Co-op City Times 10/30/2021

Vol. 56 No. 44

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Gas Service to Cooper Place Townhouses Restored

$1.25

Early Voting in NYC ends Sunday, Oct. 31

General election to be held Tuesday, Nov. 2

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Early Voting will end tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 31, and the general election will take place on Tuesday, November 2, to elect a new Mayor, Public Advocate, City Comptroller, Borough President and City Council representative.

Early voting continues in the Dreiser Auditorium today, Saturday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 31, early voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for shareholders who wish to cast their ballot ahead of general election day.

All poll sites are closed on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 for election day preparations.

The deadline to request an Absentee Ballot application was Monday, Oct. 18. Those who requested and returned an Absentee Ballot by mail and have concerns about whether the ballot will be received in time to be counted in the (Continued on page 4)

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, ConEd returned to Co-op City to restore gas service to the shareholders of units 1-16 at Cooper Place Townhouses.

“As is always the case with a gas outage, this has been quite an ordeal for Cooper Place residents,” said Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison.

“This emergency response was especially problematic due to the confusing and inaccurate way DOB registers Co-op City buildings. This building registration issue makes applying for work permits and requesting integrity tests for Co-op City townhouses especially lengthy, expensive, and tedious. Thankfully, the Bronx DOB Commissioner agreed to meet with us to try and resolve this matter.”

General Manager Ellison added that after the gas line repair work was performed and approved by both the City and Con Ed, a second gas leak was discovered in an adjoining location. This second leak delayed the gas restoration time frame even further.

“So, we thank the Cooper Place residents for their patience,” said Mr. Ellison. “We would also like to thank our elected officials, Community Board #10, officials from the NYC Department of Buildings and ConEd for helping to expedite the solution for what could have been a protracted and lengthy process.”

Photo by Philip McCoy

What’s Inside: MTA Bus Redesign Public Hearing, pg. 3 Co-op City Poll Site Locations, pg. 19

Date Change – A Haunted Pirates Adventure A Haunted Pirates Adventures, the Halloween Stunt Show, will be coming to Co-op City for one night only, this Sunday, Oct. 31, at 7:00 p.m., Section 1 Greenway. Bring the whole family, as well as chairs and blankets, and arrive 20-30 minutes early to witness the red carpet and take pictures with the cast. Put on your best pirate costume and get ready to come aboard!

COVID-19 Vaccine for Children is Around the Corner

NYC Aims for Net Zero Emissions by 2040

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New York City showed its commitment to addressing climate change last week when Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer announced that three of the city’s public pension funds have further committed to investing in climate change solutions.

More specifically, the public pension funds will double their investments in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and green real estate to over $8 billion by 2025. Then over the following decade, the public pension funds aim to reach a total of over $37 billion invested in climate change solutions by 2035.

Overall, New York City aims to reach net zero emissions by as early as 2040, according to both Mayor de Blasio and NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer’s proposed plan for the city.

(Continued on page 20)

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

The road to a COVID-19 vaccine for children reached a key milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 26, when the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee of independent doctors and medical professionals voted unanimously, 17-0, in favor of recommending the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11.

A few more checkpoints need to be reached first before the Pfizer BioNTech vaccines for children can officially roll out. Parents eager to have their children protected against COVID-19, especially the highly contagious Delta variant, will have to wait just a little bit longer.

An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA is the next step.

While FDA officials are not bound to the recommendations of its advisory committee, the FDA is expected to extend the EUA for the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include the 5 to 11 age group.

(Continued on page 10)

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Unsure About Vaccine Boosters?

Here's What To Know

DR. LEWIS WOLSTEIN Podiatrist — Foot Specialist

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

What vaccine boosters are currently available?

Pfizer BioNTech (a.k.a. Comirnaty), Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

What is the eligibility criteria for each vaccine booster?

Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccine recipients are eligible for a booster if an individual is: ● 65 years or older ● 18 or older and living in a long-term care setting ● 18 or older with underlying medical conditions ● 18 or older and living in or working in settings with an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 All Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients 18 and older can receive a booster.

How long does an eligible individual have to wait to receive their booster?

Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccine recipients must wait at least six months after their initial vaccine series.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients must wait at least two months after their initial vaccine series.

What are examples of occupations where individuals may be eligible for a booster shot because of their work setting? ● First responders such as healthcare workers, firefighters, police and congregate care staff ● Education staff such as teachers, support staff and daycare workers ● Food and agriculture workers ● Manufacturing workers ● Corrections workers ● U.S. Postal Service workers ● Public transit workers ● Grocery store workers Is it safe to get a booster vaccine from a manufacturer that is different from an individual’s initial vaccine series or “mix and match?”

Yes, individuals have the liberty to choose between Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson for their booster shot.

Is it safe to receive the vaccine booster and the seasonal flu shot?

Yes, it is safe to get both the vaccine booster and seasonal flu shot whether on the same day or at different times, according to the CDC. Where can I find a site that is offering COVID-19 booster shots?

Individuals can schedule an appointment or find a site offering booster shots near them by going online to covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/booster-doses or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Now Accepting:

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Se Habla Español Call:

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100 DeKruif Place Building 8 • Ground Floor Section 1 • Co-op City • Bronx, NY 10475

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Co-op City Times 2nd COMBING

Front Page

MTA Announces Final Public Meeting in Bronx Local Bus Redesign Process Virtual Meeting to be Held Tuesday, Nov. 9

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

New Location: Ragamuffin Parade

The Halloween Ragamuffin Parade is still taking place on Saturday, Oct. 30, but not at the Section 1 Greenway stage. Because of inclement weather, it will now be held at 131 Dreiser Loop, beside the hardware store. Start time: 1 p.m.

Come dressed to impress – best dressed prizes to be won. Also, meet the Pirates!

Don’t Miss “A Haunted Pirates Adventure,” Sunday, 7 p.m.!

Due to inclement weather, Saturday’s “A Haunted Pirates Adventure 2021” has been cancelled but the show will go on … this Halloween Sunday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this forbidden treasure adventure beyond the Seven Seas on the Section 2 Greenway on Co-op City Blvd., opposite the Co-op City Little League field.

Guests are invited to begin arriving at 6:30. Bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy the show produced and performed by Co-op City youth.

Watch live on Facebook @Co-op City – Riverbay Corporation.

Riverbay Corp. Blood Drive, Nov. 6

New York Blood Center and Riverbay Corporation are co-sponsoring a Blood Drive on Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in room 31 of the Bartow Center.

Win a $1,500 shopping spree at Target or Walmart. Second and third prizes will also be given away!

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-933-2566 or look for the flyer on page 9 and point your phone camera to the QR Code.

Assemblyman Continues Lobby Visits in Nov. Assemblyman Mike Benedetto continues lobby visits: * Nov. 10 -- Bldg. 32A * Nov. 17 – Bldg. 1B * Nov. 24 – Bldg. 10C All visits are from 5:15-7 p.m., and are held in front of the building.

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Metropolitan Transportation continue to build a successful, high frequency network that Authority (MTA) announced the restart of the Bronx Bus serves the hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on Network Redesign process, with a final virtual public meetthe service. The plan demonstrates the MTA’s approach to ing scheduled for Tuesday, providing service and will be Nov. 9, at 6:00 p.m., aimed able to adapt to the real-time at further promoting public travel patterns and needs of consciousness around the customers. It reallocates reproject and to allow riders sources to the portions of the one last opportunity to proborough where they will have vide feedback on the prothe greatest impact. posed final plan.

In Co-op City, a new bus The upcoming publine, Bx25, was added to conlic meeting follows addinect riders to Lehman College tional efforts by the MTA in Jerome Park. The new deover the last two months sign also removes numerous to reengage local Bronx stops which transit officials communities on the dehope will help to speed up tails of the proposed Final service.

Plan, with implementaThe Bronx Network tion currently targeted for Redesign Final Plan is focused the summer of 2022. That From left above at the MTA press conference announc- on improving Local, Limited plan was originally crafted ing the final public hearing in the Bronx Bus Redesign and SBS routes. There are after years of public input Project are Acting President of the MTA Frank Annic- no changes to Bronx express and was set to be taken aro, Riverbay Board Director Rod Saunders, NYC Transit routes at this time. The MTA to the MTA Board for a President Craig Cipriano, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., As- has been meeting with local vote just weeks after what semblyman Michael Benedetto, and Co-op City’s MTA elected officials and commuwould become the start of Ad-Hoc Committee member Lynette Wright. nity boards since last month to the pandemic. review the plan.

The MTA believes the redesigned bus network estab“The bus system is truly an engine of equity in this city,” lishes a strong foundation on which the Authority can (Continued on page 10)

Consumer Alert: Consumer Protection and DOH Warn New Yorkers of Text Message Phishing Scam on Vaccine Verification

Scammers Use Fake Text Message to Try to Get Users to Click on Fraudulent Link New York State Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Department of Health are warning New Yorkers of a text message phishing scheme targeting those attempting to validate vaccine status to try to steal personal information. Phishing texts are fraudulent messages to trick the recipient into installing malicious software onto a computer or mobile device or designed to obtain data or sensitive personal information to commit identity theft.

The State of New York and many private employers recently required certain employees to be fully vaccinated, and scammers are exploiting the policy to try to steal people’s personal and private information. The illegitimate text message attempts to impersonate the NYS Department of Health and tells the recipient they are required to enter their information to validate their vaccination status. The site the message links to is also fraudulent. Anyone who receives such a text message should delete it right away.

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day. Entering any information could put anyone at risk of identity theft.

To help protect against phishing or smishing (SMS phishing) scams, the NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Division of Consumer Protection recommend the following precautions: • DO exercise caution with all communications you

receive, including those that appear to be from a trusted entity. Inspect the sender’s information to confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source.

• DO keep an eye out for telltale signs of phishing – poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, the URL does not match that of the legitimate site. If the message does not feel right, chances are it is not.

• DON’T click on links embedded in an unsolicited message from an unverified source.

• DON’T send your personal information via text. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through text message.

• DON’T post sensitive information online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scams.

For more information on phishing scams, as well as steps to mitigate a phishing attempt, visit the NYS Office of Information Technology Services Phishing Awareness Resources page at https://its.ny.gov/resources or the Division of Consumer Protection Phishing Scam Prevention Tips page at https://dos.ny.gov/ identity-theft-prevention-and-mitigation-program.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or visit the DCP website at https:// dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Voting election can also vote in person on election day, in which case, the Absentee ballot will be nullified when it is received in the mail by the Board of Elections. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2, 2021 and received by the Board of Elections no later than seven days later, Nov. 9. Anyone who missed the deadline to request an Absentee ballot can still do so and return it in-person at the drop box at the Bronx Board of Election office, located at 1780 Grand Concourse, weekday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Completed Aabsentee ballots can also be dropped off to your early voting or election day poll location.

On election day, polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Anyone on the line at 9 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote.

Ranked Choice Voting is not being used in this election. Instead, voters will choose from among candidates running for each respective office on the ballot.

For Mayor, voters will choose one candidate from among the followinga: Eric L. Adams (Democratic), Curtis A. Sliwa (Republican & Independent), William A. Pepitone (Conservative), Catherine Rojas (Socialism & Lib), Stacey H. Prussman (Libertarian), Fernando Mateo (Save Our City), Raja Michael Flores (Humanity United), Skiboky Stora (Out Lawbreaker), Quanda S. Francis (Empowerment). Voters will also be able to write-in a candidate of their choice for the office of Mayor of New York City.

For Public Advocate, voters will choose one from among Jumaane D. Williams (Democratic), Dr. Devi Elizabeth Nampiaparampil (Republican & Save Our City), Anthony L. Herbert (Conservative & Independent), Devin W. Balkind (Libertarian), or a write-in candidate.

Candidates for City Comptroller are Brad Lander (Democratic), Daby Benjamine Carreras (Republican), Paul A. Rodriguez (Conservative), John A. Tabacco Jr. (Libertarian/Conservative), or a write-in.

For Bronx Borough President, voters will select

Open Board Meeting Rescheduled to Nov. Due to Early Voting Riverbay Board President Bernard Cylich announced last week that an in-person Open Board meeting to continue the Gallery Session for shareholders to interact with the Riverbay Board of Directors and Management will be held in early November.

Early Voting began last Saturday, October 23, in the Dreiser Auditorium and will run until Sunday, October 31. The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 2.

“We announced at the October 13th Open Board meeting that the Gallery Session would be continued on Wednesday, October 27, however, the auditorium has been reserved and is being set up for Early Voting which takes place from October 23-October 31,” said Board President Cylich. “We will therefore look into scheduling the Open Board meeting sometime in early November as soon as the auditorium becomes available. More details will be announced after we confirm the arrangements.”

The Auditorium is the most logical space to hold the in-person Open Board meeting to accommodate as many shareholders as possible, and at the same time, ensure social distancing and everyone’s safety due to health concerns related to Covid-19 and the Delta variant. Proof of vaccine will be required. More detail to follow.

(Continued from page 1)

one candidate from among Vanessa L. Gibson (Democratic), Janelle King (Republican), Sammy Ravelo (Conservative), or a write-in candidate.

The only candidate on the ballot for City Council member in the 12th Council District is Kevin Riley (Democratic). Voters can also write in a candidate of their choice.

Co-op City voters will choose five (5) candidates for Justice of the Supreme Court in the 12th Judicial District. The candidates are George R. Villegas (Democratic), Anthony G. Marecki (Republican), Patsy D. Gouldborne (Democratic), Paul L. Alpert (Democratic), Marissa Soto (Democratic), and Naita A. Semaj (Democratic). Voters can also write-in up to five candidates.

