35 minute read
Fire Safety for Co-op City Residents
Importance of Closing the Door and Safe Use of Space Heaters
BY ANTHONY BARZELATTO
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The tragic fire of January 2022 in Fordham Heights in the Bronx that claimed the lives of 19 children and adults, injured more than 65 and left scores of families homeless, was reportedly started by a malfunctioning space heater.
Fire in the affected apartment was not contained because the door was left open, causing the fire and smoke to spread. Smoke traveled throughout the building because stairwell doors were also left open. Firefighters found victims on every floor and in the stairwells.
This was one of the worst residential fires New York City has seen. The tragic loss of life and displacement of families could have been prevented, and this is an opportune time to remind Co-op City shareholders about fire safety.
Riverbay high rise buildings are “FIRE PROOF,” and it is therefore usually safer to stay inside your apartment when there is a fire in your building, rather than entering dangerous, smoke-filled hallways. Generally, fires in fireproof buildings will be contained to the portion of the building where the fire started. Additionally, if the fire is below your apartment, you could risk being caught in rising heat and smoke in stairwells. If you and your loved ones are not in imminent danger from a fire or a fire isn’t burning inside your apartment, do the following: Keep your door closed Seal doors or openings with duct tape, wet sheets or wet towels It is ok to open your windows a few inches unless flames or smoke is coming from directly below Do not break the windows as you may need to close them later Call 911 and give the dispatcher your apartment number and description of the conditions Follow instructions from Dispatchers; they are trained to help Remember to always listen to instructions from the Fire Department during a fire or emergency Call Maintenance if your apartment door does not self-close and/or latch
HOW CLOSING YOUR DOOR WORKS
You might think that a closed door would be no match for a the difference between how a room with an open door and a room with a closed door sur Smoke moves up and from the top down. So which means it can’t seep beneath the door easily. That’s why we’re taught to stay low in the case
“The more control you can have over the oxygen, the more control you can the kitchen while you are sleeping, you may have enough time to wake up and
This could give you just enough time to exit the building or to call 911. But smoke, heat and toxic fumes are just beyond your door. the temperature can remain below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) with carbon monoxide levels at 100 PPM (parts per million). Compare that to a room with the door open where temperatures can quickly rise above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (377 Celsius) and carbon monoxide levels become extremely more quickly today than they used to.
SPACE HEATERS
As temperatures drop outside, many families rely on portable space heaters to help keep them warmth in the winter, if used incorrectly, they can be dangerous. Space heaters cause about 1,700 fires annually nationwide. They are the culprits in 81% of fatal fires.
UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS
1. Do not leave space heaters on unattended which includes overnight while you sleep. 2. Do not place space heaters near anything combustible such as bedding, curtains and furniture. The rule is to keep space heaters a minimum of 3 feet away. 3. Do not let your kids near a space heaters. 4. Keep your space heater on flat ground. Do not place space heaters on top of a countertop. It may fall and start a fire. 5. Keep space heaters away from water. 6. Space heaters must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Never use a surge protector, extension cord or plug timers. These added layers of electrical connection can increase the chance of overloading the circuit, or they can create additional resistance which allows heat to build up within the wiring. 7. Your space heater should have a label that shows it was tested by a recog 8. Buy space heaters that have safety features like a tip-over switch that shuts off the unit if it falls over, along with an overheat sensor which does the same. 9. Check the cord and heater to ensure the unit is in safe working order with no cracks or tears. 10. Do not place the space heater’s cord under a rug or in an area where it
Director’s Viewpoint – Rod Saunders
Happy New Year – Yes I Know, It’s The Service
First and foremost, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!
We all have a lot to be thankful for. Unfortunately, we also continue the uphill struggle with keeping Co-op City affordable while maintaining our above average quality of life.
During Bill Clinton’s initial run for the presidency in 1992, he ran on the country’s failing economy. While the incumbent President was attempting to build on his popularity upon America’s success in the Desert Storm war, the average American citizen was struggling economically. Candidate Bill Clinton’s recognition of that struggle connected with voters, and put forth his winning campaign slogan: It’s the economy stupid!
It’s The Service!
Shareholders have basically accepted the 7.5% increase that the majority of the Board voted for this past September.
The economic impact upon individual shareholders notwithstanding, cooperators are now asking – will the increases to our carrying charges come with any appreciable changes to our services? I understand, it’s the services! Nobody’s stupid, just frustrated, feeling that we are paying more, yet getting less!
