Vol. 55 No. 25 Saturday, June 20, 2020 $1.25 Board defers ... · • Perform general upkeep of...

Vol. 55 No. 25 Saturday, June 20, 2020 $1.25

Linda BerkPresident

President’s Message

Proactive steps to benefitshareholders

At this week’s Board meeting, the Board had twovery interesting resolutions to consider. The first, wasan emergency resolution to defer the implementationof second stage carrying charge increase. Due to thepandemic and the economic circumstances of manypeople today, delaying the carrying charge increase isnot just reasonable and timely, but something that wecan offer all shareholders.

(Continued on page 2)

BY ROZAAN BOONEThe Riverbay Board of Directors has voted to postpone implementation of the

final of two 1.9% carrying charge increases approved by the Board in April 2019and scheduled to go into effect September 1, 2020, citing financial hardships ex-perienced by shareholders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new im-plementation date is January 1, 2021.The first 1.9% carrying charge increase went into effect on September 1, 2019. Meeting virtually on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, Board members discussed the

upcoming carrying charge increase and the health and economic impact that manyshareholders are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic before voting onemergency resolution 20-23, introduced by Board Treasurer Sonia Feliciano and

Board defers Sept. 1, 2020carrying charge increase

to January 2021

Applications will be accepted from Saturday, June20, through Friday, June 26, 2020. Positions are lim-ited!Applicants will have their names placed in a ran-

dom drawing. The drawing will be held on Monday,June 29, and notifications will be made by June 30.All applicants will need to provide a current re-sume, email address and phone number for noti-fication purposes. Send this information [email protected] and note “SUMMERGROUNDS” in the subject line.Duties will include: • Perform general upkeep of sidewalks, driveways,

parking lots, fountains, planters, or other grounds featuresincluding sweeping, raking, pulling up weeds and debrisas well as gathering and removal of trash and litter• Water, mulch, aerate, de-weed, remove thatch, trim

or edge around flower beds, walks, or walls• Dig up soil to plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, and other

plantsAll work is performed outdoors, rain

or shine. Applicant must be able to liftat least 50 lbs. and be able to stoop,bend and stand for extended periodsof time. Applicants will be providedface mask and gloves and other PPEas needed, and will be required to adhere to all safetyguidelines required by Management.Rate of Pay: $15 per hourPeriod of Assignment: July 6 – August 21, 2020Weekly Work Schedule: Monday-Friday/40-hour

work weekOnly Co-op City residents are eligible

for consideration.

Primary Day, Tuesday, June 23, 2020; Polls open 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.Vote early at Truman High School – today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We wish all Co-op Cityfathers, grandfathers,and father-figures ahappy and blessed Father’s Day 2020.


Summer Grounds positions available at RiverbayOpen to Co-op City youth, ages 16 to 22

BY ROZAAN BOONETheNYCDepartment of Health (DOH) held a vir-

tual townhall meeting with the residents of Building24 onThursday evening, June 18, 2020 after advisingRiverbayManagement late last week of two reportedcases of Legionnaires’Disease in the building betweenJune 2019 and June 2020.RiverbayCorporation isworking closelywithDOH

to conduct water sampling tests to determine if thesource of the contamination is in the building’s water

BY TORIEA McCAUSELANDLong-timeRiverbay em-

ployee,Arthur Taylor, wasappointed the new assistantdirector of Janitorial Serv-ices last week.Mr. Taylor held several

positions of increasing re-sponsibility in thedepartmentthroughout theyears.Hegothis startwith the corporation

BY BRANDON ORTIZNewYorkCity has reached expectations and Phase

2 reopenings start Monday, June 22, 2020.Aweek after beginning Phase 1 of reopening, the

city looks ahead to the reopening ofmanymore busi-nesses under the Phase 2 guidelines. Governor Cuomoannounced yesterday that after review of the data,New York City can begin Phase 2 on Monday. Thegovernor said: “Over the past three months, we havedone the impossible. We are controlling the virus

Arthur Taylor promotedto assistant director of

Janitorial services

New York City entersPhase 2 of

reopening Monday

(Continued on page 4) (Continued on page 4)

Two cases of Legionnaires’in Building 24 in last year

DOH holds virtual townhallwith building residents

(Continued on page 2) Arthur Taylor

Deferment (Continued from page 1)

The second is the installation of electric chargingstations in our garages. This is a benefit that can be pro-vided to all shareholders who drive and Management’sresearch shows many will be interested in using. Before I get into the details of our resolutions, I am

happy that Management announced Co-op City willhave our own walk-in COVID-19 testing site in Dreisershopping center. The anticipated date is first or sec-ond week in July. The site will be manned by the Cityof New York and all tests will be free!

Delay of carrying charge increaseAs Treasurer Sonia Feliciano was reviewing our

annual Financials for her Treasurer’s Report for theRiverbay Corporation’s Annual Meeting, she realizedwe may be able to hold off on our upcoming carryingcharge increase. In turn, I asked Bob Klehammer tomake the request of HCR and the mortgage entitiesfor permission to do so. This was necessary becauseour two-year budget had already gone through a pub-lic hearing, HCR review and approval. HCR’s responsewas positive, and they agreed they would approve itonce the Board approved a resolution. So, of course,we prepared an emergency resolution to move quickly.To that end, Sonia and I presented a resolution to

the Board that was approved this past Wednesday, June17. We now await a final written approval from HCR.We thought this was not only timely, but an appro-priate way of providing some relief to shareholders.If HCR approves our resolution, the upcoming car-rying charge increase will be delayed from Septem-ber 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021.

Electric charging stationsThe Garage department surveyed shareholders as

they registered the new entry systems for the garageslast year; over 11,000 shareholders responded. The inter-

est in electrical vehicle charging systems (referred toas EV chargers) was expressed by over 3,000 share-holders with garage spaces. This initiative is part of theoverall movement of our housing complex into the 21stCentury. It is just a small start that will have room forgrowth as more shareholders decide to buy electric cars.This is a beneficial and proactive step for share-

holders, and the Board agreed to give very thoughtful,deliberate, and fact-based consideration. Our directorof Parking, Danielle O’Connor, spent a year research-ing and contacting at least seven different companiesfor an option that would work for Riverbay. Her researchis extremely helpful as the Board analyzes our options.As it stands, the EV charging stations will not cost thecorporation. We will sell the vendor providing the charg-ers electricity and they, in turn, will give our share-holders a discounted cost for the charge. As our Financedirector, Peter Merola, prepares the financial analysisof several models for our contract, I am very excitedwe will be able to offer this new and forward-thinkingtechnology to our community. The Board should bemaking our decision on the EV charges soon.

Summer is here!Summer is here and, unfortunately, we are still lim-

ited in our normal summer activities. However, out-doors is best for protecting people and we can nowmove outside with appropriate social distancing. Pleasecontinue to protect yourself, we cannot relax with thisvery serious health issue. Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers in

our community!Stay safe and be well.I am always interested in your thoughts and ideas. I

can be reached at, Riverbay Board, 2049 Bartow Avenue,Bronx, NY 10475 or [email protected].

2 Co-op City Times / June 20 , 2020

President’s Report (Continued from page 1)

Riverbay Fund’s CommunityNeeds Assessment Survey

If you haven’t yet completed the Riverbay Fund’sCommunity Needs Assessment Survey to weigh in onthe types of programs and services that would bestserve you and your family, there’s still time. Visithttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RiverbayFund2020.

seconded by Riverbay Board President Linda Berkand Director Leah Richardson.Previously, on April 3, 2019, Board directors approved

Resolution 19-10 and Management’s proposed 2-yearbudget for the Riverbay Corporation for fiscal years2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The budget required twoincreases of 1.9% each to be implemented on July 1,2019 and July 1, 2020 to maintain a balanced budgetthrough March 31, 2021 – the end of the 2020/2021 fis-cal year. In August 2019, the Commissioner of the stateDivision of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)reviewed and approved Riverbay’s budget and issueda carrying charge increase order authorizing the twoincreases in the amount of 1.9% each for September 1,2019 and the other for September 1, 2020. The first increase went into effect last September,

however, with NY on PAUSE since March 22, 2020by gubernatorial executive order to help flatten thecurve of the coronavirus, and the financial hardshipmany families have been expseriencing, some whowere furloughed and/or dismissed from their jobs, andthose whose health has been impacted by the virus,the Board revisited the issue of the upcoming increaseto help lessen financial stress on shareholders andtheir families. The Board also took into consideration that River-

bay’s expenditures have decreased since the begin-ning of the pandemic. The Riverbay Board and Man-agement then successfully petitioned the Deputy HCRCommissioner for deferment of the second 1.9% car-rying charge increase to January 1, 2021. Among the Board directors who voted in favor of

Resolution 20-23 are Linda Berk, Bernie Cylich, SoniaFeliciano, Cheryl Jenkins, Francine Reva Jones, KevinLambright, Andrea Leslie, Michelle Marbury, MaryPearson, Leslie Peterson, Leah Richardson, BishopAngelo Rosario, Claudia Sampson and Rod Saunders.There was one abstention by Director Daryl Johnson. Legionnaires’ (Continued from page 1)

supply. Until the results of those tests are known, DOHadvises Building 24 residents to take precautionarymeasures, especially those who may be at risk forLegionnaires’ Disease.A Health department flyer distributed under the

door of each Building 24 shareholder on Wednesdayoutlined these precutions.“The safety of the residents is of the utmost impor-

tance to us,” said Bob Klehammer, Riverbay’s Exec-utive General Manager. “Together with our consult-ant, Dr. Janice Stout, one of the leading legionellaexperts in the country, Management is working coop-eratively with DOH to test the building’s water sup-ply to ensure it is not the cause of these two cases.”DOH scheduled Thursday’s virtual tele-conference

to meet directly with the building’s shareholders toprovide information about the testing being conductedto help determine if the building’s water is the sourceof the disease. Shareholders in Building 24 were giventhe teleconference and ID numbers to join the call withhealth officials and Riverbay Management. At this time, DOH has ruled out the Power Plant’s

cooling towers as the source of the two current casesin Building 24, according to Management. Riverbayemploys professional water treatment companies totreat the water system and to perform regular tests,including for legionella bacteria. In addition, severalyears ago, the Power Plant implemented strict testingprotocols for the cooling towers which include monthlytesting of the water and periodic inspections by DOHstaff. According to the DOH website, building owners

such as Riverbay Corporation, are required to regis-ter their cooling towers with the city. They must alsoconduct legionella sampling and compliance inspec-tions every 90 days and perform routine monitoringand maintenance whenever the cooling tower is oper-

ational, for example in the summer months when airconditioning is provided to residents. DOH officialsconduct routine inspections to ensure compliance. In2015, following a widespread outbreak of Legion-naires’ Disease in the south and east Bronx that infected138 people and killed 16, the city implemented stiffpenalties for owners who do not comply with main-tenance regulations. Nevertheless, city officials warnedthen even though the penalties may help combat futureoutbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease, the number ofcases will never be zero because the legionella bacte-ria is commonly found in the environment. Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia caused

by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium (germ).According to health officials, Legionnaires’ Diseaseis not contagious. It is a water-borne disease and it ishighly diagnosable and treatable with antibiotics,although there is no vaccine or medicine to preventthe disease. Symptoms are pneumonia or flu-like and include

fever, chills, cough and/or difficulty breathing, espe-cially if you are older, a smoker, immunocompromisedor have chronic lung disease. The DOH stresses thatanyone with pneumonia-like symptoms should seekmedical attention immediately and be sure to let theirhealth care provider know that they may have beenexposed to Legionella. It can take anywhere from 2-10 days from expo-

sure for symptoms to manifest. Health officials reported that the risk of getting sick

from the building’s water supply is very low. Theyalso emphasize that the water in Co-op City is safe todrink, cook and bathe with. Anyone with further questions, may contact the

DOH Community Affairs Unit at (347) 396-4161. Youmay also visit nyc.gov/health/legionnaires for updatedinformation on Legionnaires’ Disease.

If you have not yet completed the 2020 Census, do so TODAY and drop it in the mail. You can also visit my2020Census.gov, or call 1-844-330-2020 to fill it out with a Census rep.

Co-op City Times / June 20, 2020 3

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Free Covid-19 antibodytesting was available atCommunity ProtestantChurch during the weekof June 12-18. Throughcollaboration and part-nership with NYS SpeakerCarl Heastie and North-well Health Care, thisvaluable test ing forCOVID antibodies wasfree to anyone who pre-registered. CommunityProtestant Church is pa-stored by Rev. Dr. CalvinE. Owens, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Owens said heis proud and happy toopen the doors of thechurch during the govern-mental shut down in or-der to bring such a valu-able service to the com-munity. By the end of thetesting period, over 200men, women and fami-lies successfully availedthemselves of the service.Deaconess Helen Atkinsand Church AdministratorSerita Tidball coordinatedthe event.

Photos by Lauretta Jaysura

COVID Antibody testing atCommunity Protestant tallied

over 200 visits

Congratulations, graduates!