In addition, the ballot includes five proposals and

voters are reminded to turn their ballot over and vote yes or no on the five proposals printed on the back.

Proposal one is to amend the apportionment process which determines the number of US House of Representatives each state gets, and the redistricting process that redraws district boundaries to ensure each district has about the same amount of people and are reflective and representative of the voters in that respective area.

The second proposal seeks to amend the New York State Constitution and establish the right for every person to have clean air, water and a healthful environment.

Proposal three is to ease the requirement for voters to be registered at least 10 days before an election. It seeks to allow voters to register within 10 days of an election.

Proposal four is about adjusting the restrictions on absentee voting by removing the requirement that an individual must be physically unable to vote in-person at a poll site if they want to submit an absentee ballot. In short, it will end the requirement that a voter must be physically absent from the country, ill or physically disabled to be eligible to request an absentee ballot.

And, Proposal five would amend the jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court and allow it to hear and decide on claims that are as much as $50,000, doubling the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000.

A listing of Co-op City election day poll locations was compiled by Riverbay Board Director Mary Pearson and is published on page 19 of this issue. Co-op City residents may also find their election day poll site online at findmypollsite.vote.nyc or by calling the Board of Elections office at 1-866-868-3692.

To familiarize yourself with the ballot before heading to the polls, visit www.vote. nyc, and to read about the ballot proposals, visit www.voting.nyc/meet-the-candidates/2021-ballot-proposals/.

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

African-American Association visits SEEINJUSTICE Exhibit

Members of the African-American Association took a field trip to Union Square at 14th Street in Manhattan to view the sculptures of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Congressman John Lewis.

The sculptures are part of Chris Carnabuci’s SEEINJUSTICE Series by Confront Art. The exhibit will be on display at this location until October 30, 2021.

Photos by LaVerne Hamilton, Cheryl Jenkins and Denise David

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can the–authenticity of•– the authors.

Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Letters cannot exceed – verify •be–typed.

• • letters – • –must – •Co-op – City Times – • by –• – •every – •Monday – •–to350 •be–words.

• –Ideally, they should All be• in the office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, 3 p.m. considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

Letters to the Editor

Empty Promises To the Editor: A new Mayor will be voted into office with the help of our votes on November 2nd. I implore our Management to approach the new Administration before Inauguration and demand either a police precinct be built in Co-op City or for the city to help fund our CCPD. I have never figured out why we, as shareholders, are fine with paying millions of dollars in City taxes, but let NYC off the hook for providing basic services.

We pick up and pay for our own Sanitation. Our Department of Public Safety does a wonderful job protecting us, but the reality is it was never supposed to be that way. We save the City millions of dollars a year and when we need something from the City, they provide empty promises.

It's time our Management and lawyers start demanding some money and take part of this financial burden off of the shareholders.

––Mark Peters

Who’s Responsible?

To the Editor: I have been a resident of Co-op City for over twenty years. I love the bay window and enjoy the view. All these joys have been taken away during the building facade work, and I am looking forward to when the scaffolding is removed. The terraces have been completed and look really

nice. However, I am wondering who will remove the paint from our screen doors and bay windows? Am I the only one who is disappointed that we can no longer enjoy these things? Will our windows be cleaned when this process is over?

––Vicki Sackey

More Information on Waterfront Park To the Editor: A recent viewpoint by a director stated that some other community will get funds for green/outdoor projects and we should petition for the park money. Think...do we need more parkland? Is our greenway so crowded? Will this wonderland bring in outsiders and become a haven for drugs and drinking? Who will maintain and police it? Will parking become more difficult?

The park supporters should be petitioned to explain in detail the entire picture. Follow the money as government does not do something for free. It’s not free money. Who gets the contract and why?

Finally, maybe a park in a nearby neighborhood that really needs a park just might be more beneficial to us. Nothing is free in life.

––Nick Liberati

Board of Directors’ Meeting - October 27, 2021 First Reading - Resolution #21-45 SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 27th, 2021 WHEREAS, on July 25, 2018 the Board awarded contract #3210 (REBID), via Resolution # 18-13, for the Rental and Maintenance service of Uniforms; and WHEREAS, Change Order #1 is being requested to add additional money ($40,000.00) to cover the cost of the services until the end of the contract in June of 2022 (see attached Memo); and WHEREAS, the change order is due to the average monthly cost of services and the Covid-19 pandemic where Clean Rental Services, Inc. now dba Cintas Corporation

implemented a health & safety fee of 2% of the contract cost as of May 2020; 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 #3210 (REBID) for $40,000.00 with Clean Rental Services, Inc. now dba Cintas Corporation be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended

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

Co-op City Times Co-op City’s official newspaper serving the world’s largest cooperative community.

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Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez

Production Manager

John Crow

New Media Producer

Phillip McCoy-Campbell Media Assistant

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

Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m.

Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475.

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

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

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

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

First Reading - Resolution #21-47 SUBMITTED BY: Bishop Angelo Rosario & Leah Richardson SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 27, 2021 WHEREAS, Procurement solicited proposals from eleven (11) companies on May 26, 2021 for the purpose of purchasing kitchen cabinets for Riverbay’s vacant apartments; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received five (5) proposals which were reviewed in detailed by the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Manager recommends Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, as the lowest qualified bidder (see attached supporting Memo); and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this resolution, no director has disclosed to the full Board any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that the proposed Contract #3639 with Royal Cabinet Manufacturer LLC d/b/a Life Art Cabinetry, for the Purchase of Kitchen Cabinets for 12 months not to exceed $1,200,000 and an option for 12 month extension at Riverbay’s discretion of $1,200,000 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended

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

(See page 8 for more Resolutions)

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

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

CCPD Offers Halloween Safety Tips Public Safety Report

By LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

There will be more events in Co-op City for Halloween 2021 than there were in 2020. Thanks to vaccinations and mask wearing, some events are returning to a more normal state. Predictions for rain this week have caused some of the outdoor activities to be moved indoors or to a virtual format. This article will provide tips to help keep Halloween fun while being safe.

For all Halloween festivities, Covid-19 protocol should be followed – wear a mask over the nose and mouth and maintain 6-feet social distancing where possible.

On Saturday, October 30, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the lower level of the Dreiser Mall, the Riverbay Fund will be sponsoring a Halloween Parade for the children of the community. This location is outdoors but with an overhang to keep everyone dry due to heavy rain in the forecast.

This Halloween activity is free, sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, and offers a safe alternative to Trick or Treating. An adult should accompany all children.

Saturday’s Halloween show, “Haunted Pirate Adventure,” was cancelled becasue of heavy rain in the weather forecast. There will be a single live performance on Sunday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m. This performance will take place on the stage opposite the Little League fields on Co-op City Boulevard (between Building 24 and Cooper Place townhouses). It will also be shown live on Facebook @Co-op City Riverbay Corporation. The performers have been hard at work practicing for this show.

Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and adults alike. There are a wide range of potential risks on Halloween that could take all the fun away from the day.

By being aware of the hazards and taking steps to avoid them, you can have a fun and safe Halloween. The Department of Public Safety has provided these safety tips to keep everyone safe this Halloween. Halloween costumes worn by adults or older teens for no legitimate purpose are never a good idea. If attending a Halloween event, it is better to put on your costume and accessories when you arrive at your destination.

Here are some universal Halloween safety tips which should be followed in Co-op City and wherever your travels may take you. Roadways present a serious hazard to pedestrians, including those wearing costumes. Children may become distracted by all the excitement and run into traffic. Remind children that they should only cross streets at the corners. Motor vehicle drivers should be extra alert to young ghouls and goblins who may dart into traffic. If you or your children will be outside at dusk or darkness, place reflective tape on costumes or clothing. Adults should always accompany young children.

Care should be used when selecting costumes. Loose costumes or large shoes can present a tripping hazard. Masks can reduce vision. Make up is more comfortable and does not obstruct vision. Always remove masks when crossing the street. Consider enlarging eye openings if a mask is worn. Halloween costume masks do not take the place of face coverings that help fight the spread of coronavirus. If the Halloween mask does not cover the nose and mouth, an additional mask or face covering should be added. Halloween-themed face coverings which serve both purposes are available. Fake swords or other props should be made of a soft material and not contain sharp edges Fire presents a serious hazard on Halloween. Candles should never be used to light Jack o Lanterns or for any other purpose. Small battery powered L.E.D. lights simulate even the flickering of a real flame with none of the hazard. Flashlights or light sticks can be carried for illumination purposes. These items used to be very expensive but are now available at discounted prices. Costumes and wigs should be of a flame resistant material. Instruct children to avoid going near flames which could easily ignite costumes.

Halloween costumes can provide identity concealment for persons intending to commit a crime. Halloween pranks such as egg throwing and shaving cream spraying can often turn to violence. Parents of older children and teens should check on the whereabouts and activities of their children. Early curfews should be put in place. As the hour grows later, the number of persons with bad intentions using Halloween as a guise increases. Residents are encouraged to call the Public Safety Department at (718) 671-3050, or 911, if they observe any suspicious activity during the Halloween season.

Children should never enter anyone’s house or apartment for any reason. Any treats your child may receive should be received at the door. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult or older child. Make sure an adult is aware of the route children intend to follow. Treats received should be checked by an adult before being eaten. Discard any non-packaged candy or any candy with a torn wrapper.

Fortunately, Halloween falls on a Sunday this year but during the week, it is always important to be alert for school buses. Schools are open on a limited in person schedule, drive carefully. Never pass a stopped school bus with a STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near buildings and shopping centers. This includes the electric bicycles and scooters that are available

for rent throughout the community.

Last week’s article about Auto Safety included some helpful tips to prevent being the victim of an auto crime. Two major paragraphs are being repeated below. The Department of Public Safety cannot emphasize enough that leaving your vehicle running with the keys inside for any length of time presents an opportunity for a criminal that could easily be avoided.

Auto break-ins are frequently crimes of opportunity. When a criminal surveys a vehicle, and observes valuables in plain sight, it makes your vehicle a target.

Wheels, airbag, and catalytic converter thefts usually involve organized crew of criminals who identify vehicles off the beaten path that they can vandalize with minimal chance of being detected because they are parked in areas that do not get a lot of vehicle or pedestrian traffic. These crews have been known to use lookouts to spot approaching law enforcement vehicles.

Auto crime tends to increase during both challenging economic times and near the holiday season. By staying one step ahead of the criminals and taking proper precautions, you can do your part to decrease your chance of becoming a victim of auto crime, wherever your travels take you. Never, ever leave your car running with the keys in the ignition.

Ordering packages online and allowing them to remain unattended in a hallway is another crime risk that can be reduced. There is an increase in reports of packages being stolen in Co-op City, New York City, and in fact, it is an expanding national issue. Public Safety patrols the buildings but Co-op City is a large complex with many buildings with many floors and hallways. It is best if (Continued on page 27)

Anonymous calls to Public Safety

From time to time, cooperators may witness someone violating the housing company’s rules and regulations, however, we understand that some may be apprehensive about reporting the situation for fear of their identity being divulged to the violator in question.

Please know that you may request to remain anonymous when you contact the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) regarding said issues and the Public Safety dispatchers, officers and supervisors have been instructed to accept these calls

and investigate accordingly.

If, however, you feel forced to surrender your identification in order to lodge your complaint, immediately request to speak with a supervisor.

Rest assured that you should feel comfortable placing these calls to our Public Safety Department, as oftentimes residents are the first to know when an incident has taken place and, in most cases, who the individuals involved are.

Thank you for your cooperation.

––Riverbay Management

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply directly at either site.

Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

8

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Director’s Viewpoint –

Sonia Feliciano, First Vice President

Partnerships in Building a Better Community Dear fellow shareholders, Hope everyone is doing well.

Co-op City is over 50 years old. During this time, we had to stand on our own two feet to keep our community sustainable ensuring that our infrastructure is maintained through appropriate repairs, rehabilitation and/or replacement of aging interior and exterior systems, our floors, facades, elevators, ADA doors, our steam generator, and so many other things that need fixing or replacing in our community. These important initiatives come from budgetary discussions we constantly have that are not always popular because they are costly and come with increases in our carrying charge.

There is a petition circulating to appeal to our elected officials to help us with funding to develop a Water Front Park from Section 5 to Connor Street.

With your help, we can get as many signatures as possible to show our elected officials that as voting members of this community who pay taxes, we need to be counted. It is their responsibility to help us to realize our dream of having a park like so many other parks and waterfronts throughout the Bronx. It will serve as an opportunity to create positive living enhancing the quality of life of our residents.

Through support from our community organizations, the Riverbay Fund was able to apply for a grant through Congressman Jamaal Bowman for $500,000 for the Waterfront. It is pending approval in the United States Senate. We recently learned of

a grant through the Robert Wood Foundation. The Riverbay Fund, in partnership with the Hutchinson River Restoration Project, has submitted a proposal asking for funding of green space that will allow urban communities like ours to have park equity through outdoor recreational facilities, green infrastructure and open spaces. Robert Wood stands on the premise that they are building a culture of health that allows everyone the opportunity to have wellness in their life. Co-op City is no different from any other community seeking the same opportunity.