Last year, I requested that the Board consider providing Management with a series of policy changes to one of the most often criticized areas – the corporation’s handling of calls to Maintenance, Restoration, and contractors representing the corporation. I presented memos to the Board addressing many of your concerns. There are several Directors who are like-minded. One of our newest Directors, Lynette Wright, is adamant about making adjustments to the Call Center, like giving shareholders the option to make non-emergency appointments by email. My the appointment, ending with the cooperator’s satisfaction with the quality of work performed and the
In reviewing the much-anticipated report from the architects/engineers hired to assess the conditions of our heating and air conditioning piping (the convectors), I can tell you that the contents of the report are not at all favorable for shareholders. The projected cost to reconstruct the system is beyond reasonable consideration. I maintain that the immediate prob by clogs created within the pipes, is the immediate concern, and must be addressed this coming spring. I have campaigned on, and will continue to advocate for having Management commence in taking a proactive approach to the removal of the build-up of substances within the convector pipes. both the individual cooperator and to all shareholders who pay for the asbestos tests, and the restoration of
I’ve Heard You – So Have Others
There are a host of issues that many shareholders have openly expressed as being problematic. Arguably, none was articulated more than the belief that most cooperators feel that neither Board Directors nor Management are listening to them, or are adequately addressing their day-to-day issues. Transparency between Management, the Board and shareholders continues to an issue. The change in the Board’s leadership has demonstrated some new courses of action.
The Board’s role has historically been outlined Corporation and for approving policy by which we are all subject to adhere to and live by. In my opinion, the roll-out of policy must have the prior consent of the full Board. To that point, the Board as a body, did not participate, nor agree to, the present roll-out of the key fob/removal of the lobby and back door key cylinders. In my opinion, the Board should have been for our asking pertinent logistical questions on behalf of all shareholders.
My written opinion in this viewpoint should not be construed as a backdoor attack on Management. and as a representative of each and every cooperator, informed of major changes that are about to affect our shareholders’ quality of life, including the roll out of day-to-day operations.
Sale of Cannabis Products from Motor Vehicles
In my December 12th viewpoint, I mentioned that during the November 29th Legislative Committee meeting, Assemblyman Benedetto was made aware that there were at least two motor vehicles (vans) that were advertising (if not selling) cannabis products on and around Edson Ave. near the bus stops, and on Bartow Ave., near Sangria Restaurant. On or about December 6, 2022, a van with Virginia license plates, advertising the sale of cannabis products, began to park on Bartow Ave., near the corner of Co-op City Blvd.
The main issue of concern is the legality of dispensing the cannabis product on the streets to pedestrians on our sidewalks. The van is advertised as being connected to Green Empress Cannabis. (GREENEMPRESSCANNABIS.COM).
Green Empress LLC, is registered in Clermont, take this opportunity to wish ev- eryone a safe, healthy, and Happy noid Hemp Retail License - OCM-HMPR-22-02633, (OCM). The licenses that have been issued, but have not been cleared for the dispensing of cannabis products, and were only issued to brick and mortar businesses. According to the OCM, there have been no licenses issued for the dispensing of cannabis products to motor vehicles. NY State OCM (and news reporting) maintains that there is only one entity that is currently legally permitted to sell cannabis products Cannabis Co.,in lower Manhattan. Last point – the OCM license to dispense Cannabis products does not supersede the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs requirement to obtain a vendor’s license to operate from our streets or on our sidewalks. Comments regarding the dispensing of cannabis products can be addressed by following the information within the NY State OCM website: https://
cannabis.ny.gov/marihuana-regulation-and-tax-
ation-act-mrta. I strongly suggest that you do so today. Thank you for reading my viewpoint. I can be reached at rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.
What You Can Do To Deter Package Theft
Utilizing a combination of the following tips can reduce the likelihood of thieves stealing your packages:
Always track your shipment online.
Choose a shipping option that requires a signature for delivery.
Schedule packages to arrive when you are home or arrange to ship your packages to a location where a friend, relative, trusted neighbor, or building super can accept them on your behalf.
Ship packages to your place of employment.
Request the delivery service hold your package for pick-up at their facility.
Utilize deliveries to retailer provided lockers or carrier provided alternate drop points where you can go to pick up your item.
