Co-op City Times 12/30/2023 by Co-op City Times

We wish our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Vol. 58 No. 52

Saturday, December 30, 2023

$1.25

Senator Bailey, Assemblymember Benedetto Co-op City Stakeholders Urged to Attend Jan. 4th Hearing on Cannabis Celebrate Signing of New Legislation to Ban Digital Billboards Near Mitchell-Lama Housing Retail Dispensary at Peartree Mall BY ROZAAN BOONE

Co-op City shareholders are encouraged to attend the public hearing scheduled by Community Board #10 to hear from local residents on Mello Tymes’ application for a cannabis retail dispensary proposed for the building located at 675 Co-op City Boulevard in the Peartree Mall. The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, in Room 31 of the Bartow Center. This is an in-person hearing and no virtual/remote access is available. “Our public speaking portion will be 30 minutes,” said Matthew Cruz, District Manager of CB #10. “You must sign-up at the beginning of the meeting to be able to speak. Each registered member of the public will receive up to three (3) minutes to address our Board members.” Cruz went on to thank Co-op City homeowners who have already submitted comments and opinions to the executive board of CB #10 by calling the board at (718) 892-1161; emailing BX10@cb.nyc.gov; and on Social Media at Facebook: @BronxCommunityBoard10, Twitter: @BronxCB10, and Instagram: @BronxCB10. He emphasized: “To be clear, Bronx Community Board 10 will issue an advisory opinion. Whether Bronx Community Board 10 votes in favor or to oppose, the State Office of Cannabis Management makes the final determination.” (Continued on page 2)

Deferred Equity Program for New Shareholders to be Discontinued Jan. 1, 2024

CCPD Annual Toy Drive A Huge Success!

BY ROZAAN BOONE

Effective January 1, 2024, and pending approval from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), the Deferred Equity Program which has allowed incoming shareholders since 2013 to put down 35% of the equity purchase requirement at closing on Co-op City apartments and pay the balance over a 7-year period at a 5% interest rate, will no longer be available. The Riverbay Board voted on Resolution 23-66 at the December 20, 2023 Business meeting to discontinue the program. Although Riverbay Corporation will no longer extend the program to incoming shareholders, existing purchase notes under the Deferred Equity Program shall remain in full effect but will not be extended or renewed without the consent of the Board. Resolution 23-66 states: “Whereas, the Board has carefully examined the effectiveness, impact, and continued relevance of the Deferred Equity Program, taking into consideration the financial health and cash flow needs of the Corporation, the substantial demand for affordable apartments, and the availability of private financing; and “Whereas, after careful consideration, the Board has determined that the Riverbay funded Deferred Equity Program no longer serves the best interests of the Corporation or its shareholders; “Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Deferred Equity Program currently funded and administered by the Corporation is, subject to the consent (Continued on page 5)

On Thursday, December 28, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto announced the signing of legislation aimed at protecting residents near Mitchell-Lama housing from the adverse effects of digital billboards. The new law, S1931B/A7456A, prohibits digital billboards or signs using flashing, intermitCo-op City residents have tent, or moving lights, within fifteen hundred feet protested electronic billboards of Mitchell-Lama housing with no fewer than ten at 500 Baychester Avenue thousand units in cities with a population of one since 2018. million or more. Local legislation, Res 0797-2023, was introduced in September 2023 by Council Member Kevin C. Riley in the New York City Council. The legislation addresses the challenges faced by communities like Co-op City where lighting from large electronic billboards has posed serious concerns to the quality of life of residents. Local residents and community members in Co-op City have long opposed the operation of the digital billboards and rallied against the installation of new billboards. The operation of digital billboards has proven to be detrimental in particular to the well-being and safety of vulnerable populations. Co-op City is home to the nation’s largest Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), including a significant senior population. High-intensity lighting emitted by digital billboards has been linked to various health problems, including headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep patterns. Residents have reported difficulties in focusing, sleeping, and normal daily activities caused by the intense illumination of ultrabright LEDs over prolonged periods. Content displayed on the billboards, including alcohol-related and provocative advertisements, has raised serious concerns given the billboards’ proximity to an education complex comprising six campus buildings serving students from elementary to high school levels. “Businesses should not be able to profit off Photo by Det. S. Grosvenor of our communities while putting our health and safety at risk,” said Senator Bailey. “Our residents deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment. Exposure to excessively bright billboards and constant high-intensity lighting from billboards have

See page 12 for more

HCR Carrying Charge Increase Comment Deadline

Shareholders who wish to submit written comments to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) on Riverbay’s application for a proposed 2.1% carrying charge increase scheduled for implementation effective April 1, 2024, may do so on or before January 29, 2024. Written comments can be emailed to George.simon@hcr.ny.gov or mailed to George Simon, Office of Integrated Housing Management, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl. East, New York, NY 10022. A virtual carrying charge conference via Webex between HCR representatives and Co-op City shareholders will take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 7 p.m. This conference can be attended by shareholders, their representatives and representatives of Riverbay Corporation. More details on how to log in/dial in to the conference will be forthcoming.

(Continued on page 2)

CCTimes Deadline Notice for Next Week Riverbay offices will be closed for New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Because of the holiday-shortened work week, articles, letters and Directors’ viewpoints submitted for publication in the Saturday, Jan. 6th issue must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Material received after this time will not be included in the January 6th issue of the newspaper. For emergency Maintenance, please call (718) 320-3300, select option 2. For CCPD, call (718) 671-3050; and NYPD, 911. Be safe in your celebrations!

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Billboards ––––– (Continued from page 1)

Cannabis ––––– (Continued from page 1)

been linked to serious health and safety concerns. This legislative victory is a collective effort that demonstrates the strength of our community. Co-op City residents have been fighting against these disruptive billboards for years, and I am proud we were able to finally put an end to this practice and deliver this win for our community members. Our community’s voices made a difference. Now, with this legislation, we are taking a proactive step to prevent such issues in the future. “I want to thank Assemblymember Michael Benedetto and Council Member Kevin C. Riley for their work on this legislation, Governor Kathy Hochul, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie for prioritizing the health and well-being of our community.” Assemblyman Benedetto said: “Our Digital Billboard Legislation will once and for all prevent the construction and operation of disruptive and abusive billboards that would have shined all night into Co-op City’s bedrooms. This is a great victory for the Co-op City community a few days before the start of the New Year. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for underBY BRANDON ORTIZ At the November 13, 2023 public review standing the significance of this session of the NYC Board of Standards legislation, as well as my coland Appeals (BSA), the Board reopened leagues in Albany, State Senaan appeal filed by Baychester Retail LLC tor Jamaal Bailey, Speaker Carl for the property at 500 Baychester Avenue Heastie and Senaate Majority after the property owner submitted new Leader Andrea Stewart-Coustestimony. Baychester Retail has been ap- ins, and in NYC, City Council pealing an August 2022 NYC Department Member Kevin C. Riley.” “Today marks a monumenof Buildings (DOB) revocation that protal step towards safeguarding hibited the developers from advertising in the health and quality of life for their C7 zoning district. Specifically, the families in the Northeast Bronx developers aim to erect two LED panels and statewide,” said Council on their 60-foot tall structure to advertise Member Kevin C. Riley. “With in the direction of the New England Thruthe support of Governor Kathy way. Hochul, Speaker Carl Heastie, NYC DOB originally revoked the advertising permits for Baychester Retail III and Majority Leader Andrea LLC at the 500 Baychester Avenue lot on Stewart-Cousins endorsing the grounds that the sign would be within Res 0797-2023 and S1931B/ A7456A, we celebrate the col200 feet of an arterial highway. During the review portion of a BSA laborative effort between city hearing held in May 2023, BSA Chair and state to prioritize policy Champa Shanda explained that the main that serves the well-being of contention between Baychester Retail III New York residents. In conLLC and DOB originated around where cert with Senator Bailey and the boundary of the New England Thru- Assembly Member Benedetto, way started and the boundary’s distance to we spearheaded legislation that not only tackles light pollution the proposed sign. Later on during that May BSA public near Mitchell-Lama housing but hearing and review session, Baychester also cultivates a healthier enviRetail III LLC’s legal representation ar- ronment. This initiative aims gued that the proposed sign would not be to diminish the risks associated in violation of the zoning resolution be- with disrupted sleep cycles and cause the distance from the New England health disparities in our comThruway’s boundary actually exceeds the munities, specifically arising necessary amount needed to erect their from the operation of large digiLED signs. They referred to a current al- tal billboards emitting excessive teration map of the area as evidence of the artificial light. I am grateful for this with my colleagues in govthruway’s actual boundary. BSA is now set to meet on this matter ernment, the Co-op City community and all stakeholders for on February 26, 2024. Shareholders who would still like to the dedication to improving the submit testimony on this matter, for the lives of New Yorkers for a susrecord, can email them to submit@bsa. tainable future.” Violations will incur civil nyc.gov or mail their testimony to: NYC penalties of $1,000 for the first Board of Standards and Appeals, 22 Reade offense and $5,000 for all subStreet, Main Floor, New York, NY 10007. sequent violations. Those with questions about the submisThe legislation will take efsion process, please call BSA directly at fect sixty days after becoming 212-386-0009. law.

On Monday, December 18, Mello Tymes’ principals met with the executive board of CB #10. Although Co-op City shareholders were invited to attend the meeting, their attendance was observational as speaking time was only allotted to the applicant, their supporters and CB #10 executive board and Economic Development Committee members. During the Dec. 18th presentation, Mello Tymes introduced their team, read a letter of support from the NYC Department of Small Business Services and presented three supporters to speak on their behalf. The attendees also heard from a representative from the security firm that the company will utilize to secure the premises and a representative from the technology and point of sale hardware provider whose services Mello Tymes said they will enlist to provide age and anti-theft verification. At that meeting, the CB #10 executive board advised Mello Tymes to add information on its business operations and a site plan for the location in their presentation for the Jan. 4th public hearing. Last week, Mello Tymes reported that more security information will also be provided at the Jan. 4th public hearing. At the public hearing, there will be presentations from Mello Tymes on their application to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management for a cannabis retail dispensary at 675 Co-op City Blvd (old Chase building) and from Groovy Vibes for their application at 3395 East Tremont Avenue. The presentations will be followed by the public Q&A period/discussion and vote by the community board on the respective applications. “We look forward to continuing the conversation with the Co-op City community to assuage their concerns,” Roger Thomas, CEO of Mello Tymes told the Co-op City Times last week. “We also want to know how Mello Tymes can be of benefit to the community and the jurisdiction surrounding Community Board 10 in its entirety. We are confident that our lived experiences are relatable to many in the community. If Co-op City cooperators have any questions or concerns, we can be reached at mellotymes@gmail.com.”

BSA Update on Baychester Retail’s Appeal

Share Your Comments & Suggestions with Riverbay Shareholders are encouraged to submit input on how to improve services and service delivery as well as other ideas that impact quality of life. Visit the Home page of the official Co-op City website, coopcity.com, scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Comments & Suggestions” link. Engage with Riverbay. Share your comments, compliments and ideas.

If your apartment door or the stairwell door on your floor does not self-close, contact Maintenance immediately at 718-320-3300, select option 2, for an appointment to address this condition.

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Co-op City Times COMBING

NYC Announces Additional $20 Million Investment to Expand Fair Fares BY BRANDON ORTIZ

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

HCR Carrying Charge Increase Comment Deadline Shareholders who wish to submit written comments to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) on Riverbay’s application for a carrying charge increase effective April 1, 2024, may do so on or before January 29, 2024. Written comments can be emailed to George.simon@hcr. ny.gov or mailed to George Simon, Office of Integrated Housing Management, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, 641 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl. East, New York, NY 10022.

Next CB #10 Meeting The next General Board meeting and public hearing of CB #10 will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. at Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2999 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465. For additional information, you may contact CB#10 at (718) 892-1161 or by email: bx10@cb.nyc.gov.

Contacting the Riverbay Call Center Riverbay Management has heard your concerns regarding “How do I reach the Call Center?” and will update the phone prompts to make the process easier and more direct. Currently, callers to Riverbay’s main line, (718) 320-3300, select option #2 to be directed to Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections. Once the phone prompt recording is updated, Option #2 will be dedicated to the Call Center, which will include Maintenance, Restorations and Inspections.

Happy New Year to all cooperators from the Management and staﬀ of Riverbay Corp.

