Co-op City Times 12/19/2020

Vol. 55 No. 51

Saturday, December 19, 2020

$1.25

Special Election Day in the 12th Council District is Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 Early Voting at Truman HS ends tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 20

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Co-op City shareholders have until tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 20, to vote early in the 12th Council District Special Election to fill the seat left vacant after former City Councilman Andy King was removed from office.

Today and tomorrow, polls at Truman HS will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those who still wish to vote early.

All polls will be closed on Monday, Dec. 21, in preparation for the Special Election on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 when polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

The vacancy in the NY City Council resulted when former Councilman Andy King was removed from office following years of investigations into alleged ethics violations and a recommendation from the Council’s Ethics and Standards Committee.

Although Councilman King was not convicted of a crime, the City Council, as a body, voted 48-2 in October to expel him.

Mayor de Blasio outlines COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and establishes command center

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Last Friday, Dec. 11, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a vaccination distribution plan designed to aid neighborhoods across New York City that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of the plan is to ensure that the communities identified by the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity as the most adversely affected by the virus receive the vaccine equitably.

According to data compiled by the city, the hardest hit areas of the Bronx have been: East Tremont, Highbridge, Longwood, Hunts Point, Morrisania, Crotona, (Continued on page 4)

Nor’easter storm clean-up

The winner of Tuesday’s Special Election will be sworn in immediately, and will serve until the end of 2021, when Mr. King’s term in office would have expired.

The winner of the Special Election will have to run in next fall’s primary election to keep the seat.

In addition to the three candidates on the ballot, Kevin C. Riley, Pamela Hamilton-Johnson and Neville Mitchell, there are at least five write-in candidates vying for the seat. Two of those write-in’s are Co-op City shareholders, Bernard Cylich and Aaron Carnegie. The other write-in candidates are Adeyemi Olaruntoba (Toba), Shanequa Moore and Joyce Briscoe.

The Dec. 22 Special Election is non-partisan and therefore each of the three candidates on the official ballot will be running on their own lines. Mr. Riley, a (Continued on page 2)

We wish our readers a happy, healthy and joyous Holiday Season Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa.

Be responsible and safe in your celebrations.

Wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines

Carrying charge increase takes effect January 01, 2021

An Order of the Commissioner of the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), dated August 13, 2019, authorized carrying charge increases to be implemented as follows: 1.9% increase effective September 1, 2019 and another 1.9% increase effective September 1, 2020.

As is the case worldwide and certainly here in the United States, the Coronavirus pandemic significantly impacted everyone’s life, including the residents of Co-op City. Shareholders experienced loss of incomes as well as devastating impacts on their health and family lives since the pandemic began earlier this year.As a result, in June 2020, the Riverbay Board of Directors, after consulting with the Deputy Commissioner of HCR and his staff, approved emergency resolution #20-23 to defer a 1.9% carrying charge increase which was supposed to have been implemented on September 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021.

Due to the carrying charge increases, the surcharges based on the 2019 income affidavits, will be adjusted. While the current surcharges may remain the same for some shareholders, others may receive a lower surcharge or no surcharge at all as a result of the carrying charge increase.

The upcoming carrying charge increases and new surcharges will be reflected in the January 2021 carrying charge statements.

—Riverbay Finance Department

Riverbay Administrative Holiday Office closings A powerful nor’easter blanketed New York City on Wednesday, December 18, 2020, leaving some areas of the Bronx with an accumulation of over 10 inches of snow.

The biggest snowstorm in years and the first of the season left Riverbay staff with the large undertaking of cleaning-up the community’s pathways and grounds. Riverbay General Manager, Noel Ellison told the Co-op City Times: “Riverbay staff started cleaning up on Thursday at 4 a.m., and left at approximately 9 p.m. They then came back Friday morning around 5 a.m. and resumed clean-up operations throughout the property.”

Workers from Riverbay’s Grounds, Janitorial and Maintenance departments, worked throughout the day Thursday and Friday, December 17, 18, clearing debris and keeping the community as safe and as passable as possible despite the extreme weather conditions.

Photo by Mary Ann Sowah

On Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020, Riverbay Administrative Offices will close at 2 p.m.

Riverbay offices will be closed on Friday, December 25, & Friday, January 1, 2021, respectively, in celebration of Christmas and New Year’s holiday, respectively.

All community centers will also be closed to the public.

For emergency services throughout the weekend, please call:

MAINTENANCE: 718-320-3300, PRESS OPTION 2 PUBLIC SAFETY: 718-671-3050

2

Snow

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020 (Continued from page 1)

district leader and community relations director for NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, is running on the “Justice and Unity” line. He lists education, women’s equality and health, housing and transportation among the issues he advocates for. Ms. Hamilton-Johnson, a community board 12 member and president of the 47th Precinct Council is running on the “Social Change” line and hopes to be the first female elected to the NY City Council in the 12th Council District. She says she will prioritize health, education, small businesses, and double taxation on Co-op City residents for sanitation and public safety. Mr. Mitchell, a public defender with the Legal Aid Society’s homicide task force, is running on the “Bronx 12 Matters” line and says he will focus on youth and the lack of resources and mentorship.

Among the five write-in candidates, all of whom have been running ads in the Co-op City Times outlining their platforms, Mr. Cylich has a long history of activism and involvement in the community and is the current First Vice President of the Riverbay Board of Directors. Mr. Cylich pledges to aggressively pursue alternative technologies to cable service and to work to establish shuttle service to NYC Soundview Ferry Terminal. He adds that his first act as a City councilmember would be to demand City Hall honors its pledge to fund a community center in Co-op City. Mr. Carnegie touts his independence and the fact that he is not part of the local political establishment. He served as co-chair of the Co-op City MTA Committee against MTA bus cuts. His campaign literature says he has realistic goals that meet the needs of the community. Mr. Olaruntoba (Toba) is commander of the American Legion Post 1871 in Co-op City. His platform includes caring for veterans, community service and youth mentorship. Ms. Moore is founder of I’Raise Boys & Girls International Corporation, a multiyouth services organization serving low-income communities. She is committed to children and families, public school education reform and affordable hous-

ing. And, Ms. Briscoe, a community activist, says her vision includes raising the district’s quality of life, and protecting civil liberties and human rights.

The deadline to request an Absentee Ballot application to vote in the Dec. 22 Special Election was Dec. 15, however you may request an Absentee Ballot application in person only up until Monday, Dec. 21, by visiting the Bronx Board of Elections at 1780 Grand Concourse, 5 Fl., Bronx, NY 10457; 718-299-9017.

Completed absentee ballot envelopes can be drop off at an Early Voting poll site (in the case of Co-op City voters, that would be Truman HS), to the Bronx Board of Elections office or to your poll site on Tuesday, Dec. 22, up to 9 p.m.

Absentee ballot envelopes that are mailed must be postmarked by Dec. 22, 2020 and may be received by the Board of Elections up to seven days later in order to count in the election.

Those voting in person on Tuesday, Dec. 22, should remember to bring their Fast Pass tag mailed to your home address for contactless voting and to avoid having to stand in line.

To write in a candidate, write their name in the write-in box and fill in the corresponding oval in the write-in box.

To locate your poll site, you may visit vote.nyc and input your home address in the Poll Site locator. Or, you can consult the handy guide compiled by Board Director Mary Pearson and printed below (left).

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

3

Consumer Alert: NYS Div. of Consumer Protection warns about text messaging scammers impersonating state & federal agencies Text messaging scams claim relief money is waiting

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting New Yorkers to new text messaging scams seeking payments and sensitive personal information by offering fake grants, tax refunds, pandemic relief, and unemployment insurance payments.

“Throughout this public health crisis, scammers have been hard at work preying on unsuspecting New Yorkers,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “This latest batch of scams prey on New Yorkers seeking pandemic relief by spoofing official government agencies. I urge all New Yorkers to be extra diligent and follow simple steps to keep your money and personal information safe.”

New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: “It is deplorable that these scammers are misrepresenting themselves during a pandemic to prey upon New Yorkers who need assistance in a time of crisis. New Yorkers must be more vigilant than ever in protecting their personal information and should never share their Social Security number or other personal identifiers over social media channels or via text messaging. Block & report these fraudulent accounts as soon as possible.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said: “While everyone is doing their best to stay informed throughout the pandemic response, unfortunately there are those who will seek to prey upon people during their most vulnerable time. As always, we must make it a habit to consider and verify the source of unsolicited promotions and monetary offers and keep personal information, including health information, protected.”

Scammers preying on consumers’ interest in pandemic relief programs are impersonating state and federal government agencies by enticing consumers to click on website links containing official-sounding text such as “pandemic stimulus relief,” “Treasury Department,” and “government payment.” Consumers may also receive a phone call claiming they are a victim of identity theft and then receive the alarming text message, further confirming the “problem.”

After clicking the links from the text messages, consumers arrive at official looking websites designed to impersonate federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration and New York State agencies, including the Department of Labor regarding unemployment payments or the Department of Health regarding contact tracing. These sites solicit bank information and other sensitive personal details such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and bank account logins/passwords to enable the consumers to “accept payment.”

Sample of actual text messages: • Treasury Fund Payment: “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID19 Treasury Fund. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account.”

• COVID Relief Grant: “The IRS has deemed you eligible for the current COVID relief grant sponsored by the Treasury Clearinghouse, you stand a chance of getting a minimum of $100000 for being a regular tax payer, agent Davies Gran has been assigned. Click the link below” • Unemployment Claim: “You have pending claim of $1,200 from covid-19 TREAS 310 tax ref. Further action is required to disburse funds. Click here to confirm payment method:”

• Stimulus Help: “From IRS-GO: You are eligible – Register for COVID-19 Stimulus Help MSG#: 123455668.”

Collaborating with New York State’s Division of Consumer Protection and several federal government agencies, telecommunications carriers have blocked thousands of these fake text messages using sophisticated algorithms to look for keywords, malicious activity, and other trends. As the pandemic continues and the holidays approach, consumers should be mindful of increasing scam activity.

To prevent falling victim to these types of scams, please take note of the following tips: • Do not click links in suspect texts or emails. These lead to convincing impersonation websites attempting to collect your sensitive personally identifiable information.

• Call the government agency directly to confirm communications, if you are concerned. Hang up the phone immediately if someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from any government agency and threatens police arrest, deportation or license revocation.

Additional information related to New York State agencies: Text messages from the New York State Department of Labor will only come from the number 468-311 OR via DocuSign. A DOL representative will never reach out directly through a text message. If someone claims to be a DOL representative over text, block and alert the DOL. NEVER give your SSN over social media – DOL will NOT ask for this information on social media. The DOL urges anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud to report it immediately at ny.gov/uifraud.

• NYS Department of Health may contact you as “NYS Contact Tracing” (518387-9993). PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe. For more information on contact tracing: https:// coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing. Additional information related to federal agencies: Federal agencies will typically first initiate contact with constituents via mail. Federal agencies do not request personal or financial information through text message or email and will not ask for credit card numbers over a phone call they initiate.

Contact the agency directly: Internal Revenue Service (IRS): 1-800-829-1040; Social Security Administration (SSA): 1-800-772-1213.

If you encounter a marketplace problem or are concerned about a scam, you are encouraged to call or file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. The Consumer Helpline, 800-697-1220, is available to assist consumers Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Consumer complaints can be filed anytime online at the Division website, www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. To view consumer alerts, consumers can visit https://www.dos.ny.gov/about/newsroom.html.

The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

4

Vaccine

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Nor’easter storm clean-up

(Continued from page 1)

Morris Heights, Mott Haven, Melrose, Soundview, Soundview Bruckner, Van Cortland Park and Jerome Park.

Additionally, the Mayor announced that a command center would be established to oversee vaccine distribution across the city. According to the online press release, the command center will be spearheaded by Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services, Melanie Hartzog, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, Dave Chokshi.

In an effort to build trust around the vaccine, the Command Center will utilize Test & Trace Corps and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) members citywide in coordination with elected officials and community leaders to lead neighborhood vaccination drives.

“This coronavirus crisis, it’s been many things. One of the things that it has been – it’s shined a very clear sharp light on the unfairness, the inequality, the disparities that pervade our society. We saw what happened to Black communities, Latino communities, Asian communities in this crisis,” Mayor de Blasio said during his media availability last Friday. “We saw how people did not experience the coronavirus equally. It was all about the decades and decades before of health care inequality and economic inequality that brought out such painful disparities. We know the pain that families went through was magnified for so many families in this crisis because of these fundamental inequalities, and we need to confront them and overcome them.”

Vaccinations for priority populations will be administered in both NYCHA spaces and NYC Health + Hospitals clinics, according to the press release. The initial expected doses will be given to nursing homes and health care personnel performing high-risk activities.

“Our City’s recovery depends on us addressing the disparities from COVID19,” said Deputy Mayor Hartzog. “Equity is at the heart of our vaccination plan, which is why we continue to do everything we can to maximize trust and ensure access to communities hardest hit by the pandemic.”

New York City is expecting to receive 465,000 doses of the vaccine by the beginning of January.

Notably, in his appearance on the Brian Lehrer Show, Mayor de Blasio emphasized that the vaccine distribution process will not be compromised. “It doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy or famous, if you’re a celebrity, you’re not cutting the line in New York City when it comes to the vaccine distribution,” the mayor said. “The first level of distribution goes to frontline health care workers. And then the focus is on other health care workers, first responders, then on folks who are over 65 and/or have those preexisting serious medical conditions.”

New York State could expand voting by mail permanently New York may permanently expand voting by mail for all elections if the proposal passes the necessary second round of legislative approval.

