusion of funding for a waterfront park in the budget, at least one expressed that the increase should be deferred until shareholders are back on better financial footing now that the city is beginning to return to some measure of normalcy and jobs are reopening.

Denise Snyder, HCR Manager 1, officiated at Tuesday’s HCR conference.

She was assisted by George Simon, HCR Specialist 2; and Sing Wong, HCR (Continued on page 9)

CSO Inspections to Ensure Proper Use of Terraces

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Bold Visionaries Needed Today President’s Report

Bernard Cylich Kudos to Michelle Sajous Several Tuesdays ago, Riverbay’s Director of Community Relations Michelle Sajous closed out her ninth summer outdoor presentation of the Tunes on Tuesdays and Wicked Wednesdays programs.

In spite of the difficulties caused by Covid-19, Michelle, our own impresario, engaged a wonderful, talented cast who performed for twelve weeks on our mobile stage and, during the unfortunate, sometimes disastrous, weather conditions — which occurred much too often (Continued on page 4)

Cylich Urges BSA to Deny Application

Public Hearing Set for Monday, Sept. 27

The Riverbay Cooperator Services Office (CSO) began conducting inspections this week to address a series of quality-of-life conditions regarding the proper use of terraces and appurtenances in the community.

According to Rule #14 of the Riverbay Corporation Occupancy Agreement, “No milk bottles, milk storage boxes, overshoes, packages and articles shall be placed in the halls or on the staircase landing, nor shall anything be hung from the windows, terraces, or balconies, or placed upon the windowsills, neither shall any linens, cloths, clothing, curtains, rugs or mops be shaken or hung from or on any of the windows, doors, balconies and terraces.”

Nevertheless, there have been ongoing complaints of some shareholders using their terraces improperly, particularly to hang clotheslines to dry their laundry and/or as storage, creating an eye sore.

This week, during the course of conducting façade inspections, CSO Property Managers were also

Riverbay Board President Bernard Cylich wrote to New York City Board of Standards and Appeals Chair Margery Perlmutter this week urging her to deny the application to reduce on-street parking at 801 Co-op City Blvd.

On Monday, September 27, the BSA is set to hear testimony from the public on the application filed by the developer of a new diagnostic treatment center which is being constructed at the location shared with Bay Park Nursing Home. The application seeks a special permit to reduce street parking by 100 spots.

In his letter, Board President Cylich points out that due to the lack of available on-street parking, BSA mandated Riverbay to construct off-street parking. However, because of the increase in car ownership among Co-op City residents, many who use them to commute to municipal and service jobs, some residents have been on the wait list for a garage

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BY ROZAAN BOONE

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month See pg 3

Pfizer Says its Vaccine is Safe for 5-11 Year Olds

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The journey to a COVID-19 vaccine for the unprotected lives of children younger than 12 reached an important milestone this week.

Pfizer BioNTech announced the findings from their trial on 5 to 11 year olds on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021 and the results are very promising.

Data showed that the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which is also now marketed as Comirnaty, was effective and provided children between the ages of 5 and 11 protection against COVID-19 infection.

“In participants 5 to 11 years of age, the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated and showed robust

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neutralizing antibody responses," Pfizer BioNTech said in their press release.

The clinical trial enrolled 2,268 participants with a two-dose regimen and found that one month following the second vaccine dose participants demonstrated a strong immune response.

“We are eager to extend the protection afforded by the vaccine to this younger population, subject to regulatory authorization, especially as we track the spread of the Delta variant and the substantial threat it poses to children,” Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer, said. “Since July,

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NYC Public Schools Will Now Test Weekly For COVID-19

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

City public schools originally were randomly testing 10% of their unvaccinated students bi-weekly but will now go to a weekly testing schedule for all schools instead, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the DOE announced on Monday, Sept. 20.

The Mayor and the DOE also announced a change to the quarantine policy that is in alignment with current CDC guidance. Under the new policy, if a classroom has a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, unvaccinated students who are close-contacts of the infected individual do not have to quarantine if they were masked and properly socially distanced from the infected individual.

Both changes will go into effect this Monday, September 27.

“The goal is always two crucial things. First and foremost, the health and safety of our kids and our whole school community. Second, maximizing the number of kids in school every day, making sure there's continuity, avoiding disruption, giving our kids a chance to make that comeback that we know we're going to do this year,” Mayor de Blasio said to reporters on Monday.

“We will now go to weekly testing. We'll be testing in elementary, middle, and high school, each school, every week. And then we will change the quarantine approach, and we'll align to the CDC guidance on that. When there is a positive test in a classroom, the unvaccinated students in that classroom will not have to quarantine if they are masked and three feet distant. That will allow more kids to safely remain in the classroom,” the Mayor went on to say.

As a reminder, parents need to fill out their child’s COVID-19 testing consent form so their child can be tested. Parents can log on to their NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to complete or print out the consent form.

New users can create their NYCSA online at schoolsaccount.nyc.

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Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

CSO

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vigilantly identifying residential units where these infractions are ongoing.

“Cooperators may see our personnel on the roofs as we conduct our inspections because oftentimes that is the best vantage point to ascertain these conditions,” said Vanessa Aldea, Director of the Riverbay Cooperator Services Offices.

Once the offending unit is identified, a letter is sent to the homeowners reminding them of the proper use of their apartment and property in order to ensure the best quality of life for Co-op City shareholders, and to suggest more amenable alternatives, for instance, using a drying rack that can be folded up and put away after clothes have dried instead of hanging a clothesline across the terrace. For storage needs, the Riverbay Parking, Leasing & Storage department can be contacted for affordable storage rentals.

Upon receipt of the letter from CSO, the homeowner is asked to contact the office to arrange an on-site inspection to ensure the condition has been remedied.

Failure to respond and/or to correct the infraction(s), can result in the issuance of a Community Complaint.

Shareholders who have questions or concerns may contact their respective CSO, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (718) 320-3300, select option #3.

Heat Change-Over Operations Rescheduled to Next Week After revisiting the long-range weather forecast this week which shows temperatures in the mid- to upper-70’s, air conditioning will remain on until next Thursday, September 29, 2021 to ensure shareholders’ comfort in their residential units. Once the system is turned off, Power Plant staff will begin equipment maintenance and preparation for the heating season.

REMINDER – Roof Access Prohibited

Shareholders are reminded that the occupancy agreement prohibits shareholders from going onto the roofs of Co-op City residential buildings. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a community complaint and fine.

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

• Practicing in Co-op City since 1975 • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • ALL conditions of the foot treated • Most health insurance plans accepted • 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 / September 25, 2021

Co-op City Times 2nd COMBING

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

Special Food Pantry and Bazaar, Saturday, Oct. 9 Riverbay Corporation and Agatha House will present a special Food Distribution and Bazaar on Saturday, October 9, 1 p.m. by the Section 1 Greenway stage.

All participants must wear a mask and observe social distancing. Please bring a bag and shopping cart.

Second Annual Ragamuffin Halloween Parade Save the date: Saturday, October 30. Line-up for the 2nd Annual Co-op City Ragamuffin Halloween Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. by the Section 1 Greenway Stage. The parade will start at 1 p.m. Masks are required.

Prizes will be awarded by age group for the best costume and the best family theme. Come dressed to impress.

CC 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.

Farmer’s Market

The Harvest Home Farmer’s Market is back in Co-op City every Wed., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., now through Nov. 17, at Asch Loop and Aldrich St. next to the fire station. Vine ripened, fresh picked, naturally grown produce! Accepting Senior & WIC FMNP coupons/Health Bucks/ Debit/Credit/SNAP/EBT.

Front Page

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

September 15 marked the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month and 53 years since the celebration was first introduced in the U.S. National Hispanic Heritage Month begins annually on September 15 and continues until October 15. The four weeks are dedicated to remembering and honoring the contributions, histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

“During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage. National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of how much strength we draw as a Nation from our immigrant roots and our values as a nation of immigrants,” President Biden said last week in an official White House proclamation commemorating the month.

According to the US House of Representatives historical archives, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally just a week long when the celebration was first introduced as “National Hispanic Heritage Week” in a 1968 bill by California Representative George E. Brown. The tradition remained a week long for almost two decades until 1987 when California Representative Esteban Torres proposed a bill that would expand the week into an entire month-long observation. Former President Ronald Reagan subsequently signed that bill into law in 1988 officially establishing what is now known as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in the middle of September rather than at the beginning because of the significance September 15 and the following days hold for several Central American countries.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. September 16 is significant because Mexico declared their independence from Spain on that day in 1810. Chile also declared their independence from

Spain in 1810 two days later on September 18. More recently, September 21 holds significance as Belize declared their independence from Britain on that day in 1981.

Additionally, Mexico’s Dia de la Raza, which is on October 12, falls between the four-week window of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Dia de la Raza, which in English means Day of the Race or Race Day, is Mexico’s day of recognition that honors the country’s indigenous and European heritage.

Recent US Census Bureau data found that Hispanics comprise 19% or nearly one fifth of the entire US population. Between 2010 and 2020, the Hispanic population in the US accounted for 51% of the country’s total population growth, which equates to 11.6 million people.

Spanish is the second most commonly used language in the U.S. by a wide margin, also according to the latest US Census Bureau data. Roughly over 41 million or 13.5% of the entire U.S. population speak Spanish, also according to the US Census Bureau.

In New York City, Hispanics represent 28.3% of the entire city population, according to census data. Individuals who primarily speak Spanish comprise 24.1% of the city’s entire demographic with over an estimated 1.8 million people.

2020 US Census data shows the Bronx is home to the city’s largest Hispanic population with 54.8% of the borough’s entire demographic identifying as Hispanic. Census data also identified the Bronx neighborhoods of SoundviewBruckner-Bronx River and Concourse-Concourse Village as having the highest concentration of Hispanic New Yorkers with both neighborhoods home to over 40,000 Hispanics respectively.

In Co-op City and the surrounding Eastchester-EdenwaldBaychester area, the Hispanic population is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000.

Building Janitorial at Work Janitorial managers and supervisors addressed a number of conditions in Building 26C last week to maintain the quality of life of shareholders in the building.

Among the tasks performed were a thorough cleaning of the laundry room including under and around the dryers and washers, and cleaning and replacement of “pigs,” which are used to contain leaks. Staff also cleaned and mopped the bathroom floors and fixtures and a daily regimen of disinfection was emphasized to help protect against viruses and other transferrable bodies. On the 18th floor, missing tiles were replaced and the floor mopped, cleaned and buffed.

Staircase light fixtures were inspected and defective bulbs replaced. Both sides of the stairs were mopped from the roof level to the basement.

“All basement floors are continually mopped and monitored by the section supervisors,” stated Arthur Taylor, Assistant Director of the Riverbay Building Janitorial department.

In addition, the compactor room was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and all building porters have been directed to separate recyclables daily.

While the photos below depict work done in Building 26C, the same regimen is followed by porters in all residential buildings.

“We continually brief the staff on the importance of the work performed in the buildings to make sure cooperators are comfortable and they can enjoy clean surroundings,” said Mr. Taylor.

“Supervisors are instructed to ensure the work is performed daily so conditions can be maintained and remain up to par.”

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Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

President’s Report — in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Dreiser Auditorium. All the programs were televised on our local station. The musicians brought much-needed music to our ears, rhythm to our dancing feet, joy to our hearts, and, above all, lifted our spirits during these gloomy times. We eagerly look forward to next year’s event.

And kudos again to Michelle for obtaining, organizing, and distributing wholesome, free food to more than 500 cooperators twice a week for over a year, at the time the pandemic was ravaging our community.

Somber Note Although everyone from President Joe Biden to CDC doctors had hoped, and expected, that the nation would have seen the end of Covid by this time, the pandemic is far from over. A number of right-wing Republican governors, mostly from Southern states, are challenging mandates for masks and for vaccinations. These officials bear at least some responsibility for the rapid spread of the new Covid variant Delta endangering the health of our country. Ironically, the same states in which the governors are obstructing vaccinations and masking have the strictest vaccination mandates for mumps, chicken pox, measles, and other illnesses, with no waivers for religious or medical reasons.

The New York State Health department continues to insist on masking, social distancing, and limitations on the size of social gatherings, especially indoors. Co-op City is taking these regulations seriously. Therefore, until we hear otherwise, masking remains mandatory in our public indoor spaces, 6-feet social distancing must be adhered to, community rooms are kept closed, and meeting rooms used only for small groups.

Fortunately, schools have reopened, and teachers are adhering to strict safety protocols to protect our children, school staff, and families.

The sooner Republican leaders stop playing cheap politics with people’s lives, and enforce mandates for mask wearing and for vaccinations, the sooner our nation will beat Covid-19 and will see the light at the end of this devastating tunnel.

