Co-op City Times 4/27/2024

Twelve Certifed Candidates in 2024 Board Election to Outline Platforms in First Election Supplement

Voting Begins Monday, May 20 – Friday, June 14, 2024

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Twelve of the fourteen candidates who were certifed last week by the 2024 Election Committee will present their frst campaign statements in the Saturday, May 4th Co-op City Times as they compete for one of six open seats on the Riverbay Board of Directors this year.

Two candidates dropped out of the race earlier this week. During the Candidates’ Orientation meeting held on Monday, April 22, a virtual drawing was held to determine the order in which the candidates’ names will appear on the ballot. The results were:

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

2024 Riverbay Board Election Ballot to Include Referendum on Indoor Smoking Ban

BY ROZAAN BOONE

On Wednesday, April 24, the Riverbay Board approved Resolution 24-26 to include a referendum question on the offcial 2024 Board of Directors election ballot for a total indoor smoking ban within the Riverbay campus.

The referendum requires a majority of shareholders to support the total indoor smoking ban before it will be implemented. The question that will be included on the upcoming Board election ballot is: “Resolved, that the Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products

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10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Names will be automatically rotated on the ballot. This same order will be used for speakers at the three scheduled Candidates’ Forums and in the frst Election Supplement published on Saturday, May 4. In the May 11th and May 18th Election Supplements, the order of candidates’ statements will be rotated to give each candidate the chance to be among the frst fve published in at least one of the three election issues of the newspaper.

Certifed candidates are reminded that this coming Monday, April 29, at noon, is their frst deadline for submission of their headshot, ¼ page ad and 300-word statement for the May 4th Election Supplement, as well as the 500-word statement, 1-2 min. video and photo for the YesElections portal.

In the three election supplements, the candidates will outline their qualifcations for the position of Riverbay Board director and their views on issues

facing the community in their statements. Although Riverbay provides each candidate with a free ¼ page ad, which remains constant in the election supplements, candidates may also purchase additional advertising in the newspaper and on the Riverbay Crawler.

The deadline for the second election supplement, to be published on Saturday, May 11, is Monday, May 6, at noon. At that time, candidates are only required to submit a 300-word statement. The third and fnal deadline is at noon on Monday, May 13, for the fnal 300-word statement to be published on Saturday, May 18.

Physical copies of the Co-op City Times are delivered on Saturday mornings to the newspaper bins in the high-rise building lobbies, the three community centers and to every townhouse door. The newspaper can also be read online at issuu.com/ cctimes, on the Home page of the Riverbay website at coopcity.com, and on X, @coopcitytimes. You

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Income Affdavit Deadline is April 30

The deadline to fle the 2023 Income Affdavit form is Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Completed paper affdavit forms can be deposited into the carrying charge boxes in the community centers or delivered to the Riverbay Finance department. The form can also be scanned along with supporting documents, including proof of homeowner’s insurance, and emailed to RiverbayFinance@riverbaycorp. com

In addition, the 2023 income affdavit can be completed and fled electronically. For information and an instructional video, please visit the Co-op City website at https://www.coopcity.com and click on the income affdavit link at the top of the Home page. A FAQ is also available on the landing page with the answers to many of the questions shareholders have asked about the process. The FAQ was also printed in the Saturday, April 13, 2024 issue of the Co-op City Times. The April 13th issue can be read online at issuu.com/cctimes or scan the QR code conveniently placed on the newspaper bin in your building lobby. The newspaper can also be read on X: @coopcitytimes. It is also available at the bottom of the Home page on the Co-op City website, coopcity.com

Earth Day Parade and Celebration

Marvin L. Walton Riverbay Executive General Manager

On behalf of Douglas Elliman Property Management, I am pleased to present the Management Report for Riverbay Corporation for the period ending March 31, 2024.

This Management Report provides an update on staffng for the Public Safety Department, Annual Income Affdavits, Local Law 11, Earthquake aftermath in the community and updates for the ongoing convector initiatives. Public Safety Staffng

CCPD current staffng levels are 39 short of the required 93 for Peace Offcers. Human Resources received over 200

BY P.M. CAMPBELL Rivers Run Community Garden and Riverbay Corporation held their annual Earth Day parade and celebration on Saturday, April 20. The parade

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Young people ran in between the flowerbeds while exploring the garden during our earth day celebration, Saturday, April 20. Photo by Gail Sharbaan

Management Report ––––– (Continued from page 1)

applications and 105 applicants were scheduled for interviews and only 61 showed up. The goal is to identify candidates to fll 24 slots for the next class of new recruits. Based on the 19 steps required for the new recruit’s process, the earliest hiring of recruits is estimated at the end of July/beginning of August. A second class is projected to begin in December 2024. Of concern, the NYPD has reinserted two (2) classes into this fscal year’s budget cycle. It is unknown as to what impact (if any) that will have on our attrition.

Annual Income Affdavits

Manual submission of income affdavits:

The annual income affdavit process for Co-op City residents began April 1, 2024. The Income Affdavit and related instructions were mailed by March 31st to all shareholders required to fle (excluded are new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2024, and those cooperators on the Section 8 Program)

The Finance Department conducted three (3) all-day sessions to assist shareholders with completing and notarizing their Income Affdavit forms. The sessions held were as follows:

• Monday, April 15 – Bartow Community Center, Room 31, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday, April 17 – Einstein Community Center, Room 45, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Monday, April 22 – Dreiser Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Though we do not have the exact numbers, the sessions were well attended. The Finance Department will continue to receive the income affdavits via the carrying charge boxes or in person at the Bartow offce. Shareholders are encouraged to complete and submit the income affdavits by April 30, 2024. Failure to complete and return the Income Affdavit form in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of 50% of the basic carrying charges.

The Finance Department will commence data input of the income affdavits in YARDI from April 23 until mid-June. A dedicated team of staff will be working on this project on an overtime basis. Surcharges will be assessed and become effective July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Digital submission of income affdavits:

The digital annual income affdavit form was launched on April 1, 2024. The Finance Department is working closely with the consultants, Capstone Strategy Group, and our Assistant Executive General Manager, Cary Smith III, on this project.

Shareholders can register, complete, and submit the income affdavit form online. In addition to launching the digital income affdavit online, the Finance Department sent out approximately 5,000 emails to shareholders encouraging them to use the digital platform for submission. As of April 22, utilization of the digital income affdavit among shareholders are as follows:

Local Law 11

Management has fled all Local Law 11 Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) Reports by the deadline which was February 21, 2024. In summary, 31 of the 35 (or 89%) high-rise buildings have been accepted by the DOB with a “SAFE” Status Report for Cycle 9 and the remaining 4 of the 35 (or 11%) high-rise buildings are currently under DOB review Co-op City’s next cycle will be Cycle 10A which will include all of Section 5 – Buildings 26 through 35. The fling period for this cycle begins on February 21, 2025 – February 21, 2027.

Sections 1 through 4 – Buildings 1 through 25 – will fall under cycle 10C. That fling period is from February 21, 2027, to February 21, 2029 Management would like to thank the shareholders for their cooperation and patience with this unfunded mandate and clearly understand the inconvenience and disruptions experienced during these cycles.

Earthquake Aftermath

On April 5, 2024, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the New York City area, which was felt by all residents.

After the earthquake, Riverbay Construction and Power Plant teams independently performed a visual assessment of the infrastructure assets at the power plant and all residential buildings.

No damage to any of the buildings and power plant infrastructure was observed or reported however Riverbay is in process of engaging a structural engineering company to perform a post-seismic structural evaluation to ensure that the structural integrity of our buildings is not compromised.

Update – Convector Initiatives Tracker – Updates are underlined

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Co-op City Times

COMBING

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

45th Pct. Comm. Council Meeting in Co-op City

The next meeting of the 45th Precinct Community Council will take place on Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., in Room 31 of the Bartow Center in Co-op City. All shareholders are encouraged to attend.

The 45th Precinct Council meetings are held on the frst Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For information, please contact the 45th Pct. Community Affairs Unit at (718) 822-5449 or email 45thpctcouncil@gmail. com.

Public Safety Reminder

Shareholders ordering online packages are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate delivery locations supplied by online services. Direct delivery to lockers, hubs, and secure alternate delivery locations will decrease inconvenience, reduce crimes of opportunity and provide a reliable method of securing items delivered. To reduce package thefts, alternate delivery methods are strongly encouraged.

Avoiding Scams

If it sounds too good to be true, if you are being pressured to make an immediate decision, or if you were contacted unexpectedly, STOP – hang up the phone or walk away. Immediately speak to someone you trust – a friend, family member, neighbor or even CCPD. Call (718) 6713050 or send an email to info@ ccpd.us.

Become an ACES Volunteer

The ACES Project, administered by Community Service Society of New York (CSS), trains people age 55 and over to be volunteer public benefits counselors. Volunteers receive extensive training in assisting people with accessing public benefts such as Medicare, SNAP, and Medicaid.

For more information, visit the ACES website at https:// www.cssny.org/programs/entry/ the-aces-project or use https://bit. ly/4aIqEFF.

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RIVERBAY CORPORATION FISCAL YEAR 23/24

BUDGET OVERVIEW

The budget summary below gives a snapshot of Riverbay Corporation’s Budget vs. Actual performance for Fiscal Year 23/24 for period beginning April 01, 2023, to February 29, 2024.

INCOME

Most of the Corporation’s income is derived from carrying charges. For the period ending February 29, 2024, actual carrying charges were greater than anticipated by $269,000. Other income was less than anticipated by 6.8% or $3.2 Million due mostly to electric power income receipts. Unlike last year when gas prices were high resulting in higher electric power income, this year gas prices have remained low resulting in actual revenue below projections.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

Departmental Expenses

Total departmental expenditures, which includes salaries, fringe benefts and other expenses associated with the day-to-day departmental activities involved

with providing direct and indirect services to the shareholders are down 6.8% or $9 million. This was due mostly to unused payroll and burden, asbestos, and fooring materials costs. Individually, departments were within the projected budget through January with the following exceptions.

• Power Plant was over budget by 8.9% due mostly to greater than expected overtime costs.

• Restorations were under budget by 18.5% due mostly to reduced asbestos and fooring costs.

• Public Safety was under budget by 9.5% due mostly to compensation savings because of vacancies.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses are less than anticipated by 11% or $9.2 million due mostly to reduced utility costs.

Debt Services & Fees:

The Corporation experienced an unfavorable variance of $179,000 between the YTD budget and actual because of slight increases in the mortgage premium and reserves payments.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

Overall, the grand total actual expenses of $232,809,000, which include departmental, corporate and debt service were less than anticipated against the grand total actual income of $248,357,000 which yielded a surplus of $15,548,000. Similarly, the year-to-date budget for grand total expenses was $250,967,000 which was less than anticipated when compared to the yearto-date budget grand total revenue of $251,266,000 which yielded a positive variance of $299,000. Both measures were favorable results for the reporting period.

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Get Involved!

Co-op City is your home. If you have talents, knowledge and expertise that can be helpful and improve the quality of life in Co-op City, share your ideas. Vote in the annual Board election, join a Board committee, write to Riverbay Management or pen a letter to the editor.

Voting in Every Election Should Be Valued

To the Editor:

First and foremost, a special thanks to our Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano for her leadership during the last years. To the other directors not running for re-election, know that your service and leadership is also appreciated. As a former Riverbay Board member, I am aware of your personal unpaid time in serving our community. We all should appreciate term limits as it provide for other bright and courageous shareholders to serve.

How exciting it is that for the first time in a very long time, we have 14 candidates to choose from this year! That said, we should each take responsibility to get our neighbors to vote! If you think voting is something that is not valued, consider these facts:

Legislation giving voting rights to Blacks in the District of Columbia was passed over President Andrew Johnson’s veto on January 8, 1867. The 15th Amendment giving Blacks the right to vote, was ratified on February 3, 1870.

Jimmie Lee Jackson, civil rights activist, died of gunshot injuries defending his mother as their group was attacked while leaving a voting rights meeting in 1965. It is believed that Blacks voted for the first time in the South, (Alexandria, VA) in 1867. The voting took place despite the fact that some officials refused to count the ballots and questioned the freedmen’s status. Fannie Lou Hamer, freedom-fighter, activist, was the founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). She died in 1977.

The purpose of sharing this research is a reminder of what some Americans in the USA have experienced to vote. Because of them, in America today, all Co-op City shareholders of all ethnic backgrounds have to do is fill out a form and mail it (no stamp required) or go online and vote.

Thanks to Riverbay staff for the awesome informative workshop on 4/22/2024 on “Be Prepared For An Earthquake.”

—Evelyn M. Turner

Farewell to my Co-op City Neighbors

After living in Co-op City for the last 54 years, I have decided to relocate to Lawrenceville, Georgia to be near my immediate family. I always considered this my home and you, my friends, have been my family as you well know.

But I had to accept that due to my health issues, it has been difficult to manage my life alone.

I take this opportunity to say that I will always cherish the memories I had with each one of you. I will miss you all very much!

––Laura Morgan, Building 19

Co-op City Times

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

John Crow

New Media Producer

Sheldon Green Multi-Media Advertising Manager

Brandon Ortiz Media Assistant

P.M. Campbell

Media Assistant

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

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

Important Notice to clubs, and religious and community organizations

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

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

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

Remember also that the deadline for submission of articles from clubs, religious institutions, community orga-

nizations and building associations is 3 p.m. each Monday. Articles that are received after this deadline will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as space allows.

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

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

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

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

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

Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

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

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

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

Public Safety Report

Navigating Laundry Room Etiquette

In the bustling community of Co-op City, where modern conveniences meet communal living, the laundry room stands as a hub of activity for shareholders. With 35 state-of-the-art laundry rooms spread across the landscape, adhering to proper etiquette is not just a courtesy but a necessity for harmonious coexistence. From channel surfing on lobby cameras to the proper handling of laundry room carts, every aspect of laundry room etiquette plays a vital role in fostering a respectful and efficient environment.

As a shareholder of Co-op City, access to laundry facilities comes with certain privileges and responsibilities. For shareholders, access to the laundry rooms in the basement of their building is granted. Conversely, townhouse shareholders have the option to install their own washer and dryer, provided they are electric and installed by a licensed plumber. Additionally, townhouse shareholders are permitted access to the laundry room of the building nearest to their townhouse, facilitating convenience and accessibility.

Section 1: Buildings 1A – 8, Debs Place and Defoe Place townhouses

Section 2: Buildings 9A – 14, Cooper Place townhouses

Section 3: Buildings 15A – 19, Asch Loop

townhouses

Section 4: Buildings 20A – 25, Adler Place and Broun Place townhouses

Section 5: Buildings 26A – 35, Earhart Lane townhouses

In the digital age, even the laundry room experience is not immune to technological advancements. Co-op City provides shareholders with the ability to monitor their surroundings through lobby and laundry room cameras, accessible via designated channels. Whether connected to the Master Antenna or Cablevision, shareholders can tune in to channels offering live feeds of their lobby, laundry room, and community news. This integration of technology serves not only as a security measure but also as a means of fostering community engagement and awareness.

If you are connected to the Master Antenna (first installation is $50, any additional installations cost $25), tune to Channel 6 and you can see your lobby from two angles. Channel 8 scans the laundry room and basement elevator of your building, and Channel 12 announces community news and events. If you have Cablevision, the Channels are 591, 592 and 593, respectively. For installation, please dial Ext. 3529.

Public Safety Blotter

April 14 – April 20, 2024

April 14, 2024

120 Erdman Place

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package was delivered in the lobby and was removed by an unknown individual.

140 Darrow Place

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby without her permission.

620 Baychester Avenue

A cooperator reported an unknown individual removing his doorbell camera from his apartment door without his permission.

100 Debs Place

A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby mailbox area without her permission.

120 DeKruif Place

A cooperator reported an unknown individual attempting to gain access to his apartment with a key. The cooperator observed the apartment door open with no one at the door. The cooperator lost his keys in the past but never changed the apartment door locks. CCPD along with Emergency Maintenance were notified and the apartment door locks were changed.

April 15, 2024

100 Casals Place

CCPD responded to calls of shots fired. CCPD and NYPD arrived on scene and conducted a canvas for suspects with negative results. No reports of injury or property damage have been received. Ballistic evidence was found on the side of Building 14. An investigation is ongoing.