The proposal is a constitutional amendment that would change the requirements for absentee voting in New York. Currently, only people who are ill, have a physical disability or will be out of town on Election Day are allowed to fill out an absentee ballot.

In 2019, the proposal passed its first round of state Senate approval and now awaits a second round of voting in January of 2021, according to the Associated Press.

Fortunately, the proposal looks to have bipartisan support that has only been bolstered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the initial vote in 2019, the state Senate voted 56-5 in favor of permanently expanding voting by mail.

Should the legislation officially pass next month, voters could see it in a referendum as soon as next fall.

However, the situation does not have a simple and straightforward fix.

Legislators would have to also address the absentee voting process in order to effectively implement expanded voting by mail.

Presently, all New York Board of Elections wait until a week after an election to begin counting absentee ballots, despite the fact that many other states allow elections officials to count absentee ballots as they come in.

The reason for this delay in vote

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

counting is because New York State allows those who submitted an absentee ballot to change their mind and vote on Election Day in person. Consequently, this voting option extends the absentee vote counting process as election workers then have to cross-reference each absentee ballot to verify that the voter did not vote again and change their mind.

Governor Cuomo temporarily changed absentee ballot voting requirements for this year’s election cycle but for those changes to become permanent, a solution will need to encompass all aspects of the vote counting process.

Locally, shareholders should keep in mind that they have the option to mail in their vote for this Tuesday’s special election to fill the current vacant New York City Council spot for the 12th District.

Registered voters can still apply up to Dec. 21 and in person only at the Bronx Board of Elections for an absentee ballot for the special election. The deadline to file an Absentee ballot application online was December 15, 2020.

December 22 is the last day to postmark an absentee ballot, since the Board of Elections must receive it before December 29, and the last day to deliver an absentee ballot in person at the Bronx Board of Elections office, dropbox or polling site.

Shareholders can also inquire about their absentee ballot status and whether it has been counted by checking online at nycabsentee.com or calling 1-866VOTE-NYC.

Photos by Brandon Ortiz and MaryAnn Sowah

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5

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Indoor dining suspended for at least two weeks As COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to rise across New York City, Governor Cuomo announced last Friday that he would be officially suspending indoor dining.

Beginning on December 14 and continuing for at least two weeks, take-out and curbside pick-up will be the only options for those looking to eat out. Notably, outdoor dining will still technically be available but colder winter temperatures in the coming months make those kinds of accommodations most likely unfeasible for most restaurants.

During the COVID-19 press briefing where Gov. Cuomo announced the ban, he highlighted how the city’s density has made indoor dining a dangerous risk given the ease with which the virus spreads. The governor also cited guidance from the CDC advising people to avoid indoor spaces during the pandemic.

“We said that we would watch it, if the hospitalization rate didn’t stabilize, we would close indoor dining. It has not,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We’re going to close indoor dining on Monday. Outdoor dining and takeout continues.”

Indoor dining presents a unique challenge in preventing virus spread as proper ventilation and spacing are necessary in establishing a sanitary environment to eat in.

Acknowledging the difficulty restaurant owners and workers would face under the new restriction, Gov. Cuomo said that the moratorium on commercial evictions would be extended.

The governor explained the necessity of having the ban right now as a preventative measure to avoid the city’s hospital capacity eclipsing 90% because of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

According to the latest CDC guidance, “Exposures at nonessential indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings pose a preventable risk to all participants.

BY BRANDON ORTIZ

Indoor venues, where distancing is not maintained and consistent use of face masks is not possible (e.g. restaurant dining) have been identified as particularly high-risk scenarios.”

The most recent data has New York City’s infection rate at roughly 4.77% and increasing daily with over 17,000 confirmed cases in the last seven days.

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“We’re calibrating the risk level of the economic activity to ensure we are respecting public health, while limiting economic disruption to the extent possible,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This pandemic has required us to stay nimble from the very beginning and we will continue to follow the data to make smart, informed decisions.”

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Season’s Greetings to all. It has been an eventful week. Last week, the miracle of Hanukkah was mentioned. Two good news stories are mentioned this week. A conscientious market cashier checked her work and a bill went from $126 to $77, just redoing the checkout. Thank you to her. Next, a Con Ed worker helped me when I forgot my cane and retrieved it. The worker offered to watch my wagon and wouldn’t take a tip when I returned!

Thank you, I am grateful to these two holiday angels.

We are also grateful for being in an area with great medical availabilities and COVID-19 testing sites within walking distance.

The site for information is: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page, all your questions can be answered there. Channel 12 and cable 591 are running an infomercial made here on the Dreiser Loop COVID-19 testing site. You should get tested. President-elect Biden recommends a one-hundred-day period of steady mask wearing. Hopefully, numbers will decrease.

A Kansas son’s obituary for his father who died of Covid-19 is going viral. “[He] died in a world where many of his fellow Americans refuse to wear a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another,” he wrote. “COVID-19 is not fiction.” Review your weapons to fight COVID-19: wear a face mask (over your nose), wear disposable gloves, keep 6 feet between you and wash hands frequently.

On December 22, Co-op City has a special election for City Council person, Andy King’s seat. There are many candidates.

There are write-in and certified candidates. The Co-op City Times is doing a great job publicizing this election and its candidates.

Please read-up.

Remember, the Department of Health Education and Welfare won’t call you and cooperators do not pay personal Con Edison bills. But scams are on the rise. The caller ID saying, “NYC” is spreading the news that “credit card banks are lowering annual interest rates.” Another, “Emergency, your car warranty has expired, press one to speak with a representative.” Another phone message, “We apologize for our error on your electric bill.” These are examples of scams. We suggest getting on the “Do Not Call List” to stop scam calls.

Broun Place’s executive board members are Vivian Burrus, Rev. Grace Emanuel, Lillian Richardson and myself, Eva Lazaar.

The community newsletter from the Community Relations department can be requested by emailing that department. Broun Place neighbors, Saturday mornings, pick up your personally delivered Co-op City Times. Reminder, used masks and gloves belong in garbage cans, not gutters. Holiday gifts can be given directly to our groundsman, Mr. Walker.

Broun Place Townhouse Association sends Thea Colombo sincere condolences on the death of her close friend, Mr. Kevin Judd, due to cancer and pneumonia, R.I.P. and may his family know no more sorrow.

You are encouraged to join or renew your Broun Place Association membership. Dues are just $12 annually. Keep dancing and better days are ahead! Wakanda forever!

—Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Black Forum

Emergency Food Pantry 920 Baychester Ave., Bld. 1A (entrance faces the basketball court). The pantry opens Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests who registered and re-certified in 2020 are eligible to pick up food once a month during regular distribution hours. Please look at the last date on your pantry card to determine when you can pick up your monthly package again. You would pick up one month or more from your last pick up. It is a 30 31 day rotation. We will still text if additional items become available outside of normal business hours.

All guests must present a pantry card to receive food.

Remember to bring sturdy and clean shopping bags and a shopping cart. Wearing a mask/face covering is required.

We also ask that all guests use the markers on the ground to help practice physical distancing. Registration for new pantry guests is currently closed at this location.

New registration dates will post when available.

Black Forum guests living in Section 5 should visit 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. This is only a distribution point.

Guests do not have to be affiliated with a church or religion to pick up food at this location. Registration is open at this location for Section 5 residents.

Recertification – Guests currently registered with the food pantry and who pick up food packages at the 920 Baychester Avenue location are required to recertify at the pantry starting in January 2021. A valid ID NYC card or a non- or driver’s license must be shown to remain in the emergency food program. Please bring the required ID the first time you pick up food in 2021.

Members of a household listed on an application must present themselves at recertification. They must present an ID. Pantry guests visiting the church at 2350 Palmer Avenue must also recertify to continue in the program.

Income Eligibility for Emergency Food Support – The federal government now requires that new and returning guests sign an Income Eligibility Form to receive food. It declares that the food recipient’s household income must be at or below 200% of the federal income poverty levels. Additional details about the eligibility requirements are located on the form. Distribution of the form begins December 2020.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing from you at coopcityblackforum@gmail.com. Please stay safe.

–D. Illis

Correction – Building 32 Assn.

Doreatha Brundage is second vice president of the Building 32 Association, not president of the association as printed last week.

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

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Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times office in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. 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.

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Email your articles to cctimes@riverbaycorp.com.

If the Co-op City Times Was Not Delivered: Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

7

Public Safety offers Fire Safety tips for Co-op City residents

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO

The Winter Holiday season has a number of hazards which can result in an increase in fires. There are a number of different hazards that come together during the holiday season to create potentially dangerous situations. Cold temperatures during the winter months result in an increase of the use of space heaters. Christmas trees placed near space heaters result in the Christmas tree drying out more quickly. Add a faulty set of holiday lights for a sure disaster.

Illegally parked vehicles blocking the cul-de-sacs and fire hydrants add to the hazards by not permitting emergency responders immediate access to the fire with the needed resources. This article will provide some tips to keep you and your family safe for the holiday season as we enter the welcomed New Year of 2021 and leave 2020 behind as a mere memory.

While we are thinking about fire safety, it is also a good time to review fire safety with your family. The Public Safety department would like to provide these fire safety tips. It is always good to have a plan and make certain all members of the family are familiar with it. Every family should have a plan in place for when they are at home. When traveling, make an alternate plan for your temporary accommodations. Also make certain that children away at school have a plan in place for their living quarters. Be sure your college student has working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their college dormitory or apartment.

The buildings in Co-op City are fireproof. This means that a fire will not travel from one apartment to another. Unless the fire is in your apartment or if directed to leave by emergency personnel, in most cases, it is safest to stay within your apartment. If fire is detected, the Fire Department strongly recommends that you do not open your door and do not exit your apartment. We stress again, the safest place for you and your family is inside of your apartment, with the door closed, with wet towels at the base of the door if there is smoke in the hallway. Opening doors permits oxygen to fuel fire and make conditions worse.

Our Fire department’s response is outstanding, and statistically, remaining in your apartment without opening doors or windows reduces the spread of fire, keeps people safe and out of the way of our fire professionals. Hallways and stairwells become very dangerous very quickly as they become wet and occasionally filled with smoke, especially if someone on the floor leaves a door open. Your risk of injury increases while firefighting operations are taking place. Fire department personnel and first responders have additional training to help them navigate these hazardous situations. By entering this hostile environment, you increase your risk of being injured. It is important to shelter in place, unless directed by the Fire department If it becomes necessary to leave your apartment, close the door but do not lock it. Take your keys if you can safely reach them. Never go back in the apartment for anything unless deemed safe by emergency personnel. Call 911 and Public Safety, (718) 671-3050, from a safe location. Go to an established meeting place so that you know all family members have gotten out of the home safely.

Always feel a door before you open it. If the door feels hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed, call 911 and Public Safety, (718) 671-3050. Do not use the elevator during a fire emergency. Only utilize the stairs and only travel down the stairs to a location below the fire. This should only be done if instructed by emergency personnel.

If it becomes necessary to travel through smoke-filled areas, stay close to the ground where there is less smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and mouth.

Provide wet towels for all family members. If clothing should catch fire, do not run and fan the flames. Instead, “Stop, Drop and Roll.” This serves to effectively smother any flames. Have children practice these procedures so that in the event of an emergency, they know what to do. School children will be familiar with these procedures as they have most likely seen them demonstrated at school. Children may not have seen these demonstrations in school for a while, make sure they know it is only for when clothes catch on fire. Children also need to be taught to stay away from fire and not play with matches. These drills may seem silly, but they can save your life if you are familiar with them in an emergency.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Avoid using unattended candles for any reason. They are a leading cause of fires in the home. Candles can easily be knocked over by children or pets. Safer battery operated L.E.D. simulated candles are an excellent alternative. Electric menorahs are a much safer option. Even electric lights should be on a timer and turned off before you go to bed. Never, ever use real candles on a Christmas tree. Smoking is also an extreme fire hazard. Many fires are caused by lit smoking material catching fire to beds, couches or upholstery.

At a recent meeting between Public Safety Chief and members of Co-op City’s dedicated firefighters of Engine 66 and Ladder 61, it was mentioned that when they encounter people illegally parked in designated no parking/no standing zones in front of buildings, particularly the traffic circles, their ability to rapidly deploy is impacted. Blocking fire hydrants and double parking are other problems which interfere with the Fire department’s ability to provide assistance in the event of an emergency. These actions cost time and time can cost lives in the event of a

Public Safety Report

fire. A delay of minutes or even seconds can create additional risks to cooperators as well as firefighters who risk their lives daily to save the lives of others. CCPD and NYPD will continue to issue violators parking summons.

New York State Police issued 13,887 tickets during this year’s Thanksgiving traffic enforcement initiative, which targeted unsafe driving behaviors during the holiday weekend. The special traffic enforcement period, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, ran from Wednesday, November 25, through Sunday, November 29. State Troopers also arrested 155 people for DWI and investigated 757 crashes, including three fatalities, during the holiday period. The three fatal crashes that NYSP responded to occurred in Allegany, Nassau and Orange counties.

(Continued on page 22)

Public Safety Blotter December 6 – December 12, 2020

12/06/2020 – 2099 Asch Loop CCPD was alerted to a trapped raccoon inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, the raccoon was found inside an unlocked car. Officers were able to free the animal.

The owner, who was on scene, secured the vehicle and left.

140 Donizetti Place A Honda Accord was discovered to have its four wheels stolen. An investigation is ongoing into the larceny.