We would like to congratulate our Kindergartener, Kelly, and 5thgrader, Ryan, on being 2020 graduates. They were doing greatin school and kept up the good work during remote learning aswell. We love you and God bless. –Mom (Ruby Cruz)

NYS Sen. Jamaal Bailey, along withCongressman Eliot Engel, BronxBorough President Ruben Diaz Jr.,Assemblyman Michael Benedetto,Assemblyman Carl Heastie, andCouncilman Andy King distributefood to residents on Sunday, June14, on the Section 1 Greenway.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Free Food Distribution

On Thursday, June 18, Agatha House Foundation, in partnership with Riverbay Corporation,presented a food distribution, open to all, that took place near the basketball courts inSection Five. Volunteers, as well as members of the foundation, gave out pantry items andfresh vegetables to residents. Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Agatha House Food Pantry

While community centers remain closeddue to Coronavirus mandates, the River-bay Corporation is taking this time torenovate centers around the community,starting with the Bartow Center. TheBartow Center will soon have a newlook, as hallways and doors are beingrepainted, along with updates on sig-nage and other upgrades. Other centerswill follow, although there’s no sched-uled timeframe on the completion ofthe project yet. However, once renova-tions are complete, the community cen-ters will have a “more polished look.”

Photos by Toriea McCauseland

Bartow Community Center Renovations

BY BRANDON ORTIZ Advancing closer to completely reopening does not

also mean an abandonment of the recommendations fromimmunologists and health experts who have, so far, helpedslow the spread of COVID-19. In the spirit of keeping Americans vigilant and cau-

tious going forward, the CDC issued new recommenda-tions for those who decide to go out. While the previousmessages of diligent hand washing and social distancingstill apply, there is now even more of an emphasis on wear-ing face masks while in public. The recommendations are designed to slow the spread

of the virus but are not absolute preventative measures.Updates to the recommendations come as various partsof the US have already reopened entirely or are in theprocess of doing so. “I know that people are eager to return to normal activ-ities and ways of life,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfieldsaid during a call with reporters last week, which was alsothe agency’s first general press briefing on the virus sinceMarch 9. “However, it’s important that we remember thesituation is unprecedented, and the pandemic has notended.”Below is guidance from the CDC to stay safe and min-

imize possible exposure:Are you going out to run essential errands? (grocery

store, shopping, etc.) * Bring a cloth face covering, tissues, and hand sani-

tizer with at least 60% alcohol.* Practice social distancing. * Considering curbside pick-up or delivery at home

options for grocery shopping.*Disinfect shopping carts with a wipe. *Avoid touching eyes, face, or mouth. * If possible, consider using contactless payment, how-

ever, if not an option, use hand sanitizer after touching akeypad or exchanging money.

*After receiving mail from a post office or mailbox,wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand san-itizer with at least 60% alcohol.

* If possible, wipe down any gas handles or buttonsbefore refueling your car. If that is not an option, use handsanitizer after filling up.

* Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after usingATMs.Are you going out to dine at a restaurant or small social

gathering?* Bring a cloth face covering, tissues, and hand sani-

tizer with at least 60% alcohol.* Refer to the restaurant’s website or social media to

confirm they have updated COVID-19 safety guidelinesand workers are wearing masks.

* Maintain social distancing in entryways and waitingareas.

* Sit at tables spaced six feet apart. * Before using restrooms check to make sure there is

soap and water available. * Host gatherings outside, if possible, or a well-venti-

lated room.* Limit the number of people handling and serving

food. *Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. These guidelines do not erase the possible risk of exposure

to COVID-19 entirely but should be taken seriously as there isno current vaccine for the virus. For more information, visitcdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov /index.html to learn more.

4 Co-op City Times / June 20, 2020

in 2002 as a supervisor, and since then, has continuesto climb the professional ladder. For 18 years, Mr. Taylor has worked for the River-

bay Corporation, around different sections of the com-munity. In 2011, he became lead supervisor, oversee-ing the Peartree sanitation facility in Co-op City. Accord-ing to Mr. Taylor, he interacted with building porters—sometimes collaborating with buildings when prob-lems arise throughout the neighborhood, including floodand fire emergencies. As the new assistant director of Janitorial Services,

Mr. Taylor will assist the current department director,Joshua Blake. Mr. Taylor told the Co-op City Timesthis week, “I respect Mr. Blake for his foresight of thefuture for the Janitorial department.”Joshua Blake, director of Janitorial Services, said:

“Mr. Taylor’s qualities and the proactive approach becameevident to all of us. He is truly an asset to our team.Through his skills, hard work and dedication, he earnedthis promotion. His addition to my team will only

enhance the customer service vision I have for the Jan-itorial Services department as we move forward in serv-ing shareholders.” Mr. Taylor will work directly with Janitorial super-

visors, keeping them updated on policies and proce-dures, among other essential tasks.Mr. Taylor said: “I do appreciate the opportunity. I

see so much goodness involved; things have changedso much. It’s a pleasure to see the change that we’rehaving here.”In terms of his plans in his new role, Mr. Taylor said,

“My goal is to really get the supervisors informed onup-to-date strategies, work more efficiently and getmore work done in less time – while doing it all safely.”Appreciative of his new opportunity, Mr. Taylor said:

“I will do my best as assistant director of Janitorial Serv-ices, follow procedures, and see that the departmentmoves forward. We’re a strong department that takescare of the community because we owe them that. That’swhat we’re here to do!”

Taylor (Continued from page 1)

better than any state of the country, any nation in the globe. I am so incredibly proud of what we all did togetherand as a community. We reopened the economy and we saved lives – because it was never a choice betweenone or the other. It was always right to do both.” Under Phase 2, the places allowed to reopen are: offices, outdoor dining, places of worship (limited to only a 25 per-

cent capacity), storefront retailers, businesses in the professional services, finance and insurance, administrative support,real-estate and rental-leasing industries, salons, barber shops and car dealerships. Notably, each business will have tocomply with the mandate that buildings exceed no more than a 50% capacity which will mean restaurants, stores andoffices alike will have to redesign the workplace to incorporate the six-feet apart rule. Additionally, Mayor Bill de Bla-sio said on Thursday during a press conference that playgrounds will open under Phase 2. The city expects to accommodate the influx of restaurants needing outdoor seating by opening city streets and

simultaneously taking advantage of a measure Mayor de Blasio passed last month which opened up an additional12 miles of open streets. According to Mayor de Blasio, the additional space on the sidewalks will be availablethrough October while the extra street space will continue through Labor Day. “We have to save this industry. It is quintessential to New York City. It’s the heart and soul of who we are. Look

across the communities of this city, the neighborhoods. So many of the restaurants reflect our culture, our human-ity, our creativity,” the Mayor said. “This is the identity of New York City.”As of this week, the data found that 618 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in New York State, which is a

stark contrast from the more than 10,000 new cases being reported during the virus peak in April. Restaurant owners can visit nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ pedestrians/openrestaurants to apply to have outdoor seat-

ing for their restaurant come Monday. Any businesses with questions about reopening should contact the Depart-ment of Small Business Services by visiting nyc.gov/business or calling 8884-SBS-4NYC.

Phase 2 (Continued from page 1)

CCPD makes arrest in fire standpipe cap theftsBY TORIEA McCAUSELANDOn the morning of Friday, June 19, at around 9:30 a.m., detectives from Co-op City’s Public Safety

Department arrested a 39-year-old male, who is also a resident in the community, in connection with thethefts of building fire standpipe caps.Thefts of fire standpipe caps in several buildings throughout the community increased in recent weeks

and CCPD had been investigating in order to catch the perpetrator(s). “The CCPD detective squad spent numerous hours reviewing surveillance footage regarding these inci-dents. …putting together an operation to apprehend the individual in question, in the act,” said CCPDdetective Lt. Anthony Warner.According to CCPD detectives, the male was captured in a building around Bellamy Loop with the

stolen standpipe caps in his possession. “The resident will be charged with multiple counts of burglary, possession of the stolen property, crim-inal trespass. In addition, multiple community complaints will be issued to his residence, including evic-tion proceedings,” said Lt. Warner.

CDC issues newrecommendations for

going outside


Black Lives C.R.E.A.T.E. Peaceful Protest Rally

On Sunday, June 14, Co-op City residents SierraPolite, Doran Myrie and Brianna Myrie hosted theevent co-sponsored by the Riverbay Corporation,NYS Sen. Jamaal Bailey, Congressman Eliot Engel,Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assembly-man Michael Benedetto and Councilman Andy King.The rally featured guest speakers, live music, andspecial performances.

Photos by Toriea McCauseland and Yolanda Ramirez

Co-op City TimesCo-op City’s official newspaperserving the world’s largestcooperative community.(718) 320-3300, ext. [email protected]

Rozaan BooneEditor-in-Chief

Toriea McCauselandJunior Associate Editor

Jennifer PiovanettiOperations Manager

Ralph HenriquezProduction Manager

John CrowNew Media Producer

The Co-op City Timeswelcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be con-sidered for publication. All letters, in prose,not poetry, must be addressed to the editor,not to third parties. All letters must besigned by the writers and include theiraddresses and phone numbers, which willbe kept confidential, so that the editorcan verify the authenticity of the authors.Writers will be limited to one letter

per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not

be accepted for publication. Letters cannotexceed 350 words. Ideally, they should betyped. All letters must be in the Co-op CityTimesoffice in Room 21, Bartow Commu-nity Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be con-sidered for publication in that week’s edi-tion. Views and opinions expressed in let-ters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solelythe writer’s, and not necessarily sharedby the Co-op City Timesor Riverbay Corp.Advertisements and classified adver-

tisements in the Co-op City Times do notnecessarily reflect an endorsement fromRiverbay Corp. of goods and services,but present greater options to coopera-tors of products and services available.The Riverbay Corporation does not

assume any responsibility nor is it a partyto any contract or agreement betweenthe cooperator and the vendor.All matter published herein is copy-

righted by the Co-op City Times. Permis-sion for reprints of advertising or edito-rial contents produced by the Co-op CityTimesmust be obtained in writing fromRiverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave.,Bronx, New York 10475.

If the Co-op City TimesWas Not Delivered:

Call 347-439-5632 on Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.


Please Note: Articles for Co-op City building associations, clubs, churches and

organizations are due on Monday by 5 p.m.

Email your articles to [email protected].

BY AVERIL JAMES-BONNETTE,ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,FINANCE DEPARTMENTThe annual income affidavit process for

Co-op City residents is currently underway.The Income Affidavit and related instruc-tions were mailed last week to all cooper-ators required to file (excluded are new res-idents who moved into Co-op City afterMarch 31, 2020, and those cooperators onthe Section 8 Program).In response to certain concerns raised

regarding the income affidavit require-ment and the spread of the novel coron-avirus (COVID-19), HCR has extendedthe deadline for the income affidavitprocess to July 31, 2020. This year’sincomeaffidavits doNOTneed tobenota-rized. Signed affidavits without notaryacknowledgement are acceptable. New sur-charges will be imposed effective Oct. 01,2020 based upon data taken from your 2019Income Affidavit form. Please note that it isessential that every cooperator submit their2019 Income Affidavit in a timely manner.If you filed an application for extension inlieu of a 2019 NYS Tax Return, you are stillrequired to submit your affidavit by July 31,2020. Please estimate your income and iden-tify as “Estimated Income.” File an amendedaffidavit once you have filed your tax returnor you will be subject to the maximum 50%surcharge. Also, please note that Riverbaymust be notified in writing with a copy ofthe extension form.In cases where there are two share-

holders of an apartment and if one of theshareholders has permanently vacatedthe apartment, it is important that theremaining shareholder submit documen-tation to Riverbay Corporation as towhere the vacating shareholder currently resides. Accept-able documentation could be: (1) driver’s license withcurrent address, (2) copy of the apartment lease, (3)utility bill with current address. If this documentationis not submitted with the Income Affidavit, the incomeaffidavit will be returned as incomplete and a 50% sur-charge will be assessed each month until the documen-tation is submitted. The shareholder will be liable for allsurcharges assessed, no credits will be issued for sur-charges already assessed.Failure to complete and return the Income Affidavit form

in a timely manner will result in the maximum surcharge of

50% of your basic carrying charges. You would then berequired to pay the 50% surcharge for each month, throughthe end of the month you finally filed. In no event will creditbe given for excess surcharges already assessed as a resultof failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file theIncome Affidavit on a timely basis. The instructions beingmailed with the Income Affidavit form include a cover letterand worksheet which will assist the cooperator in determiningwhether they are subject to a carrying charge surcharge.Cooperators are advised to read the material very carefully.As required by State law, copies of Income Affidavit

forms will be submitted to the state for verification of incomeagainst filed tax return. Cooperators are cautioned, therefore,to make sure that the data provided come from their NYState tax return. This year, there will be no all-day sessions to assist coop-

erators in filling out their Income Affidavit forms. In addition, because of the coronavirus outbreak, share-

holders will be required to drop off their completed incomeaffidavits and insurance declarations in the carrying chargeboxes. Please put in an envelope and clearly mark ‘2019INCOME AFFIDAVIT’ on the outside of the envelope. Income affidavits can also be submitted by mail to the

following address:RIVERBAY CORPORATION, FINANCE DEPART-

MENT - ATTENTION: 2019 INCOME AFFIDAVIT, 2049Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475.Enclosedwith the annual income affidavit packet is a letter

from the Riverbay Risk Management department regardingthe submission of co-op insurance declaration page or certifiedletter from your insurance broker or company showing thatyou have the required insurance coverage on your apartment.Please note that the insurance documentation must be

submitted along with your annual income affidavit by nolater than July 31, 2020 to avoid the assessment of $150Community Complaint fine. Any questions regarding theinsurance documentation should be addressed to the RiskManagement department at (718) 320-3300, ext. 3388.