April 16, 2024

Asch Loop & Alcott Place

While on routine patrol, a CCPD supervisor observed a double parked

Central to maintaining order and civility within the laundry room are the rules and regulations outlined by Riverbay. Children are prohibited from playing in lobbies, public halls, stairways, or laundry rooms, ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. Furthermore, the removal of laundry room carts is strictly prohibited, with violators subject to fines and community complaints. To avoid potential theft and maintain a clean environment, shareholders are advised against leaving laundry unattended and are encouraged to dispose of

vehicle with no license plates and significant body damage that was occupied by five unknown suspects looking into windows of other vehicles. When the suspects became aware they were being watched by law enforcement, they fled the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was determined to have been stolen. The NYPD Evidence Collection Team responded to process the vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

2400 Hunter Avenue

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package that was removed from the lobby area by without her permission.

150 Dreiser Loop

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

99 Carver Loop

A cooperator reported returning to their vehicle in Garage 3 and observing the rear window to their vehicle was smashed by means unknown. No items were removed from the vehicle.

100 Erdman Place

A cooperator reported leaving his apartment door keys on a dresser near the front door and upon leaving his apartment, he noticed that they were gone. Maintenance responded and changed the locks. Debs Place

CCPD responded to calls of shots fired. CCPD and NYPD responded and upon arrival confirmed shots were fired with no injuries reported. CCPD and NYPD Detective Units are conducting an investigation to apprehend the suspects involved.

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detergent containers and dryer sheets responsibly.

Beyond mere adherence to rules, laundry room etiquette encompasses a culture of courtesy and consideration for fellow shareholders. Children should refrain from sitting or walking on folding tables, and laundry carts should not be used as toys. Additionally, the laundry room is not intended for sorting dirty laundry, and spills should be promptly wiped clean to ensure a hygienic environment for all users. By practicing these small acts of consideration, shareholders contribute to a positive and cooperative atmosphere within the laundry room.

Incentivizing responsible laundry practices, Coop City offers discounts on select days and times for washer usage. Shareholders can take advantage of discounted rates on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 5:00 p.m., encouraging efficient use of laundry facilities and minimizing peak-hour congestion. By strategically planning laundry schedules, shareholders can optimize savings while contributing to the overall efficiency of laundry room operations.

In the tapestry of Co-op City living, the laundry room serves as more than just a space for washing clothes—it embodies the spirit of community and cooperation. By adhering to established rules and regulations, embracing technological advancements, and practicing courtesy and consideration, shareholders contribute to a harmonious and respectful environment within the laundry room. As Co-op City continues to evolve and thrive, the principles of laundry room etiquette remain steadfast, reinforcing the bonds that unite us in shared spaces and shared experiences.

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.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please visit these following sites:

Voting is a Responsibility

We have had enough of April showers and now we are ready for the May flowers. Here is hoping that everyone is doing well. Additionally, we want to wish members of our community a “Chag Sameach!” Happy Passover. It’s Not A Day, It’s A Movement EARTHDAY.ORG founders created and organized the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Since then, they have been mobilizing over 1 billion people annually on Earth Day, and every other day, to protect the planet. Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics and aims to raise awareness of plastic pollution and demand a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2024.

Rivers Run Community Garden celebrated the day on Saturday, the 20th. Our State Senator Bailey was going to be our Grand Marshal but the new arrival in his family prevented him from coming. He did send his Chief-of-Staff Salvattore Morello to stand in for him while he continues his paternity leave. Thank you, Sal, and Congratulations to the Bailey Bunch on their new member.

Attention Retirees - Medicare Part B Reimbursement – I wanted to make sure city retirees were aware of the Medicare Part B reimbursements they are entitled to that are usually issued the third week of April. If you already applied, please check your bank account/statement (or the mail, if you are receiving a physical check).

If you have not applied, you can google the Office of Labor Relations and go to the NYC Health Benefits Program tag. The City reimburses retirees and their eligible dependents for Medicare Part B premiums paid, excluding any penalties. You must be receiving a City pension check and be enrolled as the contract holder for City health benefits in order to receive reimbursement for Part B premiums. The reimbursement amount is based on the standard Medicare Part B premiums.

This will be separate from your pension payment. The agency will go back and give reimbursements for prior years but is limited to three years.

What is happening with NYC retirees’ health plan? As of December 2023: NYC Public Service Retiree Organization has prevented NYC from making any changes to the retiree health insurance; there has been NO forced move to a Medicare Advantage plan. Those of us who have NYC retiree health benefits have been able to keep the same health insurance we currently have.

NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees: Still has cases ongoing in court where we are fighting to maintain the benefits promised. Most recently in March, oral arguments were heard in the Appellate Division – First Judicial Department of the Supreme Court of the State of New York regarding the appeal made by the City of NY. We are waiting for a decision but, in essence, the justices stated and asked if promises were made to potential employees and those employed regarding the promise of health care benefits (my newly learned term-promissory estoppel) in that the actions of the employees and potential employees were based on this promise. They even had testimony from an HR person in management that stated in fact this promise was and is a recruitment tool.

Let’s Talk Local Elections: Incredibly important, local elections directly impact the community we live in. Voting is a fundamental right. Make no mistake, I am talking about Federal State and City as well as Riverbay Corporation (aka Co-op City). Here are some reasons why local elections are significant: Local elections determine who will be making decisions on issues that directly affect

our schools, parks, public services, local businesses and, of course, our homes. The results of local elections can significantly impact the quality of life in our communities, including issues such as public safety, education and infrastructure. It also affects local development projects – we know too well from our experience with the monopole, animal shelter and the Metro-North coming soon.

Who we choose in those elections give us a chance to select representatives to make sure the best interests of the community are at the forefront. Participating in local elections will increase civic engagement, community involvement and help build a stronger and more cooperative spirit working together to shape our future and be more inclusive.

We want our voices heard, our concerns addressed, and our communities moving in a direction that reflects the values and needs of the people living in them.

Does Your Vote Count? Voting is not just a right but also a responsibility. By voting, you have the chance to influence policy issues that matter to you, such as healthcare, education, the environment, and social justice. Voting holds elected officials accountable. It is through voting that you can signal your approval or disapproval of their performance and decisions. Every vote sends a message and contributes to the overall results.

Sales and Restoration: I want to also thank the Residential Sales and Restoration (vacant unit) department for the excellent work they have been doing reducing the count of vacant units and for Management’s Executive General Manager Walton for agreeing to have us represented properly when selling a unit. We now make sure to show units fully restored and ready to sell as it should have always been.

Additionally, we hope to complete a policy change that will reflect positive improvements made in units as well as give cooperators an opportunity to purchase Riverbay-approved upgrades for their unit.

Cannabis Dispensary: There have been inquiries about the application submitted for the cannabis dispensary at the Chase Bank location. I will be attending a listening meeting where a topic will be that location so maybe there will be a decision soon. We will see.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. –Margaret Mead

I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

Director’s Viewpoint Leslie Peterson

Election –––––

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can also use your phone camera to scan the QR code affixed to the newspaper bin in your building lobby or on the front page of the Co-op City Times.

In addition to the three Election Supplements, shareholders will have the opportunity to see and hear the candidates debate their positions at three official Candidates’ Forums to be held:

• Saturday, May 18, Dreiser Auditorium, 3 p.m. (In-person & broadcast live on the Riverbay Crawler)

• Wednesday, May 22, Einstein Center, Room 45, 7 p.m. (In-person and recorded for rebroadcast on the Crawler)

• Wednesday, May 29, Bartow Center, Room 31, 7 p.m. (In-person and broadcast live on the Crawler)

The Riverbay Crawler can be accessed on channel 12 (MATV subscribers) and channel 591 (Altice/Optimum subscribers).

2024 Certified Candidates Riverbay Board of Directors’ Election

1. Jacqueline Smith

2. Mary Pearson

3. Aaron Carnegie

4. Shanauzelda Montgomery

5. Bernard Cylich

6. Ezekiel Springer Jr.

7. Corazon Fernandez

8. Sheila Richburg

9. Kyshawn White

10. Kevin Foggie

11. Leah Graham

12. Andrea Leslie

Voting period begins on Monday, May 20, and ends at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Friday, June 14, 2024.

Electronic ballots must be transmitted and received by YesElections by 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Shareholders will also be able to further familiarize themselves with the candidates seeking their support by viewing the candidates’ statement/bio, video and photo on the YesElections portal when it becomes live on Monday, May 20. This year, 5,035 certified ballots are needed for a quorum to validate the Board election.

The election process is monitored by the 2024 Election Committee to ensure all candidates and their supporters abide by the Election Rules and Regulations and the process is fair to all candidates. In addition to Election Committee cochairs Anika Green-Watson and Claudia Sampson, the other members of the 2024 Election Committee are Diane Alleyne, LaVonne Barksdale, Jewel Crawford-Duncan, Dorothy Davis and Debra Jones.

Posting of campaign signs, literature and other material in Co-op City is prohibited except on personal property, or within a shareholder’s premises, with the owner’s permission. The election rules allow any candidate, their supporter or Riverbay employee to remove illegally posted campaign material.

Candidates and their supporters are reminded that campaign literature can be handed out at any time, or slipped under apartment doors only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. All campaign literature used, whether handed out, posted or transmitted/distributed electronically, must include the name, address or post office box of the person or organization issuing the campaign material or sending such email, and, in the case of an organization, the name of the chair or treasurer of that organization.

Election rule D 2(c) states: “Candidates shall not (i) use social media or email anonymously or under an assumed name, (ii) engage in personal attacks on fellow candidates or shareholders, or (iii) make defamatory statements. Any such conduct shall be a violation of these rules and the candidate may be subject to sanction by the Committee.”

Rule D 2(d) also advises candidates and/or their supporters that the use of Robo-calling or similar systems to contact shareholders for campaigning or election-related purposes is prohibited.

Election Rule B (1) says that candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of office in order to serve as a Board director. Further, Rule B (3) stipulates: “No candidate may be indebted to Riverbay on the date candidates are certified or on the date votes are counted,” as this is grounds for disqualification. Rule B (3) also states that “all candidates must remain current throughout the election period for unpaid carrying charges or other debts to Riverbay until the candidate is sworn in, if elected. A candidate shall not be indebted to Riverbay for purposes of this rule if their monthly carrying charges and maintenance are fully paid by the 10th of the month in which it is due…”

Candidates should also be mindful that accepting campaign contributions or offers to pay for campaign expenses from any person or entity doing business, or soliciting business with Riverbay, including present or prospective managing agents, contactors, vendors, professionals, unions, their employees, commercial tenants, or persons having a direct or indirect interest in such companies, is prohibited by Election Rule D (8). And, any candidate who knowingly accepts campaign contributions or payment of campaign expenses, direct or indirect, in cash or in-kind, from any of the above mentioned person or entity doing business or

IMPORTANT!

For up-to-date communication from Riverbay Corporation, read the Co-op City Times, delivered to your building lobby and the community centers on Saturdays, tune in to the Crawler on your home TVs and lobby monitors, and register for Phone Tree notifications.

soliciting business from Riverbay, will be disqualified.

The use of outdoor space owned by Riverbay for public gathering related to the election is prohibited, and candidates or organizations may not use “the facilities or public meeting areas, community rooms, lobbies, hallways, mail rooms, building association rooms, or similar areas of the Riverbay Corporation for gatherings of more than ten (10) individuals at one time, or for campaign rallies or activities, …,” according to Election Rule E (2, 3).

The Election Committee advises candidates who require clarification on any of the election rules to reach out to the committee by sending an email to Riverbay2024election@riverbaycorp.com

YesElections, Riverbay’s independent election vendor, will begin mailing ballots to Co-op City households around May 20. The ballot will be enclosed in a green envelope and shareholders are asked to keep a watchful eye on their mail to ensure they receive and secure their ballot.

This year’s Riverbay Board election ballot will include a referendum question for an indoor smoking ban of tobacco and cannabis products in Co-op City (See page 1).

The voting period for this year’s election will begin on Monday, May 20, and end at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Shareholders may cast their election ballot utilizing one of two options. Ballots can either be completed and returned by mail to the election vendor in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided with their ballot, or they can vote electronically on the YesElections online portal. Ballots cannot be returned to Riverbay or given to a Riverbay employee.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 14, 2024, and electronic ballots must be transmitted and received no later than 9 p.m. on June 14, 2024 to be counted in the election.

There will be one vote per unit by shareholders of record as of April 1, 2024. Shareholders are voting to fill six seats on the Riverbay Board.

2024 Riverbay Board Election Schedule

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Certification Date for Candidates

Monday, April 22, 2024

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Monday, May 20, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Saturday, May 25, 2025

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Saturday, June 8, 2024

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

Publication for first Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

Publication of second Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

Publication of third Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

First Election Forum, 3 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium, in-person and broadcast live on Crawler

Annual Meeting, Election Period & Voting begins

Shareholders receive 2024 Election ballots

Second Election Forum, 7 p.m., Einstein Center, Room 45, in-person and recorded for rebroadcast on Crawler

Republication of the first Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

Third Election Forum, 7 p.m., Bartow Center, Room 45, in-person and live broadcast on the Crawler

Republication of second Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

Republication of third Election Supplement in Co-op City Times

Friday, June 14, 2024 Election Period ends at 9 p.m. (If no quorum, see Extended Voting period)

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Friday, June 21, 2024

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

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

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

Deadline to file challenges (5 p.m.)

Swearing in of newly Elected Board members

Director’s Viewpoint Daryl Johnson

NYS Assembly Proposes $50 Million To Riverbay

There was an article in last week’s edition of the Co-op City Times about a proposal from the NYS Assembly to allocate money for capital projects in Co-op City. So, um, who is going to do the capital projects?

NYS Must Properly Oversee Their Money

The article stated that Assemblyman Michael Benedetto spoke to “his Assembly team about allocating monies for capital improvements in Co-op City.” Then, the article stated that “there is a proposal for $50M earmarked for capital projects.”

Next, the article pointed out that one of our projects involves replacing the garage elevators. But, we just spent about $44 million on replacing all of the elevators in our buildings. However, why did we have to replace all of the elevators in our buildings? Well, the answer is that our former elevators were installed with inefficient parts that could not sustain the heavy use of traveling throughout our buildings on a daily basis.

Now, did those parts have a warranty on them? Yes. However, the former elevator company did not keep certain parts in their shop. So, let’s say that a huge part like an elevator motor was to break down. Well, the elevator motor would be covered. But, they would have to build a new motor—in six months.

Therefore, how would you feel if an elevator in your building would be out of service for six months? Horrible. So, we can only hope and pray that our recently installed elevators and the elevators in our garages are going to last for a reasonable amount of time.

Now, I personally would love to see this case presented in every college law book. This way, students can learn about contracts and the outrageous pitfalls that they might face in business.

Back in 2012, Riverbay took out a loan for $621.5 million to partially deal with their capital projects. However, within just ten short years, Riverbay had to refinance this loan. Why? Well, Riverbay stated that this refinanced loan was for our capital projects.

Not too long ago, I believe that Riverbay could have saved a lot of money by utilizing our workers

to renovate several areas in Dreiser. However, Riverbay made a choice to issue a $5.6 million contract to a contractor. Then, after everything was done, can you believe that Riverbay expanded the scope of work that resulted in that contractor being paid over $10 million for renovation work in Dreiser?

In another case, architects reviewed the exterior areas of our buildings and then stated that the repair work would cost about $35 million? Then, Riverbay put up an incredible number of fences throughout every area of this community, which were removed after several complaints. Next, Riverbay had to pay over $77 million after this work was finished. So, the price for this work more than doubled.

Now, I can go on and on about the way that capital projects are handled here. But, now you know about some of my concerns.

Okay, let’s go back to the $50 million that is supposedly proposed for Co-op City. How do you think that our capital projects are going to work out if NYS issues a $50 million check to Riverbay? Look, in my opinion, NYS should get their own contractors to perform $50 million worth of work here. This way, the work is guaranteed to get done—without any nonsense.

We Need a Smoking Ban

On July 30, 2018, the NYC Housing Authority, NYCHA, banned smoking “in any indoor area (including apartments) and within 25 feet of NYCHA buildings.” NYCHA also created a graduated enforcement policy that can eventually lead to the termination of a lease.

In Co-op City, we have some terrible cases of cigarette and marijuana smoke wafting into hallways and apartments. Thereafter, this harmful smoke can easily cause a variety of negative health conditions to our cooperators.

For instance, the guidelines from the CDC state: In children, secondhand smoke exposure can cause respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks. In babies, secondhand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke

exposure can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.