12/08/2020 – 99 Einstein Loop A CCPD unit on patrol discovered a vehicle inside the garage sitting on cinder blocks with all its tires removed 140 DeKruif Place CCPD assisted U.S. Postal Inspectors executing an arrest warrant based on an investigation conducted by the inspectors. One male was arrested by the Postal Inspectors as a result.

12/09/2020 – 120 Elgar Place A motorist apparently lost control and drove into the circular plant island injuring the driver and a passenger. FDNY extricated the occupants and removed them to a local area hospital for treatment.

12/10/2020 – Earhart Lane A cooperator sitting near his terrace was surprised to see a male climb onto his terrace. When the complainant reacted, the male realized someone was home, and jumped off the terrace and fled.

12/11/2020 – Hunter Avenue A male filed a report with CCPD stating two unknown males knocked on his door and he opened it. Upon doing so, the two unknown males commenced to beating on the male. The victim yelled for his gun and the two assailants fled. This matter is currently under investigation.

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 the end of the employment listings 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 description and apply directly at either site.

Current Riverbay employees should submit a tranfer request and resumé directly to the HR Department.

Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Mary Final days of the Special Election Early Voting. We still have today and tomorrow to vote early at Truman High in a Special Election to choose our new councilmember for City Council District 12. The voting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You know how to get there by now. Right? Walk, drive, or bus it. Whichever way you choose, your final destination is the gym between the track field and the back of the high school at door #21.

By bus, you have both a choice of buses and a choice of bus stops. The Dreiser Loop South stop between Defoe Place and DeKruif Place (Dreiser) is a favorite for many. There’s also the Alcott Place at Asch Loop (Alcott) stop and the stop at Donizetti Place at Baychester Avenue (Donizetti).

The Bx23 gets all of Co-op City’s riders to any of the three bus stops. The Bx30 also takes all riders – except Bellamy area riders – to all three bus stops. Bellamy and Carver riders can take Bx38 as an alternate choice to Dreiser or Donizetti. In addition to the Bx23 or BX30, Section 5 riders wishing to get off at Alcott at Asch have Bx26 and Bx28 as extra choices.

If you require a non-walking way to get to the early voting poll site, driving is your option. Driving to the back of Truman is allowed but not encouraged. Pedestrians use the same pathways, so drive very slowly.

The driver can use either of the two roadways flanking the school cluster to get to the back of Truman.

For better visualization of all these ways to reach the Early Voting poll site at the rear of Truman High, check the map within these Co-op City Times pages.

And don’t forget to take your Fast Pass Tag for speedier early voting.

For Early, Absentee or Election Day voting, make

Pearson, Secretary

Choices, Choices

sure to mark your printed candidate choice by filling in the oval with blue or black ink. If instead you wish to write-in a different person, don’t forget to fill in that oval. But vote for just one candidate.

Absentee Voting. If you haven’t yet mailed your Absentee Ballot, it can be dropped off at the Truman poll site today or tomorrow, Saturday or Sunday, December 19 or 20. But first, slip the completed ballot into the Official Absentee Ballot Envelope with the red X. Seal, sign, and date the back of the envelope.

Don’t sign your ballot.

There will also be an Absentee Ballot drop-off box at your Election Day poll site from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Election Day Voting. Vote at your regular Election Day poll site on Tuesday, the 22nd. It’s in the same place as last time. Take your FAST PASS Tag but you’ll also need to know the Election District # for your specific building in order to skip the information line.

No voting on December 21. The early voting Truman poll site is closed to set up equipment at the other Election Day sites.

Cheaper cable on the horizon?

After a cable outage a few weeks ago, Optimum became very interested in what I thought about their service. Coincidentally, our executive manager Bob Klehammer found an article explaining how, after years of no no no, Verizon has a new-found interest in wiring more NYC residents for their service.

It seems Verizon lost a court case regarding insufficient and discriminatory access to their service.

They need to wire half a million homes to satisfy the court. Co-op City has 15,000 units. Who knows if new cable options might soon be coming to Co-op City. I have some consumer demands I’d like for my

cable company.

Nothing brings down costs like competition. That’s what keeps European prices a third the cost as we have in the US. Get ready to tell our carriers: Stop charging for recording boxes that have been paid twice over! Charge half price for a second box. Don’t charge the sports surcharge except on request. Go further.

Enough with these take-it-or-leave-it packet deals – let people pick and choose their favorite channels.

No one will stay loyal to a company that doesn’t offer more for less. I believe companies will be falling over each other to entertain customers to within an inch of our lives!

Making masks more livable I came across a fantastic solution while diddling around on Facebook. It’s called a mask frame. It’s made of some kind of good-for-humans plastic substance. It’s shaped like a tiny baseball catcher’s mask.

I ordered three batches and plan to pass them out willy-nilly. The frame works best with well-fitting cloth masks, the ones that have a slit where a filter can be inserted. The frame comes with little tabs to hook inside such a mask. I sewed tiny loops in mine to secure the removable frame in place. The idea is, the frame keeps the mask about an inch away from your face to allow more breathing room. I can’t begin to describe the relief.

But they don’t work with every fabric mask and they can cause gapping with paper masks. Search mask frame online to see the many varieties. Or look for me! I’ll be happy to give you one. ‘Tis the Season.

May you and yours have a happy and safe one.

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

Safe Riverbay Menorah safety tips

Don’t leave your menorahs unattended — Never leave a room where a menorah is lit. Either wait for the candles to go out, or put them out yourself if you need to leave the room or house.

Put your menorahs on a non-flammable surface — If you’re putting your menorah on a wooden window sill or any other wooden surface, make sure to lay down aluminum foil or another non-flammable material.

An even better idea is to put your menorah down on a stone or marble counter.

Glass and metal surfaces also work.

Put your menorahs on a sturdy surface — Is your dining room table a bit wobbly? Don’t put your menorah there! Any piece of furniture with wheels is also a bad idea. Opt for a sturdy, safe surface.

Keep your menorahs away from pets — This might be easier said than done, especially with adventurous cats around, but it’s better to not put that menorah anywhere your pets are known to get to.

Keep your menorahs out of reach of little kids — It’s an obvious one, but make sure your menorahs are away from edges and are high enough.

Don’t walk around with a lit candle — No running with scissors, no walking with fire are some basic rules to live by! Keep your candles in a contained space.

Take precautions when letting children light the menorah — Make sure that when you let your children light the menorah, they are standing on a sturdy surface, are close enough and high enough to safely light it (a stable stool is good, so they can see what they’re doing). Have an adult present and there for support and intervention.

Keep decorations, papers, and fabrics away from your menorah — Put up any decorations far from where you’ll be lighting your menorah. If you’re putting your menorah by the window, make sure there’s no way for the flame to touch those curtains. Keep any papers (including paper towels) away from the surface the where the menorah is placed, and out of your hands when you’re lighting candles. And when you’re lighting those candles, make sure they’re far from your clothing and hair!

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

9

Residential Sales

Committee Reports

Francine Reva Jones, chairperson Kevin Lambright, co-chair Meeting date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 6:30 p.m. via Cisco WebEx. Facilitator: Jessica Felice, Board of Directors liaison Attendance: Francine Jones, chairperson, and Kevin Lambright, co-chair Committee members: 8 members present.

Riverbay: Sheena McNeill, Residential Sales Department director; Chief Joseph Riley, Co-op City Public Safety Dept.; Donna LaForey, Board of Directors liaison; N. Okoro, Riverbay Fund administrative coordinator.

Others: Cheryl Jenkins, Board director; one cooperator.

Greetings: Co-Chairs Kevin Lambright and Francine Jones greeted everyone. Chairperson Jones announced that our meeting had been shortened in order to accommodate the Buildings & Grounds Committee chairperson, whose meeting was scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Roll call: 16 people were present. bers before moving into the apartment. If anyone susReview and approve agenda: The agenda was ap- pects overcrowding or subletting, they should report proved. it to the Hot Line, CSO or the Legal Dept. There should Approval of the September 22, 2020 minutes: be one or two occupants living in a one bedroom apartThe minutes were approved. ment.

Residential Sales Update: Sheena McNeill, Sales Presidents’ List approved by the Board: The chair Department director. informed that the Board approved the Presidents’ List Director McNeill reported the following for the and plaques will be made listing all of the Board presidents month of October, 2020: and placed in each of the three community centers.

A. Move-Ins at end of month: 34 Smoking marijuana in apartments and public B. Move-Outs at end of month: 47 stairwells – Chief Joseph Riley, CCPD: Smoking C. Transfers at end of month: 7 anything inside the buildings and hallways is a violation D. Applicants on waiting list at end of month: 7,225 of the health code and fire code and they enforce it E. Applicants on Transfer waiting list: 187 vigorously. Year to date, his department received 252 F. Available Units at end of month: 217 calls regarding smoking marijuana on the campus.

G. Vacant Units at end of month: 307 There are 105 criminal court summonses for various The Sales department requires applicants to provide violations. Their enforcement is good. Due to COVID, credit and criminal investigation fees, home visit fees people smoke in the hallways instead of the apartments. and proof of income.

CCPD does thousands of hallway checks. Unfortunately, During this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, they the Bronx DA does not enforce the Criminal Court must be careful of the applicants who enter their office. summonses in a serious manner. It is viewed as a vicThe units are being given to turnkey vendors for restora- timless crime and yet they get a lot of calls. tion and they wait for their completion. They are going Of 105 community complaints, there were 77 issued

by CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines. Apart- for smoking, smoking marijuana, loitering or antisocial ment sales have slowed behavior. If they can definitively say that the marijuana down due to COVID and odor is coming from a particular apartment, they will tomorrow, she will send slip the community complaint under the door, if no one the chairs information re- answers the door. However, the ventilation system is 50 Francine Reva Jones, chairperson garding the percentage of years old, it is interconnected, and it is almost impossible Kevin Lambright, co-chair the slowdown. As soon to tell where the marijuana smoke is coming from. If Meeting date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 6:00 p.m., via Cisco WebEx. as apartments are restored, they are not sure, they do not issue a community complaint.

Facilitator: Jessica Felice, Board of Directors liaison they will be ready to Also, they do thousands of stairwell sweeps. Only three Attendance: Francine Jones, chairperson, and Kevin Lambright, co-chair move forward. summonses were issued to people in apartments.

Committee members: 8 members present Photos of new shareWhen asked about smoking CBD (cannabidiol) in the Riverbay: Danielle O’Connor, Parking & Leasing Department director; Chief holders in order to apartments and if summonses are issued, Chief Riley reJoseph Riley, Co-op City Public Safety department; Donna LaForey, Board of avoid apartment over- sponded that that is an interesting dilemma and he would Directors liaison; Charlotte N. Okoro, Riverbay Fund administrative coordinator crowding and sublet- review it with his team. [CBD smells like marijuana.]

Others: Cheryl Jenkins, Board director; one cooperator. ting: Director McNeill Next meeting: January 19, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Greetings: Kevin Lambright and Francine Jones greeted everyone. Chairperson advised that this process Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Jones announced that our meeting had been shortened in order to accommodate is in place.

A photo is Respectfully submitted, the Buildings & Grounds Committee chairperson, whose meeting is scheduled taken of all family mem–Francine Jones for 7:00 p.m.

Roll call: 16 people were present.

Review and approve agenda: The agenda was approved.

New York State Department of Transportation Approve meeting minutes of Sept. 22, 2020: The minutes were approved.

BRUCKNER EXPRESSWAY-HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY MOBILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT P.I.N. X731.27 Parking and Leasing Update: Danielle O’Connor, Parking & Leasing dept.

Bronx County, New York director: Director O’Connor reported that her department is completing the repair Notice of Availability of Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) Statement of storage units in Building 33, 34, and 35 and looking to build new units in The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration Buildings 26 and 28. • The department is working on cleaning up the Building (FHWA), has prepared a Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) Statement [DDR/EA/D4(f)] for the 29C storage area, although it is not their responsibility.

Bruckner Expressway-Hutchinson River Parkway Mobility Improvement Project (the Project). The Project has been Commercial spaces: The department is performing a full renovation of the advanced in accordance with the requirements of the Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR Part 1500-1508), the FHWA Environmental Bartow pizza shop. • The Dreiser beauty supply store in Dreiser has not yet Impact and Related Procedures; Final Rule (23 CFR Part 771), and the NYSDOT Procedures for Implementation of the reopened and they are working with them on a reduced rent. • The Dreiser space State Environmental Quality Review Act at 17 New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations Part 15. formerly used by Andy King: There was a soft opening for natural products.

Project objectives include reducing travel times on northbound I-95 from Westchester Avenue to the Hutchinson River Policy for cooperators with out-of-state license, registration and/or insurance Parkway, providing better access to the Co-op City neighborhood, improving pedestrian and bicycle crossings at the to lease space in Co-op City garages.

0 7LSOHT 7HYR^H` 0U[LYJOHUNL YHTWZ HUK HKKYLZZPUN NLVTL[YPJ HUK VWLYH[PVUHS KLÄJPLUJPLZ HZZVJPH[LK ^P[O [OL 0 YHTWZ ;OL 7YVQLJ[ ^V\SK PTWYV]L IV[O [YHɉJ ÅV^ HZ ^LSS HZ ]LOPJ\SHY HUK WLKLZ[YPHU IPJ`JSPZ[ ZHML[` H[ [OL 0 • Director O’Connor explained that applicants applying for a parking lease 7LSOHT 7HYR^H` 0U[LYJOHUNL YHTWZ YLK\JL [OL KLZPNU HUK VWLYH[PVUHS KLÄJPLUJPLZ VM [OL J\YYLU[ 0 YHTWZ HUK must be a shareholder or listed on the income affidavit using a Co-op City address. provide direct highway access to Co-op City via a new ramp from the Hutchinson River Parkway to Bartow Avenue.