Utilize free services that track packages, redirect packages to convenient locations for pick-up, and request vacation holds.
Some shipping companies utilize tracking services which can include features such as shipping status noti cations and delivery scheduling. Check to see if these services are available in your area.
Wi-Fi enabled cameras that provide alerts.
Motion-sensor lighting.
Package lock-boxes.
Where applicable, consider installing:
Report suspicious persons to the police. Crime Prevention Division
Lost Ring
Graduation Ring; City College of New York; 1966 The stone has three Greek letters on it: Beta Sigma Rho. Lost in or around Food Universe in the Bartow Mall a couple of weeks ago. If found, please contact: Stewart Berman at (347) 889-2235.
National Council of Negro Women
NCNW Co-op City Section – Wow! Here we are in 2023! We wish all of our members, friends and neighbors, good health, peace and prosperity in this New Year! the new year tomorrow, January 8, at 3 p.m. Members and Associates, have tional dues of $50 and local dues of $25 have been paid. You cannot run for website, NCNW.org. Our local section dues may be paid by check or via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=PWSEV8YLJJGDW, or through our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com. Checks can be made payable and mailed to NCNW Co-op City Section, P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475.
Holiday Collection for Children – We wish to thank the members of the Co-op City community who so very generously supported our efforts to make the Christmas season a happy one for the children of the Phipps Center, our neighbors. You donated new coats as well as scarfs, gloves, hats, books and toys to make the children’s Christmas holiday merry and bright. Thank you for always being so supportive of our efforts. The happiness that you brought will extend far into the New Year.
Community Refrigerator Collaboration – Despite the frigid temperature, we were able to provide avocados, pineapples, blueberries, green peppers, cau Eve, we served about 80-85 families. We gave blackberries, kale, radishes, mangoes, onions, potatoes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some prepared meals. It was a great way to end the year.
Youth Section – Our Youth Section was thrilled to have the opportunity to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on Christmas Eve. They even saw “Revelations,” the signature performance of the company.
National NCNW – NCNW is known for GoodHealthWINs which provides trusted health care information.
You are all invited to a webinar entitled, of You,” on Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. Dr. University of Medicine, will be the main speaker. You can register for this free Zoom at: https://bit. for people living with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk, it
––Joyce Howard
NCNW youth at Alvin Ailey Theater.
Building 13 Association
Wishing our community and family/friends both near and far a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
Thank you to all who joined the festivities celebrating the New Year 2023. The food and music were great. Thank you also for the volunteers who helped decorate the room for the event. FDNY mobile CPR Training Unit: On Saturday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, CPR classes will be held in the Bldg. 13 Association Room. This a free course provided by the FDNY mobile CPR Training Unit. They will teach the skills required to act in the event of a cardiac arrest. The course generally takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It is teach basic instructions on how to use an Automated ing compression-only mannequins and “watch-whilepractice” DVD instruction for the general public. Limited spaces available. To attend, RSVP: 917515-0264, or send an e-mail to lisaarodriguez0411@ gmail.com. Include your name, telephone number, address and apartment number. NYC Public Service Retirees Update: It has been vice & Labor Committee Carmen DeLaRosa brought the bill to change the Administrative Code 12-126 vote on January 19. The organization will provide information regarding these dates and how you can testify. Because this is going to the Civil Service and Labor Committee, the NYC Retiree Organization suggests you call or email them
Building 25 Association
who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon.
Our next building association meeting will be held Tuesday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. Look out for detailed information notices posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns via our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.
“New Year’s Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach
––Wanda Bailey
The organization has provided a template for you when sending an email. For additional details, check the website at the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees or look for them on Facebook.
Reminders:
Look for the sign posted in your lobby by Riverbay or check the Co-op City Times for information. Documents will be coming soon in your mailbox. Please make sure your apartment entrance door is self-closing. If you have requested repair and have not heard from anyone, please let us know. Those who have not received their fob should contact the Parking Facilities and Commercial Leasing Department.
Visit our Facebook Page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City
––Leslie Peterson
NAACP
Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History.
The Co-op City Branch was established in July 1973. In recognition, we have a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Pin that is now available. Purchase yours now for $20 each. To order, send payment to the address below. More information to follow regarding our 50th Anniversary Celebration events.
Save the Dates: NYS Conference 1st Quarterly Meet and Training Session will be Saturday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m., UFT Building at 52 Broadway. If you would like to attend, RSVP Secretary Brenda Brown.