We want and need our fair share of green space creating our own oasis of recreation in an improved lifestyle. This petition issued by the Coalition to Save Affordable Housing and some members of the Riverbay Board lends support to the action of letting our elective officials know we need them to advocate funding for us to have a Waterfront Park that we can all enjoy for years to come. A bone of contention for me is what we pay in security through CCPD and not the NYPD, what we pay in garbage pick-up and not Sanitation, and what we pay in our fair share of water. Let’s stand firm and demand our fair share of services that we don’t get. Let’s look at the possibilities of what a Waterfront Park would look like and mean to this community with proper funding.

Recently, several shareholders reached out concerned that the Section 1 handball court was in poor condition and rather unsightly. Through your con-

cerns, and proactive actions taken by the Janitorial department, the Section 1 handball court is looking better than it ever did. Let’s consider that this structure is over 50 years old. The walls of the court were taped and painted. While we realize that there are defects in the wall that in some cases are showing an uneven surface, rehabbing would require a full demolition. Instead, we gave the walls a fresh coat of paint and what a difference it made. We don’t have the resources for demolishing and putting everything back at this time. We will consider adding funding to our next budget cycle in 2023/2024 that would restore and repurpose the space for the community. I think that a good job was done. Our Janitorial department is looking at ways to make the areas we use for play aesthetically pleasing as we look for other funding sources. Thank you to our shareholders who wrote and called. I appreciate you for your concerns and I appreciate the Janitorial department for the time and work they put into this project.

We are always looking for ideas that won’t cost us a lot of money. As you walk through your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a look around you and let us know of any opportunities that can make our community look better.

Please reach out via email, sfeliciano@riverbayboard.com. I can also be reached at 917-992-7311.

Thank you all for your partnership in building a better community.

Shareholders First – We Matter.

Board of Directors’ Meeting - October 27, 2021 Second Reading - Resolution #21-42

(cont’d from page 6)

Second Reading - Resolution #21-43

SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Michelle Marbury

SUBMITTED BY: Francine Reva Jones SECONDED BY: Claudia Sampson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING, DATED: October 27th, 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING, DATED: October 27th, 2021

WHEREAS, Procurement sent out requests for proposals to fifteen qualified companies to perform the next set of buildings for Local Law 11 façade and balcony restoration work on Buildings # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received five (5) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Engineer and the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer and Project Manager reviewed the bids and recommends EXO Industries Corporation as the lowest responsible bidder (recommendations 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 #3673 with EXO Industries Corporation for a contract total of $19,962,747.00 plus a 15% contingency ($2,994,412.05) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Marbury, Pearson, Rosario, Sampson NO: Cylich, Leslie, Richardson, Saunders, Watson ABSENT: Lambright, Peterson PASSED

WHEREAS, Procurement sent out requests for proposals to fifteen qualified companies to perform the final set of buildings for Local Law 11 façade and balcony restoration work on Buildings # 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19; and WHEREAS, Riverbay received five (5) proposals which were reviewed in detail by the Project Engineer and the Project Manager; and WHEREAS, the Project Engineer and Project Manager reviewed the bids and recommends EXO Industries Corporation as the lowest responsible bidder (recommendations 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 #3673A with EXO Industries Corporation for a contract total of $10,565,064.00 plus a 15% contingency ($1,584,759.60) be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute the contract and Management is authorized to take all steps necessary to make this action effective.

YES: Coleman, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Marbury, Pearson, Rosario, Sampson NO: Cylich, Leslie, Richardson, Saunders, Watson ABSENT: Lambright, Peterson PASSED (See next page for more Resolutions)

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween weekend!

9

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Board of Directors’ Meeting - October 27, 2021

(cont’d from page 8)

Second Reading - Resolution #21-44 SUBMITTED BY: Bishop Angelo Rosario SECONDED BY: Anika Green-Watson BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: October 27th, 2021 WHEREAS, on 10/11/2017 the Board awarded Contract #3154, via Resolution # 17-60, to Merritt Engineering for A/E Services for Balcony Restorations for Local Law 11 Reports; and WHEREAS, Change Order Two (#2) is being submitted to complete the Local Law 11 work which includes inspections for the last set of buildings (1 – 8) and (15 – 19) and 4.5 additional full time inspectors to cover over the requested 44week period for years 2021, 2022 and 2023 totaling $3,257,400 (See attached supporting Memos); 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 Two (#2) for contract #3154 with Merritt Engineering for $3,257,400.00 be approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution #85-16 and amended by Board of Directors Resolutions #95-44 and #20-19; 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.

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Watson NO: Saunders ABSENT: Lambright, Peterson PASSED

Insurance Resolution #21-46 SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Marbury SECONDED BY: Bishop Angelo Rosario BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: October 27, 2021 WHEREAS, Riverbay’s Commercial Automobile Insurance Policy with the Selective Insurance Company expires October 31, 2021 with the following expiring annual premiums and rates: A) Contractor’s Equipment insurance expiring premium of $1,839.00 based on an average rate of $167.18 per vehicle for 11 vehicles; B) Liability premium of $365,000.00 based on an average rate of $3,016.53 per vehicle for 121 vehicles; and C) Physical Damage premium of $26,000.00 based on an average rate of $553.19 per vehicle for 47 vehicles leased through Enterprise Fleet Management, for a total annual policy premium of $392,839.00 for the policy period 10/31/20 to 10/31/21; and WHEREAS, Management reviewed the current fleet to see if any vehicles could be dropped or added which resulted in 5 vehicles being added increasing the fleet size from 132 to 137 vehicles; and WHEREAS, The Director of Risk Management instructed the auto insurance broker, USI Insurance Services, Inc., to conduct a marketing program for the renewal of our automobile insurance policy; and WHEREAS, The Director of Risk Management now recommends renewing the Commercial Automobile Insurance Policy with Selective Insurance Company (see attached handout) at the following renewal annual premiums and rates: A) Contractor’s Equipment insurance renewal premium of $1,604.00 based on an average rate of $178.22 per vehicle for 9 vehicles; B) Liability premium of $399,741.00 based on an average rate of $3,122.98 per vehicle for 128 vehicles; and C) Physical Damage premium of $39,079.00 based on an average rate of

$550.41 per vehicle for 71 vehicles leased through Enterprise Fleet Management.

The total Automobile premium is $440,424.00 for the policy period 10/31/21 to 10/31/22, a 12.11% increase over the expiring policy premium.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the placement of the Commercial Automobile Insurance Policy with Selective Insurance Company for an annual renewal premium of $440,424.00 as detailed above for the policy period 10/31/21 to 10/31/22.

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

YES: Coleman, Cylich, Feliciano, Johnson, Jones, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders, Watson ABSENT: Lambright, Peterson PASSED

10

Redesign

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021 (Continued from page 3)

said MTA Acting Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber.

“Buses provide particularly important connections to many neighborhoods that don’t have subway stops nearby. Countless numbers of New Yorkers rely on our buses, including seniors and people with disabilities, but this redesign effort will dramatically improve commutes for all Bronxites. I am thrilled that the proposed Final Plan is set to make its way to the board in the months to come.”

Interim New York City Transit President Craig Cipriano added: “The redesign is key to providing the bus service that our customers in the Bronx deserve. As the pandemic made clear, Bronx bus customers rely on bus service more than New Yorkers in any other borough and this entire plan was crafted in partnership with Bronx residents. It was truly a community-led approach and our final plan reflects their feedback. We listened carefully and I’m proud of just how well this collaborative process worked.”

After publishing the proposed Bronx Network Redesign Final Plan during the winter of 2019, the MTA listened further to feedback from customers, communities throughout the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, as well as community boards, elected officials and advocates. In doing so, the Authority determined that customers and community members value the existing routing of the Bx28 and Bx34 routes over the proposed alignment changes that were outlined in the Draft and proposed Final Plans. With such strong community and customer desire to maintain existing route alignments, these routes’ alignments will now not be changed.

Due to the 18-month pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bx6 SBS implementation has also been delayed until 2023 to coincide with the retirement of the MetroCard and the full deployment of OMNY across the city. Officials determined that the logistics and expenses associated with installing and then uninstalling fare machines along the future alignment in Soundview for just one year of use is not an effective or efficient use of resources. The associated changes in Bx6 local and Bx5 frequencies will also be postponed until the full deployment of OMNY when the Bx6 SBS realignment is implemented.

“I am pleased that The Bronx Bus Network Redesign is moving forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Although the pandemic has delayed the project, as we recover together, The Bronx Bus Network Redesign will provide necessary upgrades that will help New Yorkers get back to their day-to-day lives

Vaccine

efficiently. My office has been involved in the development of this plan from the very beginning to ensure that it meets the changing needs of our borough. The end result of this important process is a huge step forward in modernizing and upgrading the system for the hundreds of thousands of riders who rely on city buses every day. Thank you to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for their partnership throughout this process, and for the work that you are doing to prepare our borough’s critical bus infrastructure for the future.”

Lynette Wright, a member of the Co-op City MTA Ad Hoc Committee which keenly examined the original redesign draft and did significant work to influence bus service to Co-op City in the final plan, said: “This is definitely a testament to what happens when collective parties come together – not just having people making decisions for you – but the fact that people came out and made their voices heard. The MTA, our government officials, and all of us advocates came together on something that was accessible for all within this design. I want to thank the MTA for keeping an open ear on the impact of when you draw something, it has an impact on people. Thank you to everyone and be sure to make your voice heard.”

To learn more about the specific details of the Bronx Local Bus Redesign plan or changes to particular route profiles, you may visit the project’s dedicated website, https://new.mta.info/bronxbusredesign. Those who would like to speak at the Tuesday, November 9th public meeting can register to do so at the website as well. Registration ends on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.

The Nov. 9th Public Hearing will be held on Zoom and broadcast on the MTA’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/MTAinfo.

To join the meeting on Zoom, log in at https://mta.zoom.us/j/84329828595?pwd=WEhUSE9YaGE3ODNISk9sdkxRSnJwZz09. The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9.

For One-Tap Mobile: +19294362866,,84329828595#,,,,*4422978010# or +1 6465189805,,84329828595#,,,,*4422978010# To join by telephone, dial: 1-929-436-2866 or 1-646-518-9805 or 833-548-0282 (Toll Free) or 877-853-5247 (Toll Free) or 888-788-0099 (Toll Free) or 833-548 0276 (Toll Free).

Webinar ID: 843 2982 8595 Passcode: 4422978010

(Continued from page 1)

Once the FDA extends the EUA, then the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet to vote and decide its recommendations given the information provided by the FDA and its respective advisory committee.

Finally, CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky must give her final approval and signature.

ACIP is expected to meet on November 2 and 3, meaning the final steps could be completed before the end of next week and vaccines for children could begin rolling out sometime in the following week.

“COVID-19 now is a vaccine preventable disease from my perspective. And COVID is also the eighth highest killer of kids in this age group over the past year,” Dr. Amanda Cohn, member of the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, said after the final vote. “Use of this vaccine will prevent deaths, will prevent ICU’s admissions and will prevent significant long-term adverse outcomes in children.”

One third of the total dosage given to adolescents and adults would be used for the vaccine given to children between the ages of 5 and 11. The vaccine would be administered in two doses given three weeks apart.

A large portion of the advisory committee’s meeting on Tuesday was devoted to deliberations on potential risks of the vaccine for the 5-11 age group.

The committee discussed six modeling scenarios, which were presented by the FDA, to gain a better understanding of the risks involved compared to the benefits.

In five of the scenarios, the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the potential risks. The only model that showed potential risks outweighing the benefits was one where COVID-19 rates were practically non-existent.

Members of the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee were specifically trying to gauge the risk of a rare side effect from the COVID-19 vaccine called myocarditis.

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle caused by the body’s immune system responding to a viral infection or another cause in the body, according to the CDC. Notably, no cases of myocarditis were recorded during the trials for children.

Surveillance of potential health risks from vaccine rollout is closely monitored by the FDA and CDC. “What we have done during this pandemic is we have an overlapping safety surveillance system that is done in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. So, FDA and CDC share this responsibility. The safety teams at the CDC and at FDA are incredibly committed and devoted to making sure that we understand the nature of the safety event and that we catch these signals as soon as we possibly can,” Dr. Peter Marks, a presenter from the FDA, said during the meeting on Tuesday.

Rare cases of myocarditis have been seen predominantly in males under 30 years old after their second dose of the vaccine, according to data presented during the advisory committee’s meeting.

“We will monitor myocarditis very carefully, but I will also say that there have been no deaths from myocarditis. And nearly all of those cases have completely recovered just weeks after the onset of their mild cases of myocarditis,”

Dr. Amanda Cohn said after the advisory committee’s final vote.

Pediatricians would be at the head of vaccine distribution for children, according to a plan released by the White House last week. White House officials are currently working with states in order to enroll more pediatric and primary care providers to administer the vaccine while also providing the training and resources needed to keep vaccines stored safely.

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

11

Building 10 Association Greetings, fellow cooperators.

Halloween Candy Giveaway – The Halloween candy giveaway will be on Sunday, October 31, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. in the Building 10 association room located in the rear of Building 10B. Vote – Election Day is November 2, 2021. Early, in-person voting will end on October 31. Visit https:// vote.nyc for more information on your voting location.

Zoom Meeting – On Monday, November 15, at 7 p.m., there will be a Zoom meeting for Section 2.

The guest speaker will be Mr. Toma Kastrati, Main-

tenance assistant director, and Ms. Lutitia Matthias, director of the Call Center. Please see flyer in the lobby for more details.

Cartons: Please take all shipping cartons, boxes, etc., to the basement and place them in the appropriate area.

If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311.

Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email

at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook “Building 10 “ABC” Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10.

We would like to wish all who are born in October/ November, an incredibly happy birthday.