Applicants are required to show their driver’s license, insurance and registration ;OL ++9 ,( + M KLZJYPILZ [OL 7YVQLJ[ HUK [OL ZVJPHS LJVUVTPJ HUK LU]PYVUTLU[HS LɈLJ[Z [OH[ ^V\SK YLZ\S[ MYVT [OL in order to open a lease. If they have a dual address, it is allowed if there is enough 7YVQLJ[ÂťZ PTWSLTLU[H[PVU HUK HZZLZZLZ [OL WYVQLJ[ÂťZ LɈLJ[ VU [OL X\HSP[` VM [OL O\THU LU]PYVUTLU[ documentation. It depends on the situation. It was stated that, according to the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, if a person has an address out of state, they have Copies of the DDR/EA/D4(f) will be available for review by the public at the following locations on and after December 16, 2020. The DDR/EA/D4(f) will also be available for downloading at www.dot.ny.gov/bhmi. The times available to 90 days to change their address and plates to the main residence. Cooperators make an appointment to view or to arrange check out of a DDR/EA/D4(f) copy at each location and contact information would be allowed temporary parking while they update their information. The HYL SPZ[LK ILSV^ *VTWSPHUJL ^P[O HSS W\ISPJ ZHML[` WYV[VJVSZ PU LɈLJ[ H[ [OL [PTL VM H ZJOLK\SLK ]PZP[ [V LHJO VM [OLZL monthly temporary parking fee is approx. $100. The shareholder monthly parking locations will be required. lease fee is $76.50. The department has begun to enforce the rules which had not Bronx Community Board 10 been strictly followed in the past. More discussion ensued and Director O’Connor 3165 E. Tremont Ave., The Bronx, NY 10461 agreed to contact the cooperator with this issue in order to resolve the matter.

Tel: 718-892-1161 Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Co-chair Lambright informed us of a vehicle in Garage 6 that was ordered Call for Appointment to view the DDR/EA/D4(f) to be removed from the garage a few years ago, but was not. The time was extended several times, but the vehicle remains. At a recent Board meeting, the Board Bronx Community Board 12 4101 White Plains Rd., The Bronx, NY 10466 President directed Management to handle this matter.

Tel: 718-944-3300 Can handicapped cooperators rent a space in Garage 7 or 8? Must they Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM go on the waiting list?

Call for Appointment to view the DDR/EA/D4(f) Director O’Connor advised that they must go through the Reasonable AccomNew York Public Library, Baychester Branch modations process and that the Legal Department reviews the case. If it is approved 2049 Asch Loop, The Bronx, NY 10475 Tel: 718-379-6700

by Legal, her department would proceed with whatever is necessary.

Mon., Tues, Thurs.- 11:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wed.- 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Friday and Sat. - 11:00 AM-5:00 PM • Garage 3: There are two vehicles that are parked illegally near the donation Call to arrange to check out a copy of the DDR/EA/D4(f) bin on the ramp. Director O’Connor stated that she would investigate.

New York Public Library, Pelham Bay Branch • Garage 3: There is an area in the reserved parking section near space #28 that 3060 Middletown Rd, The Bronx, NY 10461 is very dark and some female cooperators feel that they must have an escort to Tel: 718-792-6744 their car. This matter was discussed last year and the problem persists. Director Mon., Tues, Thurs.- 11:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wed.- 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Friday and Sat. - 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Call to arrange to check out a copy of the DDR/EA/D4(f) O’Connor stated that she would investigate it again. • Parking behind Truman H.S. and MS 180: Director Jenkins discussed the Comments regarding the Project or requests for further information may be sent to bruckner@dot.ny.gov or by mail to illegal parkers blocking the lane near Building 17. Chief Riley responded that if the individuals listed below. Comments will be accepted until February 2, 2021. it is on Riverbay property, they will tow the vehicle. However, it might be part of Mini M. Varghese, P.E. John Burns, P.E. the Department of Education property, which is out of their jurisdiction.

Project Manager Project Oversight Manager Region 11 Federal Highway Administration Next meeting: January 19, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

NYS Department of Transportation Leo O’Brien Federal Building Adjourn meeting: The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.

47-40 21st Street 11A Clinton Avenue, Suite 719 Respectfully submitted, Long Island City, NY 11101 Albany, NY 12207 –Francine Jones

Parking & Leasing

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

– Francine Reva Jones, Assistant Secretary

Vote in the District 12 Special Election Season’s Greetings, There are several candidates running for the vacant seat in the NYC Council. The candidates are Joyce Briscoe, a Write-In candidate (WI), Aaron Carnegie (WI), Bernie Cylich (WI), Pamela Hamilton-Johnson, Shanequa Moore (WI), Adeyemi Oloruntoba (WI), Neville Mitchell and Kevin Riley. If you vote for a Write-In candidate, be sure to fill in the bubble.

Bernie Cylich and Aaron Carnegie live in Co-op City. Co-op City’s vast population of 55,000 residents would be positively affected by a competent representative. So please vote for the candidate you feel has a proven record of accomplishments that would be beneficial to Co-op City. Also, remind your family and friends in Bronx County 12th Council District to vote.

The early voting ends on December 20th at Truman H.S. Residents in Bronx City Council District 12 will vote on December 22nd. The winner will serve until December 31, 2021. If you have any questions, call 1866-868-3692, or visit nycabsentee.com. Should you need additional information, call 1-866-VOTE-NYC. The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived – After months of producing and testing a vaccine to counter the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Pfizer, Inc. vaccine has arrived in NYC. On December 14, Sandra Lindsey, an intensive care unit nurse, received the first injection. Lindsey reportedly stated, “I feel the healing is coming. I hope this marks the beginning of the end of the very painful time in our history.” She is one of the frontline workers who has seen the virus wipe out more the 300,000 people in the USA alone. I applaud her and all the other essential workers who have exerted themselves in performing their duties, be it in hospitals, schools, grocery stores, food processing and distributing, etc. for the benefit of others. Know that you are appreciated.

It will be a few months before the general public receives the vaccine. The essential workers come first.

Therefore, please continue protecting yourself and your family by wearing a mask, staying at home if you are sick, washing your hands frequently, and practicing social distancing. Also helpful is keeping fit with daily exercise, adequate sleep and maintain or improve your immune system. Keep your family and friends in prayer.

Winners and Losers –In an election, there is only one winner. It is unfortunate and embarrassing the #45 disrespects this reality and the law of the USA. In all of my years, I have never seen someone who has risen to the highest office of the nation react as immaturely as he has. You might recall, in the 2016 Presidential Election, #45 was not a favorite to win. But, he did.

Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but #45 won in the Electoral College. Did Clinton walk away kicking and screaming and turning the country upside down?

No! Although she and her followers were disappointed, she respectfully congratulated #45 and moved on with her life.

However, #45 is taking his loss to the bank. His refusal to concede the presidency and his continuous rants that the election was a fraud, have caused protest rallies and riots despite the fact that several courts have found no evidence of widespread fraud. Many sympathetic Americans have donated to his fight to overturn the results of the election and he has racked in millions. Some believe that he is keeping the rhetoric going in order to collect more money from his loyal, but disillusioned, supporters.

I have heard respected TV commentators say that he is perpetrating a scam and have begged the public not to send him their money. Americans should be able to decipher someone’s good intentions from bad intentions. However, some people tend to go along in order to get along. As a result of the election, a majority of Americans have shown that they have seen #45 for the character that he really is.

There is a loser in all elections. Several contenders for the presidency won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College. In addition to Hillary Clinton, in the 2000 presidential election, President George W. Bush won the Electoral College, but Al Gore received more popular votes. In 1888, President Benjamin Harrison won the Electoral College over Grover Cleveland, who won more popular votes. In 1876, President Rutherford B. Hayes won the Electoral College and Samuel J. Tilden won the popular vote. And, in 1824, President John

Quincy Adams won in the Electoral College, although Andrew Jackson won the popular vote. Many Americans feel that the Electoral College is not needed and that the popular vote should rule. What do you think?

I believe that #45’s loss was due to how he responded to the Coronavirus Pandemic. It has been reported that he knew about the virus, but did not inform Americans until months later when it had already begun to spread into a pandemic. His ratings also diminished following the unsympathetic manner in which he responded to the death of George Floyd, who was murdered by Minneapolis police officers. This police action was recorded and transmitted nationwide.

On December 14, 2020, the Electoral College announced that Joe Biden had won the 2020 Presidential election with 306 Electoral College votes to Trump’s 232. Despite this announcement, the President continues to attack the election results. The swearing in

takes place on January 20, 2021, an event for which, I believe, most Americans are anxiously awaiting.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration – On behalf of Virginia Stewart, president of the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc., I thank everyone who joined the webinar to view the 24th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration last Saturday. We were honored to have Congressman-Elect Jamaal Bowman to address the community. Our friend and neighbor Elder George Crouch, affectionately known as the Co-op City Mayor, was the Griot. The MC, Ebony Lambright, and our two technicians, Michelle Marbury and Kevin Lambright, did a fantastic job. The libation, singers, dancers and Pledge for African People, were amazing. Please practice the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics – and support our vendors.

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11

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

African American Association

Building 19 Association

Correction and thanks: The African-American Association of Co-op Hello, Building 19 family. Happy belated Hannukah City, a proud member of: The Coalition of African-American Churches to our Jewish neighbors. Hannukah is the celebration & Community Organizations of Co-op City, Inc. wishes to thank everyone of the miracle that occurred when the Maccabees (a who Zoomed-in to the 1st Virtual PRE-KWANZAA CELEBRATION. group of Jews who fought and successfully drove out Last Saturday at 3 p.m., the Zoom video and call-in audience was capthe Syrian army from Jerusalem) lit a menorah using tivated by the multitalented MC, Ebony Lambright, who guided us through oil that should have lasted one day, but instead lasted a jam-packed Kwanzaa inspired Afrocentric webinar which included a eight days. As we continue to hear the growing loss Kwanzaa Ceremony recited by the bright young minds of Young Sister of lives due to the pandemic, it may seem like our Aaliyah, Young Brother Amadi Taylor, Young Brother Malcolm Nembhard, world is in a dark place with no hope in sight. However, and Young Brother Mosi McCloud who individually delivered “The Seven Hannukah is a reminder that miracles can happen. We Principles of Kwanzaa.” Our keynote speaker was none other than the must not allow the pandemic to diminish the light Honorable Jamaal Bowman, Democratic Representative-Elect for New within us called hope. As writer Robert Altinger stated, Jamaal Bowman York’s 16th Congressional District as of the 2020 election. There were “The darkness of the whole world cannot swallow the African-American performers, vendors, and we hope you enjoyed your “Pre-Kwanzaa” Karamu Feasts at home. glowing of a candle.” The candle is us and the glow KWANZAA: The name comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” is our hope for a future free of the COVID-19 virus.

We celebrated a “pre” Kwanzaa event due to the pandemic and an effort to address holiday schedule conflicts. So I ask you, my fellow cooperators, to keep your Kwanzaa is always celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Each day is dedicated to the Nguzo Saba hope glowing bright like the menorah that lasted (pronounced, en-goo-zoe, sah-bah), also known as the seven principles. We will talk more about the rich longer than anyone expected. history and traditions of Kwanzaa as the actual holiday I want to thank our volunteers for helping to decdraws near. orate our lobby last weekend to reflect this month’s The African-American Association sponsors the holidays. We are one week away from Christmas and following programs: Kwanzaa and I am happy that our association prepared Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: our building to celebrate the religious and cultural holidays.

Xonia, 646-301-9438 I also want to thank the cooperators who have subFounder’s Day – Thank you to all who on Saturday, Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon mitted their annual donations to the porters. The as– Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 December 5, helped us celebrate the founder of Nasociation has been collecting the donations for the Salsa Class with Keith Witherspoon – Contact: tional Council of Negro Women, Dr. Mary McLeod porters since December 4th when we distributed our Keith, 917-561-6211 Bethune. Our organization is celebrating 85 years of pandemic go-bags.

We will continue to collect donaYoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks community service in this country. Also, on that same tions until Friday, December 18. For those who still – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507 day, many of you showed an interest in our organihave not submitted your donation envelopes (which Join the African American Association of Cozation by attending our virtual General Interest meeting was included in the go-bags), please make sure to op City – Membership is $15/year for a single memto learn more about our activities as we approach our drop off your donations to the following association 50th year of service in the Co-op City community. bership and $25/year for your household. Email: aaacofficers’ apartments: cpower @gmail.com or call: 929-430-3255. The Anyone interested in our organization can contact us • Apt. 17A (association treasurer): For floors 2-17 African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. at NCNWCo.opcity@gmail.com.

• Apt. 31H (association president): For floors 18Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Medicare Workshop—We were happy to bring 33 Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force a well-attended virtual forum on Medicare Changes Please save the dates for our upcoming association for good. for 2021 to our community on December 3. Mr. John virtual committee and general meeting next month.

—Michelle Marbury Calascibetta from AARP gave needed information to Our next association committee meeting is January an appreciative audience.

11th at 7:30 p.m. and January 29th at 7 p.m. The Zoom Book Club – The Book Club is excited to announce Throwing garbage, objects or cigarettes from information will be posted on a flier in the lobby and the new adult book for 2021 will be “A Piece of Cake” apartment windows or balconies is UNLAWFUL, emailed to you early next month.

by Cupcake Brown. The death of Cupcake’s mother DANGEROUS and could cause you Continue to stay safe and have a good weekend. takes her down a spiraling path of life events. Join us —Leon Tulton on Saturday, January 9, at 3 p.m. via Zoom to discuss to receive a community complaint and fine. how Cupcake beats the odds. The third Book Club chat in our children’s series will be a mommy and me event on Saturday, January 16, at 3 p.m. We will be discussing, “Dancing with Butterflies: Discovering Mindfulness Through Breathing,” by Adrienne Barr.

