Vol. 55 No. 12 Saturday, March 21, 2020 $1.25

Riverbay cancels all meetings in Board president issues critical centers, encourages social distancing reminders to shareholders among shareholders and staff amid COVID-19 crisis COVID-19 begins to hit closer to home

BY ROZAAN BOONE President’s Message In response to the rapid and Linda Berk widening spread of the coron- President avirus (COVID-19) pandemic in New York, Riverbay Management this week took additional steps to Dear fellow shareholders, help prevent the virus from spread- We are going through very difficult and concerning ing among residents and the work times with the threat of COVID-19 that has impacted force tasked with providing essen- every one of our lives. As the largest NORC (Naturally tial services to the community. Occurring Retirement Community) in the country, we must do all that we With guidance from health of- can to ensure that we protect our senior population. Management has made ficials at the federal and local lev- thoughtful and strategic plans to modify operations to keep our seniors and els as well as the governor’s and all shareholders safe and protected from the spread of this health threat. mayor’s offices to promote social Riverbay’s Safety Department handed out When I reached out to Management to express my concerns and those of distancing and avoid gatherings more than 560 bottles of hand sanitizer to Board directors, Management had already met, brainstormed and developed staff members this week to help prevent the first of 500 people and more, then spread of COVID-19. In photo above (L-R), a strategic plan that has unfolded as the risk of coronavirus has risen. Initially, further limited to 50 or more, team members Kellie Lewis, Anthony Olivieri they installed touch-free anti-bacterial hand wash in all public meeting rooms, Riverbay cancelled all room and Veronica Rosado assist Safety Director stepped up cleaning and sterilization of public spaces, included gloves and Anthony Barzelatto to fill and label bottles. (Continued on page 3) Photo by Rozaan Boone (Continued on page 2)

URGENT – Carrying charge payments JASA Lunch Deliveries Due to concerns about COVID-19, commencing Monday, March 23, the carrying charge box in the Bartow Administration building, and those in Dreiser JASA, Riverbay staff, and Einstein centers, will be opened for payment deposits in order to maintain and members of New- “social distancing.” The Bookkeeping window will be closed to sharehodlers song Church volunteer from Monday, March 23, 2020. to deliver meals to JASA Shareholders will be required to put their checks in the carrying charge box. seniors throughout the Please place your payments in an envelope and clearly identify your name, Co-op City community building and apartment on the outside of the envelope. No receipts will be on Fri., March 20. Due issued. During the month of April, you can call the Bookkeeping department to the Coronavirus pan- demic, JASA has taken to obtain your account balance. the necessary steps to We also encourage you to set up an account at www.goZego.com (Powered limit person-to-person by PayLease) and make your payments online. contact while still pro- There will be no late hours on Monday, March 30. viding meals to seniors We kindly ask for your cooperation during this difficult time. who usually attend —Riverbay Finance Department lunch at the three com- munity centers in Co-op City. As of now, JASA plans on making deliveries every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents will receive cold, pre-packaged meals with instructions on how to heat them appropriately for consumption. Co-op City senior residents not yet registered for the lunch program may do so by calling JASA main office at (718) 320-2066. Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with this program can also contact JASA at the number above. Photo by Toriea McCausland

See page 18 for more information.

Census 2020

Co-op City homeowners should have received their Census 2020 invitation letters by now along with their Census ID’s to complete the questionnaire online at my2020Census.gov. Be sure to log on and complete the Census. If an online response if not received from you, a paper questionnaire will be mailed to your residence in April. Failure to respond will result in the Census Bureau having to send an interviewer to your home to collect the answers to the Census from you. A reminder: Housing cooperatives such as Co-op City are a type of home- ownership where residents purchase shares which gives them rights to oc- cupancy of their apartment. They share expenses including mortgage payments made by the housing corporation. If you need help completing your 2020 Census form, you may call 1-844- 330-2020, toll free. 2 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020

President’s Report (Continued from page 1) Happy 12th Birthday, masks for employees, changed the procedures for history, we can complete the Census online, by tele- Aaliyah! home repairs and visits, and eventually closed the phone or via the traditional paper format that will rental rooms and limited public meetings in the com- come sometime in mid-April after three reminders We have enjoyed 12 years with you. We know that munity centers. Management has stayed attuned to to self-respond. you will remember each of the Governor’s and Mayor’s warnings and advice. It is important that we, as a community, are these years as you continue The Co-op City Times will continue to keep the com- counted. The Census only happens every ten years to grow. Your faith and hard munity informed of the latest guidelines and med- and we will live with the results of this census until work in school will ensure ical advice disseminated from trusted sources. We 2030! The census numbers determine distribution that the best years are yet will limit all messages to official medical advice of congressional representation, distribution of hun- to come. from the official offices of the City, State and Fed- dreds of billions of federal dollars in addition to We love you and are eral medical officials. While we realize there are local issues such as voting districts and school dis- always here for you. many opinions on how to handle the health emer- tricts. Federal programs like school meals, senior —GrandpaTed, Grand- gency we are experiencing, we will not print indi- programs, SNAP, libraries, hospitals, fire depart- ma Dot, Mom, Dad, Jer- vidual medical opinions in the paper – it is the respon- ments, transportation and even Pell grants and stu- maine, Amanda and Alyssa sible thing to do. dent loans for higher education are dependent on I ask that you continue to practice safe, hygienic this census count. behavior. Be responsible and responsive to the offi- The Census is easy, available in 12 non-English cial advice we receive. These are very different times, languages online and on the telephone. There are 59 unlike anything any of us has experienced before. languages in all, available in print and video guides. While we should be careful, we must remain calm. Most importantly, the Census is safe. Census Co-op City Department Let’s look out for each other and check in on our employees are sworn for life to protect the data col- senior neighbors. Times like this is when coopera- lected and only aggregate data (statistics) are ever of Public Safety tive living can make all the difference for all share- released to anyone, including the President of the holders. I love my community; I love my neighbors United States. Census data cannot be shared with (718) 671-3050 • and I am glad that I live in this community that is any other agency, court or law enforcement agency. www.ccpd.us. not only self-contained, but responsible. I applaud This confidentiality is protected by Title 13 and has the Board, Management, community organizations, been tested by several requests. In every instance, If you SEE something, faith-based organizations and individual sharehold- Census data has been protected and upheld by fed- ers for the prudent measures taken to protect us all! eral courts. SAY something! Census So much hinges on the 2020 Census count, so While on the message of responsible community please make sure you and everyone living with you action, I want to encourage all shareholders to is counted! respond to their Census questionnaire when you WE COUNT! receive it. If you have not received an invitation in Thank you for the opportunity to serve and rep- the mail, you can go to my2020census.gov and com- resent this community. I am a proud cooperator of plete your Census form online. For the first time in Co-op City.

Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 3 CCoo--oopp CCiittyy TTiimmeess 22nndd FFrroonntt PPaaggee

COVID-19 (Continued from page 1) rentals for meetings and events in the community centers effective Co-op City residents are also asked to do their part by taking COMBING Monday, March 16, 2020. The suspension remains in place until responsibility for their personal space including their apartment April 6, when the decision will be revisited. door knobs. Residents can assist janitorial staff with the upkeep Building associations and certified community clubs and or- of their building by not littering, cleaning up spills they are re- ganizations are also asked to suspend their daily and, in some sponsible for and keeping the laundry rooms clean. cases, weekly, meetings and programs until further notice. “We are going to ask neighbors to check in on the elderly and These steps were taken in response to the viral spread of disabled on their floors to the extent possible, and to offer your COVID-19 among New Yorkers. Two Riverbay staff members assistance wherever you can,” said Noel Ellison, Riverbay General have reported they tested positive for Coronavirus and are quar- Manager. “We need everyone to be proactive and to help out so antined, while several others are in self-isolation with symptoms we can get through this pandemic. If you drop something on the or because they believe they may have been in contact with floor, help our porters by picking it up. Take personal responsibility Find out what’s going someone who tested positive. for wiping down your door knobs and hallways.” on in Co-op City here... Reportedly, there has been one death so far in the community Riverbay Safety department forges forward with the campaign – that of an elderly shareholder who was admitted to the hospital to educate staff and residents about the virus, its impact, symptoms and had tested positive for Coronavirus. Management was notified and precautionary steps everyone can take to protect themselves 7th Annual Spelling by a relative of the deceased. A few other residents have also no- and family such as proper handwashing with soap and water for tified Management they have either tested positive or self-quar- at least 20 second, covering your cough and sneeze, and avoiding Bee canceled antined. sick people. Informational flyers have been posted in high traffic The 7th Annual Co-op City Once Management is notified, staff is dispatched to sanitize areas of the Riverbay administrative building, in the Co-op City Spelling Bee scheduled for today, the common areas of buildings and Riverbay offices and work Times and on the Riverbay Crawler – channel 12 on MATV and Saturday, March 21, has been areas of those affected. In the case of shareholders, the information 591 on Altice – where videos on proper hand washing procedures canceled. is also noted in their files so staff members are not dispatched as well as management updates are available. All employees are to the apartment for non-essential work, Management said. advised to thoroughly wash their hands frequently and to utilize Management continues to stress to staff members, if you are the touch-free hand sanitizing stations set up in high traffic offices Domestic & Sexual sick, do not report to work. Staff who report for work sick are and areas throughout the administrative building. The Safety de- sent home. No sick staff member is allowed to return to work partment also handed out more than 560 bottles of hand sanitizer Violence Seminar unless they bring in a doctor’s note clearing them. to staff members. canceled On Tuesday, March 17, Management announced that since This week, Power Plant staff began ensuring the plant is op- more shareholders are staying home in response to the virus, all erating at peak efficiency, performing steam blows. Those who The CCPD Sexual & Domes- scheduled water shut downs are cancelled, in addition to exter- live or travelled in the vicinity of the plant might have heard tic Violence Prevention Seminar mination services, except in extreme emergencies. Shareholders noise emanating from the plant. This is normal and there is no scheduled for Thursday, March who require an extermination appointment because of bedbugs cause for alarm. 26, 7-9 p.m. in room 31 of the and/or pest infestations, should contact the Riverbay Call Center JASA Senior Services suspended all trips and daily activities Bartow Center has been canceled. or the Emergency Desk by calling (718) 320-3300 and selecting held in the three community centers last week and began serving option #2 to be connected. hot, take-out lunches to seniors signed up in the lunch program. If conditions require Riverbay staff or a contractor to enter a Earlier this week, they transitioned to pre-packaged food to be 5K Run/Walk shareholder’s apartment, the parties must maintain a distance of picked up by seniors. canceled at least 6 feet from each other. However, starting Friday, March 20, JASA partnered with Last week, Management directed all staff members entering Riverbay and Newsong Church to have volunteers deliver meals The Bay Plaza 5K Run/Walk shareholders’ apartments to wear gloves, maintain a distance of directly to seniors which would prevent them from having to for the American Cancer Society, at least 6 feet between themselves and shareholders, and to sign come out. Those registered in the lunch program at each of the scheduled for Sunday, March 29, off on work orders on shareholders’ behalf to avoid unnecessary three senior centers will receive phone calls from JASA letting has been canceled. contact. The shareholder will then receive an email confirming them know what is on the menu for the upcoming days, and if the work and if there are any disagreements, the shareholder may they want meals delivered, volunteers will bring the pre-packaged Riverbay Fund contact the Riverbay Call Center with their concerns. food to their apartments. Meal delivery will take place on Mondays, On Friday, March 20, 2020 Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a Wednesdays and Fridays. Two meals will be delivered each Survey mandatory directive to businesses to cut their non-essential work- Monday and Wednesday, and one on Friday, between the hours The Riverbay Fund Commu- force by 100% by Sunday evening, March 22, in order to reduce of 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. All volunteers will wear Riverbay-issued nity Needs Assessment can be density to help “flatten the curve” so as not to overwhelm the ID’s and be properly trained. completed online at https:// health care system. The governor went so far as to announced Community volunteers are needed to help support this program www.surveymonkey.com/r/River civil fines and mandatory closures for any business not in com- for senior residents. Interested individuals may contact Ann Mon- bayFund2020, or by filling it out pliance. “Everyone has a responsibility to everyone else,” the crieffe at JASA main office, (718) 320-2066. on page 11 of the March 7 issue governor said. If you are a senior 60 years and older and you are not yet reg- of the Co-op City Times, and mail- Throughout the week, Management has been meeting with istered for the JASA lunch program, you may contact the office ing or delivering the survey to Riverbay operations departments to review contingent plans at (718) 320-2066. the Riverbay Community Rela- that will allow the housing company to continue providing Management has urged all staff members to be responsible tions department in the admin- some essential services to residents. Gov. Cuomo has not yet in their communication with fellow workers and also with share- istrative office at 2049 Bartow released a defined list of “essential” services, announcing on holders to avoid causing panic, especially among Co-op City’s Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Friday that his office is still working through the list of “those elderly population. that need to function.” “Management has made thoughtful and strategic plans to In an update to the Riverbay Board on Wednesday, March 18, modify operations to keep our seniors and all shareholders safe Census Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer stated: “…Our and protected from the spread of this health threat…,” stated critical functions such as the Power Plant, Security, trash removal Riverbay Board President Linda Berk in her report to the com- Be counted! Be sure to fill out and emergency repairs will be our emphasis. Some routine jan- munity published on page 1 in this issue. “I ask that you continue your Census form online at itorial and maintenance procedures will need to be reduced. So to practice safe, hygienic behavior. Be responsible and responsive my2020Census.gov. Look for far, we are able to get adequate supplies of hand sanitizer and to the official advice we receive. These are very different times, your ID in your invitation letter. disinfectant. However, it is becoming difficult to get latex gloves unlike anything any of us has experienced before. While we and face masks.” should be careful, we must remain calm. Let’s look out for each The Riverbay Procurement department has been working to other and check in on our senior neighbors.” IMPORTANT! identify suppliers of gloves and masks. These items remain in Shareholders not registered for Phone Tree notifications are Flushing disinfecting short supply and the wait time is exceptionally long because of urged to contact their CSO and provide Riverbay with a phone wipes down the toilet worldwide demand due to the Coronavirus pandemic. number and email address where they can be contacted with im- Over the last two-three weeks, Riverbay janitorial staff portant alerts and notifications in the event of an emergency. will lead to clogged have been cleaning and disinfecting the common areas of res- Management will also continue to provide updates to the com- pipes. Only toilet paper idential buildings and community centers with increased fre- munity in the Co-op City Times, and information will also be quency, wiping down front door consoles, doors, handicap pushed out on the Riverbay Crawler so be sure to tune in regu- should be flushed. access buttons, elevator panels, door knobs, handrails, floors, larly. laundry rooms and other frequently touched surfaces with CDC-approved detergents. (Continued on next page) 4 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 City-wide Coronavirus information and resources

BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND all NYC public schools, including those in the Co-op According to their website, “Any student can pick up Be aware! City, will offer “grab-and-go breakfast and lunch” for breakfast and lunch at any school building” from 7:30 According to a statement from the New York City students available at the entrance of select buildings. a.m. to 1:30 p.m., until further notice. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, people are knocking on doors pretending they are testing for the COVID-19 (Continued from page 3) Coronavirus. Do not open the door for criminals who are impersonating health officials. Alert friends and fam- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared most vulnerable groups (seniors over 70, immune- ily. Call 9-1-1 if they come to your door. COVID-19 a pandemic. So far worldwide, there have compromised people and those with underlying ill- New Stop&Shop store hours for customers been more than 207,855 cases and 8,648 deaths. nesses) that include: 60 and older As of press time Friday, Gov. Cuomo announced • Remain indoors On Monday, March 16, Stop&Shop announced new there were 15,490 confirmed cases and 210 deaths due • Can go outdoor for solitary exercise store hours for seniors beginning Thursday, March 19. to Coronavirus in the United States. The majority (7,102 • Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their Shoppers age 60 and over will be able to shop from 6:00 as of press time Friday) of these cases are in New York, temperature a.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily; designated entrances will be marked and of those, a majority are in New York City. • No visits to households with multiple people for those specific customers at local stores. According to In an appearance on MSNBC on Friday morning, • Wear a mask when in the presence of others their press release, “We’re making the decision to offer March 20, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced 4,000 • Everyone else in the presence of vulnerable peo- this every day of the week to allow for community mem- COVID-19 cases in New York City and 26 deaths. ple should wear a mask, to whatever extent possible bers in this age category to shop in a less crowded envi- “We now constitute 30 percent of the Coronavirus cases • Always stay at least six feet away from others ronment, which better enables social distancing. They’ll in the United States of America, 70 percent of the cases • Do not take public transportation unless urgent also be shopping prior to any other customers entering.” in the State of New York.” and absolutely necessary Access-A-Ride changes rides Those most vulnerable to the virus are seniors and Anyone experiencing anxiety, fear, stress, depres- As of Thursday, March 19, “The MTA is no longer individuals with underlying health conditions includ- sion or similar emotions as a result of COVID-19 and scheduling shared rides for Access-A-Ride.” Access-A- ing lung disease, heart disease and diabetes. Health needs support can contact NYC WELL 24 hours a Ride will still accept a personal care attendant and approved officials emphasize the importance of preventive and day/7 days a week year-round. Call 888-NYC-WELL, guest for travel with customers. “We will continue to containment measures such as proper and frequent text WELL to 65173, or chat at nyc.gov/nycwell. aggressively disinfect our full fleet of Access-A-Ride hand washing avoid touching your face, eyes, nose For credible information on COVID-19, reach out vehicles around the clock and work closely with, and fol- and mouth with unwashed hands; social distancing to trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Con- low the guidance of, all our partners and public health and avoiding non-essential travel. trol and Prevention (CDC), WHO and the New York officials at the state, city and federal levels,” said New On Friday, the governor issued strict rules for the City and State departments of health. York City Transit interim president Sarah E. Feinberg. Are you feeling lonely due to the outbreak? Anyone experiencing anxiety, fear, stress, depression, or similar emotions because of Coronavirus and needs support can contact NYC WELL 24 hours a day/7 days a week year-round. Call 888-NYC-WELL, text W-E-L- L to 65173, or chat at nyc.gov/nycwell. For credible information on COVID-19, reach out to trusted sources such as the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and the New York City Department of Health. Building deliveries (i.e., food, necessary supplies, or medicine) Multi-dwelling building staff and residents should con- tinue social distancing when receiving deliveries as well as entering and exiting the building. Opt to leave special delivery instructions when placing orders to have pack- ages delivered to the apartment door to minimize person- to-person contact. Closings Social Security offices closed, offers phone services only As of Tuesday, March 17, all local Social Security offices are closed to the public. According to their web- site, individuals needing assistance can: • Use Social Security’s secure online services at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices • Contact your local office via phone to “apply for benefits, answer your questions, and provide other serv- ices over the phone.” •Already scheduled in-office appointments will be con- ducted over the phone by a Social Security representative. • Those who cannot complete business online should call Social Security’s national phone number at 1-800- 772-1213. Community Board 10 Community Board 10 has postponed all board and committee meetings until further notice. New York Public Library All NYPL locations are now temporarily closed until further notice, extending the closures past the origi- nally stated March 31 date. While locations are closed, resources are available online, including e-books, research databases, and other resources available at https://www.nypl.org/about/ remote-resources. During this time, all due-dates for checked-out materials are extended until after libraries reopen. Although closed, New York City schools provide meals for students As per the New York City Department of Education, Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 5 Deepest condolences Obituary – José M. Martinez Pay your carrying charges Sincere condolences to the family of Henry “Hank” With deep sorrow, we online with ZEGO Newman of Building 15B. Mr. Newman passed on announce the passing of (powered by PayLease) March 10, 2020 at the age of 85. Please keep his wife, our beloved Jose M. Mar- Annette; daughter, Felicia, and family in your prayers. tinez, who was a resident of Co-op City since Dec- Want to pay your carrying charges in a quick, ember 1970. He is sur- secure and hassle free way? Just sign up with “Zego” vived by his three children, (Powered by PayLease). Creating an online account ANONYMOUS five grandchildren and is free and simple. Go to www.Riverbaycorp.com four great-grandchildren and click on the “PayLease” button located towards the bottom of the page. Click on “CREATE YOUR WHISTLEBLOWER following a courageous ACCOUNT” button and follow the instructions for HOTLINE fight with various health setting up a “Zego” (Powered by PayLease) account. issues. He passed away There are tremendous benefits when you pay peacefully on March 11, your carrying charges online: If you have knowledge or a concern of pos- 2020. Online payments can be made via electronic sible violations of law, accounting irregular- check for free and via credit card for a small con- ities, or other suspected wrongdoing affecting venience fee. Riverbay, you are encouraged to report it to Payments will be received in one business day. law enforcement, or you may E-receipt is provided as soon as a payment is report it through an anonymous made. hotline by the following methods: Make a one-time payment and or set up AutoPay for automatic payments to avoid late payments resulting in late fees. Go to an independent website, A resident support center is available 24/7 for www.lighthouse-services/riverbaycorp, support and phone payments. to complete an online disclosure form; Let us know… Secure and easy payment system. Call the following independent third party If you have news you’d like to Electronic payments cost less than checks, which helps save Rivebay shareholders’ money. whistleblower hotline at 1-833-290-0009 share with your neighbors, Paying online with “Zego” helps to increase (English); or 1-800-216-1288 (Spanish); please give us a call at (718) your credit scores Send an e-mail to: Current month carrying charges can be paid 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; online up until the last [email protected] (the email day of the each month. must include “Riverbay” in the subject); or email: cctimes@ If you need additional Send a fax to (215) 689-3885 riverbaycorp.com information, please call (the fax must include “Riverbay” the Finance Department or fax (718) 320-2595. (Bookeeping section), in the subject of the report). 718-320-3300.

6 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Coronavirus support – Assemblyman Blake partners with World Central Kitchen to feed Bronx families during Coronavirus outbreak Bronx Councilman Michael Blake of the 79th District is • Beatstro, 135 Alexander Ave., Bronx, NY 10454 after noon. partnering with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to distribute • Bronx Drafthouse, 884 Gerard Ave., Bronx, NY 10452 meals to Bronx families starting Tuesday, March 17. after 12:15 p.m. WCK will provide “fresh, individually packaged, grab- • Bland House, 40-25 College Point Blvd., Flushing, NY and-go meals” for local families that can be picked-up from 11354 after 12:30 p.m. Co-op City Times community businesses and organizations throughout the bor- • Davidson Community Center, 2038 Davidson Ave., Bronx, ough. NY 10453 after 11:30 a.m. Co-op City’s official newspaper According to WCK’s website: “These meals will be avail- • William Hodson Senior Center, 1320 Webster Ave., Bronx, serving the world’s largest able to anyone in the area who needs extra support during NY 10456 after 11:45 a.m. cooperative community. this uncertain time. Using our expertise as a food logistics • Greater Holy Tabernacle Church, 3780 3rd Ave., Bronx, (718) 320-3300, ext. 3375 organization, we will be distributing meals at the designated NY 10456 after 12:30 p.m. [email protected] sites listed below during lunchtime.” • Morrisania Air Rights Senior Center/Andrew Jackson Rozaan Boone The website lists the pick-up time and locations as fol- Senior Center, 3135 Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10451/ 325 E Editor-in-Chief lows: 156th St., Bronx, NY 10451 after 11:45 a.m. Toriea McCauseland Junior Associate Editor Riverbay service How To Stay Safe During Jennifer Piovanetti cancellations Operations Manager This COVID-19 Time Ralph Henriquez Production Manager Since many residents are staying home in 1. When you enter your home do not hug or kiss anyone response to current pandemic concerns, all sched- 2. When you enter your home go directly to sink to wash John Crow uled water shut downs have been cancelled as of your hands for 20 seconds New Media Producer Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please disregard any 3. Take off your clothes and wash them prior communications from Riverbay regarding 4. Stay away from all loved ones and friends at a minmum The Co-op City Times welcomes issue- of 6 feet oriented letters to the editor to be con- scheduled water service shut-offs. Water service sidered for publication. All letters, in prose, will continue, without interruption, except in cases 5. If you receive take out food make sure you wash the outside not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, of an extreme emergency. package before you handle food. not to third parties. All letters must be In addition, for the safety of our residents and 6. Pay for your food online so you have no contact with deliv- signed by the writers and include their staff, effective immediately, Riverbay Corporation ery person addresses and phone numbers, which will is suspending all pest control appointments until 7. If you receive a cardboard package if possible leave it out- be kept confidential, so that the editor side for 24 hours can verify the authenticity of the authors. further notice. However, we will continue to address Writers will be limited to one letter any emergency conditions such as bedbugs and/or 8. Disinfect all surfaces as COVID-19 can live on plastic and per topic. pest infestations. metal. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not If you require any further assistance, please 9. Stay away from all parks and playgrounds be accepted for publication. Letters cannot contact the Riverbay Call Center or Emergency exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be Wash your hands! Wash your hands! typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Desk at 718-320-3300, and press option 2. Together we will get through this. Times office in Room 21, Bartow Commu- Finally, if conditions require Riverbay staff or nity Center, by 3 p.m. Monday to be con- contractors to perform work in your apartment, sidered for publication in that week’s edi- residents must stay at least six-feet away from tion. Views and opinions expressed in let- workers. ters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared Going forward, we will continue to update you by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. of any further changes in our normal service pro- Advertisements and classified adver- tocols. tisements in the Co-op City Times do not Thank you for your attention and please exercise necessarily reflect an endorsement from safe practices. Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, ––Riverbay Management but present greater options to coopera- tors of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copy- Beware of telephone righted by the Co-op City Times. Permis- sion for reprints of advertising or edito- scammers rial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from If you receive a telephone call Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., demanding immediate payment Bronx, New York 10475. using a pre-paid card, wire transfer or bitcoin, even if your Caller ID identifies a legitimate business, HANG UP and report the call. Do not divulge per- sonal information such as Social Security number, bank account number, date of birth or any other information. Be smart, be safe!