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

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

Have a great week.

––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Building 32 Association Trick or treat, fellow co-operators!

Hope you are having a happy Halloween weekend, if you are one who celebrates the season. And if you do not, that is fine. We of Building 32 Association still send you our best.

With lockdowns still in effect, trick or treating will be rather difficult again this year. Debating the sensibility of trick or treating during a pandemic is a topic for a different article. But if you plan on doing so, please

do so safely. Remember to mask up underneath your Halloween mask and mask up if you plan to hand out candy. Use hand sanitizer between trick or treat interactions. And if at all possible, wash off all candy. Maybe have an all-vaccinated Halloween party! But to do that you would have to be vaccinated. Now is a great time to do so!

Unfortunately, this Halloween we are still presented with some real-world scares. Please do not lose faith.

Stay strong. Lean on your higher power. Do good works in and around Co-op City and for your neighbors. The only way to get through these tough times is together.

If you see something, say something so that we may keep up our quality of life here in Co-op City. If you have suggestions for improvement, drop a note in the blue suggestion box inside the laundry room.

Peace, strength and love!

––Ezekiel Springer Jr.

Building 25 Association The variants of Covid still shape how our building association celebrate Halloween, so in order to help keep everybody safe, Building 25 Association suspended our traditional candy distribution in the lobby this year. In the meantime, we wish all the little ghouls, ghosts, ballerinas, cowgirls and cowboys, angels, skeletons, pumpkins, black cats, superheroes and witches costume-wearing little ones a happy Halloween.

We wish all neighbors born in October a spooktacular birthday, and for those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Our next virtual building association meeting will be held Tuesday, November

16, 1 at 7:30 p.m. Look out for detailed log-in or call-in information on posted notices near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know.

Closing with the following:“Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it's about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves.” ––Elvis Duran ––Wanda Bailey

Building 13 Association

Building 27 Association

Veterans Day is approaching and we should all remember to give a heartfelt salute. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. Although it is a day set aside to honor our military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, I proclaim that every day we have our liberty and freedom of speech and right to vote, is a day to honor them.

Show us Your Halloween Costume: Life goes on and so do we. We want to continue our tradition of having fun seeing the costumes and offering the youth (and sometimes adults) fun treats. Get your treats in the lobby on Sunday, October 31, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. (or until treats last).

Don’t forget to participate in the Ragamuffin Halloween Parade on October 30, lining up at 12:30 p.m. on the Greenway Stage and stay to see “A Haunted Pirates Adventure 2021” at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the Greenway across from the Co-op City Little League Field.

Section 2: Our next virtual meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. Section 2 consists of shareholders from Cooper Place Townhouses and Buildings 9-14. Our confirmed guests will be from the Maintenance department and the Call Center. Flyers with additional information will be in the lobby bulletin board shortly. Building 13 shareholders should make sure the association has your e-mail address. It is easier to log on with the link. You do not have to be a member of the association to attend. There are so many things going on in our community, we want to make sure we provide all with an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers.

REMINDER – VOTE: October 30th and October 31st are the last two days for early voting. Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Make sure you vote, that is how they hear our voice and feel our strength. Remember: Turn your ballot over to vote on the five proposals. Information regarding the five proposals and the pros and cons of each can be located at the League of Women Voters ® The City of New York.

For New York City Retirees Only: There will be a NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan webinar on Tuesday, November 9, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (sharp), sponsored by the NAACP Co-op City Branch. Currently, the deadline was lifted per a judge who sided with the retirees that enough information about the plan wasn't shared properly and in a timely manner. Still, it is important to know what this plan consists of and, of course, we will continue to follow the case.

Make sure to wear your mask, wash your hands and follow all recommended guidelines.

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. When we have events, you can contact Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Thank you for supporting our team.

––Leslie Peterson

Hello, neighbors. It has been a trying time. However, we can still be thankful and grateful. We hope all is well, remember to keep wearing your mask. The good news is our children are back in school. Let us keep the children, parents and school staffing all in prayer. During the older adults’ tenure, we all were required to take a vaccination shot, which remains visible to this day. Proof of the vaccination was a mandate in order to attend school. There were no problems, but what is happening now is unexplainable.

Lobby Doors –– We are happy the lobby doors for Bldg. A and Bldg. B are being installed for the past three weeks and hopefully will be finished soon.

Exterminators –– Personally, I must thank our two exterminators for a job well done. Within a span of three weeks, they found three more dead mice, and they found two more this week. They were sensitive to my stress, and would not tell me. However, I did notice them and it could have been more.

General Election –– Early Voting began October 23 and continues until October 31 at the Dreiser Auditorium. The general election date is November 2. Remember to turn the ballot over and vote on the five proposal amendments.

Always take your time because every vote counts.

The proposal amendments are: 1. The redistricting process 2. Environmental protections 3. Voters Registrations 4. Absentee voting 5. NY Civil Courts Claim limit.

In Agreement –– Our most critical resources are the shareholders who invested in this corporation, for giving us a voice and a stake in the future of our property and to advocate for this community and for generations to live in a healthy, secure and stable environment. Therefore, as stakeholders, we have a right to voice and have a say in what takes place in our community. We all have a right to agree to disagree, to debate and try to come to a common ground for the betterment of the community.

We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the family of Rev. Anne L. Palmore, the former pastor of the Church of the New Vision here in Section 5. Happy birthday to those celebrating this month. Condolences to our Co-op City families who lost a loved one. Let us continue to pray for one another.

Please contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, deceased, or someone in a nursing home. Let us continue to stay prayerful a smile is always welcome, being kind, thoughtful and thankful makes life just a little easier. “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –– Coretta Scott King.

––H. Overman

12

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Claudia Sampson, Treasurer

Director’s Viewpoint –

Emergent Green Spaces and Park Equity Movement Parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, trails, gardens are essential community infrastructure. Our community should have access to many of these resources. Our community is leveraging its power to raise awareness among community-based organizations, be they clubs, associations, or faith-based entities, to re-engage our elected officials. By coalescing around a movement to reverse the policies, systems and norms contributing to green space inequities in African American, LatinX, and low-income urban communities, we can build momentum to create a more healthy, sustainable green space/park equity movement.

On Wednesday, October 27, the Riverbay Fund, presided over by me, in collaboration with General Manager Noel Ellison, Riverbay Director of Community Relations Michelle Sajous, Hutchinson River Restoration Project Founder/President Eleanor Rae, Coalition To Save Affordable Housing (CTSAH) member-at-large and Riverbay Board President Bernie Cylich, Riverbay Fund Counsel Nancy Durand and Level Fields Consulting Founder/CEO Nicole Fields met via conference call to discuss partnering on the submission of a proposal seeking a $500,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. According to Nicole, this two-year grant, aptly titled People, Parks and Power: A National Initiative for Green Space, Health Equity, and Racial Justice, “will not fund the actual building of park/green space, but the advocacy efforts related to building public will, shifting City funding to Co-op City, or addressing policies that prevent the Bronx from having more green spaces.”

Waterfront Park – If we can Re-imagine it, we can Realize it!

Contrary to statements made to stoke fears about a waterfront park serving as a hangout for unwelcome visitors and potentially unsafe activities like canoeing, swimming and occasional canoodling (kissing and cuddling) on benches, I fundamentally

believe green spaces or urban parks are most essential for our community to thrive. The Soundview Park along the Bronx River, with a 1.5-mile run and called the “Gateway to the Bronx,” is located where the Bronx River flows into the East River. In 1937, the entire area was composed of marshlands similar to Freedom Land, the forerunner to Co-op City. Today, the 205-acres park has six grass baseball fields, a cricket pitch, a soccer field, six basketball courts, six handball courts, a running track with synthetic turf field, a dog run, walking/biking and a performance lawn. Imagine that.

Surely, Co-op City can have its 4+ acres stretching from Section 5 Walkway to Conner Street of underutilized, unkempt land refurbished and made into a more attractive and welcoming green space.

Forget about the absurd claptrap about unsavory crowds decamping in our park, or canoes being stored in apartments (seriously?), or young unsupervised children falling into the river and drowning (another form of hysteria and exaggeration used to spread fear). Let’s come up with ideas and constructive criticism that are forward looking and innovative.

SCRIE/DRIE Recertification Has Begun Thanks to the shareholders who read my piece on the SCRIE/DRIE application/recertification period. Residents who quality for Senior Citizen Increase Exemption program (SCRIE) and Disabled Citizens Rent Increase Exemption program (DRIE) may have their maintenance frozen at their current level and be exempt from future increases. Together, SCRIE and DRIE are known as the NYC Rent Freeze Program which helps eligible senior citizens (aged 62 and over) and residents with qualifying disabilities (18 and over) stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. Just to be clear, in Co-op City’s case, we pay maintenance, not rent. But, residents are still eligible to participate in either programs, but not both. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s SCRIE/DRIE began recertifica-

tion at the beginning of September 2021. Due to the pandemic, HPD continues to work remotely, so if you haven’t yet received your recertification notices including the forms, please call (212) 863-8494. Be sure to leave a clear message, with your name and telephone number. They should return your call on their next business day. If you have any questions, check their frequently asked questions (FAQs) page at: SCRIE/DRIE - HPD (nyc.gov). N.B. Any recertifications postmarked after December 3, 2021 will not be finalized. By the way, the application mailing address is: Division of Housing Supervision, P.O. Box 3132, Union, NJ 07073, SCRIE UNIT. Have no worries. It’s the correct address.

New York City Ferry Access Survey I received a survey from a Board director that I completed because it resonated with me. The New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, is a disability justice program that is conducting a survey to collect information about the accessibility of the NYC Ferry System. Since I occasionally took the ferry at the Soundview stop in Ferry Point Park and had some feedback about getting there and back unless I drove since there are no buses from Co-op City to that ferry stop, I decided to complete the survey. Although the issue of lack of direct access to the Soundview ferry stop was not the focus of the survey, I still see this as an opportunity to raise the issue in hopes of shedding some light on the problem. If you are disabled, depend on Access-a-Ride, or drive to get to the ferry, I encourage you to complete the survey. Here’s the survey link: https:// forms.gle/LyfVe2raUH4RbcDa9. Make sure you correctly type the link, or it will not work.

Please feel free to contact me at: csampson@ riverbayboard.com. Just provide me with as much details as possible so that I can respond to your inquiry. Or, you can write me at Claudia Sampson c/o Riverbay Board Liaisons Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. I will respond within 24 hours.

American Legion Post 1871 Thank You For Your Service – a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for Norman M. Thomas a two-year paid fellowship in the Harlem district ofNorman M. Thomas joined the United States fice. The Wounded Warrior Program was established Marine Corps in 1965 after completing boot camp to create employment opportunities for veterans at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was within the House of Representaassigned to the first Battalion 8th Marines tives. These two-year fellowships at Camp Lejeune, NC in December of provide veterans with experience that year. He was assigned to Battalion and exposure to broaden career Landing Team 1/8 whose mission was to opportunities. Positions are availpatrol the Mediterranean Sea as a force able in congressional Member in readiness for six months. Upon his reDistrict Offices nationwide. turn, he was assigned a security post at • Air Force Gen. Jacqueline a top security installation in Tennessee.

Van Ovost is Second Woman to In 1968, he was ordered to report to the Lead a Top US Command: On 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam as a Friday, Air Force General Jac106 Recoilless Rifle Platoon Sergeant, in queline Van Ovost became only which he was involved in many combat the second woman to lead one of actions resulting in many commendations the Pentagon's 11 combatant comand awards. Mr. Thomas is an original Norman M. Thomas mands, the multi-service organiCo-op City resident and a 36-year memzations that spearhead U.S. miliber of Post 1871 executive board. In his unretired tary operations around the world. Gen. Van Ovost is commitment services through the American Legion, a pilot who Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called a Norman Thomas has served in varying capacities as "legend of a leader" and a pivotal player in the airlift the Commander, First Vice Commander and Chapof thousands of evacuees from Kabul in August. lain. He presently serves as the Vice Commander • Federal Retirees to See Record High Cost-ofand Membership Committee Chairperson. Thank Living Increase for Social Security: In 2022, the you for your service. cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social SecuWhat You Need To Know rity and Supplemental Security Income recipients • Amtrak Military Veteran Discount: Amtrak will see its largest increase since 1982 with a 5.9 offers a 10% discount on the lowest available rail percent increase. fare for active-duty service members and veterans.

Post 1871 Fundraising: To keep the Post run• Wounded Warrior Paid Fellowship Opporning during this pandemic, the organization will tunity: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) is seeking be embarking on a series of fundraising activities

that will include reaching out to the community for support. To this, we are encouraging the community and other organizations to make donations as deemed fit. All donations should be directed to American Legion, Post 1871 and/or checks mailed to: 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 41, Bronx, NY 10475.

More so, anyone who is willing to have checks picked up could do so by reaching out to the commander by calling 347 327 6288. We will cherish every effort toward keeping this organization here in the community.

––Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba

Co-op City Times / October 30 2021

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Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

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16

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Mary Pearson, Assistant Secretary

A Vote, A Goat, and...

Don’t forget to vote. Today and tomorrow are the last two days to Early Voting in Dreiser Auditorium, not in bartow. The polls are open today till 5 p.m. and Sunday till 4 p.m. Remember there is no voting on Monday, November 1.

But what if you’ve chosen to vote absentee? Mailing your Absentee Ballot might be kind of risky at this point what with the pre-announced, permanent Postal Service slow down. Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Drop your Absentee Ballot off at any poll site then, or, since you’re there anyway, vote in person and get a free pen and a sticker!