Annual Income Affidavits Notice

BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLOAs we enter the second half of the year

2020, the Co-op City Department of PublicSafety would like to take this opportunityto wish everyone good health and safety forthe rest of the year. The year 2020 has pre-sented the world with a new set of challengeswhich required adaptations and accommoda-tions to our daily schedules. It is also a good

opportunity to make readers aware of the goalsthis “Public Safety Report” within the Co-op City

Times strives to achieve. The Public Safety Reporthas been written by Lieutenant Pam (Ruiz) Apollo

since April of 2007. Many of my avid fans have taken time to send a letter,

an e-mail or let us know in person or by phone that they like the articles.Continued feedback on what you would like to see in future articles isalways welcomed. As the Co-op City Department of Public Safety encour-ages residents to call if they see something suspicious, an open dialogfor relevant topics is also welcomed. Many of the topics have been sug-gested by readers who feel their neighbors can benefit by being madeaware of situations which can become problematic. The articles addresspotential hazards and give information about how to recognize a threatand how to take steps to protect themselves against that threat. I amalways happy to hear from my readers who recognized a potential scamand avoided becoming a victim.

The “Public Safety Report” tries to focus on safety and well-beingfor the residents of Co-op City. Articles address events that have occurred,information relative to the time of year or incidents in the media. Certaintopics are repeated with an updated focus. Criminals may think they aregetting smarter, but the public has become even smarter and more obser-vant. Any criminal who repeatedly commits similar crimes in the com-munity will get caught. The many windows of Co-op City serve as theeyes and ears of the community.

The readership of the Public Safety Report in the Co-op City Timesis as diverse as the population of Co-op City itself. The ages of my readersrange from 8 to over 100. My avid readers range from elementary schoolstudents, friends I attended school with in Co-op City to parents andgrandparents of my friends. I would also like to wish all retired membersof our Riverbay family good health for the coming year. A special helloto one of my youngest readers, a young man who is very knowledgeablein all areas of law enforcement; he plans to pursue a career in the field.

The articles are written to appeal to persons of all ages. They takeinto account the diverse population of the community. By recognizing,respecting and celebrating our differences, we become even better thanthe sum of our parts. Co-op City strives to be a community where neigh-bors care about one another. Looking out for your neighbor or just smilingand saying “hello” creates a neighborhood with a strong sense of com-munity. The current pandemic has required that our friendly encountersadhere to the recommended six-foot social distancing. We are “Co-opCity Strong” and we continue to thrive. A strong sense of communitydeters crime and creates a positive environment.

Also, be sure to buckle your seatbelt and avoid distractions whendriving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, be sure to designatea driver who will not drink or call a taxi. “Drunk Driving” and “BuzzedDriving” enforcement is heightened between Memorial Day and Labor

Public SafetyReport


CCPD Report history

June 08, 2020 – 100 Elgar PlaceCCPD officers observed a female in violation of the City’s Public

Consumption of Alcohol law and issued her a Criminal Court Sum-mons for the violation.

June 09, 2020 – 2063 Bartow AvenueCCPD officers arrested a male for damaging store windows.

June 10, 2020 – 2049 Bartow AvenueCCPD units responded to this location after hearing what sounded

like a vehicle accident. Upon arrival to the scene, officers found anon-responsive child on the ground who apparently was just hit bya vehicle. The child was revived and was transported via EMS tothe hospital for treatment.

June 11, 2020 – 99 Darrow PlaceA cooperator reported finding that someone had removed the cat-

alytic converter from their car.

Public Safety BlotterJune 07, 2020 – June 13, 2020

First Reading - Resolution #20-20

Board of Directors’ Meeting - June 17, 2020

SUBMITTED BY: Claudia SampsonSECONDED BY: Cheryl Jenkins & BishopAngelo RosarioBOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 17, 2020

WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited companies for BID 3485, LocalLaw 152 Gas Pipes Inspections; and

WHEREAS, three (3) bids was submitted and reviewed by the Project Manager andEngineer; and

WHEREAS, the Project Manager and Engineer both recommend that the Boardapprove Express Plumbing Sewer and Water Main Corp. as the lowest qualified bidder(recommendation letters attached); and

WHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the fullBoard any conflict of interest as required by NY Business Corporation Law Section 713”.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that Contract # 3485 with ExpressPlumbing Sewer and Water Main Corp. in the amount of $330,000.00 plus tax with a10% Contingency of $33,000.00 totaling $363,000.00 if applicable for the Local Law152 Gas Pipes Inspections be approved as submitted by Management in accordance withResolution #85-16 and as amended by Resolution #95-44; and

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

First Reading - Resolution #20-21

SUBMITTED BY: Leah RichardsonSECONDED BY: Sonia FelicianoBOARD OFDIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 17, 2020

WHEREAS, the Procurement Department solicited companies for BID 3502,WeldingServices; and

WHEREAS, the Project Manager reviewed three (3) bids which were submitted; andWHEREAS, the ProjectManager recommends that the Board approve B& IronWorks

Inc. as the lowest qualified bidder (recommendation letter attached); andWHEREAS, prior to voting on this Resolution no Director has disclosed to the full

Board any conflict of interest as required by NYBusiness Corporation Law Section 713”.NOWTHEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: that Contract # 3502 with B & H

Iron Works Inc. for a not to exceed cost of $300,000.00 for two (2) years for WeldingServices is approved as submitted by Management in accordance with Resolution #85-16 and as amended by Resolution #20-19; and

BE ITFURTHERRESOLVED: that the President is hereby authorized to execute thecontract andManagement is authorized to take all steps necessary tomake this action effective.

Emergency Resolution #20-23

SUBMITTED BY: Sonia FelicianoSECONDED BY: Linda Berk & Leah RichardsonBOARD OFDIRECTORS MEETING, DATED: June 17, 2020

WHEREAS, on April 3, 2019, the Board of Directors passed Resolution #19-10 thatapproved the proposed budget of the Riverbay Corporation for fiscal years 2019/2020and 2020/2021; and

WHEREAS, the proposed budget required two increases in carrying charges as follows:a 1.9% increase effective July 1, 2019 and a 1.9% increase effective July 1, 2020 in orderto maintain a balanced budget through March 31, 2021, subject to the review and approvalof the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR); and

WHEREAS, by an Order of the Commissioner of HCR, dated August 13, 2019, saidbudget and carrying charge increases were approved and authorized to be implementedas follows: a 1.9% increase effective September 1, 2019 and a 1.9% increase effectiveSeptember 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the health andemployment status of Co-op City shareholders, with many having suffered a total loss orreduction of their incomes; and

WHEREAS, the Riverbay Corporation expenditures since the commencement of thepandemic have been below budgeted amounts;

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: after prior consultation with theDeputy Commissioner of HCR and his staff, that the implementation of the approvedsecond stage of the carrying charge increase scheduled to take effect on September 1,2020 be deferred to January 1, 2021.

YES: Berk, Cylich, Feliciano, Jenkins, Jones, Lambright, Leslie, Marbury, Pearson,Peterson, Richardson, Rosario, Sampson, Saunders

ABSTAIN: Johnson PASSED


This past Sunday, I was out on the Section 1 Green-way in support of two activities that were occurring atthe same time. I had the opportunity to greet many coop-erators whom we haven’t seen since the 2nd week ofMarch. I may have come into contact with even moreneighbors that I know, however, most cooperators (andthose visiting our community) are acting responsibleby wearing face masks, thus making it much harder torecognize neighbors you know fairly well.State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Michael

Benedetto, Councilmember Andy King, Congress-man Eliot Engel, Bronx Borough President RubenDiaz Jr., and NY State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie,were there to assist with the distribution of food in ourcommunity, and support the newly formed group ofyoung activists, Black Lives C.R.E.A.T.E. Back in the 1970’s (some of you reading this, may

not have been born WAY back then), Co-op City wasa very powerful, very political voting bloc. By the midto late 1980’s, ethnic shifts in our population, com-bined with the redrawing of political district lines (anda few other diverging factors), saw the once power-ful Co-op City’s political influence, pivot to a com-munity of political irrelevance.

Voting, and filling out the Census is critically important.

I can tell you without hesitation that Co-op City hasnever been in a stronger political position as it is today. Our elected representatives have been extremely

supportive of our community, and they’ve been outfront in an unprecedented, unified way on several keyissues that have affected Co-op City’s quality of life. The census taken in 1980, did not serve Co-op City

well. The lines were re-drawn to bring the council dis-trict from Riverdale, and gerrymandered it across theentire Bronx, into Co-op City. Although the currentdistrict lines have since been re-drawn, and are morefavorable, it continues to be difficult for a candidatefrom Co-op City to be elected to our City Council seat. City, State, and Federal governments allocating

services our community deserves, are directly relatedto the reported population, and other crucial infor-mation being asked for in the Census questionnaire.

Elections have ConsequencesFor those voting pragmatically, consider this – in

politics, seniority has benefits both for elected rep-resentatives and their constituents. The longer they serve, the better the opportunity to

sponsor, co-sponsor and advance legislation, serve oncommittees that positively affect their district, and bringhome much needed money, resources and programs. Two years ago, a very popular congressman who

once represented Co-op City, lost his bid for re-election. The result of that election removed a 20 year incum-

bent who was slated to become either the next Speakerof the House, or Chair of the powerful House Waysand Means Committee. When that seat flipped, it canbe argued NYC lost hundreds of millions, if not bil-lions, of dollars in government programs and funding. When you cast your votes, consider the consequences

for the Bronx (and specifically, for Co-op City, ourcommunity), Westchester, and Rockland Counties (NitaLowey is not running for re-election). Now that critical funding of COVID-19 programs

are essential to NYC’s very wellbeing, where exactlydo you want our elected representatives to be posi-tioned – at the top, or down at the bottom?

The Real ChangeIn listening to the members of Black Lives

C.R.E.A.T.E. on stage, I was very pleased to hear ouryounger members of the community, standing together,and speaking up for equality and justice. Althoughthis has been an ongoing struggle for black Ameri-cans for hundreds of years, the murder of George Floydby three Minneapolis police officers has brought fortha watershed moment of anguish and outrage that hasnot only taken over America’s social conscience, butother countries around the world who have joined inwith protests as well. Right now, the conversation appears to be moving

in the direction of “defunding” police departments.While that appears to be a far reach here in N.Y.C.,there could be specific merit to the movement. Co-opCity is a perfect example of how NYC saves millionsof dollars every year here, by reducing their patrollingof our 330 acre, 50,000 resident community. Partial(if not all of) the funding for our police officers shouldbe taken from the $6 billion dollar NYPD’s budget. Our immediate benefit though is that our CCPD offi-

cers are here to serve and protect the residents of theCo-op City community. I understand that our youngerresidents have issues with the manner in which a fewofficers project a more authoritarian posture than theyfeel necessary, however, no cooperator in over 40 yearshere, has been shot by “our” CCPD officers, or to thebest of my knowledge, had a Taser used on them.

Learn – Understand – then DemandIn my opinion, before you demand institutional

change in an organization that’s been in existence for175 years (NYPD), you have to understand how itoperates from inside/out, not outside/in.

Who’s hired is important – how the police are trainedis more important! They must be trained to “serve andprotect” and not continue on their current path of being“self-serving.” The wearing of body cams must bemandatory, and failure to properly record all encoun-ters with the body cams and the vehicle cams wouldbe punishable for both the responding officer(s), andtheir supervisors. Agreements made with the policeunions, the policy of the Police Commissioner (whowe do not elect), and the Mayor of N.Y.C. must betaken into consideration. Then there’s the D.A.’s office,and the laws that they decide to (or not to) enforce. When we make our demands for institutional change,

let all of us make sure that we know what we want.Let us as a people, make sure that we clearly under-

stand that – when we demand respect from everyone,that we begin with having the utmost respect for our-selves first!Thank you for reading my article. Now please go

vote if you haven’t already! I can be reached at:[email protected].


Vote prudentlyDirector’s Viewpoint

Rod SaundersSecond Vice President


Working Families of Co-op CityJune Democratic Primary Voting AD82

VOTE for up to: one presidential candidate, eight presidential delegates, oneCD16 Congress member, one State Assembly member, one Female State Com-mittee Member, and one Male State Committee Member.Mailing Your Absentee Ballot: If you sent in your application form — auto-

matically mailed to every potential NYS voter — you must fill it out and mail itback by Tuesday. Mark your choices, slip the ballot into the first envelope, signand date the back, and slip that envelope into the SASE. If it’s postmarked by June23, it will be counted. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day andreach the Board of Elections no more than 7 days after the election to be counted.Early Voting at Truman: If you did not vote by absentee ballot, you can still

vote at Truman HS today, Sat. 6/20, or tomorrow, Sun., June 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.To Truman by Bus: Truman HS is in the center of Education Park on Bay-

chester Ave. To get to the gym, you must go around the elementary and middleschools on either side via one of two driveways to get to the back of Truman. It’squite a walk from Baychester if you take a bus (Bx30, Bx38, Bx23 and Q50) tothe Baychester Ave./Aldrich St. stop or the Baychester Ave./Donizetti Pl. stopwhich is a bit closer to the back of Truman and to the voting entrance at door #21.However, you might find it is actually shorter and quicker to approach the backof Truman via the greenway from the more interior bus stop at Asch Loop/AlcottPl. (Bx23, Bx30, Bx26 and Bx28) or even the Dreiser Loop South/Defoe stop(Bx23, Bx30 Bx38).