Now, let’s say that you don’t smoke and that you don’t want your children to be exposed to smoke. Therefore, you teach your children to stay away from cigarettes and marijuana. So, how would you feel if you and your family were confronted with cigarette or marijuana smoke as soon as you stepped off of an elevator?

Moreover, how would you feel if you were reviewing some school assignments with your children and this secondhand smoke overwhelmed your apartment? What would you do if your children became sick because of that smoke? To me, this scenario is beyond terrible. Therefore, we must get a no-smoking policy here as soon as possible. Then, we must enforce the rules of that policy.

Close

In my opinion, Co-op City is going in the wrong direction. So, we must turn our community around.

Thank you.

Contact Information

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

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

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

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

NYC Comptroller Report Sheds Light on NYC’s Flash Flood Preparedness

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander released a report on April 22 detailing the current state of New York City’s fash food preparedness.

Comptroller Lander’s report analyzes the city’s response to Tropical Storm Ophelia, which dumped as much as 8.65 inches of rain during a 24-hour period starting on September 29, 2023. Tropical Storm Ophelia was responsible for the MTA shutting down several subway lines, the closure of the FDR Drive in lower Manhattan and other major roadway closures due to fooding

The report also shines a light on the progress, or in some cases lack thereof, the city has made in implementing Mayor Eric Adams’ Rainfall Ready plan, which the Mayor announced in 2022. Rainfall Ready outlined several strategies and actions the city can take in order to better prepare New Yorkers and the overall city infrastructure, especially the city’s stormwater drainage systems. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allotted $311 million in funding for the Rainfall Ready plan as part of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program.

With the 2024 hurricane season on the horizon, the Comptroller’s report highlights the need for NYC to better prepare itself for future storms and provides a snapshot of how New Yorkers feel about the city’s emergency preparedness capabilities.

“As storms are becoming more frequent and severe, it is critical to assess the City’s readiness and response. This is especially true given that public trust in government’s ability to handle emergencies is plummeting. According to a recent Citizens Budget Commission survey, New Yorkers are deeply dissatisfed with the City’s emergency preparedness generally, and specifcally with stormwater and sewer maintenance,” the Comptroller’s Offce said

Data from the Comptroller’s report, which was compiled from the Citizens Budget Commission 2023 NYC Resident Feedback Survey, showed that only 23.2% of survey participants citywide were satisfed with the NYC Government’s ability to prepare for an emergency and only 36.9% of survey participants citywide were satisfed with the city’s stormwater drainage and sewer maintenance.

When Tropical Storm Ophelia reached the city, 63% of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) catch basin cleaning trucks, used to clear storm drains, were out of commission at that time, as described in the Comptroller’s report. Ninety-seven percent of New Yorkers had also not signed up for the city’s NotifyNYC emergency notifcation system at the time Tropical Storm Ophelia hit. Interested individuals can sign up for NotifyNYC alerts by going online to a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc (or use: tinyurl. com/kd8ypth5), or by downloading the app in the Apple App Store or Google

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Play Store.

Despite having “advanced notice to prepare for this storm,” Comptroller Lander’s report highlighted the delayed response and lack of communication from both the Mayor and NYC Public Schools offcials on the day of the storm. Mayor Adams held a press conference approximately three hours after heavy rainfall and fooding had started. Parents of public school students also experienced a lack of communication from their child’s respective school with many students “arriving at school with wet shoes and socks due to unavoidable fooding on their morning commutes.” To provide a brief timeline, NYC Public Schools offcially posted on their offcial X account at 12:35 p.m. on the day of the storm and subsequently updated their website at 2:38 p.m. to refect updated guidance on school dismissals and afternoon programming. Both communication efforts from NYC Public Schools came several hours after the heavy rain and fooding began.

In an effort to repair public trust in the NYC Government’s emergency preparedness, the Comptroller’s report urged the city “to communicate early and honestly with the public about risks and safety guidance for upcoming fash foods, conduct honest and public after-action reporting after emergencies, and strengthen partnerships with communities year-round.”

As for a specifc list of recommendations, Comptroller Lander’s report provided the following suggestions:

• Upgrade and expand the city’s capabilities to reach the public with important alerts, especially in at-risk neighborhoods.

• Implement community-based outreach efforts and networks to improve emergency preparedness locally.

• Retroft the city’s catch basins and replace aging catch basin cleaning trucks.

• The MTA, NYC Department of Transit (DOT) and DEP should all “dramatically expand subway food protection improvements.”

• The DEP should upgrade their stormwater infrastructure assessments “to maintain a state of good repair.”

• Both the State legislature and NYC Government “should implement capital process reforms to pick up the pace of completing stormwater projects.”

• Provide more transparency on the progress of stormwater capital projects using the city’s Capital Project Dashboard.

• Strengthen the city’s overall storm operation effciency by developing a tool that allows city agencies to share pertinent data with each other regarding stormwater drainage and sewage.

Comptroller Lander’s report can be found online at comptroller.nyc.gov/ reports/is-new-york-city-ready-for-rain (or use: tinyurl.com/bdfhzhwj).

NYC Unveils FY 25 Budget

New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget on Wednesday, April 24.

Four key priorities were highlighted in the $111.6 billion budget plan: public safety, investing in the city’s youth, supporting working-class New Yorkers and climate initiatives.

Beginning with public safety, the FY25 Budget listed the following areas of investment:

• $62.4 million to support the training and development of 1200 new NYPD recruits with an overall goal of having 35,000 offcers in the near future.

• $16.9 million for the Job Connections Initiative, which helps vulnerable and young New Yorkers who are “at risk of gun violence” by introducing them to “career readiness and green job placement programs.”

• $8.6 million for the expansion of the current Crisis Management System to support Cure Violence areas, which are neighborhoods most affected by gun violence. The investment will also be used to support mental health services in “gun violence safety precincts.”

• $2.5 million to expand the Neighborhood Safety Alliance to include six additional precincts. The Neighborhood Safety Alliance is an organization designed to facilitate collaborations between neighborhoods, law enforcement and city agencies in an effort to reduce gun violence.

Here are the key investments from the FY25 budget that focused on the city’s youth:

• $92 million to support NYC 3-K programs, which were previously funded using Covid-19 pandemic stimulus funds.

• $74 million for the mental health support professionals who serve NYC schools.

• $56 million to sustain funding for special education Pre-K providers and to increase hours of service for those providers. Funding will also be used to support evaluation teams who ensure the quality of Pre-K programming throughout the city.

• $53 million to grow “career pathways programs” in high schools, which are designed to provide students with apprenticeships, career development and opportunities to earn college credits.

• $41 million for arts programming in public schools.

• $27 million to support the Public School Athletic League.

• $25 million to increase the number of in-school early childhood education programs for children with special needs.

To support working-class New Yorkers, the FY25 budget spotlighted the following areas of investment:

• $615 million for the City Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Program, a key resource for New Yorkers needing stable housing.

• $4.6 million for the NYC Benefts Access Initiative, which aims to raise awareness and increase the accessibility of available supportive resources and programs New Yorkers can utilize.

• $5.5 million is earmarked to bolster Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and community hiring practices “by implementing tools to track the implementation of community hiring legislation and the new citywide M/WBE program.”

• $5.3 million to create new Small Business Improvement Districts and merchant associations in low to moderate income neighborhoods.

• $2 million to establish the NYC Future Fund, which offers loans to businesses owned by Black, indigenous or people of color “with a focus on early-stage businesses.”

New York City will also offcially implement climate budgeting going forward, becoming the frst US city to do so. Mayor Adams described what climate budgeting will entail during the FY 25 Budget announcement.

“We will evaluate how every dollar we spend impacts our ability to achieve our city’s ambitious climate goals. This will lead to reduced emissions, improved air quality and environmental justice for our communities,” the Mayor said.

Mayor Adams also provided a snapshot of the city’s fnancial standing and illustrated how the FY25 Budget played into his overall administrative goals for the coming months.

“Thanks to our strong fscal management, we are able to invest in the things that matter to New Yorkers in this Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget, including public safety, early childhood education, and the needs of working-class people. As New York City moves toward the future, our core values will continue to guide us as we continue to build a safer, more equitable, and more prosperous city for all New Yorkers,” Mayor Adams added.

Earth Day Parade –––––

(Continued from page 1)

started on the Section 3 greenway stage, and participants marched to the garden on Co-op City Blvd. between PearTree and Bellamy Loop. At their destination, they received food and participated in workshops on house plant maintenance and foraging. Black Forum provided the food, and the event was funded by Council Member Kevin Riley and Citizens Committee for New York City.

While the morning’s forecast included rain, participants trickled in at 10:30 a.m. and amounted to about 150 people at the event’s peak. The procession was led by Garden President Gail Sharbaan, as “Mother Earth,” Jamaal T. Bailey’s Chief of Staff Salvattore Morello as Grand Marshal, and the Street Beat Brass

soil and planting basil and peppers in the green house. While some volunteers like Seth Scherman-Lyons, 15; and Chelsea Ayre, 13; have gardened with family, others can only plant at Rivers Run.

Twelve-year-old Kayden Hardy described Capital Prep’s outings as “educational trips with a twist of fun.” She said that the Earth Day event was important because it showed that people were concerned with the environment despite climate change. Looking at the students’ concern for human health and edible plants, as well as animals, trees, and the planet, Burrus said that a garden education “is auxiliary to what students learn in school.”

Band on instrumentals. The preparation for the event shows how the celebration was a collaborative effort.

“People need to realize that this space is out here, and it is for everyone not just for members,” said Vivian Burrus, the event’s coordinator. “You can learn a lot here.”

Twenty-four student volunteers from the Bronx Health Sciences High School arrived at the garden at 9 a.m. on April 19. They led tasks like shoveling, pitching tents, and designing posters in preparation for the Earth Day celebration. Winnie Bancroft, a Co-op City shareholder, and the classes’ substitute teacher, said that working with compost and soil “falls under the umbrella” of the school’s mission to create “fully educated and well-rounded students.”

Sharbaan said that the students, who are regular volunteers at the garden, were instrumental to the event’s success, and thanked their Assistant Principal Brian Artzt.

Later that day, volunteers from Capital Prep’s Gardening Club arrived to

Referendum –––––

(Continued from page 1)

within all residential apartments.” Shareholders will then check “Yes” or “No” on the ballot to indicate whether they support such a ban or not.

According to Reso. 24-26, second-hand smoke is universally and sci-

non-smokers, and the Board of Directors wish to protect shareholders from the known, damaging effects of second hand smoke. The resolution states that on March 3, 2016, the Board passed Resolution #16-09B prohibiting smoking in the common areas of residential buildings and community centers, and impos-

“Whereas, Section 17-502 of the NYC Administrative Code requires that the Corporation amend its Rules and Regulations to adopt a policy with respect to smoking; and

“Whereas, the Board of Directors is considering a total ban on indoor smoking within the Riverbay campus; and

“Whereas, the Board believes that a total ban on indoor smoking needs to be supported by a majority of shareholders in order to be effective; and …

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the following question be presented to the shareholders in order to be effective; …”

Resolution 24-26, submitted by Riverbay Board President Sonia Feliciano and seconded by Board Director Rod Saunders, was unanimously supported by all directors in attendance at Wednesday night’s meeting, namely, Monique Coleman, Bernard Cylich, Sonia Feliciano, Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright, Andrea Leslie, Michelle Marbury, Mary Pearson, Leslie Peterson. Leah Richardson, Claudia Sampson, Rod Saunders, Anika Green-Watson and Lynette Wright. Bishop Angelo Rosario was absent. (See page 15 for Reso. 24-26).

REMINDER – Carrying Charge Boxes

Shareholders are reminded that the carrying charge deposit boxes located of the month and close at midnight on the 10th of the month, which is the last day to pay your carrying charges before a late fee is accessed. If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the carrying charge boxes remain open through the next business day.

Riverbay Management

Nasiyah Walton, 21, attended Saturday’s celebration and was most impressed with the two workshops. Not only did they receive herbs like lemon balm, peppermint, dandelion, mugwort, and purple dead nettle,mune system. As an advocate for community gardens, Walton looks forward to volunteering and becoming a member in the future.

“It can make Co-op a bit greener and help people to implement more eco-friendly practices in their lives on a daily basis,” Walton said.

“There’re so many people in the garden who step up during this time, it’s hard to thank one,” said Sharbaan, mentioning people like Valerie Gunn, the garden’s treasurer and the event’s DJ, and Denise Shelly, the garden’s treasurer. “It’s a team effort, everyone took their role and ran with it.”

Photos by Gail Sharbaan and P.M. Campbell

Building 25 Association

Greetings, Building 25 shareholders!

On April 16, the monthly Building 25 Association meeting took place, and we were fortunate to have Mr. Omar DeLosAngeles, supervisor of Janitorial Services, attend the meeting and addressed issues raised by the attendees. The association thanks Mr. DeLosAngeles for his time and professional way he responded to issues and concerns raised during the meeting. Thanks to the shareholders who attended the meeting; your input was invaluable.

The next Building 25 Association meeting will be May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room under the portico. Election of Offcers for Building 25 Association will take place during this meeting. Building 25 shareholders who have paid the building association dues, $5 a year per family, and have attended at least half of the association’s scheduled monthly meetings, are eligible to run for offce: president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary and corresponding secretary. If anyone is interested in running for offce, please let us know. You may contact our building association at bldg25association@gmail. com. Our association’s suggestion box is in our laundry room. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our next meeting.

Reminder: The deadline for fling your 2023 Income Affdavit is April 30. Sick and Shut-ins: We extend warmest wishes that you gain strength and healing daily.

Condolences: To our friends and neighbors who have lost a loved one recently, may you fnd comfort knowing that others care.

Best wishes for good health and a joyful week ahead to everyone.

––Evelyn Herbert

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. The weather has been a little favorable, be careful, viruses are still around and this is also fu season.

Grounds Upkeep – Last week, we shared the upkeep of our grounds by our grounds keeper with them replacing a destroyed Dogwood Tree with a new one. This free Tree Give-Away was arranged by Senator Jamaal Bailey by the NY Restoration Project and the Bissell Garden. See the pictures on page 15 of last week’s issue.

Bldg. 27 Association – will again be presenting Movie Night, today, Saturday, at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:45 p.m. The fee is $5 with light refreshment for the showing of INVISIBLE BEAUTY (A Black woman icon in the fashion industry). Come on down and enjoy. See you in our Association Room in Bldg. C in the rear lobby. Flyers will be posted. Also, this will an opportunity to pay the Association Dues of only $5.00 to become a proud member of your Building Association. We work together as shareholders in maintaining the best quality of life for our homes, building and community.

Packages – are being left in the lobby, rather than at the apartment door. I am not sure who the deliverer is.

Shareholders – Encourage your neighbors to read the Co-op Times. There is an abundance of information to keep one busy and engaged. It can be a lot, but one should want to know about their own building and surroundings. Remember, we are neighbors and in this together helping one another to care for our homes and community.

Notice – Last wash is a 9 p.m., meaning do not wash anything after 9 p.m. as the doors of the Laundry Room will be locked at 10 p.m. daily Affdivats – Forms are arriving in the mail. We now have two options – the paper form which will have to be notarized, and also, shareholders have the opportunity to fle electronic/online on the Riverbay website. The deadline for the 2023 income affdavit is Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

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

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

—H. Overman

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Birthday greetings to our long-time neighbor and friend Thea Colombo from Broun Place Townhouse Association.

Passover began April 22 and continues until April 30. The escape of the Jewish people following persecution and the signifcance of the Seder components teaches us a lot about Jewish culture. Earth Day reminds us of our responsibilities to save the planet. Everyone, enjoy the celebration of Passover and Earth Day.

Soon, the campaigns to encourage voting for directors on the Board will start. Please vote this year. We do not need to have another calamity like last year.

Please share that there is going to be a Child Safety Fair. Anyone with children or grandchildren should be made aware that this event is available to them and it is free. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In our efforts to promote awareness, the Bronx District Attorney’s Offce will be hosting our 7th Annual Child Safety Fair! It will take place today, Saturday, April 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at P.S. 211, the Bilingual School, located at 1919 Prospect Ave., Bronx, NY 10457. The Child Safety Fair aims to engage and provide valuable education to our community about children’s safety and wellness. Many agencies will provide interactive learning activities for all children in attendance. There will also be food, entertainment and music. Everyone is invited to join us on this fun-packed day! Remember, this is a free event.

A scam caller said, “this is Margaret, I’m calling from the National Debt Relief Program.” There is no such program and if there were, they would not call you. They make it sound real, but it is a scam.