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New York City announced a $20 million investment to expand its Fair Fares program earlier this month. On December 15, 2023, Mayor Adams joined NYC City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and NYC Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wascow Park to announce expansion of the program as well as a significant update to the program’s eligibility requirements. The $20 million investment builds off of the $75 million that was already allotted in the Fiscal Year 2023 city budget. Additional funding will allow the program to expand its eligibility to include more people. Previously, participants were only eligible for Fair Fares if their max income fell within a range of up to 100% of the federal poverty level. With the additional funding, the program opened up its eligibility for the first time by 20%, meaning participant income must fall within 120% of the federal poverty level. Here are the highest income totals a household can have based on the numbers of members living there and still qualify for the Fair Fares program, according to the Mayor’s Office: • One-person household: $17,496 • Two-person household: $23,664 • Three-person household: $29,832 • Four-person household: $36,000 • Five-person household: $42,168 • Six-person household: $48,336 Fair Fares is a program that offers a 50% discount on

MTA buses, subways and Access-A-Ride paratransit trips for New Yorkers between 18 and 64 years old. The MTA reported that roughly 300,000 people are enrolled and utilize the Fair Fares program, a number the agency expects to climb with the latest investment for expansion. Mayor Adams spoke about the importance of the program as a necessary resource for New Yorkers and its contribution to helping the city recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. “New York City has recovered all of the nearly one million jobs lost during the pandemic, and public transit is a key component of building on that momentum and ensuring that our recovery continues to be inclusive for working families. The $20 million we are investing — in partnership with the City Council — coupled with the program expansion will ensure even more New Yorkers can keep more money in their pockets while making the Fair Fares program — and our city’s public transportation system — more accessible, so additional New Yorkers can utilize this critical discount to commute to work, visit friends and family, access medical care, get to class, and enjoy all our great city has to offer,” Mayor Adams said during the announcement of the program expansion. Individuals interested in signing up for the Fair Fares program can do so online at nyc.gov/site/fairfares/index. page, by calling 311, or by visiting a Fair Fares office. The Bronx Fair Fares office is located at 888 Garrison Avenue, 3rd floor, Bronx, NY 10474. Fair Fares offices are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Comment Period Now Open for Congestion Pricing Plan BY BRANDON ORTIZ

New Yorkers can provide their input on the MTA’s Central Business District Tolling Program after the agency announced the opening of the public comment period. Officially, the public comment window opened on Wednesday, December 27, and closes on Monday, March 11, 2024. Interested individuals can submit a comment on the Central Business District Tolling Program online, through the mail or by leaving a voicemail message. For online comments, visit contact.mta.info/s/forms/ CBDTP. Email comments can be sent to cbdtp.feedback@ mtabt.org. The mailing address for written comments is: CBD Tolling Program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004. For voicemail message comments, individuals should call 646-252-7440. The MTA will also host four hybrid public hearings in February and March for individuals to express their opinions on the Central Business District Tolling Program. The next four scheduled hybrid hearings are: ● Thursday, February 29, at 6 p.m. ● Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m. ● Monday, March 4, at 10 a.m. ● Monday March 4, at 6 p.m. Individuals who wish to speak during one of the four hybrid public hearing sessions must register in advance and will have a limit of two minutes to speak. Participants can register online at new.mta.info/agency/bridges-and-tunnels/cbd-tolling-hearing or by calling 646-2526777. Online registration for participants will open one week before the scheduled meeting date. For those who wish to participate or observe any of the hearings in-person, they will each be held in the MTA Headquarters, located at 2 Broadway, 20th floor in the William J. Ronan Board Room. Following the public hearing sessions, the MTA board will hold a final vote on the tolling structure and determine whether to leave the recommendations as they are or adjust them according to feedback from the public review process. The MTA anticipates officially implementing the Central Business District Tolling Program sometime in late spring. A specific list of the suggested fare structure for the Central Business District Tolling Program can be found

online at new.mta.info/document/129191. Below is a general overview on how different vehicles will be affected under the MTA’s congestion pricing program: • Tolls will only be charged when vehicles enter the CBD. Drivers will not be charged again for remaining or leaving the zone. • Automobiles will be charged $15 for entering the CBD. • Motorcycles will be charged $7.50 for entering the CBD. • Trucks will be charged $24 or $36, depending on the size of the truck, for entering the CBD. • Buses not affiliated with MTA public transit will be charged $24 or $36, depending on the type of the bus, for entering the CBD. • Weekday daytime period for regular tolling exists between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. • Nighttime discount of 75% off the CBD toll rate between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends. • A daytime crossing credit for commuters traveling through one of the four tolled tunnels to enter the CBD. The credit for motorcycles would be $2.50, cars would be $5, small trucks would be $12 and large trucks would have a $20 credit. The credit only applies to daytime CBD tolls. • New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) taxis, and for-hire vehicle services would not be charged for entering the CBD. Instead, customers of those taxis, green cabs and black cars would incur a $1.25 toll per ride into or from the CBD on top of their trip’s fare. App-based for-hire vehicles would charge their customers $2.50 extra per ride into or from the CBD. • Emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying people with disabilities and specialized government vehicles would be exempt from the toll. • Low-income drivers would be eligible for a 50% discount on the daytime CBD toll after their first ten trips in one month. The Traffic Mobility Review Board was in charge of developing a final set of recommendations on the tolling structure for the Central Business District Tolling Program and released their recommendations during an MTA Board meeting on November 30, 2023.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Statepoint Crossword - Theme: Winter Fun ACROSS 1. Mulligatawny and gazpacho, e.g. 6. Half of NFL 9. “Oscar” of sports 13. Relating to sight 14. Sargasso ____ 15. Dugout glider 16. Not fresh 17. First H in HRH 18. Face-to-face exams 19. *Ice fishing shelter 21. *“Polar” activity 23. *Type of Christmas tree 24. Diagonal 25. Tax return professional, acr. 28. Kind of cola 30. Diaphragm spasm 35. Scepters’ partners 37. Of two minds 39. ____ Jean Baker 40. *Rabbit’s winter one is white 41. Sheik’s bevy? 43. Type of dam 44. Butcher’s refuse 46. Etna’s emission 47. Secret disclosure 48. Stellar 50. Chap or fella 52. Diabetic ketoacidosis, acr. 53. A or O, to blood 55. Unit of electrical resistance 57. *Finger warmers 60. *Certain sleigh ride 63. Courtroom excuse 64. Gobbled up 66. Train runners 68. Land of taekwondo 69. “Caroline in the City” Thompson 70. Relating to Scandinavia 71. Not home 72. *Last winter mo. 73. Klondike river

DOWN 1. Acronym in a bottle 2. Chooses 3. Colorado’s neighbor 4. a.k.a. pilau 5. Like a longer route? 6. Grayish 7. ATM extra 8. Carpus, pl. 9. Bring home the bacon 10. Unforeseen obstacle 11. *Skier’s aid 12. Da or oui 15. Jenny McCarthy to Melissa McCarthy 20. Engagement, archaic 22. ____-di-dah 24. Onslaught 25. *Warming drink 26. Faculty members, for short 27. Behind a stern 29. *Frosty’s eyes 31. Type of hood 32. Apollo of “Rocky” 33. Inuit skin boat 34. *a.k.a. anorak 36. *Betelgeuse, e.g. 38. *Snow, in Italy 42. Lord’s estate 45. Lithuania’s neighbor 49. NaOH 51. Like a rosebush 54. Church song 56. Meow, alt. sp. 57. ___-in-the-dark 58. Milano moolah 59. Toe the line 60. Product of lacrimation 61. Michael Douglas’ dad 62. “The Sun ____ Rises” 63. *What clues #4 and #34 Down have in common 65. High affair 67. Barack Obama, pre-pres.

See page 22 for solution

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Equity ––––– (Continued from page 1) The Color Purple (2023) BY P.M. CAMPBELL

The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule, opened in theaters on Christmas day. Alice Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer prize winning novel The Color Purple set the foundation for Steven Spielberg’s 1985 Golden Globe and NAACP Image Award winning film of the same name, and the Tony and Grammy winning musical produced on Broadway by Quincy Jones in 2005. The new film takes influence from all three, yet manages to be a unique and engaging experience.

Franchise alumni were heavily involved in the development of this film – producers included the likes of Walker, Jones, Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey who starred in the original movie. Bazawule and screenwriter Marcus Gardley brought a fresh take to the story, while working with big name actresses like Fantasia Barrino (Celie), Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery), Danielle Brooks (Sofia), and Halle Bailey (Nettie). While the film offers much in terms of acting, writing, and plot, this review focuses on its cinematography, music, and theme. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen, best known from his involvement in the John Wick franchise, does more than capture the narrative; he personifies it. His use of color and lighting specifically, complemented by the costume and set design, gave everything on screen as much life as the characters. A journey through fear and engagement is reflected in the clash between light and shadow on screen. The juxtaposition of warm and cold tones on screen evokes the memory of certain characters and the love or pessimism associated with them. Though some were surprised that the movie was a musical, Dec. 25th viewers at AMC applauded after a number of the film’s singing and dance numbers. The film’s music liberates characters from pessimism. The prominent work songs, for example, transform labor from a dreaded chore for a boss, into a fulfilling action for one’s community. Even the most mournful ballads provide a reprieve from truly depressing moments. While the film, which follows the life of a Black woman named Celie throughout the first half of the 1900s, has a number of themes, correspondence is arguably the most prominent. It demonstrated the importance of free discussion as a weapon against oppression. It is only when Celie’s voice is heard by someone like a friend, sister, or lover, that she can confidently speak up for herself. Dialogues with women she loves directly affects her monologues, and the way she presents herself when there is no one around to judge her. Ultimately, it is only through written and verbal affirmation that she breaks free from the factors silencing her. Whether as a book, musical, or film, The Color Purple has been a classic for more than forty years. This film adds to that tradition in a commemorative yet innovative way.

Stay Vigilant Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

of NYS HCR, discontinued for new incoming applicants, effective January 1, 2024; and “Be it further resolved that Resolution #11-36 and Resolution #13-80 are rescinded in their entirety with respect to new incoming applicants as of January 1, 2024; …” Resolution 23-66, submitted by Board Director Lynette Wight and seconded by Director Rod Saunders, was also supported by Board President Sonia Feliciano and Directors Monique Coleman, Daryl Johnson, Kevin Lambright, Michelle Marbury, May Pearson and Claudia Sampson. Directors Bernard Cylich and Andrea Leslie voted no; Directors Leslie Peterson and Anika Green-Watson abstained, and Director Leah Richardson and Bishop Angelo Rosario were absent. The Riverbay Board initially approved the deferred payment option to new shareholders purchasing apartments in Co-op City at its April 13, 2011 Business meeting, noting, at the time, that CitiMortgage was the only lender providing loans to incom-

ing shareholders and had increased scrutiny of loan applicants which resulted in a lengthier approval process. In addition, fewer loans were being issued and Riverbay’s efforts to local additional lenders had been unsuccessful. Resolution 11-36 directed Management to “put together and implement a plan whose terms will mimic Citimortgage’s,” however, Riverbay Corporation also required the incoming shareholders to put down a 25% down payment of the cost of purchasing the new apartment. In 2013, the Board approved a larger down payment for shareholders participating in the Deferred Equity Program. Through Resolution 13-80, Riverbay had the flexibility to set the required down payment to a figure between 25-50%, depending on demand for apartments. And, according to resolution 23-66, “since 2013, Management has been operating the Deferred Equity Program with a 35% down payment requirement, with the balance of 65% payable over a seven (7) year term at 5% percent interest …”

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writers and include their addresses and phone numbers, which will be kept conﬁdential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the authors. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be in the Co-op City Times ofﬁce in Room 21, Bartow Community Center, by 3 p.m. every Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Views and opinions expressed in letters are solely the writer’s and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp.

– • Letters to the Editor • –

Embracing the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa To the Editor: I attended the Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration presented by the Coalition of African-American Churches & Community Organizations of Co-op City and enjoyed it very much. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It consists of seven principles called the Nguzo Saba, one for each day of the week, and where a candle is lit for each day. Here is the Nguzo Saba/Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: December 26th: Umoja (Unity). To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. December 27th: KUJICHAGULIA (Self-determination). To define ourselves, name ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others. December 28th: UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility). To build and maintain our community together and make our sisters and brothers problems our problems and to solve them together. December 29th: UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics). To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. December 30th: NIA (Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. December 31st: KUUMBA (Creativity). To do always as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. January 1st: IMANI (Faith). To believe with all our heart in our struggle, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our people. Please include these principles as part of your life journey. —Ellen Boone

Whatsoever Things Are Just In 2024 To the Editor: First and foremost, thanks to the Riverbay Corporation staff for ensuring that our property remains safe during the year 2023. Thank you for taking care of our maintenance needs to the best of your abilities. We deserve it all. A special thanks to our Section 5 Board of Directors representative, Mary Pearson, for her unyielding advocacy and reappointment to the Riverbay Board of Directors. Please join me in increasing our advocacy in 2024 and getting rid of quiet fear. Never again will I chance my vote, that was gifted by blood, sweat and tears by democracy-loving Americans, to be thrown out. Let’s remember, fellow cooperators, that we have local and state elected ofﬁcials to assist us as requested. It may be that our Governor may have to intervene to ensure that a new voting system is put in place for the 2024 Riverbay Board election. As a long time employee in the homeless system in New York City, we need to be concerned about Co-op City not remaining affordable. It is frightening what the powerful real estate industry is doing and should make you good and mad. If you think eyes are not on the affordability and gentriﬁcation of Co-op City’s demographics, think again. If you think million dollar “change orders” is not devastating our budget, think again. My wish for 2024 is that we value our home, Co-op City, and decrease bad practices, especially Building Associations, so that we can collectively remain an affordable place to live. In my opinion, with Metro-North coming, eyes are watching how to displace many of us via ongoing excessive maintenance increases. “Being defeated in often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” —Evelyn M. Turner

Terror Organizations To the Editor: A letter written in last week’s Co-op Times discussed Hamas. One item that is seldom mentioned is the power that Hamas maintains over the UNRWA aid organization in Gaza. (The United Nations Relief & Works Agency.) A recent report in The New York Post stated: “A man identiﬁed as a Palestinian living in Gaza told the Israeli Defense Forces...that Hamas has direct control over the UN groups coordinating” the delivery of supplies in that area. He stated, “Hamas has their hands on UNRWA administration workers and manages UNRWA. From the day (Hamas) rose to power they took control of everything,” The Gaza resident also stated that Hamas made sure any humanitarian supplies were distributed to their own (Hamas) members ﬁrst, before being allocated to civilian non-combatants. There are allegations that Hamas has operatives stationed inside this United Nations so-called “humanitarian” organization. Even the letter writer in last week’s Co-op Times described Hamas as an organization that “terrorized the Israeli people by launching terrorist attacks, killing scores in buses (and) shopping centers” There is frequently a link between Arab terrorist organizations and communist spymasters. The Hill (8/10/2022) reported that the second in command of the terrorist group Al Queda, Ayman al Zawahiri, was a trained Soviet agent of their FSB/KGB (the Soviet secret police.) The source of that information was Alexander Litvinenko, one of the most knowledgeable assets to ever defect to the United States from the Soviet Union. Because Litvinenko knew too much about Soviet spy operations, the Russians arranged for his murder in London. A radioactive substance was used to poison him, leading to a slow, agonizing death, probably also arranged as a warning to any other possible defectors. Bin Laden, perhaps the best-known recent terrorist, was reportedly a product of Egypt’s ‘Muslim Brotherhood.’ From other readings, I gather the Muslim Brotherhood posed as Muslim but was actually a Marxist organization. We should reinstate the U.S. House and Senate Internal Security Committees, as well as investigative committees on the state level. It is particularly important to investigate where these terror organizations get their funds from. ––David Hammer