Do you know your Election Day poll site location? I misspoke last week. Many buildings will be back voting in Dreiser Auditorium this time around on Election Day. • Buildings 3AB, 4C, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 9AB, 10ABC,11ABC,12, 23, 25, and Debs, Defoe, and Cooper Townhouses vote in DREISER. • Buildings 1AB, 4AB, 5BC, 16AB, and 19 vote in TRUMAN. • Buildings 2AB, 13, and 14 vote in ST. MICHAEL's • Buildings 15AB,17,18, 20ABC, 21ABC, 22AB, 24, and Ashe, Adler, and Broun Townhouses vote in BARTOW. • Buildings 26ABC, 27ABC, 30AB, 31AB, 33 and Earhart Townhouses vote in DISNEY. • Buildings 28ABC, 29ABC, 32AB, 34, and 35 vote in EINSTEIN. Double check by going to vote.nyc or by calling 1-866-Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692).

The more we vote, the louder our voice gets.

This year, we’re voting local. All the races are city races. But next June’s primaries are going to be wild.

New York lost a congressional district (CD) – down to 26 from 27 – reflecting the population decline measured by the U.S. Census. A redistricting commission bogged down and wound up releasing two totally different ways to divide up the state by 26. One reflected Republican wants, and the other Democratic preferences.

If there winds up being no consensus, the Democrats will be handling the redistricting job. Standby for some heavy-duty politicking!

I was told a representative is already lobbying us to have Co-op City stay in CD16. Supporters of our current congressman, Jamaal Bowman, are being asked to spread petitions around collecting signatures.

The Bronx currently holds some or all of four congressional districts. CD15, south of us, is totally contained inside the borough. The other three have to share. We share CD16 with Westchester; CD13, southwest of us, shares with Manhattan; and CD14, southeast of us, shares with Queens.

Once redistricting is finalized, there’s a possibility we could slip from CD16 into CD14. Congressional district 14 is AOC territory (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez).

Supposedly we have a say in this process, so let’s let them start wooing us. Time to play mommy against daddy!

Buy me a waterside walkway, turn the Bingo Hall into a cultural center, put up an all-weather sports dome!

Ah, but I have simpler wishes. As far as I’m concerned, all we need, waterside walkway-wise, is already a done deal for us in Section 5. We’re just waiting for spring and the removal of the Local Law 11 bridging and fencing.

I’ve complained in writing at least a half dozen times through the years that Section 5 only has a ground level view of the river in winter. I’ve written: clear the brush, extend the pathway, plant a few more trees, plop down some benches, put up a nicer fence and we’re good to go.

Then, earlier this year, a fixed-up extended walkway got some real attention. I’d read about goats being used to clear poison ivy on overgrown slopes in Manhattan’s Riverside Park and up here in Pelham Bay Park. I got everyone excited about watching the goats doing their brush-clearing thing and watching the kids watching the goats – everyone meaning the Board, an afternoon’s worth of 208 petition signers in Section 5, our general manager, and even executive general manager, if he admits it or not.

The way I remember it, the executive general manager said, since I’d finally stopped complaining about the cheap-and-easy over-fencing they’d done for Local Law 11 façade work, I’d get “my” walkway.

I thought the strip in front of Building 29 would be

enough, but I think too small. The general manager said, no. We’ll do the whole way from the tennis courts near Chevron building 31 to Triple Core 29’s front yard.

On 5/26/21, Resolution 21-24: The Section 5 Waterside Walkway passed unanimously. Funny thing, once the resolution passed, it turned out, this project didn’t need a resolution at all. It just needed resolve. Except for the goats, the job can be completed in-house.

Section 5’s already got three tot lots, senior exercise equipment, tennis and handball courts, and a baseball field (that I’ve actually never seen used). All it needs is a place afor folks to sit and look at the water and an outdoor pavilion for our line-dancers, jump-ropers, and tot-lot tot-watchers to enjoy. Actually, the collected signatures were requesting both a waterside walkway and a pavilion.

(Psst. There’s one more Section 5 grounds project wish-list item. Our football field really use could some tender loving care. Or at least some tenderizing.)

But let’s get the Section 5 waterside walkway project done ASAP! Then while Sections 1 through 4 are waiting for the government money to flow in, y’all can come on down and enjoy the view. Let’s keep to the schedule, no delays. C’mon spring! C’mon goats!!

That’s all Section 5 wants but not all it needs. We need the coming Metro North Station platform to be accessible from the south side of the tracks as well as the Erskine side.

I attended one of those info sessions with the planners and boy, did I learn a lot.

Next time.

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

17

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Black Forum

Broun Place Townhouse Association Good day, cooperators. Now is the time, prepare your ballot, vote early. The main thing is to understand who and what you are voting for and get that vote in.

Thank you to Co-op City’s Community Relations department for supporting many Halloween activities for our families. And neighbors, thank you for your decorations.

It is essential to cover your nose and wear a protective mask when you are out and about in groups.

Tucking it under your chin or wearing it on your wrist is not doing the job.

This week, sending sincere get-well wishes to community activist and Co-op City friend Marlene Smith, member of the Section 4 Partnership. Marlene is recovering from surgery.

We were very saddened by Saturday’s October 23, 2021 Co-op City Times. It announced so many losses to friends and neighbors of Co-op City. Sincere condolences to all going through such sad times.

Seeing scooters left all over is wrong. Broun Place Association has written Councilperson Kevin Riley to complain. Co-op City is not “experimental city.” Scooters need designated locations for corralling. Other neighborhoods have corrals, why not here? Write to City Councilman Kevin Riley and submit complaints to 311.

Now, it is about vaccines. Many kinds are required, and they have been part of our lives forever. Long feared diseases like Pneumonia, Measles, Whooping Cough and Polio are now partnered with vaccines. They protect us all. The collected data show the Covid vaccine does, too. Evidence shows people who don’t take the vaccine are the ones dying and needing hospitalization. Your personal freedom is not at stake, help us all and get vaccinated.

Thank you to the person or people responsible for the pick-up of the unsightly garbage that had been dumped at the corner from the exit/entrance to the Hutchinson River Parkway in Section 5. Now if only John Q public would stop dumping their fast-food goods and other pedestrian litter. Let’s pick up when we see it. These litterbugs are creating dangerous waste and a disgusting eyesore. Contact Kevin Riley, Jamaal Bowman, Jamaal Bailey and Michael Ben-

edetto about this. Show you care and get involved Once more, congratulations to Ms. Courtney Ellison and Mr. Raymond Brown on their entrepreneurship in developing their new line, “Ellie SKYN.” Ms. Ellison is a born and bred citizen of Co-op City and Mr. Brown is closely connected to Co-op City.

Together, they created Ellie SKYN, an all-natural self-care brand of products, launched in 2019. Their products are for men and women. The “Ellie SKYN Line” gives people of color, products that are geared to their diverse needs. Shark Tank, here we come?

Local pharmacies are delivering the vaccine/ booster right here. Check availability: nyc.gov/ vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC, visit nyc. gov/covidvaccine. Also, register with the Riverbay RUOK Emergency contact programs. This is critical for those living alone or with a chronic ailment.

Your information is stored confidentially, and only available in an emergency.

Please submit your tidings. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

––Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick-up or after. It is a 30/31-day rotation.

Black Forum will still text if additional items become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least four clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. We require masks and physical distancing. New registrants can receive food the same day they register. Please show a valid ID NYC card, a non-driver’s, or driver’s license with a 10475 address to register.

Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church to receive food. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Parx Casino Trip Black Forum is going to Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA on Saturday, December 4. Cost: $45.00.

No refunds. Casino rebate: $10 for new casino guests. Parx also has horse racing. Guests must wear masks. We are collecting $45.00 now with all payments due by November 19. Seats are assigned to the guest when we receive their full payment. Pick-ups: 920 Baychester Avenue at 8 a.m.; Asch Loop by New York Public Library at 8:20 a.m.; Section 5 in front of the Community Center at 8:40 a.m. Return stops are Section 5, Old Bingo Hall (Bartow Avenue), and 920 Baychester Avenue. Please call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-8035 for additional information.

Defensive Driving Class Black Forum has not scheduled Defensive Driving classes. Our normal meeting space is closed until COVID restrictions are lifted. We hope to see the classes return soon. An online version of the course is available at the Empire Safety Council website, https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/. Use the promo code WRIGHT to receive a discount. Please keep checking this article for class updates. We appreciate your patience.

Contact Us Reach out to us at coopcityblackforum@gmail. com. Please stay safe.

––D. Illis

Co-op City Democratic Club The Co-op City Democratic Club (CCDC) encourages all to vote this Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Now, more than ever, we need to have trust in our elected representatives to keep our City on the right path.

As Democrats, we will cast our votes in the bubble above each Democratic candidate’s name going all the way “down” the Democratic column line.

For this year’s election, you must turn your ballot over because there will be five (5) Statewide Constitutional Amendment Ballot Proposals which should be voted on.

You are encouraged to read about them in advance: https://www.elections.ny.gov /2021BallotProposals.html.

Our Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and State Senator Jamaal Bailey support the five propositions on the back of the ballot, so please vote for “yes” for all five.

The 5 Ballot Propositions are to: 1. Amend the Apportionment and Redistricting Process 2. The Right to Clean Air, Clean Water and a Healthful Environment 3. Eliminating Ten-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement 4. Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting 5. Increasing the Jurisdiction of New York City Civil Court Take your family, a friend or a neighbor to the poll with you and talk it up. The CCDC had Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, our candidate for Mayor, on a Zoom Meeting, as was NYC Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, our candidate for Bronx Borough President, as well. We were impressed, and support them both, so please, go to the poll early, or on Tuesday, November 2, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and remember to proudly vote for our Powerhouse team – Eric Adams for Mayor, Vanessa Gibson for Bronx Borough President, and re-elect Councilman Kevin Riley, who is getting around and working for us every day!

A special thank you to Assemblyman Michael Benedetto for attending the October18th Legislative Committee meeting, for it was very informative.

Please, do not leave your keys in your car, or be outside of your car while it’s running for any reason. Pay close attention to the surroundings. Car thieves are opportunistic. They can steal your car while you are unloading groceries, or otherwise distracted. Please be careful.

––Shirley J. Saunders

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18

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021 Director’s Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

Help Your Community By Voting Some people might think that their vote doesn’t count. However, as you’ll see, your vote could make a big difference in our community.

Build a Strong Community We have a lot of issues in this community that could be resolved if we had stronger ties to the mayor’s office. For instance, let’s look at one case that has troubled this community for many years.

Back in 2005, a NYC DEP inspector had one of our floor tiles inspected by a laboratory. Thereafter, the lab determined that asbestos was found in the adhesive. Afterwards, NYC ordered a mandatory asbestos abatement and for the floors to be changed throughout Co-op City. So, the days of having our workers going into apartments and replacing floor tiles were over.

Therefore, a team of contracted workers dressed in hazmat suits would line up in a hallway with asbestos-related equipment. Then, these workers would go into an apartment to remove floor tiles because there was asbestos just in the adhesive.

Now, some people might argue some points about asbestos. However, Riverbay hired former Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman to file a lawsuit about this matter. And, according to the lawsuit, Riverbay claimed that 86,000 air tests were conducted as of 2012. And, the tests concluded that there was no airborne asbestos “before, during, or after the flooring work.”

Now, is there asbestos in the adhesive of the floor tiles in other Mitchell-Lama developments? Absolutely! Does our current mayor know about this case?

Yes. Does he know that we’ve been spending around $4 million a year to deal with this abatement work?

Yes. Do you think that our mayor or his office should try to resolve this case? From my perspective, yes.

Anyway, we will have a new mayor very soon.

So, what type of message do you think that we could send to all politicians if we were to vote in a strong manner? Do you think that they would let this senseless case continue? Do you think that they would

look the other way if they knew that Co-op City could be a big factor in our elections? No! Therefore, we need to vote strong in our elections.

Future Gas Leak? Make Good Plans Now The holidays are almost here. And, lots of people will want to cook their favorite foods for their family and friends. However, as you’ve read in our paper, some of our buildings had problems with their gas lines. Thereafter, the gas to their building had to be shut off for an extended period of time. Then, in some cases, the gas service was restored after a few months.

Now, with this understanding, a question must be raised: Do you think that it’s possible for a gas leak to occur in your building? Now, I know that this is a horrible question. However, a gas leak can occur from a faulty pipe or other factors. And, all of these products can be brand new. In other words, mistakes can happen at any point.

Then, in some cases, someone can accidently damage a gas line. Thereafter, Riverbay will have a monstruous time trying to restore the gas to a building. And, everyone in that building will be upset—especially during the holidays. So, did Riverbay have their gas lines checked? Yes. Regardless, again, a gas leak can occur at any time.

Therefore, I want to encourage everyone to consider making plans to avoid future problems. For instance, everyone can consider purchasing electric cooking appliances. This way, everyone will be able to cook their food without having to worry about a gas outage. Thereafter, they can still get together with their family and friends and have a wonderful time.

Now, I know that some of our cooperators will not like this idea. And, they will feel the need to call me and write letters to the editor: “I don’t like this idea of spending my money on cooking appliances.”

And, without being cold, I will politely say: “Please don’t purchase any electric cooking appliances if you feel that it’s not necessary.”

However, as a concerned human being, I want to

AARP Chapter #4997 From the Desk of President Mickens: Fall is here and is not going away.