Driving to Truman: You may drive to the back of Truman. It is allowed butnot encouraged because pedestrians share the pathways. Drive very slowly.

There is no in-person early voting on Monday, June 22; the Truman poll sitewill be closed.Election Day Voting, June 23: Vote at your new normal poll site. There are

currently seven poll sites in Co-op City. Google “Poll Site Locator” or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) to confirm yours.1) Truman HS, 750 Baychester Ave. Enter at Exit 21, back of building – Bldgs.

1(AB), 4(AB), 5(B,C), 16(A,B), 192) Store Front 105 Dreiser Loop @ Debs Pl. – Bldgs. 4C, 5A, 6, 7 and Defoe

Townhouses 3) St. Michael’s RC Church, 765 Co-op City Blvd. – Buildings 2(AB), 13, 144) Dreiser Center, rooms #1, #2, & #4 – Bldgs. 3(AB) 8, 9(AB), 10(ABC),

11(ABC), 12, 23, 25, Debs & Cooper Pl. townhouses5) Bartow Center 2049 Bartow Ave. rm. 31 – Bldgs. 15(AB), 17, 18, 20(ABC),

21(ABC), 22(AB), 24, and townhouses at Adler Pl., Asch Loop, Broun Pl.6) P.S. 160 Walt Disney School, 4140 Hutchinson River P’way. Enter through

the far-right double doors.Bldgs. 26(ABC), 27(ABC), 30(AB), 31(AB), 33, Earhart Lane townhouses7) Einstein Center, room 45 – Bldgs. 28(ABC), 29(ABC), 32(AB), 34 and 35Questions? Text 718-219-2211 or email [email protected]. –Mary Pearson

Building 12 AssociationOn behalf of Building 12, we send our sympathies to all who have lost family

members and friends.The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has cancelled our June 2020 event

due to Covid-19, but we have not cancelled the fun.Soon, we will announce details of a special free raffle for Section 2 share-

holders. We will let you know when to submit your name, address, apartmentnumber, telephone number and the name and age of at least one child in yourhousehold to your building or townhouse association via e-mail. The Cooper PlaceTownhouses and each building association will hold a virtual raffle drawing onthe same day. All raffle prizes will be the same. Stay tuned for more information.

Congratulations to our 2020 graduates.–Sonja Maxwell

It’s Graduation Time!Shareholders, if you have a gradu-ate or a student who excelled thispast school year, let us know sotheir accomplishments can be

shared with your neighbors. Sendyour submissions to cctimes

@riverbaycorp.com.

The CCDC desires to encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to pleaseexercise your right and VOTE.

Throughout our country’s history, we have fought, demonstrated and ultimatelywon the right to vote. Yet, there are so many of us who take it for granted and notexercise our right to vote.

Look at the world around you. We are living in tumultuous times. People arebeing “lynched,” killed by police in their own homes, in the streets with choke-holds, knees to the neck, and shots in the back. Need I continue? Once again, wemust actively protest these acts in our streets, “Black Lives Matter.” The peopleare speaking.

Remember that women had to fight for their right to vote and for equal pay;seniors had to fight for Medicare and saving Social Security and now we all mustcontinue the fight against “racial injustice.”

Let us begin at the top by electing the top Democratic nominee. Donald Trumphas proven to be a failed leader. His disrespect for religion and the American peo-ple, coupled with his constant lies are unacceptable. We need a president whocares about us, not just himself.

His supporters could spread COVIC-19 further when they attend his rally inOklahoma – so he wants the attendees to sign a disclaimer statement stating thatif they catch the virus, the President will be held harmless – go figure.

Just get out and vote. Polls are open June 23 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.—Shirley J. Saunders

Co-op City Democratic Club

Dear neighbors,Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers,

grandfathers and father figures. We honor you andhope that you enjoy your special day.Congratulations, 2020 Graduates,we are proud

of you and wish you all continued success in your con-tinuing education and future endeavors. Happy Birthday to all our neighbors celebrating

their special day in June.VOTE – The NY primary election will be held on

Tuesday, June 23. If you requested an absentee ballot,the deadline for the postmarked return of an absenteeballot is June 23, 2020. If you did not receive an absen-tee ballot, please go to your designated poll site to vote. U.S. Census – If you have not already done so,

please take a few minutes to complete the U.S. Cen-sus either online at www.my2020census.gov or byphone at 1-844-330-2020. It is more important thanever that we all do our part to be counted in the cen-sus to ensure that our community receives its fair shareof federal funding for everything including healthcareand public schools.

Income Affidavits – Please remember to returnyour completed 2019 income affidavit to the RiverbayCorporation Finance Department no later than July 31,2020. You can put your completed form with a copyof your apartment insurance declaration in a sealedenvelope marked “2019 Income Affidavit Form” anddrop it in the Dreiser or Bartow carrying charge box.

Thank you to the Community Relations staff for theface masks provided to our building and to Adelina Mar-tinez and Sonia DaCosta for distributing the face masksin front of our building on the afternoon on May 29. Theywere very much appreciated! Let us all keep up the excel-lent work and continue to mask up on the elevators, inthe laundry room and when we are out in public.

We extend our sincere condolences and prayers tothose who have suffered a loss and we wish thosefighting an illness a speedy and complete recovery.–Georgianna Rodriguez


There’s a saying – it’s meant as a curse actually —that goes: May you live in interesting times. There’sanother saying. It’s used when a person’s innate abil-ity or characteristic is complimented and the compli-mented person replies: It’s a blessing…and a curse.Anyone who’s seen a Monk episode knows what I’mtalking about.So let’s take this blessing of a curse in this crazy

and interesting time of widespread sickness and wide-spread unrest and make sweeping changes. Our law-makers at every level are busy tweaking the systembut it is truly a time to attempt structural change —top to bottom. “The People” together can instigate many of thosesweeping changes — and the pressure must not let up— but, in the meantime, there’s one thing we can eachdo as individuals. VOTE!And here’s your chance. If you want your vote to

count in the Democratic primary, use that self-addressed stamped envelope to send in your absen-tee ballot. It must be postmarked by this Tuesday, June23, Election Day. Absentee ballots – along with allthe other ballots – get counted on Election Day andcontinue to be counted if received by June 30.If your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, you might want to

consider Early Voting today or tomorrow, Saturdayor Sunday, at Truman High School from 10 a. m. to4 p.m. These are the only two days left. There is noin-person voting on Monday, June 22, and the Tru-man poll site will be closed.On June 23, Election Day, you can still mail in your

absentee ballot or go to your poll site from 6 a.m. to9 p.m. and vote in person. It’s the same place youvoted last November. Find out where that is in thesepages or see the flyer posted in your lobby.

Our big race is the Congressional race and it’s veryclose. But who we vote for is less important than thecumulative strength we show at the ballot box. Thatstrength will influence whoever wins the job. And boy,oh boy, will he have a job to do.

In All FairnessIt’s time to shake everything up. It’s time to exam-

ine everything — not re-examine – examine, becauseso many aspects of life in these United States havenever been examined in the first place.Police reform is an obvious first giant step. But it’s

just one step. You name it, it’s rotten. The taxationsystem that benefits the rich, the banking system thatpunishes the poor, the healthcare system, big pharma,big agra, discriminatory school funding, for-profitprisons, justice reform, homelessness, the immigra-tion lack-of-policy, partisanship, voter suppression,the crumbling infrastructure, environmental racism,looming climate change disasters around every bend,and the mother of them all — misogyny.But let’s start with turning our nation’s cops from

warriors and bullies into peace officers and protectors.Creating a national registry to keep fired cops fromrelocating is in the works on the federal level. Howabout reining in police unions? Here in NYS thealready banned chokehold is now sincerely and offi-cially banned and named for George Floyd’s prede-cessor, Eric Garner. And there’s more brand new leg-islation regarding transparency.A couple of years ago, I did some Civilian Com-

plaint Review Board digging. As I recall, most copshad one or two or no complaints against them butthere was one anonymous cop on the payroll with52 complaints against him. 52! The end of shelter-ing the “bad apples,” aka, abusers, aka sadists, hasarrived. On June 9, our state legislature repealed thenotorious Section 50-A allowing the release of apolice officer’s personnel records. Finally, the pub-lic will know who — and how many — on the policeforce are repeat offenders.That’s a start.

There’s still another pandemic out thereA staff writer pretty much sums it up with his 5/8/20

article in The Atlantic titled The Coronavirus Was anEmergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying.Well at least we have Governor Cuomo still takingthe coronavirus seriously. The order to keep thosemasks on is still in place, when shopping, when protest-ing, whenever.Most people in Co-op City continue to bear the dis-

comfort of mask-wearing. Good for us. And by theGovernor’s decree, businesses may officially denyentry to individuals who do not put on a mask or face-covering. I trust our local store managers will step up,prominently display the appropriate signage, and tellthe few rule-defiers to “please put it on and keep iton.”Speaking of masking-up. The other day, several

NYPD police cars were responding to an incident inBuilding 33. I was waiting outside the building inmy car, not really legally parked, waiting for a friendto pick up the paper plates I’d gotten for her. Thelast police car pulled up and two young officers gotout and started walking past me sitting in my car.“How come I can see your handsome faces?” I asked.I didn’t think twice. Well, actually, I thought theywere CCPD for a second, but still, I didn’t think twiceabout subtly reminding two armed men that theywere mask-less. Each reached into his pocket andpulled out a mask. And that, ladies and gentlemen,for those who don’t instantly recognize it, is whiteprivilege. Or old lady privilege? Who the heck knows.What I do know is we need to work very, very hardright now to make our world a place where no onehas to think twice in that sort of encounter with any-one. How do we do that? In the words of rap artistKiller Mike: Plot. Plan. Strategize. Organize. Mobi-lize.And vote.It’s a start.I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219-2211

or by email at [email protected].

Director’s Viewpoint

Mary PearsonSecretary

Do Unto Others. Just Do It.

Building 2 Association

Faith @ Work Common PantryFood Distribution

Faith @ Work Christian Church’s Common Pantrydistribution for June 25 will take place from 9 a.m.– 12 p.m. in the Dreiser Community Center. Reg-istered members and new members with proof ofincome of no more than $1,380 per month and pic-ture ID. Social Distancing and facemasks arerequired. Please bring your shopping carts.


Broun Place TownhouseAssociation

“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society,and we must use it.” –John LewisCongratulations, graduates!Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads, uncles and awesome men in your life who guide

you and protect you. Building 13 Association is doing its best during the pandemic to show some holiday spirit.

Thank you to Doris Sanchez and Elena Marrero for their decorations. We appreciate all the helpand assistance we get from all cooperators. In an effort to make sure everyone is safe and following the directives issued by Riverbay, we

ask that you wear your mask and practice social distancing when entering the elevator, going tothe laundry room and in your travels throughout the building. Please be mindful of the number ofpeople recommended by Riverbay for both the elevator and laundry room. We will be schedulinganother mask giveaway so make sure you check the lobby bulletin board for the date and time.During this time, we need you more than ever to be our eyes and ears. If there is something on

your floor that needs to be addressed, please make sure to let us know. Riverbay will slowly returnto a new normal. With that in mind, at some point, work will commence in the units. Please makesure that safety precautions issued by Riverbay are followed. We also want to make sure staff stayssafe so if you are feeling ill, please let Management know and reschedule your appointment. The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has cancelled our June 2020 event due to Covid-

19, but we have not cancelled the fun. Soon, we will announce details of a special ‘free’ raffle forSection 2. In the interest of transparency, this will be a virtual drawing and held on the same dayfor all buildings. Stay tuned for more information.The borough president’s office sent out a message regarding a New Online Summer Arts and

Wellness Empowerment Series from Monday, June 15 - Friday, July 10, for K-5th grades. Freeclasses are available. You can register and view the schedule at: getempoweredall.com/enroll.Some of the classes are music, storytelling, yoga, dance and more. Check it out.We offer our sympathy to those who have lost a loved one and to those who are ill, we wish

you a speedy recovery. While you are home: Complete the 2020 Census https://my2020census.gov/login.Stay safe, stay strong, stay home…for your health and mine!Payments for events can be sent to: 100 Casals Place 32K, Bronx, NY 10475. Contacts: Leslie

Peterson at 718-320-1370, president, at ([email protected]) or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at [email protected]. Thanks for making our teamwork.

–Leslie Peterson


Salutations, Building 9 family. I trust you all continue to be healthy and safe. Please continue towear face masks, practice proper social distancing, and wash your hands well and often.Our deep condolences to our Building 9B neighbor, Joan Drummond. Joan lost her mother, Mrs.