Economic Health of Our Cooperators Interesting numbers were recently released by the Riverbay Director of Finance Averil James-Bonnette. After receiving annual income affidavits

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from cooperators, the Finance Department Director crunches the numbers to determine the annual median income of our community. The median income in Co-op City would be the midpoint of the annual earnings of all cooperators—half of our families earn more, half earn less. The figure serves as a barometer of the economic health of a given community.

For example, the South Bronx had, in a recent year, a median income of $22,000, while for Riverdale, in the same year, the figure was $87,000.

Hopefully, the Census Bureau will soon release its findings for 2020, providing us with the current median income across the Bronx as well in the rest of New York City and State.

In 2018, Co-op City’s median income was $59,000.

Then, for unexplained reasons, the figure for 2019 dropped to $57,000. However, to everyone’s surprise, the latest median income figures just released by our Finance Department, based on income generated during the height of the pandemic, in 2020, rather than plunging, as many had expected, actually increased dramatically, by $10,000 – a 20% jump to $67,000.

These figures may explain why only 280 families, or 1.8% of all families living in Co-op City, defaulted on their carrying charge payment this year. (Riverbay will not evict them.) Hopefully, they will regain full-time, or at least adequate, employment soon.

And we should note with satisfaction that 98.2% of our families have been meeting their carrying charge obligations.

Riverbay Needs Self Insurance Hurricane Ida destroyed all of Bartow Center’s newly installed floors. Because, to our bitter surprise, our property deductible is $250,000, Riverbay will receive no insurance payments and will end up replacing, at our own expense, all the floors severely damaged by the flooding. What we need is self-insurance, a system in which deductibles play no role.

Co-op City Deserves Nothing Less Soon after the first cooperators moved in, in 1971, Co-op City’s Board of Directors, then made up of representatives of the community’s sponsors, offered the City of New York our entire waterfront for $1, so that the land could be upgraded to a city park. Their reply was “no, thank you,” even after Riverbay offered to maintain the property. The city refused the offer because it did not want to take responsibility for main-

Properly Marked eScooter Corrals … But Not in Co-op City

The photographs above depicting proper signage and marking of eScooter corrals at Pelham Parkway North between Wallace and Cruger Streets were taken by shareholder Yoland Ramirez. The photos depict a much different scenario than the way eScooter corrals are presented in Co-op City.

Photos by Yolanda Ramirez

taining the river embankment.

Over the years, we have seen the way in which desolate, garbage-strewn river fronts — including the West Side Highway, downtown Brooklyn, and even East River along sections of the South Bronx off Sound View Avenue — have been transformed into oases of beauty enjoyed by thousands — parents and nannies pushing baby strollers, cyclists, kids and adults on roller blades, birders, kite flyers, anglers, and pedestrians. Four years ago, Mayor Bill de Blasio offered to turn a fraction of our riverfront into a public park. However, the deal would have required us to surrender the property to the city.

To our surprise, a vocal opposition to surrendering any land was mounted. The Board of Directors pledged to build such a park with our own resources.

Last year, the Riverbay Fund Committee conducted a survey to estimate the amount of support for such a park. More than 4,339 cooperators responded—29 percent of our families, which, we have been told by professional pollsters, is an excellent response rate.

More than 3,339 of those who responded, or 86%, expressed full support, and only 600, or 14%, were opposed.

That overwhelming support encouraged the Board to include the park in the second year of the current two-year budget, adopted in April 2021.

Soon after, Claudia Sampson, the Riverbay Fund president, consulted with our newly elected member of Congress, Jamaal Bowman, and obtained a pledge of $500,000 toward the park. We intend to speak to all our elected officials for similar, if not greater, financial pledges to fund a riverfront park from Section 5 right to Conners Street.

Our newly elected Councilmember, Kevin Riley, has agreed to pursue City Hall to fulfill its pledge to fund the upgrading of our former Bingo Hall into a state-of-the-art community center/music center.

I invite cooperators to visit the recently opened, magnificent, $60 million state-of-the-art YMCA, which includes a swimming pool, just on the other side of I95, at 1250 229 Street. A good portion was funded by the State of New York.

We deserve nothing less. Co-op City was sponsored and built by courageous, visionary leaders who were neither intimidated nor entrapped by narrow political blinders. More than ever, we need such bold visionaries today.

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Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Pfizer ––––

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pediatric cases of COVID-19 have risen by about 240 percent in the U.S. – underscoring the public health need for vaccination. These trial results provide a strong foundation for seeking authorization of our vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old, and we plan to submit them to the FDA and other regulators with urgency.”

Earlier this year, Pfizer BioNTech clinical researchers were able to determine that children between 12 and 15 can receive the same dosage of their vaccine as adults, but younger children posed a different issue. Generally, younger children present a smaller anatomy that may potentially react differently to a vaccine than a fully grown adult’s body might.

Fortunately, Pfizer BioNTech’s researchers are confident they have found a dosage that is both safe and effective for children between 5 and 11 years old.

Pfizer BioNTech plans to share their findings from their trials with the FDA and apply for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) soon. The company also expects to release the data from its clinical trials of 2-5 year olds, and 6 months to 2 years old, “as soon as the fourth quarter of this year,” the company announced.

On Wednesday, the FDA announced that Pfizer BioNTech will be the first of the vaccine distributors to offer a booster shot. The FDA made its decision following recommendations from its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee.

The booster shots will be available for Americans who are 65 and older, at risk for severe COVID-19 complications or individuals who cannot avoid virus exposure because of their occupation. Booster shots will be available for eligible individuals six months after their second dose.

Originally, COVID-19 vaccine booster shots were going to be available to the general public. But, after reviewing the recommendations of its advisory committee and further data, the FDA decided to scale back the booster shot rollout and focus on the most vulnerable populations first. Currently, the FDA has not announced when the general public can expect to receive booster shots.

“After considering the totality of the available scientific evidence and the deliberations of our advisory committee of independent, external experts, the FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for a booster dose in certain populations,” said Acting FDA Commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock. “This pandemic is dynamic and evolving, with new data about vaccine safety and effectiveness becoming available every day. As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed.”

Pfizer BioNTech was not the only company to announce clinical trial findings this week as Johnson and Johnson announced results from one of their clinical trials too.

On Tuesday, Johnson and Johnson announced that their vaccine is 94% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection when a booster shot is given two months after the initial dose. Johnson and Johnson also found that when a booster shot of their vaccine is given six months following the initial dose, antibodies in the individual were 12 times higher just one week after the booster dose.

“A single-shot COVID-19 vaccine that is easy to use, distribute and administer, and that provides strong and long-lasting protection is crucial to vaccinating the global population,” Dr. Paul Stoffels, vice chairman of the Executive Committee and chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson, said in the company press release. “At the same time, we now have generated evidence that a booster shot further increases protection against COVID-19 and is expected to extend the duration of protection significantly.”

Johnson and Johnson has already provided the data from their clinical trials on booster shots to the FDA, according to the company.

In Memoriam – Jimmy Thomas Jimmy Thomas was a long-time resident of Co-op City’s Building 18 for 50 years. He departed his earthly life on August 20, 2021.

Jimmy was nicknamed “the Fisherman of Building 18.” One of his greatest joys was to stand in the food distribution lines here in Co-op City. He loved talking to the people on the lines.

Jimmy was a very friendly, kind person with a wonderful personality. He will be sorely missed.

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Estelle Dungie Thomas; son, Kyle L. Thomas; and grandchildren Aaryn P. White and Zachary (Zach) K. Thomas; two brothers, four sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

You are forever in our hearts, Jimmy. Thank you for the life we shared together for 55 years.

Until we are together again…

Lovingly submitted by your wife and family, ––Estelle Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Aaryn White and Zachary Thomas

Schools –––––––––––––––– New York City public school students returned to the classroom last week after the Department of Education (DOE) spent the entirety of the summer refining their COVID-19 protocols and working to make school buildings safer.

However, data from classrooms last week suggests the success of the 2021 school year will rely on how well the Mayor and the DOE are able to adapt.

Last week, less than 50% of city public schools were tested for COVID-19, according to the DOE. From the schools that were tested, 663 classrooms across the city were fully or partially closed due to a positive COVID-19 case, also according to data collected by the DOE. Some teachers and parents felt that the DOE’s testing policy was not enough.

In fact, President of The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), Michael Mulgrew, sent a letter to both Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter over the weekend highlighting the concerns of many teachers who felt the current testing policy was not enough.

“Because current testing is biweekly, hundreds of other schools will not get a visit from a testing team until the coming week. Meanwhile students in untested schools — including children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated — could be needlessly exposed to the virus. The first week of school, including photos of students packed into crowded hallways and cafeterias, only strengthens the argument for more testing,” Mulgrew said in the letter.

“If the city had a thorough and rigorous weekly testing protocol, it is not unreasonable to expect that the real number of classrooms that would be fully or partially closed today because of COVID-19 infections could be 1,000 or even higher. We must do all we can to keep our schools open and our students and staff safe. Weekly testing of students under age 12, along with those in District 75, must be reinstated if we are to meet that goal,” Mulgrew later writes.

Notably, Mayor de Blasio did not explicitly highlight Mulgrew’s letter as the reason for the new testing and quarantine policy during his announcement on Monday.

All Department of Education employees will have to show proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine

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dose by September 27. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Laurence Love put a temporary injunction in place last week to block that mandate, but on Wednesday this week he lifted the injunction. The vaccine mandate is currently still scheduled to go into effect on September 27.

“We are deeply disappointed that the temporary injunction has been lifted. This is not the end of the road and we will continue to fight for the right of workers to make their own healthcare decisions. The vast majority of District Council 37 members are vaccinated. For those still making up their minds, force is not the answer,” Henry Garrido, Executive Director of DC37, said in a statement on Wednesday.

While a vaccine for children younger than 12 years old is not yet available, New York City public schools must continue a balancing act between safety and keeping students in the classrooms.

In New York City, 65.9% of adolescents between 12-15, which is the youngest demographic currently eligible for the vaccine, have at least one vaccine dose, according to the New York State vaccine tracker.

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Co-op City Times / September 25, 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 •the writers – be signed–by and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify

Letter to the Editor

Get e-Scooters Off Our Streets To the Editor: Pursuant to the CCTimes article in the September 18th issue, re: e-Scooter problems, not only are they left all over Co-op City, but the renters of these scooters do not obey the rules.

They do not adhere to traffic laws such as red lights, signs, or signaling. They do not wear helmets. They go in the wrong direction on one-way streets. They weave in and out of two-direction streets, often riding into oncoming traffic. They ride on the pedestrian sidewalks and pathways. I observed this not only in Co-op City but all over the Bronx.

These scooters are no solution to our transport needs.

They are a menace not only to our community but anywhere there is high vehicle or pedestrian volume. Please tell DOT to get them off our streets!

––Maria Bortoluzzi

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor only from Co-op City shareholders at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner.

Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material.

Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which will be kept confidential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be verified.

Thank you for your cooperation.

SUBMITTED BY: Sonia Feliciano SECONDED BY: Angelo Rosario BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, on September 18, 2019 the Board awarded Contract #3386, via Resolution # 19-44, to Waste Management for the Commercial Rubbish Removal and Recycling; and WHEREAS, A Change Order to the Commercial Rubbish Removal and Recycling Contract #3386 is being submitted to add $190,000.00 in funding to provide payments to Waste Management until Contract #3386 expires on October 1, 2022 (See attached Memo); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order for Contract #3386 with Waste Management for $190,000.00 be approved as submitted

by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19 and the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

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

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

REMINDER: All club articles & other editorial submissions are DUE ON MONDAYS.

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

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Board of Directors’ Meeting - September 22, 2021 First Reading - Resolution #21-38

Co-op City Times

First Reading - Resolution #21-37 SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, on 9/18/2019 the Board awarded Contract #3397 via Resolution # 19-46 to The Home Depot for the purchase of Henry 660 Floor Adhesive; and WHEREAS, Change Order #1 is being requested to extend the contract for one (1) year utilizing the $400,000.00 still remaining in the budget under Contract #3397 (See the attached memo); and WHEREAS, the adhesive will be used for the Mohawk 9x9 and the VCT 12x12 tiles; and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Change Order #1 for Contract #3397 for a one-year extension of time with The Home Depot be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended

by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

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.