This beautifully illustrated mommy and me book encourages readers to manage anxiety with an easy-toread story. Pre-order your hardcover, personalized autographed book, coloring pages and a bookmark.

For more information and to register, email NCNWCoopCitySocial@gmail.com.

Pandemic Journal – We were able to witness Sandra Lindsay, a nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, be the first to receive the Covid19 vaccine on Monday. These initial shots are a part of an American mass vaccination campaign against the coronavirus pandemic. It has disproportionately affected our Black and Brown population and has killed more people in the United States than in any other country. This is a promising step for us here in New York State. NCNW, Inc. Co-op City Section would like to encourage everyone to educate themselves about these vaccines and follow any adverse reactions. We must make an important personal decision whether to accept the Covid vaccine in an attempt to end the death and devastation of this horrific virus. We pray for the success of this vaccination program and hope it will help the US move away from this painful period.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – It’s not too late to support us at MakingStrides.acsevents.org. and donating to our Team: “Friends of NCNW Co-op City Section.”

—Joyce Howard

National Council of Negro Women

WE’RE BACK!

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint

– Daryl Johnson

Let’s Review Our Board Meeting on 12/9/2020

We had a virtual board meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

So, let’s go over a few points that were discussed during this meeting.

Virtual Meetings As you probably know, all of our board meetings are virtual now. So, we get on our computers and discuss our issues, resolutions, and other matters. Then, the meeting is adjourned and we close the video program. That’s it!

Previously, I wasn’t sure how well these closeddoor virtual board meetings would work out. However, surprisingly, I must say that these closed-door virtual meetings are far better than our other closeddoor person-to-person meetings. Directors and managers generally make brief comments on matters. Then, votes are taken on resolutions. Plus, directors are not arguing with one another. So, that’s good.

Verizon On March 13, 2017, NYC filed a lawsuit against Verizon. And, here are some of the exact allegations from this lawsuit: The agreement obligated Verizon, by a certain date in 2014, to deploy its fiber optic network, known as “FiOS,” throughout the City by passing every residential building in the City. The Agreement further obligated Verizon to undertake the steps necessary to provide television service over its fiber optic network to any residence requesting such service.

Continuing, the lawsuit alleged that Verizon defaulted on its obligation to “pass” every residential building in the City by the prescribed deadline. And second, Verizon has failed in many instances – believed to number at least in the tens of thousands – to timely complete installations as requested by potential subscribers, leaving such New Yorkers without the desired television service. Indeed, Verizon has failed even to accept many New Yorkers’ requests for FiOS service, although the Agreement requires it to do so.

Previously, some of our residents alleged that our board was stopping Verizon from doing business in Co-op City. However, based on the above-cited lawsuit, Verizon had an obligation “to provide television service over its fiber optic network to any residence requesting such service.” Furthermore, the lawsuit states that “Verizon has failed even to accept many New Yorkers’ requests for FiOS service, although the Agreement requires it to do so.”

Question: Yes or no, based on the agreement that the city had with Verizon, do you honestly think that our board could have stopped Verizon from doing busi-

ness here? Look, the answer has to be no.

On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that an agreement was made with Verizon to “expand their FiOS broadband service to 500,000 NYC households.” Additionally, Verizon must issue quarterly reports on their progress.

Therefore, Verizon has to reach 500,000 NYC households, right? Yes! Now, we have over 15,000 apartments here. So, um, take a guess who called recently about their expanding their services here? That’s right, Verizon has expressed some interest in Co-op City. So, is it possible that they might want to wire up our buildings? Well, stay tuned.

Resolutions In reference to our resolutions, Jamaal Bowman will be renting Eliot Engel’s old office in Dreiser Loop.

Then, there was a controversial resolution concerning the delivery of the Co-op Times. Now, can you believe that we had a convoluted contract price of $200,900 to have this newspaper delivered to the floors here?

And, now, this current resolution called for a price reduction. Regardless, we have bins in our lobbies. So, all they have to do is to simply place our newspapers into the bins. That’s it!

Bottom line: The Co-op City Times is delivered once a week. So, um, what would you do if someone offered you a lot of money to simply place these newspapers into our 35 buildings, our townhouses, and in our community centers? Would this job be too difficult to handle for a few hours on a Saturday morning?

Do you think that this job pays more than your current job? Now, look, do you see why I voted no for this resolution? Please think about this matter the next time that you see our newspapers in the lobby bins.

Black Friday Online Sales Increase Some people may have thought that lots of shoppers would not spend a lot of money during this recent Black Friday. However, can you believe that people spent more money online during this last Black Friday than on any other Black Friday in the history of this country?

That’s right! According to a popular site, people went online and spent $9 billion on our recent Black Friday.

People First Democratic Club

Greetings and Happy Holidays, Co-op City!

We formed the People First Democratic Club to inform and educate the community on our government choices, and we have options. Please remember to vote in the Special Election on December 22, if you can vote early.

Within our community, we have two positions that many do not understand what they do, and they are supposed to play a significant role in our community.

They are our District Leader/State Committeeperson; there are two male and female leaders. Some of their duties are Galvanize residents to become more involved in community affairs: The State Committeeperson is a local liaison between the community and city, state, and federal elected officials. A robust State Committeeperson should be an effective advocate and activist for the leading issues impacting the neighborhood. That is just one of the many roles that District Leader/State Committeeperson has; we will have webinars on the different government positions and roles.

On January 5, 2021, we partner with the Riverbay Corporation for a coat drive/giveaway; more details to come. On January 6, 2021, we will have our first meeting via Zoom. We ask everyone to email us at people1stdc@gmail.com to request an application. Yearly membership is $25.00 for individuals and $30.00 for couples.

On January 22, 2021, the People First Democratic Club will hold the NYC Mayoral Forum; please submit your questions to people1stdc@gmail.com.

People First Democratic Club is asking you to please stay safe during the holiday season. Do not do any unnecessary travel as we are spiking up once again.

It is crucial to mask up and always to be washing your hands and using hand sanitizer.

“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” —Thomas Jefferson —Al Quattlebaum

Now, some storeowners might be furious with the lack of foot traffic in their store. However, other storeowners have stepped up their online presence and are now bringing in a lot money. Before, the focus would primarily be on purchasing big televisions, expensive watches, and other electronic items. However, during this pandemic, people are still purchasing those items plus lots of groceries, personal care products, etc.

Another Carrying Charge Increase Starts on 1/1/2021 Here are the carrying charge increases that we’ve received since 2010: 2010, 5%; 2011, 3%; 2012, 3%; 2013, 1%; 2015, 4.5%; 2017, 1.9%; 2018, 1.9%; and 2019, 1.9%. Additionally, we were supposed to receive another 1.9% increase on September 1, 2020.

However, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, this last increase will be issued on January 1, 2021.

Do I agree with all of these increases? No, because I would like for management to dramatically reduce our budget. Previously, management did make some cuts. However, in my opinion, they need to make a lot of additional cuts.

Close Please do not drink and drive. And, please have a wonderful holiday.

Thank you.

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

Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week.

And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

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17

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Building 17 Association To the cooperators of Building 17, Building 17’s holiday decorations will be lighter this year due to Covid -19.

We need the lobby to be kept clean in case Covid is hanging around.

Election of Officers for the Executive Committee for Building 17 for the next two years will be Tuesday, January 12, 2021. All offices will be vacant. It will be a brief meeting. All interested persons may contact Barbara Johnson at johnson78964@aol.com; the association needs your support.

We did our annual collection Fri. & Sat., Dec. 4 & 5, 11 & 12, for the porters and want to thank all of you for your support.

Modernization of the elevators has begun. If you see anything that is not working well with the one elevator, please call the Call Center and report immediately to prevent shut down of the one functioning elevator.

Cooperators, please follow the guidelines outlined by CDC and Management re Covid-19.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa to all. We wish good health for all in this coming year. We want to thank all for the support given to the building association. God bless and be safe.

“Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” make the most of it.

—Barbara A. Johnson

Building 25 Association

Merry Christmas to one and all from Building 25 Association.

There will be a special election on December 22nd to fill a vacant seat created

by Andy King, Council Member for the Twelfth Council district. If you have not voted, you will need to vote in-person at this late date. For information, call NYC hotline, 311, or the Board of Elections office in the Bronx at 718-299-9017.

If anyone is home quarantining, please let CSO know so that they will not send any employees to your apartment unless it is an emergency.

There are no plans to bring back the lobby attendants at this time. We will provide update as we receive it.

Regular daily mail delivery will not be delivered to individual floors, so please make every effort to pick up your large packages in the lobby.

We wish all neighbors born in December a Merry Christmas Birthday, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon.

Latest update to resuming our building meetings due to COVID-19, Riverbay has not given the official go ahead to resume regular building meetings, but our next conference call will be Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. so be on the look out for the telephone number and dial-in code posted near the elevators. 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 at Christmas time: “At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.” –Thomas Tusser –Wanda Bailey

Building 21 Association Zoom recap and 2020 Annual Dues rules – Greetings of the Season to you and yours! Our December virtual Zoom meeting was well attended. Chief Riley of CCPD was our special guest. Many shareholders conversed with the Chief and he enjoyed the discourse so much he stayed throughout the entire Zoom meeting.

We covered everything from hiring and training CCPD officers to our annual (i.e., yearly) 21 Association dues, which remain only $10.

Secured tamperproof Lockbox Collection – Our laundry room has a secured black drop box. This box is up only temporarily. Please place your annual building association dues of $10 into the box in an envelope with your building and apartment on the outside of the envelope. The box is located on the right side of the television.

You can see it if you are able to see the laundry room camera from your TV. It is a secure, tamperproof lockbox and will be checked daily. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Annual Dues and donation envelopes – Look for your donation envelope from the Building 21 Association. The association needs funds in order to continue our efforts towards a better quality of living in our building. Our focus will be on future endeavors for the 21 Association.

No mask, No entry – We must think of others, to protect ourselves and each other. The number of new infections continues to rise. Even if you are entering the buildings and elevators alone, molecules are airborne for you or someone else to breathe in. You too are carrying molecules and bacteria as well. That is not necessarily a bad thing but to protect each other, we all must put on our masks properly.

During this pandemic, please cover mouth and your nose. One or two in our lobby or an elevator without masks is too many; can affect and infect many. Remember, only four persons to an elevator with a mask properly covering your face and nose.

Think of your neighbors and yourself.

21 Association contact information – Phone us at: 347-504-1821 or email us at: 21association@gmail.com.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa!

Whatever you celebrate at this special time of the year, enjoy a very happy holiday; be safe and well.

Each one of us, multiplied by all of us, equals a force for good.

—Michelle Marbury

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

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

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic, St. Joseph’s Church has suspended services until further notice. However, we continue to worship via teleconference on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Father Johnson also conducts daily weekday services at 12 noon. You are invited to participate in these services by calling 1-425-436– 6344; access code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

Grace and Peace!

–M. Chambers

NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People #2210

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.” And we’ve been doing it since 1909.

Focus Areas: Federal Advocacy, Education, Economic Opportunity, Criminal Justice, Health, Environmental & Climate Justice.

NAACP 111th Annual Convention theme: “We Are Done Dying” Democracy wins! Democracy must work for all of us.

Donations to NAACP Empowerment Programs are tax deductible and for NAACP statements, go to NAACP.ORG. Special Election for 12th Council District to fill council vacancy will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Vote Early – avoid the lines from December 12 - December 20, at Truman High School, 750 Baychester Avenue (back of building).

COVID-19 has not gone away! What you do as an individual impacts all of us. We are all in this TOGETHER. Wear a mask, gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing.

Due to COVID-19 and at the request of the NAACP and Riverbay Corporation, we have not had gatherings of any kind (health & safety reasons) in Einstein C.C. room 36 since March 13. Riverbay Corporation has recently informed me that no one should be in the room for any reason until further notice. This latest information is disruptive to the branch in doing business with the NAACP National and NY State Conference offices.

Congratulations! Co-op City Branch Executive Committee Officers serving for the 2021-2022 term: President Ms. Leslie Peterson, Vice President Mr. Adeyemi Oloruntoba LaCrown, Secretary Ms. Brenda Brown, Assistant Secretary Ms. Terry Gavin, Treasurer Ms. Linda Drax-Werner, Assistant Treasurer Ms. Shioban Taylor.

Membership dues: New, renew or gift an annual membership go to NAACP.ORG. or send request for application using post office mailing address.

Annual dues: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10. Checks/money order made payable to: NAACP #2210 and mail to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station 75-3111, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. If it is your desire to make a financial contribution in any amount, it is most appreciative. Thank you for your continued support and for helping the NAACP advocate for a more just and equal America.

Important Branch Notice: The NAACP does not share or sell membership information with anyone for any reason. This branch has not now or not ever authorized or given permission to anyone to use or share members’ e-mails for personal use or political gain and the NAACP does not endorse political candidates.

The NAACP advocates, educates and informs – we do not endorse political candidates. To whom it may concern, cease and desist NOW! Season’s Greetings to all…Peace, Hope and Love…Be well and stay safe.