Mildred Neloms. Mrs. Neloms was 95 years old at the time of her death. Please keep Joan and herfamily in your thoughts and prayers. Check in on Joan if you have some time.Our beloved lobby attendants (Mr. George and Mrs. Chireno) will continue to be furloughed until

safety measures can be put in place to protect them from possible exposure to infection. Our buildingporters have returned to full time duty for the past three weeks. Garage porters and attendants havereturned to full duty for the past two weeks. There will be some schedule changes in an attempt toaccomplish proper social distancing and safety measures for our staff.Our annual basement spruce-up is underway. The basement vents have been cleared and opened

to facilitate ventilation to the area and laundry room. The vents should introduce fresh air exchangeand may disperse aerosolized respiratory droplets and disperse moisture that can cause musty smells. The Building 9 elevator rehab project is well underway on the 9-B side. The 9-A side elevator

rehab project will begin immediately after the B-side is completed. This is necessary work not onlyfor aesthetic purposes, but the motors are being replaced to ensure the safety of shareholders.In accordance with Local Law 51, and after several gas line leaks throughout the complex, a

licensed plumber is scheduled to conduct inspections of all gas lines. The inspections will not affectbasement access.The Local Law 11 building inspections, work, and closures are scheduled to restart approximately

the beginning of summer. Management will provide timely notification to shareholders regardingthe timetable and scope of work.The Section 2 Summer Fun Day Committee has canceled our June 2020 event

due to Covid-19, but we have not canceled the fun. Soon, we will announce detailsof a special ‘free’ raffle for Section 2 shareholders. The Cooper Place Townhousesand each building association will hold a virtual raffle drawing on the same day. Allthe raffle prizes will be the same. Stay tuned for more information.The New York Election Primary date is June 23rd. The General Election date

is November 3rd. Vote by mail. Vote in person. Vote.This is a momentous time in our history. A time for a coalition of conscience

and consciousness. A time to commit to a future worthy of our current sacrifices.Change is going to come.“Freedom speaks not merely in terms of political and religious liberties, butalso in terms of economic and social progress.” –Robert F. KennedyGodspeed.–Linda Collins


Hi, neighbors. Happy Father’s Day is the most importantmessage this week. It is so important that our fathers, grand-pas and uncles understand and stay committed to being inthe lives of their children of all ages. Broun Place Town-house Association sends sincere Father’s Day greetings tothem all.In case we missed any graduates, congratulations grad-

uates, good luck in the future. Come together daily at 7 p.m., salute and say thank you

to our essential worker warriors. You just need to claphands, make some noise, and say thank you. Remember,we are lucky to live in a community that encourages par-ticipation and to live where we can exercise outdoors plushave enough space for social distancing. Wear your maskout there! Sunday, June 14, an excellent program in honor of Black

Lives Matters and created by Black Lives Creates was heldin the Greenway. It was produced by sisters and friends.They brought together wonderful talent to support neededchange in police training and our society. Broun Place rec-ognizes the participation of our residents. Thank you toRiverbay Corporation for its support in making this eventa success.Broun Place Townhouse Association needs your mem-

bership every year. Dues are just $12 annually. Dues coversupplies and upkeep expenses. When there is tragedy, welook to our dues to show a gesture of generosity to thatneighbor. We need your membership to do this. You canpay by cash or check and submit the envelope to 31B Broun.It will be acknowledged.Garbage must be disposed of correctly. It is your job

not to dump used gloves and masks on sidewalks andgutters. Wait till you get to a pail to take them off or carrya garbage bag. Wearing masks and gloves has reduced thespread of the COVID-19. So why are there so many peopleon the greenway without masks? Those droplets are hangingout and viable to spread those germs. Don’t forget, hand-wash those masks, too. Suds it up like you wash your hands,rinse and blow-dry with a hair dryer.Our Bartow local market and pharmacy continue doing

a great job supporting social distancing and keeping shelvesstocked. Please take note of the hours and protocol foryour bank. Did you know, the pharmacy offers free deliveryof prescription drugs for those over 65? Please also note, Broun Place/Co-op City safety rules.

Number one, personal cars are not allowed on the brickworkin pedestrian areas. Number 2: only electric grills areallowed to be used for BBQ on patios and terraces.Positive diagnosis? Report this to Mr. Anthony Barzelatto,

director of Riverbay Corporation’s Safety department.Riverbay can take quick necessary measures to sanitizeand quarantine the central location. Our community eti-quette requires discarded mattresses and place garbage inthe appropriate bin.Get well wishes to our dear Ann Ventrella and all neigh-

bors recovering from illness. Finally, keep dancing andbetter days are ahead.

–Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar


COVID-19 FREE TESTINGTesting is free to all eligible New York-

ers as ordered by a health careprovider or by calling the NYS

COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

If you go to a test site run by New YorkState, there is no charge for your test.

Dear shareholders,Today, June 20, at 3 p.m., the African-American

Association will present a Virtual Zoom event called,“Black Lives Matter NOW.” Use this link to join in:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/77765867695?pwd=YXFoeWF1LzBUbmRWVGs2KzdCOGx0Zz09; MeetingID: 777 6586 7695; Password: 7QS9PG.It was inspiring to see the young cooperators from

our community leading The Black Lives Matter protestmarches and other events. Last Sunday, Black LivesCreate presented an afternoon of edu-tainment. Theevent kicked off with a food, T-shirts and mask dis-tribution. Some of our elected officials came out togreet us, update us on their progress, and encourageus to vote in the upcoming June 23rd Presidential Pri-mary election. We heard from Sen. Jamaal Bailey,Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, AssemblySpeaker Carl Heastie, and Councilman Andy King.Please vote in the NY Presidential Primaries on

June 23rd from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., which isonly three days away. If you have not yet voted bymail, there is still time to mail your Absentee Ballot,which must be postmarked by June 23rd. Early vot-ing is currently underway for Co-op City residents atTruman H.S. Cooperators should enter through theback door entrance adjacent to the ballfield. The daysremaining for early voting are Saturday, June 20, andSunday, June 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Remember to weara mask, gloves and practice social distancing. Yourvote is important.Recently, some states have experienced voter sup-

pression due to accusations of voter fraud. There hasbeen purging of names from the voter registration rolls,closing of polling sites, changing of voting hours andlocations, broken voting machines, etc., causing somevoters to wait for up to six hours. This makes it dis-couraging for citizens to vote, when it should be mademuch easier. Don’t be disheartened. Be sure to vote.

Kudos to CuomoOn June 12, 2020, NY State Governor Andrew

Cuomo signed the ‘Say Their Name’ Reform Agenda

package into law following the killing of George Floydon May 25, 2020, and an ongoing pattern of policebrutality against minority communities across thenation. These landmark policing reforms will helpreduce inequality in policing and reimagine the state’scriminal justice system. The reforms include:• Allowing for transparency of prior disciplinary

records of law enforcement officers by repealing 50-a of the civil rights law;• Banning chokeholds by law enforcement officers;• Prohibiting false race-based 911 reports; and• Designating the Attorney General as an inde-

pendent prosecutor for matters relating to the civil-ian deaths.Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights

Law creates a special right of privacy for the person-nel records of police officers, correction officers, andfirefighters and paramedics employed by the State orpolitical subdivisions. The current law prevents accessto both records of the disciplinary proceedings them-selves and the recommendations or outcomes of thoseproceedings, leading to records of complaints or find-ings of law enforcement misconduct that did not resultin criminal charges against an officer almost entirelyinaccessible to the public.Repealing 50-a, introduced by Sen. Bailey, will

allow for the disclosure of law enforcement discipli-nary records, increasing transparency and helping thepublic regain trust that law enforcement officers andagencies may be held accountable for misconduct.Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie commented that

the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,Eric Garner, Ramarley Graham, and so many others,have shaken him to the core. Thanks to SpeakerHeastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins fortheir leadership in getting this important missionaccomplished. With the groundswell of support for the Floyd fam-

ily, the Black Lives Matter group, the National ActionNetwork, etc., new laws are being instituted to pros-ecute police for their crimes. The NY State Governorhas already adopted new legislation and I believe otherstates should follow. I think these should be nationallaws. However, the current U.S. President appears tobe oblivious to the new wave to end racism and policebrutality and to inspire the practice equality and jus-tice for all. There is a Presidential election in Novem-

ber 2020. How will you vote?Backlash

History reveals that whenever there is progress inthe Black and Brown communities, many privilegedAmericans show that they do not want equality andjustice for all.The Emancipation Proclamation of January 1,

1863, proclaimed that all persons held as slaves werenow freed. During the Reconstruction Era, threeAmendments to the U.S. Constitution were passed.In 1865, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery inthe U.S. In 1868, the 14th Amendment granted cit-izenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.In 1870, the 15th Amendment prohibited denying acitizen the right to vote based on race, color or pre-vious condition of servitude. Backlash: State laws were created by whites to

disenfranchise voters. One of them was poll taxes,which Blacks and poor whites could not afford.Another was literacy tests, which were made too dif-ficult for many to qualify. Despite racism and discrimination, Black Amer-

icans continued to work hard, thrive and achieve.Black Wall Street was a district called Greenwoodin Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the Jim Crow era (1877-1950s), African-Americans were not allowed to makepurchases or services in predominantly white areas.Therefore, Blacks spent their money with otherBlacks in Greenwood and they flourished. Therewere African-American attorneys, real-estate agents,doctors, dentists, barbershops, grocery stores, etc. Itwas a successful Black community. Backlash: Many white residents felt intimidated

by the prosperity, growth and size of Black WallStreet. White mobs began attacking Black people.Then in 1921, the police accused a Black shoe shinerof assaulting a white woman. This led to a riot andan excuse for whites to burn down the GreenwoodDistrict of Black homes and businesses of Black WallStreet. …. to be continued.

COVID-19For your safety and those around you, please con-

tinue wearing a mask, gloves, wash our hands fre-quently or use hand sanitizer and practicing socialdistancing of at least six feet. Please stay healthy andbe safe. I can be reached at [email protected].


Francine Reva JonesAssistant Secretary

Vote 2020/Backlash

COVID-19 ALERT

Reports of new COVID cases are rising in Florida, Arizona and Texas. We are not in the clear yet. Please

continue to maintain social distancing,sanitize your hands and wear a facemask in public. Safety first!

Noise complaints are increasing.

As we all spend more time indoors, please be conscious of the way your activities affect your neighbors.

Bouncing balls, loud music, vigorous exercise, children jumping, can all be disturbing to those living around you.


First Zoom Event of the African American Association

Today is the first Virtual Meeting of the AfricanAmerican Association of Co-op City. The topic: BlackLives Matter Now is shaping up to be an importantcultural event in the history of Co-op City. Instead oftaking to the streets, we are taking over the virtual air-waves and including such invited guests as: TamikaMallory, Black Lives Matter; Omowale Clay, D-12thMovement; Melissa Cornick, 60 Minutes, Dateline,20/20, Nightline Producer; Brother Yahya Sharif, FOI;Tyrone “Owusu” Slater, Drummer; Sister Sophia, Liba-tion Ceremony; Young Brother Amadi, Cultural Recita-tion; Young Brother Mosi, Poetic Recitation; ShirleySagarra, Vocalist; Lyndrick Simone, Vocalist; andByron F. Wilson, “How We Fight.”The only way to take part in this event is by computer,

laptop or smartphone. If you would like to join us, call the AAA before 1

p.m. today. Clearly leave your email address at thenumber below. An AAA member will forward you thelink to “Zoom-in.”

African American Association meetings, gatheringsand programs that it sponsors will return to room 15of the Dreiser Center every second Saturday of themonth with rousing topics and inspiring special guestsas soon as the worldwide pandemic has ended! Be readyto bring a “friend and new member prospect” to theAfrican American Association when we reconvene.Remember:Membership is only $15/year for a singlemembership and only $25/year for your household.Email: [email protected] or call us at 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City,P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

Black Genealogy Quote of the week: “Historyremembers only the celebrated, genealogy remembersthem all.”The African American Association sponsors the fol-

lowing programs for your participation. Contact yourrespective instructor as indicated below for gatheringupdates:

Belly Dance Classes – Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.,Dreiser Center, room #2. For a nominal fee, you willhave fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438.

Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon– Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays,7:00 p.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2; also first andthird Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section #5, 6 p.m.Fees are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073.

Salsa Class – Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Dreiser Loop,room #1. Call Keith, 917-561-6211.

Yoga and Zumba Classes with Meena, Saturdaysat 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center, room #2. Contact Meenaat 917-863-1507.

Healing Drum Circle – Note: West Africa OnlineDrumming Meet-up Group on June 27. Please continueto follow this article for updates.

We leave you with these words as a reminder ofyour strength:“No matter how big a nation is, it is nostronger than its weakest people, and as long as youkeep a person down, some part of you has to be downthere to hold him down, so it means you cannot soaras you might otherwise.” –Marian AndersonEach one of us divided by all of us equals a force

for good.–Michelle Marbury

African American Association

National and NYS Conference released officialstatement: “Please refrain from gatherings until atleast July 1, this request extends to NAACP generalmembership and executive committee meetings, unitcommittees, state quarterly meetings, Freedom Fundevents, ACT-SO events and any other gatheringsorganized or sponsored by NAACP units.”NAACP statement surrounding the events of

Protests in Minneapolis go to: NAACP.ORG.“We must protest peacefully, demand persistently,and fight politically. But most of all, WE MUSTVOTE in NOVEMBER!” –Derrick Johnson, NAACPPresident & CEOHeartfelt condolences to all who have suffered

loss of family, friends and neighbors. Let’s keep eachother in prayer. What you do as an individual impactsall of us. We are all in this together. Wear a mask,gloves, wash hands, practice social distancing, kind-

ness and compassion!Membership meeting via ZOOM, Sunday, June

21, 3 p.m. Members should email: naacpccity2210@gmail for the information.

Census 2020: “Be Counted,” fill out the censusform using your Census ID number previously mailed,or visit: my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020.It only takes a few minutes and it is vital for the well-being of our Co-op City community. Federal dollarsaffect programmatic activities for seniors, transporta-tion, schools, health, hospitals, housing, infrastructure,economic reliefs, extended unemployment w/bonusand most recently the stimulus plan package.