First Reading - Resolution #21-39A SUBMITTED BY: Leah Richardson SECONDED BY: Andrea Leslie BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited forty (40) companies for pricing for Bid 3394 (REBID), Asbestos Abatement – Flooring; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received seven (7) proposals which were reviewed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, Project Manager recommends Abatement Unlimited, Inc. as the lowest responsible union bidder (recommendation attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of

interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 3634 (REBID) with Abatement Unlimited, Inc., not to exceed $8,000,000 based on union unit pricing for a 2 years period with a 1 year renewal option, be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

See page 12 for more Resolutions

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-697-6381 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

7

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

CCPD Prepares Juvenile Reports to Ensure Quality of Life on School Days

Public Safety Report

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

As we complete the first weeks of school, everyone should be in the swing of the new school year.

We would like to make sure all students get through the school year without incident. It is important that parents assure that their children are not in violation of any Riverbay Corporation rules or New York City laws when traveling to and from school. Public Safety enforces all applicable regulations to ensure the safety of all students as well as the people and property of Co-op City.

Officers of the Co-op City Department of Public Safety prepare Juvenile Reports when persons between ages seven through 17 commit offenses of the law. The Juvenile Report is a New York City Police Department form which is utilized when certain types of offenses are committed by persons under the age of 18. Preparation of the Juvenile Report takes the place of an arrest for all Violations and some Misdemeanors. When a Juvenile Report is issued, it is forwarded to the Youth Officer at the 45th Precinct. The Youth Officer at the 45th Precinct determines what type of follow up is required. Parents of the child are often contacted to monitor future activity. The Juvenile Report starts the process of intervention before serious delinquent activity begins.

When a child is taken into custody for the issuance of a Juvenile Report, the parents of the child are notified. It becomes necessary for the parent to respond to Public Safety Headquarters with identification to pick up the child. In the event that the child is truant from school, the school is also contacted. School Safety is notified and the child is returned to school. After school hours, if the parent cannot be reached, the child is transported to a Juvenile Detention facility. Both Public Safety and the New York City Police Department take action regarding truant youths.

A Co-op City Community Complaint is also issued when the child is a Co-op City resident and the offense was committed within the confines of Co-op City.

The Co-op City Community Complaint carries a monetary fine and can be added to the monthly carrying charges. The fine for the first offense is $125.

Subsequent violations result in doubled fines. Fines can be automatically added to the monthly rent. Rent will not be accepted without payment in full, including the additional charges for Community Complaints. Late fees will be assessed.

Multiple violations can lead to eviction. This helps to maintain a high quality of life and low crime rate within the community.

Parents of school-age children should encourage children to respond home without delay and refrain from engaging in fighting while on the way to and from school. Parents should also make sure students are always in possession of the proper bus pass or MetroCard for boarding the bus. Any theft or loss of a bus pass should be reported immediately in order that a replacement card can be issued.

Children should be instructed to never board the buses from the rear door. This act is dangerous and also illegal. Summonses are actively issued for boarding buses without payment or school-issued MetroCard. Plainclothes MTA officers are often used for payment enforcement especially on the Special Express buses.

The New York City Department of Transportation recently initiated a program making electric scooters available for rent throughout the community.

No docking stations or official staging locations exist as of this date. This program and its impact on our community, both positive and negative, are being assessed to determine how we might be able to adjust the program to reduce any negative impact. Public Safety requests that if you avail yourself of one of these scooters, once you complete your rental, please be respectful to your fellow shareholders. We request that you place the scooter you are parking in a location that does not interfere with other shareholders entering or leaving our buildings. Avoid leaving them in the middle of the sidewalk, and do not place them where they may create a trip hazard. As Co-op City has a large elderly population, be mindful that our senior citizens may have a difficult time

Slashing and Car Crash Outside of Truman Being Investigated Investigation is ongoing into the slashing of a 17-year old male and a car crash that resulted in eight people being injured outside of Truman High School on Tuesday, Sept. 21, in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to run over a group of students following the slashing.

Police reported that their preliminary investigation found that a group of males in a 2005 BMW SUV got into an argument with a group of males standing in front of the school. One male from the group standing on the sidewalk reportedly slashed a male in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The injured male ran into PS 178 seeking refuge. The driver of the vehicle then tried to run the vehicle into the group on the sidewalk. In doing so, he collided with a double parked 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, hit at least one pedestrian, and injured 7-8 others, many students. The driver subsequently abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

eScooter Return If you rent an eScooter, be sure to leave it in a location that does not interfere with fellow shareholders walking along sidewalks, or entering/ leaving our buildings. Please be respectful and deposit them where they will not be a trip hazard to others, especially our seniors. navigating around these scooters if left in an inconvenient location. Please, be mindful that the scooters should never be brought into one of our buildings or left in a lobby.

Be sure that all members of your household who may ride a bicycle or scooter, electric or propelled by the rider, are aware of traffic rules and regulations. Bicycles of any type must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic, utilizing a bicycle lane if one is available. Bicycle riders must also obey traffic lights and stop signs. Motorists must be extra vigilant due to a possible increase in the number of bicycles and scooters on the road. Helmets should always be worn when riding any type of bicycle or scooter. Safety should always be a priority.

It is always important for cooperators to call the Department of Public Safety when they observe any suspicious activity, especially during school arrival and dismissal times. Youths observed fighting or attempting to enter the buildings for the purpose of loitering should be reported immediately.

It is important that everyone stays safe throughout the year. 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.

There have been recent increases of Covid-19 cases, including new variants of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and the New York City Department of Health have reinstated the mask wearing recommendations in most indoor situations, even for vaccinated individuals. Check with your doctor to see if a vaccination is right for you. The Pfizer vaccination has received full FDA approval. Getting a vaccination and wearing a mask has been shown to slow the spread of Covid-19.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings. 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 recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. 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.

8

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Claudia Sampson, Treasurer

Director’s Viewpoint –

Different Strokes for Different Folks As we continue to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with an array of festivities including cultural, musical and educational events, I would like to take this opportunity as a descendant of proud immigrants from Panama and Belize to clarify the difference between Hispanics and Latinos. The original commemoration was signed into law in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week but was extended to span a month from September 15 to October 15.

For decades, the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” have been used interchangeably. However, according to Difference.com, the term “Hispanic” comes from a Latin word for Spain, “Hispania” which later became “Espana.” It refers to a person of Latin American or Iberian roots. It denotes the culture and people of countries formerly ruled by the Spanish Empire, usually with a majority of the population speaking Spanish.

Whereas, Latino refers specifically to people living in the U.S. who are of Latin American nationality. It’s typically used to describe immigrants and their descendants from countries in Latin America, South America, Central America, North America, and the islands of the Caribbean whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Romanian, and Catalan. It also includes French-speaking areas of Haiti, French Guiana, French-speaking Canada, and the French West Indies.

In the U.S., the terms Hispanic and Latino entered the mainstream when the Nixon Administration decided to establish mixed-race groups separate from White Europeans. The labels Hispanic and Latino were highly charged with negative stereotyping and profiling and got a lot of push back so the U.S. Census in 1980 issued a disclaimer stating that they were ethnic, not racial terms.

With over 61 million Hispanics/Latinos combined, or 18% of the country’s population, it’s a beautiful thing when we’re all able to celebrate the rich and diverse culture, music, dance, food, and traditions of Latin America, even if the pandemic has

canceled the City’s Hispanic Day Parade on Fifth were no tablets or online video games to distract him.

Avenue. Here are some events taking place around What a beautiful day in the neighborhood it was! town that were gleaned from the Daily News, Please Respect Our Precious Property Wednesday, 9/15/2021, edition: For some inexplicable reason, there have been a • Estamos Bien - La Trienal 20/21 – Ongoing, number of reported incidents involving residents uscloses Sept. 26, El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth ing their feet to activate the new doors installed for Avenue easy access and egress from the building. I have even • Hispanic Heritage Virtual Run – Sept. 15 to witnessed a grown man dressed to the nines kicking Oct. 15 the switch plate on his way out the building. Folks, • VOCES on PBS – October and November, these doors are meant to be handled with care as they check your local listings were installed to help people with disabilities as well • A La Calle Block Party – Sept. 26, Noon to 4 as residents with strollers and shopping carts. They p.m., W. 89th St. should not be kicked! Use your hands or elbows.

• 26th Annual Panamanian Day Parade – Oct. Please refrain from kicking them because that only 9 @ noon, Crown Heights, Brooklyn weakens the mechanism causing them to break — Thinking Globally, Acting Locally and that costs the Corporation time and money to As a youngster and now an adult living in the repair. Same applies for the doors. Granted they’re Bronx, I continue to be blown away by the experience heavy, but a gentle push is all that’s needed. They are of visiting the Bronx Zoo. Last Sunday, my grand- designed to open and close on their own. son, Cairo, and I visited the Zoo that I once roamed When all the new doors are installed, we will be as a child while living near West Farm Square. Al- transitioning away from keys to fobs. So we need all though we didn’t get to see all of the seven exhibits of our lobby doors to be in good working order. So, we paid a handsome price to do, we did take in the please try a little tenderness. many sights and sound of the beautiful habitat locatAs there are no lobby attendants, please be minded less than 15 minutes from Co-op City. While ex- ful who you’re allowing to enter the building. Stay ploring the World of Birds, and the search for Tiger alert and, if you see something, say something.

Mountain, we hopped on the trolley and met RobThank you for reaching out to me to join the ert, the conductor, who resides on Asch Loop. We Smart City Committee via my Board email. I will struck up a lively conversation with him and were be convening our first meeting in early October. treated to a quick trip down memory lane. Not only Should you have any questions or concerns, please did we become instant BFFs, but he picked us up af- feel free to contact me at csampson@riverbayboard. ter lunch and dropped us off at the Asia Exhibit after com. Have a magnificent week! we were entertained by the howling sea lions and laid-back rhinos.

All things being equal, Cairo and I lived, loved and learned in 3-1/2 Get back to traveling with one of these exciting tours hours more about the amazing treasure in our Queen Mary Cruise back yard known as the Caribbean from New York Bronx Zoo than had we ventured too far away Dec. 22, 2022 – 12 days from home. Plus, there

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HCR

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

9

Continued from page 1)

Associate Accountant. Riverbay Corporation was represented by Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer, Acting Director of Finance Averil James-Bonnette, and Budget Manager Paul Arroyo. Several Board members also attended the virtual meeting which was joined by a total of 84 individuals.

Ms. Snyder opened the meeting clearly announcing the purpose of the proceeding – to strictly discuss the proposed maintenance increase.

“Information posted in your newspaper show the housing company requires an increase of $4.67 per room with the projection to go into effect on January 1, 2022. This is a one-step increase without an increase for 2023,” Ms. Snyder stated, noting that the conference is for discussion purposes only. “The final decision will be made after this meeting by the [HCR] Commissioner after reviewing all of the information. The final increase will be considered based on ability to pay and marketability of apartments.” She added that in addition to what has been published in the corporation’s official publication, the Co-op City Times, the community’s elected representatives, namely, Assemblyman Jamaal Bowman and State Senator Jamaal Bailey, were also advised of the proceedings.

Next, Riverbay’s Budget Manager Paul Arroyo addressed the participants.

“Riverbay Corporation’s 2-year operating and capital project budgets include $74.5 million in improvements needed to address crumbling infrastructure, replace aging equipment and renovate public space areas throughout Co-op City,” Mr. Arroyo said.

He went on to state that Management’s initial plan to fund these projects combining already available operating funds with: * $4.2M in surpluses derived from the approved 2-year operating budget ($4.1M in F21/22 & $100,000 in F22/23) * $1M HPD loan/grant being sought for ADA-compliant lobby doors * a 10% increase of parking fees which would produce $2M in added 2-year revenue * 40% increase of Hall Closets rentals producing $460,800 in added 2-year revenue * 25% increase in Basement Storage producing $306,000 in added 2-year revenue, and * Increasing new shareholder equity from $5,500/rm. to $7,500/rm. to produce $12,260,000 in added 2-year revenue Still, this formula only resulted in $71.2M, $3.3M less than needed for improvements, therefore, “after careful consideration, Management then recommended a 2% carrying charge increase to fund the remaining capital shortfall,” Mr. Arroyo said.

The Riverbay Board of Directors approved the 2% carrying charge increase at its April 5, 2021 meeting and Management recommended its effective date to be January 1, 2022. “A 2 percent increase in carrying charges raises the per room rate from $233.35 to $238.02 per room. This is a $4.67 per room increase with all utilities included,” Mr. Arroyo concluded.

Ms. Snyder pointed out that shareholders who are currently surchargeable at the time of the increase will be recalculated and adjusted accordingly. She also noted that for SCRIE recipients, it will take NYC Housing Preservation Development (HPD), administrator of the program, 90 days to make the applicable adjustments to their exemptions. She encouraged those who meet eligibility for SCRIE to apply by getting an application from Riverbay Management, not HPD, to ensure they fill out the right application. Ms. Snyder also advised those who meet eligibility for DRIE to apply for the exemption, and to call 311 for specifics of the program.