For your information, gentrifcation is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the infux of more affuent residents and investment. In Co-op City, that would mean changing the whole process and taking us out of the middle-income Mitchell-Lama model, which is state-operated and guided. That is not happening.

Thank you to the Power Plant of Riverbay Corporation that fxed our disruption in hot water. It came with an emergency shutdown. What a surprise that was. Because we are a Mitchell-Lama housing development, we got it repaired immediately. Be glad you are living here, and this is not a NYCHA development.

Regarding dogs, steady barking and aggressive behavior is not allowed. Dog owners are required to pick up after their dog. The CCPD phone number is 1-718-671-3050. Having a dog or cat is a responsibility.

We will be having a meeting soon and a fyer will be distributed. We are looking forward to that. Let me know who you would like to invite.

We send condolences, love and support to dear friends, the John Zacchio family and the Ken Ludmer family, whose father and husband died April 16, 2024, and April 19, 2024, respectively. Remember: “Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself;” and “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help ––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Board of Directors’ Meeting - April 24, 2024

First Reading – Resolution #24-22

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Bernie Cylich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2022 the Board awarded Contract #3784A via Resolution #22-48 to Synergy Green Building Group for the Pump Room Rejuvenation Project; and

WHEREAS, Change Order #1 is being requested for a one-year extension of time until April 2, 2025. To date the project is 63% complete (see attached memo); and

WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities have overtaken the time allotted for in-house labor to disassemble and remove the pumps and motors from the bases; 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 #3784A with Synergy Green Building Group for a one-year extension of time 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 or change order and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

Second Reading – Resolution #24-15

SUBMITTED BY: Lynette Wright

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, on February 23, 2022 the Board approved Resolution # 21-39 awarding contract #3634 Rebid to Abatement Unlimited Inc. for asbestos abatement work, for a two year period and a not to exceed amount of $8,000,000, based on union pricing with approval of a one (1) year renewal option; and

WHEREAS: on October 11, 2023, the Board of Directors approved Resolution #23-47 allocating $3,000,000 from the $7,900,000 2023/2024 approved Asbestos budget for contract #3634 Rebid with Abatement Unlimited Inc.

WHEREAS: Abatement Unlimited Inc. has met all the criteria set forth within the contract, Management therefore seeks approval to exercise the oneyear renewal option and extend the asbestos abatement contract #3634 Rebid until April 25, 2025; and

WHEREAS: Management also requests approval of $4,000,000 from the $7,900,000 of the 2024/2025 approved Asbestos budget to be added to contract #3634 Rebid. These funds are to be used to cover the asbestos work required until the expiration of the contract on April 25, 2025; 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 BE IT RESOLVED, that notwithstanding Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and Resolution #20-19, that the Board authorizes the approval of the one-year renewal option to extend contract #3634 Rebid until April 25, 2025 with Abatement Unlimited and the allocation of $4,000,000 to add to the contract of funds from the 2024/2025 approved Asbestos budget, to cover the asbestos work required until the expiration of the contract on April 25, 2025.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President is hereby authorized to execute the additional funds for the above contract consistent with this Resolution and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Lambright, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright NO: Johnson

ABSENT FOR VOTE: Leslie

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Bartow Mall Parking Alert

Shareholders, guests and shoppers are reminded that there is a two-hour parking limit in the Bartow Mall. Parking is for the exclusive use of customers while shopping in the commercial establishments within the Bartow Mall. There is a posted twohour time limit. Vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

First Reading – Resolution #24-25

SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury

SECONDED BY: Kevin Lambright

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, the previous Contract #3381 for Public Assembly Compliance work was terminated, as the contractor didn’t complete the work; and

WHEREAS, the work needs to be completed since FDNY has mandated that all three centers along with churches and certain day care centers with assembly rooms be in compliance; and

WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited bids from 20 companies under new Bid #3944, in order to complete this public assembly compliance project, in order to be 100 % code complainant; and

WHEREAS, the Procurement Department received six (6) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Architect of record and the project manager; and

WHEREAS, the Architect of record and the project manager have determined that the lowest qualified bidder to be Genesys Construction Corp., and recommend that this contract #3944 be approved and awarded to Genesys Construction Corp at a total dollar value of $317,111.30 (see recommendation memo & bid leveling 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 #3944 with Genesys Construction Corp., for one (1) year at a total value of $317,111.30 plus tax be approved as recommended by Management in accordance with the 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.

First Reading – Resolution #24-24

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Lambright

SECONDED BY: Leslie Peterson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, Procurement on May 2021 conducted an RFP for the purchase of kitchen Cabinets, and we received bids from 5 bidders. On November 10, 2021 the Board passed resolution #21-47 awarding the bid to the lowest qualified bidder Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry for a 12-month contract not to exceed for $1,200,000. The resolution and contract incorporated a 12-month extension option at Riverbay’s discretion not exceed the amount of $1,200,000; and

WHEREAS: During the first year, we established a good working relationship with Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, as they have provided a quality product and met all aspects of the contract, Management decided to exercise the 1-year contract extension option; and

WHEREAS: Management continues to be impressed with the characteristics and good quality of the kitchen cabinets, and satisfied with the timely delivery of kitchen cabinets. And since Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry has agreed to honor their existing pricing for an additional year, with a 2% escalation for a second year; and

WHEREAS: Management wants to proceed with awarding a single source two (2) year contract #4040 to Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, at the present cabinets price for the first year, with a 2 % escalation for the 2nd year, with a total contract value of $2,424,000, with the funds to be allocated as follow:

$1,200,000 – no price increase for year 1

$1,224,000 – 2% increase in price for year 2

$2,424,000 – Total 2 Years Contract Value

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 BE IT RESOLVED, that notwithstanding Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and Resolution #20-19. That the Board authorizes the approval of two (2) year contract #4040 to Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, at the present cabinets price for the first year, with a 2 % escalation for the 2nd year, with a total contract value of $2,424,000, with the funds to be allocated as follow:

$1,200,000 – no price increase for year 1

$1,224,000 – 2% increase in price for year 2

$2,424,000 – Total 2 Years Contract Value

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President is hereby authorized to execute change orders to the above contracts consistent with this Resolution and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

See page 15 for more Resolutions

Resolutions ––––– (Continued from page 14)

Second Reading - Resolution #24-16

SUBMITTED BY: Claudia Sampson

SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, the turnkey contractors have successfully restored 504 apartments as of March 14, 2024 since the beginning of the 2023/2024 budgeted year, and we now need to allocate additional funding in support of the turnkey project; and

WHEREAS: Management seeks approval to allocate $3,720,000 from the approved budgeted $5,760,000 turnkey budget year of 2024/2025: and

WHEREAS: Management anticipates the funds will cover the turnkey work until the end of September 2024 with an estimated target of 310 apartments: and

WHEREAS: Management request that the allocated $3,720,000 funds from the 2024/2025approved budget period be allocated as follows:

Change order for Cove Home Improvements contract # 3425A: $1,500,000

Change order for Rainier Restorations LLC contract # 3425E: $1,320,000

And allocate the balance of the $900,000 from the requested amount for the continued testing of qualified competitive priced turnkey contractors and MWBE owned companies. These monies will be allocated as necessary until contracts are awarded; 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 BE IT RESOLVED, that notwithstanding Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 as amended by Board of Directors Resolution #95-44 and Resolution #20-19, that the Board authorizes the release of $3,720,000 from the budgeted $5,760,000 turnkey budget year of 2024/2025 be allocated as follows:

Change order for Cove Home Improvements contract # 3425A: $1,500,000

Change order for Rainier Restorations LLC contract # 3425E: $1,320,000

And allocate the balance of the $900,000 from the requested amount for the continued testing of qualified competitive priced turnkey contractors and MWBE owned companies. These monies will be allocated as necessary until turnkey contracts are awarded.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President is hereby authorized to execute change orders to the above contracts consistent with this Resolution and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

WITHDRAWN

Insurance Resolution #24-21

SUBMITTED BY: Monique Coleman

SECONDED BY: Sonia Feliciano & Claudia Sampson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Power Plant Property Insurance Policy expires 4/30/24; and

WHEREAS, the expiring Power Plant Property Insurance Policy was a shared and multi-layered program with multiple insurance carriers totaling $174,117,160 Total Insured Value (TIV) of coverage for the Power Plant for an annual premium of $1,730,083 including broker fee, TRIA and taxes; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Risk Management sought bids for the Power Plant from two (2) different brokers – Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Sentinel;

WHEREAS, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Sentinel did not submit bids; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Risk Management, after an extensive marketing program through USI Insurance Services, Inc., Riverbay’s incumbent Power Plant Property Insurance broker, because of a continued hardening market due to limited capacity, adverse property losses throughout the country, a poor loss ratio involving Power Plant claims and a 10.00% increase in the Power Plant’s TIV ($191,528,876), recommends placing the Power Plant Property Insurance policy in a shared and multi-layered program for an annual premium, including broker fee, TRIA and taxes, of $1,972,886, a 14.03% increase, for the policy period 4/30/24 – 4/30/25.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves placing the Power Plant Property Insurance Policy program in the same format and coverage amounts as noted above for an annual premium, including broker fee, TRIA and taxes, of $1,972,886, for the policy period 4/30/24 – 4/30/25.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright NO: Johnson, Lambright

ABSENT: Rosario

PASSED

Emergency Resolution #24-26

SUBMITTED BY: Sonia Feliciano

SECONDED BY: Rod Saunders

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: April 24th, 2024

WHEREAS, secondhand smoke is universally and scientifically recognized to materially and adversely affect both smokers and non-smokers; and

WHEREAS, on March 3, 2016, the Board passed Resolution #16-09B, which prohibited smoking inside building common areas and community centers and imposed a $300 fine for violations of those rules; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Corporation wish to protect shareholders from the known, damaging effects of secondhand smoke; and

WHEREAS, Section 17-502 of the NYC Administrative Code requires that the Corporation amend its Rules and Regulations to adopt a policy with respect to smoking; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is considering a total ban on indoor smoking within the Riverbay campus; and

WHEREAS, the Board believes that a total ban on indoor smoking needs to be supported by a majority of shareholders in order to be effective; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following question be presented to the shareholders on the official ballot for the 2024 Board Election: Resolved, that the Corporation should ban indoor smoking of tobacco and cannabis products within all residential apartments.

Yes ______ No _______

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Peterson, Richardson, Sampson, Saunders, Watson, Wright

ABSENT: Rosario PASSED

Public Safety Blotter

April 17, 2024

120 Co-op City Blvd.

A cooperator reported returning to her parked vehicle and observing that her passenger side window was shattered and both wheels on the passenger side had the bolts unfastened. No items were removed from the vehicle. The cooperator notified a tow company who responded and tightened the wheel bolts. NYPD was also notified.

140 Casals Place

CCPD responded for a call of a suspect who was wanted for a past felony crime. The suspect was stopped as he was leaving Building 14 and was advised by CCPD that he was under arrest. After a brief struggle, the suspect was placed under arrest and was also found to be in possession of an illegal taser stun device. The suspect was transported to Jacobi Hospital with EMS for treatment and later to the 45thPrecinct for processing. The 45th Precinct Detective Squad was notified of the arrest and for subsequent debriefing on the crime necessitating his arrest and the multiple Supreme and Criminal Court warrants.

2063 Bartow Avenue

A Rite Aid employee reported an unknown suspect removing items from the shelves and leaving the establishment without paying for the items. The items were recovered by Public Safety Officers.

April 18, 2024

2047 Bartow Avenue

While on routine patrol, a CCPD officer observed a juvenile leave the Dollar Tree store with items without paying. The juvenile was stopped at the corner of Asch Loop and Bartow

–––– (Continued from page 7)

Avenue with the stolen items still in his possession and placed under arrest. A Juvenile Report was prepared and the juvenile was released to his adult caretaker.

120 Casals Place

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

2063 Bartow Avenue

A Rite Aid store employee reported an unknown suspect removing a bottle of body wash from the store shelf, leaving the store without paying and fleeing in the direction of Asch Loop.

April 19, 2024

2063 Bartow Avenue

A Rite Aid store employee reported an unknown individual removing various items from the shelves and leaving the establishment without paying.

3289 Westchester Avenue

A juvenile resident reported being threatened with a knife by a juvenile suspect who he is familiar with. The incident was reported to Public Safety. Officers from CCPD conducted a canvas of the area within Co-op City and apprehended the suspect. He was arrested and processed as a juvenile.

April 20, 2024

140 Benchley Place

CCPD responded to a call of a suspicious person in the stairwell on the 15th floor. Upon arrival, CCPD observed a cooperator loitering in stairwell. He was issued a Community Complaint for loitering.

900 Baychester Avenue

A cooperator reported a confirmed delivered package that was removed without her permission.

American Legion Post 1871

Community Involvement

We Celebrated Earth Day with Rivers Run Community Garden! Earth Day is an annual celebration to commemorate the achievements of a global environmental movement for a call-to-action to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. In Co-op City on Saturday, April 20, we celebrated Earth Day. Centered in this festivity is Co-op City’s own “Mother Earth,” as pictured to the right, Gail Sharbaan, president of our Rivers Run Community Garden (RRCG). She is fanked left by Salvattore “Sal” Morello, Chief of Staff for Senator Bailey, who is on paternity leave; Joan Davis, Post Service Offcer; Antonio Codrington, Post Commander; and Leslie Peterson, RRCG vice president. At the beginning of the ceremony on the Section 3 greenway, Leslie Peterson, set the tone for the march to RRCG. She stated that the 2024 theme for Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastics.” This theme is to communicate widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics. We must rapidly phase out all single use of plastics. To emphasize this urgency, there is a push for a strong UN Treaty, on plastic pollution to build a plastic-free planet for generations to come! To highlight this urgency, scientists estimate that 8.8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, threatening over 700 species of marine animals (source: National Geographic). Pictured at left are other Legionnaires in attendance with “Mother Earth.” To her left are Joan and Toba; to her right, Antonio, Auxiliary President Francis Wilson, and Chaplain

Barbara Wat -

tley, and in the rear, Lloyd Edmondson Sr. who assisted in traffc control, for the Color Guard, Mother Earth, and marchers – at right – to cross Co-op City Boulevard for entrance to RRCG.

April Birthdays!

Following are Legionnaires who celebrated April birthdays: Nathan Armfeld (Lebanon/Grenada, US Army); Charles Gregory, Jr., Honorary Legionnaire at 96th with 24 continuous years with Post (WWII, US Army); Jerome L., Rice, Past Commander (Lebanon/Grenada, US Army), and Santiago Rodriguez, Jr., Honorary Legionnaire at 96th with 24 continuous years with Post (WWII, US Navy).

Save The Date – May!

1) Memorial Day Flagging, Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Cemetery, 3800 Jerome Ave., Bronx;

2) Co-op City Memorial Day Event, Sunday, May 26, at 3:00 p.m. at Haley J. Mosely Park.

Building 2 Association

As the end of April approaches, Co-op City shareholders are reminded of the upcoming deadline for submitting their income affdavits. The Building 2 Association has organized a convenient solution to assist shareholders in this process. A notary will be available in the lobby of 920 Co-op City Blvd. to notarize income affdavits for a nominal fee. Shareholders can take advantage of this service on Thursday, April 25, from 4-6 p.m. and Monday, April 29, from 6-8 p.m.

In addition to this reminder, shareholders are also informed that on Saturday, April 20, the Building 2 Association hosted another successful Food Pantry giveaway. This time, the giveaway was extended to all residents in Section 1, providing essential support to those in need. Future Food Pantry dates are scheduled for Saturday, May 4th and May 18th.

Furthermore, shareholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Riverbay Board of Directors election. It is imperative that shareholders exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard in the governance of our community. Details regarding the election, including dates and times of candidates’ forums, can be found in the Co-op City Times.

With these reminders and opportunities for community engagement, Co-op City continues to thrive as a cooperative and supportive living environment for all shareholders. Let us come together to fulfll our responsibilities and strengthen our community bonds.

—Tami Claytor

Rivers Run Community Garden

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Earth Day Celebration and garden opening (pictured below). Your presence enhanced the joyous event, and we look forward to seeing you throughout the season.

Event Dates (All are welcome):

· May 12th – Nurturer’s Day Paint and Rejoice event.

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

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

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

Beginning May 1, 2024 Rivers Run is open:

·Tues. & Thurs. – 4 p.m. to Dusk

·Wed. & Fri. – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

·Sat. & Sun. – 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

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

If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at Rivers_run@yahoo.com or call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-6713801. Mailing address for dues (checks only): 100 Casals Pl #32K, Bronx, NY 10475.