2020 Political Calendar: Early voting, June 13-22, at Truman High School. Presidential PrimaryElection, June 23. Absentee Application Ballots appli-cations mailed out. June 22: Deadline to postmarkabsentee ballots. Remember: Politics control policies

& votes represents dollars. That’s why it’s importantto vote!

2020 Branch Election Notice: To be mailed inAugust. Elected officer positions serve a term of 2years, effective January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022.

Membership Dues: Annual membership duesare: Adult, $30, and Youth, $10; checks/moneyorders made payable to: NAACP #2210, can bemailed to: N.A.A.C.P., Co-op City Station 75-3111,Bronx, NY 10475. If it is your desire to make afinancial contribution in any amount, it is mostappreciated. Thank you for your continued supportand for helping the NAACP advocate for a morejust and equal America.“The NAACP remains focused on the fight to ensurethat the voice of our communities is never silenced.”–Derrick Johnson, NAACP President & CEO

–Brenda Brown

NAACP #2210


Several areas of our country are starting to reopen. So,now, get ready to see some big changes in the way thatyou travel, conduct business, work, shop, and do almosteverything.

Get ReadyLots of people used to get up early in the morning and

then go to work. So, they probably had to take a bus, atrain, and then stop at their favorite stores before theyarrived at work. And, they may have made a lot of friendsand spent a lot of money with this routine.But, like a horrific nightmare, the coronavirus pan-

demic raced all over the world and changed our entireway of living. And, now, lots of people will simply get upand start working from their homes. Commute? Gone.Favorite bus drivers? Gone. Friends and acquaintanceson the bus and trains? Gone. Favorite stores? Gone. Favoriterestaurants? Gone. Friends at work? Gone. Despite opinions, working from home will be the new

‘norm’ for a lot of people. Moreover, some employers areoverjoyed that they will now be able to cut their overallexpenses of having lots of employees at central locations.Lots of office space in a pricey building? Somewhat over.The corporate address will still be very important to senda powerful message to everyone. However, you can besure that lots of businesses will occupy only a fraction oftheir former space.Therein, social distancing will be paramount in the

workplace. So, lots of work areas will be further apart.Some employers might even implement varying officehours and work days to limit the number of employees atwork at the same time. One approach might be to havedifferent shifts. Then, some employees might go into theoffice on different days. And, some employees might workfrom home.Nevertheless, some employers have stretched this

concept of working from home to the detriment of

some local candidates. In other words, employers usedto select candidates that could travel to work on a dailybasis. However, some employers are now remotelyinterviewing candidates from different states. Then,if hired, those new employees can work from theirhome.In Seoul, Korea, workers at one company can have

lunch in their cafeteria. However, each table has a glasspartition to separate them. Walmart, Amazon, and someother large companies have publicly stated that they willtake the temperature of their employees when they arriveat work. Thereafter, the adventures will begin at some compa-

nies. First, the doors will open automatically as soon asyou approach them. Elevator buttons? Gone. Some ele-vators will be voice-controlled so that you don’t have totouch any buttons. Furthermore, this concept of not touch-ing certain surfaces will probably be extended to doors,light switches, etc. Next, some offices might have arrowson the floors to direct you to your location. Then, some offices are installing barriers on desks to

separate workers. Also, workers might be required to wearmasks—all day long. Employers are also going to be push-ing cleanliness throughout their offices. So, you can expectto see new cleaning policies along with sanitizing stationsthroughout their offices. Coffee? Don’t act like you’re sur-prised if the coffee machine is gone. Cups? Bring yourown cup. Big changes are also happening in the restaurant indus-

try. As you probably know, McDonald’s restaurants areusing computerized kiosks to take orders. However, a lotof people might be surprised to learn that a McDonald’srestaurant in Chicago was set up as a test site for robotictechnology. Drive-through? A voice activation system cantake your order. Then, another robot can cook some oftheir food products.A different burger place in Pasadena, California installed

a robot that can flip 2,000 burgers a day. So, are otherrestaurants noticing this technology? Absolutely. There-fore, based on this material, do you think that robots willreplace a lot of fast-food workers after this coronavirusoutbreak? Well, we’ll see.

In Co-op City, technology was brought in to handle thenight shift in our garage department. Thereafter, the work-ers were placed into different departments. Some peopleliked the technological changes. Then, there were a lot ofcomplaints about several issues. Nevertheless, there arestill a lot of complaints about calls getting answered forservice requests. So, we need to bring in technology toassist our workers with these service requests and a lot ofother items here.

Keep the Noise DownMore cooperators are complaining about neighbors

making a lot of noise in their apartment. “They drag fur-niture around late at night. They play their music and tel-evision at high volumes during the night hours. They allowtheir children to run all day. They’re banging on objectsall day.”To combat this noise, some cooperators have retaliated

by banging on the ceiling and cursing at their neighbors.Then, calls were made to Public Safety. Thereafter, anofficer had to review the dispute.Then, in some cases, some cooperators wanted to take

matters into their own hands. However, that’s an imme-diate arrest. Going to someone’s door for a confrontation?That action can be considered as harassment. So, that’sanother possible arrest. Arrested for criminal activity inCo-op City? You’ll probably be served with eviction papers.Bottom line: Please try to be peaceful and not make a

lot of noise.Close

Please consider having a free mediation session withyour neighbor if you can’t get along. But, please do yourpart by not making a lot of noise.Thank you.

Contact InformationThe administrative areas of Bartow have been shut

down. So, please do not send a letter to me. However,you can send an email to me at: [email protected]. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you

would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, that’sit for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, mayGod bless you and your family. Thank you.

Big Changes Are On The Way


Daryl Johnson

FYI: Continue to read this article for up-to-dateinfo. on our opening, changes in schedules and whatwill be done to continue the plans and activities of theRetirees of Dreiser Loop. As mentioned, our days aregetting better and we will be together “soon and verysoon.”

FYI-2: You are reminded to send praises at 7:00p.m. each evening to our front-line personnel: in thehospitals, food vendors, Maintenance crew and bank-ing personnel. Please let them know that they arethought of warmly and wished brighter days. Withprayers, we will survive.

Get-Well wishes to our members and friends whoare still in a nursing home or rehab facility. We con-tinue to keep you in our prayers and know you willhave better days.

Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, regardingillnesses and bereavements.

Note: When we are given the notice to reopen room19, we will be in touch with those of you who signedup to travel and attend theater events – as to when youwill be given refunds.

Travel Events: Cancelled• July 1 – July 3 (Wed.-Fri.), Dover Downs Casino.

Contact: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722/BarbaraWilliams, 718-320-0500.

Theatre Committee: Cancelled• Sept. 10 (Thurs.), “9 to 5,” Westchester Broad-

way Theater. Contact: Marie Green-Ryan, 718-671-4949.

Reminder: We are in the process of updating ourMembership Roster. If you have a change of address

or new telephone or cell phone number, send us a note– Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, room19, Bronx, NY 10475; Attn: Delores Debnam. Alsoinclude an email address. Looking to the future – weare planning to “keep in touch” before and/or after ourmonthly meeting.

Attention!The Retirees need experienced part-time,freelance drivers with a CDL license with passengerendorsement with at least 3 years’ experience and aclean driving record. A stipend can be expected foreach trip. This position requires transporting membersand friends to and from special events within the Bronxas well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd,646-842-2458, and leave your name, telephone num-ber and a brief message.

–Delores Debnam

Retirees of Dreiser Loop


Black Lives Matter ProtestNCNW Co-op City was well represented (below) on June 7 at the protest march

and prayer vigil that took place with peaceful walking through Sections 1-5 andended at the Greenway Stage in Section 1.

Black Lives MatterWorkshopOn Thursday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m., NCNW sponsored a Zoom workshop titled,

“Black Lives Matter 8:46, the Next Chapter, an Open Dialogue and Discussion.” Over50 people joined in. Members from other sections of NCNW, friends from otherstates, all age groups and men joined us too. A video created by our member AkeishaNeely was stunning, covering the civil rights era protest to now; from Emmett Tillto George Floyd.

Pandemic JournalBrittney White, a collegiate member of our section writes for our journal.“The Coronavirus has paused my freshman year at Claflin University. I was just

getting comfortable with being at school and away from home. We went from springbreak to rushing to pack our belongings. Coming home was fine but the quarantinestopped the independence and freedom that I had at school. The excitement of countingthe days to the end of the semester, hanging in the café between class or meeting upwith a group of friends for movie night ended just like that. We started schedulingweekly FaceTime chats and Netflix parties as a way to hang out virtually. The transitioninto remote learning was challenging at first because I am the type of person thatdoes better with in person classes. My classmates and I used that time to bounceideas off of each other to get better clarity on difficult topics. I managed to pushthrough and ended my semester with a 3.7 GPA. With the cases beginning to spikein South Carolina, it is unclear when and if I will be returning to campus in the fall.The highlight of my summer would have been getting a job through the SummerYouth Employment Program, but the budget cuts changed that and I am now in theprocess of applying to different places and competing with those people who havelost their jobs because of the pandemic. Until I am able to work, I use my time vol-unteering with Riverbay to distribute food. This isn’t how I expected my school yearto end or for my summer to begin but I am determined to make the best of it.”

NCNW Partnering with Food Bank for New YorkFood Bank is seeking volunteers to write brief notes to show our neighbors that

we care. We are sending notes to each New Yorker who visits their sites. Join uswith an anonymous note on plain paper or a greeting card. Letters should be mailedto NCNW, Inc., P.O. Box 93, Bronx, NY 10475, we will do a mass mailing.

Adopt a NurseOur section has “adopted a nurse” at Einstein Hospital to show our appreciation

of her care for our community. We are planning to surprise her with a thank youbouquet of flowers. –Joyce Howard

NCNW

Building 22A & B AssociationThis year is our most important election. In order to make changes, we need

to determine who our officials are and what they are going to do for our civilrights. The New York Primaries are on June 23. Please vote to make changes. OnSunday, June 14, the Black Lives C.R.E.A.T.E. peaceful protest rally was a success.Our community showed that they were united with their neighbors to bring change.Grand applause to all the families of our graduates you did us proud. Being afather is a very high honor, take this time to enjoy your children, have a veryHappy Father’s Day. Please continue to be a good neighbor, check on the elderly.Our second phase of opening the city starts this week, so keep social distancing,wear your masks and gloves but don’t overdo it. Get out and enjoy yourself. Besafe, we don’t want to slide backwards. Happy birthday to all. Prayers to all who lost loved ones. Get well to all the

sick and shut-ins. If you see something, say something. –Betty Leak

Important, important, important!Although we have not had any meetings sinceCovid 19, there are some very important matters for our cooperators to attend to.1) Fill in a census form! Without proper statistics about who lives here, we will

not get the funding and services we deserve.No form? Contact a Riverbay board member, or possibly call CSO.2) Affidavits MUST be filled out by July 31.If not, you will pay the maximum surcharge on your carrying charges. Don’t

wait—the summer is going by quickly.3) Now is the time to let everyone that you know—-especially the young—-

that it is critical that they VOTE next November.The next four years will be determined in very different ways by how we, as

a people, vote. Note: the Association did have its Book Club meeting (thru Zoom!), and it was

very successful. Our book was A Thousand Splendid Suns. The next book will beWhere the Crawdads Sing (July 24). All are welcome.Some of us marched in the Black Lives Matter protest on Sunday, June 7. It was

a moving tribute to George Floyd and a strong call to action against police brutality.We continue to send warm wishes and prayers to Marie Standford, our Asso-

ciation president, on the recent passing of her husband. Finally, please remind all you know to wear those masks! It is amazing that

many still do not. We certainly do not want a resurgence, such as is happening ina number of other states. To all, stay well and safe. –Katharine Wood

Building 29A Association

Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads,uncles and awesome men in your life who guide youand protect you. To my dad, “Although you are nolonger with me, I want you to know how much I lovedyou. The loss of my father changed my life foreverand he is never far from my thoughts.”“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-

violent tool we have in a democratic society, andwe must use it.” –John LewisWhen this article is printed, there will be one day

left for early voting. Early voting at Truman HighSchool is open Saturday and Sunday, June 20, and 21,from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your final chance to cast yourvote in this primary is on Election Day, Tuesday, June23, 2020. While we hope everyone is registered to votein case you are not or if you need to confirm you areregistered to vote, you can go online to NYC Boardof Elections. Once on the site, hit “Register to Vote”or call 1-866-868-3692. During this very difficult period in the history of

our country, the pandemic has impacted the lives ofour families, neighbors and friends. Together, we arefighting the ravages of COVID-19. It not only affectedour health but also our economic well-being. If you

are experiencing difficulty paying your carrying charge,there are grants and other resources available that mayhelp you secure funds.

Information for our youthThe New York City Civilian Complaint Review

Board (CCRB) is pleased to share with you its initia-tive aimed at young New Yorkers. The CCRB’s YouthAdvisory Council and Never Whisper Justice,encourage youth to file complaints with the agency ifthey experience or witness police misconduct. TheAgency is honored to have Emerald Garner, daughterof Eric Garner, lend her voice to this effort.Members will participate in monthly meetings to

advise the CCRB on how to improve relations betweenthe NYPD and young New Yorkers.If you would like to join, and are age 10-24, you

are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to thosewho have been referred by your borough president, acouncil member who participates in the CCRB Com-munity Partners Initiative, school, community organ-ization, or the CCRB. To request an application toattend the next instructional Youth Advisory Councilclass, email [email protected] for minors:New Yorkers are not

permitted to register to vote unless they will be 18years of age by the end of the year, and by the date ofthe election in which they intend to vote. This bill waspassed and allows 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-registerto vote, meaning that a voter will automatically be reg-istered on his or her 18th birthday.