Important Notice to Shareholders of Building 21 A, B & C Article SIXTH of your Occupancy Agreement provides, in part, that your Current Lease New 3 yr. lease automatically renews for an addi- Building 21 A, B & C tional three (3) year period. You need to Expiration Date Expiration Date do nothing if you want your lease to extend for another three (3) year period. If you will be moving out at the end of your lease, If the Co-op City Times notify Riverbay, in writing, Attention: Sales Building 21 A, B & C Was Not Delivered: 100, 120 & 140 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2023 Support Office, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Call 347-439-5632 on Bronx, NY 10475, ninety (90) days prior Bellamy Loop to lease expiration. Saturdays only, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 7 Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers travel Public Safety safety tips for the spring break travel season Report BY LIEUTENANT PAM APOLLO Public Safety Blotter The Co-op City Department of Public Safety offers March 8 - March 14, 2020 these travel safety tips if a trip is part of your spring break vacation plans. By being aware of and preparing for new travel regulations, you can make your trip safe and 03/08/2020 – 100 Alcott Place stress free as we approach the Easter, Passover and Spring Multiple NYPD and CCPD units responded to this location to investigate Break season. Safety is a major concern when traveling domes- reports of shots fired. Upon further investigation, shell casings were located tically or internationally. Always be alert and aware of your sur- but there was no reported injury or further evidence. roundings when traveling. 03/09/2020 – 2075 Bartow Avenue Travel safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not CCPD units responded to Asch Loop to speak to a caller who stated she dress in expensive looking clothing with expensive jewelry. These items identify was assaulted. As units arrived, they spotted a male fleeing the area. CCPD you as an affluent tourist and a potential victim. It is better to dress low key and units intercepted him on the Bartow Mall and after a brief struggle subdued try to blend in with the general population of the area you are visiting. Also try to and arrested the male. The male was also found possessing a loaded firearm. familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the areas you plan to visit. He was arrested and charged accordingly for his actions. It is always best to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. A rolling bag with four wheels is an excellent option, are lost or stolen. Also leave a complete itinerary at home with friends or family. especially if it is not too cumbersome. If you can carry all your bags you won’t Keep them informed if you change your plans. have to set a bag down and leave it unattended. When packing, pick a few favorite Airline regulations allow liquid health and beauty products to only be three items especially suited for travel. Wrinkle resistant garments with zipper pockets, ounces or smaller to be allowed in carry-on baggage. Each passenger is allowed especially designed for travel will be your first choice to wear. Always leave behind to carry-on only one quart sized Ziploc bag containing these individual liquid con- anything you would hate to lose. Darker colors with patterns are a good option tainers. Many of these travel safe products are available in drug stores or discount as they hide stains in case you drop some exotic cuisine on your clothing. stores. By being aware of these restrictions you can save yourself inconvenience Check with your airline regarding the cost, weight and number of bags you at the gate and avoid having to discard your items. Expensive lotions and perfumes can check or carry on. Some airlines charge for every bag and some allow one are not exempt and are regularly confiscated and discarded at airport screening checked bag for free. Space for carry-on bags is extremely limited on aircrafts checkpoints. Anything you are not sure about should be packed in checked baggage. and strict size limits are in place. A carry-on bag that is too big for the airlines Be sure to keep all prescription medications in their original bottles with the label bins may need to be checked for a fee. In most cases, any bag heavier than 50 containing your name intact. It is also a good idea to carry an extra copy of essential pounds or larger than a certain size may incur a costly surcharge. Traveling light prescriptions. Avoid the temptation to purchase or use any types of drugs while is good for your safety and good for your budget. traveling abroad. Drug charges are responsible for more than one third of the United Dress appropriately for the airport. Screening techniques require that you States citizens incarcerated abroad. Some countries have very severe sentences even remove your shoes as well as any metal objects. Children under 12 and adults for possession of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. If you have any questions over 70 may be excluded from having to remove their shoes. All of this is done regarding foreign drug laws, check with the U.S. embassy or consulate. while your carry-on baggage is being x-rayed. It is a good idea to wear shoes It is best to check with the Department of State’s Country Specific Information which can easily be slipped on and off. Limit the amount of jewelry you wear, as before you book a trip to any foreign country at http://www.travel.state.gov, all of this needs to be removed, placed in a basket and then put back on. This www.travel.state.gov. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual activity makes your items vulnerable to thieves. When traveling alone, you need health conditions, crime and security situations and other information so that travels to be extra vigilant about the whereabouts of your property. can make informed decisions about their trips. Certain countries may have a Travel Wearing practical shoes or sneakers is especially important while traveling. Proper Warning issued. It is best to know this information before you plan your trip. footwear makes it easier to speed up at the first sign of danger. While traveling it is When traveling, be sure to familiarize yourself with local numbers for emergency especially important to walk with a purpose and remain aware of your surroundings services. 9-1-1 is not always the number for emergencies. It is also a good idea at all times. Stiletto heeled shoes might be nice to wear to go out to a party or a to become familiarize with locations of local hospitals and police precincts in case wedding but would be rather impractical in the event of an emergency landing. of an emergency. Speaking on a cell phone, text messaging or wearing headphones with the volume To minimize the impact of all crimes involving theft of property from your turned up high makes it difficult for you to stay in touch with your surroundings. person, keep your keys, money, identification and cell phone in your front pocket, Be aware of all regulations for required documents needed for the trip you plan separate from your non-valuables. Also consider an inside the clothing travel type to take. Leaving or reentering the country by plane in all cases requires a valid wallet for your personal items and valuables. A pocket with a zipper, button or passport. Travel by auto, train or ship to certain destinations in Canada, Mexico Velcro is ideal for this purpose. If carrying valuables and personal documents in and some islands allows the use of the new enhanced driver’s license. Problems your purse place them inside of a plastic or metal container such as a mint case, can arise if a change to your itinerary requires that you have to travel by plane which does not look like a wallet. Keep less important items with a token amount instead of auto, train or ship due to unforeseen circumstances. Check with the of cash in your decoy wallet, this way the criminal will think he scored big. A state department before making travel plans to be sure your destination is safe for purse that zips also adds an additional level of security. travel. Various conditions may cause recommendations to avoid travel to certain Remember, property can always be replaced; your safety is the most important countries at certain times. Safety should always be a priority. thing. If someone does try to rob you despite your precautions; do not resist, espe- Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, cially if the person is armed with a weapon of any type. Try to remember as many driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to bring. Carry one copy with you details of the crime as well as a description of the perpetrator. Notify police imme- separate from the originals and leave one set home with a trusted friend or family diately if you have been the victim of a crime. If you are the victim of a crime in member. Having these copies will be extremely helpful if your original documents another country contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. For more information about crime prevention, contact the National Crime Pre- vention Council at 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 13th floor, Washington, DC If You See Something, Say Something! 20036, 202-466-6267 or on their website http://www.ncpc.org, www.ncpc.org. School is open, DRIVE CAREFULLY. Never pass a stopped school bus with a Working Together To Keep Co-op City Safe! STOP sign displayed or its red lights flashing. This means children are loading or • Report any unusual or suspicious persons or activity to CCPD. unloading. Be aware of pedestrians and bike riders when operating a motor vehicle. Bike riders must refrain from riding bicycles near • Do not allow strangers access to your building by holding the door. (Continued on page 11) • Be aware of work being done in your building and when contractors are allowed to be on the premises. OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY • Never leave your car or apartment door unlocked. • Do not leave packages or electronics in your car There are no employment opportunities to list this week. where they are visible. Please check back again next week. • Remember: You can make anonymous calls to CCPD. Emergency: 718-651-3050 or 9-1-1 • Non-Emergency: 718-320-3330 www.ccpd.us • @CCPDnyc 8 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 How YOU Doin’? Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The Shop&Stop Director’s Viewpoint NMeawla kCao Grohnaarvibir’su s supermarkets announced in a press last week? Gharib based her comic release on March 10 that beginning on March 19 (last Mary Pearson on NPR education reporter Cory Turner’s “Coronavirus Thursday) their stores will only serve the group con- Secretary Crisis” radio story. Turner talked with child develop- sidered to be most vulnerable to the virus — cus- ment experts and put together the story that aired on tomers who are age 60 and over — every day from February 28, on National Public Radio to help children 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. My viewpoint wasn’t published last week. Any- make sense of all the scary news. That’s all on the corporate level. On a neighbor- one miss me? That was the first time I’d missed a Both the full version of the comic (that includes some to-neighbor level, it’s nice to know that in times of week since July 14, 2018. (Do I get a one-week chip?) additional important information) and the radio piece crisis, even if we need to stay two arm’s lengths away But I’m ba—aaack. can be found at https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsand- from each other, we can still try to take care of each The article I wrote last week was a bit too every- soda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic- other. As it says on a sticker that came in the mail a thing: too irreverent, too serious, and too unsuitable exploring-the-new-coronavirus. couple oLf omveo tnhtyh sn eaigoh baonrd – nNoow e xlciveepsti oonns my car for the shifting day-to-day atmosphere of the city, the Ms. Gharib drew a grown up, comic book-style, ver- bumper: . nation, the world. sion of virus preparedness that’s on the National Public Let’s all do what we can because so much can I wrote last week’s viewpoint in my normal light Radio website as well. That one can be found at: change in a flash. manner, quoting comics and pols and CDC advice. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/ There was a moment — just barely 10 days ago — This week, I leave out the political comments and the 2020/03/12/814414450/comic-i-spent-a-day-in-coron- that was the moment before the Metropolitan Museum comics’ quips and stick to the facts — just the facts avirus-awSaormeneetsism-meso dthee-e Npiedwems iAoliong’tis AtsL-hLowB-addid-i-do. and the Metropolitan Opera shut their doors, before — and I’ll direct you to the most trusted of sources. Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson tested positive, before Facts matter, and once everyone gets the real-deal, Some heartening actions have been undertaken in charter schools and CUNY and SUNY cancelled classes, straight-from-the-horse’s-mouth, actual facts, mayDbeo wn’et the past week. I’m sure there are many, many neigh- before it was announced that all NYC late night talk cWaonr rpyr/aBcet iHcea pwpyhat Bobby McFerrin preaches: borly kindnesses happening all over, even in this time shows would be recorded without audiences, no, can- — becaGusoeo …gli wngell, let the Mayo Clinic of crisis, or maybe just because of it. Here are just a celled altogether for two weeks, no, cancelled for “let’s website tell you why by “Mayo Clinic Stress few instances demonstrating “good corporate citi- wait and see how long.” And there was a moment right Symptoms” at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy- zenship.” before the 258-year-old St. Patrick’s Day Parade was lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symp- The Louis Vuitton luxury group LVMH (Louis officially cancelled. Two hundred and fifty–eight years. toms/art-20050987. Vuitton Moët Hennessy) closed down perfume pro- That predates our 243 year old nation. I believe, next to music, laughter is the best med- duction and retooled their facilities to make and deliver Yet those moments, announcements, and closings icine and I know, next to nothing, information is the hand sanitizer to hospitals in France, for free. were just the beginning. Now, each day, and some- best defense. Another good source of accurate and There’s a group called REBNY that stands for The times each moment, brings a new challenge. Let’s all sensible information can be found at the Centers for Real Estate Board of New York. More than two dozen try to rise to the challenge, in these trying times. Be Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website of its members, who together own about 150,000 well. Stay well. https://www.cdc.govF/a acntsd ,a onfd c Fouunrse, in these pages. rental apartments, pledged to hold off on non-pay- Feel free to write or call, even if you just want to Co-op City Times ment-of-rent evictions for the next three months chat. I can be reached by voice or text at 718-219- How cool was it that the printed because of the coronavirus pandemic. 2211 or by email at [email protected]. 9 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Working Families of Co-op City American Legion Post 1871 Meeting Canceled Post 1871 has lost an icon Due to an abundance of caution, the March 17 meeting was canceled. And American Legion Post 1871 is sad to announce the passing away of one its maybe next month too…we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, the members, Lt. Col (Retired) Silas Standford, who transitioned to post everlasting CDC.gov website is a great resource for up to date COVID-19 health advice and on Friday, March 7, 2020. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 12, 2020 from New York 1 is especially tops in the info department. 3-8 p.m. and a funeral service was conducted on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 10 We’re not the only cancellation in town, I’m sure you know. But when they a.m. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Lt. Col. Standford was close the bars, whoa Nelly! Even some presidential primaries are being postponed a cooperator who served the American Legion truthfully and judiciously. He was so there is absolutely nothing going on in the world of progressive politics at the the former Adjutant of the organization and served the group selflessly. He remained moment. If that changes, we’ll be sure to let you know in next week’s listing. the benchmark for his comrades to measure any officer who came after him because But first, some words from NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who he was so humble, easy-going and a very determined officer. writes: “We need to make sure that we are pushing facts and not fear. New York- Silas was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1943. He joined the United States ers should go about their lives just a bit more cautiously without feeding into hys- Army as an enlisted member upon graduating from Riverside High School, teria unnecessarily.” Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1963. After 37 years of military service, he retired as a And some words from former U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv- Lieutenant Colonel. Silas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehman Col- ices under George Bush Mike Leavitt who, downplaying the new strain, still lege in 1976. He took another position with the United States Postal Service after stresses taking sensible precautions even though he believes we’ve been through his military service. In April 1, 2000 on the day of the decennial census in that this before and this one is nothing new (even though it actually is new). He says, year, he retired in his role as an expediter. After the retirement, he began his active “Everything we do before a pandemic will seem alarmist. Everything we do after service with the American Legion of Co-op City, Post 1871 where he served for will seem inadequate.” several years as the Post Adjutant. Silas laid the groundwork of Post 1871 for me Till this blows over, be well, everyone. And be in touch! And once this passes, as an Adjutant where I served for four years until I became the commander of the we’ll have even more reason to join with like-minded progressives to promote Post. Just like any other officers who served with him, I recall that he made the tolerance and end second-class citizenship. That’s what this group stands for. Stand job of running the post so easy that anyone would like to become an officer until with this group. But for now, do it from a distance. they took the position and realized how many sacrifices Silas had committed to Email [email protected] and/or text 718-219-2211. the work. —Mary Pearson At his wake, two notable officers spoke on behalf of the Legion. Past Com- mander Feliciano who served side-by-side with Silas as the Post Commander and Bill Gordon who was the Finance Officer at the same time that Silas was the Post Price gouging Adjutant. We will truly miss him – this was the chorus echoed by all the legion- naires in attendance during the wake. Commander Toba, who presented the Post New Yorkers are urged to contact the NY Department Everlasting plaque to the family, recalled that when he became the Adjutant, he of State, Division of Consumer Protection, at allowed Silas to continue with his service behind the scene until after two years 1-800-697-1220, or complete their online consumer in office when he finally perfected the job. He was a dedicated family and military man, who believed greatly in the power complaint form to report unfair price increases of of education. He encouraged many people in his life to pursue their education products such as household cleaning supplies and including his brother, his friends, his children and his wife, Marie, who followed hand sanitizer amid the COVID-19 outbreak. through to obtaining a Master’s in Nursing. Silas is survived by his wife, Marie, an accomplished veteran herself; his brothers, Reverend Edward Standford and Reverend Dr. Charles (and Betty) Standford; his children, Andre, Karlan, Sean, Veronica, Steven and Iris, as well as his many grandchildren, nephews and nieces. —Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Toba 10 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Coronavirus – A Global Catastrophe