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

Rozaan Boone Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Piovanetti Operations Manager

Ralph Henriquez Production Manager

John Crow New Media Producer The Co-op City Times welcomes issue-oriented letters to the editor to be considered for publication. All letters, in prose, not poetry, must be addressed to the editor, not to third parties. All letters must be signed by the writer and include their address and phone number, which will be kept confidential, so that the editor can verify the authenticity of the author. Writers will be limited to one letter per topic. Anonymous or unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Letters cannot exceed 350 words. Ideally, they should be typed. All letters must be submitted to the Co-op City Times by 3 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication in that week’s edition. Email cctimes@ riverbaycorp.com or mail to 2049 Bartow Ave., Room 21, Bronx, NY 10475. Views and opinions expressed in letters and Directors’ Viewpoint are solely the writer’s, and not necessarily shared by the Co-op City Times or Riverbay Corp. Advertisements and classified advertisements in the Co-op City Times do not necessarily reflect an endorsement from Riverbay Corp. of goods and services, but present greater options to cooperators of products and services available. The Riverbay Corporation does not assume any responsibility nor is it a party to any contract or agreement between the cooperator and the vendor. All matter published herein is copyrighted by the Co-op City Times. Permission for reprints of advertising or editorial contents produced by the Co-op City Times must be obtained in writing from Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Ave., Bronx, New York 10475.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor, only from Co-op City shareholders, at cctimes@riverbaycorp.com. Letters should address issues of interest to the Co-op City community. Comments should be fact-based and responsible. Letters should not personally attack others and must be written in a respectful manner. Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The Co-op City Times does not publish anonymous material. Submissions must include the writer’s address and phone number – which will be kept conﬁdential – so authenticity and residency of the writer can be veriﬁed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Understanding and Combating Elder Abuse

Public Safety Report

Elder abuse is a pervasive and deeply troubling issue that affects a signiﬁcant portion of the global population. As societies age, the vulnerability of older individuals increases, making them susceptible to various forms of mistreatment. As we enter a New Year, we aim to shed light on the different dimensions of elder abuse, exploring its prevalence, types, risk factors, and the crucial steps that must be taken to prevent and address this widespread problem. Elder abuse encompasses a range of intentional actions or negligence that result in harm or distress to an older person. This mistreatment can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, ﬁnancial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Recognizing the diversity of elder abuse is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and support systems for victims. Understanding the prevalence of elder abuse is challenging due to underre-

Public Safety Blotter

December 17 – December 23, 2023 December 17, 2023 2440 Hunter Avenue A cooperator was arrested by an outside agency for assaulting a female. The cooperator was issued a Community Complaint for Anti-Social Behavior by CCPD. December 18, 2023 120 Bellamy Loop CCPD responded to a call about a tree that fell on top of an unoccupied vehicle due to high wind conditions. The registered owner was contacted by CCPD and responded to the scene. 140 Elgar Place CCPD responded to debris flying in the air and landing on the ground due to high winds from a storm. Upon investigation, CCPD observed a terrace to be damaged by the storm with an unauthorized propane gas grill being stored on the terrace. The cooperator was issued a total of four Community Complaints by CCPD. 2063 Bartow Avenue CCPD responded to RiteAid where a store employee reported that two suspects removed items from the shelves without paying and left the scene in an unknown direction. 120 Aldrich Street CCPD responded to a call for a group loitering in the 7th floor stairwell. Upon arrival, CCPD observed one male and one female cooperators loitering. While one cooperator resides in the building and the other cooperator resides in another building. A Community Complaint was issued to the residing resident and a second Community Complaint was issued to the cooperator of record for the non-residing resident. 2063 Bartow Avenue CCPD responded to RiteAid where a store employee reported that a suspect removed a pair of headphones from the shelf without paying and fled the establishment toward the BX12 bus. 100 Benchley Place CCPD responded to a call about mailboxes that became dislodged from the wall. The United States Postal Service was notified along with Maintenance for repair of the mailboxes. December 19, 2023 4220 Hutch. River Parkway E. A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was re-

moved from in front of his apartment door by an unknown individual. 120 Alcott Place A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby by the mailbox by an unknown individual. December 20, 2023 140 Asch Loop CCPD responded to a call of a suspicious individual riding up and down on the elevators. The suspect was stopped and questioned by CCPD and could not give a reason for being in the building. The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with trespassing. 120 Aldrich Street A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission and was captured on her Ring camera. 4100 Hutchinson Parkway A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission. December 21, 2023 100 Casals Place A cooperator reported that her confirmed delivered package that was later discovered in the lobby of her building was empty with its contents missing. December 23, 2023 150 Dreiser Loop A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby area by an unknown individual without her permission. 4120 Hutch. River Parkway E. A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivery was removed from in front of her apartment door by an unknown individual without her permission. Side of 21B, Adler Place A cooperator reported returning to his parked vehicle and observing that various items were removed from the vehicle by an unknown individual without her permission. 4160 Hutch. River Parkway E. A cooperator reported that a confirmed delivered package was removed from the lobby by an unknown individual without his permission.

porting, societal stigma, and a lack of standardized reporting mechanisms. Research suggests that elder abuse occurs across different socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and geographic regions. Statistics vary, but it is widely acknowledged that the problem is more pervasive than commonly believed. Types of Elder Abuse Physical abuse involves the use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or any form of violence that causes harm to an older person. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, fractures, or injuries. Emotional abuse refers to the infliction of mental anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts. This may involve threats, insults, isolation, or intimidation, leading to emotional suffering. Detecting emotional abuse can be challenging, as the signs may be subtle and include changes in behavior or mood. Financial exploitation occurs when someone misuses or takes advantage of an elderly person’s financial resources for personal gain. This can involve theft, fraud, coercion, or deceptive practices, jeopardizing the financial security of older individuals. Signs of financial exploitation include sudden changes in banking activity, missing funds, or unexplained financial transactions. Sexual abuse involves non-consensual sexual contact or coercion against an older person. This form of abuse is often underreported due to shame, fear, or cognitive impairments. Signs of sexual abuse may include unexplained genital infections, bruises, or emotional withdrawal. Neglect occurs when caregivers or family members fail to provide the necessary care and support required for an older person’s well-being. This can involve inadequate food, shelter, medical care, or assistance with daily activities. Physical and emotional signs of neglect may include malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, or social withdrawal. Understanding the risk factors associated with elder abuse is crucial for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Some common risk factors include: Social Isolation: Older individuals who are socially isolated are more vulnerable to abuse as they may lack a support network or regular contact with others who could identify signs of mistreatment. Dependency on Caregivers: Elders who are dependent on caregivers for daily activities are at an increased risk of abuse, especially if the caregiver is overburdened, stressed, or lacks the necessary skills and knowledge. Cognitive Impairment: Conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can increase an individual’s susceptibility to abuse, as they may have difficulty recognizing and reporting mistreatment. Financial Dependency: Elders who are financially dependent on others are at risk of financial exploitation. This can occur within familial relationships or through scams targeting older individuals. History of Violence or Trauma: Individuals with a history of violence or trauma, either as victims or perpetrators, may be more prone to engaging in abusive behavior or becoming victims of abuse in later life. (Continued on page 22)

OPPORTUNITIES AT CO-OP CITY For information on CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES ONLY, please contact: Lenya Garcia at Lgarcia@riverbaycorp.com; and Anatoliy Budnitskiy at abudnitskiy@riverbaycorp.com. Please note: emails should be sent to both parties. Please DO NOT email resumes for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES to the aforementioned emails. For EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, please see below for speciﬁc directions.

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

For employment opportunities, please search “Riverbay Corporation” at the following sites: www.Indeed.com • www.Glassdoor.com Candidates may review full position descriptions and apply at either site. Current Riverbay employees should submit a transfer request and resumé directly to the HR department. Thank you for your interest in working for Riverbay Corporation.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023 Director’s’ Viewpoint –

Daryl Johnson

Board Meeting Review, 12/20/2023 We reviewed a lot of resolutions during our board meeting on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Now, do I think that the resolutions that we voted on were good for our community? Well, you be the judge. Resolutions With Terrible Solutions According to NYS law, “Virtually all employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides cash beneﬁts and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job.” In 1914, the NYS Insurance Fund was established “to guarantee the availability of workers’ compensation and disability insurance with the lowest possible cost to New York employers while maintaining a solvent fund.” Now, please go slow and read this next section carefully. Ready? Employers can easily go online, get quotes, and then purchase insurance from the NYS Insurance Fund. Thereafter, again, they are guaranteed to get the lowest possible cost for insurance. So, based on these facts, can other insurance companies compete with the NYS Insurance Fund in terms of insurance costs? No! Therefore, does it make sense to go out and spend a lot of money on a broker to get quotes from other insurance companies? No! Well, take a guess what Riverbay did. That’s right, Riverbay hired a broker “to conduct a marketing program for the renewal of our Workers’ Compensation policy.” Then, this broker went out and compared the rates from other insurance to the rates from the NYS Insurance Fund. Thereafter, take a guess what this broker did. Well, he recommended that Riverbay buy insurance from the NYS Insurance Fund. Amazing, huh? Yes. But, we’re not ﬁnished with this incredible transaction. You see, we had our last board meeting of the year on December 20, 2023. And, our present insurance policy was going to expire on December 31, 2023. So, there was only a very short period of time to renew our insurance policy. Plus, get this, this broker was going to make $82,500 just from this outrageous transaction. Regardless, the majority of the board voted yes to approve this transaction. And, I voted no to send a message about this extremely bad way of conducting business here. Bottom line: What are your thoughts about this transaction and this $82,500 broker fee? How do you feel about getting a carrying charge increase on April 1, 2024 and your money being wasted in this way? Sidewalk Contractors Riverbay has an obligation under the Mitchell-Lama regulations to include minority and womP.O. Box 318, Bronx, NY 10469

en-owned businesses in reference to our contracts. So, why aren’t minorities and women-owned businesses receiving big contracts here? For instance, a $600,000 contract was just approved for a contractor to repair our sidewalks. So, Riverbay should publish a response and let this community know if minority and women-owned businesses were considered for this project. Bottom line: Look, as a minority, there is no way that I will support this type of nonsense to go on in our community. Furthermore, I believe that our cooperators should speak out when they see that we don’t have a sufficient number of contracts being awarded to minority and women-owned businesses. Can minority and women-owned businesses repair a sidewalk? Of course! So, the big issue is why are these types of contracts going forward and getting approved? Please think about this matter. Deferred Equity Program – Discontinued on January 1, 2024 Effective January 1, 2024, the Deferred Equity Program will be cancelled. Now, when you really think about it, you have to ask yourself some big questions: Why does a housing company that makes $273 million a year need this type of program here? If housing companies are not supposed to touch this money, then does it make sense to charge a lot of money for the use of an apartment? Is the apartment fee of $7,500 per room too high? Does it make sense for a housing company to burden their shareholders down with paying monthly carrying charges plus a large payment for a Deferred Equity Plan? In my opinion, the answer is no. Similar to other co-ops, prospective shareholders must be able to pay a fee that they can afford for the use of an apartment. Thereafter, they should be able to comfortably pay their monthly carrying charges. If not, then applicants should consider other possible housing options. But, the most important concept to understand is that we should never set applicants up to fail on their payments. Board Meeting Chaos On May 26, 2023, the Riverbay Election Committee issued a $1,000 total fine against five board candidates that called themselves the Impact Team. And, the charge

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was that two individuals acted on their behalf and passed out ﬂyers in a building after the cutoff time of 10 p.m. Well, during this current meeting, several directors exchanged words over this matter. So, without any order in the room, this meeting was abruptly adjourned. Then, several directors walked out of the room. Thank you. Close There will be lots of parties tonight. However, please do not drink and drive a vehicle. Lastly, I hope that everyone will have a Happy New Year. Thank you. Contact Information Please send a letter to: Board Director Daryl Johnson, Riverbay Corporation, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. Currently, here is my ONLY email account: djohnson@riverbayboard. com. I will never ask for or accept money from anyone. Therefore, please do not respond to any message with my name on it that requests money, money transfers, gift cards, personal information, or anything from you. And, please do not ever send money or anything to anyone because you saw my name on a false message. Also, please call me ONLY at 718-671-4544 if you would like to have a brief discussion with me. And, please hang up your phone immediately if someone calls you and says that they’re Daryl Johnson or is associated with me and asks you for money or anything else. Okay, that’s it for now. So, please have a wonderful week. And, may God bless you and your family. Thank you.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Broun Place Townhouse Association