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black history andfreedom that relatively few Americans had heard oftill recently, if at all. Now suddenly, Juneteenth isprominent on the nation’s calendar, propelled there bysweeping protests against racial injustice and a con-troversial decision by the President in scheduling acampaign rally on that day. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipa-

tion Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nationapproached its third year of bloody civil war. Theproclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves”within the rebellious states “are, and henceforwardshall be free.”The holiday gets its name from June 19, 1865, the

date when, over two years after the signing, the Unionarmy arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that allAfrican-American slaves in the state were free in accor-dance with President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipa-tion Proclamation. The state was the last in the Con-federacy to receive word that the Civil War was overand that slavery had been abolished. “There comes a time when one must take a position

that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he musttake it because his conscience tells him it is right.” –ML King Jr.I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I can be

reached by mail at: Leslie Peterson, Riverbay BoardDirector, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bx. NY 10475; Tel. @718-320-1370, or e-mail at [email protected].



Leslie Peterson

Your right to vote is precious

Open Door Ministries“Restoring Tormented Minds”

Full sermon at Open Door Ministries YouTube Channel

We are promised peace by God and yet we must trust him - a mind filled with nega-tive thoughts cannot be healthy. Isaiah 26:3You, Lord, true peace, to those who dependon you; whose mind is stayed on you; whose purpose is firm, because they trust you.

If you only focus on the past, what people have done to you and do not acknowl-edge your present blessings you are living a lie and have a captured and tormentedmind. There is a spirit of contention of hatred and lies that follows people that refuseto obey the truth. If you have been freed by Jesus through salvation, why do you dwellon the negative?

1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evilspirit from the Lord tormented him. Saul was made into a new man but returned tothe old man. God removed his Spirit and an evil spirit came and tormented him becauseof his disobedience.

The sign of whether you are indwelt by the Spirit is not that you have no bad desires,but that you are at war with them – John Piper. Some of us are embracing evil ratherthan correcting it. Boundaries are removed and lawlessness prevails.

Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the god-lessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 28just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gavethem over to a depraved mind, so that they do what they should not do. 31 they haveno understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.

If we are not careful, we can be swept into chaos when we cater to the world becauseit invades all areas of our lives and we are unable to present the truth. We can helprestore tormented minds by:

Showing Integrity: Psalm 15:1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 4 Those who despise flagrant sin-ners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises evenwhen it hurts.

Repenting: Ezekiel 18:27 But if a wicked person turns away from wickednessthey have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life.

Rethinking choices: Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘Howmany of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

Learning: 2 Timothy 2:25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. PerhapsGod will change their hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come totheir senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by himto do whatever he wants.

Contact Open Door Ministries by text 917-334-4407 or email opendoorministries.net. Blessings in Christ, –Pastor Luis Ramos

Co-op City Baptist ChurchRev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family

continue to pray for Co-op City, NYC, the United States, and the world at thistime of crisis. Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid19), the Co-opCity Baptist Church will be conducting Sunday School, worship service, prayerservices and Bible study class via conference call line or video conferenceusing Zoom until further notice. You are invited to join us for Sundayworship service tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom video conference:https://us04web.zoom.us/j /9623430102, conference ID: 962 343 0102, Pass-word: 788175, or Zoom telephone conference using call in number: (646) 568-7788, conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175.

Adult Sunday School is held at 9:00 a.m. You can join us via conferencecall line: 563-999-2090. Pin: #660065.

On Sunday, June 21, the Summer Adult Bible Class will begin a study onmental illness and the mission of the church. This is a six-session class andthe book we’ll be using is “Troubled Minds” by Amy Simpson. Ms. Simpsonwrites from her personal experience of family mental illness and how theywere treated by their church, et al. The complete info. is titled, “TroubledMinds: Mental Illness & the Mission of the Church.” Author: Amy Simpson.Publisher: IVP (Intervarsity Press); www.ivpress.com

ISBN: 978-0-8308-4304-6Non-members, please contact Rev. Emanuel at [email protected]

so I can send you the handouts. Use the same address if you have any questions. Bible Study is held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/

9623430102, conference ID: 962 343 0102, Password: 788175. Call in num-ber: (646) 568-7788, conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

Please use the Conference Call Line 563 999 2090, Pin #: 660065 for thePrayer services shown below:

* Thursday, 12:00 p.m., Prayer Warriors* Friday, Noon Day Prayer Service (12:00 p.m.)* Friday Evening Prayer Service, 7:30 p.m. Please note Friday evening

prayer service is not held on the first Friday of each month.Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Please

remember to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and stay safe!God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. God is our refuge

and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a liv-

ing community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ throughworship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual andphysical needs of the church through ministry.

–Hattie L Lucas

Keep up the good work, Co-op City! Maintain social distancing, wear face masks and wash your hands thoroughly.

JASA CommonPantry –will be in theBartow Mall on Tues-day July 23 at 9 a.m.

Diabetes Self Management Program – In part-nership with JASA's Community Health NavigationProgram. Healthcare Services Zoom is inviting youto a scheduled Zoom meeting.Topic: Diabetes Self Management ProgramTime: 1 p.m. on the following Wed.: June 24; July

1, July 8; July 15; July 22; July 29. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/98377173191call-in number +1929-205-6099Meeting ID: 983 7717 3191 JASA Co-op City

NORC Program invites you to their UpcomingVirtual Activities: 6/22-26 – Jazzmobile – Mon. thru Fri., 4-5 p.m. Join Zoom meeting:https://zoom.us/j/92291435376Mobile: 929.205.6099Meeting ID: 922 9143 5376June 22 – Swing: Winard Harper QuartetJune 23 –Blues: Danny Mixon QuartetJune 24 – T.K. Blue QuartetJune 25 – Latin Jazz/ Salsa: Bobby Sanabria &

QuartetoJune 26 – Great Vocalist: Nat King Cole | Billie

Eckstine – Allan Harris QuartetEvery Friday – Concerts in Motion, 1-2 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82906881632Dial in phone number: 646.558.8656Meeting ID 829 0688 1632 press #. When asked for a participant ID, please skip this

by pressing # again.Every Wednesday – Tai Chi classes, 11 a.m. to

12 p.m. starting on 6/17/2020Join Zoom meeting:https://zoom.us/j/95267447198?pwd=MDhCa1U5

d24rMkdpNWZnMXVHejl2dz09Mobile: 929.205.6099Meeting ID: 952 6744 7198Password: 455576

Mondays: Chair Yoga from 10-11 a.m. – June22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27Join Zoom meeting:https://zoom.us/j/99565341173Call in number +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136Thursdays: Chair Mediation, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. –

June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 Join Zoom meeting:https://zoom.us/j/94868805136Call in number +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 948 6880 5136

JASABartow Center: (929) 399-1394Dreiser Center: (718) 320-1345 Einstein Center: (718) 671-5161

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

Funded by: The NYC Department forthe Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging

and Riverbay Corp.

All NYPL locations will be closed until further notice. During this time, fines are suspendedand due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please make sure tocheck out our array of online resources at nypl.org.

Scheduling Activities Calendar

All activities have been canceled until further notice due to theCOVID-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis.

Please follow all the recommended, necessary protective measures to help prevent the spread of this virus.

Co-op City Public Safety Dept.Emergency: 718-671-3050

Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc

HappyFather’sDay to all thosemenwhoaccept theresponsibility of raising their children.

Sight & Sound “Queen Esther”Refunds have been distributed to thosewhopaid for

theApril 23 show. If youhavenot receivedyourmoney,please call 347-847-1941. I needyour phonenumber tomake an appointment to deliver your check. If there isno answer, please leave a message. You may also textme.Becauseof theCoronavirus, theGoose IslandSeniors

Club is still closed.Wewill reopenwhenwe are totallyconvinced it is safe to do so. There are no activities,Bingo,Pokeno,Mahjong, trips, etc.Donot call the club.Youmaycallmeat homeat (347) 847-1941.Our emailaddress is goose. [email protected].

To all membersHappyBirthday toourmemberswhocelebrate their

birthday in the month of June: Rosaura Cruz, SandraHarville, JennieVelez,CrystalSomersle,DonaldSnyder,Faye Breitbart, Cecil Kornreich, Ray Betancourt, Joan(Jackie) Ross, SheilaMathis and Julia Rivera.

Sick and Shut-inMaryPilla sayshi. She is at theParamount atSomers

Nursing Center. You may call her at (718) 753-1816.Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY

10475, in the Section 5 Community Center; phone num-ber: (718) 379-9613. Our office is presently closed. Youmay call Stephen’s cell at (347) 847-1941. These areunusual times. All our lives are altered. Let’s pray thiswill end soon. On behalf of my officers and me, try tostay safe. Good health to all. –Stephen Roberts, Sr.

Goose Island Seniors

We shall overcome this change to our lives. Pleaseknow you are thought of daily and wished brighterdays. Just thinking: during your very busy days (LOL),take time to call one or two people each day just tosay “How you doin’?”Get-well wishes to all of our members who are in

a nursing home or who were in the hospital duringthese past months. Know that you are in our prayersand wished “better days.” Please contact our Good and Welfare coordinator,

Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a familymember who has passed or one of our members whois sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home.All events planned by AARP-New York have been

cancelled through June. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are cancelling

the two trips listed below. You will be notified at alater date when and how we will refund payments. July 16 – 19: Ocean City, Maryland, 4 days-3

nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; eveningentertainment at the Red Rooster Restaurant; sight-seeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gamblingat Ocean Downs Casino; $789/person, double;$1,064/single. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Han-nah, 718-379-7962. December 29 – January 2, 2021: New Year’s

Parade Extravaganza (California), 5 days-4 nights,$2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 non-refundable deposit due when signing up. ContactJudith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962.Reminder: Our monthly membership meeting,

scheduled on the second Monday of each month, iscancelled until further notice.–Delores Debnam

AARP Chapter #4997

CARRYING CHARGE BOXES

For shareholders’ convenience, carrying charge boxes located in each of theBartow, Dreiser and Einstein Centers remain open throughout the month forshareholders to deposit their maintenance payments.



Due to the current Coronavirus crisis, services arecancelled until further notice.

General InformationThe Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5,

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

The synagogue has services on Saturday morningstarting at 9:00 a.m. After services, we always have akiddush.

The synagogue has a Facebook page, TraditionalSynagogue.

The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amountyou can donate, big or small, would help the syna-gogue. We need men, to help make a minyan. Thereare a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City whodon’t come to services. Please come by 9:00 a.m., sowe can take out the Torah.

The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue

in Co-op City.Sabbath ends on Saturday, June 20, at 9:22 p.m.Candle Lighting for Friday, June 26, at 8:11 p.m.

Good and WelfareWe sell tree certificates in Honor or Memory of a

loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree. Mazel Tov,to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you goodhealth. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sickperson, you should make your donation to the syna-gogue.

To all membersHappy Birthday, Faye Breitbart, and all other mem-

bers who will celebrate their birthday in June. Forthose members celebrating their birthday/anniversaryin June, please send me your names and I will addthem to the list.

Fun and GamesAfter services and kiddush, some men and women

play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Syn-agogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our mem-bers and friends, peace and good health.

–Bruce Gitelson

Traditional SynagogueBuilding 25 AssociationFather’s Day gives us a chance to express our appre-

ciation to the fathers in our lives whether he’s a blendedfather, stepfather or a mentor, past or present, hisfunny burps, corny jokes, lecturers, or a big ole broadshoulder to cry on. Celebrating father figures and themany ways they support and help shape our lives, thisSunday, should be a very special event given theCOVID-19 pandemic and the unrest in our country;make your choice of celebrating a safe choice.

Special thank you to all who participate in clap-ping for our first responders by standing on their ter-races, in and around the community at 7:00 p.m. everyevening. What a mighty, thunderous sound we make.

We continue to salute all 2020 graduating childrenof Building 25. Parents, submit your children’s name(s)through our general email address, [email protected], so that they too may be honored in ourCo-op City Times article.

We wish all neighbors born in June a Happy Birth-day, and for those who have been under the weather,we hope you get better soon.

Our building association meetings were cancelled formost of early 2020 due to COVID-19. June would havebeen our last meeting before we recessed for summermonths. Hopefully, we can safely resume our meetingin September; we will keep you posted towards the endof the summer. We would like to wish everyone a safe,happy and fun-filled summer while you continue to prac-tice safe distancing. In the meanwhile, you can log ontoour building email address at [email protected] address your concerns or comments to any or allmembers of Building 25 Association. Carol Eilets, treas-urer, continues to postpone the collection of our build-ing association annual dues until further notice.

Closing with a quote: “A father is neither ananchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, buta guiding light whose love shows us the way.” –val-orzone.com —Wanda Bailey

Hello, Building 19 family. Happy first day of Sum-mer! This past Spring has been an unforgettable expe-rience since the governor’s stay-at-home order wentinto effect in March. For the last three months, ourstate was put on pause as we did our part to help reducethe high hospitalization rate of COVID-19 by prac-ticing social distancing, better hygiene, and wearingface masks. Thankfully, the rates have gone downenough resulting in New York City entering PhaseOne this month, which allowed our city to slowly getback to some level of normalcy. However, we mustnot be lulled into a state of being lax in protecting our-selves, otherwise, we may see another spike in thehospitalization rates that the people of our state foughthard to reduce.