The theaters on Broadway employ about 45,000 A 99-cent store in Jersey City received $90,000 in Director’s Viewpoint people. Regardless, Broadway will close for a period, fines because of alleged price gouging. Each fine was and then resume their shows on April 13, 2020. So, it’s $10,000 per offense. So, the nine fines were for allegedly estimated that they will lose about $100 million. But, inflating the prices of disinfecting wipes, disinfectant Daryl Johnson think, going to Broadway for some really romantic sprays, and rubbing alcohol. Example: The price of couples entails a lot more than just seeing a show. First, their rubbing alcohol allegedly went from $2.99 to The coronavirus has affected almost every area of they might drive or take a cab to the city. Then, they’ll $6.99. Now, get this, each price gouging fine in Jersey our lives. And, now, we can only hope and pray for the probably go to a nice restaurant, shop, go see their show, City will double to $20,000 for each subsequent offense. best outcome for this world and our community. and then perhaps hang out and stay in the city. There- On the other hand, some shoppers have been pack- Coronavirus – Hitting Hard fore, can you see how many people and businesses will ing out some stores. Thereafter, they’ve been buying Who would ever think that we would get a horrific lose money on or near Broadway because of this coro- out all of the essential items that they need for their virus, during this time period, that would affect the entire navirus outbreak? home. So, in many cases, some of the shelves are empty world? Who would ever think that so many people I can go on with entertainment, sports, and many in several stores. In California, shoppers waited for 3 would get sick and die so easily? Who would ever think other things. But, as you can see, we’re going to have hours for a Costco to open. Then, they raced into the that there would be so many people walking around in to make plans to deal with these economic problems. store and purchased an incredible amount of water and fear of this virus? Nightmare? Yes, what we have on Bottom line: The coronavirus is causing incredible paper items within one hour. Everything was gone. our hands is a living nightmare on a global perspective. problems for millions of people all over the world. So, Similar scenes happened right here in Bay Plaza. There- According to the CDC, as of last Sunday, March 15, we are going to also feel the horrible effects of this after, some store employees and customers asked: Why 2020, here is what we were facing with the coronavirus virus. However, I want to encourage everyone to fol- are so many people stockpiling these items? cases: Global confirmed cases, 168,848; deaths, 6,492; low some good medical guidance. And, please make Jerome Rice – Board Resignation recovered, 76,598. U.S. confirmed cases, 3,324; deaths, some preparations now to deal with possible upcom- On Friday, March 13, 2020, Jerome Rice officially 63; recovered, 59. NY confirmed cases, 613; deaths, ing economic problems. resigned from the board. So, I hope that he and his fam- 3; recovered, 0. Census – Please Respond ily will have a lot of success and happiness in their new On an economic level, this story gets much worse Everyone should receive an official information endeavors. for a lot of people including some of our residents. For package from the U.S. Census Bureau. So, please coop- Modell’s Sporting Goods – Closing instance, it was reported that the stock market lost $6 erate and fill out the census. You can respond online, Can you believe that Modell’s is going out of busi- trillion of market value just a few weeks ago. Schools by phone, or by mail. Thanks. ness? Started in 1899, they recently had 140 leases and have closed for an indeterminate amount of time. So, Don’t Get Caught Up 2,900 employees. And, now, they just filed for bank- now, thousands of students and parents are home. And, Some sellers were recently suspended for price goug- ruptcy. So, they will be closing all of their stores. Hor- unfortunately, some children might not get a sufficient ing on the biggest online retail store in the world. There- rible! amount of food to eat at home. after, the online store removed 530,000 “high-priced Close The airline industry is currently in a state of free fall offers” from their site. For instance, some face masks Don’t give up! Things are bad right now. However, because of travel bans, and the fear of some passen- previously sold for $13.28. Then, those same masks as a strong community, we’re going to work together gers being infected with this horrible virus. In fact, a were later priced at $195. to make things better. recent report indicated that the airline industry could Sellers on other sites were charging $149 for two- Thank you. lose “up to $113 billion in 2020 global revenue.” The packs of 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizing solution. Questions or comments? Please send a letter to Daryl cruise industry, with $53 billion in annual revenue, Then, other sellers started charging ridiculous prices H. Johnson, Riverbay Board Director, c/o Riverbay employs 420,000 people just in the U.S. However, they to ship basic supplies to their customers. Ground deliv- Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475/ will experience a tremendous slowdown this year ery? $500. Not fast enough? You need air delivery? Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you because of this coronavirus outbreak. Thereafter, lots Well, one seller was charging $5,000 for next-day air would like to have a brief discussion with me. Okay, of businesses that supply food, beverages, and other delivery. Again, these delivery prices were just for sup- that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. supplies to them will feel the effects of this slowdown. plies that you might need for your home. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you. 11 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Velocity Track Club Rivers Run Community Garden Velocity Track Club prays everyone Co-op City Earth Day Parade, previously scheduled for Saturday, April 18, is takes appropriate steps as outlined by canceled. The Rivers Run Community Garden will be open with limited activi- health authorities to safeguard your health ties, so you are welcome to come and browse and/or participate. For information and that of your family, friends and com- and updates regarding the Co-op City Little League, you can go to their Face- munity due to the coronavirus outbreak. book page or e-mail them at [email protected]. Velocity Track Club was scheduled to March is the month for refreshing the garden in preparation for the season. If attend the AAU Indoor National Cham- you like hard, dirty work or hanging out with folks who love hard, dirty work, pionship in Landover, Maryland on Fri- please join us on the dates highlighted below. day, March 13, and the USATF Hershey Membership dues must be paid by March 31 or they will be subject to a $5 Indoor National Championship in Staten penalty fee. If dues are not paid by April 30 you will be in jeopardy of losing your Island on Friday, March 20. Both national bed. Contact information is below if you cannot make it to the meeting. meets were canceled, and we’ve canceled Please tell your friends and family about this amazing place where we not only all practices for two and a half weeks. grow fruits and vegetables, but we grow knowledge and friendships. Rivers Run On Saturday, March 7, Velocity Track Community Garden is a movement toward improved mental and physical health. Club had two athletes compete in the 2020 We provide all types of workshops including nutrition, meditation, edible and New York State Public High School Ath- medicinal wilds identification, planting, building and crafting. We are the out- letic Association Indoor Track & Field door classroom for the local schools, daycares as well as residents and neighbors. Championships. The best track & field We are a place of beauty and peace. Visit. Stay. Experience us. Velocity’s athletes, representing their athletes from throughout New York State schools at the NYSPHSAA Champi- Event Dates, all are welcome: Saturdays: March 21 and 28, workdays public, Catholic and independent schools onship. Membership requirements: $20 per year fee and 20 hours of work. There is a were in attendance. To qualify for the waiting list for beds. Members who are actively fulfilling the 20 hours of volun- NYSPHSAA Championships, you had to finish in the top two in your event at teer work requirement are moved up on the waiting list. Volunteers are welcome. your school’s state/sectional league championship. VTC had two athletes repre- If you’d like to reach out to us, please email us at [email protected] or sent their school at NYSPHSAA Championship. Jada Clarke, who attends Nightin- call Denise Shelley at 917-232-2982 or me at 718-671-3801. gale-Bamford School, is only in the 7th grade, but qualified for the high school —Gail Sharbaan state championship in the high jump. Hannah Gadpaille, who attends Monsignor Co-op City Toastmasters Club Scanlan High School is only in the 10th grade. This is Hannah’s second year qual- ifying for the NYSPHSAA Championship. Congratulations, young ladies! Greetings. The CC Toastmasters Club, due to the current pandemic we are all Velocity Track Club New York is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. One hundred per- experiencing, unfortunately will not hold its regular meeting on Thursday, April cent of your donation will go toward helping our children. Support your youth, 2, at 7:30 p.m. We regularly meet the first and third Thursday of each month, how- so they can continue to do great things! ever, our club leaders have deemed the situation so severe at this time we do not If you didn’t receive your written acknowledgment required to substantiate a wish to put anyone at risk and have canceled this meeting. charitable contribution, please contact me. Please read the Co-op City Times for updates to our schedule. Please keep yourselves For additional information, please go to our website Velocitytrack.org, or con- and households safe by following the CDC and DOH Guidelines for this disease. tact me, Coach Winston Dinkins at 914-441-6196 or email [email protected]. We are looking forward to seeing you all real soon —Coach Winston Dinkins —Lauretta Jaysura