She then opened the meeting to shareholders who wished to address the HCR officials. All of the speakers, and there were about 18 in total, expressed disapproval of the carrying charge increase, and particularly, funding of a waterfront park at this time.

Ruby of Building 20A said she was trying to understand why back-to-back increases are being implemented at a time when shareholders have been unemployed over the past year because of the pandemic. She highlighted the parking increase implemented in August, the fact that she and other shareholders have not been able to use their balconies because of Local Law 11 work and having to deal with convector leaks.

Ms. Snyder explained that parking fees, hall closet fees and similar expenses are ancillary charges, not part of the maintenance increase. And, Mr. Klehammer pointed out that increases in carrying charges are calculated to fund the expenses of the housing corporation. He also said that Local Law 11 work is mandated by the city of New York.

“In late 2019, there was the first increase,” said Mr. Klehammer. “The second was to go into effect in late 2020 but because of the pandemic, the second increase was delayed, and this was approved by the Board and HCR. When we did the budget this year, this was the shortfall to be funded. That’s why the other increases were proposed and the Board approved.”

“I am a single mom, and I was unemployed for all of 2020,” said Ruby. “Can this increase be postponed until folks can get their bills paid? Why would they want to do this now instead of waiting until next year when people get back on their feet?”

Al Quattlebaum of Building 2A wanted to know what capital improvements are being funded in the budget. He also asked why services seem to be diminishing at the same time a carrying charge increase is being proposed. “While we live in probably the best deal in the city and I appreciate being able to live

in Co-op City, when you mention increases, services seem to be getting cut…

How do you justify this?” He was particularly concerned about security – CCPD presence, and disbanding of lobby and garage attendants. “If maintenance is increased, then we need to see an increase in services,” he said.

Jacqueline Smith of the Adler Place townhouses said if the waterfront park is removed from the budget, there would be a surplus in the budget and a 2% increase would not be needed. She also asked for funding of the park to be brought before the cooperators.

Brenda Brown of Building 28 asked for more focus on priority items such as a convector program instead of funding a waterfront park. “Co-op City, like other places, endured lots of loss of income and we are seeing increases in fees, for food and other things. Where is the empathy?” she asked.

Veronica Conton of Building 35, a recent retiree, said that she is not eligible for SCRIE and now that she is on a fixed income, here comes a maintenance increase. “I moved to Co-op City because it was a sanctuary. Is this waterfront park part of this budget and if it is and it costs us so much, forget it and use the money to fix our homes…We have enough grounds here to enjoy right now.”

Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders said that he voted against the waterfront park. “Without the park, we would not be in the red,” he said. “It is definitely driving the 2% increase.”

Speaking about the waterfront park survey, Director Saunders said that 3,739 positive responses, or 29% of shareholders, should not be the driving force behind a $10M expenditure. He said over the past 20 years or so, most maintenance increases were driven by Co-op City’s former management company, and each time, the shareholders had to pay – two bad mortgages, bad elevator motors, a court case – and each time, “the shareholders ponied up,” he said, but it was all for necessary capital projects needed to improve quality of life, not non-essential expenditures.

“The governor of the state called back the legislature to approve a moratorium for commercial and residential evictions,” said Director Saunders. “I can’t believe they would pass that emergency bill only to give residents of Co-op City a 2% increase…We all need to do the right thing. There is a pandemic and people are losing their benefits. The shareholders have always come through….HCR should not approve this increase.”

Shareholder Ed Rudyk said the primary reason the waterfront park should be off the table is climate change given the flooding the community experienced when Tropical Storm Ida hit the northeast a few weeks ago. “You will build it and it will be flooded. You are raising the carrying charges for a park that may not be there next week,” he said. “It is a bad investment.”

Lauretta Jaysura of Building 23 said a 2% carrying charge increase would have a “devastating” effect on shareholders.

“This past year has been devastating with loss of jobs and lives. I wish the Commissioner to know that we are more than numbers here; it is our home and we are human and deserve empathy and compassion and consideration. We all have to live somewhere and this was supposed to be ‘affordable’ housing – it is certainly not affordable with constant rises in our maintenance.”

Board Director Anika Green-Watson said: “I have listened to the concerns of the community and while the data are anecdotal at this point, there seems to be an overwhelming opposition to both the 2% carrying charge increase and the waterfront park on this call. The fair and just thing to do seems to be for DHCR to reject the 2% increase and for the Board to revisit any funds that have been earmarked and directed toward development/review of a waterfront park…The Board owes it to the community to represent their interests appropriately. As mentioned by countless others on the call, there never was overwhelming support for the park and any narrative that suggests otherwise is misguided.”

Board Director Francine Jones said that after listening to the shareholders participating in the conference, she will sponsor a resolution to postpone the park issue until further notice.

Responding to shareholders’ questions about next steps, given the opinions expressed by those participating in the conference call, Ms. Snyder told shareholders the numbers printed in the Co-op City Times were projections, and no final decision has yet been made. She assured shareholders their concerns were being heard and HCR will review the comments made during the conference call, as well as the letters shareholders mailed in, and they will be discussed with the HCR Commissioner before a final decision is made. She added that the agency may reach out to the Board and/or Management for additional information. She said that on rare occasions, increases have been delayed 2-3 months but she cannot state what will be done until the overall impact is known.

When the HCR Commissioner makes a decision on the carrying charge increase, the community will be notified and the information will be published in the Co-op City Times.

In the meantime, Ms. Snyder said HCR will continue accepting written comments from shareholders on the proposed 2% carrying charge increase. They can be mailed or emailed 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

10

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Leah Richardson, Secretary

Who is DHCR? Greetings, My Fellow Shareholders, The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is responsible for the supervision, maintenance, and development of affordable, low- and moderate-income housing in New York State. DHCR performs several activities, including oversight and regulation of the State public and publicly assisted rental housing; administration of the state rent regulations, and protection of rent-regulated tenants and administration of housing development and community preservation programs, including State and Federal grants and loans to housing developers to finance construction and renovation of affordable housing.

I Voted No to the 2% on Resolution #20-08 We must stay engaged in what is happening in our community. Co-op City is a large community with major infrastructure problems; I voted NO for the proposed Waterfront Park because we are still experiencing a pandemic. A pre-pandemic survey was mailed with the carrying charge statements to the shareholders asking for approval of a Waterfront Park in this community. However, the survey did not say whether or not they would agree to this proposed “non-essential” development if they would have to pay an increase in their carrying charges to build it.

Emergency Resolution 20-23 for postponing the 2020 carrying charge increase was presented and approved by the Board and DHCR. I seconded the resolution because many of our shareholders probably never faced a hardship like this before. This 2% increase will present an enormous financial burden on them. We are still in a pandemic. Many cooperators have lost their jobs, been furloughed, or received shortened work hours. Many are trying to take care of less fortunate family members by assisting them with the purchase of food, helping with the payment of bills, and, in some cases known to me, contributing to shareholder’s carrying charges. There are families with single-parent heads of households who are struggling right now, and an increase of any percentage at this point would be detrimental to their quality of life. It was my thought that our shareholders desperately need relief and time to adjust to this new norm. That is why the resolution to delay the 2% carrying charge increase was presented to the

Board. The pandemic has put millions of New Yorkers out of work making rent payments nearly impossible.

If the Federal government is calling on states to extend their eviction moratoria, then why should we ask our shareholders to pay a 2% carrying charge increase? In my opinion, this is inhuman.

Noise Pollution I recently received several complaints about the loud noise by neighbors and vehicles that race up and down our roadways. We hear your complaints and are addressing the issues. People are using their loudspeakers at high volumes which harms our ears and other sensitive parts of our bodies.

I am sure most of us have heard the loud, obnoxious cars and motorcycles with modified exhaust systems and screaming, roaring engines that pierce the serenity of our peaceful neighborhood. Certainly, the prevalence of vehicles with souped-up, over horse-powered engines and after-market exhaust systems that amplify the already loud vehicles into an ear-splitting loudspeaker, have taken over local roadways. It impacts people of all age groups but creates more problems for our seniors and babies.

Vehicular pollution also disturbs our health. I hope that Management and our local officials will take immediate and urgent action against those responsible for noise pollution to relieve the people from the harmful effects of noise pollution.

Noisy Neighbors The New York State Senate is working on a bill to address the ongoing problem with loud vehicles. According to sources, the SLEEP Act is currently being reviewed by the State Senate Rules Committee which would increase the punishment for noise limit violations and streamline the process for officers to properly enforce noise limit legislation.

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law 375, the current penalty for “after-market violations to muffler and exhaust systems” is up to $150. The criteria for a violation is

REMEMBER: We are shareholders, not tenants! There are many ways to become involved in the community...

Join a Board committee, attend your building association meetings, participate in community groups!

described as “excessive or unusual” noise. Without a specified quantity, officers must arbitrarily determine what qualifies as such.

State Senator Andrew Gounarde’s SLEEP Act proposes increasing the fine to a maximum of $1,000, which the Senator believes will be more effective in deterring noise violations. The noise level limits would be designed as 95 decibels for motorcycles and 60 decibels for cars. For reference, the New York City Noise Control Code estimates the sound of a vacuum within ten feet of earshot having a noise level of approximately 70 decibels. The bill also proposes the amendment of Executive Law to require all police and sheriff vehicles equipped with decibel readers are accurately determining noise limit violations. Senate Bill S6057 is currently being reviewed by the State Senate Cities Committee and presents another precise solution. Inspired by cities such as London and Singapore, the bill calls for a noise camera program modeled after the speed camera program across all counties of New York City. The cameras would capture photo and video footage of vehicles that exceed the noise limits outlined by the New York City Noise Control Code.

According to a Department of Transportation report, two-thirds of drivers who received speed camera violations in 2019 did not receive another violation within the following calendar year. In addition, speeding near the camera locations went down by more than 70% on average.

Thank you for reading my viewpoint. Please feel fee to contact me at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Stay safe…be well!

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Building 9 Association

Salutations, Building 9 family. Wear a mask always, wash your hands often, and social distance whenever possible.

At the time of this writing, the Building 9 Association general membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, at 7 p.m. Our invited guest speaker will be New York State Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto.

Building 9 neighbors, please take a moment to stop by the Building 9B lobby to see the beautiful, live ‘tree of life’ plant donated to the building for the lobby by our neighbor who lives in 9B. This is truly an act of neighborly goodwill and loving kindness on her part. This plant is healthy and lush. This beautiful plant was cultivated by her and required lots of personal care and time. Please consider this plant to be a gift to the Building 9 family. Please do not take cuttings from this plant.

On Thursday, September 16, the 1st Annual Shirley Wells free Backto-School Raffle prizes were presented to the winners. For the parent who were unable to participate in the presentation, you may collect the gift card at our Building 9 Association membership meeting on September 23 at 7 p.m. The Raffle Committee members Wanda Randall, photos will be displayed on Linda Collins, Linda Holley, Evelyn Mavins (not the lobby bulletin boards photographed: Liz Manning, Rosemary Bailey). as soon as they are printed.

On Tuesday, September 14, U.S. Congressman Jamaal Bowman hosted a virtual FEMA webinar related to any area hardships related to Hurricane Ida. On Thursday, September 16, Wanda Randall and I attended the Rental Assistance Forum presented at the NYPL Co-op City branch, sponsored by BronxWorks and the Human Resources Administration. Since our shareholders are owners, not renters, rental assistance does not apply to us. BronxWorks does offer other assistance, grants, and loans for those in financial distress. Your need must be documented.

Citywide General Election Timeline Voter registration deadline for the November 2nd General Election will be Friday, October 8. The deadline to request an absentee ballot will be Monday, October 18. Early voting begins Saturday, October 23, and runs through Sunday, October 31. Tuesday, November 9, will be the deadline for absentee ballots that are postmarked on or before November 2 to be received at the New York City Board of Elections.

At the time of this writing, the DHCR virtual carrying charge increase conference was scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. I hope you all joined the conference.

The Rivers Run Community Garden has scheduled an Art Exhibit and Craft Sale to be held on Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m.

“Poverty is what happens when people give up caring about one another.”

––Linda Collins

African-American Association

11

Rivers Run Community Garden Today, Rivers Run presents the Creativity Exhibition where a few neighbors show off their artistic talents. Come out and experience handmade works of art and live music performed by Ron Scott and Ron Dorsey. We will be raffling off various items so come join the fun.

As always, tours, veggie, fruit and herb giveaway are a part of the garden experience.

Upcoming Events at the Garden: Today (Rain Date: September 26) – Art Exhibit and Craft Sale, 2 p.m.

Since May 1, 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

Building 25 Association As we say goodbye to summer, we will enjoy more daylight hours until we turn back the clocks in November, however, if you have not noticed, the air conditioner was turned off on Thursday, September 23, to change over to our heating system by October 1st.