Black Forum of Co-op City

Hi neighbors, happy new year to you and season’s greetings to all our neighbors. Broun Place cooperators have created a winter wonderland on their patios. They are truly looking holiday sparkly. Broun Place Townhouse Association has also collected a holiday gift for our hardworking Grounds department staff. Neighbors, thank you for your generous donations. We extended our schedule to complete collection as of December 27. We also gave to the Holiday Toy Drive sponsored by CCPD. A photo was published in last week’s Co-op City Times showing President Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar submitting the donation. The document coming through the United States mail service warning you that your “home warranty” is expiring is phony. If you get that piece of mail, ignore it. Co-op City apartments don’t have such a thing. After being cooperators in Broun Place since 1996, we learned CSO installs safety bars on bathroom walls over the tub. This is great news for those of us over 65 years old. We are getting these hand bars. The bars using suction hold well, but the bars permanently attached are even more secure. Please note, a new light and new signage has been placed designating the north and south lane entries to I-95 off Pelham Parkway West, plus each has a light. In this way, traffic is controlled. Pay attention and drive carefully. The rain flooded the road to City Island but by the time this is published, the road to City Island should be viable, perhaps even repaired. Changes and updates need to be communicated to Bronxites. Signage is minimal, scarce, and hard to see. Share your tidings and remembrances here in your townhouse article. Just submit a note to our mailbox and it will be included. Broun Place Townhouse cluster is seeking Broun Place residents to serve on our executive board. Our executive committee is Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar, president; Vivian Burrus, vice president, and Lillian Richardson, treasurer. Join, be part of the Broun Place Association. An email has been sent to Riverbay Corporation regarding the need for more frequent garbage collection in the Bartow Mall. This needs to be professionally kept up and looking good, especially during the holiday. The basketball court and gutters around Bellamy Loop also need to be swept more regularly. Regarding garbage bins in the dumpster pad, they are assigned as follows: the white bin is paper, the blue and green are designated for house garbage, plastic and glass. Read the signs! Mattress disposal requires covering them to the dumpster pad. Neighbors, please don’t walk while talking on your cell phones. Parents, teach your children to look before crossing. We are having too many close calls with kids running into the streets, especially at the basketball court. Read the Co-op City Times for our news. Hoping for healthier days for all. —Eva Kindaichi-Lazaar

Emergency Food Pantry: 920 Baychester Ave., Bldg. 1A (basketball court). The pantry is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 a.m.12:45 p.m. for grocery distribution. Guests are eligible to pick up food once a month. Look at the last date on your pantry card. The next pick up would be one month from the last pick up or after. It is a 30/31-day rotation, on average. Black Forum will text registered guests if items outside of regular distribution become available. All guests must present a pantry card to receive food. Remember to bring at least 4-6 clean shopping bags with a handle and a shopping cart. Please do not bring black shopping bags since they pose a health hazard. We require guests to wear masks when visiting the pantry. Section 5 guests should visit the Co-op City United Methodist Church at 2350 Palmer Avenue to pick up groceries. They open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Religious affiliation is not necessary to receive food. New Client Registration & Re-Certification For Returning Guests: The period of registration and re-certification is January 4 through April 2024. Guests must be 18 years or older to apply or recertify. The required identification is as follows: NYC I.D. (zip code 10475), NY State Driver’s license, or NY State Non-Driver’s license. Passports, Medicaid and Medicare cards, employment identification, and Access-A-Ride identification are not accepted. At the time of registration or recertification, every member of the household must be present and produce valid identification. Every member of the household needs to have the same 10475 address. The intake forms will only include the number of household members who are able to show up in person at the office. Those living in Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 will register or recertify at the 920 Baychester Avenue location. Those living in Section 5 will register or recertify at the 2350 Palmer Avenue location. Holiday Closures: On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the pantry will be closed. We will reopen on Thursday, January 4. Upcoming Events: In 2024, Black Forum will sponsor an exciting season of events! This is a preview of what’s to come – Saturday, February 17: Winds Creek Casino, Bethlehem, PA; Saturday, April 20: Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen & Bar then MGM Casino; Saturday, June 8: Caesars Atlantic City Casino, NJ; Saturday, August 17: The Nordic then Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT; Saturday, October 19: Black Eyed Sally Southern Cajun Kitchen & Bar then MGM Casino. We’ll have more details about each event soon. The Emergency Food Pantry has been feeding the community for more than thirty years, and all profits go toward supporting this effort through the Black Forum of Co-op City organization. We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support. Contact Us: coopcityblackforum@gmail.com —D. Illis

Building 13 Association Today — Holiday Party: The time has come for us to Eat, Drink and Be Merry. This event held after Christmas but before the New Year is our “After and Before” party. Join us on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 7 p.m. with music by DJ VAL in the Association Room. We welcome donations of dishes, desserts and sodas. We just ask that you let us know prior to the event to prevent many duplications. Come get some delicious mac and cheese, candied yams, turkey wings, chicken and oxtails, just to name a few items…while it lasts! Current world events bring to mind a song we wish for the world, (out of context): Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me, Let There Be Peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. The only way we can have peace in our world is to start with peace in our selves. Happy New Year to all. Thank you to Santa and Wendell Mattison for visiting our lobby, taking pictures with the youth and distributing gifts. Hope you were on the Nice list. (See page 13 of this issue for pictures.) FYI – We have had several attempts by Management to fix our door. Although they are successful, usually another problem arises. They are aware we are currently having more problems with the lobby entrance door. Sorry for any inconvenience. Building 13 Election: Nomination for offices shall take place at the regular Membership Meeting in February. The Election shall be at the regular Membership Meeting in March. The newly elected officers’ terms shall commence April 1st following installations and shall be for a term of two years. Guidelines for Eligibility and Election for office is currently posted on the bulletin board. The FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit reminds us that the winter holidays are a time for everyone to be aware and take precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones from fires. Make sure to keep burning candles away from curtains, lampshades, blankets, and other flammable objects. Space heaters must be kept no less than three feet away from bedding, drapes, and Christmas trees. If you are using a space heater or air conditioner, make sure to never use extension cords for large appliances. Candles should always be kept away from the reach of children. Stay safe! “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.” –Cesar Chavez Visit our Facebook Page at: Building 13 Association Inc.–Co-op City. Our website is http://www.bldg13assoc.com or e-mail us at building13assoc@yahoo.com. Contacts: Leslie Peterson, president, at 718-320-1370, or Wendell Mattison, V.P., at 917-330-1380. Thank you for supporting our team. —Leslie Peterson

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023 Director’s Viewpoint

Leslie Peterson

“Let There be Peace on Earth…” Happy New Year, Co-op City. Current world events bring to mind a song I wish for the world, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.” It goes on to say, let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. The only way we can have peace in our world is to start with ourselves, let it begin within you and spread abroad. Again, with that being said, let me extend continued Seasons Greetings to all for a wonderfully fulfilling New Year. Cannabis Dispensary: In January 2024, a licensed cannabis business is seeking a lease for the outparcel property, former Chase Bank located at 675 Co-op City Blvd. near Peartree Avenue, across from Building 13 and across from the offgrounds Riverbay garbage compound. Tentatively scheduled for January 4, 2024, a Public Hearing will be held regarding the establishment to be operated by “Mello Tymes,” a location I believe currently zoned at C4-1. Is the space still under lease by Chase, mentioned by the business owner or available for lease by the property owner? I am concerned that directly across from the requested location, so close, is a residential building. There is concern from the community because of its close proximity to our buildings and youth and additionally about the possible influx of yet more traffic around and about Co-op City. Selecting a Bay Plaza location would provide them more security, more foot traffic and still provide access to the community they claim they want to be involved in. We all know how problematic our public transportation is when coming home, so just who is the intended store seeking to be their market purchasers? We were told that the recent meeting was not for the benefit of questions from the public. In the interest of useful dialogue, we recently were able to listen to the owners. Hopefully,

the community will avail themselves the opportunity to be heard at the scheduled public hearing in January and some of the questions asked, but not answered in the “Chat” on the virtual, can be answered. Deferred Equity: Recently, the Riverbay Board voted to discontinue the deferred equity program for new shareholders. Banks, once ﬁnding they cannot use Riverbay units as collateral upon approving a loan, were not as generous in approving loans. In fact, most had to take out personal loans. Historically, this is a process that Black and Brown people have dealt with for years. The deferred equity did give a younger demographic the ability to purchase an affordable housing unit in a beautiful community. During a Residential Sales Committee meeting, the discussion around this topic presented the possibility of raising the deferred equity amount from the current 35% to 50% and only offering the deferred if the purchaser shows in good faith, they were unable to secure a loan for their full equity. At the same time, it is understandable that it may be more prudent if we do not play the role of a banker. We will monitor sales and vacancies and act accordingly should the need arise. Through conversation, we were reminded Co-op City was built to be affordable housing to moderate- and middle-income families. In the interim, we want to increase our productivity, restoring units so that we can get to a place where we are showing units that are for sale, fully restored and ready for occupancy. Sales and Upgrades: There are many shareholders who have made very beautiful and expensive upgrades to their unit. Last year, we discussed allowing new purchasers the ability to accept those upgrades prior to them being removed from a move out unit. We are going to ask again that this be considered with the proper legal documentation letting the new purchase owner know that they will sign

Building 8 Association Greetings, hoping everyone enjoyed their holiday season. We would like to thank the shareholders who volunteered to sit in the lobby for donations for the porters’ holiday season. We were able to collect $1200. We are also thankful that a shareholder posted jobs and events happening in our community. We need more shareholders to get involved in the Building Association for 2024. Wishing everyone a happy New Year! —Azalea McDavid

an assumption lease indicating their ﬁnancial responsibility should they decide to keep the former resident’s upgrades. Another thing that was discussed was giving shareholders in occupied units the ability to purchase the upgrades being offered in the restored units currently being sold. The hope is that while there will be a cost, it will be less than outside vendors because many of the Riverbay upgrade items are being purchased at bulk rates. Last year, we were not able to complete the request due to illness and election activities and new Management. We hope to get some answers and movement now. Reparations: The Reparations and Remedies Community Act Bil S1163A, passed in June was signed by Governor Hochul on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023. Many are not aware but second only to South Carolina in ‘The Peculiar Institution” as slavery was called, was New York. Yes, the second largest slave market in the country was in New York City. Slavery existed both in the north and in the south, at times in equal measure. The United States economy is proven to thrive off of the institution of slavery since the beginning of American History. By signing into effect this Bill, New York State will empower communities to actively participate in shaping the essential path forward toward unity and healing. While most feel we do not need to study the history of slavery, it is important to begin the process and erase misinformation that many think absolve New York and northern states. Thank you to everyone who made a call, sent an e mail, letter or signed petitions. Together, we made a difference. “You cannot add more minutes to the day, but you can utilize each one to the fullest.” –Menachem Mendel Schneerson I am pleased to be of service to the community. I can be reached by e-mail at lpeterson@riverbayboard.com.

NAACP

Mission Statement: Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Known as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), it profoundly affected the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American History. Season’s Greetings and Peace on Earth, Happy and Healthy New Year to all. Branch T-shirt Fundraiser begins January 2024, link to follow. Update – The Reparations and Remedies Community Act Bill S1163A was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, December 19th. Thank you to everyone who made a call, sent an email, letter or signed petitions. Together, we made a difference. NYS Conference 1st Quarterly Meeting – Saturday, January 13, 2024,10:00 a.m. at the UFT office, 52 Broadway, NY. Members attending, please submit names by January 8th. Youth Scholarship: The Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has published their 2024 Youth Scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by February 23rd, 2024. Please share this with anyone you know who may need it. You can find out more by contacting scholarship@dstbx.org Voting: This election season, we hold the most powerful tool to make democracy work for Black Americans: our vote. The issues that affect our com• ABSOLUTE LOWEST FEES • FREE CONSULTATION munity will make or break how we continue to thrive in this country. We • EVENING APPTS. AVAILABLE • FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS can fix America’s broken democracy, VOTE. For more information on the • IMMEDIATE FILING NAACP’s work to mobilize Black voters, visit naacp.org/vote. NAACP Office hours – The office is closed for the holiday and will reopen “COURTEOUS AND PROMPT SERVICE January 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Commemorative Pins and Journals availAT AN AFFORDABLE FEE” able to purchase. Follow us on Facebook: Co-op City NAACP. Become a member, gift a 633 Lydig Ave • Bronx, NY membership or upgrade your membership. Join the NAACP to help us do 1 block from Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road the work. We march to defend democracy. Take your advocacy further by Accessible by #2 & #5 trains • #12, #22 & #39 buses joining in the fight for our sacred right to vote. Annual Adult: $30, & Youth: $10, or Silver Life: $750. Make check/money order payable to: NAACP Co-op City. Mail to: NAACP Co-op City, 135 Einstein Loop, Room 36, Bronx, N.Y. 10475. To leave a message, call the office phone at: 718-320-3210 or email: naacpccity2210@gmail.com or naacpcoopbb@yahoo.com. ––Brenda Brown

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Building 10 Association

Building 6 Association

Greetings, fellow cooperators. New Cooperators – Welcome, all new cooperators. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Membership meeting. 7th Annual Holiday Gift Drive – The 7th annual holiday shelter gift drive was a huge success. Because of your generous donations, we were able to give a gift to every child in the shelter. A special thank you to everyone who donated their bottles to the gift drive. Although we were restricted from purchasing large items due to the shelter’s rules, we were able to purchase five tablets which we raffled off and many smaller items to ensure we had enough gifts for all the children. Thanks again. Holiday Gift Collection for Building 10 Staff – The Building 10 Association executive board would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all who contributed to this year’s holiday gift collection for our Building 10 staff. We also thank those who gave generously of their time and energy in support of this effort. Again, thank you! Ladies Night – Ladies night will be held on January 12, 2024 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. in the Association Room located in the rear of 120 Debs Place. Come out for some laughter and fun. Light refreshments will be served. If You See Something, Say Something – For emergencies, call Co-op City Public Safety at 718-671-3050 and NYPD at 911. For non-emergencies, call 311. You can also contact CCPD at their anonymous tips hotline: 718-879-6311. Suicide Prevention – If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in emotional distress, the number to call for help is 988; you can call or text. Someone is available 24 hours a day. Questions, Comments and Suggestions – You can contact the Building 10 Association via email at Building10Assoc@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook, “Building 10 “ABC” Association.” Like our page and get notified of all the happenings in and around Building 10. We would like to wish all who are born this month an incredibly happy birthday. Celebrating an anniversary this month? Happy Anniversary!!! To the homebound and sick, we wish you a speedy recovery. To all who have lost a loved one recently, we offer our deepest condolences. “Be nice to the environment. Be nice to animals. Be nice to people. If you do that, you will leave a mark on the world.” ―Enock Maregesi Have a wonderful week. ––Jewel Crawford-Duncan