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18

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint –

Leslie Peterson

Commendable selfless commitment to the wellbeing of our community Happy Holidays to the Co-op City community. My hope for the New Year is that we will soon all be able to meet and greet each other and resume some of the awesome activities we have come to enjoy over the years. Continue to keep in your prayers the families, friends and members of our Riverbay Corporation family we have lost. It has been heartwarming to see the selflessness of many in our community, helping their neighbors and assisting in distributing masks and food.

Going forward, let’s commit to continue being more involved in the wellbeing of our community to ensure our quality of life, health and safety remains intact.

Over this past year, many have become more technically astute. Zoom meetings have become the way

most are meeting and fellowshipping not only here but in the world. Is this a way to get more participation? I don’t know but perhaps it may be something we should consider.

Sunday, December 20, 2020 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) is the last day for District 12 to vote EARLY! The Early Voting Site is: Truman High School, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Election Day is Tuesday, December 22, 2020; Polls are open from 6:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. To find your Election Day poll site, visit nyc.pollsitelocator.com or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC. Your absentee ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, December 22, 2020 and must reach the Board of Elections no more than seven (7) days after Election

Building 32 Association

Hello, Building 32 and fellow co-operators!

It’s good to be back. I haven’t posted an article since March! Just like everyone else, COVID-19 has seriously impacted my life, as I suspect it has directly impacted yours in some way. My wife and I both tested positive for the virus back in March. Suffering through “mild” cases, through the love of family, friends, God and luck, we saw our way through to the healthier side. We appreciate how fortunate we were not needing hospitalization, nor did we suffer any loss of work due to shutdowns. Meanwhile, others were not so lucky. Be mindful that many of our fellow co-operators lost jobs and dozens lost their lives. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

But we are the co-operators of Riverbay and by coming together, we will see our way through. The struggle is not over though. Just because you are over COVID does not mean COVID is over you.

So mask-up properly, wash your hands and social distance!

Now to some business…

This year’s holiday decorations will be at a minimum in the lobbies of Building 32, both A and B

sides. This is to prevent too many decorators from congregating in close proximity. So we won’t ask for volunteers this year. Although no tree or lights are going up this year, wreaths and holiday signs will, so be on the lookout.

In laundry room matters, please remember to pick up your dryer sheets from the tables and floors when you are done. These sheets are both litter and fire hazards.

Also, try not to leave boxes and packages in front of your door for too long a time. ‘Tis the season for porch pirates looking to snatch your stuff.

If you have a trusted next-door neighbor, ask them to pick up any packages left outside your door for you. And once you’re done with your box, if it is large, remember to bring it down to the basement and not the trash room.

With that said, I would like to wish Building 32, my fellow co-operators, and Riverbay Corporation a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanzaa!

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!

–Ezekiel Springer, Jr.

Building 27 Association

Hello, neighbors, we continue to wish you all to be safe and healthy and trust everyone is complying with the guidelines to wear our mask, be aware of social distancing at all times. Kids are back in school; let’s pray, keep our fingers crossed, that all will work out well, that learning will progress, and for continued safety and healthy well-being of the children, school staff, and all who are involved.

Happy Holidays to all We wish all to be well, safe, healthy and enjoy the holidays, but most of all, take care of you and those around you by wearing the mask, social distancing, and keep washing and sanitizing your hands.

Perhaps next year, we will all be better for it.

Building 27 Association The Board and the treasury of the association and our shareholders presented Holiday monetary gifts to the staffing personnel/postal clerk of our building.

May they all remain safe and healthy and enjoy the holidays. We will also miss our annual holiday party, let’s hope for next year! We really have been eating pretty well in the midst of this pandemic; thanks to Riverbay, our elected officials, the City and other organizations for which we are truly grateful.

12th District City Council Candidates’ Forum The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) of Co-op City presented a forum of the candidates by Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 12. Again, this civic meeting with our own community did not disappoint. We really have many talented people here in Co-op City. The Zoom set up was quite

impressive, each speaker’s name was highlighted as they spoke. It was 6 more or less candidates on the panel running to replace Andy King whose term as councilman ends in 2021. Ms. Leah Richardson was the moderator and did an outstanding job.

The chat box was very active with opinions and questions. To begin, our youth asked questions of the candidates. If one is able to pull up this forum, please do, it is too much good information shared with the candidates and the people to put in this article.

Early Voting – Special Election Early voting for Council member to replace Andy King began December 12 through December 20, at Truman High School. The hours are different for each day, so check Co-op Times or your red, white and blue pamphlets that came to you in the mail for the hours scheduled. The Election date is December 22nd from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating this month.

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

Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share information of illness, deceased or someone in a nursing home.

Pray for the world and the blessings over the vaccines, for the passing of this pandemic. Be prayerful, kind, thoughtful and thankful. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

–H. Overman

Day to be counted. Ballots may be hand-delivered to any Board of Elections office, Early Voting Site or Election Day Poll Site no later than 9 p.m. on Election Day, December 22, 2020. Don’t forget to sign, date and seal your Oath envelope. Be a part of the result you seek.

Vote and encourage others to do the same.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson I am pleased to be of service to the community. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com or by telephone at 718-320-1370.

Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment

A Holiday Season like no other The holiday season is thought to be a time for family gathering, having a wonderful time and sharing traditions. The media bombards us with advertisements of the perfect gift that would bring joy, happiness and expression of love. The commercials portray the season with people singing, dancing, fulfilled expectations, and a sense of happiness all around us. Usually, it is during the holiday season that anxiety and stress is on the rise.

However, anxiety and stress has intensified these last several months and holiday season due to the COVID pandemic. The home school child is barely managing to keep up their grades, missing their friends and longing to return back to their sport activities. The senior is missing that in-person visit and warm embrace. Essential workers are wondering how much longer they have to endure feeling helpless. The loss of family members, friends and co-workers. Parents losing their jobs and wondering how they are going to feed their family and pay their bills. It has been a challenging year for us all.

For family caregivers who may have lost a loved one, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger, or dread.

If you have lost a loved one, you might be wondering how to cope with your grief this holiday season. This may be the first holiday without your loved one. The holidays can be a painful reminder of our losses. It brings back memories and thoughts of the good times we spent with our loved one and that they are not here to spend it with us. While everyone else is looking forward to the holidays, you may find yourself dreading it. Be easy on yourself, especially if you recently lost a loved one. If you do not feel like celebrating, don’t!

Here are some tips to help you cope: Offer yourself some grace: The best thing you can do this holiday season is be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you are feeling. Don’t fall prey to the belief that you have to feel a certain way or do certain things for your holiday to be “normal.” If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam.

Reach out for help. You need people you can talk to about what you’re going through or a shoulder to cry on.

Sharing your feelings is the best way. If you find yourself without someone to talk to or would like professional help, consider NYCCP, 718-485-2100; NYWELL, 1-800682-9355; NYPROJECT Hope Support Hotline, 844863-9314.

Remember you will survive. As hard as it is for you right now, you will survive. You will make it through the holidays. It may be the most difficult season in your time of grief, but it will pass, and you will come out on the other side stronger.

You are not alone. We are here for you. Please contact us with questions and concerns, 718-379-3159.

–Diane Cooper

Velocity Track Club

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020 Velocity Track Club is truly blessed! After training since July for the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) XC (Cross Country) National Championship in Tallahassee, Florida, we were able to travel to Florida during the pandemic and returned with no one catching COVID 19! We followed the New York Travel Advisory Protocol (such travelers must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of three days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine). Both tests returned negative. God is good!

On Saturday, December 5, we had seven athletes compete in the AAU XC National Championship.

There were over 1,000 athletes from throughout the country present. The course was fast, and the meet was well organized. They ensured athletes and spectators wore face covering and took their temperature.

All athletes received AAU National T-shirts and bags.

Medals were awarded to the top 25 athletes in their event/gender. The following events were contested: 1k (1000 meters) for 6 years old; 2k (2000 meters) for 7 & 8 age divisions; 3k (3000 meters for 9 to 12 age divisions; 4k (4000 meters) for 13 & 14 age di-

Riverbay Holiday Tree Lighting

Some more photographic highlights from the Annual Riverbay Tree Lighting Celebration held last Thursday in the Bartow Mall. In addition to speakers from the Riverbay Board of Directors and Management as well as performances to spread Holiday cheer, the beautifully decorted grounds are a sight to behold.

Photos by A. Quiles

19

visions and 5k (5000 meters) for 15 – 18 age divisions. We were blessed with three Nationals medals. Pierce Parker took 23rd place. Bryce Hickman took 16th place and Romel Barrett took 20th. Kenese Irish Bramble, Kenia Irish Bramble, Rakae Thomas and Sania Grant all ran well and achieved National Rank! Seven of the Velocity at the AAU XC National Championship. best cross country youth athletes in the country!

For additional information, please go to our website, Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 nothundred percent of your donation will Velocitytrack.org, or contact me, Coach Winston for profit. One go towards helping our children. Support our youth, Dinkins, at 914-441-6196 or email watclt@aol.com. so they can continue to do great things! –Coach Winston Dinkins

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Director’s Viewpoint – Leah

Richardson

There is no place like home for the Holidays

In 2020, all of us are grieving in one or more ways. Some have “primary losses” – a loved one died, a business failed, a wage-earner was furloughed or laid off. These grieving people require sensitivity.

Even those without losses, though, are dealing with grief.

This holiday season is unlike any other, to cap off a year unlike any other. Throughout this season, and as we move into a new (and hopefully better) year, I wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends. The holidays can seem draining this year with all that is going on. This holiday can be difficult because we all miss our usual means of support, the comfort of gathering with friends and family, and worship services that are part of our traditions.

We have much to be grateful for, particularly our neighbors and the people who make this such a wonderful community. The holidays are the season for celebrating life with the people we love and reminding one another joyously that our lives are anchored in families and communities.

We are living through a time none of us will soon forget. Our nation, state counties, and community have never confronted a challenge like the outbreak of COVID19, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus. Our country has had to make tough decisions, none of these decisions have been easy, and all of them have been heartbreaking.

Community on the rise As we reflect on the year that has passed and approach a new year, ponder what we can do as a com-

Spanish-American Community Club

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well during this difficult time. The Spanish-American Community Club family is always in our thoughts.

We miss you all. All events will continue to be suspended until it is safe to restart again.

Please follow social distancing and mask guidelines. They save lives. Stay safe and stay healthy.

The club has received no information yet about when we will be able to use our club room again.

However, as soon as we are able to return, we will be conducting our long-postponed raffle for the TV and designer gift bag.

Lourdes Suarez would like to thank all those who made donations to Guatemala Hurricane relief. She is still accepting donations. If you are interested in making an individual donation, please contact Lourdes at (347) 224-4954 The Scholarship Fund is pleased to announce the two recipients of the Tony Mondesire Scholarship Award: Ms. Emelina Skye Delvalle and Ms. Stephanie Nicole Santiago.

While COVID-19 necessitated the cancellation of our activities, including our beloved Hispanic Heritage Celebration, it did not deter us from continuing the legacy of Tony Mondesire. We congratulate Emelina and Stephanie on being the recipients of this scholarship and wish them success for a bright future.

Lourdes Suarez and the Visitation Committee plan to present the Christmas gifts to the Bay Park Home residents on Friday, December 18, at noon. This will be the committee’s only visit.

Returning Members: The Board of Directors has decided to waive next year’s membership dues. Since we had no events this year, we will credit this year’s dues towards next year. In other words, existing members do not need to renew – your membership will be extended another year.

Our president, Rosaura Cruz, and the two Board directors warmly wish you and your family a very safe, happy and healthy Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

—Carmen Rodriguez

munity to continue to make a difference in our community; what changes do you personally plan to make in our community? Remember, it takes a village. I challenge my fellow shareholders to become more engaged with the community in the next year.

There is a direct correlation to the effectiveness of the Board and the community, and how involved you are in the activities and opportunities provided.

While there are always areas of improvement, I am proud we have improved in our services, infrastructure and we are financially stable. Although this has been a tough year, we maintained our resources and continued the work we were elected to do. We are always pleased to hear your suggestions or bring new ideas and programs to our community. Please feel free to contact me or any of the Board directors to discuss your ideas and any other issues you would like to bring to our attention.

The Board looks forward to your continuing support and encourages your active participation in our 2021 activities. We are so thankful to have every one of you.

National Council of Negro Women Co-op City Chapter – Successful Candidates Forum On behalf of The National Council of Negro Women Co-op City Section, we would like to thank all the candidates and the community for participating in the Candidates Forum for District 12. Community organizations, concerned citizens, and community leaders came to listen and support the candidates. As an organizer and moderator, I was delighted and impressed by the number of people who chose to attend. In such a pivotal election, it shows us that members of the public are interested to see what is important to those hoping to hold such an important position inside the District 12 communities over the next two years. These are issues that many are passionate about, and I thank you all. I thank all the candidates who participated in the Candidates Forum. All seven candidates were able to attend and answered questions with professionalism and respect.

The one message that resonated was that all the candidates are passionate about their communities and the district that they serve. The Candidates Forum was to present an opportunity for the candidates to be heard, to help the voters make more informed decisions.

Again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the candidates for taking the time to participate in the Forum and for the NCNW members who helped make the evening productive, informative, and successful.

Special Election for City Council 12 District Early voting ends Sunday, 12/20/2020, from 10 a.m.

– 4:00 p.m. Co-op City residents may vote at Truman High School located in Co-op City, Bronx, New York.

If you miss early voting, you may vote on December 22, 2020. Contact the NYC Board of Elections at 718-2999017 or visit their website at https://vote.nyc/ for your voting site. Please do not miss your opportunity to vote.