Note: The Townhall Meeting – Meet NYC DOE Chancellor David Banks presented by NAACP Co-op City Branch in collaboration with the NYC Department of Education and Riverbay Corporation has been postponed until further notice.
Democracy Wins: This election season, the NAACP worked diligently to mobilize voters across the country, and because of our members, we were able to: Distributenearly$7 millionto 55 groups to support voter mobilization efforts. Place radio ads across Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan to turn out voters. Send approximately 8 million texts to encourage Americans to vote. Recruit30,000 volunteersincluding poll workers and volunteers for relational organizing. Partner with Vote.org to register voters and recruit poll workers. Partner with HIT strategies to conduct critical research around key issues impacting the Black community. Partner with Lyft to offer free rides to and from polling stations for up to $50 off per person. Trainlegal experts, who were deployed across the country tomonitor any irregularities at polling places, voter suppression, and intimidation.
With your help, we were able to make history – again.
Season’s Greetings to all and a happy, healthy New Year.
Covid-19 is still here. Wash hands, wear a mask, get vaccinated, boosted and the Flu shot.
Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member or gift a membership: adult: $30, youth: $10. Make checks/money orders 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.
––Brenda Brown
Broun Place Townhouse Association
We hope a fabulous and happy new year was had by all, and that together with friends or family, you did the grand shout-out at midnight, “Happy New Year.” I was remiss in not sending birthday greetings to neighbors and friends, Mrs. Ann Ventrella and Ms. Tamara Hodges, on their shared birthday. Then on January 6, wish me a happy birthday as well as another anniversary that is going on, the anniversary of the insurrection on Washington D.C. We are listening very carefully to the news reports and we hope for justice for the nation’s capital. Finishing out the year, we join together to mourn Barbara Walters who died December 30 and the former Pope, Benedict XVl, who passed within hours of the new year. I also have to mention the anniversary of my mother’s passing on January 7. Finally, December is completed with the Kwanzaa celebration.
We loved seeing the total CCPD Toy Drive collection. Broun Place Townhouse Association donated a shopping cart full of toys and goodies to the CCPD Toy Drive. CCPD exhibited the total collection.
Thank you again to the generous residents who donated to our ground person collection. Donations were received by Association President, Eva Lazaar, and gifted to our grounds person before the holiday.
Statistics support you can expect to live longer in our NORC community. We have shopping, medical services, socialization opportunities and exercise options, all within walking distance. We are looking forward to the all-clear signal for Building 21’s meeting room so we can have association meetings again.
I was hoping to generate an association newsletter. We want your tidings and shout-outs. All your news is welcome; anything of importance from you is important to me.
Reviewing garbage procedures: the white bin is for paper, while green and blue are for all other house garbage. Bag old mattresses. It is a cooperator of continue to pick up gutter garbage littered by locals between Broun Place and Garage 6, do you? Clothes for recycling should be brought to Garage 6, front or rear. Brand new blue bins are at the gates of Garage 6. 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. Seniors, register with the Riverbay “RUOK” emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic sickness. Seniors, get involved with JASA. Do not waste water, prepare full washing machine loads and full dish loads too. performances and stunning effects.
Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!
––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar
Building 22A & 22B Association
Happy New Year. Let us start by getting our vaccines and all the shots we need to stay healthy. The world is mourning Pele, Barbara Walters and Pope Benedict XVI among our heroes.
The 7.5% rent increase has gone into effect and the Social Security raise will help the seniors with the new maintenance. Please get your Co-op City Times; it will have all the community information. 2022 at about 6:30 p.m. via a robo-call from Co-op City’s emergency alert system. Co Ed instructed us to minimize our stove use until further notice while Co Ed was working on the problem. The laundry room was closed all day Wednesday, but we were cleared for use at 7 p.m. that evening. I urge all cooperators to apply for this service. To receive calls and texts, call or visit CSO II at the Bartow Community center to get the form.
Work on our association room will start this month. Check the bulletin board for more information. Decorations will be removed after Three Kings Day.
Dog Owners: Keep up the good work. Thank you. Do not throw anything off your terraces or you will get a community complaint.
Compactor Rooms:Please continue to follow the instructions for recycling. All bottles and cans should be washed and then put in plastic bags. Large boxes go to the basement, while smaller boxes should be folded down and placed on the wooden ledge with newspapers.