We wish all neighbors born in September a Happy Birthday; for those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our next virtual building association meeting will be held Tuesday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m.; look out for detailed log-in or call-in information posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. 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 message: “The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens the apples, the other turns them to cider.” –Jane Hirshfield ––Wanda Bailey

Please be considerate and respectful of

all members of our diverse community.

Get ready, get ready, get ready!

Our “Swearing-in of New Officers” event will be Friday, October 8, from 7-8:30 p.m. Come early, wear RED, BLACK or GREEN. Come and join us as we take the oath together. Not just the executive staff (i.e., pictured below at last week’s AAACC General Meeting) but “every” member. Those of you who attended our Swearing-in Event in 2019 remember how truly heartwarming it was to take the oath together. Of course, we were able to convene in our sacred space in Dreiser, Room 15. But we will carry on virtually this year to remain safe and well and unified…

AAACC Kinté Patterned Sashes Our new and beautifully handmade AAACC Sashes adorned with fringe on the bottom. Each member will be wearing our AAACC Sashes (pictured right) to display our unity as an organization and a proud people. The sashes are $15 for members only.

To purchase yours, contact us at the 929430-3255, or email aaaccpower@gmail. com. Don’t wait, they are very limited.

Please Save These Dates: 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 Join the African-American Association of Co-op City – 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 your respective instructors 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.

“All” of us divided by “each” one of us equals a force for good.

––Michelle Marbury

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Resolutions –––––

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 (Continued from page 6)

First Reading - Resolution #21-40 SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING: Sept. 22, 2021 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited fortyseven (47) companies for pricing for a two-year contract for Installation of Wood Floors and Vinyl Composite Tiles based on square foot pricing; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received six (6) proposals that were reviewed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends that this contract be awarded to three (3) vendors i) Cove Improvements Inc., ii) Durablis Solutions Inc., and iii) New Rochelle Carpet Inc.) as the lowest responsible bidders with Management assigning work based on the needs of Riverbay and the total work assigned not to exceed $3,000,000.00 (Recommendation Memo and Spreadsheet attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required

by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the Board approves a two-year contract with Cove Improvements Inc. (Contract #3656A), with Durablis Solutions Inc. (Contract #3656B) and with New Rochelle Carpet Inc. (Contract #3656C) for a total not to exceed costs of $3,000,000.00 as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Director’s Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading - Resolution #21-39B SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited forty (40) companies for pricing for Bid 3394 (REBID), Asbestos Abatement – Flooring; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received seven (7) proposals which were reviewed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, Project Manager recommends ESG, Inc. (Environmental Services Group) as the lowest responsible non-union bidder (recommendation attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this

Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required

by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed contract 3634 (REBID) with ESG, Inc., not to exceed $8,000,000 based on non-union unit pricing for a 2 years period with a 1 year renewal option, be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

First Reading - Resolution #21-41 SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson/ Michelle Marbury SECONDED BY: Leah Richardson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, Riverbay is seeking to have the Co-op City Times printed; and WHEREAS, the Procurement Department sent out fourteen (14) requests for proposals for Bid 3665, a two-year contract for the printing of the Co-op City Times; and WHEREAS, two (2) proposals were received and reviewed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends that this contract be awarded to Richner Communications, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder (Recommendation and

Spreadsheet attached); and WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution, no Director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required

by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: The Board approves awarding Contract # 3665 to Richner Communications, Inc. not to exceed $250,000 for two (2) years be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment Caregivers Support Family caregivers are the backbones of our healthcare system regarding providing care to sick, disabled, and elderly loved ones. Family caregivers provide $37 million of unpaid care for their loved ones, once performed by a trained healthcare professional. They administer insulin, provide respiratory care, wound care, gastric tube feedings, in addition to multiple daily tasks like cooking, bathing, transportation to doctors’ appointments, and handle finances. It becomes a balancing act to take on the tasks of a caregiver, work a full-time job, and raise a family. It can be a challenge to keep family members in their homes as independently as possible.

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage) helps millions of older Americans and people with disabilities live at home where they want to be, help to delay or prevent more costly nursing home care and unnecessary hospitalizations and save taxpayer dollars.

The Family CARE Act supports caregivers in New York as their loved ones go into the hospital and transition home. The CARE Act takes three actions by requiring hospitals to: 1. Allow patients to designate one or more family caregivers when the patient is admitted.

2. Notify the caregiver when the patient is to be moved or discharged.

3. Provide that caregiver with adequate instruction for the patient’s care following discharge from the hospital.

AARP provides services, resources, advocacy, and benefit for those caregivers 55+ who make the task of being a caregiver just a little bit easier.

Consider becoming an AARP national member and joining your local AARP Peartree Chapter 4997 here in Co-op City. Contact person: Stella Baker at 718379-2088.

Since its inception in 1958, AARP of NY has grown and changed dramatically in response to societal changes while remaining true to its founding principles: • To promote independence, dignity, and purpose for older persons • To enhance the quality of life for older persons • To encourage older people “To serve, not to be served.”

To find the tools and support you need, as well as ways to connect with other caregivers, visit the AARP of NY website for AARP’s Caregiving Resources Center. To stay up-to-date or get involved with AARP’s caregiving advocacy in the states, sign up for the AARP Advocates e-newsletter.

We believe there is a season and a time for every purpose. Consider nominating a caregiver to be honored. Save the Date: November 20, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Consider nominating a family caregiver to be honored at our 15th Annual Caregivers Award Gala. You can view last year’s gala online at –www.comeoutreach.org. To get sponsorship information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 718-379-3159.

Join us on Thursday, October 21, for our 45-mins. informational session. Topic: Keeping it simple, 10 alert signs of Alzheimer’s. RSVP online at www. comoutreach.org.

––Diane Cooper

Protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 virus.

Get vaccinated today!

Building 22A&B Association I hope everyone had a very enjoyable summer.

School is starting and everyone should have had one or more vaccine dose. Please keep yourself and your family safe.

I want to congratulate everyone for doing a great job keeping our building clean; please continue.

Vaccine: Continue to wear your masks. Masks must be worn in all Riverbay buildings. Sanitize and socially distance safely. Check the Co-op City Times for information on the vaccine booster shots.

Laundry Room Etiquette: Please continue to remove your clothes on time and put the fabric sheets in the trash can.

Compactor Room: Keep the room clean, take all shipping cartons, large boxes, etc., to the basement.

Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Check on the elderly, sick and shut-ins. Happy birthday to all this month. If you see something, say something.

Thank you.

––Betty Leak

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Cooper Place Association Greetings, Cooper residents! The Cooper Place Association will hold its October meeting on Tuesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please email cooper.townhouses@gmail.com for the meeting details. We hope to see you all there.

In this meeting, we will review the bylaws, future meeting rhythm, fall/winter schedule, and update the contact list. Anyone who wishes to serve in a leadership position will be able to express interest at this time. Please “bring a friend.”

Cooper gas outage affecting units 1-16: thank you for continuing to comply with all apartment access requests to facilitate the timely resolution of this issue. Notices have been slipped under the doors of all impacted units.

Contact Information – If you would like to reach out to the association, please use cooper.townhouses@gmail.com.

––Anika Green

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Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary

Now Scoot I believe the scooter sharing system is full of possibility and could truly be a positive resource for the community. But bugs need to be worked out. I acknowledge that the scooters are currently quite an inconvenience for those who have no need for this type of transportation. I also believe we’re very quick to say no, and I know why that is. The pilot program was sprung on us. And we just hate that.

It’s like when the NYCDOT paved the HRPE (Hutchinson River Parkway East) around 9 p.m. one rainy night without telling the MTA that their express bus would be detoured. No warning for the bus driver and no warning for the passengers in Section 5 forced to walk home from Bartow. Or when, with no warning, the DOT plopped those pedestrian islands in Section 5. It necessitated changing the BxM7 express bus’s route and 10 months later, the bus stop’s location is still in limbo. Or when with little warning, the MTA started canceling bus runs at whim, including the last BxM7 runs of the night, instead of making up a temporary but consistent plan while driver shortages continue to be a problem. (Sign up for email or text cancellation alerts by going to https://mymtaalerts. com/LoginC.aspx.) Or when the useless, unwanted, and infamous Hutchinson River Parkway exit, aka “The Ramp,” was planned disregarding input from the people it was supposed to serve. Or when the coming Metro North station was to be inconveniently placed inside our community instead of on the more accessible outskirts’ location, ignoring, at least for now, all complaints and local reasoning.

You know that expression: It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission? That seems to continue to be the motto of the powers that be.

Mid-August, seemingly without warning, Co-op City drivers and pedestrians needed to start dodging both moving and parked scooters. Did anyone know it was coming? Did the entire community miss the memo? Without asking for the host community’s input or permission to choose Co-op City as a pilot area, they gung-hoed ahead instead.

But you never know. You might want to give it a try. If you don’t break your neck on the first outing, it

might be a handy and breezy way to navigate around “campus.” Zip over to the post office or visit a friend or whatever. I know when my knees were a mess for several years, I’d have loved an easier way to get myself to a bus stop or to the garage!

Think about when the Metro North station finally arrives. I’m expecting rail commuters from above Bartow will want to drive over and park in Section 5’s Garage 8, the one on Erskine Place closest to the prospective station. That might trigger a change of rules regarding parking in a garage other than your own assigned one. One option in nice weather? Hop on a handy scooter, no waiting for a bus, no driving over to Section 5.

Some two-car Co-op City families might even consider downsizing if the ambitious plan to break the car culture balances carrots and sticks. Congestion pricing, disappearing parking spots…those are sticks. More reliable public transportation…that’s a carrot. Scooters might someday become a cheap, handy alternative commutation-option-carrot for some of the close-to-a-third of our employees who both work and live here or for some of the large percentage of Co-op City people who don’t fall between the ages of high teens and senior seniors. The advantages of shared e-scooters might just outweigh the downside.

And I am well aware of the downside. Just the other day a scooter was blocking a pathway to my building’s entrance. I maneuvered it to a better spot and boy, was it heavy. And it squealed!

We’ll never know if the scooters’ pluses – such as matching scooter corrals with subway stops, bus routes, train stations, or our own garages – overshadow their negatives if the pilot program isn’t allowed to find its legs. There are many electronic safeguards already in place, so, with some remedial regulation tweaking, this could be quite a boon for the community.

Of course, regulations need to be clear, followed, and enforced.

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

Join General Membership Zoom Meeting – September 26, at 3:00 p.m.

Dial-in: 1-646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 838 5860 7463, Passcode: 223698; http:// us02web.zoom.us/.

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 28, 2021 – Einstein Community Center, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Register to vote! If your current voter information such as name, address, apartment, previous state, political party and/or signature has changed, we have a voter registration form waiting for you. Make your vote count!

Early Voting dates – Oct. 23 – 31, 2021 and Election Day is Nov. 2, 2021.

Now is the time to educate yourself about the candidates and judges representing our community. Be prepared to vote and VOTE! We Matter!

NAACP 85th N.Y. State Conference Convention – will be held virtually October 8-9. Registration is required and the fee is $30.

We Need You in the Fight: Each and every NAACP member makes a difference to the complex, ongoing work of advancing racial equality. We have driven the hardest-fought wins for civil rights and social justice, with you by our side. We can accelerate the next milestones for Black Americans. Join this multigenerational network of activists dismantling structural racism by using your power to take action on the most pressing issues of our time.

To follow NAACP’s Trending Topics, go to: NAACP.ORG. To become a member or gift a membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10, make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City, Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

(Life Membership checks can be mailed.)

We appreciate your continued support and if you would like to make a financial contribution in any amount, we thank you in advance for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

––Brenda Brown

And something needs to be done about signage for the parking corrals.

The regulations are simple: follow all traffic laws, bike lanes must be used when available, no riding on the sidewalk, and one rider per scooter so no doubling up. There seems to be some confusion about the minimum age-limit to ride, though: is it 16 or 18?

As for our incompleted scooter parking corrals, you might have seen them without realizing what they were. The corrals’ stanchions or mini bollards are white with gray stripes. They cordon off sections of the street – one or more car lengths long and a lane’s width. Once you’ve seen pictures showing how they should look (such as those taken by cooperator Yolanda Ramirez of a properly decked-out corral on Pelham Parkway complete with signage and painted markings), you’ll see ours are lacking.

I’ve counted four corrals in Section 5 alone, and there may be others. One is near Chevron Building 32 on Einstein Loop North and another is near Chevron Building 31 on Boller Ave. near the HRPE. But why there are two big ones on Einstein Loop South near the elementary school is a bit of a puzzlement.