Safety during the Holiday Season “There is no place like home for the holidays,” the classic tune says, and indeed, as we navigate the winter holiday season in the COVID-19 era, according to experts, they insisted that staying home is the best and safest option. After months of isolation, economic anxiety, and pandemic fatigue, it is understandable that people are yearning for hugs from family members. The reality is hosting large parties, traveling, taking off masks, and not social distancing can have consequences that extend far outside of your circle; according to science, most COVID-19 cases may result from the asymptomatic or pre-systematic transmission. The good news: With some modifications, you can still make the most out of the “most wonderful time of the year.”

Closing I would like to wish each shareholder and their families the very warmest greetings and best wishes during the holiday season.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at lrichardson@riverbayboard.com.

Please be considerate and respectful of all members of our diverse community.

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

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

General information – The Traditional Synagogue located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message.

The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 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 don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can

take out the Torah.

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

Sabbath ends on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5:22 p.m.

Candle Lighting for Friday, Dec. 25, at 4:14 p.m.

Good and Welfare – We sell Tree Certificates, in honor or memory, of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue.

To All members – Happy Birthday to Shella Linder and all members who will celebrate their birthday in December. For all those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in December, please send me your names and I will add them to the list.

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

–Bruce Gitelson

Open Door Ministries

Co-op City Baptist Church

“Firm Foundations” Full sermon at opendoorministries.net

A sense of purpose does not come from work, marriage, or personal accomplishments. Building up people’s lives, raising a standard of doing right and honoring God is more rewarding and lasting than anything else we can do. Do good and leave the rest to God. A gentleman saw three men laying bricks. He approached the first and asked, “What are you doing?”

Annoyed, the first man answered, “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m laying bricks!” He walked over to the second bricklayer and asked the same question.

The second man responded, “Oh, I’m making a living.”

He asked the third bricklayer the same question, “What are you doing?” The third looked up, smiled and said, “I’m building a cathedral.” The third had a sense of purpose. (Theibert, 2009) We are all building for good or for evil. Our actions and reactions have consequences. We should measure ourselves and actions to see if our building is worthy of lasting for eternity.

1 Corinthians 3:10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

Jesus made it clear, without him all of our accomplishments amount to nothing. All of our religious work must bear his signature or it is not valid. All should be done in Jesus’ name.

Following Jesus is the same as obeying Jesus. Firm foundations are established when His word is our focus and compass. We will never go wrong when we live according to his principles.

Matthew 7:24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Contact Open Door Ministries by phone/text 917334-4407.

Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

Building 22 A&B Association Vaccine – FedEx has delivered the Pfizer vaccine to New York. Administering the first shot started on Monday, December 14, 2020, to nursing home, essential workers and front line workers. It’s important to take your flu shot for safety this month.

Christmas decorations – If you’re using a fresh Christmas tree this year, follow all safety rules, water, keep moist. Building and Grounds did a wonderful job decorating all sections. The tree lighting service was Thursday night, December 10, at Bartow shopping center. Take the family, it is beautiful.

Contribution – Thank you for your generous donations to the Maintenance staff.

Voting – Early voting started on Dec. 12-20, at Truman High School. Please bring your Fast Pass.

Election Day is Dec. 22, at your polling center. Absentee ballot must be requested, and mailed by Dec. 22, 2020.

Laundry room – We’re doing a good job, keep it up. Continue to follow the safety rule. Remember to return on time to remove your clothes.

Compactor rooms – are looking better. Fold down big boxes. Take non-recyclables to the Ash Cart room, wash out bottles and cans. Put newspapers and magazines on wooden shelf.

Happy holiday to all. Happy birthday to all. Sympathy to all who lost loved ones, prayers to the sick and shutins. If you see something, say something. Thank you.

–Betty Leak

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. for worship service on Zoom.

You can join us by Zoom video: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9623430102, or Zoom Telephone Conference Line, (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175#.

From the Pastor’s desk: On behalf of the Church Tomorrow, Sunday, Dec.20, at 9 a.m., the Sunday of New Vision, we wanted to take a moment to send School will present its annual Christmas Program. The a note to let you know we are thinking about you durmethod will be different, but the message is the same. ing this special time of the year. While many are foStudents representing their individual classes will bring cused on the pandemic and what might be the politus recitations focused on God’s greatest invitation ically correct thing to say or do in this wonderful holthrough His greatest Gift. Join them via the Free Coniday season, we remain focused on the “Christ” of Christmas. ference Call Line: 563 999 2090, Pin: #660065.

We know that it can be challenging to go through On Thursday, December 3, at 11:00 p.m., we will the holiday season without the opportunity to come hold our Watch Night service. Join us as we welcome out to services at the church to fellowship with one in the New Year in Worship and Praise using the another or even visit family. However, we want you sZoom information shown above. to know that God is with you at all times. He will Wednesday Bible Study is held at 1:00 p.m. To surely be your source of strength and comfort this join, use the Zoom information shown above. year as He has in years past. So, with that in mind, Thursday Prayer Warriors is held at noon. You we want to take this opportunity to thank God and can join using the Conference Call Line, 563-999pray that you and your family have a Blessed, Merry 2090, Pin: #660065.

Christmas, as we, as a church family, celebrate the Friday Noon Prayer is held at 12 p.m. You can birth of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of join us using the Conference Call Line shown above. Lords. As we look forward into the New Year 2021, Friday Evening Prayer Service is held at 7:30 our verse of the year is 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He p.m. You can join us using the Conference Call Line said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My shown above. Please note: Friday Evening Prayer strength is made perfect in weakness.” service is not held on the first Friday of the month.

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love Sunday School for adults is held on Sundays at of God, be with you all. Amen.

9:00 a.m. Use Conference Call Line shown above to Pastors Kenneth & Deborah Hodge welcome you join in. with the love of the Lord to join us on Sunday as we Sunday School for children and youth are held share the Word of God at 11 a.m. on YouTube; type as follows: in Kenneth Hodge. Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m.

Primaries (6-8 years old), 2:30 p.m., FCC: (701) via telephone conference line by calling 646-7699900, then enter access number 3099388. Once prayer 802-5451, PIN/ACCESS: 2788906 has begun, please MUTE your phone so all can hear Juniors (9-11years old), 3:30 p.m., ZOOM: (516) with clarity.

259-9274 (no access code required) Sunday, December 13, Worship Service theme: Young Teens (12-17 years old), 9:30 a.m., FCC: “Christmas Is About Christ Our Redeemer.”

(701) 802-5230, PIN/ACCESS: 3559529 Scripture: 1Peter 1:18-21 “Forasmuch as ye know Flu season is here, don’t forget to get your flu shot. that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as If you have not had Shingles, you should also consider silver and gold, from your vain conversation received getting the Shingles vaccine. by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and in your decisions. Don’t forget to wear a mask, practice without spot; Who verily was foreordained before the social distancing and stay safe! foundation of the world, but was manifest in these GOD will strengthen us as we travel through this last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, help in trouble. –Psalm 46:1 that your faith and hope might be in God.” Amen.

Belated Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the bereaved Happy New Year to the Co-op City community. families. May the love of God embrace, heal, The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify strengthen, comfort and give you peace.

God and to establish a living community of people Continue to practice social distancing, wash hands, who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through wear a mask and stay safe! Thanks for your contriworship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek butions, Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Church of to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Einstein Station, through ministry.

Bronx, NY 10475.

—Hattie L. Lucas –Brenda Brown

Church of New Vision

22

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Building 6 Association

Happy holidays to everyone.

I want to thank Anna Torres for helping me collect for the porters in the lobby this week.

Stay safe and wear your mask.

Please do not leave your boxes in the compactor room; take your boxes to the basement. Please clean up after your dog.

Pictured at left: Anna Torres and family with Santa.

Merry Christmas!

–Jeffrey Schwartz

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Here’s wishing all a happy, joyous and safe Merry Christmas. We know it will be a different celebration from past years…for some, it will be via Zoom or phone.

Just remember, however you get together, be safe and full of good cheer. This too shall pass.

Reminder: We are still waiting to hear from you. Take time out of your “busy” schedule and drop us a line (or two or three) on “How I’m Doing Through This LIFE Changing Time.” We would like to add your journey to this article to keep in touch. Email it to dreiserretirees@verizon.net. You can also mail it to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 19, Bronx, NY 10475.

Reminder-2: We are in the process of updating our Membership Roster. If you have a change of address or new telephone or cell phone number, please send it to Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, rm. 19, Bronx, NY 10475, Attention: Delores Debnam. Or, you can email us at dreiserretirees@verizon.net. Down the road, we are planning to be in touch via email.

Please contact Josephine Flowers, Good & Welfare coordinator, 718-320-0539, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Attention! The RETIREES need experienced part-time, freelance drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorsement with at least 3-year’s experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message.

–Delores Debnam

Public Safety

(Continued from page 7)

New York State, including New York City, have cracked down on Drunk Driving enforcement all year long. Drivers must be responsible and drive sober or make plans to find a safe way home. Drunk driving endangers everyone on the road.

Zero tolerance with strict enforcement saves lives and makes the roads safer for everyone. We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. No one’s holiday memories should be marred by a needless tragedy. If you plan to drink as part of your celebration, please do not drive. Having a plan to designate a sober driver or arrange a ride home could save a life.

The State Police supplemented regular patrols statewide during this crackdown with fixed sobriety checkpoints, an underage drinker initiative and the “Operation Hang Up” initiative, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on handheld devices. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

Acting State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said: “I commend our Troopers and our local law enforcement partners for the work they do each day to keep our roads safe. State Police will continue to be highly visible throughout the holiday season, looking out for reckless and aggressive drivers. We urge drivers to do their part by making the right choices when they get behind the wheel – drive sober, follow posted speed limits and put away your smart phones.”

Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information.

The Co-op City Department of Public Safety is asking cooperators to social distance and wear masks or face coverings whenever they leave their apartment.

Wearing a mask or face covering is especially important in the public areas of the buildings including the lobbies, hallways, elevators and laundry rooms. Wearing a mask is for your safety and the safety of your neighbors and family members.

People should avoid gathering in large groups. Hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer and not touching your face are other strategies to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Please follow the latest information provided by the CDC and the New York City Department of Health for the latest information and recommendations on health and safety during the Coronavirus pandemic. Be a good cooperator and be Co-op City Strong.

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING! 718-671-3050 Co-op City Public Safety

Goose Island Seniors

Merry Christmas to all believers of Jesus Christ. Happy Kwanzaa to all African Americans celebrating life.

Our Social Zoom Meeting went well. A few more members joined in than our first meeting. We are getting better at this. It was good seeing you and hearing those on the phones. We saw photos of a few members who passed away in the last few years and discussed the future of the Senior Citizens Social Club of Goose Island, Inc. Riverbay sent a notice stating that no member is to be seen in our club room 39. If we don’t comply, they will change the lock. We were told, for now, not to pay rent but the insurance, of over $1,000 due in July. You paid dues for 2020 and we had no activities since February. We would like to keep our members, so this year’s members will be issued membership cards for 2021 for free. We have just enough funds to get us through 2021. We got rid of cable but we are keeping the phone on. If you would like to donate $5, $10 or $15, it would be appreciated. Mail donations to 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bx, NY 10475. We will open again as soon as Riverbay gives us permission and it is safe to do so. The pandemic has gotten worse so we are not sure when that will be. Hopefully, 2021 will find a way. Until then, stay safe.

Words from the Goose Island president – Some people love power. If they had the means to control the whole world, they would. Suppose someone had the knowledge to develop a technology to implant in everyone’s blood stream to collect data to send to a central computer. Now comes the question, how does someone get it into everybody. They could create a virus that spreads throughout the whole world killing millions and scaring everyone else to run for a vaccine with the technology in it. Done. I hope that would never happen. It would be the end of the human race and free will.

To all members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of December: Jesus Christ, Janie Williams, Barbara Hines, Brenda Brown, Adelle Lawrence, Barbara Owens, Ada Snyder (deceased) and Sheila L. Linder.

Sick or shut-in – Barbara Hines had a fall. She is home and doing better. Keep her in your prayers. Mary Pilla (former Goose Island president), sends her love to all. Mary is in the Paramount at Somers Nursing Center. She will love to hear from you. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.

Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center; phone number: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed.

You may call or text Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net.

These are unusual times. All our lives are altered. On behalf of my officers and myself, stay safe.

–Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Building 13 Association

First and foremost, Building 13 Association, Inc. wishes everyone Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa.

We pray 2021 brings with it safe and peaceful new beginnings.

Our prayers also go out to all who lost a loved one during this past year, our hearts are with you.

Hey Building 13 family, join our Holiday festivities … Saturday, December 26, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. as we celebrate the upcoming New Year. We missed our “COOL SANTA” but we’ll toast in 2021.

Make sure to check the lobby bulletin board for sign-in information. If you are interested in joining future Building 13 meetings, make sure we have your e-mail address.

Sunday, December 20, 2020 is the last day for District 12 to vote EARLY! The Early Voting site is: Truman High School, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.

Election Day is Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 – Polls are open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Building 13 Election Day site is: St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 765 Co-op City Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10475. Voter entrance: right side of building next to parking lot.

Building 13 has provided masks for everyone in order to keep us all safe. Although we are being told there will be a vaccine available soon, it is recommended we still wear our masks. We will continue to provide them as best we can with the assistance of our famous “Three Masketeers,” always at your service.

Please make sure to continue complying with the recommended city and state safety guidelines as well as the Co-op City guidelines and wear a mask on the premises, socially distance and wash your hands often. Remember elevators should be occupied by no more than four (4) people and the laundry rooms, by no more than five (5) people.