As you already know, the city and the state havebeen doing their part in helping residents to stay safesuch as distributing free face masks and hand sani-tizers. These distribution events were held in Co-opCity last month, which many cooperators have takenadvantage of. However, there are some cooperators,

especially in our building, who may not have beenable to attend the distribution events due to poor healthor the responsibility of taking care of a loved one. Toaddress this issue, the association will be providingfree face masks and hand sanitizers to every apart-ment in our building. Today, the association will dis-tribute pandemic go-bags that will contain two dis-posable face masks and one 2-oz bottle of hand san-itizers. If we have your phone number on file, youmay have already received a robocall from us alert-ing you about the go-bags earlier this week. The asso-ciation will be adhering to a no-contact policy whendistributing the bags by hanging them on your door-knobs around noon. Any bags still hanging on thedoorknobs by the end of the day will be retrieved bythe association on Sunday. The go-bags are the asso-ciation’s way of helping to keep you safe during theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Again, happy first day of summer and continue tostay safe.

–Leon Tulton


Emergency Food Pantry920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (entrance faces the

basketball court) – The pantry will open Tuesdaysand Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for the monthof June. NOTE: The pantry is closed on Tuesday, June23. Guests with a current pantry card are eligible topick up food once a month during our regular distri-bution hours. Time for questions/answers will be lim-ited during distributions. This is not because we donot like you. It’s to keep you and the staff safe. Ithelps with physical distancing and keeping the linemoving fast. We will still text if additional items areavailable to pick up outside of normal business hours.Please remember to bring shopping bags and a shop-ping cart. All guests must wear a mask/face cover-ing when visiting the pantry.

Anyone without a pantry card can register start-ing Tuesday, July 7. Registration will occur each Tues-day in July from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Registrantsmust bring an up-to-date ID NYC card, or a non- ordriver’s license. We can only register guests with IDsshowing a 10475 address. This is due to constraintsin our food supply. Groceries will not be distributedduring the registration sessions.

We are working on having summer evening busi-ness hours. These hours are only for working indi-viduals/families who cannot make the day hours.Those distribution hours are to be announced.

Defensive Driving ClassThe next class is on Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. – 3

p.m. The location is at 177 Dreiser Loop, room 4 (topfloor); $35 per person. We are still waiting for guid-ance on whether the class can continue. Leave a mes-sage at 718-320-8035 if you are interested in attend-ing. Someone will return your call. Please, no walk-ins. Space is limited to help with physical distancing.Anyone taking the online class through Empire SafetyCouncil - https://www.empiresafetycouncil.com/ canuse the promo code “Wright” for a discount.

Contact Us – We look forward to hearing fromyou at [email protected]. Please staysafe. –D. Illis

Black Forum


Pastors Kenneth and Debbie Hodgeand the NewVision congregation greetyou in the precious name of our Lordand savior Jesus Christ, always givingthanks for his goodness andmercy thathe has given unto us aswe stand in faithby his grace in this time and season thatwe are living in.We thankGod formeet-ing the very needs of our lives and wepray that we continue to walk by faithand not by sight, and that all things willwork together for our good accordingto His word. Let’s stay prayerful as wewatch and wait for our change to come.Wewelcome you with the love of the

Lord to joinusonSundayaswe share theWord of God at 11:00 a.m. on YouTube,type inKennethHodge.Wednesdayprayerservice7:00p.m.via telephoneconferencelinebycalling1-646-769-9900, thenenteraccessnumber3099388.Onceprayerhasbegun, pleasemute your phone so all canhear with clarity.

Sunday, June 13, worship servicetheme: “Against All Hope We Believein Hope.”

Scripture: Romans 4:18-21 “who,contrary to hope, in hope believed, sothat be became the father of manynations, according to what was spoken,so shall your descendants be. And notbeing weak in faith, he did not considerhis own body, already dead (since hewas about a hundred years old), and thedeadness of Sarah’s womb. He did notwaver at the promise of God throughunbelief, but was strengthened in faith,giving glory to God, and being fullyconvinced that what He had promised,He was also able to perform.” Amen.

Announcement: Sight & Sound,“Queen Esther” trip has been cancelledand refunds mailed. The Niagara Falls,Canada trip scheduled July 21-24 hasbeen cancelled. Waiting for refund. Con-tinue practice social distancing, washinghands and wear a mask. Be well andstay safe! Thanks for your contributions,Malachi 3:10. Mailing address: Churchof New Vision, P.O. Box 75-3037, Ein-stein Station, Bronx, NY 10475.

–Brenda Brown

Church of New Vision

The effectual fervent prayer of therighteous availeth much. During thisdark season, Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owensand the Community Protestant Churchfamily continue to lift up in prayer ourcommunity, city, state, nation and theworld, especially all those affected bythe Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our reg-ular church schedule has been cancelleddue to the virus. However, our membersand friends are invited to join us viaTelephone Conference Call Line at (712)432-3900; at the prompt, enter accesscode 343284, followed by the # sign.Please mute your phone.

Church ScheduleSunday School is CPC now in session

via conference call at the above numberevery Sunday at 9 a.m.

Sunday worship service begins at11:00 a.m. via conference call.Every-one is invited to call in and be part ofthis special moment each Sunday to bein God’s presence. We will be delightedto blend our spirits with yours as webend both body and soul before ourHeavenly Father. We encourage you tospend time with God, and if it be Hiswill, with us at Community Protestant.

Noon Day Prayer at CPC:Wednes-days at noon, you are invited to call infor an hour of Power, Prayer, Praise andTestimony.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Joinus via the Conference Call number above.

Men’s and Women’s Day was cel-ebrated during the Conference CallService last Sunday. Pastor Owens cited

2 Timothy 3:11-12; 14-15 for his inspir-ing sermon entitled “No Greater Legacy.”He stated that the greatest legacy wecan leave our children is that when theylook back over our lives they will realizethat it was faith in God that kept us. Itwas an enduring legacy of faithful livingthat withstood the storms and fires oflife. He cited Hebrews 11:1, “… faithis the substance of things hoped for, theevidence of things not seen,” andHabakkuk 3: 17-19a, “Although the figtree shall not blossom, neither shall fruitbe in the vines; the labour of the oliveshall fail, and the fields shall yield nomeat; the flock shall be cut off from thefold, and there shall be no herd in thestalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, Iwill joy in the God of my salvation. TheLord God is my strength.” Happy Father’s Day To Fathers

Everywhere!For serving the Lord, for what you

say and do, May this day of honor be wonderful

for you.Wishing you Father’s Day blessings,

not in droplets but a showerTo fall on you throughout the year

and brighten every hour.Our prayers go out for peace and jus-

tice. Until we meet again, Pastor Owensand our church family pray God will bemerciful unto us, and bless us, and causeHis face to shine upon us, that His waymay be known upon earth, and His sav-ing health among all nations.

–Evan G. Mitchell

Community Protestant Church 12 Now I want you to know, brothers

and sisters,[b] that what has happened tome has actually served to advance thegospel. 13As a result, it has become clearthroughout the whole palace guard[c] andto everyone else that I am in chains forChrist. –Philippians 1:12-13 (NIV)We live in a world that is constantly

pursuing happiness, but never findingjoy. Happiness is connected to what’shappening around us, if my circum-stances are good, I’m happy, if they’renot good, I’m not happy. Joy, however,is connected to Jesus. The Apostle Paulwas in unhappy circumstances and yethe had a supernatural joy because of hisrelationship with Jesus Christ. His pas-sion was telling others about Jesus, andbecause his passion was Christ-centered,even jail couldn’t steal his joy. My oldest daughter loved Winnie the

Pooh when she was little. Her favoritePooh character was Tigger. She had alarge stuffed Tigger that she would carryaround with her, and whenever Tiggershowed up in the episode she wouldbounce around with him singing the Tig-ger song. I remember a particularepisode where Tigger’s bouncing irri-tates the other characters, and so Tiggerhas to promise to never bounce again.As a result, he walks around depressed.His passion was gone, his circumstanceshad robbed him of joy. If Tigger werewriting a letter to his friends, his lettermight read: “Now I want you to know,friends, that what has happened to mehas caused me to act more like Eeyore

than myself.” Now think about this for a second.

What drives you? What are you pas-sionate about? What do you live for?Are your passions and pursuits centeredin Jesus? If they’re not, then when yourcircumstances change (and they will)you will lose your joy. Now, spoileralert…Tigger’s friends can’t stand tosee him so depressed so they allow himto start bouncing again, and all is well! But what about you? We’re only six

months into 2020 and it’s been a long,hard six months. Has circumstancesrobbed you of your joy? Stop pursuinghappiness and start pursuing Jesus! TheBible says, “The joy of the Lord is yourstrength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) In Jesus wehave unlimited access to joy. If you’realready a Christian, then start asking theHoly Spirit to help you walk in God’spurpose and plan for your life! Like Paul,you can change your “what has hap-pened to me story” by being connectedto Jesus! Ask Jesus to be the Lord andSavior of your life, and find supernaturaljoy in any circumstance!Join us this Sunday as we continue

our series, “Testing Positive: Findingjoy in times of trouble.” (A series inPhilippians). Live-Stream at 11 a.m.,www.newsongchurchnyc.org.

COVID-19 Relief FundWe’ve been able to help provide Co-

op City families in need with a grocerygift card. If you need help or would liketo donate, please go to our website!

—Pastor Mike Tolone

Newsong Church

Let us know… If you have news you’d like to sharewith your neighbors, please email:

cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com

BreatheEasy

EliminateBugs

Distribution of unsolicited advertisements in Co-op City

Co-op City is private property and thereforeprohibits distribution of unsolicited adver-tising material to shareholders’ homes and/orproperty, including cars parked in the develop-ment’s eight garages. If you witness anyone depositing or distrib-

uting advertising material on Co-op City prop-erty, please call Public Safety at 718-671-3050.Be prepared to give the location and descrip-tion of the person(s) leaving the material. All unwanted, unsolicited advertising mate-

rial should be disposed of properly and notthrown on the ground causing litter. Thank you for your cooperation.


Day every year. Penalties for Drunk Driving arevery high and can affect your insurance premiumsand ability to obtain insurance for years. Leave yourcar at home and utilize public transportation, cabservice or a designated driver for parties or celebra-tions where you plan to drink even one alcoholicdrink. There is no amount of alcohol that is safe orlegal when you are operating a motor vehicle. This year, the National Highway Transportation

Safety Administration is using the phrases “DRIVESOBER OR GET PULLED OVER,” “THEYWILL SEE YOU BEFORE YOU SEE THEM,”“YOU CAN’T HIDE IT, IF YOU DRIVE DRUNK,THEY WILL CATCH YOU” and “BUZZEDDRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING.” To learn more,go to www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober. On this website,you can learn how you can help to eliminate drunkdriving and prevent unnecessary deaths.Always remember, if you see something, say

something. Call 911 and the Department of PublicSafety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remainanonymous when giving information. The Co-opCity Department of Public Safety would like tothank all persons who have called in suspiciousactivity. It is by your actions that the crime rateremains low and a high quality of life is maintained.The Co-op City Department of Public Safety

would like to thank all persons who have called insuspicious activity. It is by your actions that thecrime rate remains low and a high quality of life ismaintained. I look forward to seeing more of myavid readers around the community. Don’t forget, the Department of Public Safety

has a lost and found for keys and eyeglasses locatedat our office at 2049 Bartow Avenue, lower level. Ifyou find keys or eyeglasses, bring them to PublicSafety. Be sure to check here if you are missingthese items as well. Don’t forget to use up anymoney you have left in Flexible Spending Accountsfor 2020 over the next six months. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of

all ages, abilities and characteristics. All personsshould remember to respect each other and embracetheir differences. Don’t forget to say “hello” to yourneighbors when you pass each other in the hallway orin the street. It is now recommended that you replacea handshake with an elbow bump and replace a hugwith an “air hug.” The exception is please don’t openbuilding or garage doors to persons you are not surebelong in the building or garage.Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. It

is also important to remember that not all disabili-ties are visible. Someone who appears to be healthymay have a physical or developmental disability.This is a good opportunity to learn about disabilitiesor conditions that may affect your friends, familymembers or neighbors. Knowledge is power, themore you learn, the stronger you become.

Public Safety (Cont’d. from p. 7)

RIVERBAY ANONYMOUS WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE

If you have knowledge or a concern of possible violations of law, accounting irregularities,or other suspected wrongdoing affecting Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to lawenforcement, 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 [email protected] (the email must include “Riverbay” in thesubject); or Send a fax to (215) 689-3885

(the fax must include “Riverbay” in the subject of the report).


Bill de BlasioMayor

Oxiris Barbot, MDCommissioner

WHAT IS MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME

IN CHILDREN?

For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

IF YOUR CHILD IS SEVERELY ILL,GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM OR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

SEEK CARE IF YOUR CHILD HAS PERSISTENT FEVER PLUS ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS:

Irritability or decreased activityAbdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomitingConjunctivitis, or red or pink eyesRed, cracked lips or bumpy tongueSwollen hands or feetLack of appetiteRash

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new health condition associated with COVID-19.

Vol. 55 No. 25 Saturday, June 20, 2020 $1.25 Board defers ... · • Perform general upkeep of...

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