Are they expecting teachers to scoot-commute? The kids who go to P.S.160 and its sister charter are too young to ride.

See? Bugs.

Go to the site: NYC Shared E-Scooter Pilot to find the maps, read the plans, make suggestions for corral placement or exclusion, and scan the hundreds of comments.

If, in the end, the consensus is that shared e-scooters are right for Co-op City, good. If not, we can just tell ‘em: Now scoot.

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

Join us forCo-op City’s 2nd annual RAGAMUFFIN HALLOWEEN PARADE

Lets see Who has the best costume and who has the best Family theme Prizes awarded by age group

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

15

Building 13 Association Summer is leaving and Fall is approaching. The foliage will turn beautiful colors.

Take the time and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us but do so safely. The pandemic is still with us so please continue to stay safe and follow Riverbay guidelines when entering our public spaces.

As of this writing, the building is not authorized to have meetings in the association room. Our virtual meeting was held on Thursday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m.

Thank you to all who were able to join the Section 2 Community Meeting. Special thanks are extended to our guests, Building Director J. Blake and CSO/Jr. Property Manager Lois English for attenading. There are so many things going on in our section we wanted to make sure everyone is up to date and has an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers.

The removal of fencing and shedding marks the completion of Local Law 11 in our section and is welcomed. For those buildings in our section where fencing remains, once the DOB (Department of Buildings) gives a completion notice and the permit for removal is received, all fencing will be taken away. Unfortunately, we noticed some of their items were left behind in the grassy areas of Building 13, but we notified Management and they have since been removed. If you notice something still remaining, please let me know.

As a result of the fencing around our building, the possums and other critters had free reign of our fenced-in areas. The exterminators have been here however we

have requested the exterminators return and continue to address the situation. The exterminator is still required. We were updated on the status of the shortage of staff in our building and hope that this will be rectified. The holidays are almost here and we hope to have our building up and shining!

Laundry machine outages were discussed. Some were disgruntled at the time taken for repair and the number of outages. We will monitor for adherence to their contract.

To prepare for future meetings, please make sure Building 13 has your e-mail address so you can receive the meeting link and of course you can always call in to participate. Please make sure to attend our meetings for updates and answers to your questions.

In Need Payment Assistance: Contact Bronx Rental Assistance Network at 844380-9169 and Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs, Inc., 718-866-0038.

To help combat graffiti in our community, contact Public Safety immediately at 718-671-3050. As always: “If you see something, say something” to CCPD or our CSO- Property Manager.

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. When we have events, you can contact Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

National Council of Negro Women Health Committee – Today, Saturday, September 25, is the day of our Annual Health and Wellness Fair to take place in Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Unfortunately, due to indoor flooding, the fair will be in the outdoor space only accessible by the stairs by the NY Public Library and thus not wheelchair accessible. In addition to blood pressure screenings, there will be health professionals with information on COVID-19, depression, oral health, women’s issues, diabetes, skin care for people of color, massages, back to school health concerns, CPR training, FDNY, NYPD Community Officers and Yoga demonstrations. All in attendance are asked to please wear masks and respect social distancing. There will also be free prizes!

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.

Civic Engagement and Public Policy – September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Unfortunately, NYC has witnessed many emergency challenges with greater frequency and intensity. The most recent experience was Hurricane Ida. As we hold those families who have suffered loss of life and property in prayer and lift them up with support, we would also like to take time to remind our Co-op City community to take this month to review and develop an emergency plan for you and your family. There are many sources of information that can assist you with getting started. One site that can be referenced is the NYC Emergency Management website, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/ ready-new-york.page.

Lastly, we would like to strongly encourage any family experiencing financial challenges with their rental and utility expenses during the COVID-19 crisis to review and apply for The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERP) as soon as possible. Unused NYS funds will be returned to the Federal Government

by September 30, 2021. For more information, please visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website, https://otda.ny.gov/programs/ emergency-rental-assistance/ or call 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368), MondaySaturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

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

Broun Place Townhouse Association Good day, neighbors. You may notice by events and announcements, it is Hispanic Heritage Month. Let’s recognize and salute this all-important theme.

Now, it is about vaccines. Remember your childhood and that for each of your children. It required vaccines and they have been part of our lives since each has been tested and approved. Most of us accept and understand these protect us all and guess what? Tests show so does the Covid vaccine. People who don’t take the vaccine are the ones dying and needing hospitalization. Please, just get vaccinated; your personal freedom is not at stake, help us all.

Got a 2021 Vehicle Notification Letter this week from Endurance. It is a scam letter saying a price increase will be effective this week on your automobile service contract. First, my name alone is not on a vehicle service contract.

So, this is a scare tactic to get the recipient of the letter to purchase an unsolicited contract. Beware!

Next, I am contacting our elected officials – and if you care about Co-op City, you should too – regarding the encroachment of garbage just outside our “borders,” specifically garbage on Tillotson from Baychester Avenue going north near the motel, Section 5 exiting I-95 into Section 5, under the bridge that enters I-95 South, and the avenue by the Givan Avenue post office. Something needs to be done! The truckers are creating a horrible deposit of waste. Contact Jamaal Bowman, Jamaal Bailey and Michael Benedetto about this. Show you care and get involved.

Regarding recycling, discarded furniture belongs on the dumpster pad, not in a bin. Tables, chairs, accessories, lamps and carpeting, too. Mattresses should be covered. However, plastic shelving is not furniture and belongs in the sanitation bin. Thank you, Robert, for reminding me of the rules.

Our newest sidewalk problem is scooters. Two were left in Broun Place last week. They are dropped anywhere when the meter runs out. We have two or three companies participating in a trial program. Why are they using our sidewalks and not Riverdale’s or Mosholu Parkway? Contact our local officials and get this program modified or gone from Co-op City.

We are required to wear 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/ vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Are you contemplating a restaurant outing? Then call ahead. Register with the Riverbay RUOK Emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic condition. Your information is stored confidentially, and only available in an emergency.

The Jewish High Holy Days for 5782, have now been observed. This atonement is an opportunity to pray for redemption and work for peace. Our school year has begun. Good luck and good health to all our bright young lights. Submit your tidings to me. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

VISION CARE SPECIALIST

DR. DAVID HORN, O.D. FAAO •F ELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY

•C OMPLETE VISION CARE - EYE EXAMINATION

• OCULAR DISEASE TREATMENT

• EYEGLASSES

• GLAUCOMA TREATMENT • CONTACT LENSES High Fashion Frames on Premises. “Your Vision Health Is My Concern.”

Much of Learning Is Done Through The Eyes. Insist on a Professional Eye Examination.

120 ALCOTT PLACE (Bldg. 17 • Sect. 3) • Co-op City

718-379-8029

Medicare and many insurances accepted.

DOCTOR’S HOURS: MONDAY: 1:30 - 7:00 PM • WEDNESDAY: 2:00 - 7:00 PM FRIDAY: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • SATURDAY: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

16

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

We’re Going in the Wrong Direction Co-op City is a wonderful community. However, from a business perspective, I personally feel that we’re going in the wrong direction.

Too Many Uncaring Choices As you know, our community is a Mitchell-Lama development. And, starting from 1955, the purpose of the Mitchell-Lama program was to create affordable housing for middle-income residents. Over the years, though, some so-called leaders have done everything possible to overlook this concept of affordable housing. And, now, several communities are being plagued by constant rent and carrying charge increases.

In Co-op City, we’re scheduled to get a 2 percent carrying charge increase on January 1, 2022.

However, some directors have recently published strong viewpoints in opposition to this increase.

For instance, in last week edition of the Co-op City Times, a director started his viewpoint off by declaring his continued opposition to this increase.

Then, he pointed out that the “$10.2 million for the waterfront park is the reason why DHCR is being asked to approve a 2% increase. …”

How is this possible? How can our carrying charges go up because of an unnecessary park that will not generate any revenue? Nevertheless, during the board elections, I was challenged on the cost of this project by another director. And, shockingly, he told this entire community that this park would not cost anywhere near $10 million.

However, I published a viewpoint on June 26, 2021 and asked everyone to go online and type in: Co-op City Times. Then, they could look at the April 10, 2021 edition of this newspaper. And, on the bottom of page 15, they could see that management published data to prove that this park would cost this community $10 million.

Now, did other directors know that this park was scheduled to cost $10 million speak up about the cost of this park? No! Regardless, lots of cooperators will now have to take food off of their table just to pay for a park that will not benefit this community in a financial way.

Furthermore, there is a strong possibility that Riv-

BSA

erbay will refinance our 2.4 percent, 35-year mortgage and pull out at least $100 million to pay for several capital projects. So, we’re piling on more debt.

Bottom line: Can you see why I stated that this community is going in the wrong direction from a business perspective? Should cooperators have to take food off of their table to pay for an unnecessary park that will not generate any money? Why do you think that the cost of this park was challenged to cost less money during the board elections?

We make over $225 million every year. Plus, we’re getting carrying charge increases on an annual basis to partially pay for capital projects. So, do you think that we should be refinancing our mortgage and pulling out at least $100 million to pay for capital projects?

My personal response is no. Now, can you now see why I said that we’re going in the wrong direction.

Co-op City Waiting List Every now and then, I’ll get some questions about our waiting list for apartments. So, let’s review some of our current issues with this list. To start, thousands of people are on our waiting list for apartments. However, do I think that this list is going to move at a more rapid rate? I believe that the answer could be yes.

The first issue is that the incoming price to move here has jumped up by $2,000 per room. Now, think, would you buy an apartment from anyone if they jumped up the price by $2,000 per room? If no, do you think that a lot of people will be annoyed by this outrageous increase? I think so. Do you think that a lot of people are going to be able to afford these new prices? If your answer is no, then, do you think that we might have a problem selling apartments here at this higher price?

Personally, I think that we might have a problem selling apartments here. Therefore, jacking up the prices was not a good move in my opinion. Look, Riverbay is making over $225 million a year. Plus, we’re getting carrying charge increases on an annual basis. So, at what point should we stop this nonsense? At what point do you think that HCR should tell us to manage our finances in a better manner so

Continued from page 1)

space for years.

“Presently, there is insufficient on-street parking for residents, many who work off-hour shifts,” stated Board President Cylich. “The applicant’s reduction of their off-street parking will cause more cars seeking inadequate on-street parking. This will cause a direct and immediate hardship for Co-op City residents. The unique geography of the Co-op City neighborhood does not provide available on-street parking that could absorb the proposed parking loss from 801 Co-op City Blvd.”

Accompanying his letter, Board President Cylich submitted a Co-op City site map showing 801 Co-op City Blvd. directly opposite three Co-op City residential buildings. He pointed out that many of the residents who depend on street parking would be displaced should the BSA approve the developer’s special permit application.

The Riverbay Board President joins executive board members of Community Board 10 who voted unanimously in May to oppose the application for the special permit.

Following Community Board 10 Executive Board vote in opposition to the application, the chair of the body, Joseph Russo, wrote to BSA Chair Perlmutter expressing their opinion on the matter.

Mr. Russo said in his letter: “As you know, the only viable way to reach Co-op City is by car. Therefore, daily vehicular traffic is some of the worst in the city of New York and this application is requesting that we permit a reduction of required accessory off-

street parking spaces.”

Mr. Russo further stated that since the developer has presented no clear explanation of why the reduction of 100 on-street parking spaces is necessary, “Onstreet parking on Co-op City Boulevard and Dreiser Loop cannot and should not be the alternative.”

The BSA previously heard this matter in July.

On Monday, Sept. 27, BSA will hear public comment on the application. A hybrid-style hearing will be held where participants can attend both in-person and virtually on Zoom, but because of Covid concerns, virtual participation is highly advised as space is limited at the BSA office. Public hearings are conducted in two sessions – morning session begins at 10 a.m. and afternoon session begins at 2 p.m.

To view the BSA public hearing in real time, you may go to the BSA website or visit the BSA YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/NYCBSA. Once there, wait for the calendar number to be called. In this case, it is 2019-32-BZ, currently scheduled to be the last item on the agenda. When called, you can log in to the meeting by clicking on the “BSA Zoom hearing” link on the BSA website. You will be allowed into the meeting when it starts.

You can also call in by dialing 646-558-8656 or 888-475-4499 (Toll free).

Webinar ID: 989 7370 2296; Passcode: 450842 BSA strongly encourages submission of written statements to submit@bsa.nyc.gov as live testimony may be limited because of time and technological constraints.

that we can appear to have an affordable housing development?

Lastly, about 40 shareholders are moving out of here on a monthly basis. Why? Are they tired of the above-cited nonsense? Are they priced out of here? The answers to these questions could be yes.

Therefore, do I think that a lot of our cooperators are going to move out of here? Yes. However, let’s see what happens.