Happy Saturday, neighbors. This Holy Day Season has taught us to reflect and sprinkle kindness implementing the spirit of Christmas and the traditions of Kwanzaa. On Friday, Dec. 22, the Bldg. 6 Association presented the four porters with their holiday bonuses of which the generous amount collected will be disclosed at the next Association meeting in January. On Christmas Eve in the Association Room, we had a holiday mixer where neighbors gathered together sharing stories of their living in Co-op City, feasting on the delicious spread provided by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Michie, President Lassiter, Mrs. Joan Murrell; sodas and water donated by Mrs. Etheline Brown, bags of ice donated by Ms. Zo Halton and Mrs. Jackie Paris. Mz. Janine Thomas distributed toys to the building’s children. We want to give a round of applause to Mr. Frank Senior for crooning us with some Holiday Standards. Many thanks to Michael Medina, Jaimie Gilliard; V.P. Gilliard for serving the food to the neighbors. When the mixer was over, treasurer Simon Jaimie G. helped assist the cleanup. Expect many more soirées as we work hard to build this building back better. In closing, we embark on a new year in a few days. The Building 6 Association wishes everyone great health, happiness and prosperity, and remember, optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. I pray safety over all. God Speed. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. –Archbishop Desmond Tutu —Lauren K. Lassiter

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

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Did you know that even though it was the final Saturday of 2023, the Food/Pantry volunteers ended the year with grateful hearts distributing fresh produce to shareholders in Section 5 next to the Mosholu Montefiore Teen Center. Remember, we continue to always welcome volunteers for the Saturday produce parties in the coming new year of 2024. Sign up at coopcitycommunityfridge@ gmail.com. With grateful hearts, we wish you a very healthy New Year! See you at the fridge with open arms! ––Yolanda Ramirez Photos by Antionette Erskin

Our 2023 Toy Drive was a smashing success. This event gets bigger and better every year, thanks to shareholders’ generosity. We visited three shelters, and the expressions on faces were priceless. The Officers who organized, sorted, delivered and distributed the hundreds of gifts were P.O. Vargas, P.O. Cavigliano, P.O. Alicea and Det. Grosvenor (not pictured). Huge shout-out, once again, to Bartow Stationary, for their incredible donation of over 350 toys. —–Lt. C. Bulat Photos by Det. S. Grosvenor

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Building 17 Association

Building 13 Visited by Santa

Building 17 is celebrating the Holidays with pictures! There was a book and gifts giveaway by Ms. Chandra Best, as Santa’s helper, Mr. Darryl Young, visited our lobby. Happy Holidays to all. ––Barbara A Johnson

Building 35 Association Happy Holidays from Building 35. Our porters (pictured at left) are grateful for their gifts. Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah to all. May your New Year be nothing short of happiness and good health. Thank you to all the ladies in Building 35 who assisted in decorating the lobby. You all have been tremendous in lending your decorating techniques to our lobby. To all who assisted by sitting in the lobby with the ex. board to collect donations for our porters, I appreciate you all. Remember, all live trees must be covered before throwing them out in the basement. Looking forward to our meeting in January 2024. ––Ms. Carol Arthur

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023 Director’s Viewpoint –

Rod Saunders

Location, Location, Location – But Not Our Location First and foremost, from my family to yours, we hope that everyone will be able to have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! With the beginning of the coming new year, we here in Co-op City will have a host of issues that must be addressed by “a community in unity.” Remember, standing together is always going to be our best way forward. I intentionally waited until after the representatives from Mellow Tymes, LLC, made their presentation to Community Board 10’s (CB#10) Executive Board for leasing the former Chase Bank building in the Peartree Mall for a cannabis dispensary. I wanted to do that before commenting any further than I did in my December 2nd director’s viewpoint. The presentation took place on the evening of December 18th. As you may have already learned, only CB#10 members, and those appearing in support of the proposed cannabis dispensary were allowed to be present in person, and have the ability to ask and answer questions. Those participating via WebEx could only view and hear the Executive Board meeting. Bottom line – I am adamantly opposed to any vendor coming to the Co-op City community to sell legal or illegal cannabinoid drugs. Not from an unlicensed vehicle in the streets, not from a licensed brick & mortar building. In my opinion, a cannabis dispensary should not be allowed within 1500 feet of any Mitchell-Lama cooperative such as Rochdale Village, Starrett City/Spring Creek Towers, and, of course, our own Co-op City. Mitchell-Lama cooperative apartments are bought by hard working families with children who want to leave the neighborhoods they’re in. Many are NYC employees who are also first responders. Many are retirees looking for the perfect place to live out their lives, and many are those who want to give up their private homes, because apartments may be easier to live in and maintain. They are happy to become shareholders here in Co-op City because we are affordable, diverse, mid-

dle-class community that currently enjoys a low crime rate, good schools, great shopping and safe surroundings. Allowing a cannabis dispensary where proposed, will no doubt attract individuals who otherwise would have no business in our community. The reality is that famous movie phrase – “build it and they will come.” There’s no what if, just what now. I have little doubt that clients of the dispensary will find their way onto our campus. We invite or allow a problem in, then those who can afford to move away from the very issue they allowed to take over, do so. That leaves the rest of us dealing with the ever present hanging-out in the area. I am uncomfortable with a cannabis dispensary potentially being granted a license to operate across the street from three residential buildings housing more than 1,100 families, a children’s tot lot park and basketball courts. I’m uncomfortable with a cannabis dispensary being behind an MTA bus stop. I’m more uncomfortable with it being in close proximity to a church, a private school, and a shelter for homeless families. Then there’s the MCU bank with seven outdoor ATM machines. As admitted by Mellow Tymes during the presentation, in the cannabis dispensary business, “cash is still king!” As reported on the front page of our Co-op City Times’ December 23rd issue, Community Board #10 will hold a public meeting on Thursday evening, January 4th, at 7 p.m., Bartow, Room 31. At that meeting, you may sign up for an opportunity to comment on the proposal to bring a cannabis dispensary to the Co-op City community. I moved into Co-op City with my wife and sons in May of 1977. Eliot Engel was the NY State Assemblyman. Stephan Kaufman was the NYC Councilman. Both lived in Co-op City. NY State Senator Abraham (Abe) Bernstein, and Congressman Mario Biaggi, also represented Co-op City. Stanley Simon was the Bronx Borough President, and Stanley Friedman was the very powerful Bronx Democratic County Leader. Then-Riv-

erbay Board President Charles Parness’ wife Sandra, was the Democratic Female District Leader. Back then, no one did anything in or around Co-op City if it was not in the best interest of the community – period. The aforementioned elected representatives who I just listed made sure of that. They were protective of this community because the former residents of Co-op City knew how to articulate and demand from strength. They had no problem with rising up against any unreasonable issue. Back then, they clearly understood the power of the ballot and organized protests. Back then, they understood that Co-op City’s greatest strength was in our numbers, not in our Social Media attitudes. Refusing to vote or get involved was not an option. Back then, the community was very protective of their surroundings and the elements that they did not perceive as being in our best interest. We need to stand up for ourselves right now! Back then, Co-op City voted in huge numbers. Our community was respected. Now our votes appear to be more sought after than respected. Co-op City residents need to prove that we cannot always be bullied into submission. In closing, I do have an alternative location to suggest to the owners of Mellow Tymes, LLC. At the end of E. Gunhill Road, near the I-95/Hutchinson River Parkway southbound exit & entrances, there is an empty structure. The former Gunhill Diner building is arguably larger than the former Chase Bank structure on Coop City Blvd., and comes with a fairly large parking lot. There are three advantages to applying for a license at that location. First, it’s in a location that has great access. Second, no residential structures, with the closest church and public school being a considerable number of blocks away. Last, the building is literally only 20 feet away from the Pelham Garden Motel. Location, location, location! Thank you for reading my viewpoint, and you may reach me at: rsaunders@riverbayboard.com.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Building 20 Association

Building 25 Association

Happy New Year to all. Thank you to the Building 20 residents who attended our Building 20 Association Holiday Gathering. It was a festive event with lots of holiday music. All in attendance enjoyed a dinner of lasagna, spring rolls, rotisserie chicken, garlic bread, tossed salad, cranberry and apple juices. There were lots of donations of desserts, including cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, and more. Following a brief meeting, we told stories, sang songs, gave holiday cards and gifts. There was even a free silent auction where several in attendance received beautiful gifts. There was also a gift for the resident who attended the most meetings over the past year. Everyone thanked the Building 20 Executive Board members for this fantastic event. Many thanks to those who cooked, cleaned, decorated, and attended. You have helped to make the 2023 Holiday Gathering a success. The next Building 20 Association meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Section B meeting room. Please make a New Year’s resolution to attend the monthly meetings. Here’s wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Prosperous New Year. —Francine Jones

Happy Kwanzaa Building 25 Association Holiday Party will take place on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in our meeting room. Please come out and enjoy the end of holiday festivities. Our next Association meeting is Tuesday, January 16, 2024. A representative from JASA will be joining us, so please come prepared with questions and comments. In the words of Jimmy Dolittle, “There is nothing stronger than a heart of a volunteer.” So many of us bring our talents, time, experiences and contributions to help our community become a better place to call home. It has been my honor writing articles for Building 25 since year 2014, and 260 articles later, with sadness, I am informing you that this will be my last article. I will be starting a new project in year 2024. So, from me and Building 25 Association, we wish you all a Happy New Year, and to all, a goodnight! Wishing all neighbors born in December a happy birthday. For those of you who are under the weather, we hope you get better soon, and for our neighbors who continue to lose loved ones, our heartfelt prayers go out to you. Our next Building Association meeting will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Due to holiday scheduling, that may change; look for detailed information posted near elevators as we get closer to the meeting date. Remember, residents of Building 25 can always address any comments or concerns by logging onto our building email address at building25ca@gmail.com. If anyone has problems accessing the building email address, please let us know. I will close with the following for the last time: Thank you for reading my articles and giving me your positive feedback. —Wanda Bailey

National Council of Negro Women NCNW Co-op City Section – At our last Membership Meeting on December 10th, part of our meeting was dedicated to celebrating our Founders’ Day. Extraordinary educator and political leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (18751955) founded NCNW in 1935 as an “organization of organizations” to represent national and international concerns of Black women. NCNW fought for jobs, the right to vote and anti-lynching legislation. It gave Black women the opportunity to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action. The legendary Dr. Bethune, NCNW Founder and 1st National President, Advisor of Minority Affairs to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, said that she could not rest to see the unharnessed power among our women, so she called upon 28 national women leaders who responded to her call. She pointed out that what was needed was not another organization, but one that would bring organizations together. Mary Church Terrell proposed forming a “Council.” Thus, Dr. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women as such – “a national organization of national organizations” at the 137th Street Branch, YWCA, New York City, December 5, 1935. Mrs. Bethune envisioned NCNW functioning as a clearinghouse, facilitating networking and coalition-building, and advocating the use of collective power on issues affecting women, their families and communities. In 1937 in New York, the first community-based section was organized. In the Bronx, the first meeting of the Co-op City Section of National Council of Negro Women, Inc. was held in the Community Protestant Church of Co-op City on February 14, 1971 under the sponsorship of Mrs. Daisy George and Mrs. Maggie Alston, members of the Committee of Four Hundred, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Roberta Booze, Jessie Profit, Lillian Dean, Dorothy Edwards, Olive Glasgow and Evelyn Garner were the pioneers who paved the way. Dr. Dorothy Irene Height led NCNW for decades, securing its legacy of enlightened leadership and influence. She came to Co-op City on Sunday, June 13, 1971 to officially grant us our Charter. As we end 2023 and look forward to the beginning of a New Year, 2024, we eagerly look forward to implementing our “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education, encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability, educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice. If you think you would like to move into the New Year with us, reach out to us through any of the social media listed below. Social Media – Remember you can find us on our website: www.ncnwcoopcitysection.com; on Facebook: NCNWCoopcityBethune; on X, formerly known as Twitter: @NCNWCoop City; on Instagram: NCNW Co-op City and email: ncnwco.opcity@gmail.com. May we all have a Healthy and Peaceful New Year! —Joyce Howard

Be sure to subscribe to the official Co-op City YouTube channel, https:// bit.ly/3h6CrF7. Stay informed!