––Gail Sharbaan

Co-op City Pharmacy

ALDO

Apple

Bath & Body Works

Clarks Express Gap

H&M

JD Sports

Kay Jewelers

Macy’s

With Gifts That Inspire

Nike Factory Store

Old Navy

Pandora

Perfumania

Sephora

Sunglass Hut

Swarovski

UNIQLO

Victoria’s Secret

Zales

Partial Listing

Saturday, May 11 · 12–4pm

Mother’s Day

Gift Guide

Scan for details

GAP

ZALES

BATH & BODY WORKS

KAY JEWELERS

PERFUMANIA

ALDO

PANDORA

African-American Association of Co-op City

Calling all Parents of Children

4th Grade to 8th Grade

Saturday, May 18, is our 11th Annual Co-op City Spelling Bee. Come and experience friendly competition and the very gifted youth of Co-op City. Time: 1 p.m. sharp in Dreiser Center, Room 4. Registration is required by 12 p.m. Door prizes for the first to arrive on time and other surprises will be shared. To register your child, call Ms. Francine Reva Jones at 718-671-5957 or email franreva@aol.com

The next AAACC “Open Mic” event is Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m.

Can you sing? Are you funny? Are you a dancer, a poet, novelist, maybe you are a painter? Or maybe you are a Jack-of-all these trades? This platform is for you! Come and hone your talents and have some fun. Adults only, please, and language must be kept respectable. This open mic is a fundraiser from 4 p.m. -8 p.m. to support the African-American Association of Co-op City. Come to Dreiser Community Center, Room 15. We will remind you again with lobby flyers. Until then, mark your calendar and save the date! AAACC Meetings & Events

May 18: Co-op City Spelling Bee, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Dreiser, Room 4 May 19: General Meeting, 3 p.m., via Zoom

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

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

Our Gift to You

The African-American Association is offering a gift to each member. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of “our push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting and pushing each other into a bright, productive and prosperous future. In the spirit of Dr. King, we must unite in our communi-

Springtime Transformation for Section 5’s Community Fridge/Pantry

It is springtime and do you know what that means? It means a springtime transformation for Section 5’s Community Fridge and Pantry! As our resident visual artist, Amarie Niblack, began the initial preparations, some shareholders and Riverbay staff members also stopped by to assist with adding a new fresh spring-like vibrancy to our community fridge/ pantry. Despite some rainy days, the project continued to move forward. Shareholders also dropped off buckets of paint, paintbrushes and even rolled up their sleeves to assist in the project. It was truly in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Stay tuned to the unveiling!

–Yolanda Ramirez

ties through our organizations. These are important and pivotal years. Our gift to each member is a complimentary four-night hotel stay or cruise. Hopefully, you will be stimulated, refreshed and renewed enough that you will join us and enjoy your vacation on us, and make an impact, just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map!

Join the AAACC

$25/year single membership and $35/year for a family/household. Zelle us your payment using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com, or call: 646-883-9095. The African-American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

AAACC Programs

Belly Dance Classes – Contact: Xonia Wilson at 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes – Contact: Cynthia Dixon at 917-903-7073.

Yoga & Pilates Classes – Contact: Meena Sharpe-Hicks at 917-863-1507.

Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” – Contact: Joyce Smith at 718-320-0714.

Be the change you want for more in 2024.

––Michelle

Marbury

RIMISAC

QUALITY CARE PROVIDERS

WE PROVIDE...

Primary Care (PCP)

• Need a new PCP?

• Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure

• Annual Physicals

• Wellness Visits

GYN

• Pap Smear / Screening

• Annual Wellness

• Female Doctor

Physical Therapy

• One on One Care

• Manual / Hands on

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Chronic Pain

• Age related issues

• Stroke Recovery

• Weakness

• Avoiding Surgery

• Pre/Post Operaton

• Senior / Elderly Care

• Car Accidents

Photos by Yolanda Ramírez/Andre Niblack

Greetings,

Building 20 Association

Thanks to the shareholders who attended the April 18th meeting. The following are some highlights:

Our guest speaker was Director Monique Coleman, a member of the Riverbay Board of Directors and the Insurance Committee chairperson. Director Coleman began by discussing the recent disasters occurring in our cities, states, country and world, including the April 5th earthquake, and how they

Building 20 Association executive members with guest speaker, L-R: Caroline Cruz, Sylvia Lewis, Francine Jones, Guest Speaker Monique Coleman, Laverne Hamilton and Yvonne Mitchell.

actually affect the Riverbay property insurance. Their actuaries make projections and they have their own formulas that they use to create the rates. For example, if a building comes down, there must be enough insurance coverage to rebuild it. Insurance is one of the key factors as to why we get car-

rying charge increases, and to some extent, it is out of our control and affects our budget.

The purpose of the Insurance Committee is to ask the proper questions and assure that we are not paying too much for what we’re getting. The Management team is doing a great job, and we need to make sure that the people who are working for us are working for us. The Risk Management dept. hires brokers and we must make sure that their relationships are trustworthy and that we are not concentrating all of our business with one company versus another.

We are paying our brokers a lot, but nothing is free. That is how it works. One of the ways that we pay our brokers is by giving them a percentage of

last year. Their fee will not increase with the rising cost of premiums.

Finally, Director Coleman stated that it is great that we are so engaged and that we are asking questions. Co-op City is not just the Board of Directors and Management. It is the shareholders, too. She continued by responding to shareholders’ questions, which will be discussed next week.

Next meeting: May 16, 2024. We hope to see you.

—Francine Jones

Be an Engaged Shareholder!

Building 15A Association

The turnout really increased because Ms. Milsa Vega, Jr. Property Manager, appeared as our guest speaker. She not only gave out forms needed by many, but also imparted information wanted by most and complaints she promised to take a look at. The hour and a half spent gave Ms. Vega time to absorb some of the problems now existing in Building 15A and she acknowledged they would be looked at immediately.

Ms. Dorothea Castle, president, did a walkaround with Mr. Mike Ambo, director of Grounds department. His limited funds in the budget has a lot to do with getting things accomplished since Local Law 11 is done. There will be a newsletter posted between the lobby elevators, listing what Mr. Ambo plans, even though time and funds are not on his side. He will try to make the grounds around our homestead as pretty as other areas.

The pandemic, having lasted several years, everyone is in the same category. The next week or so an envelope for dues of $5 per year will be left under all doors of residents who haven’t paid as yet. You are asked to do so ASAP.

Our next meeting will be June 4, and our guest speaker will be Executive General Manager Marvin L. Walton. Make plans to be there.

In the meantime, happy days to one and all.

—Dorothea Castle

Get involved with your building association, join a Board Committee and/or community group, write a Letter to the Editor and VOTE in the annual Board Election!

Bronx County Chorus Announces May 5th Spring Concert, “Back in the 80’s”

Bronx County Chorus announces its 85th annual spring concert, “Back in the 80’s.” Join us on May 5, at 4 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck, 3075 Baisley Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, where a glorious tribute to the 80’s will be held free of charge; donations accepted. Highlights of music from the 80’s in history, as well as selections from shows of the 1980’s, “Into the Woods” and “Phantom of the Opera,” will be performed. Pop hits from the 80’s are also featured. This concert is a salute to the 1580’s,1680’s, 1780’s, 1880’s and 1980’s, and enjoy the voices of the chorus.

Bronx County Chorus performs under the direction of Miles Fellenberg and assistant director and accompanist, Ava Nazar. Both Mr. Fellenberg and Ms. Nazar have impressive resumes. Their talent and credentials support the Bronx County Chorus, the oldest ecumenical chorus in the Bronx. Members come from many Bronx neighborhoods. This includes Co-op City, Parkchester and Throggs Neck. Members come to conveniently located First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck, 3075 Baisley Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461.

Watch for the fall press release which will give all the membership recruitment information for fall 2024. Bronx County Chorus performs two outreach concerts and one formal concert each semester. The chorus sung for residents at Fort Schuyler House Inc., Amber Court Assisted Living and Kings Harbor Multicare Facility this past year. Bronx County Chorus is supported by public funds from the Bronx Council On The Arts, through the New York State Council On The Arts Decentralization Program and members.

First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck, the rehearsal and concert location, is accessible by train, bus, or car. Semester dues for chorus members are $40 for individuals, $60 for families and couples. For more information, please visit Facebook or our website, http://www.Bronxcountychorus.org/, or email bronxcountychorus@gmail.com for more information.

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

2024 Riverbay Board Election Rules and Regulations

A. GENERAL RULES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. There will be one vote per occupied unit by residents who were shareholders of record on April 1st, 2024 Quorum shall be determined based upon one share per occupied unit and

not based upon a percentage of dwelling units.

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

B. RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES

1. A candidate must be a resident shareholder as indicated on the candidate’s stock certifcate, occupancy agreement, and the current Occupants Annual Affdavit of Family Income. Candidates must continue to reside in Co-op City for the entire term of offce in order to serve as a Director.

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

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

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

• are shareholders of record;

• maintain their primary residence at Riverbay,

• are current in their fnancial obligations to the Corporation,

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

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

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

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

(a) Prospective candidates shall sign and complete a Statement of Intent in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and submit the executed Statement of Intent

to the Election Committee by email, addressed to Riverbay2024Election@ riverbaycorp.com, on or before midnight on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024. In the event that the prospective candidate lacks access to email, then the prospective candidate shall return the completed Statement of Intent to the Public Safety Department, attention Riverbay 2024 Election Committee. On the following business day, the fnancial status of the prospective candidate will be checked and a background check shall be initiated.

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

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

C. RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES

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

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

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

D. CAMPAIGNING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

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

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

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

notice to this effect to be published in the Co-op City Times

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

(

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Riverbay shall not be liable for any defamatory statements made by any candidate, or by any person or entity in the course of the election campaign, nor shall Riverbay be required to insure, defend or indemnify any such candidate or conduct. Candidates

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agree to indemnify Riverbay for any and all costs and expense incurred by Riverbay, including attorney’s fees, incurred by Riverbay in the defense of any defamation claim arising out of any statement or publication of any kind made by said candidate, or by any person or entity acting on their behalf, during the election.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) All certifed candidates will be invited to participate in the forums in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee.

If a candidate cannot participate in the forum, and the candidate provides the Chairperson(s) with the reason for nonparticipation, the Chairperson(s), with the permission of the candidate, may take such reasonable accommodations as may be required to enable the candidate to participate, or alternatively announce the reason why the candidate cannot participate to the audience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

a joint Viewpoint, they may do so, but only if the Viewpoint has been unanimously approved by the full Board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Employees living in Co-op City are encouraged to exercise their rights as residents of the community during the election within the scope of this policy. All Riverbay employees are reminded that as employees they have a duty of loyalty to Riverbay and should not engage in any activity that raises the appearance of impropriety. Participation in the electoral process must not interfere with employees’ work duties. All employees shall refrain from engaging in any activity that may be construed as an attempt to abuse their positions as employees to infuence the outcome of the election. Examples of acts that may be an abuse of an employee position include soliciting donations for candidate(s), distributing campaign material for or against particular candidate(s), or engaging in any other activity that may reasonably be viewed as an abuse of position.

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

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

F. BALLOTING AND CERTIFICATION

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

by the Election Committee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. The Election Committee shall, in an open, public meeting to be con-

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ducted at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, certify the fnal count of the election ballots.

12. Upon completion of the count, the Committee shall certify to the Board that a quorum has been obtained, the total number of votes cast, the total number of votes disqualifed, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, and the names of the candidates who have been elected, as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

G. DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MISCONDUCT

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

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

3. The Committee may impose an administrative charge, without conduct-

ing a formal hearing in accordance with Section H, if the Committee has provided the candidate with notice that it may impose such a fee, the reason the Committee is considering imposing a fee, and an opportunity for the candidate to appear before the Committee to contest the imposition of an administrative fee.

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

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

6. Any candidate may object to a determination of the Committee to impose an administrative charge, and may, within three (3) days of delivery of said determination to the candidate, request a review of such determination by the Board. The Board, in its discretion, may affrm, modify, or reverse the determination, or decline, without explanation, to review the Committee’s determination. A request for a review shall not stay a candidate’s obligation to make payment of any administrative charge levied by the Committee.

H. CHALLENGES TO VOTING RESULTS

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

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

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

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

5. If, after reviewing the challenge, the Committee determines that the chal-

lenge sets forth substantial questions concerning the certifcation of any candidate or candidates, or the results of the election, the Committee may hold a formal hearing, virtually or in-person at the discretion of the Committee, to review the challenge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. At any hearing, General Counsel to Riverbay, or an attorney designated by General Counsel, shall advise the Committee. Any candidate or resident participant shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

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

14. At the conclusion of such a hearing, the Committee may uphold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sonia Feliciano, President of Riverbay Corporation

Date: March 26th, 2024

Building 24 Association

Dear shareholders,

As you may have heard, Riverbay Management is working on improving maintenance work in Co-op City. At recent meetings with Building Association presidents, Management asked for suggestions on how improvements could be made and is going to try implementing some of them. I just heard from one of our neighbors who needed work done and had a very quick response to her call that resulted in all the work being done that same day. She had a clogged sink and needed a new sink strainer and caulking around her

was not as complicated as breaking through a wall to repair a leak and all the work needed to restore the wall, but hopefully it is a sign of improvements to come in our maintenance service.

Spring has sprung and with it calls for our annual Cake Sale have begun, so we are now planning to have a Spring Time/Mother’s Day Cake Sale on Saturday, May 11, the day before Mother’s Day, from noon to 3 p.m. in the lobby. All shareholders are encouraged to bring their baked goods for the sale, proceeds from which will support the Building 24 Association. Free coffee will be served. For any questions, call Bruce, 718-869-6375; or Judy at 646-7508089. Notices will be posted. Enjoy the good weather.

––Bruce Silberman

Building 21 Association

Greetings, cooperators.

in-person meeting in our gathering room in the back of Building 21B lobby. It will begin at 7 p.m. sharp!

We would like at least one member from every family to come and represent. We have a lot to discuss in a short time so please arrive on time.

A reminder that this is your community. We must stay informed and engaged! Your Building Association is where you can start to be engaged in in your community.

online. For details, see the Co-op City Times.

Riverbay Board of Directors elections are coming up – Please make sure

We are looking for volunteers for our spring clean event! (We often reward volunteers).

Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome – you can place

Thursday of each month. You may contact us at our email, 21association@ gmail.com.

May God bless and continue to keep you and yours safe.

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and equality for all during the course of 20th Century American History. Join the NAACP to help us do the work. We march to defend democracy. Membership is the Lifeblood of the organization. We meet the fourth (4th) Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m. (currently virtual) barring any unforeseen circumstances. Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.-noon. General Membership Meeting is Sunday, April 28, at 3:00 p.m. Zoom ID: 818 7075 6172, Passcode: 047665. You are welcomed to join.

NAACP Co-op City Branch Youth and Economic Development Committees presents Parents and Youth Intro to Financial Literacy

We want to give our youth a head-start learning how to create generational

naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com, or call 646-234-4085. Check your bulletin Board

the local, state, and national level while utilizing a combined effort of litigation and mobilization to ensure every Black American can cast their ballot in November! We are currently litigating seven other voting rights cases across the nation while working to educate, engage and mobilize millions of Black voters throughout the 2024 election cycle.

Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m., hosted by Mid-Manhattan branches.

July 13–July 17, Mandalay Bay convention.

African American Day Parade – Sunday, September 15. More information forthcoming.

11-13, 2024. More information forthcoming. This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: our vote. The issues that affect our community will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. We can vote For more information on the NAACP’s work to mobilize Black voters, visit naacp.org/vote.

You can follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP – April is our Spring Membership Campaign. Become a member, gift a membership or upgrade sacred right to vote. Annual membership: Adult, $30; & Youth, $10; or Silver NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP To or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com

Building 12 Cooperators’ Association

Thank you!

Building 12 Cooperator’s Association has accomplished most of our initial goals. There is organizational structure and committees have been formed and they are putting events and actions in place that will support a shared environment amongst shareholders of neighborliness and friendship.

The board could only have attained this level of success by having resident participation. Well, boy-oh-boy, Building 12 residents have stepped up and volunteered to help provide and support a solid quality of life standard for our building.