Be prepared for the weather change and dress appropriately. The time for early voting is also here and we need to be reminded that voting is a right and we need to take full advantage of that right. There are so many ways to vote that there is no reason not to do what is right. New York has many candidates on the ballot and proposals on the back of the ballot. Leave no blanks!

From our National Chapter, they realize the need for increased tech skills for our members. Please visit “Senior Planet from AARP” online to view webinars that will assist you in being able to spot true vs. false reporting on issues that are important to our members. On October 18, we held our General Membership meeting on Zoom and had a nice turnout. Although we don’t have a return to normal date from Riverbay, we are proceeding to prepare our office space for the day the word comes down. We have also planned new trips for 2022 and are pleased to share them with you. A trip to see “Queen Esther,” no date yet. A cruise to Bermuda, October 8-12, 2022, on Norwegian Joy Cruise ship, leaving from New York, and Ocean City, Maryland, May 15-18, 2022, by bus. All trips require a negative Covid test prior to departure and your vaccination card. For all information and to have questions answered, please contact our Travel Contacts, Ms. Judith Wright, 718-379-3370; or Ms. Hannah Brown, 718-379-7962.

The Covid-19 boosters are now available with ease and have been approved for all three of the vaccines. Please contact your doctor or pharmacy for details.

Our Nominating Committee is still being formed and we welcome all applicants. New/renewal members are available to run for all the elected offices in early 2022 and we need new ideas all the time.

Contact Ms. Stella Baker for registration information at 718-379-2088.

Mrs. Frances Wilson, our Good and Welfare contact, again advises that our members and families are continuing the road to recovery and remain blessed.

Congratulations to all our October birthdays that we acknowledged at our meeting. Mrs. Wilson can be reached at 718-671-5493 if you have updates on health issues.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay focused on surroundings, and vote.

––Ann Purnell

be realistic with everyone so that they can avoid the horrors that are associated with a gas leak. Thereafter, everyone can make their own decisions as to how they would like to proceed with preparing their food. Anyway, please know that your community cares about you and your family.

October is Domestic Violence Month Does your partner engage in hitting, grabbing, slapping, and other forms of abuse against you? If yes, then please call the numbers below and get help for your situation. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also call the NYC’s Domestic Violence Hotline for 24/7 support: 1-800-621-4673. Please understand that you do not deserve to be abused by anyone in any manner.

Car Service Sexual Assaults Please take out your cellphone right now. Next, please type in the name of your favorite car service along with the words “sexual assault.” Thereafter, you might be surprised to see that thousands of alleged sexual assaults may have occurred with some vehicle operators that conducted business with your favorite car service.

Bottom line: How can anyone sign up with a car service and then sexually assault their own passengers?

Horrible! People that commit these types of crimes need a lengthy prison sentence.

Close Everyone, please make sure that you take precautions before you use a car service and before you call a car service for anyone else.

Thank you.

Contact Information Please do not send a letter to me at this time. However, you can send an email to me at: djohnson@riverbayboard.com.

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me.

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

Thank you.

Follow the Co-op City Times on Twitter!

Follow us at @coopcitytimes for up-to-the-minute news and alerts relevant to Co-op City.

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Be sure to follow the Co-op City Times on Twitter and at issuu.com. Keep up with community news at home or on the go!

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

19

Co-op City General Election Day Poll Sites Tuesday, November 2, 2021 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Locations DREISER Auditorium, 177 Dreiser Loop TRUMAN High School, 750 Baychester Ave ST. MICHAEL's RC Church, 765 Co-op City Blvd.

BARTOW Center, 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 31 DISNEY School/P.S.160, 4140 Hutchinson River Pkwy E. EINSTEIN Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 45 Buildings: 1A/920 Baychester Ave. TRUMAN 1B/900Baychester Ave. TRUMAN 2A/900 Co-op City Blvd.

ST. MICHAEL's ST MICHAEL's 2B/920 Co-op City Blvd.

3A/150 Dreiser Loop DREISER 3B/170 Dreiser Loop DREISER TRUMAN 4A/140 Donizetti Pl. TRUMAN 4B/120 Donizetti Pl. 4C/100 Donizetti Pl. DREISER 5A/100 Darrow Pl. DREISER 5B/120 Darrow Pl. TRUMAN 5C/140 Darrow Pl. TRUMAN 6/140 DeKruif Pl. DREISER 7/120 DeKruif Pl. DREISER 8/100 DeKruif Pl. DREISER 9A/100 Dreiser Loop DREISER 9B/120 Dreiser Loop DREISER

10A/140 Debs Pl. 10B/120 Debs Pl. 10C/100 Debs Pl. 11A/100 Carver Loop 11B/120 Carver Loop 11C/140 Carver Loop 12/120 Casals Pl. 13/100 Casals Pl. 14/140 Casals Pl. 15A/100 Aldrich St. 15B/120 Aldrich St. 16A/620 Baychester Ave. 16B/600 Baychester Ave. 17/120 Alcott Pl. 18/100 Alcott Pl. 19/140 Alcott Pl. 20A/140 Asch Loop 20B/120 Asch Loop 20C/100 Asch Loop 21A/100 Bellamy Loop 21B/120 Bellamy Loop 21C/140 Bellamy Loop 22A/100 Co-op City Blvd.

22B/120 Co-op City Blvd.

23/140 Benchley Pl. 24/120 Benchley Pl. 25/100 Benchley Pl. 26A/2440 Hunter Ave.

DREISER DREISER DREISER DREISER DREISER DREISER DREISER ST MICHAEL's ST MICHAEL's BARTOW BARTOW TRUMAN TRUMAN BARTOW BARTOW TRUMAN BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW BARTOW DREISER BARTOW DREISER DISNEY

26B/2420 Hunter Ave. DISNEY 26C/2400 Hunter Ave. DISNEY 27A/100 Erdman Pl. DISNEY 27B/120 Erdman Pl. DISNEY 27C/140 Erdman Pl. DISNEY 28A/140 Einstein Loop N EINSTEIN 28B/120 Einstein Loop N EINSTEIN 28C/100 Einstein Loop N EINSTEIN 29A/4200 HRPE EINSTEIN 29B/4220 HRPE EINSTEIN EINSTEIN 29C/4240 HRPE 30A/4120 HRPE DISNEY 30B/4100 HRPE DISNEY 31A/100 Erskine Pl. DISNEY 31B/120 Erskine Pl. DISNEY 32A/4180 HRPE EINSTEIN 32B/4160 HRPE EINSTEIN 33/140 Elgar Pl. DISNEY 34/120 Elgar Pl. EINSTEIN 35/100 Elgar Pl. EINSTEIN Townhouses: Defoe Pl. Townhouses DREISER DREISER Debs Pl. Townhouses Cooper Pl. Townhouses DREISER Asch Loop Townhouses BARTOW Adler Pl. Townhouse BARTOW BARTOW Broun Pl. Townhouses Earhart Lane Townhouses DISNEY (The above information was compiled by Mary Pearson.)

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20

Emissions

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021 Continued from page 1)

Attaining net zero emissions for New York City would mean that the city is emitting greenhouse gas proportional to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are removed from the atmosphere each year.

“Climate change poses an existential threat to New York City, and we must do everything in our power to confront this crisis head on,” Mayor de Blasio said during his announcement last week. “In my State of the City address in January, I urged our pension funds to move to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and to increase investments in climate change solutions to $50 billion by 2035. Today’s vote by the trustees will help the pension system meet these goals and ensure we have a livable planet for future generations to come.”

Before the Mayor gave his announcement, the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) officially voted to approve a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Shortly after, the New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) approved the commitment as well.

The specific goals of the commitment are detailed by an accompanying Climate Action Plan.

Below are some of the highlights from the plan: ● Continue to grow investments in climate change solutions that achieve competitive market rate risk-adjusted returns with a goal of doubling such investments in the portfolio to over $8 billion by 2025 and then a total of over $37 billion by 2035. ● Analyze the carbon footprint of public markets investments every year with an emphasis on reducing emissions. ● Prioritizing proxy voting, engagement and policy advocacy that promote net zero emissions.

Earlier this year in January, the NYCERS, TRS and BERS voted to divest $4 billion from their portfolios that was tied to fossil fuel reserve owners.

Rising temperatures, more destructive hurricanes, severe flooding and increased precipitation are some examples of how climate change has affected New Yorkers locally across the five boroughs.

In addition to sea levels rising around New York City, “the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme precipitation events and coastal storms and flooding are increasing,” according to a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation report from August.

“We must act now and act boldly on climate change to protect the long-term interests of our beneficiaries, the sustainability of our pension investments and the stability and growth of the global economy,” NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer said last week during the Mayor’s announcement. “Every year, the crisis of climate change becomes more stark and immediate. Achieving net zero emissions is an imperative for investors, businesses and government to maintain economic viability as well as livable conditions on the planet. As fiduciaries, we must mitigate the tremendous systemic risk that climate change poses to our pension funds and, to do this, we must ensure our investments support limiting global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

While New York City alone cannot completely change the tide against climate change, the city is hoping its actions motivate other cities across the U.S. to adopt a net zero emissions goal too.

African-American Association

Need for Social Change on Display in Union Square Members of the African-American Association and The Soul Latin Line Dancers visited the SEEINJUSTINCE series on display at 14th Street’s Union Square, a venue that has historically protected the right to free speech and demonstration.

Union Square New York City has a long history of bringing together people of all ages, races, religions, nationalities and orientations in the name of community, unity and political discourse.

The SEEINJUSTICE series has given license to many to take a stand in demanding justice, as Congressman John Lewis did in his lifetime. The artist Chris Carnabuci's statues of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and John Lewis highlight a push for social change and is inspired by the events of 2020.

The series’ focus is to honor the lives and ongoing messages through art, tying together the lives of these three iconic people. The series leaves Union Square after today. (See photos elsewhere in this publication.)

Please Save these Dates Members of the African-American Sunday, November 21, 3 p.m. – General Association at the Breonna Taylor Membership Meeting statue in Union Square.

Saturday, December 11, 3 p.m. – Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Join the African-American Association of Co-op City Become a member to be allowed entry into our gatherings.

Platforms until the pandemic is completely over are presented via Zoom Meetings and Webinars. Remember: Membership is only $15.00/year for a single membership and only $25.00/year for your household. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com or call 929430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

The African-American Association sponsors the following programs for your participation: (Contact your respective instructors as indicated below for updates) Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-9037073.

Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917863-1507.

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

––Michelle Marbury

CSO Inspections to Ensure Proper Use of Terraces

By ROZAAN BOONE

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

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

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

Just recently, during the course of conducting façade inspections, CSO Property Managers were also vigilantly identifying residential units where these infractions are ongoing.

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

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

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

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

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

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

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

By the all-sufficient Grace of God, we announce the church has reopened. There will be one service at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken. Welcome back. Services can also be viewed on YouTube after 1:00 p.m.

Our Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study starts at 7:00 p.m. on our Conference Line number: (646) 769-9909, Access Code: 3099388.

Once prayer has begun, please mute your phone so all can hear with clarity.

As we celebrate Jesus Christ, the very demonstration of God’s Love towards humanity (John 3:16),let’s continue to be thankful and grateful. Let us, as the Body of Christ, remain steadfast, immov-

Church of the New Vision

able, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Our verse of focus this year is: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, be with you all. Amen. –Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge Sunday, October 24, Worship Service theme: “Keys to Spiritual Blessing.”

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-10 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns

21

be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” –1Kings 3:9 &11; Proverbs 3:5; Philippians 2:7; Proverbs 3:13 The Church of New Vision supports Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. Since breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, we encourage all women, ages 40+, to make appointments for their annual mammogram. Please wear your pink ribbon to help support the cause. Ribbons and literature will be available in the church lobby.

Church of New Vision extends our deepest sympathies to the grieving families. May God grant you the strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. Thanks for your contributions. Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

––Brenda Brown

Coalition to Save Affordable Housing On Monday, November 1, the Executive Committee welcomes our new officers and members along with the Members-at-Large. We will meet promptly via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Please email the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing at: CTSAH10475@gmail. com for Zoom meeting information.

And, don’t forget to join the General Membership Special Event on the following Monday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. As the first in a series of exciting online

Section 4 Partnership Don’t miss our next “Zoom Workshop” We will convene a meeting of the Section 4 Partnership and interested shareholders on Monday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. The contact codes and link to attend the meeting will be emailed to each building association president. Contact your respective building president if we do not have your email address. The topic: Zoom workshop… Learn how it works… Learn how to work it.

S4P Mission Statement The Section 4 Partnership’s purpose is to promote a community of more than just neighbors, but as one family of many cultures, that proactively embraces greatness, and promotes neighborhood interaction.

The goal of the organization is to offer solutions that will educate, elevate, inspire, and mobilize our community in unity, to sustain affordability and growth in order to remain environmentally sound and vibrant for generations to come.

50th Anniversary T-Shirts If you don’t have one, make sure you get one, or two! Many buildings are celebrating 50 years of existing to make up the largest cooperative in the country. We have 50th Anniversary t-shirts. The shirts are beautiful and on sale now with the Section 4 Partnership logo on the back. You’ll be proud to wear it. If you would like one or two, contact us by emailing: section4partnership@gmail.com, or phone: 347-9154939.

Just show up We must “all” (in every section and every building) show up for our building associations and committees. We may be on Zoom or Webex or other modes of Video Conferencing, but that is no excuse not to show up. It’s even more of a reason to attend because you don’t even have to leave your home.

You can’t beat that commute.

Be safe and well The Section 4 Partnership of Co-op City wishes you and yours healthy and safe travels as you go.