Building 27 Association Hello, neighbors. We trust all is well. Stay vigilant, cautious and wear your masks in crowds. Go to the doctor; take your flu shot, whatever you need to do. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Wishing all happiness, warm wishes, love and that we will cherish the peace and goodwill among each other. We wish all safe travels, enjoy each other, we need some laughter, let go and let live like back in the day. Retail Cannabis Dispensary – Community Board #10 will hold the first public hearing on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Center. The second application for the proposed location 725 Co-op City Blvd (the former Capital One bank) has been withdrawn. We believed cooperators had consented to be more proactive since the Animal Shelter situation. Please let’s not discuss amongst each other, but make your comments count to those who are responsible. The people of this community have a choice –– to agree or oppose these drug shops in the midst of our community, churches and schools. We do not need to invite and welcome something that can possibly harm rather than help a person succeed in life. There is opportunity to voice your opinions, comments once again. Call Community Board #10 at 718-8921161, contact your local politicians. Please let the Riverbay Board directors know how you feel about the situation. Co-op Times Bins – If we, as shareholders, contribute to mishandling the papers as well, shame on you. If not, would you please take the time and a picture of this dumping and send it in to Co-op Times/editor. We should not allow this to take place Saturday after Saturday. We as cooperators are all in this together, making sure our building and surroundings are kept nice and decent. After all, we are blessed with clean and caring porters who keep our buildings very clean. Happy Birthday to all celebrating this month. We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We wish all the best of health and safety. Contact Lydia Rondon at 718-583-3040 and she will gladly acknowledge your birthday by sending you a card; she is excellent in sharing goodwill. Also notify her of any illness, or a neighbor has become deceased or transferred to a nursing home. For our community to be a better place to live is for the people of the community to understand and accept their personal responsibility for what happens. –Davis Merritt, Jr. —H. Overman

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023 Director’s Viewpoint

Mary Pearson

Reflections and Resolutions It’s time for new year resolutions and old year reflections. I like to look at old photos from the winding-down year to revisit what was so important to me in 2023 that might still need attending to in 2024. Two early January 2023 screenshots set the year’s tone: feel-good writings about being of use. The first was by Etienne de Grellet: “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Always relevant: this year, last year, next year. So is this other, a snarky little work by George Bernard Shaw, recommends that instead of being, “ ... a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy,” find a mighty purpose instead, such as serving your community. Sticking to the public service theme – and skipping over some scary screenshots of Covid’s continuing destruction tracked by the 1.nyc.gov update page – there’s AOC... twice. (She stopped by the Section 5 Community Fair in September, as well as holding the January Town Hall.) Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez represents CD-14 which currently includes Co-op City. She paid us a visit on January 21, giving me an opportunity to talk about our inadequate electrical wiring – which makes it impossible to consider swapping out our gas ranges for electric – and giving me yet another chance to tell her about the Building 33 gas shut off saga of 2018. So many electric appliances had to fill-in for the gas ranges that fall that my friend needed to change her suppertime hour to avoid triggering the circuit breaker. It wasn’t the first time I’d corralled Green New

Deal AOC with the popping circuit breaker story. It was the third time. They don’t call me “Persistent Pearson” for nothin’! Take the Section 5 Waterside Park, for another example. I’d been writing about wanting a Waterside Walkway since before I got on the Board in 2018; since before I submitted Resolution 21-24 in May of 2021. We’re right on the water, why can we only see the water in winter? I nudged and nudged. Clear the brush, put up a nicer fence, plop down some benches. I’d read about goats doing the brush-clearing job and met with the Green Goat people, and though the goats never got hired and though we haven’t yet gotten the promised Waterside Walkway, we got something terrific to tide us over: Co-op City’s first up-close-and-personal, comfortable water view, thanks to the Section 5 Waterside Park that opened on April 3. By April 3, 2023, I’d already been battling to save Section 5 from Project X for more than a year. By April, hollerin’ for the life of Ramp C didn’t seem quite so pressing. I’d mistakenly assumed Ramp C would be the last piece of the Project X puzzle, the last item addressed (attacked) by the huge disruptive undertaking. There’d be plenty of time before the January or February 2024 completion of the project to stop the insanity of killing our road. Plenty of time to sit by our little park and look at the ducks. But no, Ramp C’s destruction was going to be front-burnered and a massive call to action went out to rally thousands of Section 5 residents to the cause. We got a few dozen. What had been a concern for years – the traffic calamity barreling down on Section 5 – is now about to hit the fan. The exit ramp off the Hutchinson River Pkwy onto Bartow Ave. is almost complete, our back door Ramp C saving grace is closed-off, and the MTA’s railroad station access plan is

sticking to its guns. Once the exit ramp is in full swing, perhaps Coop City will insist that the sister ramp be built to deal with the excess traffic. But though it would take a miracle to restore Ramp C function as our dedicated road (our overlords have made it clear that that is something we do not deserve), its use as the road to the road to the tracks might still be preserved. Of course, for that to happen the MTA would have to give up the idea that there’s nothing but marshland on the south side of the railroad tracks. Could happen. Anything can happen. But nothing happens all by itself. I was quoted in an October edition of this paper, moaning about Ramp C. But it holds true for more than that one insult. Time is really running out for Ramp C. We’re about to permanently lose a road we’ve used for decades; a road that is ours; a road everyone who lives or works here cares about, or at least should care about. And for what? Because it’s too hard for you, you powers-that-be, to re-examine this flawed plan? Because you’re sticking to this thing someone dreamt up two decades ago, still using old and useless information? Because you’re following a rule just because that’s the rule? You’ll give away something that belongs to a community that a community needs. Why? Because you just don’t give a darn about us. Period. Ramp C is the road we take to get home; we need it now and we’ll need it worse in the future. I’m not giving up until it’s ground to dust, but it’s not ground to dust yet. Fight back, Section 5! Or as a wise, wiry, wiggly man once sang: You can’t always get what you want but if you try; sometimes you just might find you get what you need. Can’t wait to see what happens in 2024. Happy New Year, everybody. You can reach me at MPearson@RiverbayBoard.com or 718-2192211.

Get Involved! Co-op City is Your Home! Section Five Association The Section 5 Association trusts all in Section 5 are doing well. We hope that we have a peaceful and good winter. Please stay vigilant; there are new variants, Covid on the rise again. Keep wearing your masks when around crowds. RSV and Covid are still spreading. There are many celebrations going on – enjoy, have fun and stay safe. As we end the year 2023, we wish all a blessed, happy, healthy and wonderful new year, 2024. The Year 2023 – Is about over. We hope things are much better. The pandemic alert has been removed, even though the virus is still around. We are out and about, enjoy the holidays. We are coming to the end of 2023; please, if going out, stay safe, work out the driving with someone, if drinking. It is better to be safe than sorry. There are more cars on the roads these days. This Cannabis situation, what are we going to do about it? Community Board #10 will give the first public hearing January 4, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Room 31 of the Bartow Center. Please tell your neighbors, your Building Association, etc. Does this lovely, peaceful community need this type of business that could influence possibly troubling behaviors? Are we ignoring what could happen to the future of Co-op City? Students from IS 160 are beginning to hang out in our shopping mall in Section 5; trouble and fighting are brewing. We need to go to the school staffing and the Board of Education to inquire what is being done to monitor these middle grade students. Public Safety are seen on the Mall site, however these students ignore Public Safety, which means we have a problem. Garage Rates – For the holidays, discounted rates and multi-day rates will be offered by Riverbay. Let your family and friends know. Saturday Volunteers – Are needed for food distribution at 10:30 a.m. at the Co-op City Fridge. Interested in volunteering? Contact: Coopcitycommunityfridge@gmail.com. One may reach Nelson Sweeting, president of SFA, at 646-644-4055. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. –Henry Ford ––H. Overman

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club

African-American Association of Co-op City

I would like to thank all of those who attended the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club’s annual holiday party. It was a very joyous and festive occasion and it gave us a chance to show thanks to our members, who are the lifeblood of our club, for their hard work and support throughout the year. Without you, we couldn’t fulfill our club’s mission of electing the right Democrats to represent Co-op City.

The AAACC Stimulus Package To show you how much we care about your presence and impact on this organization, we are offering a gift. Our very own stimulus package. These are important and pivotal years. We are passionate about the struggle of all people and the importance of banding together to show the generations after us the importance of our “push.” Our youth must see us helping, supporting, and pushing each other into a bright, productive, prosperous future. Our gift to each member is a complimentary 4-night Hotel Stay or Cruise. Hopefully, you will be stimulated enough, refreshed and renewed enough that you will “join us” and enjoy your “vacation on us,” and make an impact, just by being a part of the African-American Association of Co-op City. Tell a friend about this incentive. Help us put the AAACC on the map! Join the African-American Association of Co-op City Membership is $25.00/year single membership, and $35.00/year family/household. You can Zelle us your payment to become a member using our email address. Email: aaaccpower@gmail.com. Call us at: 929-430-3255. The African American Association of Co-op City, P.O. Box 702, Co-op City Station, Bronx, NY 10475. AAACC Meetings & Events January 27, 2024: General Meeting, 3 p.m. on Zoom February 3, 2024: Black Film Festival, 3 p.m. on Zoom Feb. 17, 2024: Open MIC, Fundraiser, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 March 16, 2024: General Meeting, 3 p.m. on Zoom April 6, 2024: OPEN MIC, Fundraiser, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 April 20, 2024: Holistic Health and Wellness Fair, noon-6 p.m., Room 31 May 18, 2024: Co-op City Spelling Bee, noon-5 p.m., Dreiser, Room 4 May 19, 2024: General Meeting, 3 p.m. via Zoom June 8, 2024: OPEN MIC/Juneteenth Celebration, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 June 30, 2024: General Meeting, 3 p.m., Dreiser, Room 15 The AAACC sponsors the following programs for your participation Belly Dance Classes with Xonia Wilson – Contact: Xonia, 646-301-9438 Evening Line Dance Classes with Cynthia Dixon – Contact: Cynthia, 917-903-7073 Yoga & Pilates Classes with Meena Sharpe-Hicks – Contact: Meena at 917-863-1507 Co-op City Baptist Church “Gospel Line Dancers” with Joyce Smith – Contact: Joyce, 718-320-0714 We bid you peace and blessings this holiday season. —Michelle Marbury

I want to personally thank Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto for serving as our special guests and speakers. Their continued support is truly appreciated. I also want to thank District Leader Shirley Saunders, District Leader John Doyle, Lauren Lassiter, Leah Graham, Shana Montgomery and Jacqueline Smith for stopping by and bringing additional refreshments for the enjoyment of our guests. Finally, I want to thank Seafood Kingz of City Island for catering our event. The food was delicious and well received. The new year brings us another important year of elections and I know, with the quality of members we have, the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club will be up to the task of ensuring our endorsed candidates get onto the ballot and thereafter elected. Happy Holidays and we look forward to continuing to serve the community in 2024. —James Payne

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Retirees of Dreiser Loop

Building 9 Association

Season’s Greetings, retirees and friends, We hope that everyone enjoyed a happy and joyous Christmas and Kwanzaa. Our best wishes to all for an incredibly happy New Year! We pray that peace, love, and prosperity will be with you all throughout the new year. Carnival Cruise 2024 – Our Eastern Caribbean 9day/8night cruise (traveling to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turks, and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) on the beautiful new ship Venezia will leave from NYC on July 16 (cruising through July 24, 2024). Please contact Serita at (347) 564-5722 for additional information. Membership Committee – New members and renewing members can remit a check for the $25 annual dues. Dues for the 2023 calendar year are still being accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Retirees of Dreiser Loop” and mailed to: Retirees of Dreiser Loop, 177 Dreiser Loop, Room 19, Bronx, NY 10475. Please note “new member” or “renewing member” in the memo line on your check. Questions may be addressed to Mary at (718) 655-9170. Happy Birthday – Cheers to all our December and January birthday celebrants. We wish you an incredibly happy birthday and continued peace and happiness throughout the year. Good and Welfare – Please keep all of those who are sick and/or shut in, in your thoughts and healing prayers. We hope they will soon see brighter days ahead. Please notify Lorraine Parker at (718) 671-6403 of any member illnesses or deaths. Condolences – Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have recently experienced the loss of loved ones. General Meeting – Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. in the Dreiser Center Auditorium C. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this first meeting of the new year. We look forward to seeing you there. ––Georgianna Rodriguez

Greetings, Building 9 Association family and friends. Happy and healthy holiday season to you all. I thank each and every shareholder who attended regular and special Building 9 Association meetings throughout the year. I thank all the wonderful volunteers, most of all, I thank our dedicated executive board for their time and commitment to Association business. The matter of building staff re-assignments has been resolved since last we discussed the matter. As I stated at the time, I did, indeed, send the e-mail message to Management expressing your outrage and willingness to take action if our staff was reassigned elsewhere. Building 9 shareholders have been so very generous in donating toward the 2023 Building staff collection. The collection is a token of our appreciation for ‘little extra’ the staff does throughout the year. The staff distribution was conducted on Friday, December 22, 2023. The signed and initialed distribution log will be available for member review at our next meeting. Our wonderful and dedicated 2023 collection volunteers were: Rosemary Bailey, Karen Blanchette, Evelyn Mavins, Wanda Randall, Dinora Tirado, Darlene Walker, Linda Holley, Janet Yarrell, Barbara Cloud, Shirley McCann, Janice Rosario, Robert Rosario, Shirley Johnson, Pam Bryant, and Linda Collins. Our Building Association could not function at such a high level without the generosity of spirit, time, and effort of our members. I salute you! Our Building 9 Association holiday celebration was moved to January 13, 2024 at 6 p.m. Our next Building Association meeting will be our bi-annual election meeting. No other business is conducted during the election meeting. All nominations must be made in person and all nominees must be present at the election meeting. Recap of election guidelines: eligibility to vote or to nominate an officer to the executive board: two consecutive years of paid membership dues and attendance at three General Membership meetings in each of the membership years immediately preceding the current bi-annual election. Offices and duties will be posted on our lobby bulletin boards prior to the election meeting. On December 18th, the Bronx Community Board #10 executive committee met with the 675 Co-op City Boulevard (the old Chase Bank location) Cannabis Dispensary applicants. The applicants will meet with the Co-op City community on Thursday, January 4, at 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31 at 7 p.m. Please attend. Thoughtful and well-informed questions and comments are encouraged. Please continue to write and call Community Board #10 with any concerns you have on the matter. “For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eye on us.” – Amanda Gorman —Linda Collins