Attendance at General meetings has been good, often ‘standing room only.’ Volunteers have stepped up to join committees. We have been blessed with a robust number (30) of volunteers for the foor captain committee. That committee, led by the Chief Floor Captain Tanya Clark-Ingram and Assistant Chief Floor Captain KaTrina Dinham, will provide the important frst level of security and safety for the building by maintaining effective communication with residents.

The FC volunteers have shown boundless dedication. One FC, Mr. Jose Abad, volunteered to serve as Floor Captain on an alternate foor other than the one he lives on because he and one other person were available to serve on the foor where he lives.

Ms. Patricia Boyd has volunteered Notary service for Building 12 for free (donations accepted). The schedule to have affdavits notarized is posted in the lobby.

The Youth and Senior Activities Committee has planned a dance ftness class, family paint night, movie night as well as a weekly walking club to maintain healthy cardio ftness. The dates for these activities are posted in the building lobby.

The board says thank you to all of our volunteers. You are the sunshine and rain that nourish our effort to create, build, and support a strong and comfortable “community” environment.

Remember, speak up, your voices will be heard.

We want to hear from residents; not just complaints but your ideas and suggestions as well. You can reach by sending an email to building12board@ gmail.com. You can also reach us on Facebook at “Building 12 AssociationCo-Op City” or on Instagram at “building12association_coopcity.”

Additionally, suggestion forms are available at all of our general meetings.

—Khalil Abdul-Wahhab

National Council of Negro Women

NCNW Co-op City Section – We are celebrating National Business Month jointly with Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Omicron Chapter by providing free notary services today, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dreiser Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 11. Just come with valid identifcation and your completed documents and they will be notarized for free. Please email omicronny@gmail.com with any questions.

Health Committee – We resumed our GirlTrek walking season on Saturday, April 6. We are inviting all our members and friends to join the Co-op City Section for our weekly GirlTrek Sisterhood Saturday Walks in the Greenway. We will be walking together for a shared mission of health, unity and Black girl power. For further information, contact Farah Martin at 917-806-2534 or Keisha Keelen at 917-697-4854.

Our Health Committee had a very successful collaboration with other community partners in a Maternal Health Fair on Saturday, April 13 at Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem. Healthcare professionals discussed childbirth, advocacy, patient’s rights and maternal mental health.

Bethune-Height Recognition Program – Our 50th annual BHRP Program will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 12 to 4 p.m., at Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY. Reservations are $125 per person. The theme of this year’s program is “Looking Back, Moving Forward.” At this program each year, all 18 of the NCNW sections from New York State and New York State Affliates gather to honor outstanding women in our communities, welcome new Life Members, Legacy Life Members and Achievers, all to raise funds for the maintenance of our national headquarters that is located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. This program that is presented by sections all over the United States is named after our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and our National President for forty years, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. This year, our keynote speaker will be our newly installed National President & CEO, Shavon Arline-Bradley MPH, M.Div. After 88 years, the organization has changed its governance structure to work more effciently. Rev. Arline-Bradley is an extraordinary communicator and her expertise in the areas of public health and social justice is impressive. These are areas in which NCNW would like to continue, as we bridge the generational gap. Dr. Thelma T. Daley, NCNW immediate past president and chair said, “This is an exciting time for NCNW. Shavon is a person of vision, with tremendous ideas, a broad outreach, and a fawless work record that will be recognized for years to come.”

Social Media – Remember, you can fnd us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco. opcity@gmail.com.

––Joyce Howard

Building 10 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators.

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

Game Night – Game Night will be held today, April 27, in the Building 10 Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. All are welcome. Bring your favorite game and be prepared to have a great time. Light refreshments will be served.

General Membership Meeting – Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m.

Summer Fun Day T-Shirt – Last day to pre-order your Summer Fun Day T-shirt is May 1 from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in the Building 10 Association Room located in the rear of Building 10B. Please see the fyer in the lobby for more information.

Summer Fun Day – Save the date: Summer Fun Day will be held on Saturday, June 22. Rain date: Sunday, June 23. More details to follow.

Bike Lane – As we approach the warmer weather, please keep the bike lane on the greenway clear for bikes.

Building 10 Association Dues – The collection of Building Association dues for 2024 began on March 1. Building Association dues are $10 per apartment. We are still collecting building association dues. You can bring your dues to the Building Association meeting or give to any executive board member. Please note, the money collected is used for Association-related expenses, such as fyers, meeting and party supplies and refreshments.

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

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

Deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ms. Gail Brown, who passed away on March 29, 2024. Ms. Brown was the former mail lady for Building 10. Ms. Brown will be missed.

We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy Anniversary!

To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences.

Have a wonderful week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

How many informative facts about Parkinson’s disease do you know? Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grab a pencil and paper and answer the questions below. Remember, it is okay if you do not get everything correct; this quiz aims to test your knowledge and help you better understand Parkinson’s disease and its associated symptoms.

(1). True or False: Parkinson’s disease is caused by a defciency of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. (2). True or False: Tremors are the only symptom of Parkinson’s disease. (3). True or False: Parkinson’s disease only affects older adults. (4). True or False: There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. (5). True or False: Parkinson’s disease is always inherited. Here are the answers: 1. True 2. False. 3. False 4. True 5. False.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can indeed be challenging for family caregivers. Understanding the disease is crucial for ensuring the affected individual’s quality of life. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, characterized by a gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain’s substantia nigra. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscle rigidity and postural instability. Additionally, non-motor symptoms such as cognitive changes, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction may also occur.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the early stages, and is typically based on medical history, physical examination, and symptom assessment. Neuroimaging techniques like MRI or PET scans may aid in ruling out other conditions. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments may include dopamine replacement drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and, in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery.

Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time, although the rate of progression varies among individuals. While Parkinson’s itself is not fatal, complications such as falls, pneumonia, and other health issues may arise as the disease advances. Caregivers play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to individuals with Parkinson’s disease, helping them cope with the challenges of the condition and maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

––Diane Cooper

Building 1A and 1B Association

Good day, Building 1A and 1B Association, I hope everyone is on task with the goals that they have planned for the year 2024.

The next General Shareholders Association meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m., in the Association Room, Building IB rear area. President Yvette Livingston-Brown and Vice President Ronald Brown are requesting all shareholders to be in attendance.

The executive team would like to thank all shareholders who attended and participated during the April 17th in-person meeting. The Guest Speaker was Ms. Julesa Grimes from JASA. Ms. Grimes graciously answered each shareholder’s question asked during the Open Forum and was very informative about the excellent work that JASA is providing to the older adult community.

Congratulations to Ms. Mercedez Terzol, our new assistant treasurer. Ms. Terzol was voted in during the April meeting.

Congratulations to our April 50-50 winner, Mrs. Persaud.

Dues: Shareholders, please be advised yearly dues will be collected in a couple of weeks for next year.

As we continue to journey into the year of 2024, shareholders are needed on the following committees:

Decorating Committee: Please join and express your creative ideas. All ages are welcome.

Fundraising Committee: Assistance is needed, and your ideas are welcomed.

Floor Captains are still needed.

2024 Plans: Fish Fry, Paint & Sip, Cake Sale, Family Fun Date.

Tip of the Week: Stay calm.

Etiquette: Throw your trash in the garbage.

Safety Tip of the Week: Stay alert at all times.

Thank you.

—Desiree Scurry

Building 13 Association

We at Building 13 Association, Inc. want to wish members of our community a “Chag Sameach!” Happy Passover.

On Saturday, April 20, the sky looked like it was not going to be in our favor but our Mother Nature came through and brightened our day with flowers at Rivers Run Community Garden as we celebrated Earth Day. Year-round, we strive to raise awareness on the importance of Earth and the climate. We met on the Greenway and together with our Mardi Gras Band, marched to Rivers Run Community Garden where we saluted the flag and listened to the “National Anthem.” Workshops consisted of teaching about the nurturing effects of gardening, and an edible plant tour was presented. There were snacks, entertainment and free food giveaway. The theme for Earth Day 2024 was Planet vs. Plastics. Thanks to everyone who participated and to NYC DYCD for attending and sharing the day with us.

Annual Affidavits: For several years as a courtesy when we collect Association membership dues, we notarize your annual affidavit. Please check the dates and times on the posted flyer in the lobby and on the bulletin board. This paper form must be notarized. For your convenience, there is also a “how to” video that will guide you step-by-step on how to register, complete and submit the income affidavit form online electronically. After you have watched the video, you can begin the registration process. The process to begin will appear in the email address you provide when you register. It may take a few minutes to appear but only a few minutes to complete. No notary is required when completing the electronic form. To begin the process, google www.coopcity. com/income-affidavit. For any additional questions/concerns, please contact us at (718) 320-3300 or you can also send an email to incomeaffidavit@riverbaycorp.com or see Frequently Asked Questions

Whether done on the paper form or electronically, the Affidavits must be completed and returned by April 30th.

Summer Fun Day: SFD is scheduled for June 22 from 12-5 p.m. in the Carver Loop area of Section 2 and is open to all who wish to participate. Fifty white tee-shirts will be given to the first youth on line beginning at noon. We will be collecting for shirts beginning the week of the 22nd so keep your eye on the Bulletin Board for dates and times. Youth, $16.50; Adults to xl, $18; and Adults 2X, $20.50; 3X, $21.50, and if available, 4X, $22.50.

Orders can also be placed on Wednesdays with the members listed on the flyer in the bulletin board, beginning April 10 from 5-7 p.m.; April 17 from 3-5 p.m.; April 24 from 5-7 p.m.; and May 1st from 3-5 p.m.

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” –

Lyndon B. Johnson

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

Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370; or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team.

—Leslie Peterson

For up-to-date communication from Riverbay Corporation, read the Co-op City Times , delivered to your building lobby and the community centers on Saturdays; tune in to the Crawler on your home TVs and lobby monitors; and register for Phone Tree notifications.

Section Five Association

Please stay vigilant; there are new variants. The viruses are still around. Spring is in the air, still be careful and wear your mask, if needed. People are still wearing their mask – that is a good thing.

Affidavits Forms – are arriving in the mail. We now have two options – file the paper form and it must be notarized, or file online – this is perfect for those who are computer savvy. Deadline is April 30, 2024.

Self-Defense Class – Presented by Deputy Chief of Staff Jahmal Yapp of Councilman Kevin Riley Office. This will be on Friday, April 26, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Einstein Center. One must RSVP at www.bit.ly/selfdefense0426, or call 347-326-8652, or email JYapp@council.nyc.gov. Since it has passed, we hope someone asked will the class continue in the future.

Riverbay Board of Directors Election – We, as shareholders, need to make it known to the candidates, we thank them for volunteering their time.

SFA – The energetic leaders of Bldg. 26 shared with us their show up and show out Co-op City to encourage the shareholders to vote in this 2024 Election for their Board of Directors. Their bid is to engage all shareholders to be proactive in their community. They also shared a draft of the Riverbay Corporation, a draft of youth civic engagement, a copy of the Riverbay Call Center prompts, offered to assist with their affidavits and notary. They even provided pertinent questions shareholders should be asking. Kudos to the leaders of tomorrow of this great community; this is their home and they are preparing for the future.

The vice president of SFA, Ms. Carol Arthur, gave information regarding 501c, OMNY Card will be in affect very soon, and we will look into other options; SCRIE/DRIE, she is able to offer assistance, and that all shareholders are eligible for the STAR Program, but you must register. We offer condolences to all who lost a loved one. We wish all the best of good health. Happy Birthday wishes.

One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president, at Section5association10@ gmail.com, or 914-709-5395.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.

–Henry Ford

—H. Overman

Building 6 Association

Happy Saturday, neighbors. I hope when you read this it finds you in good standing. Happy Passover to all of my neighbors whose faith is bound up in Judaism. I’m wishing you all prosperity, joy, and peace this Passover. Love and light to you on Passover and always! I am grateful for my many blessings this Passover—most especially, for you! Let us celebrate our freedom granted by God on Passover.

As you know, the Association Room was granted a makeover but it’s taking longer than expected to be completed. Riverbay found a slow leak in the bathroom and instead of placing a Band Aid over the situation, they are snaking the entire pipeline which is a great thing. So, stay tuned for some fun events the month of May.

This past Saturday afternoon, the Social Committee passed out over 25 bags of sweet green grapes and cucumbers to our neighbors in the lobby.

Neighbors keep asking me when will the decision be made in reference to the 8.1% increase. For those who don’t know, NYS Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and NYS Senator Jamaal T. Bailey are working vigorously on our behalf with the governor and HCR to come to a median. I will keep you abreast with every pertinent information that is presented to me. I highly suggest you pick up your CC Times newspaper weekly, attend your Building Association monthly meetings, and be a part of the process.

The Riverbay Board of Directors’ candidates have been announced. I implore all shareholders to get familiar with them, know what they stand for so you can make the best informed decision in June.

On Tuesday, 4/30, a notary will be a providing free notary services in the front lobby, 5:30-8 p.m. if you need an affidavit or legal document notarized.

For all complaints and/or to issue a compliment, want a specific event brought to the building, want to donate your services, feel free to call President Lassiter, 347-366-7690. For building groundskeeping, contact VP Gilliard; she is solely responsible for the upkeep of the building, 917-613-2520. As always, I pray for safety over you all. God speed.

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

––Lauren K. Lassiter

Good day, shareholders,

Building 33 Association

There was a cigarette butt on a shareholder’s terrace, but they do not smoke! You should not throw your cigarette butts off your terrace where they could land on someone else’s property and potentially cause a fre! Use an ashtray! There are some things people do that we will never understand. Wake up!

Income Affdavits are due on April 30. We attempted to have everyone submit their affdavits online, but the process was not as straightforward. If you are experiencing diffculty, please watch the instructional video at https:// www.coopcity.com/Income-affdavit or contact the building association for assistance. Remember, if the majority of the shareholders complete the affdavit online, we might get our lobby renovated.

Thank you to the fourteen candidates who have chosen to become more involved in our community by becoming certifed to run for the 2024 Riverbay Board Election. We encourage you to pick up the Co-op City Times starting May 4. In these papers, you will fnd the information needed to make

Emergency Food Pantry

an informed decision about the candidates you believe would be a great ft for Co-op City. Voting will occur from Monday, May 20, to Friday, June 14. We need you to do the right thing! Nomatter how you feel, Vote! We cannot have a repeat of last year when, out of nearly 16,000 households, we could not even get 5,000 votes. That was ridiculous, and we must do better! Wake up, people!

If you are observant and read the newspaper, you will notice that package theft is becoming a common occurrence. The solution is simple: do not have packages delivered to your door if you are not home. Let us put these individuals out of business!

With so much happening in the world today, let us pray for things to improve so we can fully enjoy life. We never know what might happen from one day to the next.

Take care and walk good.

––Andrea D. Mayo

Black Forum

Located at 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (opposite basketball court), the pantry is open on 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. All guests must present a pantry card, at least four to six clean shopping bags with handles and a shopping cart to receive food. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Religious affliation is not necessary to receive food. When visiting the pantry, visitors must wear masks. Anyone who does not wear a mask may not be served by the staff at their discretion. This protects both the workers and guests.

Produce Distribution

During regular business hours on Tuesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., a limited quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables will be distributed. In the event that a large number of guests arrive, the line will be cut by 12:30 p.m. Kindly be aware that supplies may run out at any time. A 2024 pantry card, six clean shopping bags, and a sturdy shopping cart are required for every guest. Please, no black bags. We ask that guests form a line away from the front door. On this day, monthly groceries will not be distributed. Also, no new guest registration or re-certifcation will occur. If you know of someone who is a registered guest but is not receiving text messages, please let them know about this distribution, too. Thank you!

Upcoming Trips

We are accepting money for all trips right now:

Saturday, June 8 – Caesars Atlantic City Casino, NJ; $55. Rebate: $10. Full payment is due by April 26. Shop name brand outlet stores, gamble or do both in Atlantic City.

Saturday, August 17 – The Nordic in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Resort Casino in CT; $225. First payment ($75) is due by March 15; second payment ($75) is due by May 24; third payment ($75) is due by June 28. Those who missed the frst payment can make it up with the second payment. The Nordic is a popular hang out with an endless supply of lobster, crab, prime rib, flet mignon, shrimp, salads, veggies, and much, much more; Foxwoods is home to six casinos, boasting 250 gaming tables and 5,500 slot machines. It is one of the ten largest casinos in the world and has Tanger Outlet shops on-site.