Laundry Room Etiquette: Please pick up fabric softener sheets. Remove will help your clothes dry faster. Happy birthday to all this month. Our prayers to all who lost loved ones. Check on the sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something.
Thank you. ––Betty Leak
Building 10 Association
Greetings, fellow cooperators.
New Cooperators –Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general membership meeting.
General Membership Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), in the Building 10 Association Room (rear lobby of Bldg. 10B). Our guest speaker will be Ms. Nichola Ferguson, Licensed Insurance Agent from the Allstate Insurance Company. Face masks are preferred. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Light refreshments will be served.
Karaoke Night /Game Night – Karaoke night/Game night will be held on Saturday, January 14, in the Building 10 Association Room from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. A night of music, games and fun. Warm up your vocal cords, bring your favorite game and be prepared to have a great time. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call the Co-op City Public Safety Department at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311.
Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help in NYC is 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), or text “WELL” to 65173. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988, you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day.
Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook the happenings in and around Building 10.
We would like to wish all who are born in January an incrediblyhappy birthday.
To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery.
To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences.
Have a great week.
––Jewel Crawford-Duncan
Director’s Viewpoint –Director’s Viewpoint Leslie Peterson
Challenging Ourselves to Face Diffi cult Decisions Ahead
“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it another chance for us to get it right.” –Oprah Winfreyright.”
As a community, we must continue to challenge that, going forward, will cut back our operating expenses and lead us down the path of affordability that can be sustained. Although we recently requested a change in the carrying charge, make no mistake, the new budget is right around the corner. We should be looking at areas where changes can be made, where we can be more proactive in our collection process and take a deep look into whether we are getting the best productivity for the funds we are spending?
Update – Public Employee Retirees Medicare: Advocates with the Organization of Public Service Retirees contend that switching retirees to a proposed Medicare advantage plan would not
less choices for health care providers. It has been Service & Labor Committee Carmen DeLaRosa will be bringing the bill to change the Administrative Code 12-126 drafted by the MunicipalLabor Com Wednesday, January 4, at noon.
It is suggested retirees go to the hearing scheduled The organization will provide information regarding these dates and how you can testify. The Civil Service and Labor Committee of the NYC Council will be the presenters of the bill so the NYC Retiree Organization has suggested retirees call and/ or email City Council Members on the Civil Service and Labor Committee, primarily the chair and speaker of the Council (CALL BOTH NUMBERS): to advise your Council member Riley about your thoughts on the matter.
The organization has provided a template for you when sending an email. For additional details, check the website at The NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees or look for them on Facebook. If you are a city retiree, reach out to your City Council member and tell them to protect hard-working New Yorkers who gave their careers to public service
Residential Sales and Restoration (vacated
units) Committee – As chairperson of this committee, I requested and was pleased to have both the Riverbay Finance Director and Riverbay Legal Counsel attend the December meeting.
We discussed succession, equity and the application process. Of concern was how to continue the reduction of the units we have not sold that are over 90 days old. A lively discussion was held on what can be done to help move the process along. The committee will present the suggestion to the Board shortly.
One of the discussions also pertained to the Committee on Civil and Human Rights (INT. 0632-2022) Fair Chance for Housing Act cur-
rently being discussed in the City Council. This is a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of arrest record or criminal history. Int. 0632-2022 would prohibit any examination of the criminal history of any candidate to rent or purchase housing in New York City multiple dwellings, including cooperatives and condominiums.
Although we are supportive of fair housing and condemn discrimination in any form, this law in its current form has the potential to be unfair to existing residents and to owners of New York City multiple dwellings, whose safety and well-being are also of concern. responsibility to ensure safety and quality of life for all residents, they need access to past history in order to evaluate the nature of the crime, the length of time since it occurred and any evidence of recidivism. This would facilitate decisions considerate of all parties involved – the existing shareholders and unit owners as well as the candidate. Excluded from this bill are HUD-funded housing due to certain mandatory exclusions and is carved out of the bill as is Public Housing that also have policies in place.
Co-op City, via our Riverbay Board President and Legislative Chair, provided written testimony. As a Mitchell-Lama affordable housing cooperative, Riverbay is regulated by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and subject to a regulatory agreement with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Those entities have detailed regulations governing the shareholder selection process by Riverbay and therefore should be exempted from the proposed law’s coverage. You can let your City Councilmember know how you feel and emphasize that the bill could endanger the safety and well-being of our community. We will watch to see how this develops.