Public Safety (Continued from page 7) buildings and shopping centers. Bicycle riders must give pedestrians the same level of respect that they expect from motor vehicles. Everyone needs to share the road safely. If consuming alcoholic beverages is part of your early spring festivities, be sure to designate a driver who will not drink. Do not risk being arrested or being in an accident if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages. Call a taxi, if neces- sary. Never operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed alcoholic beverages. This is especially important while traveling. Penalties vary by jurisdiction. The consequences of drunk driving in other countries are extremely severe. Always buckle your seatbelt; it will save your life in a serious collision. Avoid distrac- tions and excess speed when driving; these are the two leading causes of colli- sions within New York State. In New York State, the Expanded “Move Over” law has been in effect since January 1, 2012. This law makes it a violation to fail to move over a lane when approaching a service vehicle such as a tow truck or a stopped emergency vehi- cle with or without its warning lights on. This violation carries a fine of up to $150.00 and up to two points on your license. The purpose of this law is to pro- tect emergency responders and other service vehicles. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportu- nity to wish everyone a happy springtime holiday season. Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or another holiday, have a safe and enjoyable time. Do not be tempted to purchase any type of live animals for the holiday season. Dyed chicks or bunnies may look cute but unfortunately they become difficult to care for and most end up in animal shelters. Stick to chocolate chicks, bunnies or Girl Scout cookies, they are more appreciated. The Easter holiday is responsible for more candy sales than Halloween, Valentine’s Day or Christmas. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718) 671-3050. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. Enjoy a safe and healthy spring holiday season. For those of you traveling have a safe trip. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity or sent information via our web- site. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained. Co-op City is a diverse community with people of all ages, abilities and char- acteristics. All persons should remember to respect each other and embrace their differences. Don’t forget to say hello to your neighbors when you pass each other in the hallway or in the street. Co-op City strives to accommodate all persons. 12 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Building 13 Association These are not easy decisions to make, but we want to do our best to ensure the Window guard forms are past due. If you have questions, contact the Cooper- safety and health of our community. Thank you all for understanding and for your ator Services Office located in Dreiser Loop. continued support. It is important Riverbay has up-to-date contact information for all shareholders. Earth Day parade There is an emergency alert form on page 9 of the March 14 Co-op City Times. You have the power to change the world. Co-op City Earth Day Parade previ- This will allow Riverbay to send an alert in case of an emergency. ously scheduled for Saturday, April 18, is canceled. The Rivers Run Community It is with deep sadness we announce the recent loss of our friend, neighbor and Garden will be open with limited activities, so you are welcome to come and longtime member and supporter of the Building 13 Association, Jesse Petsrillo, browse and/or participate. For information and updates regarding the Co-op City who always had a smile and a joke. Until recently, Jesse could be seen sitting on Little League, you can go to their Facebook page or e-mail them at coopcityll the bench, catching a breeze, reading the CCTimes. He and my father, New York- @yahoo.com. ers both, had stories to tell and the history they shared was compelling. To his lov- Building association ing daughter and family our condolences. To our friend Jesse, SIP. We have decided to postpone our regular building monthly meeting scheduled Payments for events can be sent to: 100 Casals Place 32K, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. for April 2. Contacts: President Leslie Peterson at 718-320-1370 or [email protected], The association will begin collecting membership dues to coincide with the or Gail Sharbaan, treasurer, at 718-671-3801. Our website is bldg13assoc.com or mailing of the Riverbay Annual Affidavits. The affidavits will be notarized for free e-mail us at [email protected]. when you become a paid member of the Building 13 Association, Inc. The affi- Thanks for making our team work. davits will be notarized in the Building 13 Association room. Check the lobby bul- —Leslie Peterson letin board for additional information on dates and times. Pennsylvania Dutch-Amish trip The Amish trip scheduled for May 30 is tentatively rescheduled for Oct. 3. We have been assured that if the current situation has not subsided the company will honor our wishes. I am awaiting written confir- mation and will keep all advised. For additional infor- mation, contact Doris Sanchez at 646-372-7954 or the numbers listed below. Reminders Shape your future for the next 10 years, complete the 2020 Census.

Building 25 Association

Please note I have reached a milestone – this is my 100th article since taking on the task of correspon- dence secretary for our building. I am glad to be of service and appreciate the support and thanks I receive from my neighbors. We postponed our building meetings until further notice in response to the coronavirus. Please be safe and follow instructions of city, state and federal offi- cials, check in on our elderly and shut-in neighbors. Notices will be posted near the elevators to let you know when our meetings will resume. The graduating postings will start mid-April until the end of June, once your child’s name has been sub- mitted. Check each week until the end of June. Let’s make sure all of our children get recognized for their hard work, look out for posting near the elevators when we will be in the lobby to collect names. We wish all neighbors born in March a happy birth- day, and for those who have been under the weather, we hope you get better soon. Our building association meets every third Tues- day of the month, generally from September through June, however, our meetings have been postponed until further notice, please keep an eye out for post- ings outside your elevators. If you cannot make it to meetings due to scheduling or other obstacles, please log onto our building email address at building25ca @gmail.com and address your concerns or comments to any or all members of Building 25 Association. Friendly reminder, our building annual dues are $5 per family. We would like to thank the residents who have paid their annual dues. Dues are collected at our monthly meetings by Carol Eilets, treasurer, or Celeste Stukes, assistant treasurer. I will end with the following quote: “Only one form of contagion travels faster than a virus, and that’s fear.” –Dan Brown —Wanda Bailey

We are shareholders, not tenants! Become involved in your building association! Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 13

14 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 What in the world is going on?

Director’s Viewpoint the volatile nature of this pandemic, we must learn some of us occupied for hours, LOL. The key here balance. Make sure to take in just enough TV to be is to take your mind off of the situation at hand on a Michelle Marbury informed, but also give your brain a rest. Turn the regular basis. Practice positive thinking and mind- channel to a good movie, preferably something uplift- fulness. Check in on your neighbors; especially our ing and funny. I like a good ol’ romantic comedy. elders. Call them. Remember to keep your distance The most important thing to remember is… Maybe sitcoms are your favorite. Laughter is great if you must pay them a visit and “glove-up” and put The most important thing to remember besides medicine. on a mask if you have a cough, etc. washing your hands and practicing social distancing So what exactly is a pandemic? What is your plan? is that our managing staff is doing everything in their As reported by National Geographic, Global health Think beyond what you are being told. Everyone power to promote health and safety for everyone. crises tend to grow in phases. This chain of events has different situations to deal with. Make sure you Every shareholder and resident of Co-op City is their starts with an “outbreak”—a sudden rise in confirmed have your medications, both prescribed and over the utmost concern. It is important to understand that there cases of a disease that’s contained to a small geo- counter drugs that you may need in the future, for is a comprehensible process that Board members are graphic region like, for instance, in this case, Wuhan. example, cold medications, ointments, analgesics required to respect and act on accordingly. Between If the disease spreads just beyond that community to like aspirins. Don’t forget vitamins and cough med- Board meetings, any suggestions and concerns must other regions and territories—then it becomes an epi- icines, male and feminine preparations that may be go to the President we elected or if she/he is not avail- demic. Pandemics, according to their classical defi- necessary. This is not meant to react in panic mode, able, then they should be forwarded to the First Vice nition, are epidemics that cross international bound- but rather to be smart about your own needs as we President. If still not satisfied, any two Board mem- aries and affect a large number of people worldwide. get through this moment in time. bers have a right to convene a special Board meeting. A pandemic is the global outbreak of a disease. There Don’t forget who you are… What I am saying is, we are aware of your concerns are many examples in history, the most recent being You are a shareholder in one of the largest coop- and we are following protocol, and all of us, you the the COVID-19 pandemic, declared as such by the erative environments in this country. You are resilient shareholder, we your Board of Directors and the man- World Health Organization on March 12, 2020. and we as a collective are richly blessed people. Let aging staff can, must and are working together dur- The new normal in America and Co-op City us together, think and be positive towards each other. ing these ever changing times. We all must stand We all have to connect while distancing. If you This is a multifaceted lesson in connectivity in many together and pay attention to directives to keep the are feeling lonely, call a friend. Thank goodness for ways. Look how one virus in one part of the world, peace and to keep us all healthy. The Board and the social media and apps which allow us to connect and starting with one person has connected us all. Remem- managing staff will continue providing unified and do things for others. This is also the time to recon- ber times in your life when times were hard, but the effectual leadership through this journey. nect with yourself. What are your values, your tal- moment passed and you made it through. This situ- Stress and Anxiety ents? Meditate. Practice mind switching. Like I men- ation is much like that. This too shall pass and you Okay, so we may be in our homes for a while. This tioned earlier, turn the channel to something funny, will, we will, rise like the phoenix from the ashes to is the time to eat healthy, get good sleep and exer- use this time to purge your home of stuff you don’t tell the story. cise. Why, because we are really fighting stress and need. Be creative with the projects you’ve been You can reach me by emailing: mmarbury@river- anxiety. While we must watch TV to stay abreast of neglecting at home. Just that thought alone will keep bayboard.com. Broun Place Townhouse Association Hi, neighbors, please remember our rules, which means follow the guidelines to contain, confine and stop the spread of the Coronavirus. We hope you have had a good week and are digesting and coping with deal- ing in the Coronavirus environment. The main thing is to keep your areas sani- tized and clear of germs. This means no bare hand shaking, wash hands, use dis- infecting wipes, disposable gloves, putting something between you and the door- knob or tv remote. This week’s scam report: The caller ID says, Robert Gonzalez, a recording, says, “Good news, you qualify and will receive a refund from your electricity provider as we made an error,” etc., etc. What is wrong here? First of all, we don’t pay separate electricity bills. This is a scam call baiting you to call and sup- ply personal information. We also received two letters, each phony baloney pieces. One said your warranty service is about to expire, you should contact us and the other threatens an increase in your “extended vehicle service plan” if it expires. Both are phony intimidation attempts to lure your contact. Don’t do it! Thank you, Ms. Vega, in our CSO for helping a dangerous situation get fixed. It was noticed one compacter bin was left in the middle of the pad, unhooked. It was windy and rainy, so this added to fears of it moving. Ms. Vega was able to contact Grounds and soon the white bin was moved back to the wall and attached. Please contact us by writing [email protected] in order to acknowledge and give an opinion about forming an association for townhouse clusters. Town- houses have unique situations needing addressing and protocol developed. For example: It’s a Sunday, a neighbor has a dead goose in their garden. How does it end on a Sunday? Answer: no one comes; the carcass, with feathers every- where, stays. Is there a weekend designated team to deal with such emergen- cies? Compliments to Director Sonia Feliciano on her director’s viewpoint of March 14. It recognized our own local women who have achieved and keep achieving. Congratulations to them and to Ms. Feliciano for an excellent viewpoint. Thank you again, Mr. Joshua Blake, director of Janitorial, for attending our association meeting and following through with his promises to assist our coop- erators. A number of neighbors who attended the meeting received follow-up calls and visits to investigate their problems and get repairs. The Census invitations are out. Fill out the form completely and mail it in a timely fashion. At stake is the allocation of community funds. Help keep our funding and get in the habit of being a participating citizen. Birthday greetings to Dave Lazaar, longtime cooperator. Follow doctor’s orders, don’t go to work sick. Remember, keep dancing and listening to music; we guarantee happy days are ahead. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 15 Building 26 Association Donizetti Building 4 Association