Scooter Problem Back in early June 2021, someone was allegedly riding an e-scooter and they crashed it into a doctor.

The doctor, then, reportedly suffered several injuries. Thereafter, a report stated that there have been 588 e-scooter accidents in NYC. And, within that number, 538 people have been injured.

Bottom line: Lawyers in NYC are already advertising their services for these e-scooter accidents.

And, they are ready to sue everything that moves if they get a case involving an e-scooter. Therefore, we must take steps to enforce the laws, rules, and regulations in reference to these e-scooters in our community.

Close We cannot allow our community to go down. We cannot continue to take out loans for everything.

Again, this is not the way to go.

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.

Black Forum of Co-op City 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.-1:00 p.m. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church to receive food. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Defensive Driving Class – Defensive Driving classes sponsored by Black Forum are not scheduled at this time. Our normal meeting space is closed due to COVID concerns. We hope to see their return some time in the near future. Those needing to take the class should consider taking an online version of the course. Visit the Empire Safety Council website at https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code WRIGHT to receive a discount.

Donations – Black Forum only accepts food from our vendors. Thus, please do not leave food from your home outside our door. This 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

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

17

Retirees of Dreiser Loop Holiday Luncheon: Marina del Rey. Date: December 16, 2021. Time: 11-3 p.m. Donation: $100. Tickets on sale. Proof of vaccination required.

For tickets, contact Daisy Young, 718-671-6122; Jay McKenzie, 201-310-2972; Beverly Waller, 718-671-2978.

Scholarship Fund: All applications for 2020 scholarship are due October 16. Please submit via mail drop box, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19. Contact person: Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458.

Outings/Trips: For those interested in going on

trips with the Retirees, contact Dorothy Byrd.

Plant Power Metro New York present the food for life nutrition education and cooking classes. You’ll learn evidence-based nutrition from medical experts.

You’ll see inspiring culinary demonstrations and guidebook with recipes.

Upcoming sessions: September 22 (7-week workshop). Call 718-320-1345 for Zoom link. The Power of Food for Healthy Aging workshop date: October 14-November 4; Time: 1-3 p.m. The Power of Food for Cancer prevention and survivorship

workshop date: November 9 - November 30; Time: 1-3 p.m. Need assistance with registration? Contact Laura Brea, 646-982-8254; Julissa Reynoso, 646-946-1252.

Inspiration: Four truths for when you feel alone.

Psalm 91:4 Above you are God’s overshadowing wings. Deuteronomy 33:27 Beneath you are God’s everlasting arms. Psalm 34:7 All around you is the Angel of the Lord. Philippians 4:7 Inside you is God’s peace.

Beloved, the shelter of God can never be taken from us. It can only be surrendered. Take your authority.

––Gladys Baez

Goose Island Seniors Sunday Bingo – Tomorrow, September 26, at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome; $6 for 3 cards and one jackpot sheet. Includes: 12 games plus 3-part Jackpot, 15 games in all; $0.25 each extra card (3 extra cards maximum), $0.50 for one extra jackpot sheet only.

Nordic Lodge/Mohegan Sun Casino – Saturday, November 13, in Charlestown, RI. Price: $168.

Buffet, all-you-can-eat lobster and more. After dining, spend 3 hours in casino. There is no bonus for casino. Bus leaves Einstein Loop at 8 a.m., pick up at Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m. Deposit of $80 to reserve seat on bus. Full payment due by November 3rd. Call (718) 379-9613 or (347) 847-1941. Proof of vaccination and mask required.

Sight & Sound TV “Queen Esther” – Friday, October 1. 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; $5 donation per person. Free snacks.

Wind Creek (Sands) Casino – Tuesday, October 19, in Bethlehem, PA. Price: $45 bonus, $30 slot play. For reservation, $45 to hold seat. Call 347847-1941. All passengers must show proof of Covid vaccine. Buses will make our usual three stops, leaving Einstein Loop at 8 a.m., pick up at Asch Loop at 8:15 a.m. and Dreiser Loop at 8:30 a.m. Call (718) 379-9613 or (347) 847-1941.

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.

50th Anniversary Trip to Villa Roma, 2022 – Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 a.m. Doo-Wop show, luncheon, Bingo and day of fun, all for $92; $40 deposit to reserve seat. Call (718) 379-9613 or

(347) 847-1941.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of September: Mary Harvey, Mary Smith, Ivelisse Santiago, Miledy Martinez, Alma Alequin, Veratta Rhames, Bettie Ward, Lyone Hall, Gloria M. Bobyn, Thalia Roach, Gladys Perry, Joyce P. Wilson, Beryl Hines, Ola Waymmann and Carlton Lawrence.

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.

Section 4 Partnership About the Section 4 Partnership The Section 4 Partnership is comprised of every building in Co-op City that makes up the sectional geographic which is referred to as Co-op City’s Section 4 (i.e., Building 20 - Asch Loop, Building 21 - Bellamy Loop, Building 22 - Co-op City Boulevard, Buildings 23, 24, 25 - Benchley Place, the Adler Place Townhouses, the Asch Loop Townhouses and the Broun Place Townhouses. Come and get involved. Email: section4partnership@gmail.com.

Phone: 347-915-4939.

Calling all Section 4 Building Association Presidents …

We will convene a meeting of the Section 4 presidents and shareholders on Monday, October 11, at 7:30 p.m. The contact codes and link to attend the meeting will be emailed to each president. Contact your respective building president if we do not have your email address.

Every Building in Every Section We must “all” (in every section and every building) show up for our building associations and committees. Board Committees have been formed and you will have the opportunity to join them. This is how you will become informed. This is how the Board of Directors can grasp what you want and communicate what you want back to the Managing staff. Each committee is chaired and co-chaired by a Riverbay Board member. Each building can and should be represented in these committees. When you “show up,” this will give you information to take back to your respective building association. You then share the information you retrieve from the committee meetings with your neighbors and fellow shareholders and at the next committee meeting you bring your feedback and hopefully you will have answers and positive responses to your needs. This is how our system and structure works. It’s about being a responsible shareholder, interacting with your Board and Committees. You will be laying the foundation of the next 50 years of celebration. Let’s get it done!

50th Anniversary T-Shirts Still current, beautiful and on sale now with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back. If you would like one, contact us – by emailing: section4partnership@gmail.com or phone: 347-915-4939.

Be safe and well…

The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City wishes you and yours a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month,

September 15 to October 15. Happy Sukkot to our Jewish friends and neighbors and September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, our wish for everyone including your health, wealth, happiness and wholeness.

“All of us” divided by “each one of us” equals a force for good.

––Michelle Marbury

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

• Ample Parking on premises

• Out of town services

• Casket Showroom on premises

• Cremations

A dignified funeral every family can afford.

All areas are handicapped accessible

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

Personalized & Professional Care • 55 Years Serving Our Community Worldwide Shipping including Caribbean, Africa & South America

718-231-7647 Call 24 Hours

Fax: 718-231-7665 LIVE STREAMING WORLDWIDE.

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Serving all cultures & faiths

18

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Leslie Peterson

What We Want for Our Community Matters September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. Join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Usually, every year we get an opportunity to celebrate the diversity in Dreiser; not this year (or last), but we know they will be back.

Many don’t know, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, was an historian, writer, collector, and activist.

Schomburg was a Puerto Rican of African and German descent. He moved to the United States in 1891, where he researched and raised awareness of the contributions that Afro-Latin Americans and African Americans have made to society. Yes!! The Schomburg Museum in Harlem.

Our Community: We have many issues headed our way. Standing up and being seen and heard is a beginning. It will be important you stay knowledgeable about what’s happening in the coming months.

To refinance or not, the ramp on Bartow Avenue, the monopole on Baychester Avenue, the Youth Center, the parking spaces at 801 Co-op City Blvd. We are always Stronger Together. Speak up and speak out.

You matter, I matter, We matter, and what we want in our community matters.

I am very dismayed at the number of calls I receive and complaints I hear involving repair appointments being made and not kept and/or being scheduled a number of months in the future.

Contemplating ways to address these issues doesn’t appear to be resolving the issue. It is essential that we get the basics right and make sure that not only do we provide safe buildings for everyone but we also provide decent living conditions.

Fortunately, I think the majority of shareholders

aren’t experiencing these problems. That doesn’t make it any less disconcerting. Shareholders not being able to reach anyone when they have an issue, that is extremely stressful. I have heard stories of shareholders taking off days from work for repairs they scheduled in advance only to have no one show up. In addition, they are not receiving any notification the appointment will be missed. Those shareholders I have heard from have not just complained because their appointment was missed after a week but in many instances months have transpired. They have called and called and reached out with little to no avail. This is just not acceptable.

I want shareholders to know that Directors are asked not to get involved in the day-to-day management of the complex but clearly we must take a closer look and see why shareholders are residing in their unit for months before work is done. The pandemic made the situation more taxing with supplies not able to be received, workers not going into apartments and illness overcoming some staff. This of course pushed back many appointments. There are so many moving wheels happening here at the same time. That being said, we must strive to correct this situation and do better.

Fall and winter are fast approaching and with it comes cool and cold weather. Contrary to statements I read and hear, it is not Riverbay deciding to turn off the air conditioning during a time when we are experiencing warm weather. Riverbay must abide by the law. New York City’s “heating season” is from October 1-May 31st each year. It does not mean you will have heat turned on if it’s a warm day during that period however residential buildings must be able to provide heat during this period of time. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., heat must

register at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees; Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., heat must register at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Preparing for the season, whether turning these services on or off, is not a matter of a flip of the switch. The mechanics involved in getting the complex prepared to follow the law is time consuming.

Riverbay Committee Information: I have received many requests from shareholders to join the Residential Sales Committee. It was recommended we keep the number of members to a manageable number of participants.

I am requesting those who submitted information to join this committee to send me an e-mail (at the contact information below) expressing what you hope to see accomplished, any skills you can offer and what you know about the Sales Department.

This will be useful in making a selection. I appreciate your desire to work for the good of the community and interest in becoming aware of the rules that we must abide by, per HCR. Committees offer you the opportunity to voice those suggestions. Committees can make recommendations to the Board whereby they are discussed for possible implementation. I do not anticipate commencing meetings until October. I will accept your updated information until September 30, 2021. Once selections are made and dates confirmed, you will be advised.

“When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to standalone and be counted.” –Eleanor Roosevelt I am pleased to be of service to the community.

I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

AARP Chapter #4997 From President Mickens – Welcome to the new season of 2021! We have moved past the summer months and are into fall and more changes for all of us. Thankfully, our weather on the east coast has calmed down somewhat, our students are back in school, new mandates are in effect due to the Delta variant and we are still here and moving forward.

Our Chapter #4997 held our monthly general membership meeting by Zoom on Monday, September 13. Although we were expecting to go back into our office for the future meeting in October, that will not be possible. The National Organization has pulled back on in-person meetings due to COVID-19.

Our space is not adequate for social distancing currently. We have submitted all necessary paperwork to the Riverbay Corporation for the security measures required for use of the office.

During our September 13 general meeting, we welcomed two new members and had a rather nice turnout. We had a treasurer’s report, and updates from Ms. Henry about events that may be of interest to our community. Today, there will be a Health and Wellness Fair in Bartow sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Try to attend and get information on all the health issues that you may have neglected during the last year. The Rental Assistance Program was also discussed at the meeting and there may be some additional information available on Saturday also. We

briefly talked about trips for 2022 but no definite plans were discussed. Any trips that we plan will be day trips as of now.

Our guest speakers were representatives from PSS Circle of Care (Presbyterian Senior Services).

Keissy and Madison brought all the information for the services their organization can offer to clients in the Co-op City community. They have handled cases for seniors since 1962 and deal with dementia, cognitive issues and caregivers. They have sites in all five boroughs and work along with the Dementia Friendly Community (DFC). There were questions from our general audience as to how to get people to talk about the issue and about the diversity of their staff.

For membership information, please contact Ms. Stella Baker at 718-379-2088 to renew/apply for registration. We are planning our general election for early 2022 and all positions are available. From Mrs. Frances Wilson, the Good and Welfare contact, we send prayers to Ms. Glenna Wright for a speedy recovery, and to our other members, continued prayers for improvement. To share news, happy or sad, please call her at 718-671-5493.

As always, I can be reached at 718-379-3742 if you require any updates or more information on our organization. Be alert, be safe, be healthy and be knowledgeable about the changes in our daily life.

––Ann Purnell

Be sure to subscribe to the new & official Co-op City YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Bartow

Wed., Sept. 29

Tues., Sept. 28

Mon., Sept. 27

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

Arthritis Exercise Class w/Damion every Mon. in the Bartow Courtyard 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk w/Odessa 9-10 a.m.