Please remember, we are still in a pandemic. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and people around you.

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

––Michelle Marbury

offerings, the Coalition is sponsoring a Free Credit Seminar titled, “How To Build Good Credit,” presented by Stephen Robert, owner, Bedrock Credit.

This is such a timely and informative event.

You can join the Zoom seminar by emailing the Coalition To Save Affordable Housing (CTSAH) for the link at CTSAH10475@gmail.com. The meeting ID is: 831 6726 5296, Passcode: 523576.

If you prefer to join by phone, dial 1-929-2056099. Visit www.ctsah.org for more information.

Just go to the “Events” page for details on this event.

While there, be sure to browse our website and let us

know what you think about our new look by completing the “Contact Us” page.

Finally, if you haven’t yet renewed your membership, please do so ASAP. Annual dues are $20 for individuals and $30 for a family. This is roughly less than a ticket to a movie or a dinner al fresco. Make your check or money order payable to Coalition To Save Affordable Housing or CTSAH and mail it to CTSAH, P.O. Box 64, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

––Claudia A. Sampson

Please pick up your Co-op City Times in your building lobby on Saturday mornings.

If you have neighbors who are elderly or who have mobility concerns, kindly assist by bringing a paper up to them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Family Owned and Operated • Large Chapel on premises

• Pre-need counseling

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All areas are handicapped accessible

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

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Serving all cultures & faiths

22

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment November is National Family Caregivers Month President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997, and every president has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November. National Family Caregivers Month is a celebration of Americans providing care for their loved ones suffering from chronic illness, disabilities, or the frailties of old age.

The proclamation “encourages all Americans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance.”

Family caregivers play a vital role within our families, community, and nation and come from all walks of life. Every day, they assist relatives and loved ones with tasks ranging from simple support, such as helping with household chores like cooking and cleaning, to complex care such as bathing, dressing, moving around the home, and lifesaving measures such as administering medications and nutritional tub feeding

and respiratory management.

Family caregivers may be adult children caring for their parents, grandparents raising their grandchildren, or families looking after children and adults with physical disabilities. Family caregivers are devoted spouses, parents, children, neighbors, friends, or partners. National research has shown that caregivers are everywhere, and their numbers are growing.

Although most caregivers view their work as rewarding, many experience significant stress and negative health impacts. Family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk. Evidence shows that most caregivers are unprepared for their role and provide care with little or no support. Yet, more than one-third of caregivers continue to provide intense care to others while suffering from poor health themselves. Caregivers forsake their needs for the needs of others.

It is during November and every day that Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, Inc. (C.O.M.E.), along with organizations throughout

the country, empower family caregivers to act on behalf of their loved ones, believe in themselves, take frequent breaks, reach out for help, and speak up for your rights. C.O.M.E. continues to take on the challenge of transforming the role of family caregivers from one that lacks knowledge, most often stress, and burnout to one of preparation, confidence, and improved quality of life. We can make a difference in the life of a family caregiver and their loved ones. We believe that caregivers need caring too!

In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment (C.O.M.E.) will host its 15th Family Caregiver Award Gala on Saturday, November 20, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The gala is free and virtual. This COVID-19 pandemic will not stop our mission to get the attention of policymakers, healthcare providers, and program developers to consider the needs and challenges of caregivers in their decision-making process.

––Diane Cooper

National Council of Negro Women Civic Engagement & Public Policy –– Do not forget that there is a citywide general election taking place on November 2, and a special election taking place in the New York State Assembly District 86. If you have not already voted during the early voting period, remember that on Tuesday, November 2, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can go before or after work, whichever is most convenient. If you are new to the community and do not know where your voting site is, visit findmypollsite.vote.nyc. The Bronx Board of Election Office is located at 1780 Grand Concourse, 5 Fl, Bronx, NY 10457 and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Health Committee –– It is beginning to get dark earlier in the evening so if you will be out driving on Halloween, watch for children crossing the street.

Be especially careful entering or leaving driveways and alleys. If your family plans to decorate a pumpkin, try decorating with markers, glitter glue or paint.

Let young children draw faces on pumpkins with art supplies. That is a lot safer than carving with a knife. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Better yet, light pumpkins with

flashlights, battery-operated flameless candles or glow sticks instead. Choosing costumes wisely is an important part of Halloween safety. Choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. If your child will be outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume or treat bag. If it is chilly outside, make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath.

Limit accessories such as wands, swords or knives. They might pose a safety hazard. Inspect treats before indulging. Do not let your child snack while she or he is trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats with your child and discard anything that is not sealed, has torn packaging or looks questionable. If you have young children, weed out gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards. If your child has food allergies, check candy labels carefully. Extra caution can help ensure Halloween safety for everyone.

Social Media –– Remember you can find us on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: www.ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com.

––Joyce Howard

NAACP Co-op City #2210

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

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

NAACP mourns the death of General Colin Powell, first Black U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

One of the October General Membership meeting guest speakers was Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter, the first Black woman to lead the New York City Department of Education’s largest school system in the nation, appointed March 15, 2021. It was a pleasure speaking with Chancellor Porter who, in addition to being educated in Public Schools, has made her career advancing and improving the system. Her familiarity with the NYC Public School system is invaluable. The NAACP Co-op City Branch appreciates the Chancellor taking time from her schedule and speaking with our membership answering questions and matters of concern to our community.

Our other guest was Lisa Gattis, Outreach Coordinator, Training Specialist/Assistant to the Deputy Chief Clerk at the Board of Election New York City. Due to early voting while working, she took time out of her schedule to review the five proposals with the members. Our Branch is thankful to Ms. Gattis for taking time to enlighten our members. She reminded us Early Voting dates are October 23-31, 2021 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2021 and reminded us to turn the ballot over. There are (5) ballot proposals for you to consider. Be prepared to vote and vote! We matter!

NAACP will be hosting a Medicare Advantage Plan webinar. The City awarded a contract that could affect health benefits. Retirees were faced with having to make a decision to stay or opt out without knowing all of the information. A lawsuit was filed by a group of retirees and the judge removed the deadline. For more information, please join our Webinar on Tuesday, November 9, at 7:00 p.m.

Members will receive sign on information and it will be posted on our Facebook page. Please share with the community. All are invited to attend.

We Need You In The Fight: Each and every NAACP member makes a difference to the complex, ongoing work of advancing racial equality. Join this multigenerational network of activists dismantling structural racism by using your power to take action on the most pressing issues of our time.

Follow NAACP’s Statements & Trending Topics, go to: NAACP.ORG • NAACP Becomes Part-Owner in Hello Alice to Build Black Generational Wealth • NAACP Congratulates Aba Blankson on MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) Recognition.

Become a member or gift a membership: Adult, $30; Youth, $10. Make check/ money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P. Co-op City, Einstein Station, P.O. Box 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475.

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

––Brenda Brown

I would like to thank all of the Retirees who have attended the meetings and who have supported the organization throughout the years, especially during the pandemic. The meetings were successful and attendance was great. Thank you for all your continued support as we thrive to continue moving forward for the organization. I especially thank the executive board for diligently working together to accomplish all that we need to do.

Retirees General Meeting: The Retirees’ General Meeting will be on Zoom, Wednesday, November 3, at 5:30 p.m. The Zoom information will be emailed to you.

Scholarship: We have received all completed Scholarship applications from applicants.

Annual Holiday Luncheon: Marina del Rey, December 16, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. We are anticipating many more of you to attend. Remember that the Entertainment Committee will be in the Retirees’ Room #19 for the next several Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact Daisy Young at 718671-6122, Beverly Waller at 718-672-2978, or Jay McKenzie at 201-310-2972.

Membership: All interested in becoming members of the Retirees organization, please contact Dorothy Byrd at 646-842-2458.

General Election: Remember that Early Voting has started and Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Please vote to ensure our representation and the candidate of your choice is elected.

Sick List: We ask that you keep Madeline Bunch in prayer; she is now residing at the Throggs Neck Nursing Home.

––Dorothy Chambers-Byrd

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

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

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

Grace and Peace!

––M. Chambers

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Bartow

Fri., Nov. 5

Thurs., Nov. 4

Wed., Nov. 3

Tues., Nov. 2

Mon., Nov. 1

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

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

Walk w/Odessa 9-10 a.m.

Meeting Place by the Library on Asch Loop

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available

Kosher

Non-Kosher

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

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

BBQ Grilled Chicken Cutlet Egg Barley w/Mushrooms Roasted Peppers Whole Wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

Tofu & Vegetable Fried Rice Braised Collard Greens

Arts w/Laura 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (via Zoom and Phone) Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387 135 Einstein Loop Senior Center, Health & Wellness w/Ann Rm. 49, 10-11 a.m.

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

Zoom.us, Login: Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108, Passcode: 503637; Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099 Computer learning Zoom meeting w/Ralph is now Tues., 6 p.m.

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

Sweet & Sour Meatballs Brown Rice Californai Blend Vegetables Whole wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters Roasted Butternut Squash Sauteéd Spinach

Cheese Stuffed Shells Normandy Blend Vegetables Whole Wheat bread Fresh fruit & Juice

Pork Tenderloin w/zesty Cilantro Sauce Baked Red Potato Wedges Steamed Broccoli

Computer Literacy Zoom Class w/Julesa Grimes, Rm. 40, 1 p.m.

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

Zoom.us, Login: Meeting ID: 912 Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa, 6304 7892, Passcode: 237257; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Dial-in: 1-929-205-6099

Line Dance w/Cynthia

135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 45, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom and phone

Arthritis Exercise Class w/ Smartphone/Tablet Class w/ Damion, every Thurs., 1-2 Ralph, 1-2 p.m. Call main of- p.m. Zoom meeting ID: 986 fice, 718-320-2066, to regis- 0021 6442, Passcode: 573762 ter. Please give your phone # & email address (NORC) Aerobic Classes every Fri., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Zoom.us Login: Meeting ID: 986 8235 8691, Passcode: 849150; Mobile: 929-205-6099

MENU

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

Line Dance w/Ellie 135 Einstein Loop Sr. Center Room 45 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

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

Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

in the Bartow Senior Center Courtyard

23

ZUMBA with Ola 1-2 p.m.

Zoom.us, Login: Meeting ID: 967 1196 0602, Passcode: 526096; Dial-in #: 1-929-205-6099 Line Dance w/Cynthia 135 Einstein Loop Sr. Center, Room 45, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066

(Schedule subject to change without notice) Payments for trips @ the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, The NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

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

Line Dancing w/Ellie Fillet of Sole Fish 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cous Cous Baked Fish Fillets Dreiser Loop Senior Center, Peas & Carrots Baked Macaroni Room 2 Whole Wheat & Cheese Wear your mask and maintain bread Normandy Blend social distance during class.

Fresh fruit & Juice Acceptance Meditation with Paola Friday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

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

Moroccan Chicken Brown Rice Steamed Green Beans Whole Wheat bread Fresh fruit

Curried Chicken Legs Brown Rice w/ Pigeon Peas Okra

Fee for lunch is $2.00 & $5.00 for guest

ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk

*Menu subject to change without notice.

Alternate Kosher Meals are also available Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 • Einstein Center (718) 671-5161

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These Upcoming Activities JASA office is open for clients by appointment only. Please call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Notary Services available on Thurs. at the JASA Einstein Loop office, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. at the JASA Bartow main office, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

By appointment only. Call 718-320-2066 for an appointment.

Grab & Go meals for all three JASA Sr. Centers will be from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Line Dancing classes w/Bartow Swingers on Mon., Wed. & Fri., from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the Greenway by the Stage.

Every Tues. – Yoga classes w/Margarita Titana, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Zoom Meeting: Dial-in: 929 205 6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Every Wed. – Painting classes, 9-11 a.m. Zoom meeting: Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 920 9563 1147, Passcode: 024057.

Every Wed. – Arthritis Exercise/Dance class w/ Damion, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 967 0893 1492, Passcode: 491268. Dial-in:

1-929-205-6099.

Meditation Class – GPC (Grand Parents), 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Third of every month. Dial-in: 929205-6099, Meeting ID: 991 1390 5105, Passcode: 170462.

Nursing Students from Pace and CUNY University available on Tues. & Thurs. by appointments (calls and home/office visits); Blood Pressure Screening, Tues., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by appointments. Call 718-320-2066.

Want to learn technology class? Are you interested in any of the wide range of topics to do with smartphones, computers, and smart devices? Thurs., 6-7 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting: Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989.

JASA Bartow/Einstein Sr. Centers are partnering w/Community Health Navigation for six weeks Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (InPerson) – Thurs., Nov. 4, 11, 18 & Dec. 2, 9, & 16; 135 Einstein Loop, Room: TBA. Limit 15 persons. RSVP early to amoncrieffe@jasa.org.

Oral Health presentation – Tues., Nov. 9, 11

a.m.-12 p.m. Dial-in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 865 205 6099, Passcode: 905259.

Malnutrition in the Elderly Presentation – Thurs., Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Dial-in: 929-2056099, Meeting ID: 810 4831 5878, Passcode: 905259.

“Wholistic Being” Pantry will be @ 135 Einstein Loop every second Fri. of the month, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Next day for the pantry is Fri., Nov. 12.

Beware of Telephone Scammers

If you receive a telephone call demanding immediate payment using a pre-paid card, wire transfer or bitcoin, even if your Caller ID identifies a legitimate business, HANG UP and report the call. Do not divulge personal information such as Social Security number, bank account number, date of birth or any other information. Be smart, be safe!