Saturday, October 19 – Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen with MGM Casino, $120, frst payment ($60) is due by September 6; second payment ($60) is due by October 4. We are accepting payments for trips now. Nonrefundable payments will only be accepted in the following forms: cash, personal checks, and only postal money orders. Please call 917-209-5334 to book trips and arrange payment drop-offs.

Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com ––D. Illis

Community Protestant Church

Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family welcome you to worship with us. We are located at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10469. You may contact us by phone: 718-862-9172, fax: 718-671-4416, or email: Administration@ thecpcchurch.org

Worship Schedule

In person Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.

Every Wednesday – “Hour of Power Noon Day Prayer,” 12 p.m. on the Conference Call Line, (712) 432-3900; Access Code: 343284#.

Every Wednesday – 7 p.m. Bible Study online via Zoom. Log in on to Zoom.com or dial One Tap Mobile, (646) 931-3860 or (929) 205-6099. Meeting ID: 837 7258 6522.

Special Services: Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m., Pastor’s Birthday Celebration and at 3 p.m., Shepherd’s Ministry Anniversary with guest preacher Rev. Frank Hawkins, pastor, Greater Central Baptist Church, Harlem, NY; Sunday, June 9, Men and Women’s Day with Rev. Diane Asphall, associate minister, Mt. Zion Christian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY.

Save the Date: Friday, May 24, the Trustee Ministry presents DANIEL at Sight & Sound Theaters in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Experience one of the Bible’s most epic stories as it comes to life on a panoramic stage. Ticket price, $225.00 per person includes round trip motor coach transportation, orchestra seating, Amish country buffet lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant, meal gratuities and taxes. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due today. Contact Evangeline Brown at (646) 221-1582 or ebronbrown@aol.com for reservations and additional information.

Saturday, June 15th, Pre-Father’s Day Dance. Members, as we all know, there may be times when an unexpected event will impact how we worship. Please know, we will worship! However, in an effort to receive the latest news, kindly ensure that your contact information, especially your email address and phone number are current and on fle. It is also suggested that you check for and read all messages each week. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one. To our sick and shut in members, please know that we are praying mightily for you and for your speedy recovery. If you are celebrating a birthday this month, we wish you a very Happy Birthday!

“Being confdent of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” –Philippians 1:6

—Lexa M. Mingo

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15

135 Einstein Loop, Room 35, Bronx, NY 10475.

Mateo 11:28: Venid a mí todos los que estáis cansados... y te daré descanso.

Paz de Dios sea con ustedes.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 les hace una cordial invitación a la comunidad hispana a congregarse con nosotros.

Si usted está buscando una iglesia para adorar a nuestro Señor Jesucristo, si se siente solo, herido, deprimido o si necesita liberación nuestras puertas están abiertas para recibirlos. Cristo está dispuesto y es capaz de liberarte y sanarte.

Él nos ama tanto que dejo su Trono de Gloria para salvarnos.

Juan 14:2: En la casa de mi Padre muchas moradas hay; si así no fuera, yo os lo hubiera dicho; voy, pues, a preparar lugar para vosotros.

Nuestra iglesia se encuentra en el centro comunitario de 135 Einstein Loop, Segundo piso, Salón #33.

Servicios Ofrecidos:

Lunes: Servicio de Oración por telefono: 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; codigo: 696248)

Martes: Estudio Bíblico por Zoom, 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; codigo: 3jEJ2W)

Jueves: Servicio de Oración por teléfono, 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; codigo: 696248)

Viernes: Estudio Bíblico por Zoom, 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; codigo: 3jEJ2W)

Domingos: Culto de Adoración: 11:00a.m.

La Santa Cena es el 1er Domingo del mes.

Que Dios le bendiga y recuerda que Cristo te ama.

Matthew 11:28: Come to me, all who are weary... and I will give you rest.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Iglesia Cristiana Marcos 16:15 cordially invites the Hispanic community to come gather and worship with us.

If you are looking for a church to worship our Lord and Savior, if you feel alone, wounded, depressed, if you need liberation, our doors are open to receive you. Jesus is willing and able to free you and heal you.

He loves us so much that he left his Throne of Glory to save us.

John 14:2: In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Our church is located at 135 Einstein Loop Community Center, 2nd foor, Room #33.

Services Offered:

Monday: Prayer Service by phone, 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; code: 696248)

Tuesday: Zoom Bible Study, 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; code: 3jEJ2W)

Thursday: Prayer Service by phone, 9:00 p.m. (564-888-5521; code: 696248)

Friday: Zoom Bible Study, 8:00 p.m. (3447367643; code: 3jEJ2W)

Sundays: Worship Service, 11:30a.m.

Holy Communion is the frst Sunday of the month.

God bless you and remember, Jesus loves you.

—Blanca Santana

Newsong Church

Secure The Bag – 4

“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” –Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

We have been talking about managing our money God’s way. First, we looked at the biblical principle of tithing. We said if you want God’s blessings you have to follow God’s instructions. Second, we talked about living within our means. We must stop spending more than we make. We need to start paying cash for things and avoid falling into debt. This means that we need to make a list of priorities. We need to make a budget and pay our bills on time while at the same time, taking any extra money that comes in and paying off our debt. Now, it is time to talk about saving. Once you have saved up an emergency fund and paid off your debts, now you can begin to pay yourself! Listen, steps one and two can take time, but if you stick to God’s proven fnancial principles, you will fnd freedom. Need help? Give us a call!

About us: Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, fnd freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in this world! No matter what you have been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop!

Sunday Worship Experience: Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” We sing to bring glory and honor to God, and celebrate who He is and what He is doing in our church! Our Worship Experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Newsong Deaf Church (Rm. 35): Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language!

Kidsong (Rm. 49): We have created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level!

Newsong Church Youth: NSCY is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At NSCY, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. NSCY meets every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Room 42. So, what are you waiting for? There is a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and fnd hope. Come and fnd healing. Come and fnd freedom.

Contact Us

Mailing Address: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 42. Phone: 917-342 2559. Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org

Prayer Request Line: Text “Prayer” to 877-899-7323

Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org

Social Media: Facebook: @newsongchurchbx; Instagram: @ newsongchurchbx; Twitter: @newsongchurchbx; YouTube: Newsong Church NYC

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Operated

AARP Chapter #4997

Happy Passover to all who are celebrating. Our Tour Committee is now ready for our trip to see a production of “A Tribute to the Supremes” with a trip to the casino. The departure location is Dreiser Loop, by the H&R Block offce. This is the only one pick up location with three drop-off locations upon our return. The time for departure is 7 a.m., so please be punctual since we are leaving on time. If you have any questions or concerns about trips, please contact Ms. Wright, 718-379-3370; or Ms. Brown, 718-379-7962.

This year will continue to be flled with many changes from all aspects of our life. We have elections coming up in the NY Presidential Primary on June 25th; we have the Riverbay Board Elections, with voting from May 20th-June 14th, 2024. Fourteen candidates have submitted applications to fll six vacant seats. Some are incumbent and some new to the race, however all should be carefully listened to and voted on for their knowledge of our community. We have the major Presidential Election for President of the United States in November. This election needs all voters to come out and participate to help save the benefts and rights that we have. There are politicians ready to take away more of our benefts and rights than ever. The democracy of our nation is in jeopardy.

Our next General Membership meeting is May 13th. Our Guest Speaker is Riverbay Safety Director Anthony Barzelatto with a presentation on “How to Respond to an Active Shooter Situation.” The meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Auditorium C, 177 Dreiser Loop, second foor. Reminder: AARP meetings and

Greetings, retirees and friends, We hope this article fnds everyone doing well.

offces are mask mandated and one will be supplied, if you need it. Our offce is located at 177 Dreiser Loop, Room “0,” second foor, open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 718-320-1946, and email is aarp4997@gmail.com. Please leave a message and we will return the contact on our next in-offce day. Income affdavits are due shortly. We have free Notary Services on Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Anyone signing must be present and have valid identifcation.

Beginning in July, we will be offering technology classes with the students of the SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program). The SYEP members will be giving instructions on how to use your personal equipment. The session is 1-hour long, 1 to 1; bring your device and charger, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with an hour lunch break. We will begin making appointments closer to the start of the program, which is on July 8th. Walk-ins accepted but appointments guarantee you a time slot of your choosing.

We are approaching the end-of-year date for the General Membership meeting. However, Ms. Baker, 718-379-2088, is continuing with collection of dues for new/renewal members. Mrs. Wilson and her committee, Good and Welfare, 718-671-5493, are sending prayers of condolences to those who have suffered loss in their family. Blessings for the continued improvement of all with health issues as they continue to improve.

We are here to serve–not to be served.

—Ann Purnell

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Atlantic City Overnight Trip – A few seats are still available for Tropicana Casino/Hotel, Wednesday, May 29-30. One night hotel stay and tribute to the “Jersey Boys and Girls” show; $295pp/double, $345pp/single; $15 bonus slot play & $25 food voucher. Balance payments are due ASAP. Bus pick-up at 9 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop-offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop.

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

Ace in the Hole – Wednesday, August 21. Lunch and a tribute show to Luther Vandross, Barry White, Isaac Hayes, and Teddy Pendergrass. A $50 deposit to reserve your seat or full payment of $140 is due now. Bus pick up at 9:30 a.m. on Dreiser Loop in front of H&R Block. Return trip drop offs at Einstein, Asch, and Dreiser Loop. Please contact Serita at (347) 564-5722 for information regarding all trips.

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

(201) 310-2972.

Scholarship Committee – Scholarship applications are available in Room 19. The deadline for the submission of completed scholarship applications to the Scholarship Committee is May 24. Applicants must be high school seniors scheduled to graduate in June 2024. The applicant’s parent/grandparent must be a RODL member in good standing (dues paid for the past two years). Contact JoAnn at (718) 710-9082 with questions.

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

Happy Birthday – We extend our best wishes to all our April celebrants. May you all have an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year.

Condolences – We continue to pray for those who have experienced a recent loss.

Good and Welfare – Please keep all of those who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 6716403 of any member illnesses or deaths.

General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

—Georgianna Rodriguez

Goose Island Seniors

Sight and Sound (Daniel) – Bethlehem, PA; May 7. Balcony seats available. Price: $195. Full payment due. Bus arriving: Einstein Loop, 8:30 a.m.; Asch Loop, 9 a.m.; and Dreiser Loop at 9:15 a.m. Covid-19 vaccination required. Golden Corral Restaurant before show. Vaccination required.

Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration – May 11, at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39 from 1-4 p.m. Price: $40. Live country music, buffet, cocktail, vendors and more. Call/text: 646-579-1701.

Discount Ticket Sale – May 14 in Rm. 39 at 135 Einstein Loop Center from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. for “The Motown Story” on June 8 at Dreiser Loop. Price: $60, $75 for VIP.

Bally’s Casino A.C. – May 16. Price: $65, $25 slot play. Call/text: 646579-1701.

Resort World Casino – May 21 in Monticello, NY. Price: $65, $25 slot play. Wait list only.

Goose Island Indoor Picnic – May 24 at 1 p.m. in our club room #39. Members only. Covered-dish. Bring something or pay $15 at door. Free for May birthday members.

Barbados Family and Friends Tour – May 31–June 5. Price from $1,002.50 per person (double) to $1,650 for single room. Call: 646-579-1701.

The Motown Story – June 8 at 177 Dreiser Loop, Auditorium B. Price: $60, VIP: $75. Motown impersonators, buffet included. 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

Villa Roma Resort – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, June 11. Wait list only.

Tribute to Whitney Houston – Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, June 27. Wait list only.

Lego Land NY Theme Park – June 29 in Goshen, NY. Price: $130 adults, $125 per person for two or more children. Call: 646-579-1701.

Wind Creek Casino – July. 18. Price: $65, $25 slot play.

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

Holiday Hills Picnic – Prospect, CT; Aug. 20. Wait list only.

Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Aug. 31 – Sept. 7. Call 646-579-1701.

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

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

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

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

Notary – With Yvonne Menefee. Mon.–Fri. from 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. Call: 718-379-9613.

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

To all members: Happy birthday to our members who celebrate in April: Niles Flanders, Guinette Romaine, Octavio Cruz, Wendy Berch, Dolores Wynn, Isilda Modeste, Alfonso Gonzales, Lillian Harris, Ione Foote, Valerie Francis-Williams and Myrta Willems. May: Jacqueline Roy-Twiggs. May birthday cake celebration at picnic party on May 24.

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

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

Good health to all.

––Stephen Roberts Sr.

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

JASA FREE Tax Preparation 2024 – Income Limit, Single: $32,000; w/dependents: $60,000; 2049 Bartow Ave., back of JASA NORC Offce. Mon., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Must bring Social Security card. Available until May 20. Call 718-320-2066 for appointment.

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

Bartow OAC Trips – Stew Leonard’s: 5/8; BJ’S/ Shoprite: 5/23; Trader Joe’s: 5/29; Costco: 5/31. All of the above trips are $6. Walmart: 5/28, $12.

FREE: Bartow OAC Presents Older American Day Celebration – Wed. May 22, noon-2:30 p.m

JASA OAC Centers & NORC are having a Mother’s Day Luncheon – Fri., May 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dreiser Auditorium.

“Gala Gals & Women Pearls” w/Dazee Windley & Friends – Fri., May 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admis-

BARTOW CENTER CLOSED

(NORC) Line Dancing with Bartow Swingers (ONLY) 12-1 p.m., Every Mon.

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

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

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

Adult Coloring, 12-1 p.m.

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

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

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

Bereavement Hour w/Dorine (1st Wednesday only per month), 12-1 p.m.

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

Dominoes w/José 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Therapy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Bingo on Saturdays 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the back of JASA NORC Of fce

sion: $7. Tickets on sale at the Bartow Center only.

NORC Annual Health & Wellness Fair – Wed., May 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium, 2nd foor. Sign-up for lunch in the Dreiser OAC, 718-320-1345.

Acupuncture w/Dr. Flora Lyando – Wed., May 29. Call JASA NORC for appointment, 718-320-2066.

Bartow OAC Trip “Motown Show” – Windows on the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma, June 26, $150.

Dreiser OAC Spirit of NY “White Party” Cruise – July 17. Tickets are $126. Payments can be made in three installments in Rm. 7

Einstein OAC Holiday Hill Senior Day – Aug. 20. Tickets, $124, can be paid in four installments. Offce open to receive payments only Mon.’s & Fri.’s 9-11 a.m.

Caringkind – The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving Representative will be in the Bartow Main offce every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alz-

Mindful Mornings Tai Chi 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Line Dance w/Sassy

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

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

Ageless Facials & Self Care

1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rm. 35 Appointment only.

Never Too Old to Learn

Spanish, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35

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

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

Go Easy on us Computers

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

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

Appointments only

Spring in Your Step Stretch & Tone w/Ola

10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 45

Action Bodies In Motion

11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 45

Prize Bingo & Board Games

1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A

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

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

Walk With Ease, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Coloring for Calmness

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m

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

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

Let’s Get It on Zumba 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

heimer and Dementia Consultation/Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation & other services.

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

Notary – JASA NORC Offce, Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 718-320-2066 for appointment.

Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Dial-in number: 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 862

5043 9695; Passcode: 896989.

Line Dance with Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Loop, Aud. A.

Notary – Einstein OAC, appointments Tues. & Thurs., 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for affdavit notarizations, etc. Call 718-671-5161.

Please call Einstein OAC – 718-671-5161, for Hair Styling: 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9 p.m.11 a.m.; braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure: Every Mon., 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Call for appointment.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS

Alternate Kosher Meals are available

Chair Yoga w/ Charles Tyler 10-11 a.m. (Virtual), 863-4924183, Passcode: Dreiser23

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

Seder Celebration

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Auditorium C

Walmart, 9-10 a.m.

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10:00 -11:00am

Staying Active & Independent for Life w/Gail, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

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

Tai Chi w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2

Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 347-893-2966. Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300. Passcode: Dreiser23

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

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

Afternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa 1:15-3:00 p.m.

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

Self Defense w/Jimmy, 2-3 p.m., Rm. 2 (Twice a month)

Game Time, 9-10 a.m.

Current Events, 10-11 a.m.

Wellness Mornings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Research Presentation on Dental Access for Older Adults w/ Alyanna Prasad, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Spanish Class w/Angelica, 1-2 p.m. (Twice a month)

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

Sewing Class w/Joy, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2

Knitting and Crocheting w/Loretta 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Alert & Alive w/Cathy and Essie 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Rm. 4

Line Dance w/Sassy 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Aud. A Bingo w/Gay, 1:20-2:50 p.m., Rm. 4

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

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

Payments for trips can be made where noted, Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. only.

Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation Must be 60 or older to become a JASA participant.

LUNCH: KOSHER: TBD

NON KOSHER: BBQ Pork Chops, White Rice, California Blend, Vegetables

NO DINNER SERVED

LUNCH: KOSHER: TBD

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

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Pot Roast Beef w/Potatoes, & Steamed Zucchini, Banana, GRAB and GO

NON-KOSHER: PASSOVER

LUNCH: KOSHER: TBD

NON KOSHER: TBD

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Moroccan Salmon w/ Mashed Potato & Steamed Carrots, Pear NONKOSHER: BBQ Pork Chops w/White Rice & California Blend Vegetables, Orange

LUNCH: KOSHER: TBD

NON KOSHER: TBD

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce w/Brown Rice & Coleslaw, Plums

NON-KOSHER: Lemony Chick Peas & Kale Stir-Fry w/Brown Rice & Caulifower w/Carrots, Apple

LUNCH: KOSHER: TBD

NON KOSHER: TBD

DINNER: BARTOW ONLY

KOSHER: Baked Chicken w/Potato Kugel & Sautéed Zucchini NONKOSHER: Oven Fried Chicken w/Baked Macaroni and Cheese & Steamed Collard Greens, Banana,10 GRAB and GO

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

KOSHER: Breaded Vegetable Cutlet w/ Cous Cous & Health Slaw, Orange

NON KOSHER: Tuna Fish Salad w/ Classic Macaroni Salad & Asian Style Cucumber Salad, Apple

Bartow

Dreiser

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle Church of the New Vision

177 Dreiser Loop, second foor, Room 2.

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas invite you to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” –Matthew 18:20

As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, the Gospel lesson for this Sunday recounts the resurrection of Christ once again. We are reminded that the resurrection calls us to a life of bold faith, obedience, evangelizing, and love. We are also assured of God’s plan of resurrection for us. This is all possible because Christ has overcome the world for us. “He is risen.” –Mark 16:6

The Fourth Sunday after Easter, April 28th, 2024

• 11:00 a.m. – Communion Service.

• Fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Bible Lessons:

• Acts 13:27-35

• Mark 16:1-7

Prayer: O Christ our Lord and Master, grant that as Thou hast risen from the dead, Thy people may rise from ignorance to the frm ground of true knowledge, and thence press onwards towards the mount of heavenly wisdom, where fair peace forever dwells; Thou who livest and reignest throughout the ages of ages. Amen.

—Rev. Dorian Miceli

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746, and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039.

Our scripture verse for 2024 is: Hebrews 12:2 NIV “Let us fx our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God.”

Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcomed.

Masks are required and temperature will be taken.

Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Conference Line number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388#. Please mute your phone.

April 21st Worship Service Theme: “Earnestly Contend for the Faith.”

Scriptures: Jude 1-3 “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctifed by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ. Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Save the Dates

The community is always welcome to attend all activities of the church.

Saturday, May 18 – You are invited to join the Women’s “Put on the Full Armor of God” program at noon. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and a light lunch.

Sunday, May 19 – Women’s Day program continues at the 11:00 a.m. service. Women are kindly asked to wear white. The theme is “Women Equipped for Victory.” –2 Corinthians 2:14

Wednesday, August 14 – $50 deposit due now to see “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Adults, $215/Youth, $175. Final payment due May 26. Contact: Sis. Sadie James, 718-652-8943; or Sis. Loretta Scott, 718-671-2623.

We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all.

Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, New York 10475. Thank you.

—Brenda Brown

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Pentecostal Tabernacle invites everyone to join in Worship Service on the following days.

We are located at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A. Mailing address: P.O. Box 204, Bronx, NY 10475.

Sunday School for all begins at 10:30 a.m. Worship Service is from 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday: Prayer and fasting service will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Zoom

Bible Study and Prayer Meeting will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Prayer and worship begins at 7:30 p.m. All night services will be held online.

All night’s services are on Zoom. Call 646-931-3860, ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#.

Focus: The giver’s great love. Paul exclaimed thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. –11 Corinthians 9:15

The Greek word translated unspeakable in the King James Version has also been translated as indescribable, or too wonderful for words. Paul had been commending the Corinthians for their generosity in meeting the needs of others, but for the Apostle, nothing could compare with what God has given through his son. What could a Holy God share with sinful humanity? Ultimately, with those who obey the gospel, the Lord will share Heaven itself. Eventually, for the redeemed people of God there will be a great inheritance in His Kingdom –Romans 8:17. And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorifed together. But before there could be a joyful experience and fellowship between God and his people, there frst had to be a painful process of reconciliation. Something had to be done to bridge the gap between the two. God was determined to bridge the gap, to personally cross the great divide between himself and his creation.

St. John 1:1-14 “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God... And the word was made fesh, and dwell among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth.”

Here was the divine plan in fulfllment; see Isaiah 9:6. He came to live among his own creation as a human and gave Himself as a ransom for all because nothing greater he could give; therefore, he gave himself

11 Corinthians 5:19 states to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and committed unto us the word of reconciliation. God could not overlook our sins; rather in his great love he provided one great sacrifce to take away our sins forever. All the animal sacrifces of the Old Testament were insuffcient. Hebrews 10:4 states for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. An overcoming believer who walks daily with the Lord can have a rock–solid assurance of salvation and can also have a glorious light

––Rev. R. Sibblies

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

Generational Curses or the Sins of the Fathers?

Abraham lied, Isaac lied, Jacob lied, and Jacob’s children were full of hate and anger at their brother Joseph. They sinned because they felt comfort and protection in their sin, not because they were forced to. Those who fear generational curses give more power to the curse than to God.

Why is my son or daughter disrespectful? Because you allowed it! David dishonored his son by not correcting him as he was growing up. 1 Kings 1:5 Now Adonijah, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So, he got chariots and horses ready, with ffty men to run ahead of him. 6 His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?”

Do you give your child the option to go to school? No. Why do you give them the option to come to church? Are you more afraid of ACS than you are of God? Giving children too many options confuses them and gives them authority they should not have at a young age. Children need loving, frm, consistent correction, or the world will eat them up!

We honor God through correcting: 1 Samuel 2:12 Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord 2:27 Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him 29 Why do you scorn my sacrifce and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?

We follow patterns of sin input into us through parental modeling but God calls us to break the pattern. The danger is allowing our children to follow our negative patterns and become slaves to depression, anxiety, and diseases of the soul.

Children can choose God: Jesus was interested in God’s things as a child and sought to honor God. Luke 2:51 Then Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and obeyed them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.

What may appear to be a curse for those who do not know God are things learned at home that negatively affect future relationships. If we love God and our children, we raise them to follow God’s instructions in all areas of life. We cannot be cowards in correcting them.

Schedule – 147 Dreiser Loop

1st Sunday of the month, Bilingual Communion Service, 10:30 a.m

Sunday: Spanish, 9 a.m., & English Service, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed./Thurs.: Nonperishable food distribution, 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Young Adults, third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m.

Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-320-0844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell: 917-227-4303.

Greetings! As we continue to make the necessary repairs to our space at St. Joseph’s Church, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are almost back to normal with our schedule of services and activities, and look forward to an early completion of the repairs.

In-person worship service for the Fifth Sunday of Easter will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, April 28, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Sunday School has offcially opened. Please be sure to bring out your children and grandchildren. This is very, very important!

If you have not yet completed your Pledge Cards, kindly do so as soon as possible. These cards refect our fnancial pledge and are used to update our proposed budget, as well as our offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible.

Upcoming Event:

• In celebration of our Patron Saint Joseph, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) invites you to a Fundraising Luncheon on Saturday, May 25, starting at 12 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The event location is Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469. Included is an open bar, DJ with entertainment, cocktail reception and lunch. The donation is $125 for adults and $60 for children 12 and under. For tickets, you should contact Sheila, 917-693-3645; Arlene, 646-2507011; Eileen, 718-379-8624; or Valrie, 317-2005850. Kindly note that our usual raffe will take place at the luncheon and these tickets are also available from Valrie.

Please come and celebrate with us. We are counting on your support!

Condolences: Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our members, families and friends who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones. May you all fnd comfort and peace in your time of bereavement.

Sick and Shut-in: We extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Birthday Greetings: Best wishes to everyone who is celebrating a birthday this month.

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and Peace!

Merville Chambers

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in-person only and at 11 a.m. in-person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Email: ccbc135@optimum.net or coopcitybc@gmail.com. Website: www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. Masks are required.

The 11 a.m. service is also available on Zoom at us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788; Meeting ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The church’s Free Conference Call Line dial-in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial-in using the Zoom information shown above.

This week’s events are all on the church Conference Call Line: Wednesday Bible Study Class at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. by Zoom. Prayer Warriors Prayer Service on Thursday at 12 p.m.; Friday midmorning Prayer Service at 10 a.m. There will be no 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service this week. It will resume on Friday, May 10.

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 28, at the 11 a.m. service we will celebrate our combined Men’s and Women’s Day service. The guest preacher will be Rev. Gregory S. Livingston, CEO of EquanomicsGlobal in New York City. The theme is “Men and Women Praising God at all Times” (Psalm 34:1). The colors are white with a touch of purple. Everyone is invited to this celebratory service.

Thursday, May 2, is the National Day of Prayer. We will have prayer service at 12 p.m. using the church’s free Conference Call Line information listed above. All are welcome to join us.

The next CCBC Food Giveaway will be on Friday, May 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 135 Einstein Loop. Please remember to bring your own bag, and perhaps a cart. Some products can be heavy.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in “Co Op CBC;” this app is open to all.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” –Psalm 46:1

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

––Marilyn C. Williams

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogueof-Co-op-City to donate or mail to the Traditional Synagogue, located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear lobby of 27B.

The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services, Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B.

General Information

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

The synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10:00 a.m. After services, we always have a kiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10:00 a.m., so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, April 27, 8:41 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, May 3, 7:34 p.m.

Good and Welfare

We sell Tree Certifcates in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. If you want to buy a tree, call (347) 449-5005. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To all Members

Happy Birthday to all members who will be celebrating their birthday in April. Please send me your name and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games

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

—Bruce Gitelson

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

Co-op City United Methodist Church/IEMU de Co-op City

Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds

Come and visit us. We are a multi-ethnic and bilingual Bible-centered congregation with spirit-flled worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God and our community Services are held in-person at 2350 Palmer Avenue across from Building 30. Parking is available. You can also participate with us via Zoom (904 4685745), or Facebook live (United Methodist Church of Co-op City). –Pastor David Jolly

“But he said to me, my grace is suffcient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in diffculties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” –2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a life devoid of problems, suffering or pain. In John 16:33, Jesus explicitly tells us that while we are here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows. In addition to this warning, he also reminds us that He has overcome the world, which is a statement of encouragement for us to be at peace, have courage, and remain faithful during trials. So, what is your initial response to a painful experience? Hopefully, it should be prayer. But, what if the response to your prayer is not what you asked for?

In the text above, Paul is writing about a painful experience that he called, “a thorn in the fesh.” Paul’s frst response was prayer. He asked God to remove

the thorn. Yet, God refused to remove it despite Paul’s pleas. But, instead of healing, Paul got something better – the promise of God’s grace. God told Paul that His grace was more than enough, and that His power was made perfect in Paul’s weakness. As a result, Paul had a change in attitude. He no longer looked at the thorn as a curse but saw it as a blessing and glory in it.

Prayer does not always mean that we will automatically escape the pain or sorrow. However, we should remember that when we submit to God’s will, our season of trials is often the time of our greatest spiritual growth.

May our trials lead us to be more dependent on God, and to continue to trust in His power.

Come and Receive a Blessing! All are welcome!

Tuesday: Daniel’s Book Online Bible Study (Zoom: 904-468-5745)

Español at 12:15 p.m.

English at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: Bilingual Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m.

Join us to pray for personal revival, revival for our church and our community. Food Pantry: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events – Save the dates

Thursday, April 25: Bilingual Workshop facilitated by LCOA at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 27: Spanish Service at 10 a.m. and English Service at 11:30 a.m. ––Graciela Abadia

Building 19 Association

Greetings, Building 19 Association and the entire community, The April 20th Bake Sale for the Building 19 Association was a huge success. The weather picked up and the sun came out bringing visitors from the community, and the neighboring buildings. We had a lot of homemade cakes, cookies, pies, diabetic treats, and some store bought. The price could not be beat with nice-sized slices. The highlight of the day was the children excited about this event and picking out their favorites to eat. By the end of the day, there was nothing left.

We want to thank the volunteers who selfessly gave their time, the donors of all goods, and those who contributed to this event monetarily. Our sincerest thanks to Adaobi Tulton, Alexandra Aleman, Alyne Coy, Angela Harvey, Carmen Ramos, Catherine Ryans, Dora Minan, Eleanor Trujillo, Heava Lawence, Ina Griffths, Iris Ramirez, James Miffin, Kathrina Bowie, Linda Altiery, Priscilla Aviles, Samatha Bowens, Sharon Greeer-Mboutou, Tracey King, Barbara Dennis, Charlotte Codrington, Courtney Kirkland-Saunders, Dominick Bonnano, Fran Glassman, Francine Brown, Gina Salley, Jennie Colón, Leon Tulton, Marie Beaudouin, Evett Webley, Isannah Saunders, Saja Mobley, Samuel Owusu and myself. We could not have done it if it had not been for our planning committee, and all the folks who donated their time, money, and goods to make this a successful event. If we missed someone, we sincerely apologize.

We want to execute our Francis Williams Scholarship Fund. Mrs. Williams was a loyal dedicated shareholder and vice president of our Association for many years before her passing. She gave so much of herself to make the Association strong and viable. We are blessed with a group of shareholders who care about their building and community.

Our General meeting will be on May 9th; we will have Offcer Michael Fraterrigo from the 45th Precinct come and talk about scams and how to avoid them. All are welcome at 7:30 p.m.

Come in as neighbors – leave as friends.

—Sonia Feliciano

Building 9 Association

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends.

Spring weather, thus far, has been consistently inconsistent. Looking forward to clearer skies and warmer days.

As previously reported, the lovely Peace Lily plant that was donated to the family of our beloved Rosemary Bailey (2-term executive board member) was donated on behalf of the entire Building 9 Association membership rather than the executive board only. The outpouring of love and support by the Building 9 Association families was absolutely overwhelming and duly noted. An executive decision was made to donate the plant on behalf of Building 9, and to pay for the donation from Building 9 Association event proceeds, not membership dues. I thank the 30+ families who attended Rosemary’s funeral services.

We are nearing the end of April. Please complete, notarize, and return your Income Affdavits with proof of insurance attached.

On April 17, Barbara Cloud, our resident Notary Public, volunteered her service to our Building 9 Association members. Barbara was generous enough to donate all proceeds to our Building Association. Thank you, Barbara.

Our May Building 9 Association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. As always, our May meeting is our Volunteer Recognition event. Please join us.

Saturday, May 4, we are scheduled to have our Game Night social event. This year, we will start at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate ‘Mitzi’ and Miss Eloise. There will be Pokeno, Dominoes, Checkers, Chess, Scrabble, card playing, board games, etc. Come and join in the fun.

Our Building Association membership drive will conclude on Thursday, April 25. I personally thank each volunteer: Wanda Randall, Evelyn Mavins, Janet Yarrell, Dinora Tirado, Darlene Walker, Denita Cox, Liz Manning, Gabriella Concepcion, Barbara Cloud, Linda Holley, Shirley Johnson, Pam Bryant, Shirley McCann, and Marva Malone. Truly, we could not have conducted another successful membership drive without your time and commitment. I thank each and every household that joined our ranks as 2024 member shareholders. Your support funds our membership meetings, social events, special events, refreshments, bulletin board photo arrays, lobby holiday decorations, holiday party, back-to-school raffe party, etc.

Please remove clothes from the laundry machines as promptly as possible. Others need to use the machines as well.

Please place all discarded pizza boxes, food containers, loaves of bread, etc., in the compactor room chute, not on the shelf nor on the foor of the compactor room. I have requested public space exterminator services, but you must do your part as well. Please do your due diligence and request exterminator services at the frst sight of roaches or mice.

“Plan your work and work your plan.” Be adaptable.

—Linda Collins

On Friday, April 19, JASA held an Earth Day project where members painted reusable tote bags. About 35 members took part in the fun activity, promoting a more sustainable Earth. The seniors enjoyed painting and creating their own style.

Photo by Lovely Grant

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