To see the entire hearing and discussion, you can go to the NYC Council calendar for December 8, 2022 (10:00 a.m.) and watch the video from the Committee on Civil and Human Rights.
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.
Baychester Library is temporarily closed for renovations to make improvements to the branch. According to Library staff, holds can be picked up at the Eastchester Library, 1385 E. Gun Hill Rd., Bronx, NY.
Building 19 Association
Hello, Building 19 family. Happy New Year! I hope that 2023 treats you better than the previous year.
Thank you to all the cooperators who donated to the annual Christmas col collected over $2,000, helping to give our hardworking porters a very merry Christmas.
With the holidays now over, it is time to take down the lobby decorations. So, I am asking my fellow cooperators to join me next Saturday on January 14 in the lobby at noon to assist in the aforementioned task. mittee meeting on Tuesday, January 10. The other is the general meeting, which will be held on Friday, January 27. Both meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. in dates for both events. ing activities this month.
––Leon Tulton
Building 27 Association
Hello, neighbors. The weather is now becoming favorable. The New Year 2023 is here. We wish all a healthy, safe new year full of peace, love and joy. Please enjoy, celebrate and be thankful and grateful and keep each other safe There are booster shots available in different areas. If you need to, take whatever is needed to keep you and those around you safe.
Shareholders/Cooperators of Building 27 – Your building association is advising all to dispose of their garbage in the proper area. This is the second noted time that cooperators are beginning to leave their garbage in the basement on the side of the elevator in Building B.
Large garbage should be carried towards building 100; there is an arrow sign pointing in the direction to bring all large garbage bags/trash and used Christmas trees. Reminder, failure to comply can result in a community complaint with a your building and community.
Building 27 Association – aware that the association representing our three buildings is working together for the betterment of our building and surroundings. There will be notices to inform you of the next meeting, which should be soon. So, stay posted by reading the Co-op City Times and scanning your bulletin boards in all three buildings.
Bartow Mall Parking Alert – Let your neighbors know as well. The twohour parking limit is being enforced in the Bartow Mall. Your vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. I was told that plates are being scanned to deter watch your time spent in the mall.
Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. We continue to offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card; she is has become deceased and if anyone is in a nursing home.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King
––H. Overman
Be careful and ask to see Employee ID
If you are having work done in your apartment, shareholders – especially those who are elderly and/or who live alone – are reminded that all personal items should be secured in a safe location. This is for your own peace of mind, as well as the protection of the Riverbay workers/ contractors coming into your home. do the various Riverbay-approved contractors seeking access to your home. before allowing anyone to enter your
Black Forum
Emergency Food Pantry (Free)
try opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 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. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31 day rotation, on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. least four clean shopping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. Please do not bring black shopping bags since they pose a health hazard. We require masks and physical distancing.
Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350
tions 1-4 guests will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester location, while Section 5 guests go to the Co-op City United Methodist Church.
Required documentation is as follows: NY State Driver’s license, NY State is required for all 2022 registered guests wanting to continue visiting the pantry in 2023. These guests must also show the required documentation listed above. up food until later.
Defensive Driving Class
site, https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code ‘WRIGHT’ to receive a discount.
Contact Us
Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com.
––D. Illis
AARP Chapter #4997
Welcome, 2023! The world has been watching and waiting to say bye to 2022 and all the drama that came with it. It is gone. We are better off for the lessons that we learned and ready to start anew in 2023. Here we go!
AARP National and AARP Chapter 4997 have some great plans for our membership and families for the new year. The National has been successful passed; they have been instrumental in helping to reduce the cost of insulin for members; and they are uary 2023. Our Chapter thanks all who also helped us support and make calls for the issues that were important to our members. We still have more to do. Meeting of 2023 at 1 p.m., Room 1, 177 Dreiser the items that we have been working on to start our new year and help us get ready for our own Executive Board Elections. Bring a friend as we are reaching out to add to our membership. Contact Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088, or at the meeting. Our Tour Committee, Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370, and Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962, have now planned more trips for us in 2023. The Niagara Falls, USA bus trip in June 2023 has just about sold out. A oneday trip to IPA’S & Poker Chips is scheduled for March 9, cost is $150 per person with many extras (trip insurance is available). Another one-day bus outing is planned for August 8th to the Vynecrest Winery with a stop at the Wind Creek Casino. The trip includes transportation and many extras; cost is $119 per person. Our group also has planned a cruise to Hawaii in 2024. The dates are September 12-24, Meeting. Our committee has been busy during our holiday break, and we all thank them.