24

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Goose Island Seniors

Sight & Sound TV “Voices of Christmas” –– Friday, November 5. Every first Friday in 2021 at 8 p.m. come and watch Sight and Sound TV with us at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. All are welcome. First 60 people only. Must show proof of vaccination, mask required; $5 donation per person. Free refreshments.

Nordic Lodge/Mohegan Sun Casino –– Saturday, November 13, in Charlestown, RI. Price: $168. Buffet, all you can eat lobster and more. After dining, spend three hours in casino. There is no bonus for casino. Bus will make our usual three stops leaving Einstein at 8:30 a.m., pick up at Asch Loop at 8:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 9 a.m. Deposit of $80 to reserve seat on bus. Full payment due by November 3. Call (718) 379-9613 or (347) 8471941. Proof of vaccination and mask required.

Holiday Party –– Friday, December 10, at 1 p.m. in the Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39. Members only. Members may bring a friend. Let us celebrate the holidays. Covered-dish. Bring a pot of your favorite dish, salad, dessert or beverage; $5 donation, if no food donation. Must show proof of vaccination and mask required.

50th Anniversary Trip to Villa Roma, 2022 –– Thursday, June 9, at 7:30 a.m. Coffee, luncheon, line-dancing, Doo-Wop show, Bingo and day of fun, all for $92. Deposit: $40 to reserve seat. Call (718) 379-9613 or text (347)-847-1941.

Bingo –– Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:15 p.m. Members only.

Admission: $5 for three cards, 12 games and jackpot. Extra cards are $0.25 each, for up to three cards. Refreshments will be served. Proof of vaccination and mask required. Temperature taken at entrance. Sunday Bingo on November 28.

Dues for 2022 –– We are now collecting dues. Must pay $20 by January 1, 2022. Become a member for $20/yr.

To all members –– Happy birthday to all members who celebrate their birthday in the month of October: Edith Rosado and Javier Santiago. For November: Esther Lavender, Olivine Durant, Edna Trujillo, Florence Middleton, Hillary Liebowitz-Weber, William (Bill) Gordon, Hilda Seidl, Barbara Kapin, Stephen Werner, Ida Clark, Lourdes Suarez, Grace Stubbs and Yvonne M. Jenkins.

Sick and Shut-in – Yolanda Jones and Edna Trujillo, get well soon. We miss you. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president) misses everyone and sends her love to all. Call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at Section 5 Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475; phone number is (718) 379-9613. We are open. You may call (mornings) Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (evenings) Tue. & Thu., 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and Mon., Wed. and Fri., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., or call/text Stephen, (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

––Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Traditional Synagogue The synagogue will be serving a hot Kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services.

Saturday Morning Services will start at 10 a.m.

The requirement for wearing a mask and social distancing will be strictly enforced during all synagogue services.

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

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

The synagogue has a Facebook page: Traditional Synagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m. so we can take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, October 30, at 6:46 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, November 5, at 5:27 p.m.

Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory, of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347-449-5005). Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you are ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All members Happy birthday to our Rabbi, Daniel Kronengold, and our members Marilyn Sherman, Bruce Gitelson and all other members who will be celebrating their birthday in October. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in October, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

Fun and Games After services and kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue,is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health.

––Bruce Gitelson

Same Day Service Pick or Delivery 7-days a week SEAFOOD BONELESS FISH PORTIONS

Salmon Fish Fillet (8 oz.)...$15.99lb Swai Fillet (8 oz.)...$9.99lb Red Snapper Fillet (10-12 oz.)...$18.99lb Fillet of Sole (8 oz.)...$6.99lb Tilapia Fillets (5-7)...$6.99lb Unicorn Fillet (10-12)...$12.99lb

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Curbside Available SHELL FISH

Fresh Clams...$9.99 dozen Stuffed Clams...$8.99 (9-pack) Cooked Clams (Small) ...$4.99 (pack) Mussels (Frozen)...$3.99 lb Green Shell Mussels...$14.99 2lb box Scallops Jumbo (Dry)...$19.99 lb Bay Scallops (30-40 ct)....$9.99 lb Conch Meat....$29.99 lb Beer Battered Shrimp (2 1/2 lb.)....$29.99 box Panko Breaded Shrimp (3 lb)....$24.99 box Coconut Breaded Shrimp (2 1/2 lb.)....$24.99 box

JUMBO SHRIMP ON ICE

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COOKED (26-30 CT.) EZ PEEL SHRIMP

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BABY LOBSTER TAILS

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KING CRAB (Jumbo Raw) $59.99lb SNOW CRAB (Clusters).... $29.99lb IMITATION CRAB (2 1/2 lb) $12.00 each CALAMARI (T+T) (2 1/2 lb) $24.99 each CALAMARI (Tubes) (2 1/2 lb) $24.99 each ANCHOVIES (Tubes) (28 oz.) $15.99 each

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Pentecostal Tabernacle The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle is at 100 Co-op City, Building 22A, Bronx, NY, 10475.

You are invited to join in worship service online on the following days.

Sunday worship service is from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Regular prayer meeting and Bible study will also be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Worship service & Bible study will be held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Focus: The faith of the apostle Paul was active and visibly impacting the lives of multitudes everywhere he went. Likewise, our faith in Jesus Christ should impact those around us.

Paul was a native of Tarsus in Asia Minor. Although he was a Grecian Jew, he was a strict Pharisee. Paul was born a Roman citizen and after receiving his education in Tarsus, he came to Jerusalem and studied at the feet of Gamaliel, who was a Pharisee and a celebrated doctor of the law.

However, he bitterly opposed the church and became one of the leaders in persecution against the Christians, until he met Jesus who said, “Saul why persecutes thou me?” Saul’s conversion shows how a man can be fearfully wrong and yet think that he is right. It also shows how no case is hopeless when we turn our lives over to God. Here we see how Paul wrote words of encouragement to the church. They are as follows: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jews first, and also to the Greeks. For therein is the Righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.” –Romans 1:14-19 Paul described his debt as being one to two cultures, to the Greeks and those who were not Greeks. He was prepared to discharge his debt to all men, whether educated or uneducated and whether cultured or uncultured. His commitment included the people of Rome, which was the most influential and cosmopolitan city in the world. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer to God was for all souls to be saved, both Jews and Gentiles.

The heart of Paul’s message was faith in Jesus Christ by which all could come before the presence of God with equal standing, and all could receive eternal life.

––Rev. R. Sibblies

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 is held in person at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masks are required, and temperatures will be taken. The 11 a.m. service will continue to be on Zoom using the following information: https://us04web. zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

The Free Call Conference dial-in number is 857-357-0254, the access code is 660065.

The Co-op City Baptist Church will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, November 21, at the 11 a.m. service.

Adult Sunday School is held in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is also available on the Free Conference line at 857-357-0254, Access Code: 660065#.

Young Teens Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m., and Junior Sunday School is held at 3:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please keep each other in prayer and be wise in your decisions. Continue to wear your masks, practice social distancing and stay safe!

God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

––Hattie L. Lucas

25

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” ––Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship, and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation. All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.). Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-7400256, or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Remote Schedule for Sundays –– Come and receive a blessing.

We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/. We are also holding services via Zoom.

For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com.

Pray and Reflection Service is on Tuesday at noon (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English).

Sunday School at 8 a.m. (English).

Food Pantry –– The food pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

Blessings, ––Marta Medina

26

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

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

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

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CLASSIFIEDS Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Co-op City is private property and therefore prohibits distribution of unsolicited advertising material to shareholders’ homes and/ or property, including cars parked in the development’s eight garages.

If you witness anyone depositing or distributing advertising material on Co-op City’s property, please call Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Be prepared to give the location and description of the person(s) leaving the material.

All unwanted, unsolicited advertising material should be disposed of properly and not thrown on the ground causing litter.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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Advertise in the Co-op City Times!

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

Call for rates!

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

• Email reports@lighthouse-services.com (the email must include “Riverbay” in the subject);

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

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Repair – Upgrade – Data Recovery – Virus Removal – Laptop Overheats – Cracked Screen – Broken Power Jack – Transfer your cassette tape music to CDs. Call James 646-281-4475, 718-324-4332.

• Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 (the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Public Safety

27

(Continued from page 7)

you can minimize the amount of time your package spends in the hallway. Ask a trusted neighbor to be on the lookout for your packages and do the same for them. Try to order items to arrive at a time when someone will be home. Both Amazon and UPS have secure drop boxes in Co-op City and the surrounding areas.

Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed any amount of alcoholic beverages. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Never get in a vehicle being driven by someone who has consumed alcoholic beverages. Carry cab fare or have a ride share app in case you require a safe ride home. Always buckle your seatbelt; it can save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distractions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of collisions within New York State.

Always remember, if you see something, say something. If you see suspicious persons in the garage or lurking near parked vehicles on the street, an auto crime could be taking place, an auto crime could be ready to happen, notify the authorities. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. The Public Safety Department would like to wish all residents a happy and safe Halloween.

There have been recent increases of Covid-19 cases, including variants of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and The New York City Department of Health have reinstated the mask wearing mandates in most indoor situations,

even for vaccinated individuals. Check with your doctor to see if a vaccination is right for you. The Pfizer vaccination has received full FDA approval, including booster shots for persons over 65 or with medical conditions. Getting a vaccination and wearing a mask have been shown to slow the spread of Covid19.

Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and characteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Do not forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings. Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to help spread Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

Finally, do not forget about daylight savings time which is set for next Sunday morning, November 7, 2021. Turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed next Saturday night. Last year this date was November 1, which is the earliest possible date for the first Sunday. November 7 is the latest day for the first Sunday. We get to hang onto evening sunlight for an extra 6 days this year. The time goes back one hour officially on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:00 a.m.

Newsong Church

Association of Building 14 Cooperators

In Jesus’ Name

(Jesus said) 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. —John 14:13-14 Jesus says multiple times in the gospel of John, that He will give us whatever we ask in His name when we pray. (See John 15:16, 16:23-24) Now before you go asking for your dream house, your dream spouse, or that new Mercedes, please know that Jesus is saying that when our prayer is in alignment with God’s will and God’s word, then He will give it to us. In other words, when we pray the same kind of prayers that Jesus would pray, we will get what we ask for. So the natural question is, why would we not pray and ask in Jesus’ name?

Why not pray and ask God to save your family in Jesus’ name?

Why not pray and ask God to heal your marriage in Jesus’ name?

Why not pray and ask for divine direction, healing, provision, protection, and favor in Jesus’ name? I’ve been following Jesus for a long time, and although I’ve grown in the area of prayer, I still have a long way to go. I tend to pray less when things are going really well, and I pray more when things aren’t as good as I would like them to be. If you feel like that, don’t worry…God is patient with us, He loves us, and still wants to use us for His glory. But what would happen if we really got serious with our prayer time? What would happen if we made room for God, and scheduled Him into our calendar? Even, if it’s only five or ten minutes a day? What would our life look like, or our community look like, if we prayed God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?

We’re in a season of prayer and fasting at Newsong Church; our sermon series is called “In Jesus’ name.” We’re learning about the power of prayer, and how God wants to reach others through us. We’d love to see you this Sunday!

If you’ve never been to Newsong Church, here’re some helpful info: Where is Newsong located? 135 Einstein Loop (upstairs) *Registration and face coverings required. You can pre-register on our website, www.newsongchurchnyc.org What time? In-person: 11 a.m. Online: 6 p.m.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably and casually What about the kids? We have an amazing children’s ministry called Kidsong, where your child will have fun and learn about Jesus!

How long is the service? About 90 minutes Can I attend if I’m _______?

Fill in the blank with whatever fear you have about not being accepted: divorced, a single parent, broke, an addict, a skeptic, etc. Everyone is welcome at Newsong!

For more information about our Sunday Worship experience, call us: 718708-8385.

Newsong Church: Loving God, loving others, and serving our community!

––Pastor Mike Tolone

If You See Something, Say Something!

Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe!

• Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door.

• Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises.

• Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked.

• Do not leave packages or electronics in your car where they are visible.

• Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD. Emergency: 718-671-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

Just a few quick mentions: Section 2 Building Associations Meeting: Cooperators are welcome to join the Section 2 Building Associations meeting on November 15th at 7 p.m. As of now, a representative(s) from the Maintenance will be the guest speaker. Information to join will be shared and posted over the coming weeks.

Emergency Alerts and Warnings Forms – With the winter season approaching and just for GP (general principle), you should update your contact information now to receive emergency alerts and warnings by text and email, in addition to Robo calls. Request forms via email: assocbldg14@gmail.com.

Drop off or mail completed forms to the Bartow Cooperator Services Office.

We decorated the lobby for Ghost and Goblins fun this weekend. Our plans also include candy distribution tomorrow, Saturday, October 30.

Motto: Be well. Be grateful. Be kind.

Questions? Best to text 929.923.2792. Email: assocbldg14@gmail.com.

—Josie Ferguson

28

Co-op City Times / October 30, 2021

Co-op Insurance

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

Riverbay Requires Co-op Shareholders to Obtain Coverage!

Your Co-op is an Investment Worth Protecting!

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• Auto • Homeowners • Life

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Nichola Ferguson Licensed Insurance Agent

Lawrence Newkirk Family Protection Specialist

COURTEOUS STAFF!

Albert Issifu Licensed Insurance Agent / Office Manager

The Wright Agency

COVID COMPLIANT!

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

New Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday by appointment only.

1435 East Gun Hill Road Call Us Today!

718-671-8000

FREE NOTARY SERVICE FOR ALL CO-OP CITY RESIDENTS!