Goose Island Seniors Wind Creek Casino – Sat., Jan. 6, 2024 in Bethlehem, PA. Price: $60, bonus: $25 slot play. Bus arriving: Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:40 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 8:50 a.m. Call: 646-579-1701. Resort World Casino – Thu., Jan. 18, 2024 in Monticello, NY. Price: $55, bonus: $25 slot play, $15 food voucher. Payment due: Dec. 21, 2023. Waitlist only. Bus arriving Einstein Loop, 8:15 a.m.; Asch Loop, 8:45 a.m., and Dreiser Loop at 9 a.m. Make checks payable to Goose Island Seniors. Mail to 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Bronx, NY 10475 or Zelle to 347-847-1941. Vaccination required. Sight and Sound (Daniel) – Bethlehem, PA. Thu., April 25, 2024. Price: $215. Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant. For more information, call: 646-5791701. Sight and Sound (Daniel) – Bethlehem, PA. Tue., May 7, 2024. Balcony seats (2 or 3 steps down). Price: $195. Deposit $50 to reserve seat on bus. Balance due April 17, 2024. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors or Zelle to 347-847-1941. Golden Corral Restaurant before show. Vaccination required. Villa Roma – Tribute to Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, Tue., June 11, 2024. Waitlist only. Price: $125. Down payment, $50, to reserve seat. Balance due by May 20, 2024. Make checks to Goose Island Seniors. Mail to 135 Einstein Loop, Room 39, Bx., NY 10475 or Zelle to 347-847-1941. Vaccination required. Tribute to Whitney Houston – at Tropicana Casino, June 27, 2024. Price: $150. Bonus: $25 slot play and $20 food voucher. Deposit, $50, to reserve seat on bus. Balance due: June 5th. 2024 Norwegian Cruise – Hawaii, Aug. 31 – Sept. 7, 2024. Call: 646-5791701. 2024 Las Vegas Trip – Oct. 11, 2024. Call: 646-579-1701. Notary – with Yvonne Menefee, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m., 135 Einstein Loop, Room 34 or 39. Bingo – Mon., Wed., and Fri., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members only. Admission: $5 for 3 cards; $0.25 each additional card; 12 games and jackpot. Refreshments. Game day – Tue. and Thu., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Dominoes, Bid Whist, movies, socializing and more. To all Members: Happy Birthday to our members who celebrate their birthday in the month of January: Diane Williams, Mary Roach, Yolanda Jones, Othelia Jones, Leona Weeden, Novella Thomas, Alma Cruz, Sarah Arteaga, Barbara Richardson, Zulma Medina and Dorthula C. Ahulu. The birthday cake celebration will be on January 10, 2024 at 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Sick and Shut-in – Our former president, Mary Pilla, is doing fine and says hi to everyone. Call her at (718) 753-1816. Ella L. Thorne (treasurer) sends her love. Our club is at 135 Einstein Loop, Rm. 39, Bronx, NY 10475, the Section 5 Community Center, (718) 379-9613; Stephen cell (347) 847-1941. Our email address is goose.island@optonline.net; $StephenCarlSr. Good health to all. —Stephen Roberts, Sr.

When driving in parking garages, follow all posted directional signs and speed limits.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

JASA Co-op City NORC Program Invites You for These In-Person & Virtual Activities Bartow OAC Food Shopping Trips: BJ’s/ShopRite, Fri., Jan. 19, 2024, $6; Stew Leonard’s, Wed., Jan. 24, 2024, $6; and Costco, Thurs., Jan. 26, 2024, $6. Limited seating for 10. Please pay at Bartow Center only. Pick-up place/time will be given when paying. JASA NORC Office Jewelry Making Class – Wed., Jan. 10 & 24, 10:3011:30 a.m. Back of JASA Main Office, 2049 Bartow Ave., 718-320-2066. Common Pantry scheduled for Tues., Jan. 23, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The state still has a freeze and we will not be taking any new participants at this time. Bartow/Dreiser OAC’s coach bus trip to African American Museum of Nassau County – Thurs., Feb. 21, 2024, $60. Also enjoy lunch at Uncle Bacala’s

Bartow

Sat., Jan. 6

Fri., Jan. 5

Thurs., Jan. 4

Wed., Jan. 3

Tues., Jan. 2

Mon., Jan. 1

Room 31 unless otherwise noted

New Year’s Day JASA Closed Happy Holidays

restaurant w/choice of entree. Sign up at Bartow OAC, Rm. 31, or Dreiser OAC, Rm. 7. Pick-up info. given at Center. Agatha House Foundation – National Diabetes Prevention Program (Zoom class) Weekly Diabetes Prevention, 6-9 month program. For more information or to register, call Coach Brittany, 917-943-3503. Bartow OAC trip to Sight & Sound to see “Daniel,” Lancaster, PA – Includes all-you-can-eat buffet at Golden Corral, Thurs., April 11, 2024. Cost: $195pp. Please pay at Bartow OAC only. Pick-up info. given at Center. Memory Matters: Coping w/Memory & Cognitive Changes presented by Alzheimer’s Assoc. in partnership w/JASA, meeting weekly on Fridays

Einstein

Room 49 unless otherwise noted

New Year’s Day JASA Closed Happy Holidays

for 9 wks. Feb. 9, 2024 – Education & Orientation; Feb. 16-April 5, weekly group discussions, 1-2:30 p.m. JASA NORC Office. Pre-registration by Feb. 2, 2024 required. Contact 646-651-4717 or rrkersey@alz.org. Request a pre-registration interview. Please allow two business days for a response. Caringkind: The Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving representative will be in the Bartow Main Office, every third Mon. of the month, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Alzheimer and Dementia Consultation/ Health Care Proxy & Power of Attorney Consultation & other services. Steel Drum Classes – JASA NORC Office, on Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m. Medicare Information – Thurs., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., JASA NORC Office.

Dreiser

Room 7 unless otherwise noted

New Year’s Day JASA Closed Happy Holidays

Notary – JASA NORC Office, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m.; Weds. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. By appointment. Technology Class – Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dial-in #: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 862 5043 9695, Passcode: 896989. Line Dance w/Bartow Swingers – Wed. & Fri., 12-1 p.m., Dreiser Aud. A. Notary – Einstein OAC, until Feb. 2024. Appointment only, Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Starting Feb. 2024, Notary will be available on Tues. & Thurs., for Affidavit Notarizations, etc. Please call Einstein OAC for Appointment – 718-671-5161, Hair Styling, 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month, 9-11 a.m.: Braids, haircuts, shape-up, twist, ponytails, curls and more. Facials & Manicure, every Mon., 1-3 p.m.

LUNCH & DINNER MENUS Alternate Kosher Meals are available

LUNCH: KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, Cous Cous, Yellow Squash NON-KOSHER: Curry Chicken, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Peas, Sautéed Green Beans w/Onions

New Year’s Day JASA Closed Happy Holidays NO DINNER SERVED

BARTOW OAC CLOSED NO ACTIVITIES OR DINNER

Never Too Old To Learn Spanish 10-11 a.m., Rm. 35 Bridge To Care Arthritis Exercise, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 45 Creative Arts & Painting, 1-3 p.m., Room 35 Go Easy on us Computers 2:30-3:30 p.m., Rm. 40

Art w/Lovie, Twice a month, 11 LUNCH: KOSHER: Beef Stew, Brown Rice, California Blend Vegetables; NONa.m.-12 p.m. KOSHER: Beef Brisket w/Tomatoes & Onions, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Normandy Zumba w/Ola, 1-2 p.m., Aud. A Blend Vegetables Computer & Tablet Class w/Ralph DINNER: BARTOW ONLY 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dial in number: 347-893-2966; BARTOW OAC CLOSED Meeting ID: 854 2963 5300; FOR DINNER Passcode: Dreiser23

Stay Well Exercise w/Odessa Hair Care 4U, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Arthritis Exercise w/Damion Appointments Only 11 a.m.-noon, Room 2 Spring in Your Step Stretch, Bereavement Hour w/Dorine & Tone w/Ola, 10-11 a.m., Rm. 45 (1st Wednesday only per month) Afternoon Crafts w/Ines & Julesa, Action Bodies In Motion 12-1 p.m. 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. 11 a.m.-noon, Room 45 Line Dancing w/Cynthia Prize Bingo & Board Games Wed. & Fri., 12:30-1:45 p.m. Self Defense w/Jimmy, 2 p.m.-3 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Rm. 49A Dominoes w/Jose, 1-2:30 p.m. Grab & Go, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., p.m., Rm. 2 (Twice a month) Dinner Hour: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Free w/$2 donation Arthritis exercise w/Damion, Visual Arts, 10 a.m.-noon 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Visual Arts w/Laura via Zoom Health & Wellness (AMOB), 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Knitting/Crocheting with Lynne 10-11 a.m. Manicure Services for Seniors and Betty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Salsa Dancing, 11 am-noon 2-3:30 p.m. Computer Learning w/Steve, Walk With Ease, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Grab & Go, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Card Games with Frankie, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Free w/$2 donation Dinner Hour, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Sewing Class w/Joy, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Rm. 2 Massage Therapy, 10 a.m.-noon Coloring for Calmness Knitting & Crocheting w/Loretta 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m Manicure, 10:30 a.m-noon 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Alert & Alive w/Cathy and Essie Line Dance with Cynthia 10-11 a.m., Rm. 4 Chess Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Dinner Hour, 3-4:30 p.m. Drama Club w/Dazee Windley Blood Pressure Screening 10:30 a.m.-noon 3-4 p.m., in the back of the JASA NORC Office Intergenerational Arts & Crafts w/Denise, 10 a.m.-noon Salsa with Rasheed 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Word Games 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Bingo on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the back of the JASA NORC Office.

LUNCH: KOSHER: Chicken Marsala, Orzo, Normandy Blend Vegetables; NONKOSHER: Spanish Style Baked Chicken, Yellow Rice, Sautéed Spinach DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Chicken Marsala, Orzo. Normandy Blend, Vegetables, Banana; NON-KOSHER: Beef of Brisket w/ Tomatoes & Onions, Garlic Mashed Potato, Normandy Blend Vegetable, Apple LUNCH: KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage, Mashed Potato, Steamed Carrots; NON-KOSHER: Summer Chickpea & Veggie Salad, Basic Pasta Salad, Kale Salad w/Lemon DINNER: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Carrots, Orange; NON-KOSHER: Spanish Baked Chicken, Yellow Rice, Sautéed Spinach, Banana

LUNCH: KOSHER: BBQ Chicken, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta, Braised Collard Greens DINNER: BARTOW ONLY Line Dance w/Sassy, 1-2 p.m. KOSHER: BBQ Chicken Leg, Garlic Watercolor Art Class w/Dmitriy, Aud. A, & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Grilled 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Meeting ID: 827 9919 Vegetables; NON-KOSHER: Eggplant 1332; Passcode: Dreiser23, (2x/month) Parmesan, Ziti, Pasta, Braised Collard Bingo w/Gay, 1:20 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Greens, Apple Rm. 4

Menu Fee for lunch is $2 & $5 for guest. ALL meals served w/margarine and fresh milk. Menu subject to change without notice. For information, please call: (718) 320-2066. Schedule subject to change without notice. Payments for trips at the Bartow office can be made Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. only Funded by: The NYC Department for the Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and Riverbay Corporation.

Saturday: Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. Bartow OAC LUNCH until finished: BARTOW ONLY KOSHER: Breaded Fish,Roasted Baked KOSHER:Baked Moroccan Style Sweet CapriRice, Blend Vegetables, ChickenPotato, Legs, Brown Steamed Green Kiwi Beans, Plum NON-KOSHER: Stewed Chicken Thighs, NON-KOSHER: Soft TacoBanana w/Vegetables., Pasta, Cabbage w/Peas, Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/Parsley, Banana

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

Church of the New Vision Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church of the New Vision and Pastors Kenneth and Deborah Hodge welcome you to worship with us at 115 Einstein Loop North, Bronx, NY 10475. Church phone: 718-671-8746 and Pastor’s phone: 914-522-5039. “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 May the Christmas Season bring hope in your heart, grace to your spirit and peace to your life. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday and God’s blessings in the New Year. Happy Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Advent, Christmas Season and a Happy, Healthy New Year to all. Our scripture verse for 2023 is: Luke 10:27 “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Sunday service at 11 a.m. All are welcomed. Masks are required and temperature will be taken. Noon Day Prayer Line now open 12-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Service and Bible Study, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The Conference Line Number: 646-769-9900; Access Code: 3099388# Please mute your phone. December 23, 2023 Worship Service Theme: “God’s Unspeakable Gift. ” Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

Announcements & Save the Dates Sunday, December 31 – Join us for Watch Night Service at 10:30 p.m. as we bring in the New Year on Zoom. Meeting ID: 710 493 0171, Passcode: 373966, Phone: 646-558-8656. Friday, January 12, 2024 – Join the Women’s Zoom book discussion on “Of Fire and Lion” by Mesu Andrews. To RSVP and obtain Zoom information, call 718-671-2623 or email Sis. L Scott at LJSCOTT_2000@yahoo.com. Saturday, February 10, 2024 – Amen Ministries and Church of the New Vision present, “A Blueprint for Wellness,” at the church location, 135 Einstein Loop, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Services offered are Pre-Bio Metric Health Screening, COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots, eye exam and blood pressure testing. Bring family, friends and guests. All are welcome. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – Now accepting $50 deposits to see “Daniel” at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Adults: $215/Youth: $175. We continue to pray for speedy recovery for the sick and shut-in, and offer condolences to families who lost loved ones and good health and wellness for all. Your contributions, tithes and offerings can be mailed to Church of New Vision, P.O. Box 753037, Einstein Station, Bronx, NY 10475. Thank you. ––Brenda Brown