I want to start with a thank you to the cooperators who came out on Tuesday, March 10, We would like to take the opportunity to thank those cooperators for our monthly building meeting. It is so important for our neighbors to come to the meet- that attended our general meeting Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. ings so they know what is going on in our community. Our next meeting will be on Tues- Unfortunately, the concerns of contracting the Coronavirus, COVID- day, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the rear of the B Building. 19, has created an atmosphere that consists of a significant level of We want to thank Margaret Echevarria, Section 5 area manager, for coming to our Feb- fear in our community. As a result, we anticipated a lower than ruary meeting and a thank you to Bill Gordon, president of the Co-op City chapter of the expected attendance. NAACP, for being at our March meeting last Tuesday. Not many people came out for the However, with that being said, we still experienced a moderate March meeting due to the coronavirus situation. We hope that this crisis will end soon and turnout under the circumstances. We hope the lack of visibility for want everyone to be safe and cautious as they go about their daily routines. Ms. Echevarria individuals at risk in our community does not create out-of-sight and spoke about many things going on in our community. One was that our building will be get- therefore out-of-mind mentality. ting the new laundry machines as of March 23, so the laundry room will be closed from that Our community must make a moral commitment to be our date to March 28 to do the renovations and install the new washers and dryers. Mr. Gordon brothers’ keeper. That means making a conscious effort to check in spoke about the Census that will be starting next month. It is very important every house- on our sick, elderly, and shut-in neighbors. hold completes the Census. The information from the Census is completely confidential and These are extraordinary times, which require extraordinary meas- extremely important to how funds are allocated to our community. The bigger the response ures. We believe the residents of Building 4 and Co-op City are truly the bigger the allocation of funds will be. Mr. Gordon also stated that they are looking for up to the task. workers and you can apply online. The jobs are only temporary, for a few months, so if you Our guest speaker was manager of garage/storage rental, Hector are looking to earn some extra money you can apply and if you get accepted you can set up Algarin. your own schedule. Discussion highlights We will be collecting building dues on April 1, 2 and 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Changes in storage office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 association uses this money to provide the building meetings with refreshments, the Hal- a.m. to 5 p.m. New extended hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to loween candy for the children, the Holiday party in December and other items needed to 7 p.m. run the association. As requested by cooperators, a report of statistics associated with We are sending our hopes and prayers to Zeke Ragin, the former building association the elimination of the third shift in the garage, reports indicate there president for a speedy recovery and hope to see him home soon. We hope that any of our have been no incidents to report. neighbors who are going through illnesses get well soon. We send our condolences to all Improvements to garage and storage units those who have lost a loved one recently. May your grief be swift and may your happy mem- There will be emergency call boxes installed on each floor in ories last forever. Congratulations to all who are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries within the● garage. Dispatchers will be on duty 24/7 to receive calls from the month and for any other happy occasions that are being celebrated. Again, we hope to individuals in need. see you at next month’s meeting. Creation of additional storage units; 31 units in total in the fol- —Patty Cipollaro low●ing buildings: #5, #10, #15, #27, #26. General announcements Building 9 Association March 13, March 14, March 20 and March 21, Donizetti Place Building 4 annual membership dues collection location: Building 4B Greetings, Building 9 family. lobby, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Gabriella Concepcion, Tommy and Camryn are the angels of our building. They gra- Karaoke ciously offered to extend themselves to assist our more senior neighbors who may not be April 19, rear of Building 4B association room, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. able to go out to groceries or medicines. We love this family. Now, you know why. Atlantic City fundraiser Thankful, grateful, blessed continues to be our association’s mantra especially, in the face Bus was postponed due to curcumstances beyond our control until of the current public health crisis. The W.H.O. has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. At last further notice. count, there are up to 3,000 cases with 50-plus deaths in the U.S., with five deaths in New 45th Precinct annual breakfast York state. May 28, Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throgs Neck Expressway, 8:30 Two weeks ago, New York State Gov.Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency due p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets still available. Contact Yvonne Burrows at to widespread transmission of COVID-19. This past week, New York City Mayor Bill de 718-671-6922. Blasio declared a state of emergency due to widespread transmission. During our suggestion segment, cooperators expressed concerns This past Sunday, with 769 confirmed cases statewide and 329 confirmed cases, with regarding teachers who habitually park in undesignated areas in our five deaths in New York City, Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio announced the closure of parking lot. Their actions force cooperators to park on the third floor New York City schools. In efforts to abate surge capacity of the disease, museums, the the- or higher in the garage. This request was made due to late night safety ater district, and more stringent public gathering management are being implemented. In an concerns. Suggestions to place reminders –– ex. signs, stickers, fines, effort to interrupt transmission efficiency, we should implement containment and mitiga- etc. –– were raised as possibilities for violators. Management advised tion tools such as social distancing as the preferred preventative measure during this cur- they would be working on solutions for their concerns soon. rent crisis. In addition to proper hand hygiene and surface disinfecting protocol. Try to main- Let’s keep our building clean and report all unusual building, lobby tain approximately six feet of personal space and perhaps, foregoing all physical contact and stairwell activities. when greeting one another. Avoid large gatherings. Please, continue to take good care of Remember, this is our home. If you see something, say something. yourself and one another. ––Dawn Mitchell Canceled: Game Night, Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. Canceled: Building association membership meeting: Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. Canceled: Women’s history month event: Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. Riverbay Corporation has announced implementation of preventive measures to safeguard Co-op City staff and shareholders. All non-essential home visits are canceled until further notice. The Local Law 11 bridging has begun on the Building 9. Shareholders with ter- races have expressed concern regarding the expected duration of the Local Law 11 work. At last discussion with Management, the work is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Due to the outdoor nature of the scope of work, completion is weather driven. High winds, rain, snow, icy conditions, etc., may affect the number of workdays. Additionally, the declared states of emergency may affect the work schedule as well. Be counted! The 2020 Census is now online. Go to 2020Census.gov to com- plete the Census or complete your paper copy and return your 2020 Census form as soon as possible. Government funding depends on population enumeration. The current pandemic declaration has caused a shift in the realm of political campaigning and voting. At the time of this writing, New York’s Democratic pri- mary election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th. This could change. Stay positive. Safeguard your health. “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” –Mahatma Gandhi —Linda Collins 16 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club African-American Association Hello, all members. Hoping all members are following social distancing and AAA meetings and gatherings now and until further notice are cancelled all instructions of combating the Coronavirus-19. Due to all restrictions, we have But rest assured we will be back in Room 15 of the Dreiser Center every second cancelled all events and raffles until further notice. Saturday of the month with rousing topics and inspiring special guests as soon as the I also would like to take time to thank everybody for their gallant effort in volatile virus situation ends. So spread the word about the AAA and be ready to bring getting your petitions signed. Also, thanks to those who braved the cold to turn a “friend and new member prospect,” when we reconvene. Remember, membership petitions in. is only $15/year for a single membership and only $25/year for your household. Continue to watch news, stay abreast of changes and updates on this crippling Email: [email protected] or call us at 929-430-3255, the African American virus. Stay in touch with each other. If needed, call me from time to time for infor- Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. mation, if needed. Quotes from the ancestors: Celebrate Women’s History Month Take care of yourselves. Remember, we are all in this together. “Everything is worth it; the hard work, the times when you’re tired, the times —James Payne where you’re a bit sad. In the end, it’s all worth it because it really makes me happy. Black Forum There’s nothing better than loving what you do.” —Aaliyah Aaliyah Dana Haughton, Jan. 16, 1979 – Aug. 25, 2001, was an American Emergency food pantry singer, actress and model. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, she first gained 920 Baychester Ave., Building 1A. The pantry staff is closely monitoring the recognition at the age of 10, when she appeared on the television show Star Search impact Coronavirus is having on our community. Our goal at the pantry is to and performed alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed with Jive maintain a safe environment for our guests and staff. We will continue to serve Records. Her debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number” sold three million the community as long as we can but will implement operation and service mod- copies in the U.S. and was certified double platinum. ifications. Please become familiar with the Plentiful app (plentifulapp.com/). This The African-American Association sponsors the following programs for your will be used to communicate service updates. Signs will also be posted at the participation: Contact your respective instructor as indicated below for gathering pantry. We ask for the community’s patience as we all navigate the impact of updates: COVID-19. We can get through this if we work together. Belly dance classes Defensive driving class Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Dreiser Center, room 2. For a nominal fee, you will have Next class: Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 177 Dreiser Loop, room 4; Cost: fun and stay in shape. Call Xonia, 646-301-9438. $35/person. Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Lower your liability insurance Evening line dance classes with Cynthia Dixon cost by 10 percent and remove up to four points from your driver’s license. Call Dance to Soul, Latin, and Gospel music on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in Dreiser Center, 718-320-8035 to register. Only a $35 cash payment will be accepted the day of room 2; also first and third Tuesdays in Einstein Center, Section 5, 6 p.m. Fees class, no checks. Please bring your current driver’s license and a pen. Students are minimal. Call Cynthia, 917-903-7073. arriving after 9 a.m. may be denied entry into the class. Please note the class could Salsa class be cancelled at any time because of the Coronavirus situation. Those who call Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Dreiser Loop, room 1. Call Keith, 917-561-6211. ahead to register will be contacted if the class is cancelled. Yoga and Zumba classes with Meena Future class dates: Saturdays May 9 and June 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. in Dreiser Center room 2. Contact Meena, at 917-863- Dreiser room 4. 1507. Rivers Casino, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Healing Drum Circle will resume in the spring. Please continue to follow this Saturday, June 28. Cost: $45. Rebate: TBA. No refunds. We are accepting article for updates. money now. Payment is due by Friday, May 22. Seats are issued when complete The AAA wishes you and yours a prosperous Women’s History Month. payment is received. No exceptions. We look forward to winning with you. Please We leave you with this in celebration: call 917-209-5334 or 718-320-0033 if you have questions. “If we, who know what is right, don’t do it, it’s not going to get done. The proceeds from fundraisers go to purchasing food and supplies for the Black It’s going to wait for another generation.” –Purity Kagwiria Forum emergency food pantry, which has fed members of the Co-op City com- Purity Kagwiria is a young feminist activist based in Nairobi, Kenya. As an munity for almost 30 years. active member of Akili Dada, the feminist/women’s rights movement in Kenya, Contact us she is committed to analyzing private and personal spaces and developing strategies We look forward to hearing from you at [email protected]. that lead to the emancipation of women. —D. Illis Each one of us divided by all of us equals a force for good. —Michelle Marbury Coalition to Save Affordable Housing At our March 16 meeting, the Coalition met with seven shareholders seeking the support of the Coalition in the 2020 Board of Directors election. They discussed their views on relevant community issues and were asked if they agreed with and would support our elec- tion platform. A vote was taken and the five top vote getters were picked to be our team of candidates in this year’s election. All agreed to support the Coalition’s 2020 election platform which is as follows:

1. Keep Co-op City affordable. 2. Encourage Cooperative Spirit. 3. Strive to achieve gold standard facilities and excellent quality of life services. 4. Protect cooperators personal identifiable infor- mation. 5. Abide by Board resolutions restricting personal attacks. 6. Encourage employing union labor - limit out- sourced work. 7. Secure our fair share of NYC, NYS and Federal services for Co-op City. 8. Demand HCR be timely and sensitive in com- municating with shareholders regarding income affi- davits verification. We urge all shareholders to read the candidates election articles, see and hear them at the campaign forums and VOTE! —Bruce Silberman Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 17 Building 10 Association Building 27 Association Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next general mem- Hello, neighbors, the March wind came in with fierce winds, espe- bership meeting. cially around the Long Island Sound, which most of Co-op City expe- Wind Creek Casino and shopping outlet rienced. Nevertheless, hope all is well. Riverbay has fliers posted in Due to the closing of the Wind Creek Casino as a result of the COVID-19 virus, the each building to help and to alert the shareholders of things one can do bus trip scheduled for March 28, is canceled. For more information, please call 718-320- to stay healthy as possible during this coronavirus crisis. 4059 or 646-220-0802. The entertainment committee Laundry room etiquette Please note your calendar the date of July 15, we invite you to join Please remove your laundry from the washers and dryers promptly at the completion us on a trip to the Ace in the Hole at the Royal Manor in Garfield, N.J, of the cycle so others can use them. Please pick up dryer sheets from the floor, they are featuring the Motown revue presenting the Nu-Men Of Soul, you don’t very slippery, and refrain from using the carts, benches and tables for dirty laundry. want to miss this. Buffet, family style menu. Note: Correction, the price Facebook is $100. Pick-up at Einstein Center, Section 5 and three drop-offs at The Building 10 Association is on Facebook. The page is “Building 10 ABC Associ- Dreiser/H&R Block, Bartow/Library and Einstein. You may contact ation.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. Margie at 718-373-4629; Sharon, 718-671-1905, or Nelson Sweeting, Email address 646-644-4055. We will inform you if there are any changes with now The Building 10 Association’s email address is [email protected]. Please the situations we are facing. So, stay tuned. use the email to contact the building association with your concerns and suggestions. General meeting Building 10 Mission Statement Building 27 Association’s general meeting will be Thursday, March The overall goal of the Building 10 Association is to continually seek improvements 26, at 7 p.m. Fliers will be posted of a possible speaker. This is a new in the quality of life for Building 10 cooperators and their families. The mission of the year, does anyone have ideas or projects they would like to see happen Building 10 Association is to be advocates for the Riverbay Corporation and for Build- for our building? We are all in this together to make a difference for ing 10 cooperators and families. We will seek opportunities to source information that the betterment of our building, youths and community. Feel free to will be useful to its members and plan for activities that will enhance the life and well- share. This is the reason the building association exists. being of all. Census Deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Merlene Martin, who was a cooperator of Received my census form to file online. Quite easy, finished in less Building 10A. Ms. Martin will be missed. than 10 minutes. he online response is due April 1. Responding online We would like to wish all March “babies,” a very happy birthday. helps save taxpayers’ money, and data is process more efficiently. One To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. can also print the confirmation form after wards. The form also indi- To all who have lost a loved one recently, we give our deepest condolences. cates if one is unable to file online, a questionnaire will be sent to your Have a great week. home to be completed and rdeturned. —Jewel Crawford-Duncan State Sen. Jamaal Bailey mailed pamphlets to his constituents on why the Census is important; please read it. Census data is used to determine Building 22 A and B Association how many seats/representatives our state gets in the U.S. Congress and how $675 billion in federal funds is allocated among the states for fund- Our country and the world are trying to handle the coronavirus, this is our new nor- ing of our schools, hospitals, senior centers, public transportation, roads mal. Please read the Co-op City Times for implementing plans. and bridges. Let’s mail in, phone in and now also respond online. Let’s We canceled our trip to Wind Creek, Bethlehem Casino, and refunded all the money. be counted to receive our portion of funding for the state of New York. We will reschedule, hopefully before September. Taxes The new washers and dryers are in place. Please get a new card at the CSO office in Please, my neighbors, it is tax filing season. Do not engage in any phone the Bartow Community Center in room B. Old cards with balances still on them must be conversations if you receive a phone call regarding taxes. Just hang up mailed to Card Services, 3201 West Royal Lane, Suite 100, Irving, Texas, 75063, with the phone. Internal Revenue will not call you. If you receive any mail and your name, address, telephone number and amount on the card. It will an average of 10 to be sure of compliance, just go directly to the IRS office located at 1200 to 12 days to get a refund. Water Place, near Eastchester Road in the Bronx. By all means, to be safe, Cooperators on the B side are having difficulty with their elevators. Please call Safety do not mail any money/checks, go to IRS in person. for service. Happy birthday to all in this month. The best of health to all. Con- It was also brought to my attention that someone put feces in a washer. That person tact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 to share news of any illness, or the should not be among civilized people. If you know something about this incident, report death of a neighbor, also if one is in a nursing home. it to Public Safety. This is our home, don’t let other people disrespect us. Everyone in this Pray for peace within our nation. building should have pride in our home and community. Fight for respect. We are neigh- Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine, but most of all be thankful - and bors. Communicate with each other. prayerful. Out next meeting is March 23 at 7 p.m. in the association room on the B side. —Hattie Overman March 29 is Pokeno Night in the association room after 7 p.m. Bring change and come and enjoy the evening. New York City is encouraging everyone Happy birthday to all. Prayers for those who lost loved ones. Get well to all the sick and shut-in. to STAY HOME and help stop the spread If you see something, say something. of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Thank you. —Betty Leak 18 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 AARP Chapter #4997 AARP is sponsoring free shred events as part of “Operation: Stop Scams,” a series of shredding events around the state, from upstate to Long Island, from April to June. AARP will help people fight back against fraud and help protect them from identity theft by shredding truckloads of sensitive personal documents. Join AARP in Co-op City, Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Erskine Place ballfield, 120 Erskine Place. Good and Welfare All JASA trips and activities are Please contact Coordinator Frances Wilson, 718-671-5493, if you have a family member who has passed suspended until further notice. or one of our members who is sick, in the hospital or in a nursing home. Lunch will be delivered on Monday, 2020 tour plans Wednesday and Friday. Each Co-op City Canceled: March 23-25: Del Lago Resort & Casino in Finger Lakes. senior registered with JASA will be given April 8 - “Queen Esther” at the Sight & Sound Theater two meals on Monday and Wednesday, Lunch at Good & Plenty; shopping at Tangers Outlet; includes motor coach transportation; $170/person; and one meal on Friday. contact Hannah, 718-379-7962, or Judith, 718-379-3370. July 16 to 19 - Ocean City Maryland All meals served w/margarine & fresh milk Four days-three nights; guided tour of Assateague Island; evening entertainment at the Red Rooster restaurant; Menu subject to change without notice. sightseeing boat ride; shopping at Tanger Outlet; gambling at Ocean Downs Casino: $789/person, double; Alternate Kosher Meals are also available $1,064/single. Contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962. Bartow Center (929) 399-1394 Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, 2021 - New Year’s parade extravaganza in California Dreiser Center (718) 320-1345 Five days, four nights; $2,659/per person, double occupancy; $500 non-refundable deposit due when signing Einstein Center (718) 671-5161 up; contact Judith, 718-379-3370, or Hannah, 718-379-7962. For information, please call: (718) 320-2066 Attention: When signing up for the above trips, please give your name, phone number and a deposit. Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, Checks/money orders made payable to AARP Chapter 4997 with the name of the trip in the memo section of the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corp. your check/money order. Room 0, Dreiser Community Center, is open Monday or Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. for checks to be dropped off in an envelope w/group/trip leader name.They may be mailed to the group/trip leader. —Delores Debnam JASA, Riverbay staff, and members Spanish-American Community Club of Newsong Church bag and Please join us on the second Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome! label lunches for Upcoming events delivery to regis- Nomination of club officers and elections are in March. Nominations took place March 12. Election night tered seniors in will take place on March 26. The membership committee will be raffling off two separate tickets to the Co-op City. installation dinner dance. Raffle tickets were distributed on nominations night. The raffle will take place on Photo by Toriea election night. Raffle holders must be present in order to win. Members, please plan to attend. Your presence McCauseland is crucial. Vegas Night on Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. A new date is pending. Our next Social Saturday gathering is currently scheduled for March 28. The installation of officers dinner and dance is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at Maestro’s. Tickets for MENU members are $60; non-members are $80. Please see the flyer on our website for all the details and ticket infor- Alternate Kosher Meals are also available mation. Kosher Non-Kosher The fair committee is planning a trip to Foxwoods Casino in May. The bus is already full, but if enough Juice people sign up for the waiting list, we will consider booking another bus. Beef Moussaka Beef Brisket Applications for the Tony Mondesire Scholarship for the next school year are now available. The forms . 2 3 Roasted butternut w/tomatoes will be available in room 16 of Dreiser Loop Center at any of our monthly meetings, either the second Thursday squash & onions of every month or at the Board of Directors meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. Applicants must be Caesar salad w/ Broccoli & at least 18 years of age, residents of the Bronx and from member households. Students must carry a minimum croutons red peppers of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution for at least one year. Applications must be returned by Instant mashed Fresh fruit potatoes May 14 either by mail or to a member of the scholarship board of trustees. M o n . , a r Alt: Tuna salad The club will once again host the El Batey picnic Sunday, July 12. If planning to attend, please request the Orange Juice, Baked

$5 parking permit by May 14. No requests will be accepted after that date. Without a permit, parking will be 2 4 breaded chicken $10 on July 12. Permits will be distributed on June 11. . cutlet w/mushroom Baked mushroom Membership renewals are now considered past due. A penalty fee of $48 for the year, $4 a month, will be gravy, Orzo w/fried chicken

M a r Baby carrots currently assessed for all renewals. onion, Capri blend w/parsley Additional information for all of our upcoming club events, as well as details concerning the club in general, can vegetables, Fresh fruit, Yellow rice be found on our website: spanamcccc.synthasite.com.You may also email the club at [email protected] Whole wheat bread, u e s . ,

or find us on Facebook, search for “spanamcccc.” T Alt: Tofu stir fry —Carmen Rodriguez Juice Rib eye roast Pork spare ribs Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector . 2 5 Boiled potatoes Cabbage w/shredded installations suspended Sweet carrots carrots Whole wheat bread Red Bliss potatoes Effective immediately, Riverbay Corporation is suspending the mandatory smoke/carbon monoxide Fresh fruit detector installation program until April 1, pending further review, for the safety of our residents and staff. e d . , M a r Alt: Veggie burger However, we will continue to service any faulty/non-working or beeping unit in your apartment. If you W require service, please contact the Riverbay Call Center/Emergency Desk at (718) 320-3300, press #2. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Juice Baked breaded fish —CSO . 2 6 Basmati rice Curried chicken legs Vegetable Ratatouille Black beans & rice M a r

, Whole wheat bread Steamed Cauliflower .

u Fresh fruit h

T Alt: chicken wraps Juice, Lemon Herb chicken, Kasha var-

. 2 7 nishkas, California Baked fish fillets blend vegetables Rice w/vegetables All NYPL locations will be closed through March 31. During this time, fines are suspended and Challah bread Sautéed spinach due dates are extended. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please make sure to check Fresh fruit