Thank you to all who made donations in support of our staff. Throughout the pandemic, they have worked to continue to provide services to our building. Condolences to the family of Tony Alcide, the Maintenance Supervisor for Section 2, a kind and caring man who will be missed.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead Our website is www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building 13assoc@yahoo.com.

Contacts: Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at daddpeterson@aol.com or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801.

Thank you for supporting our team.

–Leslie Peterson

23

Einstein

Dreiser

(929) 399-1394

(718) 671-5161

(718) 320-1345

Mon., Dec. 21

No Activities

Body in Motion 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Exercise class via Zoom or phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

Arthritis Exercise class with Damion, every Tues., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9828183332 5?pwd=bERyOXIrZXlENWR4V2 RKU0NmdzAwdz09 Meeting ID: 982 8183 3325 Passcode: 582148 Mobile: +1-929-205-6099

Wed., Dec. 23

Bartow

Tues., Dec. 22

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Health and Wellness, 10 a.m.

-11 a.m., via Zoom or phone Zumba with Ola, 1 p.m. 2 p.m., via Zoom or phone Bereavement Hour 2:00 -3:00 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 25

Thu., Dec. 24

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

Arts with Laura, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. via Zoom and phone Must call or email to register: 929-399-1387

“Creative Hour with Sister Grace,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on how to make Floral Arrangements. Dial-in: 929-205-6099 Meeting code: 915-3777-954.

Email Ann for Zoom link, amoncrieffe@jasa.org

Chair Yoga w/Charles Tyler Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99565341173 1-646-876-9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 Passcode: 855423 Music Therapy, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zoom call-in #: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 935-5178-1563 Passcode: 045708 “Zumba w/Ola,” 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99231696108 Meeting ID: 992 3169 6108 Passcode: 503637 One Tap Mobile: 1-929-205-6099 Weight Management Support Group w/Gigi, 2nd Wed. of the month, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Conference call: 929-299-1045, Code: 1386

Game Day – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m. in collaboration with Ms. Margaret Computer learning Zoom Meet- Kempe and a group of her fellow stuing w/Ralph, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. dents (Pay it Forward Engineers) at https://zoom.usj/2959552471 Scarsdale High School. Virtual GAME ?pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy80V3pJ DAY, where different types of games will be played each week including N0hUVnVFZz09 Bingo. Please call 718-320-1345 to Meeting ID: 295955247; register for the class and to receive Passcode: 259554; Zoom information.

Dial in:1-929-205-6609 Meditation w/ Charles Tyler

Arts with Laura 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (via Zoom and Phone)

Health and Wellness 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (via Zoom or Phone)

Smartphone/Tablet Class w/Ralph 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Call Main Ofc., 718-320-2066 to register. Please give your telephone # & email address

Christmas Day Happy Holiday!

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Zoom Meeting link https://zoom.us/j/94868805136 Must call or email to register: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136 929-399-1387 Passcode 770292

Christmas Day Happy Holiday!

Christmas Day Happy Holiday!

For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 (Schedule subject to change without notice) Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

From President Mickens: FYI, as you shop during the holidays, remember to mention you are a member of AARP – some vendors give discounts.

If you suspect fraud, call the Fraud Protection Helpline or Watchdog Alerts. AARP is still working to protect our Social Security and Medicare. Keep in touch with each other, remember to continue to wash your hands, wear your face mask (including in the elevator and on public transportation) and maintain social distancing.

AARP Chapter #4997

Reminder: Consider becoming a member of AARP. Call 888-687-2277 (English) or 877-3422277 (Spanish). Then consider joining local Peachtree Chapter 4997 here in Co-op City. We are located in 177 Dreiser Loop, room 0, 2nd floor; 718-320-1946. We are closed at this time due to the virus.

Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator, Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed or one of our members

Upcoming Events JASA Co-op City NORC Program invites you for Upcoming Virtual Activities – December 2020 No Activities on Friday, December 25, Christmas Day. Happy Holiday!

Join Zoom Yoga Class w/Sierra available every Tuesday until Dec. 29, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98404647097?pwd=RXg2WCtqNzlEa0JLVWtWN3VWa1JPZz09.

Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 984 0464 7097, Passcode: 952022.

Every Wed., Tai Chi classes – 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5d2 4rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09.

Mobile: 929.205.6099, Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198, Password: 455576.

Zumba Classes on Saturdays, 1- 2 p.m.

Co-op City Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92928109097?pwd=Z1lwMHFNcD NRSGZZZ20vTmlZSmtLQT09.

Meeting ID: 929 2810 9097, Passcode: 374977; Mobile: 929.205.6099.

Bodies in Motion w/Ola – Sun., 1-2 p.m., Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98867100439?pwd=eVhjY3Jzb3FpNjdDOVRwbjYOUmFWdz09.

Dial in number: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 988 6710 0439, Passcode: 252733.

JASA Bartow and Einstein Senior Center will be offering a 7-week Chronic Pain Management Workshops on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., Dec. 22 & 29. This will be a virtual class via phone or video, TBA. Meditation Class – GPC, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Third Thursday of every month starting in January 2021. Dial in number: 929.299.1045, Passcode: 1386.

NEW: Computer learning Zoom Meeting w/Ralph, Wed., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. To register, please call the JASA office with your name, email address & phone number. https://zoom.us/j/93681329040?pwd=VGlHQWFRYWd3SHkwOEd6aXRmaFIvZz09.

Call in number: 929-205-6609, Meeting ID: 936 8132 9040, Passcode: 259554.

Light Housekeeping service is available w/Kris Agency. Housekeeping service is for 4 hours @ $15 an hour. If interested, call the JASA office, 718-3202066.

JASA Activities – If interested in knowing, we will email the information to you. Call 718-320-2066 and give us your email address.

Sex Education – 1-2 p.m., Jan. 21, 2021 https://zoom.us/j/94340275929?pwd=RjRZTVVlZUhDNjQ3MGVGU05ZUFFtUT09.

Meeting ID: 943 4027 5929, Passcode: 192010; Dialin number: 929-205-6099.

Bereavement Group Changes – Starting Jan. 2021, the bereavement group will be meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12-1 p.m.

NEW: Learning Technology Zoom Meeting – Every Wed., 1-2 p.m., includes smart phones and tablets, https://zoom.us/j/2959552471?pwd=aFl4Y1N5dlpyNy8 0V3pJN0hUVnVFZz09, Meeting ID: 295 955 2471, Passcode: 259554.

JASA Bartow and Einstein senior centers present “I have a Dream,” a MLK presentation, readings and tributes in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, 2-4 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96621378242?pwd=Q1hrUldLdzBxUUNGRnlxVXRwcnoyZz09, Meeting ID: 966 2137 8242, Passcode: 668219, Dial by phone: 929-205-6099.

who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

FYI: We are updating our mailing list. If you have a change of address, home phone number or cell phone number, please contact Jean: 718-3793742; Deborah: 718-379-6312.

Reminder: Our monthly Membership meeting, scheduled on the second Monday of each month, is cancelled until further notice. No word from Riverbay regarding the community center opening.

–Delores Debnam

24

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Cohen’s Gentle Dental 100 Alcott Place 718-585-4400 Bronx, NY 10475 COME IN AND EXPERIENCE NATURAL TOOTH RESTORATION & VENEERS PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. WE SPEAK ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

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4 IMPLANTS OVERDENTURE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES! 183 West 231 Street, Bronx, NY 10463 718-543-1123

Iglesia Evangelica MU de Co-op City

Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

Pentecostal Tabernacle

The Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle at 100 Co-op City Blvd., Bldg. 22A, Bronx, NY 10475 invites everyone to worship service.

Sunday Worship service begins at 11 a.m.

Prayer and fasting service will be held every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Regular prayer meeting and Bible study will also be held at 7:30 p.m.

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

All services are held online. Call 720740-9746, #, Access code: 8876631.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year when it comes, one filled with joy and contentment. Although this year’s celebration will be different, let us be encouraged, for this too will pass.

Focus: The power of the incorruptible Word of God is able to lead souls to a new experience and the eternal life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to His abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times.

For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. (1Peter 1: 3-5, 18-22) A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have loved one to another. (John 13: 34-35) In St. John, Chapter 13, Jesus speaks of love while experiencing betrayal which would lead him to the cross, where he suffers pain and insult from the ones he loved the most. Abandonment from his close disciples while his enemies close in on him, yet he was teaching them love and forgiveness.

One great example is 1John 3:16, Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. (I John 3:1) God loves us with an everlasting love; therefore, we should love one another.

For further information, call (718) 3240334 or (646) 345-6707.

–Rev. R. Sibblies

Community Protestant Church

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. During this dark season, Reverend Dr. Calvin E. Owens and the Community Protestant Church family continue to lift up in prayer our community, city, state, nation and the world, especially all those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our regular church schedule has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. However, our members and friends are invited to join us via the Telephone Conference Call Line at (712) 432-3900; at the prompt, enter access code 343284, followed by the # sign.

Church Schedule Sunday School is now in session via conference call every Sunday at 9 a.m.

For Youth Sunday School, call (712) 452-3900, access code 953697, followed by the # sign.

For Adult Sunday School, call (712) 432-3900, access code 343284, followed by the # sign Sunday Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. via Conference Call at (712) 4323900, access code: 343284, #.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC: On Wednesdays at noon, you are cordially invited to call in for Noon Day Prayer at CPC, an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise and Testimony.

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Please join us via the Conference Call number above.

Last Sunday, Pastor Owens’ text came from 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. …

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

His topic was “These are perilous times we are living in.” He recounted a litany of perils engulfing the world such as the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, earthquakes in unusual places, tornados, ravishing floods, violent storms, consuming fires, unlawful practices … But we, as Christians, need not despair or give up hope. God is moving in this land. We have nothing to fear because greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. We are anchored in Jesus and He will bring us through.

Christmas Tidings We wish you the joy of Christmas which is love; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; and the hope of Christmas which is the gift of Jesus, God’s beloved Son as we remember When Love Came Down “The world was blessed at Christmas with a miracle of love …

“A guiding star and angel choir rejoicing from above.

“They pointed to a tiny babe within a cattle stall – “A Saviour bringing peace on earth – the greatest gift of all.”

Reminder: Flu vaccine now available.

Be safe from Covid-19. Practice social distancing and wear your mask when you go out.

Pastor Owens and our church family pray that God will be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us; that His way may be known upon earth, and His saving health among all nations.

–Evan G. Mitchell

25

Co-op City United Methodist Church Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” –Psalm 91:9-1.1 UMCC is a Bible-centered congregation with spirit-filled worship and we offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and service to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, multicultural and bilingual congregation – All are welcome! We are changing with the times and now offer online service.

We are located at 2350 Palmer Avenue, across from Building 30 (entrance on Boller Ave.) Parking is available on Palmer Ave. Our pastor is Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. For more information about our services, please contact our administrative secretary, Marta Medina, by phone: 917-740-0256, or by email: coopcityevangelicalumc@gmail.com.

Remote Schedule for Sundays – Come and receive a blessing: We would love for you to join us on Sundays. We are currently sharing our services online through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UMCofCoopCity/.

We are also holding services via Zoom. For more information, visit our website at www.coopcityumc.com.

Temple door is currently closed until February.

Zoom Service: Sun., 11 a.m., Bilingual Tues., 12 p.m. (Spanish) and 7 p.m. (English). Pray and Reflection Service Fri., 8 p.m. (English), 4.12 Youth Services Sunday School, 8 a.m. (English) Food Pantry: The Food Pantry distribution center at our church serves Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of food are on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those registering must present one of the following government-issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age can register. Only one participant per household may register.

–Marta Medina

Newsong Church

Jesus is our High Priest 10 When they [the wise men] saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. –Matthew 2:10-11-NLT Why did the wise men bring frankincense to Jesus? It does seem like a strange gift to give to a young child, yet when we look at what it was used for, we can see how it would come in handy. Frankincense was used for many things including as an anti-inflammatory, to help with digestion, and even eased the symptoms of bronchitis and asthma. It was a very expensive, very practical gift.

When we look at the scriptures, we see that frankincense was used for priests and by priests. Priests were anointed with oil mixed with frankincense when they were ordained into service. Frankincense was also used by the priests in different offerings given to God as an act of worship. By giving Jesus the gift of frankincense, it was a foreshadowing of another one of the roles that Jesus would fulfill…the role of High Priest.

The priest served as a representative of the people before God. They had two primary jobs. They offered up sacrifices for the people, and they prayed for the people. Jesus is called our “Great High Priest” eleven times in the book of Hebrews. Once a year, the high priest would be required to make a sacrifice for the sins of the people on the day of atonement. The priest would have to get an innocent animal without any defects, and pour out its blood on the mercy seat. This would symbolize the death of an innocent one in the place of the guilty ones, and the blood temporarily paid the price for their sins.

Because this was only a covering over of the sins of the people, it had to be repeated by the high priest year after year.

The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to say that Jesus’ priesthood is much better than the Old Testament priesthood of Aaron. (Hebrews 7:17) When Jesus died on the cross, He acted as our High Priest by offering Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. His sacrifice is permanent, and doesn’t just cover over our sin, but removes it completely! Now He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. This means that we have a representative before God the Father in heaven. (Hebrews 7:24-25) Have you ever had someone tell you that they were praying for you, and you were like thank you so much! Jesus Himself is praying for you as your High Priest! Whatever you’re going through right now, Jesus, your High Priest, understands how that feels, and He’s interceding for you! Will you trust Him with all of your heart today? Call out to your Great High Priest, He’s ready to help you!

–Pastor Mike Tolone

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

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

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

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

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020

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Co-op City Times / December 19, 2020