Pentecostal Tabernacle Co-op City Pentecostal Tabernacle, 100 Co-op City Blvd., Building 22A, welcomes everyone to join in worship service on Sundays. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. Worship service noon-2 p.m. Wednesday morning: Prayer and fasting service at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bible Study and prayer meeting will also be held every Wednesday evening, 7:30 p.m. Prayer and worship service will be held every Friday evening, 7:30 p.m. Watch night service to be held Sunday night 12/31/23, 9 p.m. All night services will be on Zoom. Call 646-9313860, meeting ID: 7215591000, Code: 505050#. Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Focus: Protection By Peace God provides a covering to equip and protect the feet, the gospel of peace to give stability and mobility that allow the believer flexibility to move and advance as God directs. Believers need to have their feet protected. Ephesians 6:15 stated: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The enemy is aligned against us whose purpose is clearly defined by the scriptures: “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy’ (John 10:10) Satan is bent on the complete destruction of every child of God. He will take what he can from and what he cannot take he will seek to slaughter, what he cannot kill, he will attempt to ruin to render it unfit for its divine purpose. Ephesians 6: 10-14, 16-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that he may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We are absolutely engaged in a battle in which our enemy is more than willing and capable of being the aggressor. The amour of God in general and the gospel of peace provide for us safety against his attacks. Our footing is sure, our foundation will never move or crumble. We are protected, God is our shield, our fortress, our high tower, our bulwark, and our refuge. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. —Rev. R. Sibblies

Traditional Synagogue of Co-op City The synagogue would appreciate donations to keep our shul open. If you would like to help, go to www.Gofundme.com/Traditional-Synagogue-ofCo-op-City to donate, or mail to The Traditional Synagogue, located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. The synagogue will be serving a hot kiddush meal after Sabbath morning services. Entrance to our synagogue for Saturday services is on the side door of Building 27B. General Information: The Traditional Synagogue, located in Section 5, 120 Erdman Place, in the rear lobby of 27B. It is on the ground floor of Building 27B; it is handicap accessible, no steps. Phone #: 718-379-6920. Office hours are Thursday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Please call the office before you attempt to come over. If no one is in the office, please leave a message. The Synagogue has Services on Saturday morning starting at 10 a.m. After Services, we always have a kiddush. The Synagogue has a Facebook page, Traditional Synagogue. The Synagogue needs donations. Whatever amount you can donate, big or small, would help. The Synagogue needs men to help make a minyan. There are a lot of Jewish men who live in Co-op City who do not come to services. Please come by 10 a.m., so we can take out the Torah. The Traditional Synagogue is the only synagogue in Co-op City. Sabbath ends on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 5:29 p.m. Candle lighting for Friday, January 5, 2024, at 4:12 p.m. Good and Welfare: We sell tree certificates in Honor or Memory of a loved one. The cost is only $15.00 per tree (if you want to buy a tree, call 347 449-5005). Mazel tov to all having simchas. If you’re ill, wishing you good health. If you asked the Rabbi to say prayers for a sick person, you should make your donation to the Synagogue. To All Members: Happy Birthday to all members who will be celebrating their birthday in December. Happy anniversary to Saul Weber. Please send me your names and I will add it to the list. Fun and Games: After services and kiddush, members play games. Your support for the Traditional Synagogue is greatly appreciated. Wishing all our members and friends peace and good health. —Bruce Gitelson

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

Location: 177 Dreiser Loop, second floor, Room 2. Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas pray that you are enjoying the Christmas season and will experience blessings in the new year! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14) You are invited to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20) This Sunday, we will be having our annual Kwanzaa celebration. There will be special readings and music presented by the congregation and clergy as the seven principles of Kwanzaa are explored. These principles are: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Notice of Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the membership of The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Inc. will be held on January 21, 2024 following a brief service for Covenant Sunday. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023: ● 11 a.m. – Kwanzaa Celebration ● Fellowship with light refreshments following the service Bible Lessons: ● Isaiah 7:14, 9:2, 3, 6, 7 ● Luke 2:1-14 Prayer for New Year’s Day: Lord Christ, the new-born Child, who yet art the ancient of days, we dedicate this new-born year to thee, praying that in it the holy church may love thee more and more and serve thee better, growing ever in thy heavenly wisdom as the years roll by, who throughout eternity dost live and reign, one God with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen —Rev. Dorian Miceli

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-3200844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell; 917-227-4303. Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. We are gradually getting back to normal. In-person worship service for the first Sunday after Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, December 31, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Best wishes for a Blessed and Happy New Year to all. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign. It is that time of year again when we collect, complete and return our Pledge Cards. These cards are meant to reflect our financial pledge as well as an offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible. Please remember to pray about these commitments and do the best that you can. Sincere condolences to our members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. To our sick and shut-in, we extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. Happy Birthday and best wishes to all the December birthday celebrants. We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need. Grace and Peace! —Merville Chambers

(Liberal Catholic)

Co-op City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in person only and at 11 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will not be held for the next two weeks. Classes will resume on January 7th at 9:30 a.m. We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Masks are required. The service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#. The Church Free Conference Call Line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#. Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial in using the Zoom information shown above. On Sunday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m., we will have our Watch Night Service by Zoom. Everyone is invited. The Wednesday, 1 p.m. Bible Study class and the 5 p.m. Bible Study Class will be held on January 3rd via Zoom. The Prayer Warriors Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, January 4th. The Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service will be held on January 5th. The 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service will not be held on January 5th. It will resume on January 12th. All are on the church’s conference call line. The Scholarship Ministry invites you to cruise with them aboard the Celebrity Equinox Ship on Tuesday, July 30, to Thursday, August 8, 2024. Ports of call are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Price for inside double occupancy staterooms is $3,995.00 per person. Only two staterooms in this category remain. To make the required deposit, contact Ms. Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 646-7809813. If still interested in acquiring a balcony stateroom, contact Sis. Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541. The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in Co Op CBC. This App is open to all. GOD will strengthen us as we continue to travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year! The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through Worship, Prayer, Bible Study and Fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry. —Marilyn C. Williams

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

God Interrupts Your Plans to Test Your Faith Luke 1:13 The angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you are to call him John. 18 He asked the angel; How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. 19 The angel said to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time. Luke 1:28 The angel Gabriel went to Mary and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. 38 I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her. What happens when God interrupts your plans? Is it an inconvenience or a divine visitation? Do you want God’s way or your way? Bob Sorge: “God offends the heart to reveal the mind.” 1 Zechariah and Mary received messages from heaven while they were going about their business. Zechariah doubted and was made mute. Mary responded with faith. 2 Sometimes our theological understanding gets in the way of our faith. We limit God because we don’t understand him. We don’t receive miracles because we can’t believe. 3 Zechariah and Mary did not fully understand what Gabriel said and Zechariah analyzed it while Mary cherished it. He wanted more information, but she absorbed what was given. 4 In the end, Zechariah and Mary received greater than they hoped. The gifts came with suffering and tears. Their children were great and their children were murdered. However, there is still the promise of their resurrection. We await a reunion with them both. Schedule: 147 Dreiser Loop (lower level) Every first Sunday of the month – Bilingual Communion Service Sunday: Spanish, 9 a.m., & English Service, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday: Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wed. & Thurs.: Non-perishable food distribution from 12-2 p.m. Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Young Adults, third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

CCPD Report ––––– (Continued from page 7) Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues within families or caregiving relationships can contribute to elder abuse, as the caregiver’s judgment and ability to provide adequate care may be impaired. Identifying elder abuse is challenging, given that victims may be reluctant to report mistreatment due to fear, shame, or dependency on the abuser. However, recognizing the signs and understanding the reporting process are crucial steps in addressing elder abuse. Physical signs include unexplained injuries, bruises, fractures, or changes in the elder’s physical appearance may indicate physical abuse. Emotional signs can include sudden changes in mood, behavior, or withdrawal from social activities may suggest emotional abuse. Financial signs, such as unexplained withdrawals, missing funds, or sudden changes in the elder’s financial situation, may indicate financial exploitation. Poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, or living in unsanitary conditions, may signal neglect. Noticeable changes in the behavior of the elder, such as fear, anxiety, or avoidance of specific individuals, may indicate abuse. Reporting elder abuse is a civic responsibility that requires immediate action. Local adult protective services, law enforcement, or helplines can provide assistance and guidance on how to report suspicions of elder abuse. Addressing elder abuse necessitates a multifaceted approach that combines prevention, intervention, and support for victims. Key strategies include: 1. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the different forms of elder abuse, its signs, and the importance of reporting is crucial in preventing mistreatment. 2. Training Caregivers: Providing caregivers, both family members and professionals, with training on proper care techniques, stress management, and conflict resolution can reduce the risk of abuse. 3. Legal Measures: Strengthening legal frameworks to protect the rights of older individuals and prosecuting perpetrators is essential in deterring elder abuse. 4. Community Support Programs: Establishing community support programs that provide resources, respite care, and social engagement for older individuals can reduce social isolation and the risk of abuse. 5. Financial Safeguards: Implementing measures such as regular financial audits, power of attorney oversight, and legal protections can prevent financial exploitation. 6. Counseling Services: Offering counseling services for both victims and perpetrators of elder abuse can address underlying issues and contribute to breaking the cycle of mistreatment. Elder abuse is a complex and pervasive issue that demands urgent attention from individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. By understanding the various forms of elder abuse, recognizing the associated risk factors, and actively working towards prevention and intervention, society can create an environment where older individuals can age with dignity, respect, and security. It is the collective responsibility of communities, caregivers, and governments to ensure that elder abuse is eradicated, allowing every individual to enjoy their later years free from fear and harm.

Crossword Puzzle ––––– (Continued from page 4)

Newsong Church New Year’s Eve @ Newsong 1 Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! – Psalm 98:1 (NLT) It’s the time of year where everyone can experience a fresh start! You’ve probably already declared, this year I’m going to (fill in the blank). Hey, there’s nothing wrong with making positive changes, but before we talk about the next 12 months, let’s pause and thank God for the last 12 months! The psalmist reminds us that God has done wonderful things for us this year. He’s protected us, provided for us, and walked with us through every battle and storm! Join us this New Year’s Eve as we stop and thank God for all He has done this year! New Year’s Eve Schedule Sunday Morning Worship, 11 a.m. New Year’s Eve Celebration, 9 p.m.-midnight Join us for some fun! We’ll have games, skits, and prizes as we fellowship and worship into the new year! Call our church office for more details! About Us: Newsong Church is a life-giving church right here in Co-op City! We believe that every person can know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference in this world! No matter what you’ve been through or where you come from, you are welcome here. Join us for Sunday worship and see why God’s family is no ordinary family…Check us out; we’re located at 135 Einstein Loop! Sunday Worship Experience: Our Sunday worship experience starts with celebration. We make music to please God and to build others up. Colossians 3:16 says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” For us, that’s what making music is all about. We sing to bring glory and honor to God, and celebrate who He is and what He’s doing in our church! Our Adult Worship Experience starts every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. in Room 45 Newsong Deaf Church, Room 35: Our deaf worship experience is in ASL so that our deaf and hearing impaired can worship and fellowship in their own language! Kidsong, Room 49: We’ve created a place where children can have fun and learn about Jesus on their own level! Newsong Church Youth: NSCY is Newsong’s student ministry. Today’s middle and high school students will lead the next generation of the church and change the world. At NSCY, our goal is to graduate students into a lifetime of following Jesus. NSCY meets every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., Room 42 So, what are you waiting for? There’s a God in heaven who loves you and has a purpose and plan for your life! Do you live outside of Section 5? Remember, a church alive is worth the drive! Come and find hope. Come and find healing. Come and find freedom. Contact Us Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 BX NY 10475; Phone: 917-342-2559. Social Media: Instagram: @newsongchurchbx, Facebook: @newsongchurchbx, Twitter: @newsongchurchbx, YouTube: Newsong Church NYC; Email: CentralTeam@newsongchurchnyc.org, Website: www.newsongchurchnyc.org. ––Pastor Mike Tolone

Association of Building 14 Cooperators A message of gratitude and well wishes for the coming year. While 2023 has not been the most active year for the Building Association, a big thank you is warranted. A shout-out to officers Sandy McMichael, Peter Garcia, and Darlene Dove. Sandy is our most familiar face as she takes responsibility for and pleasure in the Halloween candy giveaway and the holiday collection for the building staff (thanks to her team who accompany her). Peter, despite finding his ladder-climbing days fading away, still lights up the lobby during holidays. Our appreciation to Reese, a next generation volunteer that assists Peter. Darlene provides free affidavit notary services for our seniors. Finally, kudos to all cooperators who attend meetings and those who “see something and say something.” Let’s continue to work together! A call to action for 2024 – Be mindful and vigilant as our quality of life and freedoms are at stake. No by standing allowed. First Action: Attend the Public Hearing on the Cannabis Dispensary – January 4th, 7 p.m., 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31. This hearing involves an application to open a marijuana dispensary across from Buildings 13 and 14 (former Chase Bank). A marijuana establishment will do nothing to enhance our community. There are restrictions about proximity to schools and houses of worship. Still, a Co-op City marijuana dispensary will attract non-New Yorkers. And, since the pandemic, cooperators have had to deal with loud music, noise, trash, and screeching tire antics by large numbers of vehicles congregating in the Peartree lot as late as 2 a.m. There’s finally been a reduction, but not an elimination of these pop-up parties – no thanks to the owner of the Peartree lot. A marijuana dispensary will only re-ignite this disruptive activity and invite more undesirable traffic. Lastly, marijuana is illegal at the federal level, thus banking restrictions apparently increase the robbery factor for marijuana dispensaries. Second Action: Get ready for the presidential election. To be continued. Send questions or comments to: assocbldg14@gmail.com and/or text 917612-1951. —Josie Ferguson

Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023

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Co-op City Times / December 30, 2023