We are sending prayers and condolences to the family of Ms. Karen Nurse. She was a member of more than one association in Co-op City and will be missed. If you wish to share any information on the health and welfare of family or friends, please contact Mrs. Frances Wilson at 718-671-5493.
In closing for this week, health issues are still a major problem for the country and the northeast Bronx! Get in touch with your personal medical practitioner and follow their advice to remain healthy.
––Ann Purnell
Share Your Comments & Suggestions with Riverbay
Shareholders are encouraged to submit input on how to improve services and service delivery as well as other ideas that impact the quality of life of Co-op City residents.
If you have a suggestion you’d like to share with the Riverbay Board and/or Man Co-op City website, coopcity.com, scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Comments & Suggestions” link.
Be an engaged shareholder. Share your ideas to improve quality of life in Co-op City.
Retirees of Dreiser Loop
Greetings, Retirees and friends.
Welcome to 2023. We hope the new year has gotten off to a good start for everyone.
Trip Committee – Our Trip Committee is sponsoring a trip to the Resorts World Casino in the Catskills on Wednesday, June 28. This trip will include “A Musical Tribute to Motown” show, lunch and $25 in slot play. The cost per ticket is $140. To reserve a seat for this trip, a deposit of $50 is required by the end of this month. Please contact Serita at 347-564-5722.
Membership – If you wish to remit your $25 annual dues for 2023, please make your check payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and write “2023 membership dues” in the memo section of your check and mail it to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Questions may be addressed to Mary at 718-655-9170.
Members who are 80-plus years of age and have been members of the RoDL for 10 years and are in good standing with their membership dues (dues paid for the past two consecutive years) are eligible to apply for “honorary membership.” If you would like to apply, please submit your letter of request to Dorothy Chambers-Byrd, president of the RoDL.
Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our January birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.
Condolences – We are saddened to inform you of the passing of our member, Ernestine Myles (Bridge player extraordinaire). Patricia Cobb also recently suffered the loss of her beloved daughter-in-law. Please keep the Myles and Cobb families in your thoughts and prayers and continue to pray for all those who have recently lost loved ones.
Good and Welfare – We extend get well wishes to all of those who are sick and shut in. We pray that they will all soon see brighter days ahead. Please contact Lorraine at 718-671-6403 or Gay at 718-320-0979 to notify them of members who are hospitalized, in nursing/rehabilitation facilities or recently deceased.
General Meeting – Thank you to all who attended our general membership meeting on January 4. Our next meeting will be held on February 1 at 1 p.m. in Room 19. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this meeting.
––Georgianna Rodriguez
Coalition to Save Affordable Housing
Our best wishes to all our members, friends, neighbors and staff – a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful new year, 2023.
The Coalition will inaugurate the new year with a meeting on Monday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. in our permanent room #13 in Dreiser Center. We will deliberate on fundraising in preparation for the upcoming Riverbay Board elections in May. We will also deliberate on an action that the City Council is considering in the coming days to amend Administrative Code 12-126 which guarantees full Medicare coverage to all retired municipal workers. Our co-op, the largest NORC community in our nation, is the home, we believe, to the largest number of retired municipal workers in our City. Of course, they all depend, as they had been promised by the city, on full Medicare coverage.
In the coming weeks, as claimed by the “Crossunion Retirees Organizing Committee,” the City Council will be considering the shortfall in the “Stabilization Fund” that funds the 20% Medicare bills of patients, by enrolling all municipal retirees, without their approval, into Medicare Advantage (MA). Many retirees have expressed concern with the Council’s action. We hope our meeting will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on this issue on Monday and perhaps give expression to common action.
The City Council plans to hold public hearings regarding the amendment to Administrative Code12126 on January 9 and will vote on the measure on January 19.
Of course, retirees are encouraged to contact our councilman, Kevin Riley, to express their opinion.
Hope to see all on the 9th.
—Bernard Cylich
Family Owned and Operated
• Large Chapel on premises • Ample Parking on premises • Casket Showroom on premises • Pre-need counseling
• Out of town services
• Cremations A dignified funeral every family can afford. All areas are handicapped accessible