out our array of online resources at nypl.org. F r i . , M a Alt: Gefilte fish Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 19 Retirees of Dreiser Loop Goose Island Seniors Our monthly membership meeting scheduled for Because of the Coronavirus, Goose Island Seniors 2020 on Carnival Cruise Line’s “Sunrise” ship. We are Wednesday, April 1, is canceled. In addition, we are club will be closed until further notice. There are no not accepting any more reservations. Ship will be leav- canceling the Spring Bash, previously scheduled for activities, Bingo, Karaoke and games. Picnic and trips ing NY and making stops at Dominican Republic; April 9. are still on. Hopefully, the virus will be under control Turks & Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas & Half Moon Cay, Reminder by then. Any changes, we will keep you informed. Bahamas. Final payment, April 15, 2020. For more We are in the process of updating our membership To all members: I want to thank you for coming information, please call 718-379-9613 or 656-579- roster. If you have a change of address or new tele- together and electing our new officers. Our vice pres- 1701. phone or cell phone number, please call us at 718- ident is Marvine Hollmon, our secretary is Yolander Bingo – Cancelled until further notice. 379-0377, RDL room, Monday or Thursday, 2 p.m. Jones, and our treasurer is Ella Thorne. I am very Karaoke – Cancelled until further notice. to 5 p.m. or send us a note to Retirees of Dreiser Loop; pleased with this choice and we are already working To all members: Happy Birthday to our members 177 Dreiser Loop, room 19, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. Atten- very good together. We have straightened things out who celebrate their birthday in the month of March: tion: Delores Debnam. Also include an email address. with the bank and we are good to go. Molly Konikoff, Carla Zeman, Hattie Lucas, Shirley We are planning to keep in touch before and/or after Indoor Picnic - Saturday, May 16, 2020. Members Rooney, Stephen Roberts Sr., Yvonne Starks, Vivian our monthly meeting. only. Time, l p.m. in our club room #39. $5 entrance Werner, Michelle Rosenthal, Diana Rodriguez, Lillian Good and Welfare fee at door. It’s a cover dish party, donate food, dessert, Friedman, and Pearl Applewhite. To our members and friends still under the weather, or beverage and no entrance fee required. Members Sick and Shut-In –Mary Smith is home and doing know that you are thought of warmly and wished may bring a friend or two. well, Mary Pilla is at the Paramount at Somers Nursing brighter days. Call Josephine Flowers, 718-320-0539, Sight & Sound “Queen Esther” – Thursday, April Center, new phone number, 914-534-5474. Thomas regarding illnesses and bereavements. 23, 2020 in Lancaster, PA. Price, $145, includes free Gordon is home and recovering from a stroke. Travel events buffet at Golden Corral, then the play “Queen Ester.” Call Stephen at Goose Island Seniors, 718-379- Price includes coach bus located on Seats: Center stage balcony l to 4 steps down. Buses 9613. If there is no answer, please leave a message. Dreiser Loop, front of H&R Block. leaving from our three usual bus stops: Einstein at 8 Feel free to visit us at the Section 5 Community • May 12, Tuesday,“I Left My Dignity in My Other a.m., Asch Loop at 8:10 a.m. and Dreiser at 8:20 a.m. Center, 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475. Purse,” Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Showtime: 11:30 A few seats available. All money is due by Wednesday, Office hours: (Mornings) Mon.-Fri., l0 a.m. – 12 p.m. a.m. Price: $85. Deposit ASAP to hold seat: $40. Bal- April 8. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors, (Evenings) Mon., Wed. & Fri., 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., and ance due $45 no later than April 6. Contacts: Serita visit us or mail to 135 Einstein Loop, rm. 39, Bronx, Tue. & Thu. evenings, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Stephen cell: Grayson, 347-564-5722, and Barbara Williams, 718- NY 10475. First to pay in full will be first to select 347-847-1941. 320-0500. theatre balcony seats. Good health to all. • July 1 to July 3, Wednesday to Friday, Dover Cruise to Bahamas – July 27 returns August 5, —Stephen Roberts, Sr. Downs Casino; Price: $380/double; $470/single; $100 deposit due A.S.A.P; Double: $140 due April 6; $140 Evangelical UM Church of Co-op City due May 4; Single: $185 due April 6; $185 due May 4. Contact: Serita Grayson, 347-564-5722, or Barbara Open doors, open hearts and open minds Williams, 718-320-0500. Theatre committee Come and visit us. You’re always welcome in God’s Section 5. Ongoing registration and distribution of Price includes van transportation from house, your house. We are a Bible-centered congre- food is on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those Dreiser Loop, in front of rehab center. gation with spirit-filled worship, offering a variety of registering must present one of the following govern- Canceled, April 4, Saturday, “Stephanie Mills and opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and serv- ment issued up-to-date ID’s showing a 10475 zip code: Howard Huett” at Lehman Center. ice to God and our community. We are a multi-ethnic, Driver, Non-Driver, or NYC ID. Anyone 18+ of age • Sept. 10, Thursday, “9 to 5,” Westchester Broad- multi-cultural and bilingual congregation, all are wel- can register. Only one participant per household may way Theater. Showtime: 11 a.m. Price: $85. Deposit come. Services are held at 2350 Palmer Ave., across register. $40 due to hold your seat. Contact: Marie Green- from Building 30. Parking is available. Our pastor is Health education workshop Ryan, 718-671-4949. Rev. Arnaldo Sánchez-Orta. Telephone number: 718- Join us for upcoming health education workshop We accept checks/money orders payable to Retirees 320-3795 Email: [email protected]. Nutrition & Diet on Tuesday, April 14 at 2 p.m. at of Dreiser Loop, along with your name and telephone Schedule for Sundays your local community church, Co-op City UMC, 2350 number. Committee members will be available in the In order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, all Palmer Ave., entrance ramp on Boller Avenue, parking RDL room 19 in Dreiser, 718-379-0377, on Mondays weekly gatherings services have been suspended for lot entrance is on Palmer Avenue. and Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. two weeks, regular service hours are scheduled to “If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make Keep in mind, our Jazz Up Your Health Senior Spa resume March 29. For conference services on Sunday the most high your dwelling, no harm will overtake Day is in the works, date to be determined. If interested at 11 a.m. and Tuesday night prayer at 7 p.m., call 1- you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will in joining us, call Hattie L., 718-671-8449. 425-436-6356, access code: 896489# command His angels concerning you, to guard you Drivers wanted Food pantry in all your ways.” –Psalm 91:9-11 The Retirees need experienced part-time, freelance Food pantry distribution center at our church serves —Marilyn Méndez-González drivers with a CDL license with passenger endorse- ment with at least three years experience and a clean driving record. A stipend can be expected for each trip. This position requires transporting members and Scheduling Activities Calendar friends to and from special events within the Bronx as well as to outer boroughs. Please call Dorothy Byrd, 646-842-2458 and leave your name, telephone number and a brief message. —Delores Debnam All activities have been canceled until

If you SEE something, SAY SOMETHING!!! further notice due to the 718-671-3050 • Co-op City Public Safety COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

COVID-19 Prevention Please take all the necessary Stay inside if you can. basic protective measures to prevent Wash your hands often. the spread of this new virus. Practice social distancing. 20 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church The congregation of St. Joseph’s cordially invites you and your family to worship • Sat., May 23: St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx, with us in Co-op City at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level. All are welcome. noon to 5 p.m. Adults, $100; children, 12 and under, $50. Flyers are out and we are Weekly schedule depending on our members to distribute them and spread the word. Tickets are 1. Sunday service with Holy Communion and Sunday school are both at 9 a.m. available from Merville, 718-320-2089; Renee, 718-379-6511; Yvonne, 718-671- Every fourth Sunday, our children participate in the reading of the lessons and every 8815; Eileen, 718-379-8624 or Arethea, 718-379-0028. Please be sure to purchase fifth Sunday, our young adults assist in the service. We look forward to welcoming your tickets early. you to church tomorrow, Sunday, March 22, at 9 a.m. when we will celebrate the General information fourth Sunday in Lent. Father Simeon Johnson, our supply priest, will be the preacher To those celebrating birthdays during the month of March, we wish you all a and celebrant. happy birthday and best wishes for many more. To the sick and shut-in, we have 2. Please join us on Wednesdays for an uplifting midday service starting promptly you in our prayers and wish you a speedy recovery. at noon. New pledge cards for the year 2020 are now available. Please collect yours, 3. On Thursdays, Father Johnson will be available for telephone calls and visitations, pray on your ability to pledge, then complete and return them to the church as soon interactive discussions on various topics in the bible 11 a.m. to noon, followed by as possible. Bear in mind that a workable budget depends largely on your com- a short noon-day service. mitment. 4. Choir rehearsal is on Thursdays at 7 p.m., and we are always looking for new Outreach program members. Our church supports the feeding program at Grace Episcopal Church in West Group activities Farms. This program is in desperate need of food. At St. Joseph’s, we collect non- The Episcopal Church Women meet immediately after service on the first Sunday perishable food items on an ongoing basis. Please remember to donate. A special in each month. All women in the church are invited to attend and participate in thank you to all our friends and neighbors who have been responding to this request. planning the activities of the church. The men hold their meeting after service on For additional information on all of the above, please call the church at 718-320- the second Sunday of each month. 0844. You may also visit our website, stjosephsepcbronx.org, for more information Upcoming events relating to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church, Co-op City, Bronx, New York. • Sat., March 28: ECW Prayer Breakfast 10:00 a.m. to noon. This event has been “The Lord is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want.” —Psalm 23:1 canceled. Stay tuned for further notice. —Merville Chambers Community Protestant Church

On behalf of our pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Owens, and our church family, wel- Holy Week Services at Community Protestant; All are welcome come to Community Protestant Church, a church of love and understanding, located Thursday,April 9 at 7 p.m.– Maundy Thursday service in conjunction with Co- at 1659 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, N.Y. 10469; telephone 718-862-9172. op City Baptist Church. Regular Church Schedule: Friday, April 10 at noon, Good Friday service Sunday School - 9 a.m. The doors of Community Protestant Church are open to all to worship and fel- Worship Service - 11 a.m. lowship with Christian believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are cordially Communion Service - Every first and third Sundays invited to come in, join in and receive your blessing. Noon Day Prayer – Hour of Power – Wednesday at noon —Evan G. Mitchell Prayer meeting and Bible study – Wednesday at 7 p.m. Sunday school is now in session every Sunday at 9 a.m. Sunday school is really a part of our history, and because someone cared and was concerned enough, many of us benefitted and know its value. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10). We encourage you to bring your child, children or grandchildren to Sunday school and we look forward to seeing you. Worship Service Begins At 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of this special moment set aside each Sunday morning to be in the presence of God. We will be delighted to blend our spirits with yours as we bend both body and soul before our heavenly father. We encourage you to spend time with God, and if it be His will, with us at Community Protestant. Other scheduled events: On Wednesdays, at noon, you are cordially invited to noon day prayer at CPC, an hour of power, prayer, praise and testimony. Refreshments will be served. RSVP 718-862-9172. Closing Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CPC Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m. – We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord! The pastor and members of Community Protestant Church cordially invite you to celebrate with us at the closing service for our 50th anniversary. Theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness Yesterday, Today and Forever” Observance of the 51st anniversary of Community Protestant Church Sunday, April 5, 11 a.m. We will celebrate and praise God for 51 years in the master’s service at Community Protestant and remember with thanksgiving where He has brought us from. We extend a cordial invitation to you to worship with us on our special day. Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020 21 Church of the New Vision Co-op City Baptist Church Pastors Kenneth Hodge and Deborah Hodge and the New Vision congregation Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite invite you and your family to come and worship the Lord with us. Church of the you to join us tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for worship service. Sunday New Vision is designed to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people, serving the school for children and adults is held at 9:15 a.m. We invite you to worship, community for 48 years. We offer a warm, friendly, spirit-filled atmosphere of study, and pray with us. Christian love. All are welcome. The Co-op City Baptist Church is located at 135 Einstein Loop, lower level, • Services are canceled until further notice. room 50. Our telephone number is 718-320-3774. • We are holding interviews for a drummer who is familiar with hymns and Visit us on the web at www.coopcitybaptistchurch.org. songs of the Baptist Church. Please contact the church via email: info.church- Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid19), and the precautionary [email protected] measures that are being recommended by the authorities. Until further notice, • Sight & Sound Theater, Thursday, May 7, to see the play “Queen Esther,” the Co-op City Baptist Church will be suspending all weekday activities, choir motorcoach transportation and lunch at the Shady Maple Restaurant is included. rehearsals and meetings held at the church. We will not be conducting our Adults rate, $170/Youth 12 and under, $125. Final payment is due on or before Wednesday worship services or any Bible Study Classes. April 5, there are five seats left. For additional information, contact B. Brown at We will have our regular Worship Services on Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. 718-671-3748 or T. Gavin at 917-587-5057. Taxes and meal gratuities included. & 11:00 a.m., both services will have the abbreviated 8:00 a.m. format. Please • Join us on July 21-24, 2020 on our 4 day / 3-night trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. inform those who do not have email and others who are not on our email. Accommodations per person, Quad, $565; Triple, $585; Double, $645; Single, On Sunday, April 26, we will celebrate Men’s and Women’s Day at our 8 $825. Includes: Roundtrip motorcoach transportation, three full breakfasts and a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The guest speaker for the 11 a.m. service will be Rev. three full dinners, a guided tour of Niagara for two days, visit to the Chocolate Stephanie Coleman, associate pastor, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. The Factory, Hornblower Cruise at the Falls, taxes and gratuities, and much, much guest speaker for the 3:30 p.m. service will be Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor, more! Final payment is due on or before June 7, 2020, there are ten seats left. For Shiloh Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT. The theme for the day will be “Men additional information, contact B. Brown at 718-671-3748 or T. Gavin at 917- and Women Praising God with Our Whole Heart,” Psalm 138:1. Please join us 587-5057. for these celebratory services. Church of the New Vision is located at 115 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475. Please keep each other in your prayers and be wise in your decisions. Office: 718-671-8746 or 203-374-3020. Mailing address: P.O. Box 753037, Bronx, God will strengthen us as we travel through this storm. NY 10475. Visit our Facebook page: Church of the New Vision concerning upcom- The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living ing events and trips; email us at [email protected] or call the community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through church office. worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and —Sis. Carol Haque physical needs of the church through ministry. —Hattie L. Lucas Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City

General Information Throwing garbage/objects from apartment windows Traditional Synagogue is located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place in the rear Lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B, handicap accessible, no is UNLAWFUL, DANGEROUS and could cause you to receive steps. Phone: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon a community complaint and fine. to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The synagogue has services on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. After services, we always have a Kiddush. The synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The synagogue needs men to help make a Minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who don’t come to services. Please come by 9 a.m., so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, March 21, at 8:02 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, March 27, 6:56 p.m. Good and Welfare We sell tree certificates, in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15 per tree. Mazel Tov, to all having Simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the synagogue. To all members Happy birthday to all members who will celebrate their birthday in March. For those members celebrating their birthday/anniversary in March, please send me your names and I will add them to the list. Fun and Games: After services and Kiddush, some men and women play Rummikub. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health. —Bruce Gitelson

Let us know… If you have news you’d like to share with your neighbors, please give us a call at (718) 320-3300, Ext. 3375/6; email: cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or fax (718) 320-2595. 22 Co-op City Times / March 21, 2020