Meeting Place by the Library on Asch Loop

Bereavement Group 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12-1 p.m.

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Bartow Senior Center Courtyard

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Line Dance w/Ellie 10-11 a.m.

Meeting Place by the Jungle Gym @ Einstein Loop, left of Erdman Place

Arts w/Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (via Zoom and Phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Computer Literacy Zoom Class w/Julesa Grimes 1 p.m.

To register, please email jgrimes@ jasa.org; 9/15, 9/22, 9/29,10/6, 10/13 & 10/20 Bodies in Motion w/ Ola 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 912 6304 7892; Passcode: 237257; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099 Game Day 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993; Passcode: 7A5RaD Mobile: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 910 4221 6993

19

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

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

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 995 6534 1173, Passcode: 855423

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

Beef Burger w/ Beans & Carrots Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

Jerk Chicken Rice & Beans Green Bean Sauté

Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 992 Vegetable Cutlet 3169 6108; Passcode: 503637; Rice & Mixed Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099 VegetablesWhole Computer learning Zoom meetwheat bread ing w/Ralph is now Tues., 6 p.m.

Fresh fruit & Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 936 Juice 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554; Dial-in: 929-205-6609

Weight Mgt. Support Group w/ Gigi – 2nd Wed. of the month, 1-2 p.m. Conference call: 929299-1045, Passcode: 1386 BINGO Time: 1 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 828 4139 6474; Passcode: 194662; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099

Meatloaf Mashed Potato Peas & Carrots Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

BBQ Pork Chops Normandy Blend Smashed Red Potatoes

Baked Chicken Thighs Yellow Rice Baby carrots w/ Parsley

Fri., Oct. 1

Thurs., Sept. 30

Passcode: 59849 Arts with Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

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 (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691; Passcode: 849150; Mobile: 929-205-6099 Line Dance w/Cynthia in the Basketball Court, corner of Asch Loop & Alcott Place, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

ZUMBA with Ola 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 967 1196 0602; Passcode: 526096; Dial-in #: 1-929-2056099

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.

Line Dancing w/Ellie Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. @ the Section 1 Greenway Stage. For more information, please call 718320-1345 MUST WEAR MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Acceptance Meditation with Paola Friday, July 23, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 442 136 6695; One Tap Mobile: 929205-6099

Apricot Glazed Salmon Baked Breaded Orzo Fish Vegetable Noodles & Melange Cabbage Whole wheat Steamed Broccoli bread Fresh fruit & Juice Lemon Herb Chicken, Challah Bread, Spinach Noodle Kugel Prince Edward blend Vegetables Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh fruit

Grilled Caribbean Chicken Breast White Rice Cabbage w/ shredded Carrots

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 Activities JASA office is open for clients by appointment only. Please call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Notary Services available at Einstein & Bartow – by appointment only. Call at 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Line Dancing class w/Bartow Swingers on Mon., Wed. & Fri., 10-11 a.m. on the Greenway by the stage.

Every Tues. – Yoga Classes w/Margarita Titana, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Zoom meeting: Dial-in number: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

(NEW) Every Tues., Walk with Ease w/Theresa Webb – 9-10 a.m. Call 718-320-2066 to register.

Every Tues. Purple Trail exercises w/Damion – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 to register.

Every Wed., Painting Classes – 9-11 a.m. Zoom meeting. Dial-in number: 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. Meeting

ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268, Dial-in number: 1-929-205-6099.

Meditation Class, GPC (Grandparents) – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Third Thurs. of every month. Dial- in: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

Every Sat., Zumba classes w/Damion – 1-2 p.m.

Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977, dial-in number: 929-205-6099.

JASA Dreiser Senior Center “Walk with Ease” adventure w/Terry Webb starting Wed., Sept. 22, at 9:15 a.m. Section 1 Greenway stage. This event will be for six weeks, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 & 10/2.

A gift will be given to participants who complete the six weeks. If interested, please call the Dreiser office, 718-320-1345, or send an email to pogando@jasa.org.

Please register early.

Nursing Students from Pace and CUNY available on Tues. & Thurs. by appointment (calls and home/office visits). Blood Pressure Screening, Tues., 10 a.m.-1

p.m. by appointments. Call 718-320-2066.

Want to learn technology? Class – Are you interested in any of the wide range of topics to do with smartphones, computers, and smart devices? Thurs., 6-7 p.m. Join Zoom meeting. Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

Would you like to learn how to play Chess starting on Fridays only. Fri., Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. On the patio behind the library. To register, call 718-320-2066.

In preparation for Medicare enrollment season, JASA Bartow & Einstein Senior Centers present “Know What’s New w/Medicare,” Thurs., Oct. 14, 1-2 p.m.; & Thurs., Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m.

Montefiore BOLD is partnering with JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Centers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Join us on Zoom, Thurs., Oct. 21, at 1 p.m.

Meeting ID: 842 6038 6672, Passcode: 980221; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099.

20

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

We invite you to Simchat Torah Night Services at 6:30 p.m. on September 28 (tentative, pending an announcement of confirmation or cancellation during the morning services of September 28).

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

The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help.

We also need men to help make a minyan. There

are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, September 25, at 7:40 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, Oct. 1, at 6:17 p.m.

Good and Welfare: We sell Tree Certificates, in honor or memory of, a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-4495005). Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All Members: Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in September. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary during this month, 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

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 has resumed. Also viewed via Facebook and Zoom.

Tuesday, 12 noon (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-todate ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, NonDriver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Blessings, ––Marta Medina

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

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

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

Grace and Peace!

––M. Chambers

Building 27 Association Hello, neighbors. It is September and it has been a trying time. However, we can still be thankful and grateful. We hope all is well. Remember to keep wearing the mask. The good news, our children are back in school. We pray all will go well with the children, parents and school staffing.

Building 27 Association may be back in in-person meetings soon. We will let you know, so stay tuned. Keep those good ideas you want to share with the association intact.

Dedication to Ms. Beatrice Chaderton – She was a dedicated board member and was the matriarch of Building 27 Association. Ms. Chaderton was committed to the association as treasurer and assistant treasurer to the ripe age of 98 years old.

Ms. Chaderton passed away on December 17, 2020.

Fliers are posted; the Dedication Ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, Pastor of Community Protestant Church. Date: Wednesday, September 29, at 1:30 p.m., at the walkway of Building 27B and 27C between Building 120 and 140 Erdman Pl. in Section 5. The Building 27 Association and Ms. Thalia Roach, president, would love you to join us. Masks required.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating this month.

Condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. Let us continue to pray for one another.

Please contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of someone who is ill, deceased, or in a nursing home. Let us continue to stay prayerful; a smile is always welcome, being kind, thoughtful and thankful makes life just a little easier.

There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about. –Margaret J. Wheatley.

––H. Overman

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

21

Church of the New Vision The Church of the New Vision and its pastors, Kenneth and Deborah Hodge, welcome you to worship with us.

By the all-sufficient grace of God, we announce the church has reopened.

There will be one service at 11 a.m. and Sunday School will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken. Welcome back.

Services can also be viewed on YouTube after 1 p.m.

Our Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7 p.m. on our Conference Line Number: (646) 769-9909, Access Code: 3099388. Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

As we celebrate Jesus Christ, the very demonstration of God’s Love towards humanity (John 3:16), let us continue to be thankful and grateful. Let us as the Body of Christ remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, my

grace is sufficient for thee: My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

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

Amen.

––Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge Sunday, September 19, Worship Service Theme: “God Wants to Make a Deal.”

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Church of New Vision extends our deepest sympathies to the grieving families. May God grant you the strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Thanks for your contributions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8:00 and 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#.

Beginning tomorrow, Sunday, September 26, worship service will be held in person at 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masks will be required and temperatures will be taken. The 11:00 a.m. service will continue to be on Zoom using information shown above.

The Free Call Conference dial in number has changed to 857-357-0254, the access code 660065 will remain the same.

Adult Sunday School will be held in the Fellowship Hall between the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. service. Adult Sunday School will also be available on the Free Conference line at 857-357-0254. The Access Code is 660065#.

Wednesday Bible Study classes is held at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can join using the Zoom or Free Call Conference Line shown above.

Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at 12 Noon. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line, 857-357-0254; PIN #: 660065.

Friday Prayer held at 10:00 a.m. will continue through the summer. You can join using the Free Conference Call.com Line shown above.

Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle Pentecostal Tabernacle at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, invites everyone to Worship Service. Telephone: 718-324-0334. All services are held online. To join, call 720-740-9746, Access Code: 8876631.

Sunday Worship Service starts at 11 a.m. each Sunday.

Prayer and fasting service will be held on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Bible study and prayer service will also be held Wed. evening at 7:30 p.m.

Worship Service every Friday evening starts at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: Miracles are a normal part of revival that includes physical wonders, salvation and the establishing of the people of truth.

Acts 14:8-11 “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being cripple from his mother’s womb, who never walked. The same heard Paul speak who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, stand upright on thy feet, and he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.”

The role of signs and wonders in the confirmation of truth is seen in Hebrews 2:3-4, which states: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers’ miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

Acts 15:14 “Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentles, to take out of them a people for his name.”

Acts 15:12 “When the first church council met in Jerusalem about A.D 50 to consider whether it was necessary for Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses, the argument ended when the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” sThe fact that God worked miracles and wonders among the Gentiles was proof of God’s approval of the Gentiles’ faith. If he honored their faith with miracles and wonders, they must have been acceptable to Him even though they were not keeping the Law of Moses.

Miracles, signs and wonders accompanied the ministry of the early Christians and played an important role in the church. Moreover, the days of miracles are not over. God still works through miracles today and they are still important to the ministry of the church in this world. It is important, however, that we meditate on the word of God daily and we will be able to experience great miracles in our lives.

God takes great delight in his people when they worship him with all their heart and walk in His way.

Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way on sinners, nor sitteth in the seats of the scornful.”

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Friday Evening Prayer Service is held at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join using the Free Conference Call.com line shown above.

The Scholarship Ministry will be going to Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, and Black Hills of South Dakota on August 12, 2022, for 11 days and 10 nights and they are inviting you to travel with them. Price per person, based on double occupancy is $1,225, which includes 18 meals, 10 breakfast and 8 dinners, and motorcoach transportation. You will have 10 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in South Dakota. Book your tour along with a deposit of $100, due

by October 31. You may contact Sister Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541 or Sister Brenda Robinson at 718-671-1271 for additional information or to make your reservation.

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 follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

––Hattie L. Lucas

22

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021 HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS

Office Cleaning Person Needed 1 hour per day, 5 days, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Call 718-379-4800

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

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

Call Wesley 212.996.7347 or 917.325.5334

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Phone: 954-861-0475. Mention this ad when you call.

PAINTING

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APPLIANCE REPAIR

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

MARY KAY CONSULTANT

9/25

CLEANING SERVICE - WINDOWS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CO-OP SALES - JASON LASH

• 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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Cell: 1-203-482-6337 CLEANING SERVICES

12/25

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.

Call Norman: 917-945-4892 Call Rueben: 917-736-0114

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DONʼT PAY MORE AT YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE! 9/25

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Living Room – $140 Dining Room – $90 Kitchen Small – $80 Kitchen Large – $140 Bathroom – $80

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Re-installation of any types of Blinds.

Repair Closet Doors and Sell New Bi-Fold Doors!

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STYLISH DECORATORS

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RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement, or you may report it through an anonymous hotline by one of the following methods:

• Go to independent website, www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, to complete online disclosure form;

COMPUTER CONSULTANT, SALES & REPAIR JB RYAN COMPUTER REPAIR & UPGRADE

Call Mike at: 718-974-1290

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.

• Call independent third party whistleblower hotline: 1-833-290-0009 (English); 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); 2/19

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.

• Email reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject); • Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

23

Accelerated Placement, Accepting Applications NOW!

FIRST 10 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR SIXTH GRADE WILL BE ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 30TH, 2021 !

For IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT, email: info@equalitycs.org

COOPCITY_FF.indd 1

9/21/21 7:20 PM

YOU ALWAYS KEEP THEM SAFE. WITH VACCINES, THEY’LL BE EVEN SAFER. CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.

LET’S KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AND OUR SCHOOLS COVID-FREE. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get one, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

24

Co-op City Times / September 25, 2021

Co-op Insurance

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

Riverbay Requires 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

• Theft Coverage • And so much more!

Other Lines of Insurance:

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

• Auto • Homeowners • Life

Licensed Staff

Anthony Wright Agency Owner

Low Rates For The Entire Year!

Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Family Protection Specialist

COURTEOUS STAFF!

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

The Wright Agency

COVID COMPLIANT!

We Are Conveniently Located Only Blocks From Co-op City! (near Eastchester Road)

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!